Active Student Participation

SLANT is a strategy for sending a positive message in a classroom. Many of the behaviors can be generalized to other real life experiences as we are perceived a certain way due to how we behave. Put simply, people assume things about us based on our behavior. In a classroom, you want your behavior to send a positive message that you are engaged, ready to learn, willing to work, and paying attention.

For example, if I slouch and never speak up in class, it might be assumed that I 'don't care', am not interested in the topic, am not a hard worker, etc. 

Keep in mind the steps of SLANT to not only take ownership over your learning through active student responding, but also to send that positive message to the teacher and therefore build a rapport. 

S-- Sit up Straight. Look the part. If you are slouched and droopy faced, the message is that you don't care and are bored. Not a great message to send to your teacher!

L- Lean forward. This is really a behavior where you should lean forward as you are actively taking notes, whether that be via computer or hand written. Actively taking notes expresses that you believe the information being discussed is important. It also is a great way to stay focused in class. Monitoring your attention by writing two bullet points per slide is a great way to stay focused. 

A- Activate your Thinking. Make sure your brain is truly present. You can monitor your attention by cognitively asking yourself, "What is this about?" and "What do I need to remember?". If you have a moment in class where you don't know what is going on, RAISE YOUR HAND and ask! Asking questions in class sends the message that you care and want to learn!!

N- Name Key Information. Use your voice in class! Participating in class is a great way to stay actively engaged in what you are learning, but also to send the message that you are interested and engaged. The assumption of a student who NEVER speaks is that he either doesn't know the answer of he doesn't care. Don't let that be you!

T- Track the talker. Your eyes are so closely connected to your cognition. What this means is, if you are looking at it, your brain is probably thinking about it. So, if you want to attend to the lesson, keep your eyes on the teacher. Having your eyes glued to something/some screen/someone else is not only going to vie for your attention, but it is also going to send the message that you are off task.