Greetings,
We are constantly working at motivating our students and the more motivated they are, the better they learn.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Be Warm and Inviting in Your Classroom
No one wants to enter a home where they do not feel welcome. The same goes for your students. You and your classroom should be an inviting place where students feel safe and accepted. If you hear a student making a disparaging comment about another student, stop them on the spot and refocus the classroom on the positive that is happening.
2. Make Real World Connections for the Students
Research has shown over the years that students are more engaged when they feel that what they are learning is connected to life outside the classroom. Therefore, we must as educators, attempt to show real world connections to the lesson we are teaching as often as possible.
3. Use Project-Based Learning
Solving real world problems as the beginning of the educational process instead of the end is quite motivating. Project based learning is the idea that students start with a problem to solve , complete research , and then finally solve the problem using tools and information that you would typically teach in a number of lessons . Instead of learning information away from its application , this shows students how what they learn can be used to solve problems.
4. Make Learning Objectives Obvious
Many times what appears to be a lack of interest is really just a student afraid to reveal how overwhelmed they fell. Certain topics can be overwhelming because of the amount of information and details involved. Providing students with a road map through accurate learning objectives that shows them exactly what it is you want them to learn can diminish or eliminate anxiety some of these concerns.
5. Make Cross-Curricular Connections
Sometimes students do not see how what they learn in one class intersects with what they are learning in other classes. Cross-curricular connections can provide students with a sense of context while increasing interest in all classes involved. For example, having an English teacher assign students to read Huckeleberry Finn while students in an Global Perspective class are learning about slavery in the Americas and the pre-colonial African History can lead to a deeper understanding in both classes.
6. Show How Students Can Use This Information in the Future
Some students are not interested because they see no point in what they are learning. A common theme among students is, "Why do I need to know this?" Instead of waiting for them to ask this question, why not make it part of the lesson plans that you create. Add a line in your lesson plan template that specific relates to how students might apply this information in the future. Then make this clear to students as you teach the lesson.
7. Put the Students in Control
When education is non-participatory, students will lose interest. Students should be in charge of their own education. Of course, in practice this does not always work. Nonetheless, by giving students more choice about the topics they learn and involving them in activities like project-based learning, students have more control leading to a greater sense of ownership and interest.
8. Provide Incentives for Learning
While some people do not like the idea of giving students incentives to learn, the unmotivated and uninterested might need these to get involved. Incentives and rewards can be everything from free time at the end of a class to a 'popcorn and movie' party. Make it clear to students exactly what they need to do to earn their reward and keep them involved as they work towards it together as a class.
9. Give the Students a Goal Larger Than Themselves
Have students work towards a worthy goal. Maybe you can partner with a school in another country or work towards a service project as a group. Any type of activity that provides students with a reason to be involved and interested can reap huge benefits in your class. Research shows that charitable activities are related to better health and well being.
10. Use Hands-On Learning and Include Supporting Materials
By involving more senses than simply sight and/or sound, student learning is taken to a new level. When students are able to feel artifacts or be involved in experiments, the information being taught can acquire more meaning and spark more interest.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Marcos Ferreira,
Middle School Principal
Meet The Faculty - Mr. Serge Mwambali
My name is Serge MWAMBALI, 34 years old, I am married and I, with my wife, have one lovely baby boy. I am excited for another amazing year and fourth academic year serving students and the community here at Green Hills Academy, in Middle School, as physical education teacher.
I have attended the University of Rwanda, College of Education very know as Kigali High Institute of Education and graduated with a bachelor degree in Physical Sport and Education. I continued my education pursuing my postgraduate degree equivalent to an executive master degree in Organization and Management of Olympic Sport at the University of Peloponnese (Greece, 2011). I also recently studied Sport Sciences and earned a postgraduate diploma in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Leipzig in Germany (2017).
I grew up in Rubavu District, in Gisenyi, a town commonly named Brazil due to its sportive and talented youth in different sport. I played sports throughout my childhood and still love both taking part and watching sport, and I cannot imagine my life without it. I also love exploring other cultures, and sport as provided me with this opportunity.
My Achievements
After my university studies, I became very involved with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Rwanda and was then appointed (2010) as one of the 30 Young Ambassadors from different countries with a mission to promote the first ever Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games in our respective regions/zones. This appointment further allow me to work as an Olympic Education Program Manager at the NOC of Rwanda where I had the chance to work with different schools from all around the country including Green Hills Academy. My task was to organize, coordinate and monitor projects and activities related to Sport, Education and Olympic Values. One of my projects has lead the former President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Jacques Rogge to visit GHA, while on his visit to Rwanda, during the Mini Olympics Projects that were organized by GHA with the support of the Olympic Academy of Rwanda.
My Dreams
Since I was young, I have all the time dreamt of having any opportunity that would allow me to take part in the Olympic Games! Early in 2012, while I was serving at the Olympic Committee of Rwanda, I saw myself being appointed as Chef de Mission (Head of Delegation) for Rwanda at the London 2012 Olympic Games. One of the most interesting positions I have had in my entire career so far. I have realized how lucky I was to follow the world of sports when, together with some delegate Rwandan athletes, I met and shake the hand of the Queen Elizabeth II at the London 2012 Olympic Village.
As I mentioned it above, Sport can provides us with the opportunity to explore the world. I have had the chance to visit eleven countries in Africa, twelve in Europe, one in Asia and the United States of America for different Sport Events (Games, International conferences on Sport as well as workshops)
However, even though I spent most of my career promoting Olympic Education and its Values, Teaching has had a special place in my heart. I think this has been inherited from my parents. Both of them have taught and my mother has retired from teaching until only last year.
My Approach
In my classes I never stop promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth, over a must win attitude. I find sport and exercises to be a great opportunity to strengthen one’s self no matter winning or losing. Therefore, I always make effort to find flexible solutions that are adaptable to the evolving sport and education landscapes, as well as to the varied attitudes and behaviors of young people.
My Ambition
One of my biggest ambition is to promote universal access to Sport and Social Inclusion in a guided practice of sportive education.
My Philosophy
I support the idea that all children, youngsters of every race and social level, including children living with disabilities should be given the opportunity to be physically fit.