The Engagement Theory

This Engagement Theory (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999) can be described as a process of collaborative learning. Its main focus is through three components: Relate-Create-Donate, which refer to the use of teams and groups in learning experiences; project-based activities and providing content which has a relevance to the students lives (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999).

This theory has many similarities to other prominent learning theories, in particular the Dimensions of Learning (Marzano et al., 1997). For example, the Donate concept which encourages an authentic learning focus, is directly related to Dimension 1 which emphasises the importance of having students develop positive attitudes and perceptions to classroom tasks by producing tasks which they interpret as valuable and interesting (Marzano et al., 1997, p. 30).

I myself, having been in many classrooms over the past 10 years, both as a school student and a student teacher, have observed that indeed, these concepts of collaboration do, in most cases, enhance the learning of the students. The interest levels of students increase when they are able to assist in the development of their projects and indeed the behaviour of students improves when they are interested in a topic.

However even with all these theories and suggestions for effective teaching and learning, in many cases, the difficulty still lies in the process of finding new and exciting ways of presenting students with the essential knowledge such as basic numeracy and literacy. Although, with the introduction of more and more technology in classrooms, this too is getting easier.


Kearsley, G., Shneiderman, G. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 18, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Marzano, R. J., Pickering D. J., Arredondo D. E., Blackburn G. J., Brandt R. S., Moffett C. A., Paynter D. E., Pollock J. E., & Whisler J. S., et al. (1997). Dimensions of Learning: Teachers Manual. Colorado, USA: ASCD.

Introduction and Welcome

My name is Naomi Ronalds and I am a 2nd year Bachelor of Learning Management (primary) student studying at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton. This blog has been developed as a place in which I will be able to reflect on my learning journey throughout the course Managing E-Learning. I will use this blog as a place in which i can reflect upon the concepts and theories presented to me throughout this course, as well as sharing my own opinions and understandings of these.

Along with setting up this blog, I have established an RSS Aggregator with Google Reader (Google, 2009). Throughout the coming weeks I will be adding the URL's of my colleagues blogs, along with other articles of interest, to my RSS feed in order to remain up to date and involved.

I look forward to reading any comments from readers in response to my postings. Please be encouraged to share your opinions with me as these too are sure to further me on my learning journey.

Google. (2009). Google Reader. Retrieved on July 15, 2009 from www.google.com/reader