STUDENT

ENGAGEMENT
STRATEGIES

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Definition
Open-ended questions are any questions that require students to think analytically and
critically regarding their own knowledge and personal feelings or opinions. These types of
questions have multiple possible responses and cannot be answered with a yes or no, a
single word or phrase, or specific information

Implementing this Strategy

Can be posed orally to frame a class discussion
Quick Write Response
Pair Discussion
Given as homework assignments

Classroom Arrangement
1) Arrange desks into quads, placing two students on each side (eight in total), having them
face inwards towards each other to encourage discussion (Fig. 1)

2) Arrange all desks into a U-formation so that students may have the opportunity to interact
with all their classmates, or work alone, and still receive direct instruction as needed (Fig. 2)

THE WINGMAN
Definition
A note-taking strategy used to keep all students active in discussion and help engage
any reluctant students. During the discussion/assignment, one students is dubbed the
wingman and takes notes on the quality of the groups discussion (i.e. noting how
often students speak, get off topic, and cite textual evidence) before adding their own
response to the discussion topic. This helps to engage a student who is otherwise
reluctant to participate in the activity and hold all students accountable for group work.

Implementing this Strategy

Class Discussions
Review

Classroom Arrangement
1) Arrange desks into quads, placing two students on each side (eight in total), having
them face inwards towards each other to encourage discussion (Fig. 1)
2) Arrange students into crates, placing six students at a three conjoined tables. There
should be at least two students placed at three sides of the tables facing inwards (Fig.
3)

QUICK WRITES
Definition
Offered as a response time and comprehension check, students are give the
opportunity and time to think and process information before giving a brief synopsis
of their understanding of the subject material as a feedback

Implementing this Strategy

Can be used as an exit ticket
Homework Assignment
Assessment

Classroom Comprehension Check

Classroom Arrangement
This engagement strategy can and should be used in any classroom setting
Encouraged Arrangement: Traditional classroom setting, with desks arranged into
rows to promote individual work (Fig. 4)

CORNERS
Definition
Responding to a prompt, each student moves to a one of the four designated corners in the classroom that
corresponds with their point of view. Students then discuss and collaborate with the other students in that
corner why they share that view. They then summarize their reasoning to the rest of the class and listen to
the summarized views from the other corners.

Implementing this Strategy

Class Discussion
Problem Solving approaches
Class building opportunity

Classroom Arrangement
1) The classroom should be arranged so that desks are pushed closer to the center and the walls and corners
of the room are free from obstructions. (This helps to keep movement in the classroom fluid and help avoid
any issues.) Teachers should specifically determine the numbers corresponding with each corner and the
correlating viewpoint associated with that number. (Fig. 5)
For Example: Class Prompt Dogs or Cats, which is better?
Corner 1 Dogs are better
Corner 2 Cats are better

Corner 3 They are equal

Corner 4 Im indifferent
(Fig. 5)

NUMBERED HEADS TOGETHER

Definition
Working in groups, students work together discussing the appropriate answers to the
question given by the teacher. After discussing, one student is then called on to answer
on behalf of their group.

Implementing this Strategy

Comprehension Check
Group Discussion
Review
Assessment

Classroom Arrangement
- Seating should be arranged so that there is the same number of grouped desks as
assigned groups.
1) Arrange desks into quads, placing two students on each side (eight in total), having
them face inwards towards each other to encourage discussion (Fig. 1)
2) Arrange students into crates, placing six students at a three conjoined tables. There
should be at least two students placed at three sides of the tables facing inwards (Fig.
3)

THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Definition
After given a prompt or a question from the teacher, students are first to think to themselves
reflecting on their own personal knowledge and opinions or feelings. Then, after the think portion of
this activity, students are then encouraged to partner with another partner and discuss their answers
together. Once done with the pair discussions, the students are then encouraged to share their
thoughts and conclusion with the rest of the class.

Implementing this Strategy

Comprehension Check
Participation

Class Discussion
Review

Classroom Arrangement
1) Arrange desks into quads, placing two students on each side (eight in total), having them face
inwards towards each other to encourage discussion. This arrangement also helps to ensure that each
student will have a partner during the pair portion of the assignment. (Fig. 1)

TEAM WORD-WEBBING
Definition
Students work together collectively brainstorming on one piece of butcher paper
the different concepts, vocabulary, and key elements that they can come up with
which relate to the assigned concept or idea.

Implementing this Strategy

Concept Development
Class Building Opportunity
Review

Classroom Arrangement
1) Desk should be arranged into doubles; which is two tables pushed together,
allowing for four students to work together at once (Fig. 6). Having only four ensures
that each student is given a better opportunity of contributing during the assignment

ROUND ROBIN
Definition
During a group assignments, students are each given a corresponding role to share
in turn with the other members of their group. Each student is expected to do their
ensure their group members are being held accountable and provide feedback as
needed.

Implementing this Strategy

Class Building Opportunity
Review
Comprehension Check
Group Assignment/Activity

Classroom Arrangement
1) Desk should be arranged into doubles; which is two tables pushed together,
allowing for four students to work together at once (Fig. 6).
2) Arrange desks into quads, placing two students on each side (eight in total),
having them face inwards towards each other to encourage discussion (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

CLASSROOM
SETTING
ARRANGEMENT
REFERENCE
Quad: Fig. 1
U-Formation: Fig. 2

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Crate: Fig. 3
Traditional: Fig. 4
Corners: Fig. 5
Doubles: Fig. 6

REFERENCES
Grades 6-8: Get Kids Involved in Class | Scholastic.com. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/grades-6-8-get-kids-involved-class
Teaching At Its Best, A Research-Based Resource for College Instructors, Linda
B. Nilson
Tanner, K. (2015). Structure Matters: Twenty-One Teaching Strategies to
Promote Student Engagement and Cultivate Classroom Equity. Retrieved from
http://www.lifescied.org/content/12/3/322.full