Student Motivation & Engagement

Education news, analysis, and opinion about efforts to get students involved and active in learning and classroom activities
School & District Management Webinar Getting Students Back to School and Re-engaged: What Districts Can Do 
Dive into districtwide strategies that are moving the needle on the persistent problem of chronic absenteeism and sluggish student engagement.
August 8, 2024
Photo of principal greeting student at school bus.
E+
Student Well-Being & Movement What Principals Can Do to Make Sure Students Feel Welcome at School
Student anxiety and absenteeism are top of mind for principals as schools reopen.
Olina Banerji, August 5, 2024
7 min read
A girl wearing a hooded sweatshirt backwards which hilariously obscures her face while donning sunglasses.
iStock/Getty Images + Education Week
Teaching Opinion Let Kids Be Weird. They Learn Better That Way
The more opportunities students have to showcase their personalities and creativity, the better off students (and teachers) will be.
Lindsey Canny, July 25, 2024
3 min read
Image of a student having a difficult time focusing in class.
Kotryna Zukauskaite for Education Week
Student Achievement Students' Lack of Focus Is the Top Barrier to Learning, School Leaders Say
COVID-19's lingering impact on schools includes a lack of student focus, per the National Center for Education Statistics.
Annie Goldman, July 18, 2024
4 min read
A field of lightbulbs, only a couple are lit. Concept idea of light bulb, creative, thinking, motivation, success, and thinking, surreal conceptual art, 3d illustration, painting artwork.
Jorm Sangsorn/iStock + Education Week
Teaching Opinion How to Stifle Student Curiosity in 5 Steps (and What to Do Instead)
In countless classrooms across the nation, I’ve observed well-intentioned teachers and administrators slowly stifle student creativity.
Olivia Odileke, July 11, 2024
5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Teacher Strategies for Making Learning More Relevant to Students
Once you understand what makes your students tick, you are better equipped to develop meaningful lessons.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 8, 2024
10 min read
Conceptual illustration of opening the magic book on dark background.
GrandFailure/iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion Are Your Students the Protagonists of Their Own Educations?
A veteran educator spells out three ways student agency can deepen learning and increase equity.
Jennifer D. Klein, July 3, 2024
5 min read
AA studio shot of a Mario Kart diecast vehicle from the video and animated Nintendo series.
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being & Movement How Video Games Can Combat Chronic Absenteeism (Yes, Really)
In one district, middle school esports clubs are helping to boost attendance and student engagement.
Alyson Klein, July 2, 2024
5 min read
Tight crop of teacher fist bumping blurred Black school girl.
E+/Getty
Teaching Q&A How to Motivate Adolescents in Math and Science: Tips From an Expert
There's no formula for teaching motivation. Instead, teachers should think about creating a motivating environment in their classrooms.
Arianna Prothero, June 28, 2024
3 min read
The view over the shoulder of a high school student while he is holding a drone with the camera image showing on a laptop sitting on a nearby chair.
E+/Getty
Classroom Technology What Drones Are Doing to Deliver Better Student Engagement
Working with drones can motivate students, as well as teach skills like coding, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Alyson Klein, June 25, 2024
2 min read
Tired schoolboy fell asleep on a class at elementary school.
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being & Movement By Some Measures, Students' Well-Being Has Been Stable for a Decade, Study Shows
A Stanford report examined high school students’ well-being, sense of belonging, and engagement over more than a decade.
Lauraine Langreo, June 14, 2024
5 min read
Blurred photograph of a green chalkboard with 5 hands raised.
iStock/Getty
Teaching A Teacher Asked and Students Answered: What Motivates You to Learn?
Motivation is a key part of learning. But what sparks students’ motivation can be elusive.
Arianna Prothero, June 13, 2024
3 min read
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Student Well-Being & Movement Opinion What's Behind the Explosion in Student Absenteeism?
Kids aren’t returning to school after COVID. What are the implications for policy and practice?
Rick Hess, June 11, 2024
8 min read
Connor Allen, of Cranberry, Pa. picks his character before a round of "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" during the Steel City Showdown esports tournament at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, on May 11, 2019 in Pittsburgh.
Students get ready before an esports tournament at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, on May 11, 2019 in Pittsburgh.
Alexandra Wimley/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
School Climate & Safety Gaming Is Part of Teen Life. These Districts Use It for Better Student Outcomes
Scholastic esports is attracting students who would otherwise not participate in extracurricular activities.
Lauraine Langreo, June 7, 2024
4 min read