Maintaining student engagement in the classroom is key to effective teaching. When students disconnect from lesson content and become distracted then they are less likely to learn efficiently.
“Students need to be E–N–G–R–O–S–S–E–D!”
This simple acronym is easy to remember and offers an assortment of ideas to help enhance student engagement in the classroom.
Enthusiastic!
If you, as a teacher, are excited and passionate about what you’re teaching then this will influence your students’ attitudes towards learning. Students are more inclined to listen if you are animated and motivational in the way you talk and act in the classroom.
This isn’t easy, because not all subjects interest everyone, however it can make a big difference to how students approach learning both during your lessons and in the future.
Numerous learning methods!
Every student learns in a different way so including visual, auditory and physical elements in your lessons can improve overall student engagement in the classroom. Using various teaching methods allows students to interact with the subject content individually and grasp new concepts in greater detail.
Becoming more diverse in the way you teach will not only stimulate your students but motivate you in your career, making classroom teaching even more enjoyable. Attending various Professional Development (PD) training sessions can also be a great source of inspiration.
Games!
Incorporating classroom games into your lesson plans is an effective way to reignite students’ enthusiasm for learning. Generating excitement and healthy competition can increase student engagement, as students aim to work hard during each lesson in order to succeed during the games.
When playing academic games in the classroom students will apply a range of knowledge and skills, without even realising it! If you’re stuck for ideas check out these Top 10 Classroom Games.
Routine!
Students thrive on routine, so being able to anticipate what your lessons will entail can improve engagement levels. Maintaining a consistent structure helps students know what to expect from you and what you expect from them.
The lack of ambiguity enables students to focus during your lessons, heightening engagement and reducing the likelihood of disruptive behaviour. Establishing a routine is therefore a useful way to improve both concentration and behaviour (to discover more classroom management strategies like this click here).
Online learning tools!
Using technology in the classroom is an effective way to engage students in the modern day. Whether it’s research, photography or documentation, students love to participate in alternative learning methods involving digital mediums. It’s also a great way to encourage students to continue their learning outside the classroom, utilizing their own devices at home.
Moreover, online quiz games like Quizalize benefit both teachers and students, by offering fun classroom team games as well as advanced insights into students’ progress. Fun quizzes and serious results!
Safe environment!
Emotions highly influence student engagement in the classroom, therefore establishing a secure working environment is vital. Individuals who feel safe and content among their peers are more likely to learn, share their ideas and engage in classroom learning activities.
Promoting activities which encourage individuality and look beyond grades will develop students’ self-confidence and improve engagement during academic studies. Inclusive teaching practice and positivity are key to cultivating a welcoming atmosphere in your classroom, where students feel safe and happy to work.
Support!
Students need encouragement and support throughout their learning journey if they are to succeed. Cultivating positive professional relationships with your students will heighten engagement levels, as individuals feel confident to ask for help and share their ideas.
Students are more likely to get involved in classroom activities if they know you are there to support them. It can be fear of failure which hinders students from participating during lessons, therefore a supportive atmosphere needs to be established where students feel their contributions are valued.
Energetic!
Student engagement levels are likely to decrease if students are sat at a desk all day long. Encouraging students to get involved during your lessons can therefore provide a great way to stimulate your students – physically and mentally!
Active participation in your lessons and the change of focus will not only improve students’ concentration but make learning more enjoyable! Show your students that learning goes beyond the classroom and help students contextualise their academic knowledge (an important life skill).
Don’t give up!
Students have different interests, personalities and attention spans so ensuring everyone in the classroom is engaged is not an easy task. It’s therefore important to try a variety of techniques to see what works for your class.
Getting to know your students as individuals, their traits and preferences is key to improving student engagement in the classroom. However, it’s important to remember that concentration levels will always fluctuate, so be confident in yourself and don’t give up!
Improving student engagement in the classroom takes time and effort, however trying these various techniques is a great start. Remember- “students need to be ENGROSSED!”
How have you improved student engagement in the classroom? Comment below – we’d love to hear from you.
