Engaging Students through Context & Content with Sourcewell Consultants Julie Benson and Maggie Velasco

Each of us may have a different idea about what student engagement looks like or how we increase it in our classrooms. In this episode Sourcewell consultants, Julie and Maggie, share their expertise around learning targets and scales and technology to help your students feel connected to their learning. How do you know when students are engaged?•  Engagement looks and sounds different for everyone, never assume!•  Engaged students           o   can articulate what they are learning and why           o   know their learning progression and path           o   know the target and can self-evaluate progress•  Student agency and personalized connection to the content creates engagementWho is responsible for student engagement?•  It’s a collective effort that must include student and family input•  Educators must clearly present the learning path and progression of learning•  Educators must balance the needs of the variety of students•  Center your students and the learning outcomes; de-center yourself (teacher)What are common reasons that students disengage?•  No relationship to the adults or to the content•  Not feeling welcome or included in the class or school•  When there is a singular (teacher selected) way to show learning•  Not seeing themselves in the content or how it connects to their lifeHow can we proactively address disengagement?:•  Create a safe space for students to share how they’re feeling•  Provide multiple opportunities to support around content•  Greet students at the door•  Positive check-ins, observations, and sharing with families and caregivers•  Specific positive feedbackStrategies to engage all students:•  Use technology as an option to access and connect with teachers•  Intentional and personalized conversations with each student or matching to other adults in the building•  Using a seating chart to ensure that students are getting a check-in•  Set clear and visual learning targets and proficiency scales•  Use pre-assessments to match learning to a variety of skill levels•  Use turn and talks, collaboration, and group work•  Include student voice and choice in learning decisions•  Recognize when a topic may be dry and invite students to weigh in on how to show learning•  Help students see themselves and make connections to the contentReflection Questions:•  What is your one next step?•  How has (or how would) using a clear progression of learning skills engage your students?•  How have you (or how will you) used technology to help students better connect to their world?Resources & References•  High Reliability Schools Framework by Marzano Research•  ISTE Student standards•  ISTE Educator standards•  TPACK in 2min•  SAMR ModelConnect with Julie or Maggie via email [email protected] Ed Soul Podcast Credit | SourcewellFind more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education