PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Are you looking for ways to boost student engagement and motivation as we begin the month of November? According to Neuroscientist and former teacher, Judy Willis, students' levels of intrinsic motivation directly correspond with increased effort tied to the effectiveness of such things as choice. Choice is known to release dopamine in the brain, which then drives intrinsic motivation supporting sustained effort and persistence in academic tasks. For example, a Foreign Language Teacher might show video clips that demonstrate positive emotions, laughter, and people and places to which learners can relate. Students then must choose from a variety of ways (i.e. dictionaries, textbook material, paired work, etc.) to explain why the clip is humorous in the foreign language. While student choice creates more positive learning experiences, it also shifts responsibility for learning to students and builds their judgment and decision-making.
Have a great week and as always... It's a Great Day to be a Chieftain!
