Get Your Students Hired
The statement “everything starts with how students engage with the class and the subject” highlights the critical role of student engagement in synchronous teaching and learning. Engagement is foundational because it directly influences how students absorb, process, and apply the content being taught. Here’s an analysis of why this is so important:
1. Active Participation: In synchronous learning, where lessons occur in real-time (often through live video or in-person interactions), students’ active participation is key. If they are engaged, they are more likely to ask questions, participate in discussions, and interact with their peers, all of which enhance understanding. Engagement also encourages students to stay focused and retain information better.
2. Motivation and Interest: Engagement is closely tied to a student’s motivation. When students are actively engaged, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership over their learning. This motivation drives them to explore the subject beyond the basics, helping to deepen their understanding and connection to the material.
3. Interactive Learning: In a synchronous setting, the immediate feedback loop between the instructor and students can guide the learning process. If students are engaged, they are more likely to provide input, ask for clarification, and interact with the teacher or peers in ways that enhance learning. This interaction makes the learning experience richer and more dynamic.
4. Emotional and Cognitive Investment: Engagement also involves emotional and cognitive investment. When students feel emotionally connected to a subject, they are more likely to engage deeply, resulting in improved cognitive processing. This connection may be built through creating a supportive learning environment, using relevant examples, or showing the practical applications of the content.
5. Sense of Belonging and Community: Engagement in synchronous teaching can foster a sense of community among students. This is especially true in virtual classrooms, where engagement through chat, group work, and collaborative learning activities can make students feel more connected to the class and each other. A sense of belonging enhances engagement and learning outcomes.
In summary, the statement underscores that engagement is the starting point of successful learning in synchronous environments. It affects participation, motivation, and the overall learning experience, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes.