Encouraging Students to Learn

I was recently asked to answer this question in an interview. My response is below the question.



Q: How do you encourage students to learn?  Can a student be forced to learn?

A: There are a number of ways I encourage students to learn. One way is by relating to their personal life. I believe that creating a connection with a student will help him/her become motivated to listen to you. I also believe that there are ways to get students to learn even when they don’t want to. “Challenge by Choice” is a teaching style I use to motivate unmotivated students. This style gives the students the option to choose how well they want to perform a task I choose. “Challenge by Choice” also gives the student a sense that they’re in control even though I’ve picked the specified task.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @DanielBertoniPE. Leave a comment below to tell me how YOU encourage students!

Animoto Video, Republished!

My Animoto Video

Here is a video I made when I was at SUNY Cortland. I have to give the credit to @syangman for the motivation to make an Animoto video. Animoto offers a new way to present information to viewers. Technology like this could motivate kids to make their own videos just as it did for me! Implementing technology into the physical education setting is one way I try to motivate students. Using heart rate monitors on exercise machines can give each individual a personal target. Stepometers can keep students focused on trying to reach 10,000 steps a day. I also have used Dance Dance Revolution to keep students moving and dancing at the elementary level. All of these technologies can help kids achieve a healthy heart for life!