Indicator

V.A.3

Learners are actively engaged and/or involved in developing principles, rules and/or generalizations.

 

 

 

 

 

Definition(s) and/or Explanation(s)

Actively Engaged:

  • involves learners

  • is a high 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

Involved:

  • 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

    • access prior knowledge

    • can process and construct new knowledge in meaningful ways

Principles, rules, and/or generalizations:

  • are statements or understandings of relationships between two or more concepts

  • can be a law, a fundamental truth or doctrine, or an essential element that produces an effect

Classroom Examples

Elementary

During a science lesson on animals, learners gain insight through the use of slides, puzzles, and magazine pictures to compare and contrast different types of animals. Learners then focus on mammals bearing live young and engage in teacher-directed class discussion for deeper understanding. Through examples and non-examples of which animals are mammals, learners are able to make generalizations.

New

Elementary

In a creative writing class, learners discuss why rules are necessary in order to have a peaceful and harmonious co-existence among everyone in the classroom. A discussion ensues concerning the consequences of the absence of rules.

Secondary

In a family and consumer sciences (home economics) class, learners work on an interdisciplinary unit relating prior knowledge on the mathematical concepts of multiplication, addition, and subtraction to a shopping budget. Learners are given various responsibilities in a mock household with a limited budget and will brainstorm and subsequently arrive at the principle that bankruptcy is the general outcome of poor money management.

New

Elementary and Secondary

In a music class, learners study the rules of creating a rhyme pattern. Learners work in groups of four to find popular songs which they know well. They listen to the songs and record the rhyme pattern. Learners then share rhyme patterns on the board. Learners make generalizations and identify any rules for rhyming.

 

 

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