Not every activity will involve the same level of engagement. Often there is a trade-off between the depth of engagement possible and the numbers of pupils involved. Each level of engagement is valuable when used in the right context.

 

Minimal Engagement

 

Pupils are observers of a demonstration, followers in a tour or the audience of a lecture. There is relatively little opportunity for them to actively take part, ask questions or learn anything through their own investigation. Good as an introduction or spark of inspiration.

 

Light Touch Engagement

 

Pupils take part in one-off planned practical workshops, record their opinions and learning or take part in discussion groups.

 

Active Engagement

 

Pupils take part in proactive problem solving workshops, produce resources for other learners or complete follow-up content to support their learning in a particular session. Teachers and researchers are given more opportunities to implement training received.

 

In-Depth Engagement

 

Pupils, teachers and researchers work together to co-develop research projects. These can focus on pupils as researchers in the classroom, and enable teachers to carry out research into their own practice or contribute to researchers’ academic output.

 

‘If it’s pitched at the wrong level it goes beyond them (the pupils). Mostly they’ll still be polite and appreciative but it will be a waste of time. They will all switch off and then you’ve lost them. It has to be appropriately pitched which I know is difficult.’
Science teacher from local school