I think that most of my teacher trainees “got” what I was trying to do at the last session: Model one lesson on engaged learning by engaging them with technology-mediated pedagogies. How do I know they know? I read the entries of those who have already blogged about it!

Li Ling posed an interesting question in a recent entry:

How do one gauge if students are actually engaged?

Seriously I think it’s quite subjective. In any case, how are we to judge that the traditional one-way teaching methods are not sufficently engaging?
An important factor in engaged learning is that of the child’s mental processes. I swear I was stressfully engaged between notes-scribbling, following the lectures & fear of being called upon by the teacher. (Of course, there are also times which I simply switch off as I master the art of goldfish sleeping.)

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. Learners cannot be engaged 100% of the time and it is unrealistic to expect that.
2. Didactic teaching can be engaging (based on a layperson’s definition). But just how many of the dimensions of engaged learning are met with lectures? We must think outside our mindsets and comfort zones in order to critique our instruction as teachers. Just because we are comfortable teaching a certain way does not mean that our students are learning optimally.
3. If, as teachers, we participate actively in the process, it will be obvious whether students are truly engaged. Engagement is indeed a mental process, but it can also be obvious in body language, physical performance, reflections, etc.
4. The engagement does not end when the bell rings. It is an on-going process. There can be learning that takes place outside the classroom that you may or may not be monitoring. My experience tells me that a significant amount of learning takes place individually and at home, on the train, in a fastfood joint, etc. This is why I design for tasks do be completed outside of class time.
5. Engaged learning = meaningful learning. In other words, engaged learning takes place when the learner has “a-ha!” moments or realises what makes sense to him or her (internalises).

On a separate note, here is another reflection simply titled “Catharsis“. I wonder if any one of you have had similar experiences.