Finding the SPARK: Engaging Middle Schoolers Using Storytelling, Art, and Authentic Experiences

Outline

10 mins | Interactive Opener
Through a four corners activity, educators will have the opportunity to connect with one another about their experience in middle school and if their voices were elevated during that time.

10 mins | Overview of Types of Data Collection
This section will include an overview with practical tips and ways to collect qualitative data from students, along with how to bring that data back to students for additional feedback and co-creation of solutions.

5 mins | Processing Time
Using a quick pair/share or similar activity, participants will have the opportunity to share with one another about what activity they plan to bring back to their work.

15 mins | Overview of Engagement Strategies
This section will look at a number of different engagement strategies across content areas that center storytelling, art and authentic experiences. Some will be quick activities that can immediately translate into a school, while others will be more comprehensive.

10 mins | Application
Participants will have time to process and collaborate with one another to brainstorm ways to bring this information back to their context.

5 mins | Reflective Closing
Head, Heart, Hand activity for participants to share what they are taking away from the session.

Supporting research

Developmental Relationships Framework. (2020). Search Institute. Retrieved March 23, 2024, from

Farrington, C.A., Roderick, M., Allensworth, E., Nagaoka, J., Keyes, T.S., Johnson, D.W., & Beechum, N.O. (2012). Teaching adolescents to become learners. The role of noncognitive factors in shaping school performance: A critical literature review. Chicago: University of Chicago Consortium on Chicago School Research.

Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2024). Relationship Mapping Strategy | Making Caring Common — Making Caring Common. Making Caring Common.

Nagaoka, J., Farrington, C. A., Ehrlich, S. B., & Heath, R. D. (2015, June). Foundations for Young Adult Success: A Developmental Framework. UChicago Consortium on School Research.

Paunesku, D. & Farrington, C.A. (2020). Measure Learning Environments, Not Just Students, to Support Learning and Development. Teachers College Record, 112.

Safir, S., Dugan, J., & Wilson, C. (2021). Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation. Corwin Press.

Scales, P. C. (2010, December). Finding the Student Spark: Missed Opportunities in School Engagement. Search Institute Insights & Evidence 5 (1).