Developing Meaningful Classrooms through Student Engagement
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Elementary Education (P-5)
Minor
Spanish
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Lynn Patterson
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
This thesis explores the topic of student engagement in elementary school classrooms. Student engagement can be defined as “the amount of curiosity and interest students display while learning” (Akers, 2017, p. 28). Much discussion has been generated around this topic in recent years, making it a focal point in the educational sphere. Many teachers, though, still feel under-prepared to apply it in their classroom. A review of relevant literature will explore what student engagement is and why it is important; how classroom management affects student engagement; instructional strategies that support student engagement; how these things can be used to support the diverse learners found in contemporary classrooms; and how student engagement equips children for life in the twenty-first century. Accompanying research will look at how students perceive their own engagement and how student engagement strategies affect their performance. Through these things, the answer to the following question will be revealed: how can teachers engage their students in ways which make them passionate about learning and empowered twenty-first century citizens?
Keywords: student engagement, elementary education, classroom management, instructional strategies, student motivation, diverse learners, 21st-century, student achievement
Affiliations
Honors Thesis
Developing Meaningful Classrooms through Student Engagement
This thesis explores the topic of student engagement in elementary school classrooms. Student engagement can be defined as “the amount of curiosity and interest students display while learning” (Akers, 2017, p. 28). Much discussion has been generated around this topic in recent years, making it a focal point in the educational sphere. Many teachers, though, still feel under-prepared to apply it in their classroom. A review of relevant literature will explore what student engagement is and why it is important; how classroom management affects student engagement; instructional strategies that support student engagement; how these things can be used to support the diverse learners found in contemporary classrooms; and how student engagement equips children for life in the twenty-first century. Accompanying research will look at how students perceive their own engagement and how student engagement strategies affect their performance. Through these things, the answer to the following question will be revealed: how can teachers engage their students in ways which make them passionate about learning and empowered twenty-first century citizens?
Keywords: student engagement, elementary education, classroom management, instructional strategies, student motivation, diverse learners, 21st-century, student achievement