Keeping students engaged is one of the biggest challenges instructors face, especially in today’s short attention span environment. Whether you’re teaching in person, online, or in a hybrid setting, engagement doesn’t just happen, it’s created by you. The more engaged students are, the more they learn, retain, and participate. Here are 10 ways to engage students that you can start using today.

Inside, you’ll find:

1. Start with a strong hook
2. Make it interactive
3. Bring in guest speakers
4. Break up lecture time
5. Connect material to their lives
6. Use technology
7. Encourage student choice
8. Build community
9. Provide clear structure
10. Incorporate hands-on learning
11. Bonus: Gamify the learning experience

1. Start with a Strong Hook

Think of your favorite podcast or TV show. The first few moments usually include an intriguing quote or anecdote that draws the audience in. Teaching is the same. The first five minutes of class set the tone. Try starting with a short personal story that connects to the topic, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking question.

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2. Make It Interactive

Instead of talking at students, involve them. Use polls, quick think-pair-share activities, or mini-debates to get everyone participating. Debates are especially effective when you assign students a perspective that challenges them to think outside their own viewpoint.

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3. Bring in Guest Speakers

Guest speakers are one of my favorite ways to connect the material to real life. Hearing directly from professionals or people with first-hand experiences gives students valuable perspectives and shows how course concepts apply beyond the classroom.

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4. Break Up Lecture Time

Attention spans are short. Avoid lecturing for the entire class period. After 10–15 minutes, pause for an activity, quick reflection, or discussion. This keeps students alert, helps with retention, and makes the class more enjoyable for you as well.

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5. Connect Material to Their Lives

Students stay engaged when they see why the material matters. Relate lessons to current events, career applications, or situations they encounter outside of class. You can also ask students to make the connection themselves and share with classmates.

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6. Use Technology

Tools like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Poll Everywhere can bring energy into class. Just make sure technology supports your learning goals rather than distracting from them.

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7. Encourage Student Choice

Where possible, let students choose project topics, paper formats, or even some class activities. A sense of ownership boosts motivation and engagement. For example, for their final project, I often let students vote between creating a model (e.g., model of the brain), giving a presentation, or writing a paper.

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8. Build Community

When students feel connected to you and each other, they engage more. Learn names quickly, use icebreakers, and encourage small group discussions. For example, as a first assignment, I have students write a one-page bio to share with classmates during the second week of class.

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9. Provide Clear Structure

Confused students are disengaged students. Use a consistent class format, provide clear instructions, and post weekly outlines so students know what to expect. For example, you could structure each class with a warm-up activity, a mini-lecture, and then an interactive component.

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10. Incorporate Hands-On Learning

The more students apply material right after learning it, the more invested they become. Case studies, role plays, and simulations work especially well. For example, after covering psychological disorders, I ask students to play the role of doctors diagnosing a series of patients, citing symptoms and evidence to support their decisions.

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Bonus Activity! Gamify the Learning Experience

Turn reviews or practice sessions into games. Use Jeopardy-style slides (you can google free templates), scavenger hunts, or trivia competitions to boost motivation and participation. Break students into small groups and let them pick team names (the sillier the better).

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Final Thoughts

Engagement is the key to both retention of information and students enjoying your course. It isn’t about flashy gimmicks, it’s about creating an environment where students feel seen, challenged, and supported. By mixing up your methods, connecting learning to real life, and inviting students into the process, you’ll see their energy and effort grow.