Rainy season has begun, after a long, hot summer. I went shopping yesterday with my teenage daughter for Halloween costume supplies (I’ve always sewn my children’s halloween costumes, and this year my daughter wants to learn how to sew). We call this “spooky season,” and it’s a time to embrace the best qualities of fall, like the colors and cozy settings.
I did not get as much writing done this summer as I would have liked, and I’m working on trying to create a writing habit. I’ve done a lot of research and reading about the writing process (I also teach writing process at the university so this wasn’t a total waste of time, ha ha), and I plan to not only put these ideas into practice, but share them with my readers.
Strategies to get “unstuck” are useful for writers, teachers, and content creators. These include the usual strategies such as setting micro-goals and doing Pomodoros and word sprints, but also some new strategies I’ve learned such as changing up your environment (perfect for ppooky season), and also, something called “scaffolding your writing” which means writing ABOUT what you want to write, which takes the pressure off and helps build momentum.
Try these three tips for getting out of a writing rut:
Change the context: this can mean changing your location (try writing in the library, in a different room, sitting on the floor or in bed if you usually write at a desk, or sitting at the kitchen table if you usually write on the couch, OR try a coffee shop or library.
You can also change the context by writing in a different medium. Try writing long hand, or even writing on index cards or post-it notes. Buy a fun notebook for this purpose! 🙂
Write about your writing: try sitting down and writing out what you want to write about. For example, I’m currently stuck on a scene that takes place in Ancient Greece, and I’m intimidated by the research required to get this right, so for now I’m going to write about how I want the scene to feel.
Set a micro-goal. I need to write 2,000 words, but I’m going to start by just encouraging myself to write 250 words this weekend. You can even so smaller. Write a paragraph, or a sentence! Or, set a timer just 5 minutes and tell yourself you can stop writing after that.
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy all that the fall season has to offer.
Determine which projects are most important and time-sensitive.
Focus on One Major Project at a Time:
Choose one major project to focus on, such as finishing your novel or expanding your blog, and dedicate specific time to it each week.
Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines:
Break Down Large Tasks: Divide large projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
Set Specific, Achievable Deadlines: Assign deadlines to each task to create a sense of urgency and structure.
Create a Schedule:
Allocate Dedicated Time Slots: Set aside specific times each day or week for different projects.
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar: Keep track of your schedule and deadlines to stay organized.
Overcoming Procrastination
Address Self-Doubt:
Acknowledge Your Accomplishments: Remind yourself of your successes and the progress you’ve made.
Seek Feedback: Share your work with trusted colleagues or friends for constructive feedback to boost your confidence.
Minimize Distractions:
Create a Productive Workspace:
Find a quiet, organized space to work on your projects.
Limit Social Media and Unnecessary Interruptions: Use apps or tools to block distracting websites during your work sessions.
Use Productivity Techniques:
Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Time Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time to different tasks throughout the day.
Consistency and Motivation
Establish Routines:
Morning or Evening Routines: Incorporate your projects into your daily routines, whether it’s early in the morning or after your workday.
Daily Writing Habit: Set a specific time each day for writing or working on your blog.
Stay Accountable:
Find an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with a friend or colleague who can check in on your progress.
Join Writing or Project Groups: Participate in groups or forums related to your interests for support and motivation.
Reward Yourself:
Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for completing tasks and reaching milestones.
Balance Work and Personal Life: Ensure you have time for relaxation and activities you enjoy to avoid burnout.
By prioritizing your projects, setting realistic goals, and creating a structured schedule, you can manage your workload more effectively and make consistent progress. Remember to be kind to yourself and acknowledge your achievements along the way.
I will admit, I really struggle with productivity in winter. This winter, especially, I’ve been dealing with an ongoing feeling of exhaustion and a lack of focus. The cold weather and shorter days take a toll on my energy levels and motivation, leaving me feeling drained and unproductive. From talking to my fellow teachers, writers, and parents, I know I’m not alone.
However, I have many goals I want to accomplish and projects I need to get started, so I realize I need to kick things into gear and try to get more done. I’ve been doing a lot of reading, research, and experimentation in this area and having finally found a few strategies that are working well for me.
