We all know that in order for students to learn, they have to be motivated and engaged. So the #2ndaryELA nation came together to strategize the best ways to do get students excited about learning! Read on for some great ideas on student motivation!
Q1: How do you design lessons to appeal to students' different learning strengths? #2ndaryELA
A1 I try to consider Ss' learning preferences when planning practice opportunities #2ndaryELA
Do you group students with similar preferences? #2ndaryela
A1. I try to incorporate movement, visuals, listening, reading and hands on things in my lessons. #2ndaryela
This is awesome; thanks for sharing! I have found that when asked how they learn best, MS Ss often don’t understand or know exactly what their strengths are #2ndaryela
A1: I do A LOT of observing in the 1st wk. And I have them complete a multiple intelligences survey. Then I look for ways to bring in what the Ss need using Kagan Structures, interactive notes, digital tools (like @nearpod or @PearDeck ) and audio/visuals. #2ndaryELA
A1: Digital Multiple Intelligences survey: https://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html … #2ndaryELA
A1: Free Paper-based multiple intelligences survey from @LauraCandler : https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Intelligences-Survey-for-Kids-Free-200841 … #2ndaryELA
Q2: How do you foster student ownership of meeting academic goals? #2ndaryELA
A2: We track progress using a "super improvers" system from #wholebrainteaching @ChrisBiffle which is all about keeping focused on one's target. #2ndaryELA
A2 This is something I struggle with. I have had success with Ss sharing their success with their parents (I personally contact the parents too) #2ndaryela
A2: in my second year teaching and I struggle with this one. We have done class and individual data tracking throughout the year and parent contact. Looking for other strategies ! #2ndaryela
A2. I have a bulletin board that shows off the students names that receive a 90% or better on assessments. I always give out raffle tickets for those who receive 80% or better on those assessments as well. I also try to do positive phone calls home to share successes #2ndaryela
Q3: Describe a time when you allowed students to take ownership in the classroom. #2ndaryELA
A3: I have tried the "Rally Coach" from Kagan where students become "coaches" for other students. I have also tried project-based learning with menus where students choose and "own" their learning through choice. #2ndaryELA
A3 I love to have Ss create the seating chart; it really encourages them to consider the best learning environment for all their classmates #2ndaryela
This is so cool!! I am definitely adding this to my list of strategies to try this year #2ndaryela
A3 just did a little bit of this last week with classroom expectations! Students worked together to create mind maps / flow charts of what they believe our classroom norms should be for the year. #2ndaryela
A3. I try to offer options for assessments, class votes on whether we read aloud, I read aloud, or we use an audiobook. I also have the Ss give me feedback throughout the year on things they would like to do. #2ndaryela
A3 our personal narrative unit this year will be a cultural narrative and students will get to decide what their end product will be and how they will share their narrative with their classmates #2ndaryela
Q4: What do you use for classroom management other than rewards and punishments? #2ndaryELA
A4: I use celebrations of progress and celebrations for reaching certain goals. #2ndaryELA
A4 For me, classroom management is all about procedures. My students know exactly what to do when they walk into my room, and they like this. #2ndaryela
A4 learning from first year mistakes and successes, it’s all about PROCEDURES. Implementing routines on day one and practicing them for the first 2-3 weeks. Ex: what to do when you enter the room, bell ringers, work turn-in, etc. #2ndaryela
A4. I try to provide some friendly competitions in class. MUTUAL RESPECT!!! Providing a variety in my teaching so there is some intrigue when they come into my room. #1 Getting to know my Ss on a personal level. When you show interest in your Ss they will help you! #2ndaryela
YES - an once procedures become routines, then things just groove along. #2ndaryELA
Q5: Share your best engagement techniques and resources. #2ndaryELA
A5: Here's an article I wrote for @WeAreTeachers : https://www.weareteachers.com/increase-student-ownership/ … #2ndaryELA
A5 I have seen high engagement when doing gallery walks instead of traditional whole-class presentations of student work. Ss feel less pressure and are more confident about their product! #2ndaryela
A5 My Ss are most engaged when they are moving around the class - SCOOT, Scavenger Hunts, Rotations, etc. #2ndaryELA
My Ss LOVE Scoot and other games like those! I have to keep it non-competition though. #2ndaryELA
Yep!! I love rotating stations activities. Not only can Ss work at their own pace, but they get to move around the room #2ndaryela
A5. Youtube videos or music are great ways to engage Ss into what you are teaching. Also, asking their opinions on matters and letting them discuss. This shows that their voice matters. #2ndaryela
I love playing a song during bell work time - when the song is done, time is up! #2ndaryELA
Thanks for stopping by and being a part of the #2ndaryELA community!