In a new survey of thousands of U.S. educators, teachers validate concerns about student engagement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but think technology and student-centered teaching approaches can help invigorate students in the fall.
Seven in 10 teachers think their students are more engaged when lessons involve play, and 68% of teachers said their students are more likely to remember what they learn in the learning activities they choose themselves. The investigation of 8,000 was conducted by Kahoot!.
“Even though most schools have returned to fully in-person learning, educators report that their students continue to struggle. So much was out of students’ control for so long, and it’s no surprise that we see teachers realizing the importance of student choice in their own learning,” said Louisa Rosenheck, Director of Pedagogy. for Kahoot! Band.
“And the teachers are right. The science of learning is clear: when students exercise agency and choice about their learning, they are more engaged and more likely to retain their knowledge. As we enter the new school year, we should listen to teachers and give them the agency, tools, and flexibility to prioritize student engagement and joy.
The data clearly shows that the stress of the global pandemic has had an outsized impact on the academic, emotional and social well-being of students.
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.