Create a Comfortable Workspace(THIS ONE IS HUGE FOR ME): Your environment plays a significant role in your productivity levels. Create a workspace that is conducive to focus and concentration, free from distractions and clutter. Surround yourself with elements that inspire and uplift you, whether it’s a scented candle, a favorite plant, or soothing instrumental music. By curating a comfortable and inviting space, you can enhance your productivity and motivation, even on the dreariest of days.
Embrace the Season: Rather than resisting the winter blues, embrace the unique opportunities it offers. Winter is a time for introspection and self-care. Take advantage of the cozy ambiance to indulge in activities that nourish your mind and body, such as reading by the fireplace, enjoying warm cups of tea, or taking long walks in the snow-covered landscapes. Cultivate a mindset of acceptance towards the season, recognizing it as a time for rest and renewal.
Set Realistic Goals: In the midst of fatigue and burnout, it’s essential to set realistic and manageable goals for yourself. Break down your tasks into smaller, achievable milestones, and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. By setting clear objectives, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain a sense of progress, no matter how small.
Practice Self-Care: Self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being, especially during the winter months. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate your body and mind, such as getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in regular exercise. Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, meditate, or simply breathe deeply. By prioritizing self-care, you can replenish your energy reserves and combat the effects of burnout.
Manage Your Energy: Recognize that your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, and plan your tasks accordingly. Identify your peak hours of productivity and tackle your most demanding tasks during these times. Break up your workday with periodic breaks to prevent fatigue and maintain focus. Experiment with different productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking, to find what works best for you.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for combating distraction and enhancing focus. Take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness meditation, focusing your attention on the present moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. Cultivate a mindset of mindfulness in your daily activities, whether it’s savoring a warm cup of cocoa or engaging fully in a work task. By practicing mindfulness, you can train your mind to stay present and attentive, even amidst the winter doldrums.
Seek Support: I really struggle with this and I have to admit that I don’t really follow it as often as I should. However, this strategy comes highly recommended from almost every source I read. So don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, seeking guidance from a mentor, or consulting a mental health professional, reaching out for support can provide valuable perspective and assistance. Remember that you’re not alone in facing the challenges of productivity and burnout, and there are resources available to help you navigate through them.
Keep in mind that even the smallest amount of progress is cumulative, so be kind to yourself. I hope this season be a time of transformation and resilience for all of us!
Happy New Year! I hope you are having a restful holiday and I wish you all the best for the new year.
I’ve recently discovered a simple practice that has the potential to shape the entire year—choosing a Word of the Year.
The idea is elegantly straightforward: select a single word that encapsulates the essence of what you want to manifest in the coming year. This word becomes your guiding light, a beacon that directs your focus, shapes your priorities, and fuels your journey. Some examples include: Renewal, Growth, Resilience, Balance, Harmony, or Transformation, but the posibilities are endless. You could even brainstorm by making lists or a word web before settling on your word.
The benefits of this practice are far-reaching. At the end of this post I’ll share the word I’ve chosen, why I’ve chosen it, and how I plan to use it to focus my goals. I will also invite you to share your word.
Here are some examples of how a single word might impact your year:
Renewal: A Fresh Start
“Every morning brings new potential, but only if you take the first step.”
Choosing ‘Renewal’ as your Word of the Year is an invitation to embrace fresh beginnings. It’s a commitment to shedding the old, obsolete layers and stepping into a revitalized version of yourself. This year, make it your mission to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.
Growth: Cultivating Your Potential
“Like a tree, your growth is not defined by imperfections, but by the strength to keep reaching for the sun.”
Opting for ‘Growth’ signifies an unwavering commitment to personal and professional development. It’s about expanding your horizons, stepping out of your comfort zone, and allowing yourself the space to flourish. Cultivate the mindset of a lifelong learner, and watch as your world expands in ways you never thought possible.
Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger
“In the face of adversity, resilience is your greatest ally.”
Resilience, your chosen word, becomes a source of strength when faced with challenges. Life is unpredictable, but your response to adversity is within your control. This year, let ‘Resilience’ be your armor, helping you bounce back from setbacks and emerge stronger than ever before.
Balance: Nurturing Harmony Within Chaos
“In the dance of life, find your rhythm and savor the harmony.”
