Student Engagement Top Tips
EDUCATION
The key to improving student engagement and retention is to keep the learning process dynamic, relevant, and supportive.
Student engagement and retention is affected by numerous differing factors. Factors such as actually enjoying what they are doing; seeing the reason why they have to learn the subject matter at hand; what the end goal is and how they might achieve that. And numerous other factors too. Mature (adult) learners are self motivated whereas younger, less mature learners need help and support to manage their learning. In the main, Further Education lecturers are trained in adult learning not the separate and distinct strategies required by younger learners.
This post aims to suggest 5 teaching strategies that educators can use to improve student engagement and retention particularly in SCQF Level 5 courses.
Interactive Learning: Incorporate interactive elements into your teaching. This could include group projects, coding challenges, or interactive quizzes. These activities not only make learning more enjoyable, but they also help students understand and retain the information better. They provide students with a chance to apply what they've learned and see its relevance at first hand.
Real-World Applications: Show students how the concepts they're learning apply to real-world situations - places where a real difference can be made. This could be through case studies, guest speakers from the industry, or field trips. When students see the practical application of what they're learning, they're more likely to be engaged and retain the information.
Personalised Learning Paths: Recognising that each individual student has a unique learning style and pace. Some may grasp certain concepts quickly, while others may need more time. Personalized learning paths allow each student to learn at their own pace, ensuring that they fully understand each concept before moving on to the next.
Regular Feedback and Support: Provide regular feedback to your students. This could be through one-on-one meetings, written feedback on assignments, or class discussions. Regular feedback not only helps students identify areas they need to improve on, but it also gives them a sense of progress and achievement.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment: Ensure that your classroom is a safe space where all students feel comfortable participating. Encourage open discussion and respect for diverse opinions. An inclusive learning environment promotes engagement as students feel valued and heard.
Remember, the key to improving student engagement and retention is to keep the learning process dynamic, relevant, and supportive.