Welcome to the Authentic Student Engagement website. My name is Chris Clark and I am a teacher in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. I have been utilizing the outdoor environment for my entire teaching career (27 years and counting). A number of years ago, with my partner teacher Gillian Strange, we created an experiential integrated project based middle years program that is geared to re-engaging grade 8 students in education primarily through experiential outdoor learning. At the same time, I completed my Masters in Education around the subject of authentic student engagement and the barriers that teachers perceive in implementing proven engagement strategies. I am currently working on my PhD with a focus on out-of-classroom and outdoor learning and the positive benefits and methods.
Our goal with this website is to hopefully provide resources to remove some of the barriers that teachers experience when incorporating engagement and outdoor learning strategies in their own classroom. We have experienced tremendous success in engaging middle years students in learning and hope that we can help you to do the same. Click on the photo above the section title and explanation to go to that section. You can also access the different sections through the menu at the top of the page. |
Definition
What is authentic student engagement? What does it look like? What does it sound like?
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Relationships
Good relationships are crucial to engagement. Why are they so important? How do you build relationships in your classroom?
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Team Building
People need to be taught how to work with others. How do you teach teamwork?
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Collaboration
Students are more likely to be engaged when working with others. How do you teach and use collaboration and relational learning?
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Independence
Students need to learn independence to be successful in life. How do you teach it? Why should you?
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Project Based LearningAutonomy, relevance and authentic tasks are all part of PBL. How do you create effective projects?
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Team Building Book
Would you like to get your hands on a book with over 300 activities on teaching leadership and group work that are written for teachers by a teacher? Follow this link.
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Simulations
Sometimes it is not possible to actually do something. In that case, simulate it. How do simulations work?
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Smart Devices & Hats
Smart devices used properly increases engagement. How can you use them properly? Petty rules disengage students. Common sense should prevail.
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