Student engagement

Teaching academics and university staff address what student engagement means to them and offer advice on capturing students’ attention in an age of digital distraction and keeping them motivated to learn. Find insights on teaching strategies that give students agency over their learning, boost class attendance and participation and help to build a campus community.

An explanation of how student coaching circles can help improve course learning outcomes

Using coaching circles to beat isolation and spur reflexive work

Glen Cousquer explains how coaching circles run by students with their peers can help beat feelings of isolation and guide students to overcome personal or course-related challenges

Glen Cousquer

The University of Edinburgh

Rural America suffers from a lack of high-speed internet access, which in turn hinders social mobility

Biden’s next big deal must include expanded broadband access

The pandemic helped expose an insidious digital divide that imperils efforts to reduce inequality and promote social mobility, says Jem Spectar

Jem Spectar

University of Pittsburgh Johnstown

Co-creation is still possible even though most teaching and learning is taking place online.

Co-creation does not need to stop because we’ve moved online

Co-creation is far more about mindset than suitability for a particular setting, and the evidence demonstrating its benefits is growing, says Catherine Bovill

Catherine Bovill

The University of Edinburgh

Virtual learning, book and laptop merged

Virtual learning environments mustn’t lead to module silos

We must ensure modules complement one another by establishing consistency in their form and functioning, says Maurice Kinsella

Maurice Kinsella, Niamh Nestor, John Wyatt

University College Dublin

Steps to help foreign language students engage with online class discussions

Supporting foreign-language students in online class discussions

Online discussions pose a challenge for foreign-language students studying remotely overseas, so instructors should take steps to support their understanding and engagement, says Liyun Wendy Choo

Liyun Wendy Choo

The University of Auckland

Managing conflicting perspectives of international students when teaching online

Negotiating the minefield of global online teaching: dealing with difference  

Farish A. Noor offers advice on managing the conflicting viewpoints of students living and studying in different countries and cultural contexts when teaching international groups online

Farish A. Noor  

Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia

A scantron sheet. Do we dehumanise students when we put them into spreadsheet rows?

Grades are dehumanising, but ‘ungrading’ is no simple solution

There is nothing ideologically neutral about grades, and nothing ideologically neutral about the idea we can neatly and tidily do away with them, says Jesse Stommel

Jesse Stommel

University of Mary Washington

Using messaging apps to support better communication between students and instructors

Alleviating student anxiety using messaging apps

Jonathan Sim explains how he supported his class remotely using the Telegram messaging app to keep a regular flow of communication and reassure students they were not alone in having queries

Jonathan Sim

National University of Singapore

Advice on incorporating humour into your online teaching to keep students engaged

Get serious about humour in your online classroom

Humour can grab and hold students’ attention. Abha Ahuja and Trang Nguyen outline ways to introduce more laughter into online classes

Abha Ahuja , Trang Nguyen

Minerva Schools at KGI

Lessons on motivating students to learn on mandatory courses

Lessons in motivating students to learn online

Teaching interdisciplinary modules online can be an uphill battle but it offers important lessons in the art of motivating students to learn, as Jonathan Sim explains

Jonathan Sim

National University of Singapore

Wellbeing pedagogies to boost the student experience online

Well-being pedagogies: activities and practices to improve the student experience online

With many concerned about the mental health effects of learning remotely, Elena Riva shares helpful practices that can boost student well-being in the online teaching and learning environment

Elena Riva

The University of Warwick

Tools to engage students in online courses

Live chat, weekly digests and newsletters: online tools to boost engagement

Robert Green talks through the digital tools he uses to keep students engaged in their online course during what are, for many, challenging times

Robert Green

University of Kent

Developing students academic writing skills

Improving academic writing skills to boost student confidence and resilience

Academic writing skills are fundamental to most university courses. Andrew Struan explains how Glasgow has taken a whole-university approach to ensure all students are well equipped to succeed

Andrew Struan

University of Glasgow

Tips on using technology to identify and help struggling students before they fall behind in online courses

Use technology to catch students before they fall

Working remotely with no face-to-face contact is a challenge for many students. May Lim and Li Siong Lim explain how educators can use technology to identify and help struggling students before they fall behind

May Lim, Li Siong Lim

Singapore Institute of Technology

Tips to help students stay focused in online classes

Seven steps to help students stay engaged online

While the same psychological processes are at work online as in the classroom, it is much easier for students to disengage when learning remotely. Here are seven well-researched steps to help students stay focused on their online courses

