Action Plan

Engagement: What does that mean?

Written by Allison Macrae

Design Thinking and Action Plan

 

Student Engagement

 

How might we build an experience (curriculum / physical-environment / assessment) that optimizes engagement?

 

  1.  To start on this journey, I need to define the essential elements of student engagement
  2. Ask the students:
    1. what engagement looks like (does this mean they are happy?
    2. How they like to show their learning
  3. Build a lesson with movement and choice
  4. Get feedback from kids about the lesson (what did they like, how did they feel?)
  5. Design the room with intention
  6. PBL, constructivism
  7. Assessment of learning using a variety of methods (create a feedback cycle between here and step 2)

 

This was actually FUN to look back on some of what I wrote and reflect on what still feels important and/or relevant. I actually think having space from the plan over the break was good to gain some perspective.

 

Objectives and Key Results

  1. Run one session of PLC (done!)
  2. Determine the essential elements of engagement (will do next week)
  3. Run an empathy challenge/activity (collaborate with a colleague) – Almost done planning
  4. Get the letter written to Fern (my local TDSB school) to create a conversation about environment (decided to wait until April in order to put the emphasis on next year)

What changed my thinking as I went through the design thinking process?

“I thought my concern was about the furniture/design of the room when really the question is about engagement. I don’t believe that listening to someone lecture (at least in math) allows for deep engagement” and now I would even add that I still believe the physical environment is a critical factor of student engagement and would add that assessment matters as well.

 

Questions I still have:

  1. How will it work with shared classrooms (subject and colleagues)?
  2. What do I like about a kindergarten room?
  3. What do I dislike about a high school classroom?

 

My plan for next week:

  1. Send an email to my department asking them to let me know what they think engagement looks like for the students
  2. Interview my students (Tuesday) and ask them to tell me a story or draw a picture of their experience in my classroom (in relation to engagement)

Stay Tuned!

2 thoughts on “Engagement: What does that mean?”

  1. I love that this starts with defining engagement from multiple perspectives: students and colleagues. I would add administration to that list as well, and even admissions. “What does it look like when students are engaged?” “What does it feel like when you/students are engaged?”, and “What type of student engagement are we looking for, once we’ve defined it?”

    You are heading down an integral path, and that is why I would strongly suggest that you take this incredible work that you’re planning of doing, and breaking it down even further. And, I would encourage you get your administration’s perspective and encouragement as well. Start by looking at the strategic plan of your school, and the mission: where is there overlap and synergy? What elements can you leverage to build momentum and support for your action plan?

    Love this Action Plan Allison! Can’t wait for you to share your findings of what engagement means. It is something we are all looking for!

    thanks,
    garth.

    1. Helps to have a strategic plan… 🙂

      I look forward to supporting you in any way I can Allison. Let me know if there is anything you need from me.

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