I don't think the definitions of these two words resonate with very many in the educational field. They are, of course, buzzwords - engagement, empowerment - but that doesn't mean they should be discounted. In his book, The Innovator's Mindset, George Couros makes the distinction for us. He quotes Bill Ferriter: |
"Engaging students means getting kids excited about our content, interests, and curricula." Empowering students "means giving kids the knowledge and skills to pursue their passions, interests, and future."
As author and publisher Harriet Rubin explains, "Freedom is actually a bigger game than power. Power is about what you can control. Freedom is about what you can unleash."
...Our job as educators and leaders is not to control others but to bring out the best in them.