Learning and Teaching News
Since our professional learning with Dr. Amy Berry, reimagining student engagement the staff and students at SMDP have improved their knowledge and understanding of engagement in learning and are beginning to apply this knowledge in the classroom. We have developed a shared understanding of, and the language for, engagement to help students think critically about their experience of learning throughout the day. Our role as teacher is to provide students with the tools, skills, strategies and knowledge to successfully participate, invest and drive their own learning.
This Term you may have heard your child speak about the engagement continuum and heard the words, withdrawing, disrupting, avoiding, participating, investing and driving. These are the words that make up the continuum of engagement. Disrupting, Avoiding and Withdrawing are three forms of disengagement - this looks like, students disrupting the learning, looking for ways to avoid work and putting in low effort. Participating, Investing and Driving are three forms of engagement - this looks like, students doing the work, being on task, showing interest and curiosity in what they are learning, setting goals for their learning and monitoring and evaluating their progress.
Student engagement is now more visible and explicitly connected to the learning process. We have been using this language with your child, teaching them to use it as they set intentions for their engagement and to reflect on their engagement during learning experiences. One role of us as teachers is to provide the students with the tools, skills, strategies and knowledge to successfully participate, invest and drive their own learning.
Let's hear from some of our Year One/Two students reflecting on their understanding of their engagement whilst learning and how they drive their learning.
Evelyn - As a learner I think I am mostly participating because I try really hard and focus on the job to do by following the learning intentions.
Sebastian - We can move through the learning continuum all day. When you are engaging in your learning you are learning better.
Niven- Engagement means you are not doing something that avoids and disturbs other class members. You are focusing and following instructions so your learning goes higher and higher.
Frankie - Sarah tells us when we are driving our learning. You are driving your learning when you are learning really really well.
Nash - It is important to be engaged in your learning so you can be the best version of yourself.
Yanet - If you finish your work early instead of distracting others you can ask other people who are finished to give you feedback and this is driving your learning.
Selina- You need to make sure you are focused and engaged so you can become a better learner.
Mackenzie - Engagement means listening and enjoying learning.
We are committed to growing students that are active partners in the learning process, by teaching students about what it means to be engaged in learning and for both students and teachers to create and cultivate a culture of learning in the classroom.
That’s why we have joined Amy Berry and ACER (Australian Council of Education Research) to investigate student perspectives on engaging in learning at school.
Tomorrow via OPEROO you will receive a letter and permission note for your child to participate in a short 5 minute survey about their experiences and perspectives on engagement in school. This survey will help us better support students to become highly engaged, active partners and more skilled learners.
Your child will also bring home their own consent note to sign and return to their classroom teacher. Please read through this note with them before signing. Permission needs to be given by 15 September 2023.
Elise Coghlan
Co-Deputy Principal | Literacy & Numeracy Leader | Visible Learning Leader