Running head: PRACTICES TO ENGAGE ALL LEARNERS 1

Jason Stewart

Week 1- Literary Review

TED690- Capstone

April 14, 2018

National University

Professor Wyatt
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Abstract

In the article, Practices to Engage All Learners, it focuses on effective practices that were found
being used in the classroom when a study was conducted in numerous school districts. It is
important to mention, that according to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in 2016,
that published the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE’s), this article aligns to support TPE
1 and TPE 2. These TPE’s are vital in building an effective classroom and learning environment
for each student and their needs. The article talks about how these teachers had focused on
five practices that all used engage all learners.

Literary Review: Practices to Engage All Learners

All students need to be engaged in the classroom, in this article it discusses at-risk

students and ways to aid them in the classroom. At-risk students come from homes with high

mobility rates and lower socioeconomic status. The study conducted by one of the authors of

this article, James Riegert, reviewed and analyzed high school teachers that work exclusively

with at-risk students. This study showed these teacher’s strategies and practices that are

effective for these students, and how they can be applied and implemented in a regular

classroom and can benefit all types of learners.

The first practice focused on building relationships or creating bonds with students from

day one. It is vital for teachers to intentionally establish a working relationship that progresses

throughout the school year. This can be difficult, since many students withdraw themselves and

challenge a teacher’s rules. A way that this is done is to maintain close proximity with students,

which lets the students know you are strong and there for them. Another way to build this

relationship is to make time to talk. Outside of teaching a lesson, it is important to build an

understanding of what interests and learn about their personal lives. Continually trying to find

conversation that can establish and build on this bonding will better engage students.
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The next practice talks about persevering through difficulties, which deals with teachers

exerting the energy to create these relationships with students. As the professional, it is your

responsibility to be willing and pushing to build these student relationships. It is not an easy at

times when students are pushing away, but once this connection is made then they will really

be engaged. Additionally, teachers need to persevere through finding small successes in each

student to celebrate; this shows that they are valued and that somebody cares about their

success.

Another practice is to differentiate and be flexible. As teachers, being passionate and

knowledgeable about the concept is one thing, but connecting to the students’ interests and

passions will make it completely engaging. One way to do this is to choose instructional

strategies that respond to students’ needs rather than beginning with strategies that are tied to

curriculum. One example showed how one teacher went away from the textbook to teach

about government, instead “we went online and everyone found an island for sale.” The class

then created their own government and economy for their island, and students realized the

need for rules and laws and how to function effectively as a society.

One more practice is to make curriculum relevant, which seems obvious, but by doing so

it creates clear objectives, guidelines, and feedback and to support their next steps in growth.

Create practical examples that show students how the lesson relates to real life. Another way

approach to this practice is having a discussion with the students about their lives and how

their education will benefit them. “When students see ow their schoolwork relates to their

knowledge, health, well-being, their education often takes a giant step forward.”
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The last practice is to start fresh daily each and every day with each student. It is

important to not hold anything over their heads from the days before. Let each student have a

clean slate and know that they can have a great day without any worry of the prior day.

Teachers cannot be judgmental because then the students are not willing to take chances with

you.

In closing, these practices have been effective in classrooms with at-risk students, but a

tremendous amount of energy, dedication, talent and commitment is needed. In a regular

classroom setting, these practices can be effective if a teacher has the passion and desire to

engage each and every student. These important practices align with TPE 1 and TPE 2 to

understand the different students and a way to promote students’ social-emotional growth,

development and individual responsibility.

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References

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. June 2016. California Teaching Performance

Expectations. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-
source/educator-prep/standards/adopted-tpes-2016.pdf?sfvrsn=8cb2c410_0.

Riegert, J., & Recht, D. (n.d.). Practices to Engage All Learners. Retrieved April 13,
2018, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-
leadership/oct12/vol70/num02/Practices-to-Engage-All-Learners.aspx.