Student+Engagement+and+the+impact+on+Student+Motivation

Ways that we can improve student motivation at Oak Middle School


 * Oak Middle School** is a wonderful place to work and learn. As we continue our work with students to increase their ownership of learning and improve their capacities with 21st Century Skills we are faced with a daunting challenge. Be their cheerleaders and focus on "teach to the test" strategies and we face certain burnout if not failure. Differentiate to all levels and needs for every class and we face a similar fate. If we can improve their investment, no, their excitement for learning, their understanding of the power of their abilities, we will meet with success. Our learning world is not black and white, their world, our world is not black and white. Why is instruction approached from a black and white perspective? Harnessing their creativity by fostering an atmosphere of success, of vivid color, in an environment that challenges them but meets their needs is what we must strive for. Richard Dufournotes that the definition of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) is founded on the belief that individuals work **interdependently** towards a common goal. Our students are working towards that goal of a high level of academic aptitude but not always interdependently; our system can at times foster learning in isolation. By focusing our instructional practices on increased student engagement, shining light on unique ideas and perspectives, and by encouraging risk-taking at solving meaningful problems, we will see an increase in student motivation and a strengthened focus on continuous improvement.

Share your thoughts, ideas, and questions on the walls below. Comment on a colleagues points, challenge a belief that is opposing to your values as an educator, consent to a point or approach for classroom practices. By sharing openly and honestly we will be able to support one another as we strive to achieve our school's mission. The categories for this exercise were derived from Tristan de Frondeville's blog on student engagement posted on the Edutopia.org website.

Emotionally Safe Classrooms
 * __Intellectually Safe Classrooms__**

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