Engaged Learning

VanDeWeghe has some great ways to promote student engagement and involvement. I am particularly fond of his concept of flow, specifically of the mind and heart. This shows that there needs to be an emotional connection to student learning. As a teacher, I hope to bring the same amount of enthusiasm, energy, and cognitive engagement to my classrooms as I want my students to bring. This type of modeling is extremely crucial when teaching. As one of my classmates said, “tell students to ‘Bring it’ because I certainly am going to!

Modeling is not limited to effective, practical habits, such as respect, listening, and patience but can be extended to classroom practices and pedagogy. I want my students to see me writing with them, reading during their sustained silent reading, and struggling with understanding difficult texts. Modeling classroom projects and assignments is also essential for a teacher. For example, showing a sample research paper or poem before assigning the actual project will give students a visual guide and representation. I want to be a model for my students, for if I want them to do their best, then I should do mine.

Therefore, if I want to be a model student, I must be aware of how I speak and talk with my students. Communication can either enhance or extinguish a relationship. Thus, it is essential that I develop an awareness of how I interact with my students. I will promote malleable, rather than fixed, intelligence by pushing them to their full potential and using the language associated with it. Also, I will give positive reinforcement and show them the power of hard work. I hope to help students see that they can learn if they are willing to try and put in the effort.

Relevance to students’ lives is essential for the content of my lessons and unit. Students should find meaning and purpose in their reading and writing assignments. This meaning should be relevant and applicable to their daily lives and not simply to “pass the test.” Mind you, the content will still meet core understandings and pa standards, but it will extend way beyond testing purposes. Using thought provoking and engaging questions such as “Is this ideal right?” “What would you do in this situation?” “How does this make you feel?” will hopefully be of more interesting to students.

These are just some of the concepts that I plan on implementing in my classroom. I appreciate how they extend beyond the traditional methods of “Industrial Age” schooling. They are radical ideas that will be effective in the 21^st century classroom. Therefore, they will be excellent “tools” in my “toolbox” as a future educator.