Content and Engagement:
Introduction & Connection (10 minutes): Open with a story that connects emotionally to the challenge of student engagement. Participants reflect on their own classroom experiences.
Direct Instruction & Modeling (15 minutes): Present core concepts of designing classroom learning experiences that last, using storytelling and short videos to model strategies.
Peer Discussion & Collaboration (10 minutes): Participants engage in small-group discussion to share insights and brainstorm classroom applications.
Whole Group Share-Out (5 minutes): Groups highlight key takeaways to build collective understanding.
Second Cycle: Instruction + Collaboration (15 minutes): Share additional strategies and examples, followed by peer collaboration to apply ideas.
Practical Application & Wrap-Up (5 minutes): Participants identify one small shift they will implement immediately. End with a closing story to inspire action.
Time Breakdown (60 minutes):
10 minutes – Story-based introduction & connection
15 minutes – Direct instruction + videos
10 minutes – Peer collaboration
5 minutes – Whole group share-out
15 minutes – Instruction + collaboration cycle
5 minutes – Practical application + closing story
Process:
Use of storytelling and video clips to engage throughout
Structured opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration
Whole-group share-out to elevate diverse perspectives
Actionable closing reflection ensures participants leave with practical next steps
After this session, participants will be able to:
* Design classroom instruction that moves beyond compliance and sparks authentic engagement.
* Apply small, intentional shifts in lesson design to transform required content into meaningful, real-world connections.
* Implement strategies that boost student focus, growth, and excitement for learning.
* Discover takeaway ideas ready for immediate classroom use.
* Identify sustainable practices that elevate student engagement and make learning experiences stick.
Dearybury, J., & Jones, J. (2020). The playful classroom: The power of play for all ages. Wiley.
Wexler, N. (2020). The knowledge gap: The hidden cause of America’s broken education system--and how to fix it. Avery.
https://hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/customizing-learning-paths-for-diverse-student-needs
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375705924_ENHANCE_STUDENTS'_LEARNING_BY_PROVIDING_PERSONALIZED_STUDY_PATHWAYS
Miriam Cents-Boonstra, Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Eddie Denessen, Nathalie Aelterman & Leen Haerens (2021) Fostering student engagement with motivating teaching: an observation study of teacher and student behaviours, Research Papers in Education, 36:6, 754-779, DOI: 10.1080/02671522.2020.1767184
Diede, M., & Rigsby, K. (2025). ElevatED educator: Turning classroom lessons into engaging experiences using 7 pathways of learning. YouthLight.
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