The work is real and significant and becomes important to students as well as to teachers. This indicator includes verbal and nonverbal teacher behaviors that stimulate students' attention, interaction, and participation. Teacher does not exhibit enthusiasm about the topic being taught. Teacher shows limited enthusiasm for the topic being taught. Teacher usually conveys enthusiasm for this topic being taught.
Teacher consistently shows enthusiasm for teaching and learning in a variety of ways.
Uses knowledge of students' prior understandings and experiences to make instruction relevant and meaningful. For any topic of study, students have prior knowledge that provides a foundation for new learning. Teachers assess and value this knowledge, select and use instructional materials that are relevant to students' cultural experiences, and facilitate students' sharing through a variety of communication modes. Teachers build students' motivation and achievement by gaining knowledge of their interests, experiences, and characteristics to make instruction meaningful. Teacher makes little effort to assess, or seldom connects learning to students' interests and experiences.