Evaluating Instruction for Indicators of Engaged Learning

Introduction and Resources

Engaged learning: how can we assess whether our teachers are designing lessons that encourage it?

The North Central Regional Education Laboratory has provided a set of web resources based on the book Designing Learning and Technology for Educational Reform, by Beau Fly Jones, Gilbert Valdez, Jeri Nowakowski, and Claudette Rasmussen (NCREL, 1994). These resources define the concept of engaged learning by specifying a set of learning indicators given in the table below. Each of the eight areas is linked to a description of these indicators.

Engaged Learning Indicators

*Vision of Engaged Learning* Responsible for Learning Energized by Learning Strategic Collaborative *Tasks for Engaged Learning* Challenging Authentic Integrative/interdisciplinary	*Learning Context for Engaged Learning* Knowledge-Building Learning Community Collaborative Empathetic *Grouping for Engaged Learning* Heterogeneous Flexible Equitable
*Assessment of Engaged Learning* Performance-Based Generative Interwoven with Curriculum and Instruction Equitable Standards *Instructional Models and Strategies for Engaged Learning* Interactive Generative	*Teacher Roles for Engaged Learning* Facilitator Guide Co-Learner and Co-Investigator *Student Roles for Engaged Learning* Explorer Cognitive Apprentice Producers of Knowledge

Task

Your task is to reflect on how well the engaged learning activities you participated in today meet the learning indicators in the table above. These activities included The Cube, 16 Things to Take to the Moon, and Make the Move. Your group will give a brief report on your conclusions.

Procedure

Task 1: Evaluating the Learning (15-20 min)

Form groups of 4 participants
Select a name for your group, standing for your daunting task.
In your group assign to each person a different box from the engaged learning indicators above.
Individually, review the definitions of the engaged learning indicators in your box.
Still individually, evaluate each one of the three learning activities that you did earlier in the day (Cube, 16 Things to the Moon, and Make the Move) for your signs of engaged learning.

Task 2: Reporting on your Results (15-20 min)

Select one person in your group who will give a 2-3 minute report.
Working together in your group, each person share the results of their evaluation of the day's activities.
Help the person who is reporting put together a talk that includes one contribution from each member in the group.
Reporters, you may practice the presentation to your group if you wish.

Other Resources

NCREL also has defined a set of technology indicators and a model for the intersection of learning and technology, but we won't be focusing on this aspect of the NCREL model here today.
NCRTEC has developed a Learning With Technology Profile Tool. I have created an on-line rubric for evaluating engaged learning that is strictly based on NCRETEC's Profile, but is arranged in a more familar tabular rubric form and therefore may be more useful for evaluation from a print document. The document is in four parts, corresponding to the above four areas of engaged learning indices.

Indicators for Engaged Learning: Vision and Tasks
Indicators for Engaged Learning: Assessment and Instructional Models
Indicators for Engaged Learning: Learning Context and Grouping
Indicators for Engaged Learning: Teacher Roles and Student Roles

Here is a brief overview with definitions of engaged learning indicators.

Conclusion

Each group presenter will give their 2-3 minute presentation to the larger group.
Large group discussion of the significance of engaged learning will follow.

Modified by Jim Andris, October 9, 1999.