Students Engaging And 21st Century Pedagogies in Schools Assignment Sample

Introduction:-Student Engagement Strategies Using Modern Teaching Practices

21st-century pedagogy expounded as the systematic framework and approach to instructing concepts and ideas while utilising various advanced technological tools. The present reflective essay will explore the extent of student engagement in 21st-century pedagogies. MeE framework will be used for undertaking in-depth analysis and accordingly, my teaching philosophy would be refined for considering future practices.

MAIN BODY

MeE Framework

Student engagement proves to be essential in the setting as it supports enhancing the learning efficacy of learners. The MeE framework provides a detailed, comprehensive and multifaceted series to undertake student engagement in the classroom (Bray, 2023). MeE aligned with the areas of motivation that primarily focus on creating support for students. Engagement is essential as this leads to improving the confidence of students and creates an effective interaction between educators and students. The conflicts can be resolved and further behavioural issues could be reduced and an effectual environment can be developed in the classroom. Varied components of the MeE framework provide insightful theory related to effective classroom practices and pedagogies. For instance- the difference in the urge of students can be analysed, a learner in the classroom engages in the task due to two factors; the first one is when he/she has the motivation and the second one is associated with only following the instruction of teacher (Asad et al, 2021). As a teacher, I need to focus on developing motivation for the students so they can engage in tasks on their own rather than just following my instructions. However, Göçen et al, (2020) stated that an educator needs to undertake engaging practices on a regular note; I believe that this results in placing unrealistic expectations for a first-year teacher who is still required to navigate their teaching practices. Experienced teachers can ensure higher engagement in the class as they have practical as well as theoretical knowledge in this area.

As a pre-service teacher, I believe that the MeE framework is a useful professional development tool in order to plan, reflect and consider engagement that could be suited to varied and unique contexts. The framework endorses a favourable environment in the classroom that is entitled to engaging experiences. MeE pedagogy advocates positive feedback for questioning, self-regulating and especially for undertaking reflection in the practices to form an authentic environment in the classroom (González-Salamanca et al, 2020). I can assume the advantages of motivation and engagement underpinned by the MeE framework which could be seen after an extensive period. Henceforth, my core motive is to facilitate a supportive, inclusive and flexible learning environment for students where they can get motivated to engage and connect with all other learners. I will use a learning-focused approach where the unique needs of each learner will be prioritised and accordingly, further actions will be taken. I believe that the MeE framework could be adopted within the classroom to enhance student engagement levels to a greater extent.

Overview of 21^st pedagogies

Twenty-first-century pedagogies are aligned with varied kinds of relevant skills which are important in the classroom. My pedagogical approach is comprised of developing a favourable learning environment where students can evolve and apply critical thinking (Kennedy and Sundberg, 2020). Further, I believe in using different forms of assessment and promoting open communication. Dialogue teaching gathers the attention of students and makes them able to put their opinions, it is comprised of group discussion and problem-solving approaches. Hence, this allows students in terms of implying their concepts and learn so they can build their ideas. A creative classroom provides opportunities for students in terms of growth and development. For instance- role-play activities can be organised in the classroom as this supports gaining the attention of students and often contributes to developing emotional literacy (Kennedy and Sundberg, 2020). In the 21^st century, personalised learning is growing to a higher extent as this is based on analysing the unique and different needs of each student and accordingly, further actions could be taken. This supports performing those strategies and practices that are important to comply with individual learner needs and enhances their motivation.

Problem-based learning [PBL] is a type of active learning that encourages students in order to think in a deep manner and further enables them to learn in a significant manner. This is based on monitoring the real world and accordingly undertaking learning procedures, it contributes to enhancing the problem-solving capabilities of students (Khasawneh et al, 2023). Purposeful technology integration is delineated as the concept of using digital technologies to enhance the educational environment. In this manner, significant support has been developed for students. This often results in enhancing the digital skills of students. Technology is becoming a medium for learning that contributes to increasing the potential of students. The 21st-century pedagogy is comprised of empowering learners by prioritising their needs. I believe that teacher needs to personalise learning by using different types of learning styles. Pedagogical content knowledge [PCK] states that a teacher needs to go beyond their knowledge to construct the knowledge of students (Khasawneh et al, 2023). 21st-century pedagogy is all about using practical setups for initiating the learning of learners. Thus, by creating a focus on the unique needs of learners appropriate focus can be initiated that contributes to enhancing the satisfaction of students. I will simply emphasise this area and accordingly requirements of the students will be prioritised and consequently further actions will be taken.

