Indicator

II.D.2

Active involvement is sought from learners who are only passively engaged in learning **OR** no learners are only passively engaged.

Definitions and/or Explanations

Learner engagement:

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

Active Involvement:

• is deep immersion in a learning activity.
 
• can be enhanced when learners:

• interact with each other
• are asked for comments and assistance
• roles are involved and detailed

Passive Engagement is a minimum level of response to a learning task.

Classroom Examples

Elementary

In a fourth-grade social studies lesson, learners brainstorm regarding what they know about Florida. Learners work individually on an outline of a Florida map and are then grouped to encourage active involvement. Learners are instructed to generate a variety of questions structured by who, what, when, where, why, and how. The teacher moves among groups asking questions and engaging in discussion with those learners who seem less than actively involved, and those learners respond by entering the discussion.

Secondary

During an eighth-grade language arts class, learners in small groups are engaged in developing predictions about upcoming events in a novel currently being read. Learners select roles within the group to encourage active involvement. The teacher notices that some learners are only passively engaged. The teacher circulates among the groups asking probing questions to stimulate discussion throughout the lesson, as learners demonstrate active involvement.

New

Elementary and Secondary

As learners complete a group activity, the teacher notices a learner who is not participating . The teacher approaches the group and reminds the passive learner of each group member's role and responsibilities.