[HeatherL]

in reply to: Learning Communities and Engagement #9973

How might you create new opportunities so that each student begins to actively drive their own learning?

One way I have encouraged students to become active participants in their learning is by giving them a voice in how they will tackle the concepts I am teaching. For example, if I am covering literature standards that focus on inferencing and theme, I allow students to apply the concepts and demonstrate their understanding through a novel they select rather than one I pick for them. When students are reading a text they enjoy, their engagement increases and their investment in learning is improved as well. Another way I have students take an active role in their learning is through personal data tracking and analysis. As students track their progress, reflect upon their areas of strength and weakness, and develop personalized plans to improve their understanding of concepts, they take ownership of their learning, and it becomes something they are invested in.
 
What connections do you see between John Hattie’s advocacy for teacher learning communities and Amy Berry’s Engagement Continuum?

I noticed that both Hattie and Berry focus on the importance of having strong PLCs. Both emphasize the importance of having data-focused conversations within PLCs to better understand students’ needs so teachers can develop lessons that address those areas. As teachers collaborate and improve their craft of teaching through data-driven instruction, student engagement can improve.

What is the connection between collective teacher expertise and empowering active student engagement?

When teachers refine their craft through thoughtful PLC discussions and collaboration, their “toolboxes” grow and the ability to engage students increases. Teachers can uncover ways to shift their instruction from teacher-focused to student-focused. In doing so, more opportunities for differentiation may be discovered, unique projects or activities may be developed, etc., in turn prompting students to become more engaged in the classroom content.

[Author]

Posts