Tony Ryan
Rules of Engagement
The first 90 seconds will determine the interest level of chn - crucial
4 HOT HINTS on student engagement
1) focus on what is presently working and do more of it! - build on it
2) offer the most engaging possible curriculum and pedagogy (art and science of learning) Content is important
3) Encourage self-talk and various self-regulatory processes
4) integrate the use of complex computer games/simulations/contemporary ICT into curric delivery
How do you know kids are engaged?
Self-regulatory behaviours:
Build in regular REFLECTION times, debrief time, every 7 minutes - what did I do well? What could I have done differently? reflect on learning @ end of day (with little kids do drawing)
Develop RUBRICS for specific tasks - get kids to tell you what goes into the rubric, then they reflect on how they did. Be explict, for example start by trying with handwriting
GREEN light RED light thinking - talk with students about their thinking - feel good about yourself. Red light generally gets you nowhere.... be aware...
ASK - how do you learn best??? then encourage them to use this...
Five Minds for the Future - Howard Gardner
Teach students to SELF TALK - "I'm a legend"
Success spiral - substantiate the above. Look for genuine successes - build them up
failure = lose confidence, success breeds success - upwards success spiral.
Fitzroy High - downloads for goal setting
(1)Use on task-training - make sure they KNOW what the task IS!! (tell a partner) (2) Asking am I on task? (T-chart) (3) Ignore distractions - pick students to annoy other children and go round the tables, students have to ignore them (4) Complete the task..
** strong relationship between engagement and achievement
** students might be motivated but disengaged
** three forms of engagement: behavioural, emotional, cognitive
Student-teacher relationship important High expectations for student success These teachers have more engaged students
TECHNOLOGY ITSELF IS NOT SUFFICIENT
THE INTEREST LEVEL OF THE TASK ALSO MATTERS
Students have to believe they can succeed - focus on their thinking
Engaging strategies - graphic organisers, decision matrices, rubrics, expert jigsaws, paired interviews, academic contraversy, donuts