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This is a great article because even though it was published in the mist of COVID-19, it applies vividly today.  As we adapt instruction to educate students and support social-emotional learning, we must collaboratively seek new solutions to these dynamic, real-word issues in our global society. As educators preparing the next generation of global solution-seekers, how can we foster our students to become engaged, motivated, and literate citizens who work across disciplines, cultures, and identities?

Evelin,

You have a great point. I am a senior at Wartburg College and I am majoring in elementary Education. I think the best thing you can do in your classroom is to be authentic and show that you are a person who teaches, not a teacher. I think this drives social-emotional learning in the classroom if you show that you are a person who has feelings, just like your students. This creates such a genuine connection that we unfortunately lost during COVID-19. 

For student engagement, problem-based learning and project-based learning are two huge things that allow students choice, and some challenge that keeps them engaged. The easiest way to lose students is to lecture at them and have them write notes. We should allow peer interaction daily, to foster new perceptions and ideas. 

Lastly, I thinik the best way we can encourage students to be motivated in your classroom is to show them you care about them. I have seen in multiple field experiences where teachers start the day off with a morning meeting. This allows for students to tell you how they are doing and gives them a chance to talk about what their life looks like outside of school. For older students, using a 9 picture feeling grid always gets the students talking about how they are doing. You learn a lot from students just by listening to their conversations with each other.