REFLECTIVE JOURNAL - 4.............STUDENT ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Our class was given a group activity based on student engagement in the classroom. We were separated into three groups and given a document to read. Each group was given a different reading. We were then instructed to read the document, choose any three strategies and do a dramatic presentation to demonstrate our understanding of the techniques chosen. The class was allowed to give feedback after each group presented.

Working with other pre-service teachers is very enlightening. I feel this way because their input sometimes presents a perspective that I would not have thought of on my own initiative.

Based on this group work, I am realizing that when pre-service teachers plan a lesson, they usually assume that they would be presenting in an ideal setting. They have caused me to realize how much my mind has been reconditioned by the environment I came out of - one where students displayed major disciplinal and behavioral issues.

My strength appears to be managing a meeting, as I noticed I was constantly keeping the group in check whenever they strayed from the topic. I was also able to help them to be conscious of the time we were allotted.

However, I am still weak in effectively brainstorming. After I have made a contribution, I am stumped for further ideas. This is worth improving because as a teacher, I would need to have a back up plan or be flexible in the event one strategy does not prove to be effective.

The engagement strategies that we presented on as a team are:-

•  WARM UP ACTIVITY-a strategy used to get students in the right frame of mind for what is    to follow. 
• CALL ON RANDOM STUDENTS - a strategy which involves all students actively thinking about a question in anticipation of being called upon to answer.
• COLLABORATIVE TASKS - a strategy designed for students to work in groups to facilitate a deeper understanding of the objectives of the lesson.

This exercise helped me to realize that engaging students in their learning environment may not be as difficult as it seems. The teacher needs to be willing to research and properly apply effective strategic methods.