‘Balance’ is a powerful word that resonates with the need to harmonize the various facets of your life. Juggling work, relationships, and personal well-being can be challenging, but by choosing ‘Balance,’ you commit to finding equilibrium. Strive to allocate time and energy to each aspect of your life, creating a symphony of fulfillment.
Harmony: Creating Synchronicity
“In the orchestra of life, let harmony be the melody that guides your actions.”
Selecting ‘Harmony’ is an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of your goals and values. It’s about aligning your actions with your beliefs, fostering positive relationships, and creating a cohesive narrative for your life. Allow ‘Harmony’ to guide your decisions, bringing a sense of unity to your journey.
Transformation: Embracing Evolution
“To transform is to evolve; embrace the journey of becoming who you are meant to be.”
‘Transformation’ is a bold choice, representing the profound shifts you aspire to make. This word calls for embracing change, challenging the status quo, and evolving into the best version of yourself. Let ‘Transformation’ be the catalyst for growth and the driving force behind your pursuit of excellence.
How to Harness the Power of Your Word:
Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the past year—its triumphs, challenges, and the lessons learned. Identify the themes or aspirations that resonate with where you are now and where you want to go.
Choose with Intention: Select your Word of the Year with purpose. It should be a word that inspires you, resonates with your goals, and encapsulates the essence of what you want to achieve. Trust your instincts; the right word will find you.
Visualize: Create a visual representation of your word. This could be a vision board, a piece of art, or simply a written statement. Place it where you’ll see it daily, serving as a constant reminder of your focus and aspirations.
Incorporate into Goal Setting: Align your goals with your chosen word. If ‘Growth’ is your word, set specific objectives that contribute to your personal and professional development. Let your word inform the direction of your goals.
Check-In Regularly: Regularly revisit your Word of the Year. Consider how it’s influencing your decisions, actions, and overall mindset. Use it as a touchstone to ensure alignment with your aspirations.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make throughout the year. Small victories are stepping stones to more significant achievements. Celebrate your journey and the person you are becoming.
Embrace the power of your chosen word, and watch as it transforms your year into a masterpiece of growth, resilience, balance, harmony, and, ultimately, transformation. This is your year—empower it with intention, purpose, and the transformative energy of your chosen word.
For my word of the year, I’ve chosen ABUNDANCE. For the past two years I’ve felt the constant constriction of LACK. Lack of time, lack of energy, lack of money. I’m determined this year to focus on what I WANT, not what don’t want.
Abundance means and abudance of time, energy, happiness, money, contentment, ideas, creativity, memories, and love.
If you share your word in the comments, I will create a custom blog post in the next week based on your word, sharing images, thoughts, ideas, and resources based on your word. I will also spend time each month revisiting my word and how it is impacting my year.
I have been giving a lot of thought to the idea of mindsets and why they are so important.
A mindset refers to a set of beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions that shape the way an individual perceives and interprets the world around them. It is essentially a mental framework or lens through which people view situations, make decisions, and respond to challenges. Mindsets can influence various aspects of life, including how individuals approach learning, handle setbacks, pursue goals, and interact with others.
For example, I was recently reading advice about fitness and nutrition, and it recommended visualing yourself as a fit, healthy person when making choices about what to eat. In other words, instead of thinking about having a list of restrictions (“I can’t have these french fries.”), think of yourself as a fit, healthy person who doesn’t eat french fries (“I don’t eat french fries.”) This may seem like silly semantics, or word games, but research shows it really works.
One of my most popular posts is The Creator Mindset, in which I discuss what it means to think like a content creator and develop a creator mindset. I’ve become convinced that changing your mindset is the most effective way to achieve your goals. Here is why mindsets are more important than goals.
A Creator Mindset:
ImprovesResilience: Having the right mindset helps build resilience by encouraging you to see challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. Instead of being discouraged by obstacles, those with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere and find solutions.
Embraces Learning and Development: A mindset shift towards growth fosters a love for learning. Instead of fearing failure, individuals with a growth mindset view it as a natural part of the learning process. This mindset encourages continuous improvement and development over time.
Increases Motivation and Effort: A belief that effort leads to improvement is a core aspect of a growth mindset. This perspective can increase motivation and effort, as individuals understand that their actions have a direct impact on their abilities and success.
