What is Engagement in Learning?

What is engagement in learning?  What does it look like?  What would I see kids doing or saying?  How do I know when students are engaged in the learning process?  

Engagement has been a hot topic in education.  In order to get more students learning, we need to get them engaged with the learning.  In order for students to get engaged we need to design learning in such a way that it will inspire curiosity and make the learning fun, purposeful and connected to learning outcome.  As educators we must consider the many elements involved in designing such a learning environment.  All instructional decisions and planning must keep student engagement at the center.  

When considering "an answer" to the question :  What is engagement in learning? I often suggest to my new teachers that they give some consideration to the list of guiding questions below.

Guiding Questions to consider:

• Who is doing most of the talking?  Teacher centered, Student centered?
• Are students asking questions?
• How are students learning?  Collaboratively, Independently?
• Are students provided with opportunities to inquire, collaborate and explore?
• What is the level of questioning? 
• Are all students expected to participate in classroom discussion and respond to questions?
• How is digital learning infused in the learning activities?
• What are students learning and why?
• Can students articulate the learning outcomes?
• Can students “see” the intended learning targets?
• Are quality criteria and exemplars being shared by teachers to help students identify what they are learning, where they are in the learning and what they will do to improve their learning?
• Do students have choice in the way that they show what they have learned?
• Is the focus on process and critical thinking?
• Are students learning through exploration and inquiry based processes?
• Are learning activities varied and connected to real life whenever possible.
• Are students assisted with applying the strategies they have learned to new situations? What is the cognitive level for learning?  
• Are learning environments designed with flexible approaches to space, time, materials and groupings?
• Is learning demonstrated and measured in multiple ways?
• Are teachers mindful of readiness, interest, experiences and learning at all levels?
• Instruction regularly involves using an activating, acquiring and applying paradigm when appropriate.
• Is student voice clear and valued throughout the learning?

This is by no means a comprehensive list of guiding questions, but definitely a place to start.  What questions would you add to this list?  How do you define engagement in learning?  I would love to hear from others on this topic.