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Motivating and Engaging Students
Motivation and engagement work hand in hand with one another. If your students are not motivated to learn, true engagement will not occur. I believe the best learning and behavior occurs when the children are completely engaged in a topic that is relatable, meaningful, and fun. Students have a better chance of succeeding and grasping the knowledge when the teacher models the same amount of drive they expect from their students. As a future educator, I believe it is my duty to provide my students with a meaningful learning experience. So even when the topic at hand might not be the most exciting or fun, it is my job to make it engaging.
Rudolf Dreikurs
Theorist Rudolf Dreikurs specialized in creating a positive classroom environment for students. "Children who do not feel the basic need of belonging to a social group turn to attention, power, revenge, and avoidance of failure." If these needs are not met, students will not be engaged. This is because the distraction of not feeling like they belong will overpower the feeling of wanting to learn. A "misbehaving child" is a discouraged child, a child who is not being seen as an essential part of their classroom. I believe students need continuous encouragement, just like a plant needs water.
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”
- Anthony J. D’Angelo
The Canters
The Canters believe "students have the right to learn from a caring teacher who has their students’ best interests at heart". Similarly to theorist Rudolf Dreikurs, Lee and Marlene Canter note the importance of positivity in the classroom. Positive recognition and motivation & engagement are both essential parts of a positive classroom family/community. By acknowledging good behaviors and outstanding work students gain the feeling that they are seen. This gives them the boost or motivation to continue trying their best. When teachers provide their students with this praise, engagement rises because they know they are doing something right and are more likely to enjoy the information that is being taught in class.
Teachers Who Love To Teach
Teachers Who Love To Teach.mov
Classroom rewards come in many shapes and sizes. From prize boxes to no homework passes, class rewards play a key role in celebrating student achievement and promoting positive behavior. Reward systems "motivate them to perform their best. Additionally, this system encourages teachers to become more engaged in the classroom". Rewards also aid in showing children their strengths and knowing these boosts self-confidence. Praise and rewards help students feel valued and appreciated by the teacher. This is a key part of creating a classroom community or in regards to my classroom management philosophy, a positive classroom family.
Examples: Dance Party, Extra Recess, Class Store, Lunch with the Teacher, etc.
Brain breaks are quick breaks using movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. These are, as they're called, breaks for the brain and body. They are mental and/or physical breaks designed to help students refocus, reenergize, or relax. Utilizing these in the classroom tells your students that needing a break is completely normal and should always be available to those who need it. It is a use of positive reinforcement that gives children something to look forward to after completing a challenging assignment or working for a long period of time. My classroom management philosophy pushes the idea that in order for children to learn to the best of their ability, they need to feel valued and encouraged.
Examples: Coloring, Breathing Exercises, Stretches, etc.
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