224. Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It

“I’m pouring everything I have into keeping my students engaged… and I’m completely drained, but nothing is changing.” 

If that thought has been running through your head, you are not alone. In this episode, I challenge the belief that student disengagement is a personal failure and walk you through three essential mindset shifts before sharing six practical, low-energy strategies you can implement right away. From simple relationship builders and pacing your block with intention to minimizing Googling, increasing student choice, and making science feel relevant, you’ll leave with realistic ways to keep their attention, without sacrificing yourself in the process!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode224

Resources Mentioned:

• Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy 
• Freebie: Anatomy of a Class Period Cheat Sheet
• Core Values Mini-Course
• Relationships Mini-Course
• Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles
• Complete INRS units 
• YouTube
• Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
• Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 35: Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 64: How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (and Manage Your Own Apathy!)
• Episode 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 71: “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 123: What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
• Episode 127: Teaching AP Chemistry With Zach Matson