Dynamic changes in the construct of engagement in the pre-vocational second language classroom:a multiple case study

The concept of engagement is a multidimensional construct consisting of behavioural, cognitive, emotional and social components. This refers to the feelings, thoughts and behaviour of students. These multifaceted components overlap and are interdependent. Researching engagement longitudinally has been done from a range of different theoretical frameworks. An overarching framework is needed. Complex Dynamic Systems Theory is employed toinvestigate the interplay of the different components. Furthermore, not much engagement research has been done at Dutch voorbereidend middelbaar beroepsonderwijs level. The current study a variation of earlier work done by Sulis (2019). A combination of classroom observations, a stimulated recall procedure based on a video-recording of the lesson and cuedretrospective interviews are used. Results show the same patterns. It is opted that a provision of a supportive, highly involving and interactive classroom atmosphere can contribute to sustain engagement. Activities need to have a clear purpose, be interactive and connected with learners’ life and interests, and be varied in nature and short in length

Remnants : An Analysis of a Staged Reading

The purpose of this creative thesis is to provide a permanent record and evaluation of the staged reading of Remnants held in conjunction with the Charlotte Danstrom Conference at the University of North Dakota in March, 1984. Remnants by Judith Gilhousen is an original two-act play about four women attempting to seek fulfillment in their lives through making dolls. The theme of the conference was Creativity: Living and Learning. The director focused on the theme of creativity as expressed in the play Remnants. The director also consulted with the playwright and incorporated suggestions and ideas from the playwright into the staged reading. The methodology of this creative thesis involved research, analysis and a production of a staged reading. Chapter one of the thesis discusses the purpose of a staged reading and includes a description of the Charlotte Danstrom Conference. The second chapter describes the interactions between the director and playwright. The third chapter presents an analysis of the script in terms of plot, theme, characters and dialogue. Chapter four is devoted to the director\u27s concept and rehearsal process, and the final chapter is a discussion of the postperformance evaluations. Post-performance evaluations by participants in the Charlotte Danstrom Conference indicated that the theme was strongly defined and clearly present. The staged reading of Remnants was considered an important contribution to the conference program and the participants\u27 understanding of themselves and their own level of creative enhancement