What is component 3C? Component 3C is engaging students in learning. This component is essential to having a well-run and successful classroom. Learning without meaning is worthless and students will learn with meaning when they are engaged. There are four elements to this component. The first element is activities and assignments and this states that the activities used are engaging, aligned with standards, and implements some form of student choice. The second element is grouping of students. Creating specific groups, rather than random, can be beneficial to the students. This may mean spreading out advanced students or grouping together students who share similar backgrounds. Instructional materials and resources is the third element, which just outlines how teachers can use their own choice of resources to best engage students in deep, meaningful learning. The last element of this component is structure and pacing. It is very important for teachers to structure lessons in such a way that all students have enough time, but not too much, to complete the task at hand. This comes with experience and reflection time for both students and teachers.
How can it be implemented in the classroom? One simple way to implement this component in the classroom is by strategically placing students in specific groups that will be beneficial for all students. This is done through careful planning and knowing the students' strengths. Another simple way is by giving students time at the end of a lesson or segment to reflect on what they have learned. This may be demonstrated through an exit ticket or a journal entry that they write summarizing what they have learned throughout that lesson. Engaging students in learning is more accessible than ever before through technology. Students are likely familiar with technology outside the classroom and implementing technology into the classroom can engage them in a way that has not been done before. Showing students how technology can be used in an educational manner can help to keep them engaged because it is something in their everyday life. For example, having students have a Twitter account (besides their personal one) that is used to tweet out takeaways from a lesson or give opinions on different topics is a great way to demonstrate how social media can be beneficial. Another way to engage students in learning is through QR codes. Check out my page on QR codes here.
The Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2017, from http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/danielson_rubric_32.pdf