It’s no secret that there is a direct correlation between student engagement and academic performance, but many teachers are unsure of how to make the connection consistently to get it to stick. Fortunately, there are many activities to make this happen. Below are 25 ways to get students excited about learning! First, it is important … Read more
If developing a student engagement strategy seems more daunting than helpful, then you’re in the right place. As teachers, we aren’t necessarily taught how to create a student engagement formula that works for us; rather, we are taught that if x, y, or z is “good enough”, engagement will happen on its own. While that … Read more
Click above to listen to this podcast episode. Below is the transcript for Student-Centered World Podcast Episode 53: “How to Measure Student Engagement in the Classroom“ As a teacher, it is in our DNA to try to come up with lessons that not only get our students excited to learn but also get us excited to … Read more
As a teacher, you know how magical it is when all of a sudden you realize that every student in your classroom is actively participating in the lesson you have crafted. You know that on that day, you won the battle, and the information is sticking as you watch the class engagement all around you. … Read more
Click above to listen to Podcast Episode 56: “How to Spot Behavioral Engagement in the Classroom“ Student engagement stands as one of the most critical, yet complex, constructs in the field of education today. It is a multidimensional construct widely recognized as the cornerstone of effective learning and a primary driver of academic success. For … Read more
We all know the bread and butter of a well-oiled classroom isn’t the content material or the depth of a lesson plan. Heck, it can be argued that it’s not even the dynamic of the students or the strength of the teacher (stick with me here). Yes, all of this is important, but without classroom … Read more
When many teachers hear the term “student-centered project-based learning,” you can see the color drain from their faces. It is a buzzword-laden phrase that sounds intimidating, yet it truly isn’t as daunting as it seems. At its core, this instructional approach builds upon the familiar practice of assigning projects. The key shift is that it … Read more
The 2020-2021 school year irrevocably altered the educational landscape. A primary casualty of this period was the term “blended learning,” which, for many, became synonymous with the stressful, chaotic remote learning plans of pandemic-era school buildings. In countless districts, it described a frantic hybrid environment…some students virtual, others in-person…that led to educator exhaustion and inconsistent … Read more
What school has looked like has changed substantially over the decades that public education has been in existence. What started as a way to mold citizens into good factory workers is now the gateway to the entrepreneurial systems we are living with today. As society changes, education needs to ebb and flow with the needs … Read more
Let’s be honest, education can feel like an endless pendulum swing. But while philosophies come and go, one thing isn’t swinging back: our world’s deep dive into technology. It’s staggering to think that just ten years ago, the computer in your pocket was a futuristic dream. Now, it’s as commonplace as a pair of sneakers. … Read more
Click above to listen to podcast episode 59: “Engaging Disengaged Students“ As classroom teachers, few scenarios are more disheartening than facing a classroom where student disengagement is palpable. This silent epidemic of student disengagement can feel like a personal affront, but it is crucial to understand that a difficult student’s behavior is rarely about you … Read more
In our classrooms, character development is just as crucial as academic growth. Traditionally, reward systems have a natural focus on students who excel academically. While it is important to recognize this hard work, countless young people often get left out because academics are not their strong suit. The reasons are diverse: perhaps it has been … Read more