When I was in high school, I had no idea why I was there. I went to my classes, worked on assignments, and earned okay grades. No one talked to me about the grander purpose behind high school – the idea that I was supposed to be preparing myself for the next stage. 

To make sure my students don’t float around purposely, like I did, I give my 8th graders a chance to think ahead to where they want to be, and how they can plan ahead to get there. 

I do this through an investigation/research activity. Here is a link to the Google Doc.

I appreciate the way it focuses on behaviors within the control of the student: prioritizing work, being on time to class, and reading teacher feedback. 

Most of all, I like the way it asks students to think about where they want to be (their dream job) and then works backwards from there to reveal the pathways to that dream. 

By helping our students envision their future and understand the purpose of education, we empower them to take ownership of their journey and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Ed X!