Strategies to Increase Student Interest & Engagement Which Result in Meaningful Learning

Kris shares stories about activities he has done in class to increase student engagement. These activities are designed to increase meaningful learning by making learning fun and engaging for the students. He emphasizes the teachers share personal stories explaining why they are invested in their subjects. He encourages teachers to bring their personalities into the classroom.
This video answers the following questions.
How can I get students excited about my curriculum?
How can I get students excited about math?
How can I get students excited about history?
How can I get students excited about English?
How can I build positive relationships with students?
How can I get students to like me?
How can I get my students more engaged in the class?
Kris Cole's Biographical Information:
SELECTED TEACHING & COACHING AWARDS
Envirothon - Wildlife Division - State Champions - 2012
Soils Division - State Champions - 2002 & 2004
Envirothon - State Finalists - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2020
Became Winningest Envirothon Coach of All Time for Seminole County with 8th win - 2020
“Seniors’ Choice Award” out of over 200 faculty - 2010
Teacher of the Month - 2000 & 2009
Highest Advanced Placement Environmental Science pass rate in SCPS - 2001, 2003, & 2004
Disney Teacherrific Award - 2003
Selected by Phillips Petroleum to film a video about the Florida Scrub Jay that was distributed
to schools nationwide - 2003
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers - 2000 & 2001
Awarded OEE “Program of Excellence” - state’s highest environmental education award - 2000
Seminole Soil & Water Conservation District - Teacher of the Year - 1999
Girls Basketball Assistant Coach - State Champions - 1999 & 2000
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS
Kris Cole's Students:
Completed species surveys at Lyonia State Preserve. (1999 - 2003) & (2006 - 2009)
Cleaned up Lake Monroe & filmed a Public Service Announcement as a joint project between the City of Sanford, Seminole High School, Keep Seminole Beautiful, & the Central Florida Zoo. (2007)
Assisted Seminole County Natural Lands with species surveys in the Chuluota Wilderness Area, Geneva Wilderness Area, & the St. Johns River. (1998 - 2004)
Earned a Disney Teacherrific Award for work on “Going Batty”. (2003)
Obtained the proper permits and raised three alligators and two gopher tortoises successfully. (2002)
Completed paid environmental internships over the Summer. (2001 & 2002).
Partnered with Phillips Petroleum to successfully film a bird watching video which was distributed nationally to educate middle schools. (2001)
Made & distributed coloring books at Lyonia Preserve Day which educated younger children about the flora & fauna of Florida’s scrub. (2001)
Testified before the Florida House of Representatives' Water Resources Committee about the Florida Scrub Jay bill. (2000)
Participated in Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots program at Disney's Animal Kingdom. (2000)
Partnered with Seminole County Emergency Response to create Community Emergency Response Teams in the event of a natural disaster. (1999 & 2000)
Participated in a SEALS (Summit of Environmental Action Learning Service) conference at Wekiwa Springs State Park. (2000)
Visited elementary and middle schools to educate the students about current environmental issues. (2000)
Testified before the Florida Senate’s Governmental Oversight & Productivity Committee about the Florida Scrub Jay bill. (1999)
Worked with St. Johns River Water Management on testing water quality in Lake Jessup. (1997 - 1999)
Led a stenciling project painting “do not dump drains to lake” signs on storm drains. This was a joint project between St. Johns River Water Mgt., the City of Winter Springs, and the Environmental Program at Winter Springs High School. (1999)
Created a new Hydric Hammock Trail at the Environmental Center for the Seminole County’s 5th graders after tornadoes touched down. (1998)
Made recycled art and displayed it around campus on Earth Day. (1998)
Helped St Johns River Water Management District with their Sock it to Lake Jesup campaign by collecting over 1500 socks. (1998)
Participated in the SEALS (Summit of Environmental Action Learning Service) conference at Oleno State Park. (1997)
Assisted Canaveral National Sea Shore with population counts & species surveys. (1997)
Participated in Seminole County’s phone book recycle drive - received honorary award. (1997)
Mapped trails surrounding Central Winds Park. (1997)
Participated in a tree planting for Arbor Day at Central Winds Park. (1997)
Mapped a newly acquired property at the Environmental Center. (1997)
#meaningfullearning
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