Enhancing student engagement - Why it’s crucial

Imagine a vibrant Australian school where every student is purposefully and actively engaged in their learning. In this environment, assessment occurs in many forms and does not drive the curriculum. Instead, the focus is on holistic education that nurtures each student's unique interests and talents. Teachers supported by system policies and appropriate resources use a variety of strategies to provide personalised support, ensuring every student receives the guidance they need to explore various pathways and opportunities. This individualised attention ensures all students, regardless of their starting point or barriers they face, are encouraged, and inspired to succeed. 

In this school, the approach to education is broad and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on student voice. Students actively participate in shaping their learning experiences and assessment, contributing ideas and feedback that influence the learning process. As students enter secondary education, information about labour markets, future skills, and alternative pathways is integrated into the curriculum. Students connect with mentors, internships, and older peers who provide real-world insights and experiences. This connection helps them understand the practicalities of different pathways, careers and fosters a network of support, preparing them for a volatile and uncertain future. 

In this school, students facing academic or personal challenges receive evidence based individualised support, especially in literacy and numeracy, ensuring they do not fall behind. Programs designed to build self-confidence and life skills, such as resilience, seeking help and learning from mistakes, are essential components of the curriculum. Opportunities to study vocational education and training (VET) subjects, participate in work experience, and understand apprenticeships are woven into their educational journey. Additionally, families are equipped with up-to-date information to support their children's planning and aspirations, creating a cohesive support system both at school and at home. This holistic approach ensures every student is not only engaged but also empowered to achieve their fullest potential. 

Unfortunately, this is not the case for many Australian schools, and it’s estimated that up to 20 per cent of Australian school students are disengaged from the learning process. When students are not actively involved in their learning process, they are more likely to become bored and disengaged. In this article we explore how to engage students in education. 

Drivers of student engagement 

High quality teachers and inclusive classroom environments

Creating an environment where all students are engaged in their education requires several key drivers. First and foremost, high-quality teachers operating in a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is essential. When students feel safe, connected, respected, and valued, they are more likely to participate actively in their education. This inclusivity must extend to recognising and accommodating diverse learning needs, ensuring every student can succeed. When students feel unsafe or marginalised, they are less likely to engage actively in their academic pursuits. Access to appropriate and sufficient resources and support for diverse learning plays a crucial role in fostering engagement.  

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Australian education, affecting student engagement and learning. During extended periods of remote learning, many students faced challenges in maintaining their engagement due to a lack of access to technology, reduced or limited interaction with peers, and the absence of structured support systems. This disruption highlighted the importance of a supportive and inclusive classroom environment and the need for personalised support to maintain student engagement. 

Alternative approaches in the classroom

Traditional school structures may not suit all students, so it’s important to consider alternative approaches to education. This includes recognising different pathways, such as work, TAFE, and apprenticeships, are just as valuable as the university routes. By valuing all pathways and adjusting schooling to reflect this, educators can better cater to the varied aspirations and capabilities of their students. The pandemic also underscored the necessity of flexible educational pathways. With traditional schooling disrupted, alternative approaches such as online learning and hybrid models became crucial. The experiences during the pandemic demonstrated that a one-size-fits-all approach to education is not effective, and personalised, flexible pathways are essential. It’s important we do not forget the valuable lessons learned from the pandemic. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will help deliver alternative pathways. 

The Pathways, Engagement and Transitions (PET) study (2022) conducted by The Smith Family found that flexible and personalised pathways can significantly impact a student's long-term success and engagement. It highlighted the importance of early decisions and experiences on future opportunities. 

Relevant and engaging curriculum

A relevant and engaging curriculum that connects to students' lives is another crucial driver. When the content is meaningful and relatable, students are more likely to see the value in their education and stay engaged. This curriculum should incorporate real-world applications and opportunities for students to explore their interests. Moreover, standardised assessment should not drive schooling. Instead, the needs of students and their capabilities should be the primary focus, ensuring learning is both relevant and challenging. It has been claimed that the focus on test scores and academic achievement often sidelines other important aspects of learning, such as critical thinking and creativity. 

Teacher shortage and quality

High quality teachers must deliver the curriculum. Currently there is a shortage of teachers across Australia and predictions suggest this shortage may continue for some time. In the past twenty years, there has been consistent criticism, predominately by the Federal Government, about the quality of teacher graduates from higher education institutions. Attracting and retaining teachers is a critical issue. Improving the work satisfaction of teachers is crucial in attracting and retaining teachers. All stakeholders in the education industry must promote the profession as a priority. The regulation as to who can be a teacher must be reviewed as soon as possible to attract people with the appropriate skills to teaching.  

Consequences of full student engagement 

Improved academic performance

When all students are fully engaged in their schooling, the most immediate consequence is improved academic performance. Engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the material, encourages active participation in class, and motivates students to complete their assignments. This heightened academic achievement not only benefits individual students by opening more opportunities for further education and career prospects, but it also enhances the overall status of the school or college. 

