Tactics to Engage Students Online
We all want great student engagement, and the online world of learning seems to offer countless opportunities for it. But what really works?
The answer can depend on your discipline and course. Business instructors will have a different expectation of student participation than those who lead Math classes, for example. But one thing is clear, whether in the Humanities, Business, or a STEM discipline: instructors’ extra planning efforts to engage students online are worth it. When students are active within a course, they do better.
Here are some successful tactics for incorporating thoughtful student participation throughout your course.
Consistent and clear expectations
When students are used to in-person classes, understanding the workload, expectations, assignments, and deadlines for each course — and then keeping them straight — can be a challenge. Organization is key, so students need to receive clear deadlines and expectations at the get-go. Use the course syllabus, learning management system calendar and announcements page, and lectures to advertise deadlines, expectations, and learning materials. Students will spend less time trying to understand what they’re supposed to do and more time doing it well.
Teaching opportunities
Taking on elements of a teaching role increases the level and quality of students’ own learning experience. Encourage participants to write engagement questions on discussion threads and lead smaller breakout room discussions over video chat. Or students can add a relevant article and discussion prompt to a shared discussion space each week. Learning from each other will help students feel connected and see the course teachings from various perspectives, broadening their learning outcomes.
As an instructor, don’t get too involved. The goal is not to mark or respond to each discussion post, but rather to encourage conversation and shared analysis, guiding only when needed.
Hands-on learning
Even online, active learning is possible. Virtual labs and application-based activities are an excellent way to engage students. These simulations give the opportunity to apply concepts, observe outcomes in real-time, and build skills.
Group work is another reliable way for students to be involved with the course content outside of the classroom. Look for community opportunities that apply to your discipline. For example, have Business students investigate and make recommendations on an issue they care about. They can interview business leaders who are affected or influential in that area, then present their recommendations and receive real-world-application feedback.
Regular feedback
Frequent quizzes keep students invested in the daily workload of a class throughout the semester. No matter the frequency and whether they’re graded or not, the quizzes are also a stop-check that help students gauge their progress. They can then understand where to get extra help before major exams and projects.
Tracked learning
Use the metrics of your learning management system or publisher courseware to see where students are and aren’t ‘showing up’. This helps you know what resources are used. It also signals the opportunity to reach out to students who aren’t interacting with the course. They may have an issue or not understand the purpose of certain material. You can then talk them through the process and their concerns.
Students will feel a stronger sense of accountability when they know that you see how they participate online. They’ll be more likely to continue to engage in discussions and access the posted resources throughout the semester.
Social connection
Don’t underestimate the influence that casual conversation has on relationship-building and course engagement. Students often engaged with each other and lecturers informally in the hallway after class. Re-create the experience by creating a casual bonding time at the end of the last lecture of the week to spark those connections. When students feel they are a part of the class community, they’ll be more likely to devote time to it, engage with the discussions and content, and ultimately succeed.
One idea is to run weekly trivia based off both course content and pop culture facts. Use the polling or chat function of your video call platform to run the quiz. Another idea is to organize informal calls, where you, teaching assistants, and students can socialize. Share a list of conversation starters or plan to discuss a topic relevant to your class, then rotate between small breakout rooms to keep the conversations informal and welcoming.
Of course, how best to engage students comes down to the learning goals and discipline. When you need more focused tactics for navigating the digital teaching world, check out our discipline-specific resource page. Whether you incorporate virtual labs for STEM courses or community-involved case studies for students in the Humanities or Business and Economics, your online classroom is full of opportunity for student engagement.