Tips to Increase Student PArticipation

​Every teacher enjoys a class where their pupils are engaged, having fun but most importantly, learning! To ensure learning has taken place, as teachers, we generally give our pupils an exam and grade their responses. But the best way to check their learning, is by having an immediate response. This can be completed in class through student responses, feedback and participation. A student who is struggling with the content of the lesson will not be able to take part in the learning, therefore a barrier is created, preventing the pupil from success. An effective way to measure the success of the lesson is by how involved the pupils are. Below are some tips to help student participation in class. 

​Tip #1- Learn the pupils names 

​Knowing the students names enables you to call on them at any stage, ensuring they are remaining focused and engaged, instead of embarrassing themselves by being caught when they aren’t paying attention. 

​Tip #2 – The classroom layout 

Consider how the seats and desks are arranged in the classroom. Are there rows of single desks? Or are desks arranged into smaller groups of say, 4 pupils? Who do you want the pupils to discuss with? The teacher or with their peers? Answer these questions with the layout of your classroom in mind. Seating plans are also a great way to mix up social groups and encouraging classmates to work with someone new. This prevents the gossip chats and focus the conversation onto subject content. 

​Tip #3 – Mix it up

If you constantly read from a textbook, your students will get bored very quickly. There are hundreds of teaching styles out there so use a variety to add a bit of difference to your lessons. You could try something like a math mystery, project, quest or reading mystery. You will soon start to see which types the pupils prefer and learn from the most. 

​Tip #4 – Let the pupil become the teacher 

​This is an extremely effective teaching method to use in your classroom. After teaching an idea or concept, ask the pupils to teach each other. If you do this for the last 5 minutes of each lesson, the students will become familiar with the routine and so, ask questions throughout the lesson, especially in areas where they struggle. 

​Tip #5 – Use a pupil voice wall display 

​This is, simply, a wall display where pupils can write their opinions, likes or dislikes and general reviews of teaching strategies. It can be anonymous if you choose or you could ask a student to write their thoughts on the wall at the end of the class, giving everybody an equal turn. This is great for teacher reviews and feedback, allowing you to see how your pupils learn. 

​Good luck and don’t be disheartened if one new strategy doesn’t work the first time. Stick with it and you will something that works with your class.