Engaged Until Proven Un-engaged?
What are the indicators of engagement? Active physical participation? Question asking and answering? Of course in some measure the expected behavior depends on the lesson activity. But even in an activity that involves manipulation of objects a student might fall into a reverie. Contemplation based upon the work at hand may be considered engagement of the highest order. Sizer, in fact, implored us to never disrupt this processing.
This becomes a particular problem when teachers are evaluated upon the engagement of their students. In my case, a percentage is reported via subjective scanning of the room.
Is it easier, fairer and more respectful of the complex varied endeavor of the students and the teacher to look for blatant disengagement?
Putting on makeup
Conversing off topic for more than a minute
General chaos
Defiance/refusal to work
When such clear behavior is observed then we might focus on how the teacher responds. Does she attempt to correct for it and if her interventions are unsuccessful how does she deal with it?
Teachers can't and should not force students. They can invite, provide opportunity and discipline. But, ultimately, it is the student's choice to be engaged (however that looks for them at the moment) or not. The question is-- is the teacher doing a reasonable job of offering engaging lessons and shepherding the students if necessary?
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