“Students are being lazy and cheating is at an all-time high.”

“COVID completely destroyed 2-3 years of the educational system.”

“The current generation is affected by the instant gratification effect.”

Educators from Labster’s Community Campus unanimously agree that student engagement is an issue and needs to improve.

COVID was not on anyone’s bingo card, and we will never fully comprehend or relate to the student experience during that time. But in a world where digital natives (Gen Z’s) and the cohort of students who went online for much of the pandemic (Gen P’s) are in your classroom, how do we keep them engaged? 

We’ll explore strategies and advice to captivate and inspire the next generation of learners. It’s a heavy lift, but you’re not alone. 

Gen Z & Gen P Learner Backgrounds

Each generation brings its own learning preferences to the classroom. Let’s review the differences between Gen Z and Gen P. 

Gen Z Students 

Born into a world of digital technology, Gen Z students are proficient with tech and prefer interactive learning experiences. They expect information to be readily accessible and appreciate learning methods that integrate multimedia, such as videos, simulations, and gamification. 

Gen P Students

Generation Pandemic (Gen P), whose high school years were profoundly impacted by COVID-19, has developed a different relationship with education. The shift to remote learning during this period disrupted traditional classroom dynamics. Many students experienced a more relaxed, less structured approach to learning, which has influenced their expectations and behaviors in the classroom today. These students often prefer flexibility and may struggle with the return to more rigid structures, showing a heightened need for support and understanding from educators.

Current State of Student Engagement

In a recent Labster LinkedIn poll, we asked our audience, “Do you think the pandemic generation of learners is a wave and eventually we’ll see student engagement ‘return to normal’?” The results were telling: over half of the respondents believe it is "unlikely" that student engagement will return to pre-pandemic levels. This indicates a significant shift in how students interact with their education and highlights the need for new strategies to keep them engaged.

Although the disengagement compact theory was created in 1991, it may be as relevant as ever. It’s the unspoken agreement between college teachers and their students that if teachers minimize academic demands and grade generously, students will write good course reviews and will allow teachers undisturbed time to focus on the research and publishing that their institutions reward with promotions and tenure. 

How do educators deal with the current state of student engagement? Let’s look at 10 strategies that can be implemented.

10 Expert Solutions to Foster Student Engagement

As student engagement remains a critical issue, it's essential to implement strategies that cater to digital natives and post-pandemic learners. Here are ten expert solutions designed to foster student engagement, ensuring that educators can effectively captivate and inspire the next generation of learners.

1. Vary Formats

James Lang, author of “Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning,” emphasizes the importance of providing a varied classroom experience. This can be achieved by mixing lectures, discussions, group work, and hands-on activities. Changing the format keeps students interested and caters to different learning styles, ensuring that every student finds a way to engage with the material.

2. Use Real-World Examples

Part of getting students engaged is to make a connection with what they are interested in. Rachel Davenport, a senior lecturer in biology at Texas State, emphasizes using real-world examples to excite students and show them the relevance of the material. Explicitly communicating enthusiasm and the importance of the subject matter can significantly boost engagement.

3. Use the SCAR Method

SCAR stands for survey, categorize, be aware, and react. Eddy van Hunnik, Biotech & Biosciences instructor at Alamance Community College, shared this tactic with Labster in our Community Campus. 

• Survey: Look around the room and see where students are located
• Categorize: Are the students attentive, distracted, on their phone? 
• Be Aware: Make sure that you know your surroundings. Be aware of the students’ reactions while teaching and what they are doing.
• React: After you see the reaction of the students, respond to their reactions. For instance, if they look puzzled, you might need to explain more. Do they seem bored? Add some detail to your methods or try a new format. 

Dr. van Hunnik led a session at Science ImmersEd by Labster called “Improv for Teachers.” Watch the webinar!

4. Utilize Quizzes to Test Learning

Regular quizzes can help keep students engaged and provide immediate feedback. Multiple short quizzes (3-5 questions each) are most effective in maintaining student interest and ensuring comprehension. This approach helps students stay on track and gives them a reason to attend class and participate actively.

5. Leverage Technology

McKinsey research shows that students and faculty are eager to continue using new classroom learning technologies adopted during the pandemic. Use virtual labs, educational apps, and online collaboration platforms to cater to the tech-savvy nature of Gen Z and Gen P students. These tools not only make learning more interactive but also help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Julie Evans, PhD, Author of Free Agent Learning & CEO at Project Tomorrow, hosted a session at Science ImmersEd by Labster called “Teaching in the Age of AI: How to Meet the New Expectations for the Student Learning Experience.” Watch it now!

6. Maintain Flexibility

Recognize the diverse needs of post-pandemic learners by offering flexible learning options. Blended learning models that combine in-person and online instruction can cater to different preferences and situations. “I think lower student attendance directly correlates with how flexible/accommodating the instructor is with their makeup work policy/excused absences,” said an instructor in Labster’s Community Campus. 

7. Provide Support

Acknowledge the unique challenges faced by students during the pandemic and offer support services. Counseling, academic advising, and peer mentoring can help students navigate their educational journeys. Providing resources for mental health and well-being is crucial in helping students cope with stress and stay focused on their studies.

8. Offer Opportunities for Collaborative Learning

Promote teamwork through group assignments and lab activities. According to a study, “Several decades of empirical research have demonstrated the positive relationship between collaborative learning and student achievement, effort, persistence, and motivation.” Working together on projects allows students to learn from each other, share different perspectives, and build a sense of community within the classroom.

9. Encourage Vulnerability

Allow students to be vulnerable because vulnerability is linked to courage and growth. “When people show vulnerability, they allow stronger bonds to be formed. They can also grow because they are willing to be open and honest about their mistakes rather than bury their head in the sand or pretend they always do the right thing,” from an article about the workplace, but it’s relevant to the classroom, too. 

10. Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room

Address the impact of COVID-19 on learning directly. Josh Eyler, Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Mississippi, suggests having a frank discussion with students about their experiences during the pandemic and how to maximize the opportunities for in-person learning now that they are back in the classroom. Open conversations about the challenges and opportunities of post-pandemic learning can help students feel understood and valued.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the distinct characteristics and needs of Gen Z and Gen P learners, educators can implement targeted strategies to foster engagement and success in the classroom. The post-pandemic educational landscape presents unique challenges, but educators can create dynamic and supportive learning environments for all students with the right tools and approaches.

Want to learn more about student engagement? Join the Labster Community Campus to start a conversation with STEM educators and share ideas to improve classroom relationships. https://www.labster.com/community-campus/