Saint Bonaventure University EXED 509 Communication and Collaboration for Standards- based Differentiated Instruction Summer 2010 Kristina Dussault Tammy Martin

Student Engagement What is it? Newmann described engaged students as having “a psychological investment in learning. They try hard to learn what school offers. They take pride not simply in earning the formal indicators of success (grades), but in understanding the material and incorporating it in their lives” (p. 3). Newmann also describes meaningful engagement as “active involvement, commitment, and concentrated attention, in contrast to superficial participation, apathy or lack of interest” (p. 11).

Key Elements Cultivate one-on-one relationships Learn new skills and habits Incorporate systematic strategies Take responsibility for student engagement practices Promote a school wide culture of engagement Professional development is an important part of increasing student engagement

Laying the Foundation for Student Engagement Students are often disengaged with the topic Classrooms with high levels of student engagement are not the result of student quality Characteristics of engaging instruction The background of students Influence and expectations of family and peers School wide and classroom practices

Elements of Student Engagement Preconditions- Factors that must be in place before classroom instruction begins Learning relationships Creating the ideal classroom environment Rewards and incentives Habits Fundamental skills

Elements of Student Engagement Cont’d Pedagogy Designing for rigorous and relevant learning Personalized learning Active learning Focus on reading Learning relationships Classroom management vs. learning-based relationships

Classroom Management VS. Learning-Based Relationships Classroom management Relationship building Classroom rules MandatedNegotiated PowerWithout questionPower with respect Observation of Effectiveness Students passive and quiet Students actively engaged Risk-takingDiscouragedEncouraged Control MechanismNegative feedback/punishments Positive reinforcement Primary Teacher RoleAbsolute attentionSource of encouragement

Teaching Strategies Create an emotionally safe classroom Create an intellectually safe classroom Cultivate your engagement meter Create appropriate intermediate steps Practice journal or blog writing to communicate with students

Teaching Strategies Create a culture of explanation instead of a culture of the right answer Teach self-awareness about knowledge Use questioning strategies that make all students think and answer Practice using the design process to increase the quality of work Market your projects

Teaching Strategies Kristina’s Hand-washing Lesson Does anyone have any good student engagement examples? We found a great video that showcases student engagement AMAZING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Tammy’s engaging lessons Plate tectonics hand gestures Earthquakes

Local aspects of Student Engagement Ms. Matejka Music Big product Flyers to educate others Working towards an end result/goal Mrs. Monroe Hero Day Technology-clickers

Local Connections Local Engagement Displaying work at the local mall for the community Opening a restaurant for parents Building a solar system Stay after school and come in on weekends to finish a project Focused on their task Take pride in their work Real world applications Active involvement Commitment Concentrated attention