Greater social cohesion

Greater social cohesion is another significant consequence of student engagement. When students are engaged, they are more likely to participate in school activities, collaborate with peers, and develop positive relationships. This sense of community helps break down social barriers, promotes inclusivity, and fosters mutual respect among students from diverse backgrounds. As a result, schools become a microcosm of a harmonious society, where cooperation and understanding are valued. 

Economic prosperity

Economically, having all students engaged in their schooling leads to greater national prosperity. Engaged students are more likely to pursue higher education and acquire skills that are in demand in the job market. This results in a more skilled and competent workforce, which is essential for economic growth. As Australia's workforce becomes more educated and skilled, the country's ability to compete economically on the global stage improves, attracting investments and driving innovation. 

Enhanced social mobility

On an individual level, engagement in schooling enhances social mobility. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are engaged in their education are more likely to break the cycle of poverty and achieve upward mobility. Access to quality education and the motivation to succeed open doors to better job opportunities and higher earnings. This not only improves the individual’s quality of life but also contributes to reducing socioeconomic disparities in society. 

Higher levels of satisfaction and well-being

Engaged students also experience higher levels of satisfaction and well-being. This intrinsic motivation reduces disciplinary issues, as students are more focused and enthusiastic about their education. They develop a stronger sense of belonging and connectedness to their school, enhancing their social skills and peer relationships. Over time, these students are more likely to pursue further education and develop lifelong learning habits and critical thinking skills, which are invaluable in adapting to the ever-changing demands of the modern world. 

Recommendations for policy makers  

Recommendation	BDO comment
Foster inclusive support	Policy makers should prioritise the creation of supportive and inclusive learning environments. This involves fostering a culture where students feel safe, respected, and valued. Schools should implement practices that accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring every student has the resources and support necessary to succeed. This inclusivity will help build a foundation where engagement and academic performance can thrive.
Embrace flexible pathways	Traditional school structures often do not meet the needs of all students. Policy makers should consider and support alternative educational pathways such as work, TAFE, and apprenticeships. These alternatives should be valued equally to traditional university routes, reflecting the varied aspirations and capabilities of students. By integrating flexible and personalised pathways into the educational system, schools can cater to a wider range of interests and talents, enhancing long-term student engagement and success.
Create engaging curriculum	A curriculum that connects to students' lives and interests is crucial for maintaining engagement. Policy makers should advocate for educational content that is meaningful, relatable, and incorporates real-world applications. Additionally, assessments should not drive the curriculum, particularly standardised assessment. Instead, the focus should be on meeting the needs of students and developing their capabilities. This approach ensures learning is both relevant and challenging, motivating students to stay engaged and achieve higher academic performance.
Foster positive relationship	The relationship between teachers, students and their families/care givers are fundamental to a supportive learning environment. Policy makers should support professional development for teachers that emphasises the importance of demonstrating care, respect, and genuine interest in their students' well-being and academic progress. Clear and consistent expectations, along with constructive feedback, help students understand what is required of them and how they can improve, further enhancing their engagement and academic success.
Student voice matters	Giving students a voice in their learning activities is essential for fostering engagement. Policy makers should encourage schools to provide opportunities for students to contribute ideas and feedback that influence the curriculum. Implementing varied and interactive teaching methods that cater to different learning styles and preferences can help students take ownership of their education. This empowerment leads to increased motivation, a love for learning, and higher levels of student satisfaction and well-being.
Personalise education programs	Encouraging students to set personal goals and engage in regular self-reflection helps them develop a sense of purpose and direction. Policy makers should support programs that promote goal setting and self-reflection as integral parts of the curriculum. The PET study underscores the importance of such support, particularly for disadvantaged youth. By fostering these habits, schools can help students stay motivated, pursue further education, and develop lifelong learning skills and critical thinking abilities, essential for adapting to the demands of the modern world.
Promote the profession	Policies and public messaging should have the aim of attracting and retaining high quality people to the teaching profession. The regulation about who can and cannot teach in Australian schools should be reviewed to ensure people with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities can teach in Australian schools.

 

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The views and opinions expressed in this publication are of the BDO Centre for Education, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of BDO or individual members of the BDO Centre for Education.

About the BDO Centre for Education

The BDO Centre for Education (the Centre) is dedicated to advancing education in Australia by fostering collaboration among experts, stakeholders, and sectors within the field. The Centre’s mission is to promote excellence and equity, enabling all Australians to become confident and creative individuals, successful learners, and active and informed community members. Through critical analysis, evidence-based solutions, and informed advocacy, we strive to address the challenges facing education in the 2020s as outlined in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (2019). Our commitment to knowledge dissemination, outreach and inclusivity drives us to shape public opinion and advocate for evidence-based education policies, creating a stronger, more inclusive educational landscape for future generations.  

The committee comprises of ten members who have served in various roles as leaders, stewards, managers, or advisers a diverse range of settings across the education sector over many decades. These individuals remain active in the education sector.  

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