Active engagement refers to activities used by teachers to foster individual student learning. Illinois State University professor Kathleen McKinney explains in her article, "Active Learning," that teachers should focus on "talking and listening, writing, reading and reflecting," which are ways that students can participate in higher-level thinking and take responsibility for learning. These activities are important in English classes because students need an opportunity to discuss what they gained from their reading, whether they learned a lesson through a character's actions or connected with a conflict in the story.
Peter Lorain, a National Education Association contributor, explains in his article, "Teaching That Emphasizes Active Engagement," that active engagement strategies allow students to experience self-discovery, which helps them learn and retain information better. In English classes, students must connect emotionally with what they read to be actively engaged. Instead of giving students guided questions to answer while they read, ask them to write a letter to give advice to the character. Active engagement allows students to form their own opinions by analyzing how their behaviors and attitudes connect to those of the character. Later, they can share their advice to see which classmates have similar views.
Even though active engagement reflects student involvement, the teacher is not off the hook. The teacher must be familiar with text so they can anticipate problems the students may experience during reading. Active engagement strategies may include discussion of various pictures that relate to the reading or an anticipation guide that provides "agree-disagree" statements. Lorain further explains that new information should be taught in sections of approximately seven to 10 minutes to allow for processing of information. Students will have a difficult time staying engaged for longer periods of time.
The focus of English class is on the text being read, but the activities to get students motivated to read do not have to be independent. Students can think-pair-share their reaction to a quote from the text. While reading, they can pause at a certain page and debate what the character should do to resolve the conflict. After reading, students can write an alternate ending. Then, the class can vote on the best ending. Use a variety of before, during and after strategies to keep students actively engaged in reading.
Students and teachers are used to more traditional lectures and independent work. Changing teaching and learning styles can be a difficult transition, so provide clear expectations and allow students to give feedback on activities. If they really hated one activity, they may really enjoy another. McKinney advises giving students a voice in the process, which is also an example of active engagement. Be open for modifications since active engagement can occur outside of class, too. Online blog sites allow students to discuss their readings with each other in another forum.