SPECIAL SECTION: In the Classroom
Using Motivation to Implement 21st-Century Skills, the Common Core
By Mary Mardirosian
The Common Core Is Here …
Many districts have begun to roll out their plans as
to how they will approach the Common Core. Yet, before
implementing any formulated strategy, educators must
acknowledge the role of motivation in the implementation
process. Motivating students to embrace the Common Core
and 21st-century skills is the key to its success. This article
will share some helpful strategies that will use motivation as
a tool to implement the Common Core.
If I Want to Be Here, They Want to Be Here …
During my daughter’s kindergarten parent/teacher
conferences, I was struck by the positive attitude displayed
by her teachers. For months, my daughter had shared
stories about the great time she was
having while learning in kindergarten. She
was excited to be in the classroom each
day. Her teachers created rhymes to teach
their lessons, they sang silly songs to get
through assignments, and they generously
complimented their students both in class
and to their parents. These educators had
been in the classroom for more than 20
Mary
years, yet each day they approached their
Mardirosian
students with enthusiasm and energy.
During the parent/teacher conference,
one of the teachers shared her strategies on motivating
students. Her philosophy was simple. “If I want to be here,
they want to be here … children pick up on a teacher’s
attitude.” It really is that simple. By looking forward to being
in the classroom and exhibiting that enthusiasm in your
lessons, you will naturally motivate your students to learn.
Smile …
The old saying goes “Don’t smile ’til December.” Yet
after teaching for more than 13 years I have come to the
realization that taking that literally and actually not smiling
will prevent me from connecting with my students. Smile
… and smile all the time … say “hello” when you see your
students in the halls, ask them about their day … be polite.
The goal is that you connect with your students. Yet do
not lose your boundaries. There is a distinct line between
connecting with your students and becoming their friend.
You want to show them that you care, but you also want to
display consistent rules and expectations set for them to
follow. We need to prepare them for their future, regardless
of their grade level. We are professionals. As teachers
we can be friendly and kind, yet maintain that balance
of professionalism by also having structure and a daily
routine. When students know what to expect from you, they
will perform. Yet having high expectations has nothing to
do with being stern or rude. You will get more out of your
students if you ask them nicely to complete their work.
Call Home …
Here is a very simple strategy to motivate students
… tell their parents. I call home and I call home often. I
update my parents about their son or daughter’s progress.
I make both positive and informative (not negative) phone
calls home. When I call home for positive updates, it not
only motivates that student but also the rest of the class
to do better, to try to get another or a similar phone call.
Also, please note that I do not label my phone calls home
negative; rather, they are informative. When a student is
not working at his or her potential, I call the parents and
notify them, but I am never negative. These phone calls
provide the parents with information. I always start with
praise and then I state my concern. Usually, the parents are
quite supportive. I share with them that I want their son or
daughter to succeed and that is why I am letting them know
about what is going on in the classroom. When students
are conscious of the fact that I will notify their parents about
their behavior and/or work habits, they become aware of
both. Having that awareness gives them self-knowledge.
They either continue