Key takeaways
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Curiosity Drives Engagement and Persistence – Encouraging students to ask open-ended questions and explore beyond facts boosts motivation, critical thinking, and long-term learning success.
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Know Your Students to Personalize Learning – Understanding students’ cultural, social, and academic backgrounds allows teachers to tailor lessons, making learning more meaningful and inclusive.
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Leverage Technology and Model Lifelong Learning – Integrating AI, VR, and adaptive learning tools enhances engagement, while teachers who stay curious and keep learning inspire students to do the same.
In a recent webinar from District Administration titled “The Power of Curiosity for Student Engagement, Motivation, and Persistence,” Dr. Tim Hudson, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Education, and Dr. Cheryl Proctor, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and School Communities for Portland Public Schools got together to share a treasure trove of practical strategies for fostering curiosity and boosting student engagement. The insights from Dr. Hudson and Dr. Proctor offer a clear roadmap for creating an energetic and supportive educational environment that meets the diverse needs of all students.
Check out these 4 methods for fostering student engagement and the impactful role of AI and technology in modern classrooms.
1. Ask Little Questions with Big Answers
Dr. Hudson opened the discussion by highlighting how crucial curiosity is in the learning journey. “Curiosity is the engine of achievement,” he remarked. He outlined how cultivating a curious mindset can significantly increase student motivation and persistence. But how do we do this in practical terms? One suggestion from Dr. Hudson is incorporating open-ended questions in lessons that encourage students to think beyond the facts. For example, instead of asking “What is the capital of France?” we might ask “How might Parisian culture influence its role as a capital city?” This makes learning more engaging and promotes critical thinking skills.
2. Strive to Understand Students' Backgrounds
Dr. Proctor shared her own educational journey and underscored the importance of knowing our students’ backgrounds. “Knowing our students’ stories is essential to engaging them in meaningful ways,” she stated. She illustrated this point by talking about the different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds students come from and how these factors influence their learning styles and needs. By understanding these nuances, teachers can adapt their instructional strategies—like using bilingual resources or culturally relevant examples—to better meet each student’s needs.
Knowing our students' stories is essential to engaging them in meaningful ways.
3. Try New Strategies that Use New Technologies
The conversation covered several innovative strategies for boosting student engagement. Dr. Proctor and Dr. Hudson chatted about integrating AI and technology into classrooms, showing how these tools can personalize learning and make educational content more exciting and accessible. For example, using adaptive learning platforms can help keep students engaged by providing them with just the right level of challenge. And the use of virtual reality (VR) can bring subjects like history and science to life, making learning a truly immersive experience. Imagine students exploring ancient civilizations or the human body in 3D!
4. Model Curiosity for Students
A standout theme throughout the webinar was the idea that educators need to be lifelong learners too. Dr. Proctor emphasized staying curious and continually learning about new teaching strategies and technologies. This is key to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. She shared that attending professional development workshops, participating in peer collaboration sessions, and staying updated with the latest educational research are all ways teachers can keep their curiosity alive. If teachers follow these actions, then they become models for students to also become lifelong learners.
