In our educational journeys, we’ve all encountered those moments – the quiet battles against disengagement and the silent drift into mental absence during a class. The struggle to connect with certain subjects is universal, making those learning experiences more challenging than others.

Now imagine trying to learn in the era of online learning, rife with distractions. Engaging students in learning has become more challenging, yet it’s also more crucial than ever. According to a Gallup survey, high student engagement consistently leads to more positive outcomes, such as higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and higher quality work.

Given the significance of maintaining student engagement in the classroom, it is crucial to devise effective methods for achieving this goal. In this article, we will share some useful tips and tricks you can use to turn dull moments into moments of curiosity. Let’s get started!

Vary Instruction Methods

The key to engaging students in learning lies in mixing things up. One way to do so is by introducing a variety of instruction methods. By switching between different formats, such as lectures, multimedia presentations, interactive projects, and so on, instructors can break the monotony that fosters disengagement. 

At the same time, introducing a range of teaching methods caters to students with different learning styles. Recognizing and accommodating these differences ensures that students with varying strengths and preferences can thrive in the classroom. 

Leverage Technology and Gamification

Many instructors are understandably hesitant to introduce devices and software such as AI in their classrooms, with concerns of distraction or plagiarism. However, recognizing that purposeful utilization of technology can significantly enhance learning is crucial, as it can contribute more positively than pose any harm.

Interactive technology and gamification are powerful tools to align education with the preferences and expectations of modern learners. Technology makes learning more dynamic and enjoyable and empowers students to take an active role in their educational journey, fostering a positive and enduring impact on their academic experiences.

Relinquish Control

Providing autonomy in the classroom is another great way of motivating learners to stay focused and engaged. When learners have a direct role in determining what their learning journey looks like, they are more invested in it.

Self-paced learning is one way to give students some control. Learners can choose to take classes asynchronously and maintain control over their pace as well as the setting in which they learn. Additionally, allowing students to choose their preferred learning paths and assessment styles empowers learners, fosters a sense of responsibility, and promotes a positive attitude toward education, ultimately enhancing overall engagement.

Flip the Classroom

A flipped classroom is an instructional approach where traditional teaching methods are reversed. Rather than the teacher presenting content during class, students are allowed to peruse instructional materials before class, reserving the in-class time for discussions, collaboration, and applying their acquired knowledge.

This method of instruction brings more attentive and informed students to the classroom, who participate thoughtfully and stay engaged. In traditional modes of instruction, doing this would be challenging, since much of the class time is spent simply communicating concepts instead of critically analyzing them. 

Explain the Why

It’s not uncommon for learners to question the significance of the content they’re learning. In any learning intervention, it is important to address why a particular topic is being taught and what skills or knowledge a certain activity imparts to the participants. If students don’t perceive a learning activity worth investing their time and effort in, they are likely to be disengaged during it.

A good place to start would be by creating SMART learning objectives that detail measurable ways in which learners can determine their competency levels for each module. This is a good way to provide learners with a clear roadmap of their learning journey while giving it meaning at the same time.

Encourage Collaboration

When students collaborate with their peers, their engagement levels are amplified. A collaborative learning environment cultivates a sense of involvement and shared achievement, making the learning experience more dynamic and engaging for students.

Within a collaborative learning setting, learners encounter diverse perspectives, enhancing their mutual learning experience. This not only cultivates improved communication and problem-solving skills but also fosters the development of essential social skills such as teamwork and negotiation.

Provide Constructive Feedback

When used correctly, feedback can serve as a powerful motivator for learners. To support student development, instructors should offer timely and constructive feedback, enabling students to recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. This facilitates their personal growth and self-directed efforts.

Constructive feedback fosters a continuous learning mindset in students, keeping them actively involved and committed to their learning journey.

Make Assessments Fun

Nobody likes assessments. No matter how engaging a course may be, learners are generally unenthusiastic when it comes to testing. Instructors can transform assessments into engaging and enjoyable experiences by changing the way they are implemented. Doing so requires leveraging elements from all the tips and tricks we’ve outlined above.

For example, gamifying assessments and testing learners’ knowledge in an interactive quiz-like format is an effective way to transform the way learners think about assessments. Allowing students to choose the type of assessment is another way of shifting attitudes by giving them a sense of control.

Additionally, creating digital badges or leaderboards can motivate students to compete against each other, increasing motivation and consequently, engagement.

Create Engaging eLearning Experiences with Edly

The key to unlocking the full potential of education lies in our ability to adapt and refine our approaches continuously. Each student is unique, and by embracing diverse methods, you can create a dynamic learning ecosystem that resonates with everyone. From leveraging technology to fostering collaborative environments, there are many combinations you would have to experiment with, to create the optimal learning environment for your students. 

Creating engaging courses can be tough. Bringing in the experts can help. Edly’s instructional design experts are here to assist you in crafting, developing, and delivering top-notch learning experiences. To learn more about our instructional design services, don’t hesitate to get in touch, or try out our platform for free!