Back to Top

The Value of Modern Student Engagement Techniques


An engaged group of teenage students gathered around a table with study materials discussing a class project.The fast-paced, tech-driven culture has impacted education, with educators facing challenges beyond teaching core subjects. Chief among these issues is keeping students engaged and focused in an environment full of distractions. Engaging students in learning is crucial to ensuring students stay motivated.

Student engagement techniques improve academic performance and develop student skills that benefit them in the long run. Research reported by Forbes found that engaged students are more than twice as likely than unengaged students to do well in school. They are also four times more hopeful about their future than their disengaged fellow classmates.

Teaching student engagement strategies is the emphasis of one of the many professional development certificates available to educators from Fresno Pacific University.

The Changing Classroom Environment

Classrooms today look much different than they did even a decade ago. With the rise of technology, students are more connected but also more distracted. Smartphones, social media and video games compete for their attention. For teachers, this means that traditional methods of lecturing and relying on textbooks are no longer enough to hold a student’s focus.

Engagement techniques have had to evolve to meet these changes. Modern methods are more interactive and personalized and often involve technology to enhance learning.

Why Engagement Matters

Engaging students is more than just making sure they pay attention. It’s about creating an environment where students are excited to learn. When students are engaged, they are more likely to absorb information, participate in class and retain what they’ve learned. Studies show engaged students are more successful academically, develop better critical-thinking skills and become more self-motivated learners.

In addition, engaged students are less likely to cause disruptions in class. Students involved in the learning process also are less likely to misbehave or lose focus.

Key Techniques in Modern Student Engagement

There are many ways teachers can foster engagement in the classroom. Below are some of the most effective modern techniques:

Active learning. Active learning is an approach that requires students to take part in the learning process actively, rather than passively receiving information. This can include group discussions, hands-on projects and problem-solving activities.

Technology integration. Since most students already use technology in their personal lives, it makes sense to integrate it into the classroom. Tools like smartboards, tablets and educational apps can make lessons more interactive and fun.

Personalized learning. Personalized learning allows teachers to tailor lessons to the needs of individual students. This might mean giving some students more challenging work while offering others additional support.

Collaborative learning. Collaborative learning involves students working together to solve problems or complete projects. This engages students and helps them develop social and teamwork skills. Group activities also encourage students to communicate and rely on each other.

Real-world connections. Students will likely stay engaged when they see how their learning applies to the real world. Teachers who incorporate real-world examples and applications into their lessons help students understand why the material is important.

The Long-Term Benefits of Engagement

The benefits of using modern student engagement techniques go beyond academic performance. Studies published by the National Center for Educational Statistics have found that “students’ learning and development during their elementary, middle, and high school years is central to their eventual success in life and work.”

Engaged students develop a love for learning that continues beyond the classroom. They build important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork that are valuable in the workplace and in life.

Moreover, engaged students are less likely to fall behind. By keeping students involved and interested, teachers can help prevent the frustration and boredom that often lead to disengagement and poor academic performance.

The Fresno Pacific University Student Engagement Certificate

Fresno Pacific University’s Student Engagement Certificate is designed for educators who want to master effective student engagement techniques and strengthen classroom management. The skills and insights gained through this online certificate program will boost their teaching career with skills they can apply immediately in the classroom.

The Student Engagement Certificate from Fresno Pacific University covers a broad range of skills and techniques that help teachers keep students organized, focused, attentive and productive. Educators learn how to reduce behaviors that disrupt learning, not just for individual students but for the entire class, while encouraging behaviors that promote a positive learning environment.

Teachers who earn the certificate can create a more engaged classroom, leading to more effective classroom management and motivated students who stay on task and achieve long-term academic success.

Browse Articles by Category