Vibrancy

Vibrancy: activity and level of engagement 

Vibrancy refers to the classroom dynamics and the level of student engagement.

V1: Communicates passion for the discipline 

V1.1: Shared current developments in the discipline

V1.2: Projected genuine enthusiasm about the discipline 

V1.3: Provided opportunities for students to share their interests, knowledge, and ideas related to the field

V2: Uses active learning to engage students

Unlike "traditional" modes of instruction where students are passive recipients of knowledge from an expert,   active learning comprises of various strategies that engage students actively in the learning process.  Active learning can take many forms and could be either individual or group activities centered around writing, talking/discussing, critical thinking, problem solving, or reflecting.

V2.1:  Addressed student questions and comments

V2.2: Provided group tasks that promoted knowledge construction in community and higher-level thinking 

V2.3: Synthesized group work at conclusion of collaborative activity 

V2.4: Developed student learning through active participation in lesson activities 

V3: Promotes healthy and productive dynamics between students

Grading systems that encourage cooperation help with this. Grading systems that pit students against one another lead students to avoid constructive interactions with each other.

V3.1: Encouraged students to answer each other’s questions 

V3.2: Encouraged groups to ensure that all students have an opportunity to speak and are listened to  

V3.3: Enforced respectful behavior and kindness between students 

V3.4 Facilitated effective group work through assignment of roles and group selection 

V3.5: Intervened as necessary to hold class to pre-agreed-upon community norms. 

V4: Stimulates a high level of student engagement 

Using active learning techniques, ask questions to students, with verbal answers and/or show a number with their fingers. Frequently invite questions from students and facilitate in-class discussions.

V4.1: Provided varied opportunities for students to apply newly learned content

V4.2: Adopted strategies and activities that captivate disengaged students  

V4.3: Gave students recurring opportunities to engage with other students in small groups or as a whole class

V5: Promotes the growth of motivated and deep learners 

V5.1: Used class activities and assignments that held relevance to students’ lived experiences and their communities 

V5.2: Promoted critical thinking through comprehensive exploration of assumptions and socio-cultural context in models and paradigms before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion. 

V5.3: Asked students to generate their own explanations and justify their thinking 

V5.4: Promoted students’ reflection on their own learning or performance