Indicator

II.D.5

Techniques are used to maintain the engagement of learners who have been redirected **OR** there is no persistent off-task behavior or lack of sufficient engagement in learning.

Definitions and/or Explanations

Off - task behavior is lack of engagement in learning activities.

Redirection is encouraging re-engagement in learning activities.

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

Classroom Examples

Elementary

In a fourth-grade social studies lesson, learners are engaged in geography activities examining Miami's position as a gateway to the Caribbean as well as Central and South America. During the lesson, the teacher redirects two groups of learners not participating in the activities. As the teacher circulates among the groups, he/she routinely asks each group questions pertaining to the activity. The teacher focuses particularly on the groups that were previously identified as being off-task.

Secondary

During a simulated, individual auditioning activity in a tenth-grade theater arts class, learners are engaged in developing contrasting monologs from two plays. A small group of learners is off-task. The teacher redirects learners with probing questions and encouragement. Learners are responsive to the teacher's redirection. As a second activity, the teacher groups learners and asks them to review each other's choices of monologs and to engage in discussion exploring their reasoning for these choices. The learners identified as off-task are each assigned to a different group. The teacher circulates among the groups asking questions and offering advice as necessary.

Secondary

During a calculus mathematics class, the teacher uses the overhead projector to review for a test. Several learners who are not engaged in learning are quickly redirected back to the lesson when the teacher momentarily lowers his/her voice while working on the overhead. The teacher makes eye contact several times with learners who are off-task.

New

Secondary

After listening to the explanation of the day's lesson, learners in a mathematics class solve problems individually before reporting the solutions. The teacher notices two learners who persistently communicate with each other. The teacher separates the two learners, reminds them what they are to individually accomplish, and maintains eye contact, periodically approaching their desks.