Ingredients for an Engaging Classroom

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #17- June 27, 2009

Want to get the most “bang for your buck?” As you plan for the next school year, please consider these findings.

Upon researching numerous studies on student engagement, the following elements were mentioned most frequently. There is no doubt these eleven factors can and will spark a tremendous increase in positive student engagement in your classroom.

1- Provide a safe, nurturing environment.
2- Share the expected outcome with students.
3.- Get students excited about the goal(s) they plan to achieve, individually and
as a group.
4- Make the content relevant and useful.
5- Encourage and reward student achievement and learning efforts continuously.
6- Use many and varied activities including groups and pairs where students are required to manipulate information physically and mentally.
7- Give students plenty of opportunities to practice and share what they know.
8- Frequently monitor progress, providing positive help, guidance and feedback.
9- Always have high expectations and students will meet the demand.
10- Be enthusiastic. Make the learning interesting and joyful.
11- Most important of all, show the students every single day, just how much you care about them.

In the coming weeks, I will discuss many of these elements in greater detail.
Looking forward to delivering another posting next weekend.