Increasing student engagement is more important than ever.
Lectures and slides alone just don’t cut it anymore.
Today’s students expect relevant, interactive, purpose-driven learning. And if they don’t get it? They check out—mentally or physically.
We surveyed over 1,400 college students to find out: What makes a class their favorite?
Spoiler: It’s not flashy tech. It’s not even great performance skills.
Here are 5 student-approved strategies to increase engagement—plus give you plug-and-play resources you can try in your next class.
#1: Collaborative Classes
One of the most effective strategies to increase student engagement is creating opportunities to learn with and from each other.
“Collaborative projects and real-world applications make the material relevant and exciting. I believe that collaborative learning enhances understanding and retention of entrepreneurial concepts.”
When students collaborate, they’re more likely to stay motivated, participate actively, and retain what they learn.
To encourage collaboration in your class, consider these ideas:
- Assign specific roles within each team so every voice is heard.
- Divide the class into small groups for discussions and projects.
- Use interactive activities that prompt problem-solving in groups.
Get the Skills Scavenger Hunt Lesson Plan
A great way to kick off collaboration is with the Skills Scavenger Hunt—an interactive exercise where students identify their strengths and discover the talents of their peers.
This simple tool helps professors form more effective teams and lays the foundation for a supportive learning environment.
By encouraging teamwork from day one, you create a classroom culture where students feel connected, valued, and engaged.
#2: Hands-on Projects & Interactivity
One of the simplest strategies to increase student engagement is to break up lectures with hands-on activities.
These short, interactive moments help students apply concepts immediately—making learning more memorable and meaningful.
“Interactive classes make learning more fun and I love being able to bounce ideas off of my peers. I feel like I am developing skills I can use for my career.”
Instead of passively listening, students solve real problems, talk through ideas, and build confidence as they go.
Try these practical tips to bring more interactivity to your lessons:
- Organize brief, timed projects that encourage quick thinking.
- Break up long lectures with short activities or discussion breaks.
- Incorporate live polls or group problem-solving activities during class.
Use the ‘Think, Pair, Share’ Lesson Plan
Use Think-Pair-Share to spark discussion and increase student engagement.
Ask a question, give students time to think, then pair up to share and discuss. It’s a low-prep way to boost energy and deepen understanding.
Interactive learning doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does have to be active.
#3: A Passionate Professor
Your energy sets the tone.
One of the most overlooked strategies to increase student engagement is showing that you care—about your subject and your students.
“My favorite class was the one where the professor genuinely cared about our success. Having a professor who listens, sets clear expectations, and encourages discussion made all the difference.”
You don’t need to be a performer. Just be real. Share stories. Admit when something is tricky (like finance!). Let students see your excitement.
Even small moments of sincerity—like asking thoughtful questions or connecting during office hours—can build trust and spark curiosity.
When students feel you’re emotionally invested, they’re more likely to engage.
Here are a few ways to bring more passion into your teaching:
- Relate course content to your own experiences.
- Ask students for their opinions and listen closely.
- Use humor and simple stories to explain difficult ideas.
#4: Real World Skills
When students know your course will prepare them for internships, job interviews, and careers, they pay closer attention and participate more.
That’s why strategies to increase student engagement often center on real-world application—not just theory.
When your curriculum includes activities and projects that mirror everyday problems or work scenarios, students feel better prepared for life after college.
Consider the following strategies to increase student engagement in your class:
- Use exercises that require practical problem-solving.
- Invite professionals to share how they use these skills at work.
- Create projects that mirror actual challenges in your local community.
These strategies don’t just make your class more engaging, they help students succeed beyond it.
Looking for a ready-made curriculum that emphasizes real-world skill building?
The Experiential Entrepreneurship Curriculum (ExEC) delivers award-winning, career-relevant activities that boost engagement and build confidence, every week of the semester.
ExEC is trusted by hundreds of universities because it builds skills students can use to stand out in any career path.
#5: Reflect and Adapt On Effective Strategies For Student Engagement
Simply reflecting on what’s working and what isn’t is an effective way to increase student engagement.
Even small tweaks to your teaching can lead to major improvements in student participation, energy, and interest. By regularly assessing your lessons, you’ll discover new strategies to increase student engagement that are tailored to your class.
After each class, take a few minutes to ask for feedback; listen to what students share and use that input to shape future lessons.
Whether it’s adding more interactive moments or explaining concepts with clearer examples, these shifts show students you’re listening—and that you care.
Here are a few ideas for making reflection a routine part of your teaching:
- Spend a few minutes at the end of each week reviewing student feedback.
- Test a new method periodically and compare its impact to previous classes.
- Keep a simple journal noting what worked well and what could be improved.
When students see you improving, they’re more likely to do the same.
A reflective mindset models growth, increases engagement, and helps turn a good class into a great one.
What This Means for You
You don’t need to reinvent your course to boost engagement—just align your teaching with what students already value.
Across hundreds of student reflections, the most effective strategies to increase student engagement are clear:
- Foster collaboration and community
- Incorporate hands-on, interactive elements
- Show passion and authenticity
- Teach real-world skills students can use beyond the classroom
- Reflect often and adapt to what works
You don’t need to implement everything at once. Start small. Even one meaningful change can transform how students experience your class.
If you’re looking for a place to start, click the button below:
Give your students a class they’ll remember.
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