Critical Thinking, Curriculum and Motivation

3 critical areas necessary to boost student motivation

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

The report, Students as Meaning Makers: Why Academic Solutions Aren’t Enough , underscores an increasingly critical need to ensure students find positivity and meaning in their learning. The lack of motivation has contributed to lower academic performance and increased dropout rates.

Motivation

Motivation Students Testing Participation

Top tips for great cross-curricular coding

eSchool News

JANUARY 21, 2021

When working in tandem with core curriculum standards, computational strategies inherent in coding build meaningful, essential critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in students.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Physical Education English Motivation

The pros and cons of DEI in education

eSchool News

MAY 13, 2025

One of the main advantages of DEI in education is the promotion of a more inclusive and representative curriculum. This enhances critical thinking and empathy. This leads to increased engagement and motivation. Students gain a broader understanding of the world by integrating diverse perspectives into course materials.

Education

Education Critical Thinking Motivation Culture

Computational Thinking Is Critical Thinking. And It Works in Any Subject.

Edsurge

MAY 21, 2019

But at its core, computational thinking is simply a way to process information using higher-order or critical thinking, says Julie Oltman, who also teaches at Lehigh and is collaborating with Hammond on a related social studies curriculum. Naturally, it involves a lot of computational thinking.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Social Studies English Art

New Slate of Inspiring and Engaging Standards-Aligned Content Added to Discovery Education Experience for Back-to-School 2025

eSchool News

APRIL 23, 2025

Among the new content and resources now available to users of Discovery Education Experience are: Ready-To-Teach Lessons Enhancing Curriculum Built around research-based instructional strategies, these new ready-to-teach lessons and activities target critical classroom needs and help teachers create unique learning opportunities for each student.

Laboratory

Laboratory Social Studies Education Middle School

Coding, Creativity and the New Digital Fluency

Edsurge

JUNE 11, 2025

By positioning code as a creative tool, educators can tap into students' intrinsic motivation while simultaneously building computational thinking skills. It aligns with digital literacy frameworks that emphasize critical evaluation, meaningful contribution and not just technical skills.

Ethics

Ethics Science Game-Based Learning Motivation

What Motivates Maker Educators?

Edsurge

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

And what motivates them? According to the report, many maker educators believe “making can help students develop real-world skills” such as creativity, problem-solving acumen, critical thinking and perseverance, along with “dispositions associated with positive work and life outcomes.” Maker Education Initiative.

Motivation

Motivation Education Critical Thinking STEM

Is it time to redesign your curriculum for the 21st century learner?

eSchool News

JANUARY 31, 2016

Is it time to rethink your curriculum? Educators are grappling — either by choice or decree — with how to incorporate digital devices, new learning standards, and more collaboration and critical thinking into the already-packed school day. What is a 21st century curriculum? What needs to change?

Curriculum

Curriculum Critical Thinking Knowledge STEM

5 ways to teach and assess learning in the age of AI

eSchool News

JANUARY 17, 2024

Some experts believe this new technology can have a positive impact on teaching and learning, while others fret it may weaken the teaching of critical thinking and increase bias by spreading misinformation about different groups and cultures. Motivate students to act by incorporating action planning into assignments.

Teaching

Teaching Critical Thinking Assignments Learning

9 ways to honor diversity and cultivate safe learning spaces

eSchool News

JULY 17, 2024

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Building a foundation Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs provides a foundational framework for understanding human motivation and development. By integrating culturally responsive practices, educators can foster critical thinking and creativity while respecting and celebrating diversity.

Learning Spaces

Learning Spaces Culture Motivation Learning

Incorporating Monthly Giving Projects into STEM Curriculum: Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists

Ask a Tech Teacher

JUNE 18, 2024

The Ask a Tech Teacher team has ideas on how to incorporate giving into your STEM curriculum: Incorporating Monthly Giving Projects into STEM Curriculum: Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists STEM equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills vital for their future careers.

STEM

STEM Curriculum Critical Thinking Motivation

Design thinking in the 21st century is an imperative

eSchool News

JANUARY 22, 2025

This process pushes students to engage with skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Design thinking also has a positive impact on the overall motivation and engagement of students. How do I use design thinking?

Failure

Failure Critical Thinking Essay Feedback

Total Motivation Story

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Explore Total Motivation, the print-and-digital supplemental curriculum that offers state-specific solutions for Math and ELA, aligning to state standards and reflecting the rigor of state assessments. Mapping curriculum to lesson plans has never been more seamless.

