By AshaLee Ortiz

I teach music, so being creative is kind of essential to my classroom.  However, a little bit of everything should be present in all content areas, because that helps depth of knowledge and retention. So let’s get past the stigma of what something looks like in an “art” classroom or a “science” classroom. What should student motivation look like in any classroom? 

A motivated student is engaged, participating, asking questions, and putting forth a quality product.  Here are some ways I have had success using creative student motivation techniques:

1. Be Zesty. If you are not excited, neither are your students. Enthusiasm is contagious. At younger grade levels especially, the more energetic and excited you get about solving a problem or completing a task, the more engaged students become. Even in middle school, when being excited about anything remotely academic is “not cool,” your attitude as an instructor can make or break any unit. Sometimes I like to call them out on what I have dubbed “middle school stank face” and demonstrate how ridiculous their attitude looks when I emulate their behavior. Not for humiliation, but humor, and because my students know I care, they usually end up trying a little harder.

2. Build a 2-Way Classroom Culture. Because I give 100 percent of my effort, I expect the same of my students.  We have constant dialogue about what is too difficult, what is too easy, and any extra pressures they may be feeling, either inside or outside my classroom, and we adjust accordingly. Using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, the study/act portion in my classroom has morphed into a dedicated time when students are able to share their thoughts and concerns on what is working and what we should adjust or improve. It works because, after my students have shared their thoughts, I do my part to make the necessary changes. They see the adjustment to the classroom, and know their opinions and thoughts are of value. Sometimes, I cannot effect the change, and we have an honest dialogue about why that method would not work, so the students’ voice retains value.

3. Misplace the Norm. If students are used to playing kickball in a PE class, motivation is going to be average. If students are asked to play kickball to review note names on the recorder, or to demonstrate Newton’s first law in physics class, motivation will likely increase. Ask colleagues what kinds of activities they do often in their classroom, and see if you can tweak these activities to support a standard in your classroom. Think outside the box. Have students create a collage, write a song or rap. In my classroom, we held music debates concerning different composers and eras in music history, which resulted in detailed research, preparation, and engagement.

4. Use Student-Generated Ideas or Projects. Another way for students to know their voice has value is to incorporate student-generated ideas or projects. In my classroom, it may be some choreography or prop we use for a performance. In other classes, it may be the use of digital simulators for science, or a food-based social studies lesson, or student choice for a class novel.  For younger grades, you may have a few different methods to assess a particular standard or skill, and then give the class some “voice and choice.” If students have input on how they can demonstrate their learning, they are more motivated to complete the task at hand. 

5. Incorporate Meaningful Technology. 21^st Century learners have been raised in a media-rich environment. If you allow technology, some students will be automatically motivated. Have a set objective about what you want students to demonstrate with the technology, and then, set them free. You may feel uneasy with technology changing and adapting on a rapid basis, but your students may be perfectly comfortable with this. Implement best practices for usage, set clear guidelines, and watch the results. In an autobiography project, I gave students an outline of my requirements, but did not restrict their means for completing the assignment. Some students created a Prezi, others a PowerPoint. One student completed the assignment on her personal blog. A few others uploaded a video on YouTube. Each of these students was able to complete the same objective without being restricted by a five-paragraph, double-spaced essay.

6. Incorporate Competition. Sometimes, all you need to do is throw a little competition their way. Split the class in half. Divide into groups of three or four. Set some simple parameters and turn the activity into a game. It could be as easy as who can finish this the quietest, or as complex as which group can come up with the most different but workable solution to a problem. If the skill does not lend itself to being very motivating, a competition certainly will.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement. The main reason I became an educator and musician came down to a defining moment with my piano teacher when I was 12 years old. I was just good enough to not be great, and I was frustrated. I was ready to quit. My wise piano teacher bribed me to practice with a Snickers bar. I still hate “Glow, Little Glowworm” to this day, but dang it, I earned that candy bar. She probably had to do it a few more times, but by then I was more intrinsically motivated to practice because I was doing well. It doesn’t even have to cost you anything extra; it could be a student holding a stuffed animal for the day, being able to listen to music in class, earning a sticker, or getting to wear a hat.

Creative teaching means finding ways to help students get over the edge. Figure out what will motivate your students, and reinforce their motivation positively.

AshaLee Ortiz has been teaching K­–8 music for the past eight years in Peoria, Arizona. Her program was recognized as one of the best communities for music education in 2013 by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). She has a bachelor’s in music education from California State University, Fullerton, and is currently working on a master’s in educational technology. In her spare time, AshaLee enjoys spending time with her family, arranging musical mash-ups, blogging, and sleeping.