In Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton asks Burr, “What are you waiting for? What do you stall for? We won the war — What was it all for?”
This time of the school year, this is a great question to answer for our students. What, in your view as their teacher, was this whole year or semester or trimester for? All the assignments, the practice, the confusion, the struggle — why do you think it was worth it? Why is math or science or social studies worth it, period? Think of these as a special kind of end-of-year mini-sermon (Strategy 4 in The Will to Learn).
Mini-sermons are an efficient tool for improving student motivation because of how they influence Value, Credibility, and Belonging. Like all 10 of the strategies I've found matter most for both student motivation and my own teacher well-being, you get lots of bang for your buck with these short 30-60 second impassioned speeches.
So tomorrow in one of your classes, try answering this question: What was it all for?
Do this 10 more times between now and year's end, and I dare you not to become a bit better at teaching.
Best,
DSJR
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