How to Address Student Disengagement in the Classroom

Photo Above: Students at North County Charter Elementary School engage in hands-on learning with LocoRobo drones during their Science unit. Source: Facebook

Student engagement is one of the most critical components of academic success. A student who is engaged in school is curious to "know more", is motivated to share what they have learned with others, and has the desire to apply knowledge in the real world. However, disengagement remains a persistent challenge for educators and administrators around the globe. According to research, less than a third of students and teachers report high levels of engagement in the classroom. This disengagement is linked to lower comprehension of curricula, decreased academic performance, and diminished well-being.

So, what strategies can educators adopt to foster a more engaging learning environment? At LocoRobo, we believe that addressing student engagement requires a multifaceted approach rooted in hands-on, experiential learning that inspires both collaboration and curiosity.

Leveraging Social Connections to Boost Student Engagement in Schools

Educators and parents have been expressing concerns over student engagement levels, with many highlighting that students often retain only a surface-level understanding of the curriculum. Disengaged students may show lower levels of motivation, resilience, and absenteeism.

But there is something that makes students excited to go to school every day—their friends. Humans are social creatures, and schools and teachers can leverage this natural inclination for connection to engage students in learning.

Strategies for Boosting Student Engagement

1. Harness the Power of Connection with Collaborative, Hands-On Learning

Hands-on learning encourages peer collaboration and leverages students’ innate desire to connect with one another. By making lessons interactive, tangible, and relevant, teachers can capture students' attention and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Beyond teamwork, it creates a relatable space where they can see technology come to life—understanding how it works, and why it matters. At LocoRobo, we emphasize a hands-on approach, where students experiment with drone building, sensors, coding, and robotics, breaking down the complexities of the very technology they encounter daily. This approach demystifies innovation, showing students that the tools shaping our world are within their reach to create, adapt, and improve. This type of learning makes abstract concepts concrete, fostering enthusiasm and engagement.

Benefits of Collaborative, Hands-On Learning

• Fosters communication and teamwork skills as students work together to solve problems.
• Creates a dynamic and interactive classroom atmosphere.
• Makes learning relevant and enjoyable, boosting motivation and retention.

2. Inquiry-based and experiential learning for Creative Thinking

Beyond academic performance, engagement is about nurturing a student’s curiosity, motivation, and resilience. Studies show that engaged students are more likely to be confident, happy, and willing to take on new challenges. This is where inquiry-based and experiential learning comes into play. By integrating activities where students take an active part in asking questions, iterating on their ideas, and solving real-world problems, teachers can cultivate a more holistic learning environment.

At LocoRobo, we provide versatile drones for education that empower students to explore STEM applications in various ways, from classroom experiments to dynamic competitions and coding exercises. Through platforms like Drones For Science, TryDrones Competitions, and CodeMyDrones, students can actively engage with real-world STEM concepts, honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for STEM career exploration.

Key Elements for Engagement in Classroom:

• Engage the whole student to boost academic performance, attendance, skills development, and overall well-being.
• Use playful learning activities that allow students to experiment, collaborate, and create without fear of failure.
• Focus on lessons that build both academic skills and emotional intelligence.

3. Empower Teachers with Ongoing Support and Professional Development

Educators are pivotal in unlocking students' potential, but they need the right resources and support to succeed. The majority of educators admit that they face challenges due to rigid curricula and a lack of adaptable teaching materials. Teachers need the right support to focus on what they do best. Investing in comprehensive professional development ensures that teachers are equipped to use new technologies and teaching methodologies effectively. At LocoRobo, our mission is to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to prepare students for real-world problem-solving in robotics, drones, AI, and autonomous systems. Our professional development programs provide comprehensive training and resources to help teachers seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology into the curriculum while offering ongoing support to ensure success from day one.

Empowerment Through Professional Support:

• Provide ongoing training that empowers teachers to adapt lessons to different learning styles.
• Offer access to flexible resources that cater to a variety of student abilities.
• Ensure that professional learning is continuous, fostering innovation and long-term teacher satisfaction.

Real-World Skills for Future Success

Ultimately, addressing student disengagement involves more than just making lessons fun; it requires creating an educational experience that is both impactful and sustainable. LocoRobo’s inclusive gateway equips students with real-world skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability. By bringing coding and robotics to life, we enable students to engage fully in their learning and prepare for future STEM careers.

By empowering both students and teachers with engaging tools and ongoing support LocoRobo helps schools create an environment where students thrive. Ready to transform your classroom with meaningful, interactive STEM education programs? Partner with LocoRobo to bring STEM learning into your classroom and inspire lifelong learning.