Week 6 discussion responses

 read this students posts and respond as if you were talking to them directly  

Topic 6 DQ 1      



How does learner engagement in the course affect classroom management? What strategies can be employed to avoid learner boredom? 

Elizabeth

1 posts

Re: Topic 6 DQ 1

Student engagement and classroom management are closely related and dependent on one another. Having challenges in the classroom often stem from lack of understanding of content, interest, or poorly organized lesson plans due to level of difficulty, structure or pacing. Likewise, transitions in delivery of material also affect level of engagement. For instance, a lesson, which includes a presentation followed by a hands-on activity and concludes with an online exit-ticket, can help break up the material with appropriate pacing through the use of these multiple methods of learning. This approach is more student-centered, minimizing potential disruptions.Governing the classroom through student engagement can be done with a variety of approaches to promote the development of a positive and active classroom setting. To help curb unwanted behaviors, the use of interactive lessons with digital models, along with opportunities for students to apply their knowledge as they learn, fuse instruction with practice. When students are actively participating in their learning and information is presented in a meaningful way, they are more inclined to respond positively. Providing “brain-brakes” are also a helpful tool, especially in an online setting. The well known “would you rather,” a game of charades, or just a joke of the day, all go a long way in gaining the attention of students. Also, providing options in which students are permitted to choose their method of learning, not only empowers them to take charge, but also holds them more accountable. Another effective method is simply asking students to put their knowledge into action. “Show what you know” is an excellent assessment tool that promotes student engagement. Active learners are less inclined to act out, as they have a role in their learning. “Targeting enhancement of thinking skills typically means that assessment strategies will concentrate on the development of higher order thinking skills and deep involvement in the discipline” (McKeachie & Svinicki, 2014, p.312). Setting expectations for students to provide meaningful work through active learning is a strategy that promotes higher order thinking skills while preventing boredom. A well-structured lesson equips students with the necessary tools to experience social and academic success, while promoting a positive classroom experience.

Julie Corbin  

2 posts

Re: Topic 6 DQ 1

Student engagement is a large part of classroom management. If the students are not participating or are not paying attention it will cause disruption and a lack of learning, overall. Monotony in a classroom can be the cause of learners not paying attention or participating, if they are bored their minds will wonder. If the same activity is being repeated over and over, or if the students are only expected to sit and listen a non-participative lecture, their engagement levels will sink – rapidly. Svinicki and McKeachie (2014) explain that, “Changes in the environment recruit attention. The ability to change to capture attention can work to the advantage of the lecturer…Auditory attention is directed to some extent by visual attention” (p.67). These changes can be simple. They can be tone of voice, it could be asking questions instead of listing information, it could be asking for volunteers, or sharing experiences. Riely (2016) suggests an amazing idea in her article, to engage students by having them “phone a friend” (p.147) for assistance in classroom discussion. Not only would this allow for learners to have to actively participate, but they could use their phones for good, and they can include their friends and loved ones making it a very well-rounded activity. Finding novel and interesting ways to engage students and keep their attention can help fight the boredom that can happen in a classroom setting.

Dorothy Parker  

3 posts

Re: Topic 6 DQ 1

Learning engagement plays a big role in classroom management. If you as a teacher want the students to be engaged, facilitate self-directed activities and group activities (Positive school discipline, nd). The students must take ownership of their own work style learning. The instructor must first be the model of how the students should be acting in the classroom. I have seen where instructors were so loud, and this created a loud classroom environment. I call it to match the tone to tone classroom management. Other strategies that can hold students accountable is self-assessments according to (McKeachie & Svinicki, 2014) “ Self-assessment is even more powerful if the teacher asks students not only to judge their own work but also to formulate the criteria and standards that should apply”. (pg. 147). Using positive classroom management and engagement practice is the key strategy for a positive classroom management plan. These practices will not only encourage students to be respectful, but it will create bored in the classroom because the students will be held responsible for their own actions. Setting goals in life will create discipline in our everyday life; because we are now taking ownership.