Everyone knows that schools and students are very different today than they were generations ago. Testing has overrun the classrooms and increased burnout is a fact of life for everyone involved in education. If you want your students to be motivated and inspired you have to show students you care. In this "how to", here are some simple ways to show students care that will motivate and inspire them to be life-long learners.

Show students you care about who they are as people not just as students. Allow time for general conversation about their lives.

Find out what interests your students have. Consider how you can incorporate the interests of your students into the content areas you are teaching.

Allow student opportunities to share their work. Students and all people love to share what they have done. When students work on a project, allow them to share it with the rest of the class or even a special audience, for example the principal of the school.

Technology is critical. Students in this day and age love technology. To get them interested in content, try to find ways to include the internet, video cameras, and any other technology tools you have access to.

Students love to socialize. Allow students the opportunities to complete work in controlled groups. You will be sure to see more motivated and inspired students.

Repeat Step One as much as possible. It is so important that students know you care. Have them share how their day is going or how they did on the last test. Let them know you care.