Adapts to Change: In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a valuable trait. A growth mindset facilitates adaptability by promoting openness to new ideas, experiences, and challenges. It allows individuals to see change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.
Enhances Self-Reflection: Changing your mindset involves becoming more aware of your beliefs and attitudes. This increased self-awareness allows for more effective self-reflection, enabling individuals to identify and challenge limiting beliefs that may be hindering their progress.
Leads to Long-Term Success: While setting goals is important, a fixed mindset can limit one’s ability to achieve those goals. A growth mindset, on the other hand, supports the sustained effort and learning required for long-term success. It’s not just about achieving specific goals but about continuously evolving and reaching new heights.
Over time, I have done a great deal of research into the concept of mindset, beginning with the work I did while earning my doctorate in Education and Curriculum Design, in which I learned how to motivate learners without using the traditional (and ineffective) cycle of punishments and external rewards. Once I realized the impact that developing a resilient mindset had on student motivation, I began turning those tools toward myself, working with a success coach, taking courses, and reading books that provided me with the insight and methods needed to be successful. After putting together a system that worked for me, I decided to develop the Creator Mindset course to share that system with you. I’ll be launching in early January. Here is a sneak peak of the course content:
If you’re already a content-creator or want to be one, this course will catapult you to the next level. If you’re a writer, teacher, or student, you will also find this course helpful for improving your motivation, outlook, and results.
Developing a creator mindset is about creating a foundation for achieving goals more effectively. A positive and growth-oriented mindset can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development, enabling individuals to navigate challenges, learn from experiences, and achieve sustained success.
If you’re interested in learning more about how developing the right mindset can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals, be sure to subscribe to ELA Source by entering your email below. As always, I NEVER share your email with anyone, and I don’t spam your inbox.
In a world driven by outcomes and results, there is a growing need to shift our perspective from the end goal to the journey itself. Focusing on the process of learning or creation, rather than fixating solely on the final product, brings about a multitude of benefits. This shift not only fosters a healthier learning environment but also helps to mitigate issues such as cheating, plagiarism, overreliance on AI, anxiety, and procrastination.
Encourages Genuine Understanding: Prioritizing the learning process promotes a deeper and more genuine understanding of the subject matter. Instead of seeking shortcuts to achieve a polished final product, individuals engage with the material, grapple with challenges, and develop a comprehensive comprehension that goes beyond mere surface-level knowledge.
Cultivates Critical Thinking Skills: The journey of learning involves navigating through complexities, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Focusing on the process encourages individuals to analyze information, connect concepts, and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This cultivation of critical thinking skills is essential for personal and professional growth.
Reduces the Temptation of Cheating and Plagiarism: When emphasis is placed on the process, the need for shortcuts diminishes. Cheating and plagiarism often stem from a fixation on the final product, pushing individuals to cut corners to meet deadlines or expectations. By valuing the journey, the pressure to resort to unethical practices decreases, promoting academic integrity.
Mitigates Overreliance on AI: While AI, such as ChatGPT, can be a valuable tool, an overreliance on it can hinder individual cognitive development. Focusing on the learning process allows individuals to grapple with challenges independently, enhancing their problem-solving skills and reducing dependency on external sources.
Alleviates Anxiety: The pursuit of perfection in the final product can lead to heightened anxiety. Shifting the focus to the process eases the burden of unrealistic expectations, allowing individuals to embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning. This shift in mindset fosters a healthier relationship with learning and creativity.
Combats Procrastination: The overwhelming pressure associated with producing a flawless final product can often lead to procrastination. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps and valuing the learning process, individuals are more likely to approach their work with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm, reducing procrastination tendencies.
Fosters a Growth Mindset: Emphasizing the learning process aligns with the principles of a growth mindset. Individuals with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This mindset shift promotes resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards learning and creativity.
In a society that often prioritizes outcomes, it is crucial to recognize the profound benefits of focusing on the process of learning or creation. By embracing the journey, individuals can develop a deeper understanding, cultivate critical thinking skills, and mitigate issues such as cheating, plagiarism, overreliance on AI, anxiety, and procrastination. This shift not only enhances individual development but also contributes to the creation of a more ethical, resilient, and creative society.
