Great Ideas for Teaching Students (GIFTS) Shelly Presnell, Director Brian Peterson, MA, EdM, Presenter April 18, 2013 3:30 p.m Maximizing Student Engagement: Ideas for Sustaining Optimal Focus during Instructional Time Rationale: This teaching strategy aims at maintaining the best active learning by students during instructional time through an intentional placement or integration of interactive tasks Materials: Prepared (word-processed) handout for students LCD Projector White board, dry erase markers Description/Procedure: • Before class/at the start: Present (visually/aurally): aspect of the day’s session as students enter room Inquire: “What can we say about ?” or “Who recognizes ?” • During instruction: Ask periodically: “Let’s all say…” or “repeat” Direct understanding: “This group looks for _while this part of the class listens/watches for ” • Closure: Worksheet: invite group to input target information (focus/review exercise) With appreciation to David Pruett, Ph.D – a master teacher (University of Massachusetts, Boston)