Motivation Archives - Mike Anderson Consulting

Want to Reduce Your Workload and Boost Student Learning? Try This One Powerful Strategy

By Mike Anderson
In Blog, From Surviving to Thriving, Great Academic Work, Homework, Mike's Blog, Motivation, Social and Emotional Learning, Student Choice, Teaching Strategies, Uncategorized, Work Life Balance

What if there was a learning strategy that boosted student engagement, had many (many!) academic benefits for students, and reduced teacher planning and correcting/grading time? Great news! There is–and it’s a tried and true strategy you have probably been using

By David Davis
In Blog, Great Academic Work, Homework, Mike's Blog, Motivation, Student Choice

It might be the understatement of the summer that teachers, students, parents, and administrators are anxious about the upcoming school year. In addition to the priorities of health, safety, and equity of access to education in this COVID-19 period, distance

What might schools look like in the fall? We can learn from schools that have already welcomed children back to school. In the United States, many of us (teachers, parents, and students) are filled with anxiety about what the

By Mike Anderson
In Great Academic Work, In the Media, Interviews, Motivation, Student Choice, Teacher Talk, Video

I was delighted to join a group of deep thinkers for an in-depth panel discussion about leaner-centered education. Hosted by Julie Mountcastle of the Slate School, this conversation is rich and engaging. You’ll hear about the importance of cherishing children’s

By Mike Anderson
In Blog, Great Academic Work, Mike's Blog, Motivation, Student Choice

A high school math teacher is recording short lessons on his phone in his basement, using a dry erase board and marker as he explains new math concepts. He posts the videos and then offers one-on-one and small group coaching

By Mike Anderson
In For Parents, Mike's Blog, Motivation, Student Choice, Teaching Strategies

As you try to figure out at-home learning amidst the COVID-19 crisis, here’s an idea to consider. How about creating a class project to work on? Each student can do their own small part, and when you all get back

By Mike Anderson
In Equity, For Parents, Homework, Mike's Blog, Motivation, Social and Emotional Learning, Student Choice, Teacher Talk, Teaching Strategies

You’ve spent the whole year building a community of learners. You’ve established rules and routines to help learners manage themselves and work well with each other. Now, with schoolwork potentially moving offsite, you still want to support your students as

By Mike Anderson
In Homework, Mike's Blog, Motivation, Teaching Strategies

Is it time to try something different with your students? Is there something you’ve been trying over and over again that just isn’t working? One year, I remember it taking me way too long to realize that I needed to

Can Teachers Offer Choice in the Midst of Scripted Programs?

The Dilemma You want to offer students choices about what they learn or how the learn it. Engagement would be higher and you could offer differentiated options to meet the needs of various learners. However, you’re saddled with a scripted

If you teach reading and/or writing, there’s a good chance that when introducing a new concept or skill, you begin your lesson by saying some variation of, “Good readers….” “Good readers pay attention to context clues.” “Good

Traditional praise (such as "Good job!" and "I love the way you're..." can do more harm than good. Read on to find out what to say instead!

“If I give my students choice, I’m worried they’re going to make bad choices,” I often hear teachers say. “They’re just going to choose the easiest option. Or, they’re going to choose what their friends choose.” There’s no doubt that

By Mike Anderson
In Mike's Blog, Motivation, Student Choice

Rick Gifford knew that a worksheet where students define words and then use them in a sentence wasn’t the most engaging way for them to learn and practice math vocabulary. He wanted to spruce things up and give his students

In survey after survey, business leaders are clear about what they’re looking for in employees. They want creative, dynamic, and independent thinkers. They want people who work well with a variety of people. And, importantly, they don’t want to hire

One of the most exciting and enjoyable ways to differentiate learning for students is to lead them through a process of independent research. When students get to dig deeply into something they’re passionate about, they have the drive and stamina

Promoting a Growth Mindset: An Activity to Try

Many schools are working hard to help promote a growth mindset in their students. I recently facilitated a learning session with a group of teachers that I’d like to pass along. It is a simple activity that yielded some powerful

By Mike Anderson
In Mike's Blog, Motivation, Student Choice, Teaching Strategies

You have just finished teaching a lesson, and as you direct students to get started on their work, a familiar chorus echoes across the room, causing your heart to sink. What do we get for doing this? Do we have

By Mike Anderson
In Mike's Blog, Motivation, Student Choice, Teaching Strategies

Independent student research is making a comeback! After years of moving away from student-centered learning, due primarily to the over-emphasis of standardized testing, the movement toward differentiated instruction and personalized learning has reignited teachers’ interest in helping students conduct research

Motivation

Shifting from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation

A Deep-Dive Into Learner-Centered Education

Start Planning with Your “Why” Instead of Your “What” and “How”

Tap into Self-Motivation with an At-Home Project

Is It Time to Try Something Different?

Can Teachers Offer Choice in the Midst of Scripted Programs?

Letting Students Make the Choice

Spark Passion and Purpose with Independent Research

When Work Is Its Own Reward

Personalized Learning through Student-Led Research