Improving student engagement is a challenge that many educators face, yet is the key to effective learning. A common approach involves different methods, such as displaying videos and incorporating various visual or text-based resources. However, these methods often fail to produce long-lasting results as educators may overlook the significant impact of student’s behaviors towards the material. To improve student engagement, it’s essential to recognize that their level of engagement is closely tied to their attitudes and behaviors towards the subject matter. Therefore, the first step towards achieving better engagement is for educators to examine their own methods. Fortunately, we’re here to help you get started on the path towards more effective student engagement strategies.
Set the Stage
Setting the stage for new learning does not need to be considered a challenging task. Here is your opportunity as an educator to show your playful and creative side. By incorporating elements of humor and intrigue, you invite your students to engage. By leveraging these strategies, educators can pique student’s curiosity and create a sense of excitement and anticipation that sets the stage for successful learning.
Make the Subject Matter relate to Students’ Lives
One effective way is to use materials that are relevant to real-life situations. When students can see how what they are learning applies to their present and future interests, they are more likely to be engaged. This can be particularly effective for subjects that students may not naturally be interested in, such as math or science. Teachers can incorporate real-world examples and scenarios into their lessons, such as using math to calculate the cost of a grocery bill or using chemical reactions in science for hands-on experience. Alternatively, teachers can use case studies or examples from real-life situations to illustrate key concepts and principles. By using relevant materials, teachers can help students see the practical applications of what they are learning, which can make the subject matter more meaningful and engaging.
Fostering Teamwork
Teamwork is an essential skill that students need to develop to succeed in their personal and professional lives. It involves people working together to achieve a common goal and requires effective communication, collaboration, and coordination. In the classroom, educators can encourage teamwork by assigning group projects, collaborative assignments, and other activities that require students to work together. By working in groups, students can learn to share ideas, listen actively, negotiate, delegate tasks, and give and receive feedback. Additionally, working in groups can help students develop social skills, such as empathy, respect, and cultural awareness, as they learn to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. However, educators should be mindful when creating groups to ensure that all students are included and that no one is left out or marginalized. Overall, teamwork is a crucial skill for students to develop, and educators can play a vital role in helping them acquire and hone these skills.
Game-Based Learning
Another effective way to increase student engagement is to incorporate game-based learning into your curriculum. This approach can be especially effective for students who need help with traditional teaching methods. Games can help students develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, while making learning more fun and engaging. There are many resources available online that can help teachers incorporate game-based learning into their curriculum, including websites and apps that offer educational games for various subjects and grade levels. Teachers can also create their own games or adapt existing games to fit their curriculum. By incorporating game-based learning into their teaching, teachers can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning.
Service Learning
Service learning is an educational approach that involves students in being part of the solution to real-world problems. This approach combines classroom learning with community service and provides students with opportunities to apply what they have learned in a meaningful way. By engaging in service learning, students can develop a range of skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, while also making a positive impact on their communities. This approach can be particularly effective for students who may not be motivated by traditional classroom learning, as it provides them with hands-on, real-world experiences that are directly relevant to their lives. Additionally, it can foster a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness, which can empower students to become active and engaged members of their communities. Overall, service learning is a powerful educational tool that can help students develop both academic and life skills and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Seeking Guidance from Experts in the Field
Improving teaching skills is an ongoing process for educators. Seeking guidance from professionals in the field can be a helpful way to gain new insights and strategies. One expert in the field is Jill Bittinger, a highly acclaimed lifetime educator, and coach. With over a decade of experience as a Multicultural Teaching and Performing Artist in New York, Bittinger has since become certified in the model of whole child education and served as a Lead Montessori Teacher for twelve years. She is also an author, speaker, and panelist at Educational Conferences. In 2021, Bittinger was named one of the Top 100 Leaders in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning. Bittinger is passionate about bringing her whole-child principles into mainstream learning environments and developing courses that give educators the tools and strategies they need to unite students, teachers, and parents together to take educational practices to a more effective level.
By recognizing the crucial role of social-emotional learning in engagement strategies, Bittinger understands that promoting collaboration, teamwork, and other forms of group work can help students develop essential interpersonal skills that are necessary for success in school and beyond. By consciously incorporating social-emotional learning into learning intentions, educators can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.