I teach in an environment where many of my adolescent male students aren’t always so excited to  learn General studies.  Needless to say that when I see my  students super engaged with their work it is very exciting.

I  have to share this “win” for my fellow colleagues struggling with similar issues.  Last week I assigned a project where 90% of my students were actively engaged on multiple  levels:

They walked into class and began their work without me needing me to say anything

At the end of each class I literally had to beg them to pack up and move on to their next class.  They were so self-motivated and self-directed that they understandably wanted to finish what they’re in the middle of doing. 

As a bonus opportunity, one of my students designed a 3-dimensional turret from world war 1 using a computer software that wasn’t compatible with my laptop at school. So he walked over by himself to my house to show me what he designed.

The head of the intervention division told me that some students came into her office during their recess to add some beautiful (bonus) artwork to their project.

This level of engagement is not typical of standard teaching.  The key to the success of the project was that the students were given autonomy and agency. When kids have some level of  free choice in their work- the result is much more engaged students.