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.

By Eliza.Compton , 6 November, 2026

Ducking out of the algorithm: how observing nature develops students’ sustained focus

Could asking politics students to watch ducks and squirrels help them resist screens and extend their attention? Eloise Harding used a fieldwork-based assessment that drew on their curiosity and critical thinking skills to find out

Reading time

4minutes

By Tony.Sablan , 5 November, 2026

Using classroom charters to support inclusive learning: four approaches

Black female teacher with adult students handing out papers

Drafting a classroom charter brings students into conversations about expectations, belonging and participation that often prove more valuable than the resulting document

Reading time

5minutes

By Laura.Duckett , 4 November, 2026

A checklist for inclusive classroom discussions

A group of students having a discussion in class

Many students stay quiet in class discussions because they are unsure about how to contribute. A simple checklist can help

Reading time

4minutes

By kiera.obrien , 30 October, 2026

Police a losing battle or teach students to think clearly? The choice is ours

A small human with a sword and a shield attempts to fight a giant robot

Instead of trying to detect and ban AI, let’s teach students to interrogate it. Find five ways to embed critical AI literacy

Reading time

4minutes

By kiera.obrien , 28 October, 2026

The barriers to student engagement – and how to overcome them

Students look at their phones in the lecture hall

Five key barriers in teaching and institutional practices could be preventing students from learning. Find out how to cultivate an environment in which they can thrive

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 28 October, 2026

If games belong in the university curriculum, why are they not in the library?

Young Asian woman gaming with headset on

For many educators, questions about institutional licensing, accessibility and cost end the conversation about digital games before teaching even begins. Here are practical ways to extend availability

Reading time

4minutes

By Tony.Sablan , 27 October, 2026

The colour of comprehension: how to make student understanding visible

Lots of traffic lights mounted on single large pole

Asking ‘any questions?’ rarely gives a true picture of how much a class has taken in. A simple traffic-light strategy can reveal students’ understanding and give instructors insights they can act on immediately

Reading time

5minutes

By kiera.obrien , 26 October, 2026

Why face-to-face lectures need to be interactive – and how to do it

A student raises a hand in a lecture hall

In the YouTube era, are lectures still an efficient use of classroom time? Achim I. Czerny argues they are – with a crucial twist

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 23 October, 2026

Practical advice for supporting international students

Asian students in light-filled university building

For international students to thrive in their studies, they need holistic support that integrates language development and cultural exchange

Reading time

4minutes

By Tony.Sablan , 22 October, 2026

Overcome reading reluctance with in-class tasks

Two students in lecture hall look at a book

While no replacement for tackling long texts, short reading sessions build confidence, boost students’ learning and improve their analysis, synthesis and discussion

Reading time

4minutes

Student engagement