Principal's Message

Enhancing Student Engagement in their learning: A Shared Responsibility

Dear Students

This week I would like to focus on our Learning and Teaching goal for 2024 To increase student engagement in their learning.

As we navigate through the academic year, it's essential to reflect on ways to enrich our learning experiences. One crucial aspect of this journey is student engagement. When students are actively involved in their learning process, the outcomes are often more profound, fulfilling and inevitably make sense. Very often students ask why are we doing this? When will I ever use this in the future? How is this relevant? Making connections to the WHY is the first step in the engagement process. As learners, if we know why we need to do something then our level of engagement in the process increases.

Here are some strategies to increase engagement, perhaps they could be discussion starters at home this week.

Take Ownership of Your Learning: Do you actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed? I’d encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning journey by setting goals, managing your time effectively, and seeking out additional resources or support when necessary.

Interactive Learning Activities: Seek out opportunities to be involved in hands-on learning experiences, discussions, debates, and group projects. These activities not only make learning more enjoyable but also foster deeper understanding and critical thinking skills and make connections to the theoretical parts of the courses.

Utilize Technology: How do you embrace the power of technology to enhance your learning?  Is it through using educational apps, online resources, or interactive simulations, or are you simply taking notes on a screen? Technology can provide new avenues for exploration and understanding especially outside the formal learning environment.

Connect Learning to Real Life: Try to relate classroom concepts to real-life situations. Understanding how what you're learning applies to the world around you can make the material more meaningful and interesting.

Explore Your Interests: Do you take advantage of the elective courses you have chosen? Are you involved in clubs, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests and passions? Engaging in activities you enjoy outside of the classroom can enhance your overall sense of fulfillment and motivation.

Seek Feedback and Reflection: How often do you regularly seek feedback from teachers, peers, and yourself? Reflecting on your progress and areas for improvement can help you stay focused and motivated to continue growing.

Increasing student engagement is a collaborative effort that involves parents, students and educators. By actively participating in your learning journey and embracing these strategies, you can enhance your high school experience and lay the foundation for future success.

Stay engaged, stay curious, and keep striving for excellence!

God bless

 

Michael Carniato
Principal