What is an X-factor? In the entertainment world it is often defined as a trait that allows a performer to connect with the audience – a kind of charisma that “emotionally pushes our buttons.” Producers of competitive reality TV shows know that a contestant can’t win without it. “Losers” who don’t have it wonder why they were sent home packing after outperforming their competitors. So how do we win in the classroom? We measure, massage and sometimes manipulate test scores hoping to improve student achievement; but it’s a futile exercise if the X-factor is missing. If students don’t connect to their audience (teachers and each other), they won’t try to succeed in the culture that shapes them most (their local school). Fortunately, thought leaders and researchers such as David Brooks, NYT Op-Ed columnist and author of The Social Animal and John Kotter, author of The Heart of Change, are now affirming what educators and parents intuitively know: meaningful connection that inspires internal motivation and healthy behavior is the X-factor of long-term success in school and in life. [rtmpplayer file=”weekly_blog/stacey_blog_1.mov” width=442 height=295 image=/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/blog-still.jpg] A positive, cooperative school culture is VITALLY IMPORTANT to student achievement. Social and emotional connections are the cornerstone of that environment and predict not only whether a child will test well, but also whether that student will become a happy, productive member of society. How do we build that culture and what communication tools should we use? Media is one of our best options. True – reality television and blockbuster feature films are often blamed for dumbing down our society. But media is only the method; we need to choose the message. When used appropriately, there is no question that media is one of the most powerful agents of positive cultural change; and of all the different forms of media, video provokes emotional connection like no other art form. As veteran producers of digital content, we own one of the largest and most compelling non-fiction video libraries on social and emotional youth issues. By blending the art of storytelling, documentary production and peer-to-peer learning models, we’ve seen the extraordinary results from our instructional media strategy, which independent research shows motivates positive behavior change. Three most important tips for choosing video tools in the classroom:
- Look for positive messages and high-quality production techniques. Viewers know when they don’t like a video but often can’t explain why. Usually the reason is poor editing, boring subject matter or some unidentifiable nuance that blocks an emotional connection.
- Keep it real and relevant. As sophisticated consumers of media, students don’t respond well to bad acting, schlocky music themes or silly story lines. In fact, unless the production quality rivals Glee, you might eliminate videos that are not rooted in reality.
- Evaluate messages with a critical eye. Many entertainment programs have positive themes that teachers notice but that are lost on students who focus more on the negative behaviors that are also glorified.
Most importantly, find ways to socially and emotionally connect with kids. Whether it’s through one-on-one communication, sharing a great novel, performing a dramatic event, or watching a well-produced video, let children know that you are real, relevant and deeply interested in their lives. That’s our X-factor.
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