Motivation

Motivation Math Curriculum Activities

Critical Thinking Development in Middle School Education

Ask a Tech Teacher

DECEMBER 26, 2023

Critical Thinking Development in Middle School Education Fostеring critical thinking skills in middlе school еducation is paramount to equipping studеnts with thе intеllеctual tools necessary for succеss. Sеvеral kеy componеnts constitutе critical thinking.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Middle School Middle School Education

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

eSchool News

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Plus, when they make mistakes, they’re motivated to try new approaches to test theories. This process reinforces scientific inquiry and builds critical thinking skills as students see, touch, and analyze real results from their experiments. Allowing students to vote on projects or learning topics can boost engagement.

Middle School

Middle School Middle School STEM Interdisciplinary

Is the Traditional Classroom Becoming Obsolete?

Ask a Tech Teacher

APRIL 28, 2025

Studies show that students in remote settings often feel isolated, which can lead to decreased motivation and engagement. In this new paradigm, collaboration and critical thinking are essential. The use of digital tools fosters collaboration and interaction, which can enhance critical thinking skills.

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid Learning Learning Styles Study Critical Thinking

California School Pilots Total Motivation to Kick-Start Student Achievement

eSchool News

OCTOBER 7, 2015

Print-and-Online Supplemental Curriculum Emphasizes Critical Thinking with 100-Percent Alignment to Standards.

Motivation

Motivation Achievement Critical Thinking Schools

Friday 5: College and career readiness

eSchool News

APRIL 12, 2024

A globalized curriculum will help better prepare students for work and entrepreneurship and bring education into the 21st century. Rolling out a globalized curriculum will achieve just that–and more. A global college and career readiness curriculum is essential in that pursuit. Here’s why that’s important.

Motivation

Motivation High School High School Knowledge

With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts

eSchool News

APRIL 2, 2025

Many students suffer from math anxiety, which can lead to a lack of confidence and motivation. Some students may feel disengaged if the curriculum does not connect to their interests or learning styles. Because Edia has the same lessons and activities built into its system, learning concepts are reinforced for students.

Coaching

Coaching Math Students Assignments

Our research shows that when students work on projects, they learn more

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 1, 2016

Educators often talk about 21st-century skills and the benefits of incorporating communication, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking into lessons. Many of them used the pre-built lessons to supplement traditional lessons and fill gaps in the curriculum. The fifth-grade group had similar results.

STEM

STEM Textbooks Learning Students

5 ways teaching science with probeware promotes 3D learning

eSchool News

MAY 30, 2024

The impact of probeware on student motivation and interest, particularly in science subjects often perceived as “ difficult, boring, and abstract ,” is significant. It provides students with rich opportunities for computational thinking in constructing explanations of observed phenomena.

Science

Science Mobile Devices Teaching STEM

Q&A: The importance of STEM support for teachers

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 5, 2018

In January, Discovery Education debuted STEM Connect , a web-based supplemental K-8 resource, developed with the input of educators and curriculum experts, which helps educators create engaging STEM lessons that strengthen students’ critical-thinking skills. Next page: Four important questions about STEM Connect).

STEM

STEM Interdisciplinary Critical Thinking Teachers

News Flash! PRESSTO Sees Exponential Growth Within Early Launch Of Generative Ai Integration

eSchool News

MARCH 27, 2023

The all-new AI Assignment Assistant generates customized writing prompts on any topic or subject, at any grade level and in any curriculum within seconds. We’ve seen students who lacked the motivation to write become passionate about the craft.

Writing

Writing Motivation Learning Styles Critical Thinking

Students desperately need to see relevance in their learning

eSchool News

AUGUST 29, 2022

If communities take advantage of opportunities to close the relevance gap, students can move from disengaged to motivated, with a deeper understanding of their own natural talents and their potential for fulfilling, long-term, in-demand careers, according to the paper. The result: a two-tiered quandary.

Students

Students Learning Student Engagement Critical Thinking

Schools and districts that ignore TikTok’s lessons are bound to fail

eSchool News

DECEMBER 5, 2023

Instead of snuffing out the doom scroll at its source, educators should lean into it, learn, and apply takeaways to their curriculum. Students can see and experience the relevance of what they are learning, which can have a profound impact on their motivation and comprehension. Is there a lesson in that?

Teaching Methods

Teaching Methods Lecturing Schools Beliefs

Texting is negatively impacting students’ writing

eSchool News

JUNE 30, 2023

The student understands the underlying motives driving the character’s behavior here. To engage in the critical thinking process that underpins the ability to write? But there are some problems with this response. Notice the missing initial capitalization, the lack of closing punctuation, and the use of a sentence fragment.

