Student engagement is a crucial aspect of any learning process, and the same applies to higher education. While it is easy to think that college students, with their more developed brains, do not need to be as engaged as, say, high school students to completely assimilate what they are being taught, assuming this would be a grave mistake.
Just because college students are more mature doesn’t mean they don’t need a high level of engagement with their coursework. In fact, as we’ll see below, they may need it even more. Regardless of education stage, student engagement remains a key criterion to determine academic success and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the article below, we explain, among other things, why student engagement is so important for college students along with various student engagement activities that are specifically effective at the collegiate level.
Student Engagement at the Collegiate Level
In college, student engagement activities are an excellent way to promote student participation, create a sense of community, and enhance the learning experience. College can be a pretty unfamiliar place, especially in the beginning. And even towards the end, there is no shortage of distractions.
Because these distractions are harder to curb and require a more ingenious approach than, say, for high school students, the value of student engagement at the collegiate level becomes even more profound.
In the end, student engagement is nothing but the process of involving students in the learning experience actively. And no matter which level or institution you are in, the indisputable truth is that engaged students are more likely to be successful than disengaged ones.
Importance of Student Engagement Activities in College
There is no denying that college students have unique needs and challenges that require innovative approaches to their study and education methods. The same sentiment remains true when it comes to student engagement. Engaging college students in activities that promote active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration can have a significant impact on their academic success and personal growth. Here are some reasons why student engagement activities are absolutely essential in college:
Enhance Learning
Students who are engaged pay more attention and are more focused on what they’re being taught. More importantly, though, they already possess the willingness and the passion to learn. For this reason, engaged students, in college as in anywhere else, are more likely to retain information, apply it, and remember it in the long term. In college where there are more advanced subjects and courses being taught, it is almost impossible to retain information and apply it in the long term without a high level of engagement. Active learning promotes deep learning and critical thinking, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
Build Community
While many tend to see college as a place wherein students are mature enough to be able to learn on their own, what many fail to consider is the overwhelming sense of individuality that may arise in the early years of college, and maybe even linger for much longer. College can be a very isolating experience for many students. Thankfully, engagement activities can help in this regard. They can help by creating a sense of community and connection among students. They also foster a supportive learning environment – all of which will go a long way in easing students into the college experience and helping them make the most of it.
Increase Retention
As the rate of college dropouts continues to maintain its alarming progress, it is widely believed that an absence of student engagement is one of the reasons responsible. Simply put, students just don’t have a passion for, and are not invested in what they’re being taught. How does one solve this particular issue, then? Well one way is by incorporating student engagement activities. Engaged students will always be more likely to stay in college and complete their degree. Student engagement activities can thus help reduce dropout rates and increase student retention.
Types of Student Engagement Activities for College Students
Having seen the importance, it is worth highlighting a few of the most popular and most effective student engagement activities that are particular to college students. These include the following:
Team-Based Learning
One of the first activities on our list for promoting student engagement is team-based learning, a student-centered approach that promotes active learning and collaboration.
This activity involves dividing students into groups and assigning them tasks that require them to work together to solve problems.
Through team-based learning, students develop teamwork and communication skills, and a sense of community.
Service Learning
Service learning is a teaching and learning method that integrates community service with academic learning. The goal of service learning is to allow students to address real-world problems by participating in projects.
By applying their knowledge and skills to real-life situations, students are able to connect more with the situation in the real-world as opposed to just receiving passive information in the classroom alone. Service learning also promotes civic responsibility and social justice, and it helps students develop a sense of purpose and direction.
Internships
Internships are another valuable way for college students to become more engaged with what they have been taught in the classroom. Internships allow students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study.
They provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting, develop industry-specific skills, and network with professionals in their field.
An internship can also help students develop more passion for their chosen career, while helping them make better-informed decisions regarding their specific career path.
Study Groups
One of the most popular and most fascinating student engagement activities, study groups have been utilized in colleges as long as they have existed.
Till this day, they remain a particularly excellent way for college students to work together to learn and review course materials. Students can discuss difficult concepts, exchange ideas, and support each other in their learning journey.
Study groups, like any worthwhile student engagement activity, promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Extracurricular Activities
Lastly, extracurricular activities can be another wonderful tool for facilitating a higher level of student engagement. Extracurricular activities are simply activities that take place outside of the classroom. These can include clubs, sports, and volunteer work.
These activities not only provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and pursue personal interests, but they also help students build a sense of community with other like-minded individuals.
Best Practices for Implementing Student Engagement Activities in College
To ensure the success of student engagement activities, it is essential to follow best practices that promote participation, satisfaction, and success. Here are some examples:
Prioritize objectives - When planning student engagement activities, always ensure that they align with the learning objectives of the course. This will help to keep students engaged in the material while also promoting deeper learning.
Be Understanding and Straightforward - College students are often balancing multiple courses and responsibilities, so it is important to be patient and understand the complexity they have to navigate. Always provide clear instructions to help reduce confusion as much as possible.
Don’t be Afraid to Use Advanced Technology - An advantage of working with college students is that they are often already digital natives who are absolutely comfortable with technology. For this reason, educators should never be afraid to take advantage of technology as much as possible, no matter how advanced.
Conclusion
Student engagement activities are essential for promoting active learning and promoting student success in any institution, and colleges are no exception. By incorporating various types of activities that align with learning objectives, college educators can create a positive learning environment that fosters student engagement.
Some of these activities as highlighted above include team-based learning, service learning, internships, clubs, study groups, sports and volunteer work.
