Wk3 Free Choice - Andrieux, Joseph: How Do We Motivate the Future in Our Urban Students?

Thus far, I have learned a great deal between taking graduate courses at Full Sail University, Arcadia University, and Alvernia University. Between all three schools, I have been exposed to technology, creating differentiating lessons, and involving our students so they remain engaged in learning.

Through the past year, my mind has been filled with information which allowed me to implement self-generated ideas. These ideas work and they don't. These ideas are not made for everyone. Because you can’t possibly know exactly what will motivate every student. It’s vital to have a reliable blueprint and a set of strategies that are proven to work across a broad spetrum of students. Drawing from recent research of the concepts of internal motivation and control, Bob Sullo describes how to get students in every grade focused and ready to learn by

• Eliminating “the external control model” from your teaching.
• Using differentiation strategies to provide all students with a way to be successful.
• Adopting the behaviors and vocabulary of a positive classroom.
• Developing lesson plans and grading practices that allow every student to experience academic success through sustained effort.
• Strengthening your own professional identity in the classroom.

These are great strategies, but where do we discuss bringing in parents. Most of our students if not all of them have no support from home. Parents are

• too busy
• don't understand the academic responsibilities
• not familiar with opportunities in higher education
• not educated enough with subjects
• and etc.

Parents are the key to keeping our urban students motivated. Parents are the key in motivating our urban students to pursue education beyond high school.

Sullo, R., (1951), "The motivated student : unlocking the enthusiasm for learning.", Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data.