How can teachers best engage students to increase participation? This was the topic of discussion during a Warrior Learners workshop on ‘Engaging Learners in Small Group and Whole Group Situations’ led by Chenango Valley Assistant Superintendent Michelle Feyerabend on March 11.
During the professional development workshop, Chenango Valley primary and secondary teachers and teaching assistants learned strategies and techniques to help improve student engagement. Participants broke into "appointments" with each other to review their thoughts on the four cornerstones of effective teaching:
- organization, rules and procedures
- positive relationships
- a culture of thinking and learning
- engagement and enjoyment
Participants learned that accountability is a key to help engage reluctant learners and equalize opportunities for all students. They also reflected on their current practices and ways they can help to increase engagement in their own classrooms.
The second part of this Warrior Learners session will take place in April. In the meantime, participants have been given the task to choose an area where they want to grow in the next month. At the next meeting, they will reflect on and share ways they have grown in their selected area.