Table Of ContentPurpose- Driven Learning
Purpose- Driven Learning advocates that the primary goal of education is
to empower our students’ innate drive to learn, which can be unlocked
through the discovery and development of key social-e motional
learning skills.
This book offers an intentional framework for exploring strat-
egies of inclusion, social- emotional learning, and assessment that goes
beyond abstract buzzwords. It features heartfelt stories, intriguing
research, and effective action steps to inspire and empower teachers
and their students to write authentic stories of social- emotional well-
being and passionate, lifelong learning.
Purpose- Driven Learning is a process that can be explored and
utilized in any educational context; teachers, coaches, camp directors,
faith leaders, parents, and more will all find value in this resource.
Adam Moreno has explored social- emotional learning as a Drama
teacher, theatre director, coach, pastor, and summer camp director. He
is currently an educational consultant and has the honor of leading
professional development presentations and workshops within a
number of educational settings. Find out more at www.mrmoreno.com.
Purpose- Driven
Learning
Unlocking and Empowering
Our Students’ Innate
Passion for Learning
Adam Moreno
Cover images: © Getty Images
First published 2023
by Routledge
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
and by Routledge
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2023 Taylor & Francis
The right of Adam Moreno to be identified as author of this work
has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical,
or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or
retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks
or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and
explanation without intent to infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication Data
Names: Moreno, Adam, author.
Title: Purpose-driven learning: unlocking and
empowering our students’ innate passion for
learning / Adam Moreno.
Description: New York, NY: Routledge, 2022. |
Includes bibliographical references. |
Identifiers: LCCN 2021061772 (print) |
LCCN 2021061773 (ebook) | ISBN 9781032279152 (hardback) |
ISBN 9781032279138 (paperback) | ISBN 9781003294634 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Affective education. | Motivation in education.
Classification: LCC LB1072 .M655 2022 (print) |
LCC LB1072 (ebook) | DDC 370.15/34–dc23/eng/20220124
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021061772
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021061773
ISBN: 978-1-032-27915-2 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-032-27913-8 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-29463-4 (ebk)
DOI: 10.4324/ 9781003294634
Typeset in Palatino
by Newgen Publishing UK
To my students, my actors, my campers, and my youth
group members:
Helping you write your own story of greatness has given
my life true purpose.
Watching you share your greatness with the world has
brought me overwhelming joy.
Contents
Foreword by Carolyn Karl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xii
A Purpose- Driven Introduction ........................1
1 Purpose- Driven Learning: Connecting, Exploring,
Empowering .......................................10
2 Intentional Belonging: Unconditional Inclusion and
Affirmation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
3 The Key of Confidence: The Journey of Becoming ......42
4 The Key of Enthusiasm: Embracing a “Yes, I Can”
Attitude ............................................59
5 The Key of Focus: Looking Within, Raising
Awareness Beyond ..................................74
6 The Key of Initiative: Building Involvement and
Increasing Impact ...................................90
7 The Key of Creativity: Leveling Up with the
Gamification Guru .................................104
8 The Key of Dependability: Showing Up and Doing
Your Part ..........................................118
9 The Key of Curiosity: Exploring the Wonder Within
Each Day ..........................................132
viii ◆ Contents
10 The Key of Empathy: Compassion, Curiosity,
Connection ........................................148
11 The Key of Resilience: Taking the Path Less
Traveled ..........................................164
12 The Key of Effort: Being Better Than Before ..........180
13 Empowering Self- Assessment: Exploration and
Expression ........................................194
Conclusion: A New Story of Learning ................208
Foreword
Some people come into your life and change you forever. Adam
Moreno is the type of person remembered by almost everyone
who crosses paths with him, even if just for a moment. He is
driven, fearless, fun, and gifted at authentically connecting with
others through stories.
My story with Adam began over ten years ago when he took
the initiative to introduce himself to me following a church ser-
vice. He enthusiastically volunteered to help with our middle
and high school youth groups. As a church Youth Director and
the mom of three kids who were part of the middle and high
school youth groups, I was excited by the possibilities of what
we could create together. It is always a challenge to find qualified
people to help with ministry and here was an experienced leader
who loved everything about working with youth. I felt like I had
won the lottery!
I distinctly remember sitting on the hand- me- down couches
in the youth room as Adam and I began planning activities and
planting the seeds of our ministry partnership. Over a decade
ago, Adam shared a framework he created for his Drama
students – Purpose-D riven Learning. I was drawn to the ten
key skills that help students unlock their passion for lifelong
learning: Confidence, Enthusiasm, Focus, Initiative, Creativity,
Dependability, Curiosity, Empathy, Resilience, and Effort. Over
the years, it has become clear that these skills are also central
themes in Adam’s life as he seeks to live with purpose. As our
friendship has grown and developed, this mindset of living with
intentionality has become a central theme in my life, as well.
Confidence is one of the first qualities I noticed about Adam.
He is confident in his abilities and is passionate about helping
others build confidence in their abilities. I prefer to be a “behind
the scenes” kind of leader, working hard but always putting the
