By Char’Tayvious Edwards
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how teachers can make learning meaningful. Students spend six to seven hours in school every day. Teachers have the tough job of using that time to help students grow academically and socially. Reflecting on my time as a student and my goals as a future teacher, I believe that keeping students engaged is one of the most important parts of teaching.
What Makes Students Engaged
Students are more engaged when lessons allow them to actively participate. Group discussions, hands-on experiments, or debates encourage students to think critically and stay focused. For example, I once participated in a class debate where we had to research and present arguments on a topic. This made the lesson not only more enjoyable but also easier to remember.
Engagement also increases when students feel a sense of control over their learning. Teachers who give students choices such as selecting books to read or deciding how to complete a project — make the classroom experience more personal. Additionally, using real-world examples and connecting lessons to everyday life helps students understand the importance of what they are learning, keeping them interested and involved.
Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters
Learning isn’t just about academics; it’s also about how students feel and connect with others. Schools and teachers who focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) help students build confidence and social skills. For example, when teachers show empathy and listen to students’ concerns, it creates a sense of trust and belonging. This support encourages students to engage more fully in their learning.
Sadly, not all schools focus on SEL. Strict rules or punishments can make students feel stressed or unsafe. In these environments, students often disengage, feeling judged or ignored instead of supported.
Problems That Reduce Engagement
Some school practices make it harder for students to stay engaged. For example, focusing too much on standardized tests can make learning feel stressful and uninteresting. I’ve been in classes where we spent weeks preparing for a test, and it felt like we were just memorizing facts without truly understanding the context.
Classroom management is another challenge. A noisy, chaotic classroom makes it hard to focus, but overly strict environments can stifle creativity and discussion. Striking the right balance between structure and flexibility is important for keeping students engaged.
What Schools and Teachers Are Doing Right
Thankfully, some schools and teachers are finding ways to keep students engaged. Flexible seating, technology, and project-based learning are a few examples. I’ve had teachers use platforms like Kahoot! or Blooklet to make lessons interactive and fun. These tools allow students to work together and enjoy the process of learning.
Schools that provide leadership opportunities and student organizations also boost engagement. Programs like Educators Rising, student government, and service projects let students take ownership of their learning. These experiences teach teamwork, responsibility, and problem solving, keeping students motivated.
What I’ve Learned About Engagement
As a student, I’ve seen how engagement impacts learning. Time flew by in classes where teachers were excited and got students involved. But in classes with boring lectures or repetitive worksheets, the day dragged on.
I’ve learned that time-on-task isn’t the same as real engagement. Just because students are sitting quietly doesn’t mean they’re learning. Real engagement happens when students are asking questions, solving problems, and sharing ideas. As a future teacher, I hope to create lessons that keep students active and interested.
How We Can Improve Engagement
Schools and teachers can improve engagement by focusing on what students need. This means creating lessons that are meaningful and exciting while building strong relationships with students. When students feel seen and supported, they are more likely to stay motivated.
Schools should also allow for more creativity in the classroom. Reducing the focus on testing and including more activities that encourage critical thinking and problem solving can help. Teachers can give students a voice in their learning, which fosters ownership and engagement.
Moving Forward
Student engagement is one of the most important parts of education. Teachers and schools need to use the time students spend in class to help them grow both academically and socially. That means creating classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
From my time as a student, I’ve learned that engagement is about connection. It’s about making lessons meaningful and helping students see their own potential. As a future educator, I hope to build a classroom where every student feels valued and has the chance to shine.
When students are truly engaged, they don’t just learn facts — they build skills, confidence, and a love of learning. That’s the kind of education every student deserves.
Char’Tayvious Edwards is the Educators Rising vice president of service. He is a freshman at Meridian Community College in Meridian, Mississippi, and plans to pursue a teaching career.
