Effective Strategies to Spark Motivation and Engage Reluctant Learners

Primary and Secondary Teachers and Teacher Aides

Every teacher meets a reluctant learner – the student who zones out, avoids the task, or quietly slips from the learning moment. It’s tough, but it’s also a turning point. When we understand what drives disengagement, we can respond with strategies that spark curiosity, build confidence, and bring students back into the learning zone.

This workshop is packed with practical strategies you can use straight away. You’ll leave with tools that boost motivation, strengthen connection, and create a classroom culture where every learner — even the reluctant ones — feels able to lean in and succeed.

Spot the signs early and recognise the subtle cues that signal withdrawal.

Explore the emotional, cognitive, and environmental influences that shape learner motivation.

Learn the evidence‑informed foundations that make re‑engagement possible and sustainable.

Build trust, reduce resistance, and open pathways back into learning through purposeful communication.

Walk away with practical, ready‑to‑use strategies that boost motivation and re‑ignite engagement.

Sally Learey is a renowned keynote speaker, author and education consultant. As well as teaching, she holds qualifications in training, positive psychology, coaching and counselling. Sally has worked in both training and primary and secondary teaching sectors across a variety of educational settings. Sally is also an author of 7 books ranging from children’s books to adult non-fiction. She is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of teachers and leaders in education. Sally empowers teachers to create classrooms and learning environments that are inclusive for all students. As a mother of a son with special needs which includes ASD, she has a wealth of personal and professional expertise in this area.

I love the fantastic variety of workshops and conferences on offer. Always look forward to Critical Agendas PD’s.

Just a big Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend the Critical Agenda Workshop yesterday.  David presented a great program, lots of handy strategies and he was very engaging and supportive. Highly recommended.  I was very happy we did not have to do any Role play’s.

Inspirational Speakers –  the knowledge gained will be so beneficial in my classrooms

“It is the first P.L. in a long long time that I haven’t been checking in with my watch.”

Passionate &  Authentic Speakers – Meaningful Strategies

Loved the honesty in the sharing of information and strategies

Keep up the fantastic PD opportunities! Very  professional and well-researched workshops and conferences.

The best P.D. I have attended in living memory!” I loved every minute of this engaging, interesting and informative PD. And I have been teaching for 40+ years!

© Copyright 2026 | Critical Agendas | All Rights Reserved