Practically speaking, how do we as educators balance motivating our students to achieve, while remaining positive and engaging in our outlook and instruction? The simple answer is that we model the behaviors for them and lead by example. The involuntary actions of yawning when someone else yawns, or smiling when someone else smiles, demonstrates how we directly and indirectly impact others with their actions.
When we are positive in the midst of completing daily tasks and overcoming obstacles, so are our students. Applications of these pedagogy methods will look different in every classroom and at every grade level. It is also wise to remember that even if a strategy currently works, it may not continue to be the best solution. A rapidly changing world requires a near constant appraisal and awareness of how students are receiving and processing new information.
Student engagement may ebb and flow, but each class of students will bring an opportunity for varied personalized and generalized approaches. Being adaptable to student needs ensures relevance and ongoing success. One tried and true solution in my own classes has been a focus on two universal languages — music and good news.
Every Monday I compile a “Song of the Week” newsletter and a “Some Good News” newsletter to share with students and colleagues. The goal is to spark conversation and allow students to connect with both me and their classmates on a more personal level. This practical technique demonstrates investment in student well-being, provides insight into who I am as their educator, and reminds students that their unique contributions are vital to building a thriving classroom community.
As students participate in these conversations, they increasingly venture out of their comfort zones to discuss academic content they were initially hesitant to engage with. This confirms the notion that when students feel connected in a classroom, it breaks down barriers, motivates, and encourages success.
If you are reading this today and you need a boost of musical encouragement with a song of the week, or a dose of some good news to transform your day, click on the links below. Remember, as an educator you are integral to the outlook of your students. To motivate students there must be connection, and to foster connection there must be meaningful positive engagement led by an educator recharged and ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Pedagogy in education can be the solution to academic struggles for students as well as an artful approach to joy-filled teaching that is brimming with creativity, adaptability and joy.
Learn more about GCU's College of Education and the available degree programs that help educators deliver innovative and joy-filled instruction across a variety of academic settings.
Read a sample of the newsletter:
Song of the Week
Some Good News
Subscribe to Song of the Week:
Spotify
YouTube
Approved by Online Full Time Faculty for the College of Education on Nov. 17, 2022.