Leonard Houx, André Spicer

Cass Business School, City University of London

Sage on the screen? Lessons in using technology to enhance learning

It’s time for the sage to step down from the stage, according to Steve Davies. Here, he shares simple steps to ensure technology enhances learning outcomes

Steve Davies

University of South Wales, Learna

Use digital technologies to enhance student support services

Evolution not revolution: strengthening student services online

Digital technologies are more than a short-term emergency tool; they provide an opportunity to enhance student support services long after a return to campus, explain Steven Goss and Amy Greenstein

Steven Goss, Amy Greenstein

Manhattan College, Metropolitan College of New York

Gather student feedback throughout your online course to test and refine teaching methods

Experiment, test, refine: work with students to shape online courses

If you want to improve teaching, speak to the learners, explains Pat Tissington, who advocates using student feedback to continually experiment and adjust your online instruction methods throughout the course

Pat Tissington

The University of Warwick

Lessons from students in online learning

I spy what’s in the prof’s study: lessons from students in online learning

Student feedback is crucial to improving remote teaching. Here, Roger Austin shares key lessons for effective online course delivery based on a survey of his students

Roger Austin

Ulster University

Basic principles for keeping digital communications clear and concise to avoid information overload for students

Efficient communication that avoids overloading students or staff

Constant upheaval has left many university staff and students feeling overwhelmed. Wendy Zajack talks through basic principles for keeping digital communications clear and concise to avoid information overload

Wendy Zajack

Georgetown University

How to create human connection when teaching online

Instructors teaching online must take steps to connect with their students via digital channels and compensate for the loss of natural face-to-face cues and communication. Flower Darby explains how

Flower Darby

Northern Arizona University

Research shows forum based online learning helps keep students more engaged

Forum-based online teaching to improve student engagement and motivation

A key challenge with online learning is maintaining student engagement and motivation. A forum-based teaching system, in which all students could see and compare their work within a shared online space, helped mitigate this challenge, researchers found

Xiaowei Kang, Wen Zhang

Capital Normal University, New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark

Students learning online must be encouraged not to fear getting things wrong

Give students confidence to 'be wrong, loudly’ in online classes

For students to learn effectively online, they must be willing to get things wrong and be corrected. But speaking up in an online class can be intimidating so instructors must take active steps to promote fearless class participation, explains Riley Lovejoy

Riley Lovejoy

University of Alabama

Ask your students for feedback right from the start of your online course

Why and how to gather ongoing student feedback right from the start

By gathering student feedback throughout your course, you can make ongoing micro-adjustments to resources and teaching methods to improve online teaching and learning, Leonardo Rolla explains

Leonardo Rolla

The University of Warwick

Using instant messaging to deliver feedback to students learning remotely

Instant messaging for improving instructor feedback in distance learning

One of the biggest challenges to online learning is lack of immediate instructor feedback, Justin Fendos’ research revealed. So his team trialled instant messaging to enable prompt responses

Justin Fendos

Dongseo University

The art and science of online discussion forums

The art and science of online discussion forums

Online discussion forums are an effective way to ensure remote students engage critically with their subjects but require careful thought and planning by instructors, as Karen Srba explains

Karen Srba

Saint Francis University

How to incentivise students to complete their reading when teaching online

Pausing playback: training students to read and take notes in online classes

Reading and note-taking are vital to learning, but are too easily overlooked by remote students. Steven Mintz explains how you can boost students’ motivation to read and take notes during online classes

Steven Mintz

University of Texas at Austin

Engaging students in readings and microlectures

Engaging students in readings and microlectures

Three online teaching experts share advice for motivating students to read and engage with microlectures online, then answer questions on key challenges during this ACUE webinar

Ludwika Goodson, Catherine Haras, Flower Darby

LG Education Consulting , Cal State LA, Northern Arizona University

How to plan and facilitate student discussions via online classes

Planning and facilitating quality discussions

Three online teaching experts share advice on how to foster quality discussions among students online to aid learning during this ACUE webinar

Flower Darby, Viji Sathy, Ludwika Goodson

Northern Arizona University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , LG Education Consulting

Managing your online presence when teaching remotely

Managing your online presence

Three remote teaching experts share advice on building an authentic and engaging instructor presence online to support effective communication with students during this ACUE webinar

Flower Darby, Kevin Gannon, April Mondy

Northern Arizona University, Grand View University, Delta State University

Guidance on creating a welcoming online learning environment for students

Welcoming students to your online environment

Three online teaching experts share advice on creating a welcoming virtual learning environment for students then answer questions about transitioning to remote courses during this ACUE webinar  