Writing

Writing Students Communication Critical Thinking

4 ways to balance rigor and fun in the ELA classroom

eSchool News

AUGUST 20, 2024

If you then encourage students to research topics that interest them, they’ll be even more motivated to read and write–and they may even have some fun. These connections make students more interested in the stories they read, enhancing their overall classroom engagement.

Reading

Reading Assignments English Math

DreamBox Learning® Expands into PreK-2 Reading with Launch of Reading Park

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 21, 2023

“As an early innovator in education technology, we have seen firsthand how complementing teacher instruction with proven-effective adaptive technology can help build students’ confidence, critical thinking skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Reading scores have been flat in the U.S.

Reading

Reading Intelligence Learning Art

Toyota and Discovery Education Launch Initiative Inspiring Student Innovation in STEM

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Keys to Connect features: A youth engagement challenge designed to motivate and inspire original approaches to societal issues such as transportation. Additional Resources A series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more can be found at Toyota’s virtual education hub.

STEM

STEM Education Students Critical Thinking

Why writing doesn’t just prove learning, it improves all learning-including STEM

eSchool News

JULY 20, 2017

Simply put, writing is our critical thinking made visible. In their pursuit of self-expression, they often find themselves challenged to find new words or motivated to develop academic vocabulary. Because it is a critical thinking process, writing isn’t merely an act of jotting down what you have in your head.

Writing

Writing STEM Learning Critical Thinking

The four promises of school: Building a future-focused, student-centered learning environment

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

By fostering a positive school culture, we create an environment where students and staff feel valued and motivated. In practical terms, Joy in schools means integrating creative and interactive activities into the curriculum, celebrating achievements, and creating spaces where students are safe to express themselves.

Schools

Schools Learning Students Knowledge

The Station Rotation Model: Must-Do vs. May-Do Stations

Catlin Tucker

APRIL 15, 2024

Interest-Based Learning: In a unit of study, a teacher sets up must-do stations addressing core curriculum requirements and may-do stations that invite students to delve into subtopics related to the subject, allowing students to choose based on their interests and passions.

Metacognitive Skills

Metacognitive Skills Math Blended Learning Quizzes

I Worked for ESL Companies with Lousy Curriculums. Here’s What I Learned — And What You Should Look For.

Edsurge

FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Millions of students take English lessons online now, and I’d like to think at least some ESL companies are doing good work, though the extent of their impact still remains to be seen. Content and curriculum quality vary considerably. But not all ESL programs are created equal. I learned quickly what the recruiter meant.

Curriculum

Curriculum English Languages Language

Why Don’t We Trust Students?

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 25, 2024

The rapidly changing demands of the workplace and life require individuals who are self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of critical thinking and problem-solving. This hurts their motivation and creates an unsustainable work imbalance, with teachers doing the lion’s share of the work.

Students

Students Motivation Blended Learning Critical Thinking

Teachers: 6 social assignments for online learning

eSchool News

JUNE 30, 2017

Many teachers struggle to come up with tasks and projects that really engage and motivate students to skip procrastination and get working. If you need students to develop critical thinking and creative skills, use the “picture assignment.” Let’s begin: 1. The Photo Online Assignment.

Assignments

Assignments Online Learning Teachers Learning

4 Critical Pieces of Every Lesson and How to Gamify Them video

Ask a Tech Teacher

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

This approach fosters engagement and motivation, which are essential for effective learning. Mastery of keyboarding is critical, as students will be tested on these skills. When students engage with games that require problem-solving and critical thinking, they learn necessary academic concepts in a fun way.

Gamification

Gamification Critical Thinking Intelligence Motivation

20 top edtech tools for the classroom

eSchool News

OCTOBER 21, 2019

Google CS First : A computer science curriculum with themed coding projects, this program makes coding less intimidating and more accessible to people from all different backgrounds. In addition, the themes and activities motivate students from different backgrounds and knowledge levels. Extraordinary ELA. ?

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Motivation Writing Knowledge

Zap Zap Math–Gamify any Math Curriculum

Ask a Tech Teacher

MAY 30, 2017

Games are more than rote drills, intended to train critical thinking, problem-solving, and promote logic in decisions. Here are ten ways you will want to incorporate Zap Zap Math into your math curriculum: Let children play unattended, anytime, anywhere, as a supplement to class, homework, or independent math study.

