Student Engagement Arsenal

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #14 June 6, 2009

I am excited to share the following description of student engagement I recently found:

“Engagement happens when a lesson captures students’ imaginations, snares their curiosity, ignites their opinions, or taps into their souls. Engagement is the magnet that attracts learners’ meandering attention and holds it so that enduring learning can occur.” (Tomlinson)

The preceding is precisely the type of learning we all strive for. It can and should be the reality in our classrooms. Try adding the following proven ammunition to your teaching arsenal and be prepared for some dynamite results.

1.-Students need to know we really do care. Students of all ages work harder if they know their learning progress matters to us. When students are given the value and respect they deserve, they become willing to invest their interest and energy in the learning process. We perform each day as “experts” in the topics we teach. But why not present ourselves as learners? How would that affect engagement? What if we described a difficult learning challenge we had to face, how we conquered that challenge, and more importantly, how we can help them accomplish the same? Show students you care and that you will help them achieve their goals. Teachers who can identify themselves as learners, before their students, have the greatest success because of it.

2.- Be willing to try something new. Think outside the box. The old saying:
“Variety is the spice of life,” is true in teaching as well. We must endeavor to use a variety of teaching methods. Even the most gifted, experienced teachers know that using the same teaching method every day can become monotonous drudgery, for teacher and students alike.

3.-Lest we not forget the all important “joy of learning.” Little children learn all the time as they experience hours of play, joy and bliss. This goes on until they are “educated” to do otherwise. If we want to produce innovative thinkers, people with curiosity and creativity, we must bring “fun” back into the classroom. Create situations where discovery and creativity are the rule, not the exception to it. We need laughter, enthusiasm and excitement. Learning can feel joyous!

You can create a classroom filled with highly engaged and motivated students. You can empower your students to experience the joy of discovery and the pride of a job well done. The first time a student sees the silk spun by a silkworm, or measures the plant that grew from seeds he planted, or hears the first musical note he plays on a violin; all are examples of unparalleled joy that can be experienced in your classroom each and every day. These children have been placed in your capable hands for that very reason. Great teachers help create great students. In fact, research shows that an inspiring and informed teacher is the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement. Try implementing these ideas. You have nothing to lose, and think of all your students can gain.

“A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils.” ~Ever Garrison