It's May! While the thought of May brings joy to educators in October and February, somehow we forget about what May REALLY brings. There are:
meetings about the end of the year events
meetings about the upcoming year events and expectations
emails from all parents who have now decided that there should be some way for their child to pass (even though they haven't actually participated in class all year)
a class full of students who are excited for summer...and tired of school
a school full of staff who are counting down for summer
events, testing, grading, report cards, and so much more!
May is...exhausting!
During this May, I challenge you to try something new.
Here are a few ideas to incorporate this May to keep your students engaged in the learning:
Keep them active. Studies show that students who are physically active have greater understanding of concepts to be learned. Check out this study by Frontiers that is one of many supporting physical activity to improve cognition.
(Want a poster like this? Check out: EDUWELLS Star Wars Posters for Educators )
2. Encourage all learners to embrace mistakes.
In the book “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown (2012), she dives into one of the reasons students stop striving in certain classes:
“One reason that I am confident that shame exists in schools is simply because 85 percent of the
men and women we interviewed…could recall a school incident from their childhood that was so
shaming that it changed how they thought of themselves as learners. What makes this even more
haunting is that approximately half of those recollections were…creativity scars. The research
participants could point to a specific incident where they were told or shown that they weren’t good
writers, artists, musicians, dancers or something creative.” (pg. 189)
Sometimes we ask our students to think creatively, be innovative with their projects, problem solve and present their approach to the class. Instead of being confident and willing to participate, they allow self doubt to take over. We hear:
“I don't think we’re right”
“This idea sucks”
“No. I don't want to.”
Let's be careful not to label the student (“intentional non-learners” is a label I hear often) and consider where this is truly coming from. Then, find a way to make the environment safe so this student can realize they have abilities and talents that are useful. They might talk to only one person about the ideas they have, present in a pre-recorded way, or set up a time to talk to you privately. Offer student options so they can chose what is most comfortable and engaging to them. You may even consider using a choice board for options like the one below.
3. Create systems that allow students to continue learning and not give up.
Sometimes students give up at this point in the year as there is no way for them to succeed at this point. They have failed one too many tests, missed far too many assignments, and been absent far too many days for them to succeed. Consider what might be relevant learning for students in this situation in May. Try one of these ideas:
Alter assignments/assessments to allow students to show what they truly know in a way that aligns to their strengths.
Allow students to self-assess learning and identify what they have learned and what they still need to master for this course/grade level. You can even have them present the information to defend the grade they believe they earned.
Make sure you are grading for mastery and not just compliance. If there is evidence of standard mastery, student grade should reflect this.
Have students choose a way to learn about and share their strengths in learning. It is never too late for students to better understand what works for them in the classroom.
4. Start early next year.
Want to know how your students learn, so you can truly facilitate their learning next year? Try having them choose one or two learning style tests, like the ones on the links below. Ask them what types of assignments work best for them based on the results. Sound like a lot of work? Might be. Or maybe, just maybe, it will make students enjoy the learning more, and make that long month of May the best month yet!
The end is in sight. Make the best of May!
Kim
What a wonderful article! Great ideas! Teachers are the unsung heroes/heroines of society. They are shaping the future generation to lead the world. Thak you all for your service, dedication, commitment and sacrifices.