Student Engagement

Student engagement refers to the interaction between students and the teacher and content being taught. There are multiple factors involved with student engagement from the level of participation of the student, the degree of excitement about the learning, and the level of investment students are willing to commit to the learning.

Physical or Behavioral Engagement:

Active involvement-students are attenuative, they make eye-contact with the teacher and others, they are sitting up, feet are most likely on the floor, they are not leaning or slouching in their seat. They may move around the room in response to teacher directions. They appear genuinely interested in the content.

Cognitive Engagement:

Cognitive engagement involves the student's level of thinking skills. Are they actively involved in the material? Do they demonstrate a deep level of understanding? Is there evidence that the student is actively processing information? This may be demonstrated by students asking questions or responding to questions, actively participating in discussions, and applying knowledge to project-based learning tasks.

Emotional Engagement:

The students' feelings and attitudes towards the learning. This can include the student's connection to the class and feelings of acceptance and trust.

Student Engagement Strategies

Stand Up, Hand Up, Pair Up

A class building activity that can be used to motivate, activate prior knowledge, close a lesson or group of lessons, review previously learned material, and to have fun.

1. All students stand up and put their hands up.

2. Students mingle, mix, practiced meeting and greeting, and find a partner.

3. Students sit and put their hands down.

4. Teacher assigns and defines the task.

5. Students are given “think time.”

6. Pairs of students complete the task.

A. Timed Pair Share B. Rally Robin Responses

7. Teacher randomly calls on groups to report.

8. Students thank their partners and depart.

9. Repeat as many times as needed.

Gallery Walks

A gallery walk is a collaborative learning activity where students move around a classroom (or virtually) to view and interact with different learning stations, often displaying work, questions, or prompts. Students engage with the material, discuss with peers, and reflect on their learning, promoting active participation and diverse perspectives. 

Role Play

Role-playing in secondary classes offers a dynamic way for students to actively engage with learning material and develop crucial skills. By assuming different roles, students can explore diverse perspectives, enhance communication skills, and foster critical thinking. This interactive approach can also boost student confidence and make learning more enjoyable. 

Simulations

A simulation is a technique that uses a representation of a real-world situation to allow students to practice and develop skills, knowledge, and decision-making abilities in a safe and controlled environment. It's a pedagogical approach that moves beyond traditional lectures and textbooks by immersing learners in interactive, problem-based scenarios. 

Guest Speakers & Community Partnerships

Bringing guest speakers into the classroom offers several benefits for students, including increased engagement, real-world perspectives, and exposure to diverse career paths. Guest speakers can make learning more interactive and help students connect classroom material to real-world applications.