The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Forge a deeper relationship with them.
You may have to work extra hard to get to the WHY.
Don't think the unmotivated aren't watching. They are just not ready to be a stakeholder...YET!!
#bfc530
For unmotivated students it’s all about building a personal relationship with them. Get to know them and their families. Find out what they are interested in and find ways to connect your curriculum to it. Doesn’t work every time but sometimes it does. #bfc530
It's hard. I attempt to build relationships with them, but sometimes that is a failure. There are some students that do everything in their power to do nothing and they do not have a lot of consequences in not doing anything. The biggest thing is to not give up on them. #bfc530
When it comes to unmotivated students, I often ask myself what it is that I may need to do differently, not jump to ‘blaming’ these students...it’s taken me years to understand this! #bfc530
Step 1: Invest the time to build solid relationships so you know what each cares about. Step 2: Ask them for ideas about things they want to do in a #PBL framework (student voice & choice) Step 3: Facilitate a custom #PBL process to help each make real-world connections. #bfc530
In English class: Students should have the flexibility to write about topics or ideas that they are excited about. Get to know the student and figure out what they are interested in. Same goes for reading and book choice. #bfc530
Reality is that it can be hard. Some Ss can be tough to crack. My mantra:
Sometimes courage doesn’t roar, but is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says I will try again tomorrow. #bfc530
I try to go upstream to see what might be influencing the behaviour. I kidwatch to try and find any small moment throughout the day in which they're engaged/interested and build on from there. I think Ss truly WANT to do well, so it's up to me to be the detective. #bfc530
Its always the big challenge right? I've found that my new courses, #STEAM and #coding have seen a lot less of this than previous social studies courses. Lots more choice & activity helps #bfc530
I pull them aside and have a good old fashioned conversation with them. I want to know what’s wrong and how to work with them in the way they want/need and to help convey the importance of what we’re doing and how it might help them. #bfc530
When it comes to unmotivated students, I often ask myself what it is that I may need to do differently, not jump to ‘blaming’ these students...it’s taken me years to understand this! #bfc530
Hi #bfc530 I would have a 1:1 conversation with the Ss and see whether they are unmotivated due to the work being too easy or too hard; or if it is something else at home or school bothering them
First rule abt unmotivated students: don't complain to others that you have unmotivated students. That kind of negativity gets us nowhere. As long as we are determined, work together, and don't give up, it becomes more likely that we will find a solution #bfc530
For those who may be unmotivated...listen to them, try to tap into even their smallest of passions, share empathy and compassion, reassure them by trying a different approach that may be new for me but good for them. #bfc530
Gm. I engage them as if they are proficient and academically successful first. Then observe to see if their lacks of basic needs are showing. Sometimes I wait for thawing of s. Sometimes consult counseling. Temporarily sluggish is human feeling that can pass #BFC530
Want to energize unmotivated students? Conduct the carrot & stick test. What attracts their energy? What repels their sense of dignity? Listen for the voice under the rabble. #bfc530
This year I have started an online student drawing journal for many of my “doodlers.” If they know I respect their art, I hope when its time to buckle down and do the math, they will. #bfc530
1st, you cant take it personally as affront to you and the hard work you do. I've seen that too often with teachers. Be willing to talk to the student & ask "What can I do differently to help you?" Most times why they are unmotivated has nothing to do with you #bfc530
I try to go upstream to see what might be influencing the behaviour. I kidwatch to try and find any small moment throughout the day in which they're engaged/interested and build on from there. I think Ss truly WANT to do well, so it's up to me to be the detective. #bfc530
First rule abt unmotivated students: don't complain to others that you have unmotivated students. That kind of negativity gets us nowhere. As long as we are determined, work together, and don't give up, it becomes more likely that we will find a solution #bfc530
Spot on, Justin! If it doesn't work the first time, it means I have to invest more time to rekindle the joy and wonder of learning we all have. Great teachers always find a way. #bfc530
So agree with making your class a place students want to be. If you cant build rapport & make it comfortable for them, it is going to be very difficult to reach them academically. #bfc530
I try to go upstream to see what might be influencing the behaviour. I kidwatch to try and find any small moment throughout the day in which they're engaged/interested and build on from there. I think Ss truly WANT to do well, so it's up to me to be the detective. #bfc530
I think about what motivates me- and it's when I feel the task has value and a meaningful, authentic purpose. Then I'll ask myself of the same work I'm expecting of students- am I holding it to the same standard? #bfc530
First rule abt unmotivated students: don't complain to others that you have unmotivated students. That kind of negativity gets us nowhere. As long as we are determined, work together, and don't give up, it becomes more likely that we will find a solution #bfc530
Another thing to consider, sometimes school is the only place where they feel safe, and this is where they recharge their batteries to be ready to fight the next round of home battles. #bfc530
Jumping in late! It's hard not to take it personally when Ss don't engage, but now it makes me wonder what happened to them. Usually many disappointments from adults in their lives, including school. I try not to add to that. #bfc530
On this day-I am grateful for the opportunity to do work that I love, have friends that I cherish and a family that brings me joy daily! #ThirtyDaysofGratitude 😊 💜 #bfc530
I consider what it is that has led to their lack of motivation. There is always a story behind their work ethic. I get to know them, and ask questions about their past, reaching out to anyone that may have insight. And of course, I make it a convo with the S #bfc530
"Seemingly unmotivated" what and how are we teaching. How do we differentiate the content to meet the various levels of our ss? It is up to us, we have to work better to reach our students. #bfc530
I think what else is hard is the mandates that come from the state/local/national level on things we have to get through. Soft skills are so much more important than any curriculum, but they are not given priority. It is sad really. #bfc530
Off topic, but just wanted to thank @aoakes4 for reaching out and planning a time for us to meet for coffee. Great conversation about families, books, and education. I hope all of you are able to connect in person with some of our #bfc530 friends.
