SUCCESSSTORIES for


educators of Allegany and


Cattaraugus Counties


What does engagement look like? By Mellisa Devitt, Pioneer Central School and CA BOCES


With the 2011 roll out of the New York State Common Core Standards, student engagement has been a topic of conversation. Many teachers ask: What does student engagement look like? How can I be sure that my students are engaged? When do I have the time to create lessons that are engaging in nature?


There are many factors that come into play when you are creating a classroom full of engaged students. Keep in mind that every student learns differently and that you need to design lessons to meet the needs of all your students.


One way to ensure that your students are engaged are to incorporate the 8 C’s (Dr.Harvey Silver) into your


classroom environment.


COMPETITION Maximize the motivational power of competition.


www.caboces.org/iss


CHALLENGE Present students with a list of tasks at varying levels of difficulty.


CURIOSITY Capitalize on students’ natural fondness for puzzles and mysteries.


CONTROVERSY Challenge students to take and defend positions on “hot button” issues related to the subject matter that you’re teaching.


CHOICE Give students the opportunity to make choices and decisions about their learning.


CREATIVITY Ask students to solve ‘non- routine’ problems and think metaphorically.


COOPERATION Have students work with a partner or work as a team.


CONNECTIONS Invite students to relate their own interests, values, priorities, and experiences to the material you are teaching.


also inside... Math Meeting Board


Keep Pace with Digital Learning


Data Driven Instruction


December 2011


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