Understanding Students: Effective Strategies to Engage Them in Learning

Education is only beneficial when students have the will to learn. Sometimes, students are present in the classroom, but their mind is elsewhere. This may seem like their fault, but it’s actually far from it. It looks like students have less control over this phenomenon, and they are easily distracted.

A loud siren outside, a student coming in for an announcement, or a bird on a tree is enough to distract them from studying. Students are accustomed to this practice that they may be looking at the teacher, nodding their heads while thinking of something completely different. This is problematic as no one can point it out.

Teachers are experienced enough to notice it. Some teachers go as far as asking the student a question about the current topic to see if they’re paying attention. When they fail to answer, they become a laughingstock, which frustrates them even more. This may be a suitable punishment tactic, but if the goal is to bring more students into the school, the system will fail in the long run.

Why Students Don’t Participate in Class

You can say that they’re not interested, and that’s true. For years, teachers and parents have blamed students for not being interested in studying and attending class. But with deep analysis, you’ll find that it’s not their fault.

Traditional teaching methods include old methods of performing tasks, and the grading system fully supports the concept of memorizing. Mugging up is rewarded with high marks. However, it’s not the way to measure their understanding of the topic—children who have difficulty learning theories are left behind.

Successful people, including athletes, business people, and actors, all around the globe, openly criticize the education system. Colleges are costly. As a result, students end up unhappy and in crippling debt. Students of America owe $1.73 trillion dollars to the bank for education loans, and that’s a lot of money.

Therefore, the education system needs to improve. Education should be made exciting and fun. Besides, there are different methods of engaging students. School systems should keep an open mind with students and allow them to explore their strengths. With little nurturing, teachers can turn students into great individuals ready to face the world. 

How to Engage Students in Learning

Secondary school is one of the building blocks of students’ understanding of the world, and every parent must choose the perfect educational institution for their kid. Today, many schools try hard to keep up with the changing world, and their efforts are marvelous.

Here are some brilliant options educators can try:

Videos: One of the most ineffective ways of teaching is through speaking. Although teachers are required in a classroom, and no one can replace them, there’s a need for more aid. YouTube is filled with educational content, and it’s totally free. Videos are engaging and allow students to learn deeply. Thus, schools can create their own videos to help students understand a topic.

Music: Some subjects like history can be boring for students. This is where music plays an important role. Teachers can play songs explaining different concepts of the era and hand out sheets containing the lyrics. Everyone knows how fast children learn the lyrics. Have them underline essential points and ask questions at the end.

Political Cartoons: While explaining current affairs, schools use news outlets and words. Here, political cartoons can do a lot to engage students. Cartoon artists draw all kinds of imagery to take up current affairs with satire. Allow students to analyze the cartoon and identify different characters. Debate on different ideas and opinions and correct wherever students are wrong. There’s no greater way to impart political knowledge than using political cartoons.

Movement: Half of the dullness arises when students just sit at one place for many hours. It’s the same case with corporate jobs. People hate them. Allow students to walk and discuss topics. For instance, after explaining a play, let students become the characters and play out their parts. This will engage the spectators as well as performers. Remember to be mindful of shy students and students with fear of public speaking. Gently motivate to give their best. This kills two birds with one stone as students learn, enjoy, and thrive.

These methods seem easy, but they are challenging to incorporate. Teachers believe keeping their students quiet can do the trick, but the truth is that it impedes assertiveness. Teachers usually tell their students to remain calm, like it’s their natural state to sit quietly. But it’s not. It’s high time we accept the realities of being a teenager in school and adapt to their development. Education is necessary. Therefore, it’s essential to use different ways to engage students in learning.