Engagement | Origin: ED133
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Universal Design for Learning --> Engagement
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I think it is a challenge to think of variety in assignment options while maintaining equal standards.
I believe in using several methods for presenting information and giving learning opportunities.
Designing different approaches into the learning plan that help students engage in the way that best supports their learning is a key feature of the teaching strategy.
Tapping into the learners' interests and motivations (the why) is critical to helping the learner sustain the energy to complete the deep learning process. I wish I could consistently find what works not only for my students but also for myself. It is a moving target.
I've learned that student engagement is fundamental to effective learning, but the level of engagement can vary significantly among learners. While some students thrive on novelty and variety, others prefer a more routine approach. To optimize engagement, instructors should tailor their strategies by connecting lessons to students' individual interests, providing timely reminders, and offering a range of interaction methods with the course content. By applying such a personalized, multifaceted approach to maintaining engagement, I would aim to help all learners build self-regulation skills and stay motivated, ensuring their overall academic success. This module was helpful.
UDL - provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. This is a good method to reach all students in the class, and is more satisfying for the teacher to too.
Teachers can assist students in finding the things that motivate them. When students know what things motivate them they can increase their engagement in activties.
This is a tough one... Engagement in itself is the relationship between the student and the teacher. I feel it should not be a cookie cutter definition, but rather what works for this relationship and what I can do to assist that in happening.
Flexibility is key! I plan on offering multiple ways to showcase skills attainment after each lesson.
Be flexible and allow students to participate in the process how they see fit (with some guidelines).
I intend to really try to offer kids options in expressing themselves. Visual guides or picture art along with audio and video presentations will be opening the door to better expression.
Ahh, we're getting into the meat of technique, which is good for my learning style! I'm taking away the best practices section...lots of good notes for me in that part!
Engagement is a constant struggle when teaching high school. It varies so much from student to student and class to class. I agree that making the information applicable and relevant to students helps. Forming relationships with students also helps a lot. The saying goes, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
One of my biggest struggles teaching high school is helping students develop self-regulation. I think this is a big part of engagement. When students can successfully self-regulate, they can control their engagement even in activities and learning that doesn't interest them. We all have to do tasks, not because we enjoy them but because they just need to get done (who likes filing their taxes?).
Keeping students engaged is prob the most important thing.
I took the most away from learning about self-regulation. It hard for people to recognize that this is something that must be learned by most people, especially young adults. Learning how to cope with the stress of the work load and classroom may be some of the hardest tasks for some of our students.
In reviewing each element, I think teaching and allowing time for self reflection would be a valuable component for my students.
Make your goals clear up front. Write them on the board. Know your students and how they learn and do the best you can to adjust with each one. Try try again.
Within this unit of multiple means of engagement it reemphasized the importance of relationships between student and teacher. All of these sections from self-regulation to persistence & effort all hinge on that relationship piece. If students do not feel like you are in their corner supporting them in their learning then none of the above skills can be attained. While revamping and implementing to a UDL curriculum feels very overwhelming, it is important to realize that Rome was not built in a day and try converting a unit at a time to incorporate all the important facets in UDL.
It it important to keep students engaged in the learning process.
