Question

What are some motivational and contemporary instructional strategies that enhance student achievement? Does the use of technology help to motivate students?

Answer 1

• Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use to help students become independent, strategic learners.
• These strategies become learning strategies when students independently select the appropriate ones and use them effectively to accomplish tasks or meet goals.
• Instructional strategies can:
• motivate students and help them focus attention
• organize information for understanding and remembering
• monitor and assess learning.  
• 1.Cooperative learning involves students working in small groups to complete tasks or projects. Tasks are structured so that each group member contributes to the completion of the task. Success is based on the performance of the group rather than on the performance of individual students.
• Cooperative learning activities play an important role in increasing students’ respect for and understanding of each other’s abilities, interests and needs. These activities encourage students to take responsibility for their learning.
• 2.Group discussions are an integral part of the health and life skills classroom. They are essential for building background on specific issues, creating motivation and interest, and giving students a forum for expressing and exploring new ideas and information.
• Group discussions help students learn to articulate their views and respond to opinions that differ from their own. Group discussions may involve the whole class or a small group.
• Groups of two to six students work well. Participating in group discussions help students consider other people’s perspectives and develop effective problem solving skills.
• 3.K-W-L :-Often, teachers use a K-W-L chart.The K stands for what students already know about the topic. The W stands for what the students want to know. The L is used at the end of the lesson or unit of study to enable students to reflect on their learning and identify the information and processes learned.
• This strategy opens up mental files to see what students already know and creates anticipation and curiosity about the new learning to come. It also brings closure and satisfaction at the end of the unit of study as they reflect on and articulate their learnings.
• 4.One way to help students deal with massive amounts of content is to organize information around concepts. For example, students can organize networks of association under concept headings such as Change, Relationships, Persuasion, and Community. These mental concept files can be accessed, and a flood of information will be released as they are opened.
• Technologies that guide and support students while they are learning can build discipline and a sense of self worth that will benefit everyone.
• If the use of a tech, even something as simple as a video clip, makes an aspect of your course more fun for your students they will be more likely to pay attention, to participate, and to remember the course content associated with positive experiences.
• Studies show that students thrive and are more likely to stay engaged in what they do when they are utilizing technology. Several studies even reported positive effects of using technology on student motivation.
• Students report that learning is more fun though technology and it makes them feel smarter. Try implementing computer-based programs, use an iPad or tablet for games and activities, or utilize the school Smartboard. Technology is fun, and your students will be motivated to use it.
• Involving kids in creating little guides and survey questionnaires around concepts can be a great way to engage them. Creating a classroom community blog or a class webpage where children can put up their ideas/presentations/ survey results/pictures of projects can boost interest and engagement tremendously.
• Storytelling is making a comeback as a major educational tool. Many teachers use the power of stories to connect with the child. Stories are also a great way to promote a culture of collaboration among the students. Getting students to work in groups and create stories using digital media including images, pictures and music is a great way to promote empathy, learning and co-operation in a classroom.