Engage student interest
"Student motivation translates into effort, which in turn has a greater effect on performance than ability does" (Goodwin and Hubbell, 2013, p. 66). So the question is, "How do we motivate our students"? We must engage students in every aspect of learning. Goodwin and Hubbell (2013) suggest several means by which to make this happen. From asking the right question to teaching in 10 minute blocks, it is a hard but essential task to keep students engaged in the learning process. "Students must be active participants in the learning process, not passive recipients of information" (Morse, et al., 2010).
The reality is that “the media has become the primary medium through which we acquire information” and most students use it in some form or fashion religiously (Nikoli, et al., 2003). Why not use it to our advantage? Students can use technology such as Facebook, Instagram, Wiki Pages, etc. in order to keep students engaged even outside of the classroom. By using these means, students are able to have an extension of the class throughout the week. Teachers can encourage them to post stories, pictures, etc of anything that they come across that relates to what has been discussed in class as well as use it to communicate questions they might have about the course so other students have the opportunity to help out their fellow classmates and grow in comradery as a class. We can use pop culture as well to “help students hone critical thinking skills…” and “…integrate classroom lessons into the real world (as they understand it)” (Centellas, 2010). For example, using current events as a basis for a debate assignment in critical thinking or English classes.
The reality is that “the media has become the primary medium through which we acquire information” and most students use it in some form or fashion religiously (Nikoli, et al., 2003). Why not use it to our advantage? Students can use technology such as Facebook, Instagram, Wiki Pages, etc. in order to keep students engaged even outside of the classroom. By using these means, students are able to have an extension of the class throughout the week. Teachers can encourage them to post stories, pictures, etc of anything that they come across that relates to what has been discussed in class as well as use it to communicate questions they might have about the course so other students have the opportunity to help out their fellow classmates and grow in comradery as a class. We can use pop culture as well to “help students hone critical thinking skills…” and “…integrate classroom lessons into the real world (as they understand it)” (Centellas, 2010). For example, using current events as a basis for a debate assignment in critical thinking or English classes.
Resources
How to Make Learning Relevant to Your Students (And Why Its Critical to Their Succss)
Science Shows Making Lessons Relevant Really Matters
5 Ways Schools Can Make Learning Relevant for Students
5 Tips for Getting All Your Students Engaged in Learning
Instructional Strategies Motivate and Engage Students in Deeper Learning
Science Shows Making Lessons Relevant Really Matters
5 Ways Schools Can Make Learning Relevant for Students
5 Tips for Getting All Your Students Engaged in Learning
Instructional Strategies Motivate and Engage Students in Deeper Learning
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References
Centellas, M. (2010). Pop culture in the classroom: American idol, karl marx, and alexis de tocqueville. PS, Political Science & Politics, 43(3), 561-565.
Goodwin, B & Ross, E. (2013). The Twelve Touchstones of Good Teaching. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Morse, J., Ruggieri, M., & Whelan-Berry, K. (2010). Clicking our way to class discussion. American Journal of Business Education, 3(3), 99-108.
Nickoli, A. M., Hendricks, C., Hendricks, J. E., & Osgood, E. (2003). Pop culture, crime and pedagogy. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 14(1),
149-162,183,185.
Goodwin, B & Ross, E. (2013). The Twelve Touchstones of Good Teaching. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Morse, J., Ruggieri, M., & Whelan-Berry, K. (2010). Clicking our way to class discussion. American Journal of Business Education, 3(3), 99-108.
Nickoli, A. M., Hendricks, C., Hendricks, J. E., & Osgood, E. (2003). Pop culture, crime and pedagogy. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 14(1),
149-162,183,185.