Student Motivation & Engagement

Education news, analysis, and opinion about efforts to get students involved and active in learning and classroom activities
Tue., October 13, 2026, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET
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Learn how to recognize the early signs of disengagement and what the behavioral science reveals about which interventions actually work.
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Tue., October 06, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
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A new class of seniors watches a sunrise as if from backstage. Mindful of the year ahead.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + Getty
School & District Management Opinion I’ve Been an Educator for 30 Years. My Students Still Surprise Me
A student’s reaction to our new cellphone restrictions was just the first surprise of the year.
S. Kambar Khoshaba, September 22, 2026
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3 min read
raised hands, student engagement
DigitalVision Vectors
School Climate & Safety Many Students Are Disengaged From Learning. What Can Schools Do?
A new poll examines Gen Z students' levels of school engagement and feelings of belonging.
Lauraine Langreo, September 8, 2026
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6 min read
Young boy at a table in conversation.
The young characters in François Truffaut's 1976 film "Small Change" illustrate how children are often capable of much more than adults grasp.
Everett Collection
Teaching Opinion What Abilities Are Your Students Hiding From You?
Education writer Alfie Kohn learned a big lesson from a teenager with an astonishing memory.
Alfie Kohn, September 2, 2026
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4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion ‘The Best Classes Are the Ones Where …’: Students on What Makes Teachers Stand Out
These “kid reporters” lay out what all teachers can learn from their favorite classroom experiences.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 24, 2026
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6 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion ‘Autopilot Is the Enemy’: Why You Should Shake Up Your Stale Classroom Script
Lisa Delpit and Christopher Emdin explain how to bring more agency and energy into teaching.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 19, 2026
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6 min read
Games, school supplies, and a lobster! Back to school fun, enrichment
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + Getty
Teaching Opinion Could Your Classroom Use a Little More Fun? Start Here
How teachers and school leaders are incorporating a sense of play into the work.
Mary Hendrie, August 14, 2026
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3 min read
A student and teacher fist bump. Trust, understanding, Credibility.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + Getty
Teaching Opinion Teacher Credibility: The Do’s and Don’ts of Earning Your Students’ Respect
Students start sizing up a teacher from day one. Here’s how you can be ready.
Bill Waychunas, August 10, 2026
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4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion How to Turn Around Challenging Relationships With Your Students
Two veteran teachers share advice for connecting with each of your students.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 28, 2026
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5 min read
Housing HUD Time Limits 25197588934495
Nintendo Switches, like the one the teenage boy is using above, are being used in the Denver Public Schools in an esports program designed to improve student engagement. Education Week recently talked to one of the educators involved in that program, who gave a presentation about it at the ISTELive 26 + ASCD Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla., June 28 to July 1.
Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo
Classroom Technology Q&A How This District Is Using Esports to Increase Student Engagement
An education technology specialist discusses an esports development program she created.
Lauraine Langreo, July 9, 2026
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4 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Mathematics Opinion Everybody Is a Math Person. Now, Convince Your Students
Math educators offer tips on how to engage students on the subject.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 23, 2026
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7 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion If You Don't See Value in an Assignment, Your Students Won't, Either
From reading to decisionmaking, educators offer ideas on how best to encourage learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 16, 2026
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14 min read
Teaching Opinion How I Revived My Classroom Culture for the Price of a Lobster Dinner
What began as a running joke injected real energy back into my classroom culture.
Kayla Alexander, June 8, 2026
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4 min read