Social Engagement: The Fuel for Learning in the Classroom

Research into the neuroscience of interpersonal engagement suggests that social engagement is a "fuel" for learning. Supportive learning environments foster the engagement of all students including those with autism. When school communities gain knowledge of a scope and sequence of skills and how to facilitate investment, independence and initiation within classroom lessons, we create a positive school climate that is focused on the success of every student. A framework will be shared that fosters social engagement, presenting information in multiple ways, and promoting student participation and relationships. Creating a classroom setting and lesson plans with these elements creates a more desirable and predictable environment for our students to learn.

Participants will tak away strategies for:

• measuring student engagement
• designing instruction to enhance engagement
• building capacity through teacher-to-teacher mentorship.