Motivation and learning go hand and hand. Without motivation the information isn’t going to stick. The information might be coerced long enough for the test but then it will be completely forgotten. That is why we as teachers need to help motivate our students by connecting learning with real life situations and having project-based lessons.
Projects like the interactive savings and investment lesson that used spreadsheet software is a great example of motivated students with real life applications. Through the use of the spreadsheet software it eliminates the repetitive and tedious information gathering stage of the activity and lets you focus on interpreting the data. Students can manipulate the data easily to test out their hypotheses while getting immediate results. The hand on manipulation of data activity aligns with constructivist and constructionist learning theories because the students are learning from discovery. It has real life application because you can see if you put X amount in the bank this is how much I’ll have in 30 years. This activity would interest students and get them thinking about saving for retirement or how much a car loan is going to cost.
“Project learning is filled with active and engaged learning, it inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying. Research also indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-centered learning.”(Why Teach, 2008) Projects allow for more use of technology, options for assessments methods, and they are student driven. Being able to choose what you are interested in learning and or something that effects your community gets students increases motivation. It makes you feel like you have a say in your learning experience and lets you tackle real world situations. Designing the perfect school for 2050 or figuring out what type of bridge should be built in your town are great examples of project-based learning. It incorporates a variety of learning areas such as research skills, technology skills, math, history, reasoning skills, social skills, and etc.
Marzano, R.J., Pickering, D. J., & Pollock, J. E. (2001). Classroom instruction that works: Research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. Alexandria, VA: Assocciation of Supervision and Curriculum Development.
“Why Teach With Project Learning?: Providing Students With a Well-Rounded Classroom Experience.” 2008. Edutopia. 5/26/09. http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introduction
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Zach, great post on the interactive savings spreadsheet software. I could easily see how students would see the cause and effect of a successful savings plan. Do you use similar spreadsheet programs for other units or topics in your classes?
ReplyDeleteZach,
ReplyDeleteI found that my students respond when we are talking about money and relating it to what the lesson is about. I think they have a better understanding because we are connecting the lesson to something everyone has used before. Too bad money doesn't tie into every lesson!
-Mel.
Steve,
ReplyDeleteI currently do not but after seeing how great of a resource interactive spreadsheets are I plan to incorporate them into my teaching when I can. I did show some of my classes a printed out spreadsheet or hourly wage compared to yearly salary. That went well because the students were able to see that if I make $9.00 an hour that is $18,720 a year. A lot of students were surprised because they had thought that $9-12 an hour would turn out into a good yearly salary. I find relating what they are learning to how it can be used in the real world to be a great way to help motivate students.
Zach