Student Engagement in the Classroom: Everything You Should Know

Research has demonstrated that engaging students in the learning process help a lot. Engagement enables them to increase their attention and focus. They also get motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking. A meaningful learning experience is vital for every student. Active engagement helps students process and keep information. The student will then proceed to self-questioning, deeper thinking, and problem-solving. There are several student engagement strategies and five levels of student engagement. Let us start with the five levels.

Levels of student engagement

Authentic Engagement. Reading a book on a topic of personal interest is an example of one of the five levels of engagement. Students get immersed in work that has a precise meaning and immediate value to them.

Ritual Compliance. This level is when the work has little or no immediate meaning to the students. It is the extrinsic outcomes of value that keep them engaged. An example is earning grades for college acceptance.

Passive Compliance. Students see little or no meaning in the assigned work. But, he or she gives his or her best to avoid negative consequences. Students prefer not having to stay in during recess to complete work.

Retreatism. This level refers to when students get disengaged from assigned work. They do not attempt whatsoever to comply. But, they are not disruptive to those who are trying their best to learn.

Rebellion. This fifth level is when students refuse to do the assigned task. They are acting disruptive and attempting to substitute alternative activities.

Student engagement strategies

Effective instruction comes with student engagement strategies that work well. Each instructor employs different methods. The following are some strategies for keeping the students engaged.

The 10:2 method. This method is the ratio of instruction in regards to the processing and responding. The students have ten minutes of instruction. Then another two minutes to deal with the preparation or reading material. Writing about what they learned or read will keep them engaged. Having students discuss it with a partner is also a great strategy.

Do not stay still. Moving while having the lesson will keep the students engaged. The movement also lessens the tendency of boredom. Writing on whiteboards across the room will keep them alert. Letting students stand up when they ask questions will also keep their minds sharp. Wireless presentation solutions are constructive.

Give feedback. Students are usually encouraged when given useful feedback. Commend your students when they do something great. Help them when they seem to be experiencing difficulties.

The 3-2-1 method. This method of summarizing at the end of a lesson is beneficial. Let your students record three things they learned and two exciting things. Then, let them have one question about what he or she learned or read. Allow them to share their findings with a peer so they can discuss it.

Fill in the blanks. Let students continue what you were saying to test if they are still engaged. Pausing at mid-sentence will make them curious and increase their engagement.

Excellent training involves the student in more than listening to the lecture. Learning can be more fun if the student engagement is high. It would be best if you kept in mind what each student needs. Not every student has the same needs. Getting them engaged will take several strategies.