There are a few keys to engaging students while learning and enjoying their own worth as a person and learner. While learning required materials -- within a context important to the student.
Intro Kanban is a visual way to track your tasks and your progress. Many people find this helpful way to to show yourself, your parents and teachers what work needs to be done.
Uplift focuses on the creation of an atmosphere in which students build on existing strengths and grow their self-confidence. Dangerous to an atmosphere of uplift are traditional assessment practices.
Learning needs to change. Ideally schools could adopt a student-pulled curriculum (instead of a push system, which is what we overwhelmingly have), based on their own needs and interests.