Indicator

II.D.1

Changes in teaching and learning activities are sufficient to engage learners.

Definition(s) and/or Explanation(s)

Changes may include:

  • varying voice
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  • moving
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  • changing focus of attention in a lecture/discussion
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  • changing group sizes or learning tasks
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  • changing levels of questions in response to learners' interactions

Learning Activities:

  • refer to all things teachers and learners do in the classroom
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  • include teaching methods (what the teacher does to enhance learning) and learning tasks (objectives-related activities learners do).

Learner engagement:

  • is the level/quality of learner participation in learning activities
    •  
  • suggests more than simple on-task behavior
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  • can be estimated by periodic scanning (systematic observation) of the class

Classroom Examples

Elementary:

During a first-grade geometry lesson, learners are read a story (e.g. The Greedy Triangle) related to the subject. A classroom discussion involving varied levels of questioning follows. Learners then work in small groups manipulating and identifying various shapes. The lesson concludes with learners making individual entries in math journals. Learners' engagement is evident throughout the lesson.

Secondary:

In a tenth-grade African American history unit on slavery, learners define terms as a pre-film activity. After discussing the terms as a class, learners read a poem about slavery for further understanding. The film is viewed and the learners form cooperative discussion groups to complete the film response sheet which includes a short essay. Learners demonstrate attention, engagement and sustained motivation throughout the lesson.

New

Secondary

In a reading class after giving a lecture on the topic of discussion, the teacher solicits questions from the class as a whole. Learners are then divided into groups to complete an assignment based on the reading. Learners are actively engaged. Each group reads a passage then shares with group members. One learner from the group gives a report to the class. Learners summarize the story based on the reports from each group.

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