Engaging the Disengaged Dr. Mary Amanda Graham Program Director Seattle University

Frustrations  What challenges do you face with your disengaged students?

What the Student Thinks  What’s important?  What motivates?

Definition of Motivation  Motivation-internal  Action  Direction  Engagement  Motivation + Engagement=Learning

What Motivates You…What Engages You  Why is it different for students

Why We Do Things  Enjoyment  Rewarding

Why Do We Do Things Less Enjoyable

Students  All Students are motivated by something  All Students can be engaged

Internal vs. External Motivation  What are internal motivators at your school  What are external motivators at your school

The Problem with the Candy Bar  It is never enough…  Short Term  Student losses interest  Geared toward the “motivated” student  Not a real life transferable skill in many situations.

The Internally Motivated  Engaged  Self Starters  Comprehend Materials  Uses failure as a motivation  Creative  Enjoys School  High Level of Academic Achievement

Assumptions of Choice Theory  Basic Needs  Quality World  Behavior has a Purpose

Implications of Choice Theory in School  Basic Needs: Love and Belonging Freedom Fun Power Survival

Love and Belonging  Social over school  Acceptance  Belonging in a group  Cared about  Known on a personal level  Protecting self to fit in  Seems Disinterested

Freedom  Need for Independence  Decision Making  Relatedness  Involvement in Own Learning  Pursuit of Interests  Autonomy

Fun  Engagement  Enjoyment  Fun  Excitement

Power  Responsibility  Leadership  Achievement

Survival  Safety  Basic Needs (food, shelter, clothing, safe home…)  Risk Taking

How Are These Basic Needs Met for Students  In Your school?

Quality World What does that mean? What does that mean in regards to School?

Group Activity  Brainstorm with the people at your table. Can you come up with 10 ways to meet students’ basic needs, as well as their needs specific to your school

Ideas To Foster The Needs  Become a part of the students quality world  Work with teachers on the value of personal relationships  Buy in from administrators on the role of counselor  In-service for teachers  Assess Curriculum and Meaning  School Environment

Ideas-Continued Mentorship Presences Lunch Before Class Activities A Systems Approach

Contact Info  Dr. Mary Amanda Graham\ Seattle University

References  Glasser, W. Counseling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy  Loyd, Byron D. (2005). The effects of reality therapy/choice theory principles on high school students' perception of needs satisfaction and behavioral change. International Journal of Reality Therapy, Vol 25(1), 2005, 5-9  Wubbolding, R. (2000) Reality Therapy in the 21 st Century.