and now the journey begins...

The question I hope to address and answer through my research is: How can I increase student engagement on a daily basis in a U.S. History classroom by improving the classroom environment?  I want to try to get them engaged and keep them engaged as long as I can each and every class period.  I will start my year off by setting the environment in the room.  In the past, I set the tone, I was dictator.  I plan to make it a collaborative effort with the students this year.  Hopefully, by giving them a voice, and listening to those voices, together we can establish an environment that we all believe in.  The first week will include many discussions as well as team building activities.  I will ask them to be reflective on what has and hasn't worked for them in the past.  My goal is to make this year about them, not me.  I want to create lessons that will play to their strengths.  hopefully, by doing this, they will be more into what we are doing in the class, and will want to participate.  I plan to write out the questions I want to ask before each day begins.  By doing this, I can help focus in on what it is we need to accomplish, but by asking questions, they get to participate.  Finally, early on I will set them up in PODS and give everyone a job to perform.  I want to give them a role to fill and also promote collaboration.  Until next time, happy teaching!!