In a recent study with nearly 1400 participants from across the United States, researchers found:
“One of the most important findings of this report is that engagement is seen as essential to learning, but is inconsistently defined, observed, and supported in K-12 classrooms.”
Hence, how can home school instructors and traditional classroom teachers ensure that K12 students are engaged learners?
AHA asked its K12 student body what teaching strategies they find engaging and obtained a consensus. Note the students’ response below:
* Utilize think-pair-share, small group discussions, and role-playing to encourage students to express themselves.
* Incorporate "brain breaks," stretch breaks, or activities like gallery walks where students move around to respond to prompts, keeping energy levels high.
* Use academic games, simulations, or creative projects to make learning more enjoyable.
AHA is pleased that administrators observe that our faculty incorporates these strategies. Thus, student responses serve to confirm that faculty should keep a pulse on the nexus between essential strategies that support engagement and academic achievement.
ACHIEVEMENT HEIGHTS ACADEMY is a private online K12 STEAM school where we have highly qualified live instructors for all classes. We actively help students develop intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Moreover, we teach core content and an array of electives such as Piano, Violin, Guitar, Coding and Robotics and Graphic Arts.
Source:
Wakefield, S. (September 3, 2025). New Research Highlights Both the Importance and Challenges of Student Engagement in K-12. Discovery Education.
