Motivation: Meaningful Engaged Learning

Overview

Meaningful Engaged Learning (MEL) is simply a research-based approach to helping all students learn and achieve. 

One of the largest challenges facing schools and educators today is how to reach all students. Reaching every child is not a challenge simply because of federal policy. This issue transcends No Child Left Behind. The economy has changed and we need all students to learn to high standards so they can go on to college and productively join the workforce.

One approach to reaching all students is Meaningful Engaged Learning (MEL), based on the research of Dr. Muir.

Schools working to improve student engagement and achievement concentrate on balancing five focus areas.

Meaningful Engaged Learning:

• Motivating Students: Focus on 5 Strategies (Just the Focus 5 handout)
• Meaningful Engaged Learning: Leadership for Reaching Every Student
• Classifying a Student's Level of Motivation
• What Motivates Underachieving Students? (Middle School Journal, Nov. 2001)
• Articles on Ineffective Motivators, especially Extrinsic Rewards.
• Characteristics of Good Learning Experiences
• Additional Links & Resources about Motivation & Meaningful Engaged Learning