1. Student Engagement
Betz Elementary

2. Small Group Discussion
Think of the various professional development trainings you have attended:
How would you characterize the instruction?
About how much time typically passes before you lose focus, become bored, or struggle to remain seated?
What do you do throughout the day to appear to be on-task?
Habituation: Habituation occurs when an individual’s response to a stimulus decreases after repeated stimulation.
“The longer we talk, the more students we lose”

3. Cost of Disengagement Students become “listening objects”
Teachers find themselves having to repeat themselves
Retention of content is limited
Drop outs
Listening objects: People need to have the opportunity to process, interact, articulate their learning or their questions.

4. Why Focus on Student Engagement?
Strong core curriculum
Improving student engagement can be targeted by all teachers
Active student engagement:
Positively impacts student learning
Reduces student misbehavior
Creates a more enjoyable and positive learning atmosphere
Elevating current teaching
“The more educational fun we can introduce into our classrooms, the more students will learn and the fewer opportunities there will be for challenging behavior.” Chris Biffle
“Students learn best when they are actively involved in the process. Researchers report that, regardless of the subject matter,
students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats. Students who work in collaborative groups also appear more satisfied with their classes.

5. Observe Three Classrooms
Compare and contrast the following videos:
Focus: Student engagement, feedback, and assessment
Classroom #1
Classroom #2
Classroom #3

6. Small Group Discussion
Compare the videos:
What are some ways students were engaged in their learning?
How was feedback provided to students?
How was learning assessed and monitored?
Describe the learning environment and climate

7. Book Study
You will either be reading Total Participation Techniques by Himmele & Himmele or The Highly Engaged Classroom by Marzano
The Highly Engaged Classroom: Working with Cindy and she will provide you information regarding the book study
TPT: You will be expected to read the book independently or with a partner

8. Book Study (Continued)
On November 7th the Betz staff will come together to share ideas on student engagement
Identify two engagement strategies that you have implemented in your classroom
What suggestions do you have for other staff members?
Are there any resources you can share with other teachers?