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Interaction in an Instant: Get students engaged in learning through talking

By April 16, 201910 Comments
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10 Comments

  • Karen McDonald says:

    I just saw this on someone’s twitter feed! It’s excellent and I thought the description of the tool was exceptional. I will certainly give it a try tomorrow with my eighth graders and let you know how it goes. (It was a great reminder to let students discuss and process what they are doing. We do it all the time as adults.)

  • Adam says:

    I feel that you are absolutely correct and engaging with every student keeps the class interested. I addition, I know I have seen lecture become too standard in many education systems. Capturing those students that like to stay in the shadows will ensure they have a greater understanding of the material while integrating them with other peers will help their social welfare as well.

  • Love the “ Mix pair share “ idea. That will work well with my Juniors (5 & 6 year olds). It will help them interact with students that they don’t usually connect as much with and help build relationships as well.
    @leonie_hastings

  • Valerie Tilton says:

    I love the use of movement and discussion to engage and enhance learning! I also agree with the deepening of understanding when students interact with each other about content. One of my favorite strategies was to use the “Inside Outside Circle.” Loved it for discussion!

  • Cheryl Abla says:

    Hello Karen,

    Thanks for taking time to respond.
    It’s only natural to talk about what you are learning in order to understand the content.The structures and techniques help give the “how” to make it happen.

    I look forward to hearing how it works with your eighth graders.

    ~Cheryl

  • Cheryl Abla says:

    Hi Adam,

    Thank you for taking the time to comment on the blog. I really liked your words, ” Capturing those students that like to stay in the shadows will ensure they have a greater understanding of the material.” Exactly, if students aren’t engaged in the learning how as a teacher are we sure they understand as we go along. Besides, it makes it more equivalent when we have everyone sharing instead of those four or six students who always have their hand up in the classroom.

    ~Cheryl

  • Cheryl Abla says:

    Hello Leonie,

    It’s great to hear from you! It’s terrific to know that even in New Zealand you put relationships first. Please let me know how the techniques work with your juniors. (If you can ever snap a video and share with us here or on Twitter that would be awesome!)

    ~Cheryl

  • Cheryl Abla says:

    Hi Valerie,

    Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to comment. I am with you when students can interact with one another about the content they are far better at owning the material.

    If your teachers use any of the tools, please share here or on Twitter. I’d love to see Florida students in action.

    ~Cheryl

  • Helen I. Chitwood says:

    Cheryl,
    I will certainly give this strategy a try. I think my students will enjoy learning to take more ownership of their learning .
    Irene

  • Cheryl Abla says:

    Hello Irene,

    Thank you for taking time to respond to my blog. I am certain your third graders will enjoy the engagement strategies. (I can always use a few when I am back at the school next week.

    See you soon,
    ~Cheryl

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