KEYNOTE SPEECH: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN LEARNING: CRITIQUING CURRENT PRACTICES AND EXPLORING NEW AVENUES

Back to Page Authors: Dr. Hashil Al-Saadi

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Keywords: learning theories, metacognition, significant learning, teaching methods, psychology of learning

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Abstract: Student engagement in the learning process is essential for learning to effectively take place. There are five levels of engagement. These include physical engagement (also known as behavioural engagement), cognitive engagement, metacognitive engagement, emotional (affective) engagement as well as social engagement. A true engagement scheme should engage students in learning not only in but also outside the classroom, and bring along with it a bunch of benefits for both learners and teachers. However, engaging 21st century students in the classroom is not an easy task. Today’s learners have different needs and interests compared to those we taught 20 years ago. Also, recent studies show that rigid teaching continues to be a common practice and, as such, offer minimal engagement beyond the physical level. This indeed poses a real problem to students’ learning and motivation. This interactive talk aims at introducing participants to the five-level engagement model together with the advantages and benefits of incorporating such a model into learning both in and outside classroom. The session will then progress to discuss the major characteristics of the ‘engaged’ learners as well as the challenges to engaging today’s learners. The session will conclude by offering participants five practical strategies for a greater student engagement.

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