Attending Solution Tree's Authorspeak 2011 has caused my mind to continuously think of new ways to engage students. I have already integrated the website Edmodo into all of my classes and have introduced it to at least six other teachers, two of which are now using it. Edmodo has produced a lot of results in terms of keeping students engaged. I have had students typically zoning out, start participating and being excited about something in the classroom. Through Edmodo I decided instead of of asking teachers how students learn but to ask the students themselves.
Below are a few unedited responses from students. I asked them to provide examples of ways they learn and ideas how to keep them engaged in the material being presented in my class and in other classes. Since it is unedited, I apologize for spelling and grammar issues.
"I think doing creative projects are fun and it keeps the class interesting. Projects can help me understand things better too." - Sophomore
"I want teachers to be more hands on with things, and not sit down ans their chairs and sit and teach us, or talk the hole entire time. I learn alot more faster if we would do educational games with what we are learning. I also think more kids learn that way also." - Sophomore
"I think teachers could help us learn by talking about things that apply to us and things we need to know and are also interested in. I like to learn things that will eventually help me out." - Senior
The focus in 90% of the responses were "hands on" activities. Today's students do not respond well to lecture. They must be involved, they must be creating, and in most instances I feel they need to be publishing. Real world projects that involve critical thinking and analytical skills engage students in the subject matter and help prepare them for the workforce.