Fostering Student Engagement

Tools and Strategies for Inclusive Classroom Participation

Teacher: Jacob Ørmen

Recording of Jacob Ørmen’s presentation at the Make a Difference Conference 2024.

The video is from the workshop, which drew on a model for participation developed by Ørmen to explore different modes of participation moving form solitary writing over group work to plenary discussions. Participants work with the model in relation to their own teaching and reflect upon how different tools and activities can bring a more diverse set of voices in the room and thereby inspire more students both to prepare better and participate more in class.

Slides: Jacob Ørmen – Fostering Student Engagement – Makeadifference2024.pptx

What was your motivation?

We all remember the passionate students that engage critically with us and each other as well as the material we teach. Unfortunately, for some this is more nostalgia than everyday practice. It is a common experience for university teachers to meet students that come to class unprepared and unwilling to participate in exercises and activities.

This easily creates a monotonous classroom where the few voices, predominantly the lecturer’s, dominate throughout. So, the challenge many of us face is how to create a safe and motivating learning space that foster student participation in various forms?