Discussion: What Is "Engaging"?
One of the general strategies used productively is team-based learning, which carefully avoids shortcomings of most group work. As stated in this week's reading by Sibley & Parmelee, "Required exit competencies for graduates have shifted from knowing information to being able to solve complex problems, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and use lifelong learning skills" (p. 41). Therefore, in this course you will be working online with a smaller group in the Discussions for Weeks 4-6 in order to experience team-based learning. Being able to work in teams is important, as well as engaging. In the Discussions for Weeks 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 the entire class will participate as a whole group.
There are many strategies for engaging students.What engages one student may not engage another. Nevertheless, there do seem to be general categories of strategies that teachers have found useful in promoting student engagement and learning.This week you will compare strategies that engaged you with those that engaged your teammates in past courses.
Post your response to the following:
What characterized learning experiences that kept you interested and engaged?
What characterized courses in your past that lost your interest?
What general characteristics do you think constitute "engaging" courses?
List two or three "general strategies" that characterize engaging learning experiences.