Leading a Classroom Centered Around Engagement

Danielle Huber, Leah A. Nillas

Research output: Faculty Advisor of Undergraduate Research

Abstract

The concept of school engagement is a vital aspect of learning for fostering student growth within the classroom. The purpose of this study is to investigate a variety of strategies to increase and sustain the three key components of student engagement: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. The multifaceted nature of engagement is broken down to explore student participation, reactions to external learning factors, and willingness to exert the effort needed for comprehension (Fredricks, Blumenfeld, & Paris, 2004). This teacher research reflects on these elements that contribute to student engagement by examining different classroom methods and approaches through an extensive literature review and self-study conducted during my semester of student teaching in a second-grade classroom. Data was collected through lesson plan documentation, student self-assessment surveys, and teacher observational records. The utilization of both physically active and cognitively challenging brain break activities was found to improve student focus and academic achievement (Egger, Benzing, Conzelmann, & Schmidt, 2019). Recent studies have found that teaching methods centering around movement integration boosts student interest and improves concentration and behavior, overall enhancing learning (Miller & Lindt, 2018). Additional findings showed that providing students with the opportunity for choice, control, and collaboration increases motivation and engagement within elementary classrooms. Lastly, positive students’ relationships with the classroom teacher and peers can promote their academic and behavioral engagement, creating meaningful learning experiences. It is essential for teachers to create the right classroom culture for learning by exploring an assortment of strategies to enhance student engagement.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - 2022

Disciplines

  • Education

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