Creating Positive Learning Environments (D661)
EPN1 Task 1 Engagement Strategies
and Community of Care.
Classroom Engagement and Conflict Management
Plan Simulation Summary
During the simulation, I led a small group discussion with four seventh-
grade students as they analyzed character development in a novel. My
main goal was to ensure that everyone felt comfortable participating, could
navigate any conflicts that arose, and stayed engaged in the discussion.
• Student A, who is usually vocal, seemed unusually quiet. To bring
them into the conversation, I asked for their thoughts directly and
tried to relate the discussion to their interests.
• Student B naturally takes on a leadership role but struggled with
frustration when their ideas weren’t immediately accepted. I
encouraged collaboration by modeling active listening and
reinforcing the importance of respecting different perspectives.
• Student C tended to make off-topic comments, sometimes
steering the discussion away from the focus. I gently redirected
them by asking open- ended questions that brought them back to
the novel while still validating their enthusiasm.
• Student D, who often takes a more reserved approach,
participated more after I acknowledged their input and
encouraged them with follow-up questions.
• Student E was an active listener who built on their peers’ ideas,
helping to deepen the discussion and keep it moving forward.
By reinforcing norms, encouraging respectful dialogue, and creating a
collaborative space, I was able to foster a more engaging and inclusive
discussion.
Evaluation of Strategies
Overall, the strategies I used - direct engagement, modeling active
listening, and redirection - were effective in keeping the group focused
and engaged. However, despite these efforts, Student A remained
somewhat hesitant to speak up, which made me think about alternative
approaches.
One strategy I could have tried is the think-pair-share method. This would
give the students the opportunity to reflect individually, then discuss their
thoughts with their partner before sharing with the larger group. I believe
this approach could have given Student A more confidence before
speaking in front of everyone.
Plan for a Positive and Engaging Environment To create an inviting and
productive space for small group discussions, I plan to establish the
EPN1 Task 1 Engagement Strategies
and Community of Care.
Classroom Engagement and Conflict Management
Plan Simulation Summary
During the simulation, I led a small group discussion with four seventh-
grade students as they analyzed character development in a novel. My
main goal was to ensure that everyone felt comfortable participating, could
navigate any conflicts that arose, and stayed engaged in the discussion.
• Student A, who is usually vocal, seemed unusually quiet. To bring
them into the conversation, I asked for their thoughts directly and
tried to relate the discussion to their interests.
• Student B naturally takes on a leadership role but struggled with
frustration when their ideas weren’t immediately accepted. I
encouraged collaboration by modeling active listening and
reinforcing the importance of respecting different perspectives.
• Student C tended to make off-topic comments, sometimes
steering the discussion away from the focus. I gently redirected
them by asking open- ended questions that brought them back to
the novel while still validating their enthusiasm.
• Student D, who often takes a more reserved approach,
participated more after I acknowledged their input and
encouraged them with follow-up questions.
• Student E was an active listener who built on their peers’ ideas,
helping to deepen the discussion and keep it moving forward.
By reinforcing norms, encouraging respectful dialogue, and creating a
collaborative space, I was able to foster a more engaging and inclusive
discussion.
Evaluation of Strategies
Overall, the strategies I used - direct engagement, modeling active
listening, and redirection - were effective in keeping the group focused
and engaged. However, despite these efforts, Student A remained
somewhat hesitant to speak up, which made me think about alternative
approaches.
One strategy I could have tried is the think-pair-share method. This would
give the students the opportunity to reflect individually, then discuss their
thoughts with their partner before sharing with the larger group. I believe
this approach could have given Student A more confidence before
speaking in front of everyone.
Plan for a Positive and Engaging Environment To create an inviting and
productive space for small group discussions, I plan to establish the
