Ten Simple Strategies for Re-engaging Students

Based on a Blog by Andrew Marcinek

Original Publication Date:  11/21/2010

We’ve all experienced classes where students are bored and disconnected from the instruction.  Whether we were the student or teacher we know that this is unacceptable, but happens frequently.  The author, Andrew Marcinek, of “Ten Simple Strategies for Re-engaging Students” experienced just that.  Instead of waiting for a new year or to gradually implement new techniques Mr. Marcinek developed ten new expectations for his English 101 course. 

His first rule is “Have Fun”.  One of my colleagues at the Career-Tech Center has told me that if you’re not having fun, the kids aren’t having fun, and why bother.  His point being that when students are not excited about learning they may “jump through the hoops” to get a grade but true learning never actually takes place.  Mr. Marcinek also expected his students to become experts on the subjects they were covering and to enjoy the research process.

Secondly, he wanted learning to extend beyond the walls of his classroom.  Although he didn’t have but one computer and eight outlets, the majority of his students owned personal devices that connect them to the outside world.  The technology students carry with them on a daily basis provide the opportunity to expand learning beyond the classroom.  Unfortunately, in our school at least, cell phones and personal electronic devices are restricted to non-classroom time.  We need to open this policy to allow students the opportunity to explore and dig into their research.

Next, Mr. Marcinek expected his students to write to a broader audience.  Usually, students would write a paper, he would edit and grade.  Using simple web 2.0 applications, students have the opportunity to produce work for an authentic audience.  By opening up their writing to the community at large they are becoming contributors to the learning environment.

Web 2.0 technology also offers students the opportunity to collaborate with others around the world. The author states “The ability to share and learn from each other is limitless” (Marcinek, 2010).

By utilizing web 2.0 applications, students will be sharing their research and making their learning “transparent”.  The project was designed to incorporate constructive criticism and students were expected to provide and expect feedback from fellow students.  He also encouraged students to take risks and stop worrying about making mistakes, as they are just steps in the learning process. 

The author expected his students to not only “write about the world but to engage in it” (Marcinek, 2010).  Although these expectations were designed for an English class they could be easily adopted for any content area.  I think students would welcome this change and be enthusiastic about learning, writing for an authentic audience, and the opportunity to contribute to the learning.

Marcinek, A. (2010, November 21). Ten simple strategies for re-engaging students [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/reengaging-students-andrew-marcinek