In the last few days online (I’ve been on vacation and completing vegging), I’ve discovered an amazing array of talented people who vary widely in terms of abilties, age, privilege, and attractiveness. They have all gone “viral” in some way or another and have all been wildly succesful in terms of getting attention and making money (if either of those are your thing).
They include:
A woman who just published her first book at age 58 and is rewarding herself with a solo trip to the Galapagos islands.
A woman in her 60s who is brand new at cycling and just cycled 250 miles with her son.
A woman who creates Tik Tok livestreams in which she acts like an NPC and pops corn using a hair straightener.
A woman who is not conventally attractive or rich or privilged (bascially a nobody) who has a wildly successful podcast in which she interviews celebrities. She has only posted 9 episodes! Her unique approach is to be really, really bad at interviewing. People love her!
A little old man who livestreams himself eating his lunch.
WHY have I included these examples?
Because you can do anything you want.
I repeat: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT!
I grew up in the 70s and 80s and was an adult in the 90s. It was a time when gatekeepers had all the power. I was told I couldn’t be a writer, a photographer, or a playwright. Back then, when there was no internet, you bascially had to be independently wealthy to pursue those dreams. Instead, I became an English teacher, which I LOVE, and since then, with the rise of the internet, then Web 2.0 and interactive digital media, social media, and creative sharing sites like YouTube, you can do anything and be anything.
IT DOES NOT MATTER:
How old you are.
How much you weigh.
How attractive you are.
Where you starting from.
Right now, I want you to spend a few minutes thinking about and reflecting on what you’d like to do and who you’d like to be, WITH NO LIMITS.
I’ll start first. I’m 52 years old and I’m writing my first novel. I want to finish it (it’s HARD work) and I want to sell it. I want it to become a best seller and I want to make a ton of money off of it. This is actually possible, and if I don’t sell it, I will publish it myself on Amazon, which writers can now do for free.
Everyone is exhausted. My middle school-aged children at home (ages 11-14) hate school and do not want to go. Some of that is end-of-year burnout, some of that is middle school (it’s a tough age), but parents of all ages are feeling it. As a college teacher, I will tell you that the students in my classrooms are tired, bored, ill-prepared, and behind. And this is a group of students who want to be teachers! If my 400-level English Education majors are struggling this much, I can’t imagine what teachers of college freshman are dealing with.
Teachers of every grade-level are feeling burnout. There is so much anger and blame. Whose fault is it? WHOSE FAULT IS IT? Could be:
The screens
Social media
CHAT GPT
Racism
The parents
The schools
The teachers
THE PANDEMIC
The economy
The environment
The guns
The Democrats
The Republicans
For elementary school teachers it’s almost always the parents. For middle and high school teachers, it’s the elementary school teachers, for the college teachers it’s the high school teachers. And it’s always the screens. If we just take away the screens, things will improve.
I’m not so sure.
As someone who has school-aged children, who spends a good part of her work week visiting and observing in the public schools (I do research, help teachers, and supervise student teachers), and who reads teaching and professor forums, what I DO SEE is a generation of exhausted professionals who are clinging to out-dated teaching methods. It’s nobody’s fault. We were trained to teach this way.
However, I have always felt strongly that taking away technology is not the solution. Barring iPhones and ChatGPT from the classroom to preserve outdated methods feels fundamentailly wrong to me.
I don’t know the answer. When I’m really struggling I turn to the fundamentals of constructivist teaching, which I have learned again and again, while earning my doctorate, through my own teaching, and through continuing to read and do research into pedagogy, is the most effective method. People scoff at constructivism as a buzz word because they don’t understand it.
At it’s very core, constructivism simply means ACTIVELY INVOLVING STUDENTS IN THEIR OWN LEARNING.
We scoff at “ACTIVE LEARNING” because it’s a phrase that is used all the time without any real mearning or purpose. All ir means is simplly asking the students to take an action of some kind. It iis n the ACTION that the learning happens.
Students are not good at listening passively. None of us are. Things go in one ear and out the other. Instead of passive lecturing, require that students seek out the information themselves and fill out a graphic organizer. Ask them to confer with their peers. Give them ample amounts of time to socialize, but a very limited amount of time to complete a task.
