How do you address student disengagement?

1 Identify the causes

The first step to address student disengagement is to identify the possible causes behind it. Some students may be disengaged because they are struggling with the content, the pace, the format, or the expectations of the class. Others may be disengaged because they are distracted by personal, social, or emotional issues, such as stress, anxiety, family problems, or peer pressure. Teachers can use various methods to assess the needs and interests of their students, such as surveys, interviews, observations, feedback forms, or self-reflections. By understanding the root causes of disengagement, teachers can tailor their instruction and support accordingly.

2 Build relationships

Another key strategy to address student disengagement is to build positive and trusting relationships with them. Students are more likely to be engaged when they feel valued, respected, and cared for by their teachers and peers. Teachers can build relationships by showing interest in their students' lives, backgrounds, hobbies, and goals, by using their names, by giving them praise and recognition, by listening to their opinions and concerns, and by providing them with guidance and feedback. Teachers can also foster a sense of community and belonging in the classroom by creating opportunities for collaboration, communication, and social interaction among students.

3 Provide choice and autonomy

A third strategy to address student disengagement is to provide students with choice and autonomy in their learning. Choice and autonomy can increase students' intrinsic motivation, ownership, and agency, as well as their sense of competence and relevance. Teachers can provide choice and autonomy by allowing students to select their topics, formats, resources, or partners for assignments and projects, by giving them options for how to demonstrate their learning and mastery, by encouraging them to set their own goals and monitor their progress, and by inviting them to share their feedback and suggestions for improvement.

4 Incorporate relevance and authenticity

A fourth strategy to address student disengagement is to incorporate relevance and authenticity in the curriculum and instruction. Relevance and authenticity can enhance students' interest, curiosity, and engagement, as well as their connection to the real world and their future aspirations. Teachers can incorporate relevance and authenticity by linking the content and skills to students' prior knowledge, experiences, and cultures, by using examples, scenarios, and problems that relate to students' lives and interests, by inviting guest speakers, experts, or mentors from various fields and backgrounds, and by designing authentic tasks and assessments that require students to apply their learning to real-world situations and challenges.

5 Use varied and interactive methods

A fifth strategy to address student disengagement is to use varied and interactive methods of instruction and assessment. Varied and interactive methods can stimulate students' attention, participation, and retention, as well as their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement. Teachers can use varied and interactive methods by incorporating different modes, media, and materials, such as visuals, audio, video, games, simulations, or digital tools, by using different pedagogical approaches, such as direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, or cooperative learning, by using different types of questions, prompts, and feedback, such as open-ended, critical, creative, or reflective, and by using different forms of assessment, such as formative, summative, self, or peer.

6 Support student well-being

A sixth strategy to address student disengagement is to support student well-being. Student well-being is essential for their engagement and learning, as well as their physical, mental, and emotional health. Teachers can support student well-being by creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment, by promoting positive behaviors and attitudes, such as respect, responsibility, resilience, and empathy, by teaching students coping and self-regulation skills, such as mindfulness, relaxation, or stress management, and by providing students with resources and referrals for additional help or counseling if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?