Engagement Theory

Engagement Theory is based upon the idea of creating successful teams that work on ambitious projects that are meaningful outside of the classroom (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1998).

The Engagement Theory has 3 processes:

RELATE: Within this the Graduate Diploma of Learning Teaching (GDLT) we are working as a collaborative team creating, Blogs Wiki’s Voki’s, Glogs (thanks Caroline) slideshows (Thanks Josh). We are using forums to present and query our knowledge, allowing peers’ contribution whilst supervised by our learning manager. We are able to actively participate from various geographical locations and time zones.

The second principle is CREATE: The learning process is not only creative but also meaningful for each participant. Each peer has been able to adapt their learning experience by personalising their blogs etc to address their individual KLA’s whilst preparing us all for our similar journeys to school.

The Third principle is DONATE: This step stresses the value of making a contribution whilst learning. In this case our customer will be the school in which we touch, the students in which we teach and our colleagues in which we blog.

The engagement theory, promotes group interaction and communication through computerised tools. How could this happen within a school?

Collaboration occurs to the extent of which can be as simple as groups of two or as big as groups of 5 or more. Each class will vary to the extent that collaboration can occur. The learning manager (LM) guides the students to how information is to be collected and how information is to be shared. Group activities are not an individual interaction with the instructional program. Computers and electronic devices are used to distribute and source information in relation to the topic.

Project Orientated allows for the LM to provide the initial topic, content and formats etc. Students will be provided with a number of scenario’s to ensure ownership yet ensuring they retain a common goal or outcome. By using the computers etc information is able to be peer reviewed ensuring that students will tend to excel and take ownership whilst still adhering to the curriculum.

Authentic Focus; This process incorporates Donate. A Year 12 Accounting class could submit a Bank reconciliation to a local accounting firm manager for review just as they would within the real world. This would allow students to recognise the value of the content in which they are covering.

The Engagement Theory stretches the skill levels of the students in which we teach not only are they extending their knowledge in their class topics but LM are also able to allow students to actively participate and move with the information age, encouraging lifelong learning.

Aldred, S.(2010).EDED20491,ICTs for learning design:Study guide.Rockhampton,Qld: CQUniversity Australia.

Kearsley, G.,Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for tehnology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved from CQUniversity e-course, EDED20491 ICTs for learning design, http://e-courses.cqu.edu.au.