Building Relationships To Enhance Student Motivation

The engagement gap: why traditional online learning metrics hide the real reason students disengage. Most platforms track completion rates. But they miss what really matters. Isolation kills motivation faster than any technical glitch. Here's how to build real connection in virtual spaces: 1️⃣ Community-First Design • Break the solo learning trap • Foster peer relationships • Create belonging through structure ↳ Group projects that actually work ↳ Guided discussions that spark dialogue ↳ Micro-communities that stick together 2️⃣ Real-Time Connection Points • Schedule virtual coffee chats • Host informal study groups • Break down social barriers ↳ Weekly check-ins build momentum ↳ Informal spaces encourage bonding ↳ Small groups maximize interaction 3️⃣ Peer Support Networks • Match learners strategically • Enable organic mentoring • Build accountability partnerships ↳ Buddy systems drive completion ↳ Peer feedback loops work magic ↳ Support circles prevent dropout 4️⃣ Active Instructor Presence • Show up consistently • Engage authentically • Guide conversations naturally ↳ Regular office hours matter ↳ Personal responses build trust ↳ Active participation sets the tone 5️⃣ Inclusive Space Design • Clear community guidelines • Diverse representation • Accessible support systems ↳ Everyone feels welcome ↳ All voices get heard ↳ Support reaches everyone The secret isn't more content. It's better connection. Build community first. Everything else follows. How are you designing for connection—not just completion—in your online learning spaces?

How do you build trust in a classroom? On our latest Fueling Creativity in Education podcast, my co-host Matthew Worwood and I spoke with educator Jonathan Garra, who shared a simple yet powerful strategy he uses at the start of every school year. He invites students to ask him any question they want, with one important rule: When he responds, they must also be ready to answer the same question if it is posed to them. In one of his first classes, a student asked him to share the saddest day of his life. Without hesitation, Jonathan answered honestly and vulnerably. As he put it: "We are all here. We are all human. We are all going to make mistakes. And if we are going to learn from each other, we need to really see each other." This approach sets the tone that the classroom is not just about content, it is about connection. It is not just the teacher's history class. It becomes OUR history class. Jonathan's message ties back to a simple but profound idea he repeated during our conversation: "The three Rs of education are relationships, relationships, relationships like hands down." It's a reminder that taking the time to build trust is not extra work. It is the foundation that allows everything else, including creativity, to happen. What is one small way you build trust with your students? I would love to hear your ideas. #FuelingCreativity #Education #BuildingRelationships #TeachingForCreativity

I used to struggle connecting with my students. I knew that was the most important part of my job. So I found a better way. I hope you find it as useful as I did. It's the R.E.L.A.T.E framework. Don't skip any step. It's a package deal. R - Recognize individuality Every student is different. Notice their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. If you don't understand them, you can't reach them. E - Empathize with them What might they be experiencing? Don't just assume. Dig and find out. Teaching isn't just about academics. L - Listen to them Find out what they're going through. Understand why they might be disengaged. When you care you become someone they trust. A - Affirm their feelings Identify their concerns. Explain why their feelings are valid. Make sure they see you understand them. A few moments can make them feel seen and respected. T - Teach human skills It's not all about academics. Teach them empathy, responsibility, resilience. Validate their need to learn these skills. This helps them trust your guidance. E - Ensure regular feedback Address any concerns they have about their performance. Provide constructive feedback (hint: use AI). Encourage them to do better. When students see you put in effort They will reciprocate. This framework has been a game-changer for me. I hope it does the same for you.

Student Support is a functioning consciousness with the greatest needs of our young people as its axis. Here are eight pieces of advice for educators, who are preparing for our young people to return. 1️⃣ Even if you have anxiety about being back from summer break/vacation… our most vulnerable won’t see a real one until their late 20’s. Don’t assume that they are well rested but also bring some of that well rested energy to the table. For many kids the highlight of their summer may be coming back to school. 2️⃣ If you struggle with making your office space or classroom culturally responsive, start the year by making it responsive for you. Your space should make young people be curious about your lived experiences. Tell them who you are well before the true relationship building happens. Then as you grow together the space should be reflective of many experiences and cultures. 3️⃣ Master one relationship building skill really really damn well. Either it’s the greet, or dap at the door or the restorative exercise. Be known for being someone who is warm to the complexity of a young person. 4️⃣ Utilize essential questions. “How can this be used in the real world?” Or “Where does this live in your world?” No wrong answers here. 5️⃣ Do something unpredictable but fun and unique. Young people love feeling special. One time I brought yoga mats into a class room and we all laid on the floor facing the ceiling talking about Marxism, Capitalism, Socialism and Communism and ended with the young people wanting their own “ism” 6️⃣ Send a note home to parents. “My name is Cory McCarthy. My fav show is greys anatomy, my pet peeve is folks who rush to get off planes instead of waiting their turn and I got into education because I want to make the world bigger for your child. My fav fruit is papaya. 7️⃣ Remember, just because they don’t do our work or take directives… doesn’t make them crappy kids. If you care about that fine line where delivery meets message the kids will respond in turn with the same. 8️⃣ Understand you have one young person, but three relationships to build. 1. The young person 2. Their parents. 3. The person that brings them joy or make them feel that anything is possible. 2 & 3 can be the same but as they grow so does their network of trusted humans. Be one of them. None of this is easy, but the greatest relationship building tutors are our young people.