There’s no doubt that improved classroom engagement boosts students grades and overall successes in school. Being engaged can help with behaviour, attention, and homework, as well as a study both in and out the classroom. However, engaging students isn’t always easy, and some can be hard to reach. The following methods are all designed around promoting engagement in the classroom, which will, in turn, enhance their achievements, potentially throughout their academic career.
1. Give Them Responsibility
A lot of students sit back and relax as they believe their education and success is solely the responsibility of their teacher. They don’t need to engage or work, as they can simply blame their teacher when they don’t do well. You can combat this attitude by sitting down with them one on one and going over their data from standardised tests. You can go into much more detail than simply a grade and instead point out the specific areas that they need to work on. This means that they know what areas they need to work on to improve, rather than feeling overwhelmed with the need to focus on absolutely everything.
2. Create a Collaborative Learning Environment
When students have to work together or with you, they can’t switch off. Making their tasks linked to other tasks and the success of the class as a whole puts a little pressure on them in the sense that they don’t want to be the weak link in the chain, and will stay switched on. They’ll also need to work together, which can help them achieve as they’ll be sharing knowledge and be free from distractions.
3. Make Your Classes Relevant
A lot of students instantly lose interest and stop listening to certain classes that they feel will never be of any use to them in real life. This is easy to combat by modifying your classes to make each lesson meaningful and highlight how your lesson impacts their real life or their future. Drawing on personal experiences can also provide a solid link to the class, make your lessons easier to recall when writing papers or studying for exams, and hold their attention.
4. Improve Pastoral Relationships
Despite social media growth meaning that we’re in almost constant communication with each other, many students feel isolated and alone. Taking an interest in their emotional and psychological well-being can make them feel like more than a statistic in your class, and encourage them to become more engaged, try harder, and do better. While it may be difficult to establish relationships with every child, showing that you care about their progress really can help boost their engagement with your class.
5. Embrace All Cultures
Some students may not feel that they can or should speak up at certain times, or may feel marginalised or overlooked. Make sure to take steps to create an inclusive environment where all students can participate confidently to boost overall engagement and grades.
Creating an engaging environment, especially with teenagers can be tough, but the above tips can help you do so. You will see amazing changes in their levels of achievement when you master engagement.