The Teachers' Internet Use Guide

Link to Texas STAR Center at www.starcenter.org

Link to RMC
Research Corporation at www.rmcdenver.com

Indicators of Engaged Learning

Variable	Indicator of Engaged Learning	Indicator Definition
Visions of Learning	Responsible learning	Learner involved in setting goals, choosing tasks, developing assessments and standards for the tasks; has big picture of learning and next steps in mind.
	Strategic	Learner actively develops repertoire of thinking/learning strategies.
	Energized by learning	Learner is not dependent on rewards from others; has a passion for learning.
	Collaborative	Learner develops new ideas and understanding in conversations and work with others.
Tasks	Authentic	Pertains to real world, may be addressed to personal interest.
	Challenging	Difficult enough to be interesting but not totally frustrating, usually sustained.
	Multidisciplinary	Involves integrating disciplines to solve problems and address issues.
Assessment	Performance-based	Involving a performance or demonstration, usually for a real audience and useful purpose.
	Generative	Assessments having meaning for learner; maybe produce information, product, service.
	Seamless and ongoing	Assessment is part of instruction and vice versa; students learn during assessment.
	Equitable	Assessment is culture fair.
Instructional Model	Interactive	Teacher or technology program responsive to student needs, requests (e.g., menu driven).
Instructional Model	Generative	Instruction oriented to constructing meaning, providing meaningful activities/experiences.
Learning Context	Collaborative	Instruction conceptualizes students as part of learning community; activities are collaborative.
	Knowledge-building	Learning experiences set up to bring multiple perspectives to solve problems such that each perspective contributes to shared under-standing for all; goes beyond brainstorming.
	Empathetic	Learning environment and experiences set up for valuing diversity, multiple perspectives, strengths.
Grouping	Heterogeneous	Small groups with persons from different ability levels and backgrounds.
	Equitable	Small groups organized so that over time all students have challenging learning tasks/experiences.
	Flexible	Different groups organized for different instructional purposes so each person is a member of different groups; works with different people.
Teacher Roles	Facilitator	Engages in negotiation, stimulates and monitors discussion and project work but does not control.
	Guide	Helps students to construct their own meaning by modeling, mediating, explaining when needed, redirecting focus, providing options.
	Co-learner/co-investigator	Teacher considers self as learner; willing to take risks to explore areas outside his/her expertise; collaborates with other teachers and practicing professionals.
Student Roles	Explorer	Students have opportunities to explore new ideas/tools; push the envelope in ideas and research.
	Cognitive Apprentice	Learning is situated in relationship with mentor who coaches students to develop ideas and skills that stimulate the role of practicing professionals (i.e., engage in real research).
	Teacher	Students encouraged to teach others in formal and informal contexts.
	Producer	Students develop products of real use to themselves and others.

From: Jones, B.F., Valdez, G., Nowakowski, J., Rasumssen, C. (1995). Plugging In: Choosing and Using Educational Technology. Council for Educational Development and Research, NCREL.

Return to Assessment Index Page

Indicators of Engaged Learning

Variable

Indicator of Engaged Learning

Indicator Definition

Visions of Learning

Responsible learning

Strategic

Energized by learning

Collaborative

Tasks

Authentic

Challenging

Multidisciplinary

Assessment

Performance-based

Generative

Seamless and ongoing

Equitable

Instructional Model

Interactive

Generative

Learning Context

Collaborative

Knowledge-building

Empathetic

Grouping

Heterogeneous

Equitable

Flexible

Teacher Roles

Facilitator

Guide

Co-learner/co-investigator

Student Roles

Explorer

Cognitive Apprentice

Teacher

Producer

Indicator of
Engaged Learning