INDICATORS OF ENGAGED LEARNING

STUDENT ROLES

• Students have an ample amount of time to explore their own ideas and have a variety of tools to work with to find answers to any of their questions (Explorer).
• Students are encouraged to teach each other in formal and informal contexts (Teacher).
• Students will develop of project that will be of real use to themselves and others (Producer).

TEACHER ROLES

• The teacher engages in negotiation and simulates/monitors any discussion and project work but does not have absolute control on where the students are going (Facilitator).
• The teacher helps students construct their own meaning by explaining material when needed and refocusing students, if needed (Guide).
• The teacher should consider self as a learner. Collaboration should take place between teacher, student and outside learners (Co-Learner).

GROUPING

• Small groups with different abilities and backgrounds work together (Heterogeneous).
• The various groups are allowed to help other groups (Flexible).

LEARNING CONTEXT

• The instruction conceptualizes students as part of a learning community (Collaborative).
• The learning experiences are set up to bring multiple perspectives to solve problems such that each perspective contributes to shared understanding of all (Knowledge building).

INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

• The teacher or technology program is responsive to student needs and requests (Interactive).
• The instruction is oriented to constructing meaning and providing meaningful activities and experiences for students (Generative).

ASSESSMENT

• The project, when presented to the class members, will involve a real audience and a real purpose (Perfomance-based).
• The assessment has a meaning for the learner. It produces relevant and useful information (Generative).
• The assessment is culturally fair (Equitable).

TASKS

• The work involved pertains to the real world and students have a personal interest in the findings (Authentic).
• The research and end project is difficult enough but interesting to the students (Challenging).
• The project involves integrating disciplines to solve problems and address issues. Students will use Math and English skills as well as the skills learned in class to complete this project (Multidisciplinary).

VISION OF LEARNING

• The student is involved in setting goals, choosing tasks and has a big picture of learning and the next steps in mind (Responsible for Learning).
• The student will have a passion for learning (Energized for Learning).
• The student will develop new ideas and understanding in conversations and work with others (Collaborative).