°ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳

Student Well-Being Video

Student Motivation: Making Students’ Work Relevant

By Larry Ferlazzo & Emma Patti Harris — December 9, 2019 3:27
Email Copy URL

For students to feel motivated, they must see the work they are doing in the classroom as interesting, valuable, and useful to their present lives. Teachers should consider having lesson plans and discussions about topics prevalent in students’ lives, having students set academic and non-academic goals, and challenging students to write about why what they are learning is relevant. Coverage of whole-child approaches to learning is supported in part by a grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. °ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳ retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Larry Ferlazzo is an English and social studies teacher at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif.
Emma Patti Harris is a deputy managing editor for °ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳ who oversees visuals and immersive experiences.

Sponsored by Cognia
Coverage of whole-child approaches to learning is supported in part by a grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, at . °ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳ retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Video

School Choice & Charters Video How a Microschool Is Trying to Become a Model for Public Schools
This microschool utilizes community partnerships to get kids learning beyond the classroom.
4:06
Reading & Literacy Video Video: Why Are Parents Suing Lucy Calkins and Fountas & Pinnell?
All you need to know about the lawsuit targeting popular literacy gurus Lucy Calkins, Irene Fountas, and Gay Su Pinnell.
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C. The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C. The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
Kate Medley for °ÄÃÅÅܹ·ÂÛ̳
Artificial Intelligence Video The PD Teachers Want on AI Use and Ethics
Schools and vendors have started to offer PD on the use of AI in the classroom. Here's what educators say that PD should include.
View of the back of a woman lecturer giving a presentation to Ba blurred out group of diverse adults
E+
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Building a Safe Space for Students
For many students, school is the one place where their needs are consistently met. One teacher explains how he ensures that’s the case.
3:55
A kindergarten teacher addresses her class.
A kindergarten teacher addresses her class.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed