Promoting Connectedness and Relevance

The worst thing we can do is become Charlie Brown’s teacher! Subject matter that is irrelevant and meaningless (“whaa-whaa-whaa”) is easily ignored as simply…noise. If you are not connected with your students and they feel your subject matter has no relevance in their lives, you will feel as Sisyphus did at the end of every school day. The good news is that we teach you how to end the “myth of the struggle.”

By creating relevant points your students have a chance to attach meaning and value to what you teach which is critical in helping them care about what is being taught and to embrace the knowledge for themselves! Strategies that help students find their voice and explore your subjects are extremely valuable. Synectics, connecting relevant terms through visual and auditory methods, are some of the ways we help our students attach value and meaning to what we teach.

Benefits for Administrators

  • Engagement and Motivation allows administrators to know that teachers are deeply covering the standards in their content or grade level so that students have a deep and solid understanding of the material.

  • Administrators in Engagement and Motivation schools know that each student is a part of an appropriately challenging and rigorous learning environment that will benefit them now and in the future.

  • Administrators have the tools to support their teachers and focus on instructional leadership.

Engagement and Motivation Agenda

Promoting Positive Feelings

Promoting Attention and Interest

Promoting Self-Efficacy

Sharing Best Practices