John Meehan - EDrenaline Rush: Game-changing Student Engagement Inspired by Theme Parks, Mud Runs, and Escape Rooms

More than any other teacher I know, John Meehan embodies the idea of the teacher as a transformational figure. He is dedicated to making the classroom a place where students natural curiosity and love of learning can come alive. Were all so lucky he has slowed down enough to put his ideas between covers. Actually, if Id had a mentor like John (and a book like this) when I was teaching, I might never have quit.

Greg Toppo, senior editor at Inside Higher Ed, author of The Game Believes in You

John Meehan has figured out how to come up with a creative activity for almost any kind of content or skill you want your students to acquire, and he has listed them all here. This easy-to-read, entertaining book can be read cover to cover or flipped to any random page; either way, youre bound to come away with a great idea or three. Its packed with practical tips and great writing that will have you coming back for more of his dynamic, rigorous approach to classroom teaching.

Alexis Wiggins, teacher, and author of The Best Class You Never Taught

EDrenaline Rush walks the reader down a path straight to creative freedom and joy-filled lessons. John has masterfully captured the inspiration in vignettes from life moments that rouse us to action in our classrooms. This is a must-buy and should be a must-implement for everyone who wants to create positive change in their schools.

Michael Matera, teacher, and author of eXPlore Like a Pirate

Why do humans like amusement parks, mud runs, and escape rooms? Because they are exciting, fun, and theres an element of heart-pounding thrill associated with them. So why cant our lessons and classrooms be like them? They absolutely can, and John Meehan takes you through the experience as if you were on a ride, in a run, or looking to escape the room. His examples will energize you and make you rethink how you design and teach lessons to your students. Every classroom can be filled with student-centered adrenaline, and after reading EDrenaline Rush, you will be motivated to make it happen.

Scott Rocco, EdD, Hamilton Township, New Jersey School District Superintendent, #satchat co-founder, co-author of 140 Twitter Tips for Educators and Hacking Google for Education

I saw John Meehans #QRBreakIN activities on Twitter and was hooked. The idea was brilliant: Identify something students would learn. Infuse it with themes from a board game or video game they love. Break it up into several small challenges. Make learning a game! Your students will thank you!

Matt Miller, veteran teacher, blogger, and author of Ditch That Textbook

EDrenaline Rush is the ultimate surprise and delight! As an educator for students of all ages, this is a must-read book! I was inspired all over again to search for that one little spark. Meehans enthusiasm is infectious, and if we could bottle Johns energy and determination to eradicate boring learning, I have no doubt we could change the game of education everywhere!

Monica Cornetti, CEO Sententia Gamification, GamiCon Gamemaster

A lot of people like to talk about ways to get more students engaged in deep learning, but few are willing to offer specific examples of how to make that happen. What Meehan has done in his brilliant book, EDrenaline Rush, is put a treasure trove of gamified course materials out there for all to see. He is not hiding his pedagogy and approach as if it were some kind of secret saucehe is willing to put it all out there so others can use, critique, or remix it as they see fit. When we actively share innovative models of teaching and learning that work, we allow others to refine, validate, and scale those ideas so that they positively impact other schools and students. That is precisely what Meehan has done in this go-to resource for the gamified classroom.

Ben Owens, former STEM Teacher, Open Way Learning consultant, and author of Open Up, Education!

The moment I started reading, I knew this was a book I would devour. John beautifully weaves his personal and classroom adventures, clearly illustrating how easily we can create our own epic educational experiences. From beginning to end, EDrenaline Rush provides exactly as the title suggests. You will come away energized, inspired, and with a rush of EDrenaline that will launch you into your own epic adventure! This book is for everyone and is one that you will refer to repeatedly for ideas and inspiration. A must-read!

Tisha Richmond, tech integrations specialist, author of Make Learning Magical

EDrenaline Rush catalyzes and stimulates any teachers natural urge to authentically engage students through active learning. Johns vibrant writing mirrors his classroom culture and personal demeanorhigh energy! In EDrenaline Rush, John welcomes teachers to engage with him with easily digestible how-tos that create dynamic experiences that can transform any classroom into a stealth learning zone. Whether you are simply curious about gamifying learning or well along the journey to transform your learning community, EDrenaline Rush has something for you. With a menu of empowering ideas and activities, you will not be bored reading this fast-paced book.

Nathan Strenge, teacher and school designer

EDrenaline Rush surprised me not only by the sheer volume of ideas for classroom engagement but also for being an instrument to transmit Johns passion, enthusiasm, and energy around the topic. If youre looking for a book that gets you excited and provides lots of ideas and examples to implement in your classroom, youve found it!

Rob Alvarez, teacher, international keynote speaker, and host of the Professor Game podcast

To Laura.

For driving me to be stronger and

teaching me how to drive.

Love you like crazy.

I think about it often. I was only a few months into my first year as an elementary principal at the ripe old age of thirty, and I was about to have the talk with my entire staff. I wasnt unaccustomed to uncomfortable conversations with people. For the past two years, Id been an assistant principal and had the opportunity to work with a super amazing principal who taught me the ways of leadership.