Motivation & Engagment

"...when [classroom] contexts supported autonomy, competence, and relatedness (e.g., by providing choice, positive feedback, and empathy), intrinsic motivation was enhanced" (Ryan & Deci, 2017, p. 354-355)

There is a plethora of valid research and amazing resources providing practical strategies for creating engaging lessons and supporting motivated learners. Too many to list here. The purpose of this page is to highlight intervention strategies that harness the adolescent brain's unique qualities.

The adolescent brain is wired to seek reward and avoid social risk. It is sensitive to social status and respect threats, always on alert, but does not always interpret social cues accurately or respond appropriately. This can create a lot of stress in the daily life of an adolescent. A stressed brain is not motivated to learn.

yeagerdahldweck2017.pdf

Research & Application

Adolescent specific, research based, insight into how to harness the unique neurobiology of the adolescent brain to increase engagement and motivation of adolescent learners and increase the efficacy of interventions and classroom lessons. The authors focus on the developing social brain and increasing student engagement through:

honouring the sensitivity to status & respect
lessening the influence of respect threats,
increasing respectful interactions with adults

Self Determination & Motivation

Strategies for empowering students and increasing motivation and engagement include supporting :

Autonomy
- Choice
- Voice - class discussions, personal response journals, feedback on lessons & activities, collaborative problem solving
- Agency - goal setting, decision making, advocation, accountability
- a mindset focused on independence rather than compliance
Relatedness
- contingent free relationships
- mentorship, volunteering, classroom communities
Competence
- Positive feedback
- Explicit teaching of EF, SEL, and decision making skills

Feedback Builds Competence

While the adolescent brain can be emotional, reactive, and does not yet have fully developed neural strategies (EF functions) necessary for memory and learning, it is, however, very responsive to feedback. This is great news for teaching and learning if the feedback is relevant, timely, specific, and positive. Positive feedback is rewarding! Keep the adolescent brain from getting defensive by using a 2:1 ratio for positive and critical feedback (2 Stars & 1 Wish).

Emotion: Anything but Apathy

"Establishing emotional significance and being able to remember are intimately connected" (Scalise & Felde, 2017, p. 174). Harness the adolescent brain's sensitivity to disrespect, injustice, inequality and dominance hierarchies (Cozolino, 2013) and values for status, respect, belonging (Yeager, Dahl & Dweck, 2018)

Narratives

Tap into the social brain by using narratives, anecdotes, metaphors, and analogies.

Risk vs Reward Appraisal

The Omnivores Dilemma - Is the reward worth the risk?

Adolescent learners will not risk social status (how they are seen by others) or social identity (how they see themselves) unless the reward is greater than the risk. Often, they would rather be seen as "bored" than "incapable" and prefer not to try rather than fail.

It then becomes necessary to design lessons where that are challenging, but not too challenging for the skill level. What does this mean the classroom?

Universal Design for Learning, Differentiated Instruction

Tools of Engagement

How can junior high teachers make lessons relevant to adolescent learners? How can we make them fun or rewarding? And how can we limit risks, give feedback, and sustain the attention of our students? One way is to tap into the adolescent brain's sensation seeking and reward centers. Check out the ideas and free resources below:

Nearpod

This tool is pretty cool. Take an existing slide deck and load it onto nearpod, then add interactive elements like games, polls, discussion boards, etc. I use this with my students and for adult PD sessions.

For an example of one of mine, click here.

Genially

Another site for interactive, animated content. Makes teacher and student presentations "pop"! It also takes a while to master, so great for those EF skills!

Canva

Yet another site for graphic design tools to make posters, presentations, and assignments more fun.

Kahoot

This one has been around for a while. A good site to gamify quizzes that students enjoy.

Doodlenotes

Could this be another neuromyth? Perhaps. Despite claims by the makers, there is not yet any research to support the neuroscience behind doodlenotes, however, there is evidence that supports dual coding theory and visual permanence in memory retention. If the kids are doodling anyway, it may be worth a shot! (It is hit or miss with my students).

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