Flower Darby, Kevin Gannon, Michael Wesch

Northern Arizona University, Grand View University, Kansas State University, ACUE

Make online teaching content relevant and fun for Gen Z students

Making online content relevant and fun for Gen Z students

Relating your online teaching content to real-world interests and issues affecting your students is a great way to win and keep their attention. Tina Joshi explains how she does this

Tina Joshi

University of Plymouth

Fostering a sense of belonging among remote students to aid learning

Developing students’ confidence and sense of belonging online

With most students new to online learning, many may lack the confidence to actively participate in group classes. Georgina Blakeley offers her tips on fostering a sense of belonging that aids interaction among students

Georgina Blakeley

University of Huddersfield

Make virtual learning fun: using ‘break in’ rooms in online teaching

Creating fun, game-like activities as part of your online classes can aid learning, student engagement and collaboration. Shonagh Douglas explains how she has used ‘break-in rooms’ as an effective induction for remote students

Shonagh Douglas

Robert Gordon University

Promoting student collaboration in online classes

Soft skills: how to promote student collaboration in online environments

Online collaboration is not an innate skill for most students but something that instructors must cultivate. Hugh McFaul explains how he did this through careful design of the content and assessment on his course

Hugh McFaul

The Open University

Activating internal student motivation through curiosity when teaching online

Curiosity: activating internal student motivation when teaching online

Appealing to students’ curiosity boosts their motivation to learn. Jose Vazquez explains how educators can use this in their online teaching strategies

Jose Vazquez

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Engage remote students by developing an authentic voice for your online classes

Instructor presence: How to engage students through building an authentic ‘voice’

Lessons in how to use an authentic instructor voice to keep students engaged when teaching remotely, from Shannon McCarty of National University

Shannon McCarty

National University

Designing online courses with quality and engagement at the forefront

Designing with quality and engagement at the forefront

Online learning expert Angela Gunder offers advice on how to design digital courses with a focus on quality and engagement

Angela Gunder

Online Learning Consortium

Engaging students online when teaching remote courses

Expert Q&A: Engaging students online – every learner, everywhere

Patricia O’Sullivan, project coordinator of academic innovation at the University of Mississippi, offers insight on engaging students in the online environment

Patricia O’Sullivan

University of Mississippi

Engaging learnings across modalities in online classes

Expert Q&A: Active learning – engage learners across modalities

Peter van Leusen, director of adaptive and personalised learning at Arizona State University answers questions on how to engage students when teaching across different modalities

Peter van Leusen

Arizona State University

Communicate your online teaching structure to students before the course starts

How to communicate your online teaching structure to students – and why it matters

It is important to explain your online teaching plan to students at the start of the course, so they know what to expect. Here, Dawn Gilmore explains why and how to do this.

Dawn Gilmore

RMIT University

Create a welcoming online learning community

Creating a welcoming and inclusive online learning community

Creating a sense of community among students is vital for effective online teaching. Here, Miral Gibson explains how fostering this welcoming online learning environment should be pedagogy-led

Miral Gibson

University of Roehampton

Advice on designing online courses with lots of interactive elements boosts engagement

Transform engagement: Interaction and online course design

Advice on designing online courses with lots of interactive elements to boost engagement from Michele Hampton, professor at Cuyahoga Community College

Michele Hampton

Cuyahoga Community College

Use 360-degree video to create a more immersive digital learning experience

Using 360-degree video to bring online classes to life

Using 360-degree video can help create a more immersive digital learning experience, making practical aspects of online classes more realistic. Here Jane Frost draws on her experience of training nurses to explain how it can be used

Jane Frost

University of Canberra

Rules to put in place to keep students engaged in the virtual learning environment

The rules of engagement for virtual learning

It can be a challenge to keep students’ attention from wandering when teaching online. Here Bill Boulding talks through key rules to put in place to keep everyone engaged in the virtual learning environment

Bill Boulding

Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

The secret to timely, relevant, inclusive communication with students

Effective communication is vital to engaging and positive remote study. Cathy Stone offers advice on how to ensure communication between institutions and students is timely, relevant and inclusive

Cathy Stone

The University of Newcastle, Australia

Improving students' digital literacy for remote learning

The natural tech savviness of Generation Z doesn’t necessarily extend to remote learning tools. Here are three tips from the Open University of Hong Kong to train students to use collaborative working platforms

Heidi Cheng, Maurice Choi, Sylvia Sze, Candy Law, Kan Cho, Samuel Hong

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

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