I dont like hearing other teacher's views of Ss before school year begins. We all click easily w/some kids than others & some kids who were difficult for you may not be for me & vice-versa. But if I am having difficulties, I will seek out other teachers to see what works #bfc530
Great approach, Michelle! Sometimes (often, in fact) they simply need to know that someone in their life cares about them. It may not happen over night, but with caring persistence, you will build a strong, trusting relationship that will pay off in the long run. #bfc530
Off topic, but just wanted to thank @aoakes4 for reaching out and planning a time for us to meet for coffee. Great conversation about families, books, and education. I hope all of you are able to connect in person with some of our #bfc530 friends.
That's awesome. For some kids, doodling doesn't mean they're not paying attention. It is something they do to help them focus. My daughter is one of those kids. #bfc530
First rule abt unmotivated students: don't complain to others that you have unmotivated students. That kind of negativity gets us nowhere. As long as we are determined, work together, and don't give up, it becomes more likely that we will find a solution #bfc530
Excited to have a PD day which is really about addressing my needs as an educator today! Haven't been so excited for PD in a very very long time! Have a great day #bfc530
As a 6th-grade teacher, sometimes I hear that they need coddled. One of my goals is to push them to be independent problem solvers and critical thinkers, and coddling doesn't actually fit into that spectrum. #bfc530
Yes! This is so powerful! We have to always check our inherent bias so that it does not influence how we might approach a student...any student. Assume the best and build from there. Well done, Robin! #bfc530
I have attended games, plays, and events afterschool (both school sponsored & not) When you see a kid's eyes light up when they see you in audience, their appreciation that you are interested in what interests them; it goes a long way in your classroom #bfc530
If you have a couple minutes to help me out, fill out this pretend course eval. I'm trying out a new resource to pitch to my Admin: https://t.co/Zgwvu3yuhn Just click and make up some answers. I'll share results https://t.co/ljV85wlagw Happy Tuesday! #bfc530
I realize there is something else going on in their lives where my class is not the most important thing they are thinking about. I don’t take it personal but use it as an opportunity to build a relationship with them and find something that is relevant to their life. #BFC530
Have a great day everyone. If you are American VOTE! And dont just focus on the Federal level, the state and local probably has more impact on your daily life, in the Internet age, no excuse on not being informed about anyone on the ballot Im out! #bfc530
This is a good read. Written by the Grattan Institute (Australia) and published by @aitsl at one point, it gets into many of tg3 issues raised tonight. #bfc530https://t.co/qTfDKNG8Dp
#bfc530 for unmotivated Ss: wait: for a response, for a single sign of effort, for a quiet conversation, for a better day tomorrow. They assume you will get tired & leave them alone.
I conference with students at least once a quarter to check in regarding their goals. I always try to find a way to connect my class (government) to their goals or personal lives. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. I'm still working on what to do when it doesn't.
#bfc530
Agreed! Though we have to ensure that praise is descriptive and specific rather than a generic « good job ». Students benefit from praise when it not only highlights but especially, NAMES their efforts, improvements and/or accomplishments. The what & why are essential:) #bfc530
@wheeler_laura hit the nail on the head with her retweet. Visibly random groups, vertical learning, and 3-Act math is helpful in my math class. #bfc530
#bfc530 I believe a majority of unmotivated elementary Ss struggle with finding that “jolt” for learning due to sleep deprivation, too much screen time, dehydration, lack of proper nutrients... basically how I address it is with DPA and having those meaningful conversations
When it comes to unmotivated students, I often ask myself what it is that I may need to do differently, not jump to ‘blaming’ these students...it’s taken me years to understand this! #bfc530