For example, present a new concept in a short period of time, just a few minutes. Present the material orally as well as visually. Have studets take notes using a graphic organizer to guide their notetaking. Then, have students work in groups to apply the concept to a problem. Have them actively practice or apply the concept. Have the groups work together to write on the white board or fill out a Google Slide. Give each student an active role. One student writes down the answers, one student will present to the class, one student keeps track of time.
Walk around while groups are working. You have to walk around. As soon as you sit down, students will go off the rails. Is it tiring to be on your feet all day? Of course, but it’s actually less exhausting than dealing with an entire classroom full of students who aren’t doing anything. You can sit down while the groups present. Also, wear comfortable shoes. Get a fitbit.
When the time is up, have groups present what they learned. Call on students by name. Ask them to explain their process. Get them used to thinking out loud in the classroom. Get them comfortable with explaining their thinking even when they don’t understand. It’s okay if they don’t understand.
This is just the start. There are other approaches, other ways of teaching. Remember, there is no one approach that will work with every student. I will be using this blog to explore different approaches and different methods, as well as providing resources, such as Power Point slides, graphic organizers, group work forms, and self-reflection tools to help making teaching easier.
Gamification and game design are two strategies that are often used in education to engage and motivate learners. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two approaches.
Gamification is the use of game-like elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, in a non-game context to encourage certain behaviors or actions. In education, this might involve using a points system to reward students for completing assignments, participating in class, or achieving certain milestones. The goal of gamification is to make learning more fun and engaging by adding elements of competition and reward.
Game design, on the other hand, involves the creation of actual games or game-like experiences with a specific learning objective in mind. These games are designed to teach specific skills or knowledge, and are often more complex and immersive than gamified learning activities. Game design requires a deep understanding of game mechanics and the ability to create engaging and challenging experiences for learners.
One key difference between gamification and game design is the level of complexity. Gamification typically involves the use of simple game-like elements, such as points and badges, to motivate learners. Game design, on the other hand, involves the creation of entire game experiences, which may be much more complex and require more sophisticated game mechanics.
Another difference is the focus of the two approaches. Gamification is often used to motivate learners and encourage certain behaviors, while game design is focused on teaching specific skills or knowledge. This means that gamification is often used as a supplement to traditional instruction, while game design is more likely to be used as the primary method of teaching.
While gamification and game design are both strategies that can be used in education to engage and motivate learners, they are distinct approaches with some key differences. Gamification involves the use of simple game-like elements to encourage certain behaviors, while game design involves the creation of complex and engaging game experiences to teach specific skills or knowledge.
Self-determination theory is a psychological theory that explains the motivation behind human behavior. It suggests that people have a basic need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and that satisfying these needs is essential for psychological well-being and optimal functioning.
In the writing classroom, these three needs can be particularly important for student success and motivation.
Autonomy refers to the feeling of being in control of one’s own actions and decisions. In the writing classroom, providing students with choices and allowing them to take ownership of their own learning can foster a sense of autonomy and increase their motivation to write.
For example, giving students the option to choose their own writing topics or allowing them to collaborate with their peers on a writing project can help them feel more in control of their own learning.
Competence refers to the feeling of being capable and effective in one’s actions. In the writing classroom, providing students with the necessary tools and support to improve their writing skills can help them feel more competent and motivated to write.
For example, offering writing workshops along with individualized instruction and student-teacher writing conferences can help students develop their skills and feel more confident in their abilities.
Relatedness refers to the feeling of connectedness to others. In the writing classroom, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment can help students feel more connected to their peers and teachers. This can increase their motivation to write, as they feel that their writing is valued and appreciated by others.
For example, providing opportunities for students to write about topics and issues they care about about, having students share their writing with their peers or a larger audience, and making sure students receive timely and constructive feedback from the instructor or their peers, can help them feel more connected and motivated.
Overall, incorporating the principles of self-determination theory in the writing classroom can help foster a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness among students, which can in turn increase their motivation and engagement in the writing process. By supporting students in satisfying their basic psychological needs, teachers can help them become more confident and successful writers.
ELA Source 
You must be logged in to post a comment.