EDUCATION
Six Suggestions
to Spark a Spectacular School Year TEXT: SCOTT B. FREIBERGER IMAGES: WEB
Originally published by The lnternational Educator (TIE) on September 13, 2023. https://www.tieonline.com/article/3559/six-suggestions-to-spark-a-spectacular-school-year
After several stormy seasons of unsettled school life, the task of establishing a halcyon educational haven and removing the mask of scholastic uncertainty continues. Accessing tailor-made technology, tapping into technological know-how, and curating current, forward-thinking curricula, which includes considering innovative approaches to infusing artificial intelligence (AI), has become paramount. How can educators continue to whet students’ appetites for standards-based educational sustenance? Perhaps equally important, which prudent path should school leaders pursue to perennially reimagine learning? Here are six methods to motivate students and spark a spectacular start to the de novo school year.
Turn Ambition into Ignition
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What has been found to be profound for greatly improving the overall educational experience? Modeling matter-of-course mistakes and supporting all students with setting sensible scholastic goals. For example, one top private school blog post delineates that while some schoolchildren thirst to be first, they need novel navigation and aspire for accountability. Consequently, educators must inspire scholars to believe they can achieve to increase confidence and meliorate intrinsic motivation. To spark interest in school and make learning visibly cool, students need to fathom the “what” and “how” to sharpen sapience. ● First, provide a concise checklist of sensible student goals. ● Next, create an educational road map to arrive at achievement. ● After that, summarize each lesson to make learning more lucid. ● Finally, swing into celebration and provide the study scene with scholarly swagger. Set goals to help students focus on vital vocabulary, key concepts, and main ideas while promoting resilience and sustaining inner support. Above all, maintain momentum with realistic, achievable goals to increase students’ sense of ownership, self-empowerment, and school savvy to successfully navigate classroom expectations.
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WINTER 2023 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Recognize with Rewards
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Scholars generally appreciate praise, and this is an especially potent intrinsic motivator. One witty educational website provides a virtual rewards chart in which cheered and steered students ferry a football across a virtual field. After passing a graphic goal line, they can receive a real reward! Educators can consider delving into digital stickers or providing opportunities to receive relevant rewards via Class Dojo, which may include homework passes, extra time for arts and crafts, or busting out progressive grooves for hip DJ moves via standout students. Turn it up, shake it out, and let them dance! Google also offers an array of digital choice boards to both engage and inspire.
