00.cov. 0444-2004.vfinal

1 | Key Stage 3 National Strategy|Pedagogy and practice
Unit 11: Active engagement techniques

© Crown copyright 2004

DfES 0434-2004

Active engagement techniques

Contents

Introduction 1

1 Aspects of engagement 2

2Creating engagement 4

3 Developing engagement 8

4 Directed activities related to text (DARTs) 8

5 Thinking skills 13

6 Drama activities 16

7Writing tasks 18

Summary of research 20

Next steps 21

Setting future targets 23

Appendix 1: How fresh is fresh? 24

Introduction

Active engagement

People learn best when they are interested, involved and appropriately challenged
by their work – when they are engaged with their learning.

Engagement is about promoting those approaches to teaching and learning that
help pupils understand subject knowledge and its application and that demand
their active participation.

Where pupils are actively engaged in their learning, they:

• have a longer concentration span;


• complete work on time;


• stay on-task and have few behaviour problems;


• maintain a good attendance record.

Consequently, they:

• develop higher self-esteem;


• make faster progress;


• develop a belief in their ability to improve and learn;


• encourage and work well with other pupils.