Disengagement is an ongoing challenge for both students and teachers. The authors propose that our practices should reflect the Five C’s of Engagement to maximize participation of learners:
1. Connections ― feeling known, valued, and tethered to others
2. Conditions ― being able to learn in a stable environment in which expectations are high
3. Challenge ― engaging in an endeavor knowing your "high jumps" in terms of intellectual and creative risks will be supported
4. Control ― the privilege of learning with a balance between ownership and support
5. Collaboration ― deepening one’s knowledge and identity as a learner by being skillful at relationship-building
Reviewed by Carol Campbell, PhD
Vice President for Education
Southwestern Union Conference
Authors: Dennis Shirley and Andy Hargreaves
