Student Engagement
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In the classroom, student engagement refers to the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught, which extends to the level of motivation they have to learn and progress in their education.
Behind the Scenes: Planning
Behind the Scenes: Planning
Build Student Interest by Creating Excitement for the Task
1. When planning an activity/lesson, turn it into a challenge - use "gaming" vocabulary
Make game cards
Give students a target/goal
Use a narrative to introduce the activity
Create "levels" students must achieve
2. Use an activating strategy to create interest in the content/topic
Just like a good movie or book, begin with one of the following:
Interesting facts
Statistics or dates about the topic
Real world connections
A quick Google Search and a few minutes of planning ahead will provide you with a great activator to start any lesson!
Check out "22 Ideas for Activating Prior Knowledge"
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20 Ideas Activating Prior Knowledge.pdf3. Plan for Total Participation
Write student names on popsicle sticks - use them to draw out a name to answer the question
Check out the slides for more information on Total Participation Techniques!
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Total Participation Techniques Slides.pdf4. Individual Student Corrections
Anticipate students' off-task behavior and rehearse the next thing you will do when that behavior occurs. Redirect students using the least invasive intervention necessary:
Proximity - walk closer to the off-task student(s)
Eye contact - look at the off-task student(s)
Use a non-verbal - a thumb down, or another hand motion for "stop that"
Say student’s name quickly - say the name, nothing more, and move on with your instruction
Be careful calling out students in front of the class - this can lead to a power-struggle because students often feel embarrassed or disrespected in front of their peers
Lights, Camera, Action: In the Classroom
Lights, Camera, Action: In the Classroom
Increase Pacing in the Lesson
1. Use the timer on your Active Panel or one from YouTube
Give students an audio cue that it’s time to move on - timer alarm
Try to stick to the times stamps you added to your lesson plans
The momentum slows when you have downtime between a student response and picking back up with instruction
Use countdowns to work the clock (“get started in 3..2..1”)
2. Give students a set amount of time to complete a task during work period
Students do not need the whole 45 minutes of work period to finish a short assignment - they will work slower and be off-task if they know they have extra time to waste.
Give them the time it should take, and offer more if needed. Setting a time limit creates a sense of urgency for students to be diligent and work harder.
Remember to set a timer!
3. Engage All Students: Make sure all students participate
Make sure to call on all students
Cold call students - select students at random by using the popsicle sticks
Implement brief (30 second) Turn & Talks - students turn to their neighbor and discuss the question. This allows all students an opportunity to discuss the topic and share their ideas.
Intentionally alternate among multiple methods in class discussion: cold calling, choral response, all hands & turn and talks.
TIP:
Put the stick back in the mix, otherwise the student may mentally "check out" of the lesson since they have been called upon.
Don't always use the popsicle sticks, or always cold call, or always use Turn & Talks - mix it up to keep students engaged and on point!
4. Narrate the Positive: Highlight the good things that are happening in class
Tell students what they are doing correctly, not just what they do incorrectly:
Example: “I like how Tara has gotten straight to work on her writing assignment.”
Example: “The second row is ready to go: their Chromebooks are open and their eyes are on me.”
If students only hear what they are doing wrong, how will they know what is correct? It also creates a negative classroom atmosphere and culture.
TIP: While narrating the positive and/or while scanning during a re-direct, look at the student(s) who are off-task
Use language that reinforces students getting better and smarter:
Praise answers that are above and beyond or strong effort
Be specific about what they did correctly. Don't always say, "good job."
Example: "Joseph, I like the way you explained the connection between the two characters!"
5. Individual Student Corrections
Anticipate students' off-task behavior:
Redirect students using the least invasive intervention necessary.
Proximity - walk closer to the off-task student(s)
Eye contact - look at the off-task student(s)
Use a non-verbal - a thumb down, or another hand motion for "stop that"
Say student’s name quickly - say the name, nothing more, and move on with your instruction
Be careful calling out students in front of the class - this can lead to a power-struggle because students often feel embarrassed or disrespected in front of their peers
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Watch this quick explanation on how to use the Gradient Timer PPT
1. Gradient Timer How To.movThis is in PowerPoint - open in Google Slides, if you prefer
Gradient Timers.pptx
Total Participation Techniques Slides.pdf 20 Ideas Activating Prior Knowledge.pdf
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