Link between substantive student engagement and 21st-century education

Utilitarian student engagement is said to be apparent specifically when the teacher uses the relevant content and strategies of 21st-century pedagogies. Student engagement braces up adaptive behavioural, cognitive, psychological and academic success within school. The advanced communication mechanism has been used to enhance the interaction with the learners. There are varied challenges has been experienced by learners in their learning procedure (Siregar et al, 2020). Henceforth, it is the accountability of teachers that they must develop a significant focus on this area. I got to know that I need to differentiate the engagement experience for personalising the lesson experience along with solving the issues of students. PBL enables students in terms of engaging in learning procedures by solving their challenges. A successful PBL accounts for engaging students in a significant manner, PBL also promotes engaging messages by valuing the knowledge of students and their opinions. This also permits learners to have control over their learning and abilities and often reinforces them to enhance their learning. The students who face challenges in STEM subjects, this approach has been proven effective as the projects can be personalised in accordance with the interests and abilities of students (Siregar et al, 2020).

PBL is considered as that type of teaching style which led to push students to become the drivers within learning education. PBL is that type of student-centred approach under which students effectively learn about the subjects while working in groups to solve open-ended issues and complexities.  The inclusive conversation can be proceeded in the class which creates motivation for students. Feedback is important within PBL, in accordance with 21st-century pedagogy, the foremost focus needs to be focused on providing and receiving feedback. Studies have shown that students having different academic levels completing STEM education require a PBL approach to solving their problems and this led to substantial academic enhancement (Czerkawski et al, 2020). Thus, it can be stated that the interrelationship between PBL and students’ engagement is encouraging students I will use this approach to develop an inclusive environment in the classroom and accordingly I will focus on increasing the engagement level of students in the classroom. Collaboration with the students would be implemented and they are going to be empowered by providing constructive feedback to them. In this manner, I will be using a significant 21st-century pedagogical approach to increase student engagement.

Teaching Philosophy

As an aspiring educator, my core belief is that all learning tactics are required to be materialised in student student-centred approach. There are varied numbers of students in the classroom and all of them are concerned with unique needs. In such a situation, teachers need to make learning personalise after analysing the requirements of students. I will intrinsically motivate students and effectual interaction will be developed with them (Meier, 2021). Further, I would develop a flexible environment so that learners can easily share their doubts. My belief aligns with empowering students so they can make choices accordingly, I will adopt a pedagogical content knowledge approach for constructing knowledge in children. I want each student to have an urge to participate in the learning process on their own and for that, I am going to develop an inclusive environment.

My evolving teaching philosophy is empowered with the ideas of an authoritative style; this is associated with providing high care to students and fostering a positive environment in the classroom. The Vygotsky-guided pedagogical approach is coupled with measuring proximal development, this is based on nurturing students and supporting them in growth and development procedures (Hardman, 2021). I will use this approach and commit to my profession. In my opinion, reflection is crucial for developing and maintaining professional responsibilities and expertise. Therefore, I will undertake reflective practice so I can become aware of my own strengths and areas of improvement. In this manner, effectual outcomes would be gained and support to students would be assured.

Reflection on engagement

Throughout my experience, my understanding related to student engagement has been consistently reformed and this led to successful and unsuccessful teaching experiences. I am highly confident about my theoretical knowledge and this led to support me in delivering instructions to students. However, during the first day in the classroom I realised that besides theoretical learning, practical learning is essential for increasing the extent of engagement. There is a need to promote an inclusive environment in the classroom where diversity can be promoted, there were 30 students in the class and it was not easy for me to tackle all of them at the initial stage. I focused on delivering the lessons however, I realised that some students were not able to understand the context as their requirements were different. To motivate and engage learners I needed to adopt a constructive approach or a personalised approach. The unique needs of each learner prove to be important and as a teacher, it is my accountability to look upon this.

           I have started using the PBL approach for identifying the issues of learners and accordingly, personalised learning was promoted in the classroom. The collaborative approach in the class has been formed and students were engaged in the different activities. I was concerned whether I lose control in such a challenging situation however, I managed to tackle the class. However, I need to focus on enhancing my pedagogical approaches so that I can ensure support to students in the classroom and engagement can be increased to a higher extent.

Future improvements

In order to implement PBL approaches in future I will focus on personalising the questions that suit student abilities and interests. Further, I would approach one KLA as I am a beginner teacher and I would link it with STEM subjects as students find difficulties while learning STEM. A highly cognitive and engaging environment in the classroom will be developed which will consist of creating huge support for students (Mohamad et al, 2023). I will also undertake formal and informal discussions with the students to promote their thinking and communication abilities. The constructive feedback will be given to students and often I will receive feedback from them as well so that I can know about the areas of improvement and accordingly actions would be taken. Further, I will incorporate the MeE framework for motivating students and increasing engagement rates. Hence, by engaging PBL I will focus on enhancing student confidence and interest.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively; this can be stated that 21st-century pedagogy has been proven highly effective in terms of increasing the extent of student engagement. Learning needs should be personalised and the unique needs of students must be analysed and further decisions required to be taken.