What drives a student to remain engaged in a self-directed activity?
My first response to what drives a student to remain engaged in an activity is when student have choices. Also when students have a personal connection and have a chance to share their thinking with others they are more motivated. Take for instance the 6th grade social studies wiki we created. Students were highly engaged during the time given to post comments. In just one day and an evening we saw students getting on to the wiki, starting to research and back up what they believe and responding to others. Students love talking with on another and middle schoolers are social- evidence of that is clearly seen as students are responding to each others questions and expressing agreement. Even if some comments are superficial- the foundations are being built. Now, that this is kicked off, how do we keep the excitement? How do we make sure all kids have a voice?
What are some elements that you think need to be in place?
Teachers need to be very clear on what they want the students to learn and at what level. Students must have a certain level of knowledge and schema and be clear on the end product expectations. Students need to be reflective and know what they know and what they don’t know and look at that in a positive way. Teachers become the coach and learner right along with the student. Teachers need to be aware of letting students do the thinking and not doing it for them.
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