Student Engagement
On this page, you will read research on the importance of student engagement. You will also read, watch videos, and explore different student engagement strategies that
can be used with your students.
Read the definition of student engagement below.
Abla & Fraumeni (2019) define student engagement as “A condition of emotional, social, and intellectual readiness to learn characterized by curiosity, participation, and the drive to learn more”.
Jim Knight identifies and discusses three types of engagement, read below to learn more.
Knight (2022) identified three types of engagement: behavioral, cognitive, and emotional. Student engagement can be measured through data collection.
Behavioral engagement is demonstrated by students when they remain on task (Knight, 2022). Consistent attendance, completion of assignments, class preparedness, and participation in school activities demonstrates behavioral engagement (American Institutes for Research, n.d.).
When met by students, teacher-identified and taught learning targets are a form of cognitive engagement (Knight, 2022). Student exertion of effort leads to a strong academic self-concept, a form of cognitive engagement (American Institutes for Research, n.d.).
Emotional engagement is measured through experiences when students feel belonging, feel physically
and psychologically safe, and are positively engaged in school and friendship experiences (Knight, 2022). School culture influences student interest in school and impacts student emotional engagement
(American Institutes for Research, n.d.).
Did you know?
Student engagement increased by 20%, and disruptive behavior decreased by 9% when middle school teachers welcomed students daily at the classroom door (Terada, 2018). The study found a correlation between positive classroom environments, a sense of connection, social belonging, and achievement motivation (Terada, 2018).
Greeting students at the door by saying their name, making eye contact, handshakes or high fives or thumbs up, stating encouraging phrases, and asking about a student’s day are helpful tips (Terada, 2018).
Click on the video below and watch
Reflection:
How can you create an environment that respects the importance of social connectedness, cultural sensitivity, student-teacher relationships, and setting a smooth morning transition?
Video Run Time 2:44
Click on the video below and watch
Reflection:
In your Guided Notes, identify the teacher's TUMS strategy steps to build relationships and create a welcoming environment.
Video Run Time: 1:00
Reflection:
In your Guided Notes, reflect on the following strategies and select at least one strategy that you would like to implement.
Click each student engagement strategy below to learn more. After downloading, save the strategy to utilize later and exit to return to the PLM.
Read below to learn ways to engage students in your classroom.
Articulating and maintaining high expectations for learning, intentionality with why they are doing what they are doing, and providing a nurturing environment are three things teachers do well (Abla & Fraumeni, 2019). Engaging students in meaningful interactions, sparking interest in lessons, giving feedback, and creating a safe and respectful environment reflects a supportive atmosphere that promotes student engagement (Abla & Fraumeni, 2019).
Did you know?
Brame (2015) found that an ideal length for instructional videos is 6-12 minutes while maintaining student engagement.
Consider this when planning future lessons and reflecting on current instructional practices.
Click on the video below and watch
Reflection:
What are two new tools or strategies you want to try with your students?
Video Run Time 9:01
Did you know?
As students increase in grade levels, engaging students deeply in learning is important. Ferlazzo (2021) developed a framework called the Four Ts, which includes focusing on the topic, task, targets, and text. Teaching the learning targets or standards through authentic text ensures world knowledge is built and connected with the standard and topic.
This video features 4th and 5th-grade students who are learning about injustices from the past.
Real World Connections
Video Run Time: 4:59
Click on the video and watch
Reflection:
Reflect on how the teacher engaged the students in learning about history. How can you engage students in your current setting with your content?
Did you know?
A 2016 Gallup survey conducted across the United States featured responses from 1 million students (Ferlazzo, 2021). The study found 74% of fifth-grade students were engaged in school, compared to 34% of twelfth grade students (Ferlazzo, 2021).
Marzano Protocol
After downloading the article for review, exit the article and return to this page.
This protocol helps teachers identify what they will do to engage students. Each section provides specific student and teacher evidence, and reflective questions for each area. The following areas are addressed in this protocol:
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Noticing when students are not engaged
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Using academic games
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Managing response rates
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Using physical movement
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Maintaining a lively pace
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Demonstrating intensity and enthusiasm
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Using friendly controversy
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Providing opportunities for students to talk about themselves
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Presenting unusual or intriguing information
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Demonstrating "withitness"
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Applying consequences for lack of adherence to rules & procedures
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Acknowledging adherence to rules & procedures
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Understanding students' interests and backgrounds
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Using verbal and nonverbal behaviors that indicate affection for students
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Displaying objectivity and control
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Demonstrating value and respect for low expectancy students
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Asking questions of low expectancy students
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Probing incorrect answers with low expectancy students
