January 16, 2025

Dear Educator,

Student engagement is critical. We know the impact of young people invested in and driving their learning. Yet, research and experience reveal a concerning trend, particularly as students progress through school.

Many students report disengagement due to passive learning experiences, lack of relevance, and limited opportunities to actively participate in their education. This highlights the need for strategies that foster connection, curiosity, and active involvement to reignite engagement and motivation in learners.

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) published new research that included over 1,200 students. This week's Bright Spot takes a closer look at Dr. Amy Berry's and Dr Kellie Picker's research and how active participation and meaningful connections can transform learning experiences, boosting motivation and confidence.

With Gratitude,

Using Research to Drive Learner Engagement

In discussion with students, the researchers found four key motivators that boost engagement and “sucks them in” to the learning.

Image Source: When students feign interest: new research shows how to get them back

As one student shared: “We’re capable of doing a bit more than people think and even if we don’t really get good grades, it doesn’t mean that we’re not capable … we just want to be excited and curious about what we’re doing.”

This research underscores the transformative power of learner engagement, showing how active, supportive, and meaningful education can unlock every student’s potential.

In what ways are you creating engagement in your classroom? Let us know by replying directly to this email :)

Resources to advance your learner-centered practice

🤔 Strategically Group Learners for Collaborative Learning Experiences. "When deciding on a grouping strategy, think about which will be the best for the goals of the group work and use a variety of grouping strategies over time." Explore the strategies.

🛠️ The Authentic Learning Matrix. "This tool is designed to support teams with developing plans for advancing learners through an Authentic Learning continuum—from connection (transactional engagements with the community) to empowerment (authenticity is embedded in learning)." Access the tool.

🎥 WEBINAR: Reimagining Education Through Innovative School Design. "We will meet leaders from Escondido Union School District who have been in the messy middle of design and will share their journey, lessons learned, and how they are leveraging Learner-Centered Collaborative’s School Design Elements to design the best schools for their community." Register here.

👩‍💻 Authentic Learning Pathway. "The Authentic Learning Pathway includes three courses + a bonus foundational course designed to help educators design real-world learning experiences, spark collaboration, and promote anytime/anywhere learning." Start your journey here.