Math

Math Curriculum Quizzes Languages

How to Change the Dynamics of Peer-to-peer Learning

Ask a Tech Teacher

MARCH 25, 2025

As a pedagogical strategy, it can be effective in reinforcing critical thinking, cooperation, creativity, and problem solving–traits that are difficult to teach but essential for students who want to become productive, happy adults. Often, it is a less stressful way to develop lifelong learners.

Feedback

Feedback Instructors Learning Critical Thinking

5 ways to teach like a pirate

eSchool News

MARCH 7, 2024

These strategies encourage curiosity and critical thinking, setting the stage for deeper exploration of the day’s lesson. By incorporating kinesthetic hooks into teaching practices, educators can create dynamic and immersive environments that promote collaboration and critical thinking.

Teaching

Teaching Gamification Critical Thinking Student Engagement

MIND Education Enhances Flagship Math Program ST Math with Transformative Back-to-School Upgrades

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

The revolutionized curriculum introduces brand new games, an engaging island-themed student journey, an improved educator dashboard, enhanced puzzle talks to foster mathematical discourse, and comprehensive teacher workshops and professional learning.

Math

Math Motivation Education Schools

35 edtech innovations we saw at FETC 2023

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

It motivates people to reach reading goals by tracking when, how much, and what they read. Lisa Wills, executive director of curriculum and instruction for Ector County Independent School District (ISD) in Odessa, Texas, answered these questions and more in a 45-minute session at FETC.

Mobile Devices

Mobile Devices Gamification Science STEM

How I’m making learning more engaging for my gifted students

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

They complete tasks quickly, are often motivated to dig deeper into a subject, and are prone to boredom if not sufficiently challenged. Students of any age and ability level will enjoy activities like these and develop some critical thinking skills along the way. This can lead to disengagement, especially for gifted students.

Students

Students Learning Communication Discussions

Students Need Learning Opportunities Beyond Core Subjects. Here's Why.

Edsurge

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

When we devalue the subject areas on the margins of our state-mandated curriculum, we fail to recognize the full range of skills students need for a well-rounded education. I've seen how it can enhance cognitive skills, boost cultural awareness, and improve critical thinking.

Languages

Languages Language Learning Students

3 critical areas necessary to boost student motivation

Top tips for great cross-curricular coding

Trending Sources

The pros and cons of DEI in education

Computational Thinking Is Critical Thinking. And It Works in Any Subject.

New Slate of Inspiring and Engaging Standards-Aligned Content Added to Discovery Education Experience for Back-to-School 2025

Coding, Creativity and the New Digital Fluency

What Motivates Maker Educators?

Is it time to redesign your curriculum for the 21st century learner?

5 ways to teach and assess learning in the age of AI

9 ways to honor diversity and cultivate safe learning spaces

Incorporating Monthly Giving Projects into STEM Curriculum: Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists

Design thinking in the 21st century is an imperative

Total Motivation Story

Critical Thinking Development in Middle School Education

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

Is the Traditional Classroom Becoming Obsolete?

California School Pilots Total Motivation to Kick-Start Student Achievement

Friday 5: College and career readiness

With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts

Our research shows that when students work on projects, they learn more

5 ways teaching science with probeware promotes 3D learning

Q&A: The importance of STEM support for teachers

News Flash! PRESSTO Sees Exponential Growth Within Early Launch Of Generative Ai Integration

Students desperately need to see relevance in their learning

Schools and districts that ignore TikTok’s lessons are bound to fail

Texting is negatively impacting students’ writing

4 ways to balance rigor and fun in the ELA classroom

DreamBox Learning® Expands into PreK-2 Reading with Launch of Reading Park

Toyota and Discovery Education Launch Initiative Inspiring Student Innovation in STEM

Why writing doesn’t just prove learning, it improves all learning-including STEM

The four promises of school: Building a future-focused, student-centered learning environment

The Station Rotation Model: Must-Do vs. May-Do Stations

I Worked for ESL Companies with Lousy Curriculums. Here’s What I Learned — And What You Should Look For.

Why Don’t We Trust Students?

Teachers: 6 social assignments for online learning

4 Critical Pieces of Every Lesson and How to Gamify Them video

20 top edtech tools for the classroom

Zap Zap Math–Gamify any Math Curriculum

How to Change the Dynamics of Peer-to-peer Learning

5 ways to teach like a pirate

MIND Education Enhances Flagship Math Program ST Math with Transformative Back-to-School Upgrades

35 edtech innovations we saw at FETC 2023

How I’m making learning more engaging for my gifted students

Students Need Learning Opportunities Beyond Core Subjects. Here's Why.

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