Grabbing Students' Interest
January 26, 2010
Pamela Matway, a sixth grade social studies teacher at Sedwick Middle School in West Hartford, Connecticut
When I want my students to try a new activity or get involved in an assignment, I try to develop fascinating introductions that motivate them. For example, when the students start a research assignment on the Mayans, I create a short video, which asks them to become detectives to uncover the mystery behind the Mayans. Obviously, the video has to have some excitement. What I found also works well is assigning the students a role. Not a role like note-taker or time-keeper, but rather something more intriguing. Some roles I have used are detective (as stated above), prime-time newscaster, director, musician, company CEO, or even using people they know, like Donald Trump or another individual related to the assignment.
Pamela Matway, a sixth grade social studies teacher at Sedwick Middle School in West Hartford, Connecticut
When I want my students to try a new activity or get involved in an assignment, I try to develop fascinating introductions that motivate them. For example, when the students start a research assignment on the Mayans, I create a short video, which asks them to become detectives to uncover the mystery behind the Mayans. Obviously, the video has to have some excitement. What I found also works well is assigning the students a role. Not a role like note-taker or time-keeper, but rather something more intriguing. Some roles I have used are detective (as stated above), prime-time newscaster, director, musician, company CEO, or even using people they know, like Donald Trump or another individual related to the assignment.
RATE THIS TIP
COMMENTS:
1 - 1 out of 1 Comments | Add your comment
02/04/10 - ydt
Great idea, works with middle elementary trough high school and most probably at least freshman college. :)
Great idea, works with middle elementary trough high school and most probably at least freshman college. :)
(Page 1 of 1) | 1 |
LEAVE A COMMENT
