5 . Use their strengths
6 . Ownership
7 . Have them help you build a lesson
8 . Autonomy
9 . Social
5 . Use their strengths
Find their strengths and use them ! If they love technology , have them be your tech expert and run all of the technology in class , if they love talking have them read the PowerPoint slides , if they love to be in charge , have them lead different activities . Invest and capitalize on their strengths , it will help both of you .
6 . Ownership
Let them own their learning . The more responsibility and choice we turn over to the students the more they own it . Allow them to do the heavy lifting . They don ’ t like your assignment , awesome ! Have them design their own that will demonstrate the same thing . They think this activity is “ stupid ”, cool , have them engineer the next activity for the class . Just because they aren ’ t doing your assignment , they way you want it , doesn ’ t mean they aren ’ t learning . Creation is the pinnacle of Bloom ’ s Taxonomy , so let them create .
7 . Have them help you build a lesson
Meet with them outside of class and have them help you build a lesson they “ like .” Don ’ t go the sarcastic route : “ well , since you don ’ t like anything I prepare how about you prepare it yourself !” Build the relationship , and then comment “ hey , I noticed there were quite a few people not connecting with
[ insert assignment here ] do you think you can help me build something they will like ?”
8 . Autonomy
Give them a chance to choose . Give them the freedom to determine their own way . I love to do a Lottery . You can do it quite a few different ways , but essentially it is offering multiple choices and having students either choose , or draw out of a hat .
9 . Social
It is frustrating that our whole world is blinded by their smart phone screens … but if you can ’ t beat ‘ em , join ‘ em ! Use their social outlets to your advantage . Get them socializing in class , build Twitter™ or Instagram™ walls , and have them comment . Have their homework be to literally post on social media and comment on two classmates ! * Note : always have a second option in case students don ’ t have access to or are not allowed to use social media .
Many of our students could potentially be considered At Risk , so it is important that we provide an environment that is safe , trusting , and gives students a chance to own their learning .
STEAMed Magazine
27
January 2017 Edition