My Experience with Classroom Engagement

I was visiting a classroom at Yeppoon State Primary School today, and a unit of work that the class was learning involved creating some amazing group projects. I found today most interesting, as after reading the Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning (Greg Kearsly & Ben Schneiderman)I was able to relate elements of this theory to what the class was doing.

The year 4/5 class were learning about all different types of mining in their SOSE class. They were put into groups of 3 by having their names drawn out of a hat. They learnt about mines first in their class, and then in their teams they used books and the Internet for research. There was 6 computers in this classroom, and the class is able to access them at set times throughout the day.

The first task for the team was to source all the information they needed about a mine of their choice. eg. gold mines, shaft mines, coal mines. This involved communication, planning and social interaction in a group that was not their usual circle of friends. As mentioned in the Engagement Theory article, this type of work in teams gives students the opportunity to work with other students from different backgrounds which promotes an understanding of diversity in the classroom.

The second task for the teams was to build their own mines. They all started with a tidy tray filled with sand, and their task was to create the mine they had researched. As a group they had control over which type of mine they selected, and now as a team had to apply what they had learnt for this creative activity. The children had to source the items they wanted to use from outside of the classroom and from home. The teacher had little involvement in this part of the project, leaving it up to the students to find their own solutions. The mines that the children created were absolutely amazing! They use many recycled objects such as toilet rolls, containers, paddle pop sticks and cardboard, as well as leaves, stones and water plus many other things. This was a very student-centred project, and from what I witnessed, the children in their groups had some out-standing results. When speaking to some of the children about gathering information for this project, the Internet seemed to be most students preferred resource. From here, they also printed off various pictures for ideas to create their mines.

The third task was the presentation of their mines. The school Principle came into class for this presentation, and then later this week the students are also presenting it for their parents. This project had a very realistic focus, and each and every student seemed so engaged, and just couldn't wait to present their finished mine. They had all put in a tremendous effort, and were so proud of what they had created. During the presentation to the principle and their fellow students, the team presenting would explain why they chose that particular mine, how they had gathered the information, what they had learnt, and how and why they constructed their mine the way they did. It was very interesting to watch, and most students answered all the questions confidently. The students overall had gained a lot of knowledge, not only from the theory side, but also the practical. They did all the work as a team, and together solved any problems that arose when creating the mine.

From what I could see of this project, it involved many elements that really kept the students involved. From the initial learning about this topic, to their group research, to the creation of their mine, and then finally their presentations. Having the Principle in the classroom for the presentations really seemed to motivate the students as well. The Principal was running a little bit late so the teacher wanted to start, but the class said not until she arrived. After the presentations, each student did their own personal summary of the mine, and what they personally contributed to the project.

This was the first time I have been into a class since I was at primary school, and it was definitely a very diverse mix of students. There was 3 children with ADHD, and it was quite an eye opener to say the least! However, from being in the classroom all day, the middle session when presenting their mines, is when 2 of these kids seem to be most settled. From what I observed, they were very proud of their mines, and presented them with a real feeling of achievement. It was very enjoyable to watch, and each and every student seemed so pleased with what they had accomplished.

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Understanding ICT's!!

Well after a few weeks of procrastination, I have at last begun my blog!
Education is a very important part of the 21st century, and with the Internet now so readily available, the Web has become a very powerful tool for learning and teaching. It has become a very useful resourse that provides us with many educational materials and learning activites. We as teachers will be able to offer unique learning experiences to our students that will be interesting, engaging and educational. The technology that is available will provide a very student-centred learning environment, but can also be effective when structured to individual students with different needs, or who might learn in different ways. As a visual learner (and also quite computer illiterate) I am very excited and interested in being able to use all these Information and Communication Technologies as a major element in the classroom. I feel it will be rewarding for both teachers and students.