McMEL - Home. MEL_Muir_Nov01. Motivation: Meaningful Engaged Learning. Overview Meaningful Engaged Learning (MEL) is simply a research-based approach to helping all students learn and achieve. One of the largest challenges facing schools and educators today is how to reach all students. Reaching every child is not a challenge simply because of federal policy.
This issue transcends No Child Left Behind. The economy has changed and we need all students to learn to high standards so they can go on to college and productively join the workforce. One approach to reaching all students is Meaningful Engaged Learning (MEL), based on the research of Dr. Schools working to improve student engagement and achievement concentrate on balancing five focus areas. Meaningful Engaged Learning: MEL Focus Five. Student Motivation: What Level of Engagement Are Your Students At? | Multiple Pathways. I’ve worked a lot with schools wanting to motivate students, and we have largely focused on the “how.” In this work, I have named the conditions necessary for students to be motivated (as have others, such as here). My list includes student voice and choice, higher order thinking, inviting schools, learning by doing, and real world connections.
But wouldn’t it also be helpful to think in some productive way about how motivated students are? Thinking of kids as simply being motivated or not is not all that helpful. In my work, I’ve often asked that students be thought of as “easy to teach” or “hard to teach,” and although this framework is helpful for certain conversations with educators, this isn’t really the same construct as how motivated or engaged students are. My friends at the Great Schools Partnership have defined engagement in their iWalkThrough tool as the percent of students that are on task during the classroom observation. Authentic Engagement. Like this: Like Loading... MEL Meaningful Engaged Learning. Motivating Students: Focus on 5 Strategies | Multiple Pathways.
There are many children who are undermotivated, disengaged, and underachieving. One of the most persistent questions facing individual teachers is, “How do I motivate all children to learn?” And you are Probably one of the ones wondering how to reach them. You aren’t alone. One approach to reaching all students is Meaningful Engaged Learning (MEL), based on my research. Schools working to improve student motivation, engagement, and achievement concentrate on balancing five focus areas Inviting Schools Learning by DoingHigher Order ThinkingStudent Voice & ChoiceReal World Connections Here’s a brief overview of each strategy.
Inviting SchoolsSometimes, it may seem like this has nothing to do with academics or engaging students in learning, but positive relationships and a warm, inviting school climate are perhaps the most important element to implement if you are to reach hard to teach students. Real World ConnectionsThis focus area is often a missing motivator for students. It’s Your Turn: MEL_Focus_Five.