Motivating Learners to Grow Their Knowledge

​Written by Najah Aziz, Fordham PDRC

Throughout the school year, educators plan lessons, implement engaging activities and assess students with a unified goal - achieving success. We value sharing new ideas and concepts with students while guiding them to discover new possibilities and achieve the desired learning targets. It empowers them to take responsibility for their education and develop a love for learning.

​Teachers create an environment that supports learning in their classroom through carefully planned, standards-based lessons, time for student-led projects, and using technology to enhance student learning. Allowing students to collaborate provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and helps students develop critical social-emotional skills. Setting goals encourages students to stay motivated and focused. Providing constructive feedback can help students identify areas of growth. They will develop a sense of pride in their work, motivating them to want to continue learning. By empowering children, we can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and self-direct their learning.

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Learning on Your Own Time

It stands to reason that self-directed learning would also benefit educators themselves. Administrators and teachers attend professional development sessions throughout the year, virtually or in person, to develop their practices within the classroom. They learn practical ways to implement the standards, strategies for meeting objectives, and practices to utilize student engagement throughout the class lesson. Learning for everyone is an ongoing process guided by our self-motivation.

After the close of another successful school year - both teachers and students have earned a well-deserved break. However, just as teachers have assigned meaningful summer tasks for their students to keep their minds productive and ready for the new school year in September, we, as educators, must do the same. Fordham PDRC offers teachers the opportunity to continue their professional growth without the rigid schedule of the school year. During the summer, we offer many options for self-directed learning. On your own time, take a break to watch a pre-recorded webinar found on our website to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year. The summer offerings encompass many school-requested professional development topics, from Digital Citizenship and STEAM to Backward Design and Project-based Learning. Upon successful completion and passing score, CTLE credit is provided. What better way to get ready for September!
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Choose from the many options available this summer:

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING LINE-UP

#Digital Citizenship - Teaching Digital Ethics and Safety*

Using Technology to Learn Mathematics in Grades K to 5*

Actions & Reactions: Deconstructing STEAM To Measure Positive Outcomes*

Engaging Students & Meeting The Needs Of All Learners Through Assessment

Backward Design Lesson Planning/Classroom Management

Let’s Engage All Students in Project-Based Learning!

*On-Demand CTLE

​We look forward to future in-person workshops and live webinars with you during the upcoming school year and would like to encourage you to contact our office to discuss your professional development needs.