Lesson #4:
The need for engagement versus compliance
by Wendy Crick
My learning has also led me to a clearer awareness between engagement and compliance, as was briefly mentioned in the preface. Our school systems, as they are currently organized, are based on a system of compliance. Compliance is defined in Webster’s dictionary as: “1. a: the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, or proposal or coercion. b: conformity in fulfilling official requirements 2. a: a disposition to yield to others” In other words, compliance is doing what you are told. While Webster defines engagement as: to hold attention of : to induce to participate: to take part. In other words being actively involved and committed to something. There is a big difference in these two principles and it does not mean that many teachers are not actively engaging students in their curriculum, although this knowledge has given me a lot to think about. Knowing and understanding the vast differences between these two ideas has forced me to take a good look at my teaching strategies and activities. Teaching reading using the EBLI strategies engages students which is another reason it produces such amazing results. I know students are engaged because there is a clear focus on the task and persistence with the task in spite if difficulties (in some cases children having to completely change their thinking of how the English language is put together). Students also continue to use the strategies even though there may be no extrinsic rewards.
More Lessons -
Lesson #1: Turn your anger into a passion.
Lesson #2: The lack of reading skills is a symptom not a condition.
Lesson #3: Think big and look for answers in new places.
Lesson #4: The need for engagement versus compliance.
Lesson #5: The need for quality remediation rather than accommodation.
Lesson #6: Empowering students
Lesson #7: Shift from grade level expectations to reaching ones highest potential.
Lesson #8: Exchange excuses for answers.
Lesson #9: Separate self from the system.
Lesson #10: Change is the only constant in our universe.
