Part 4 - Awaken your students’ learning

In the world of higher education, where lectures and assignments can sometimes feel like a whirlwind for students, awakening their learning is crucial. As educators, it is our responsibility to inspire and cultivate a love for learning that goes beyond textbooks and exams. Otherwise, you might find your students just “going through the motions” to get a passing grade and move on to the next task.

In the first three posts in this series, I talked about establishing trust, demonstrating your competence, and showing your passion to build your credibility as an online instructor. The final item to add to the list is to awaken your students’ learning with strategies that breathe life into the academic journey of college students and spark a genuine awakening of their intellectual curiosity. This responsibility lies with educators to go beyond routine lectures and assignments and cultivate a curiosity that surpasses the pursuit of grades. 

Try out one or more of the strategies below to breathe life into the academic journey as well as elevate your credibility as an online instructor. I explain the value of and provide examples for teaching students how to learn, providing interactive learning experiences, demonstrating real-world relevance, showing connections to other disciplines, integrating technology, encouraging questions and curiosity, and emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning.

Strategy #1 - Teach them how to learn

At the very beginning of your course, provide guidance on how to get started via a “Module 0” or “Getting Started” module. Go beyond listing the course- and module-level outcomes for your course. In addition to the usual things like your course syllabus and the course schedule, tell your students what your learning expectations are, why what they will be learning matters, and how they can effectively learn.

Help your students get in tune with the flow and structure of your course. Share the reasons behind why we do what we do, especially when it comes to applying and practicing our learning. Here’s an example video in which I explained to students how repetition is a part of learning:

In another video, I challenged students to step out of their comfort zones. This is what one student learned:

This strategy lines up with Missouri Online’s Quality Course Review (QCR) rubric item # 11, which is about welcoming students to the course, and QCR item #12, which is about providing instructions on how to get started and navigate the course.

Strategy #2 - Provide interactive learning experiences

Encourage active participation through group discussions, case studies, and interactive activities. Create an environment that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By engaging students in hands-on experiences, you not only make the learning process enjoyable but also provide them with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. And one more thing - if you want to build community and for students to interact with you, with each other, and with the course content (QCR item #19), lead by example and make your presence known in your online course.

One student said this about my approach:

For more strategies to foster interaction and a sense of belonging and collaboration in the online learning environment, see Missouri Online’s collection of resources on building community.

Strategy #3 - Demonstrate real-world relevance

Connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Share relevant examples, case studies, and success stories to demonstrate how the knowledge being gained in the classroom can be applied in various fields. This helps students see the practical significance of what they are learning, making the material more memorable and motivating. 

Incorporating authentic assessments into this approach further enriches the learning experience. By designing evaluations that mirror real-world challenges, students can apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This pedagogical strategy not only assesses students' ability to apply what they've learned but also prepares them for the complexities of the real world, making their education more relevant and impactful.

One student said:

Here’s an example video that I created to explain how what students will be learning matters because it will make them better consumers:

Strategy #4 - Show connections to other disciplines

Learning can be enhanced by transcending disciplinary boundaries. Encourage students to make connections with other disciplines or related courses. Promote a holistic understanding that integrates diverse perspectives by showcasing relevant examples from various fields. Through these strategies, educators inspire students to appreciate the dynamic and practical nature of knowledge, encouraging a curiosity that extends beyond the immediate scope of the course.

Here’s a video in which I connect marketing, advertising, and web media/development:

One student commented:

Strategy #5 - Integrate technology to support learning

Incorporate technology into the learning process to make it more dynamic and engaging. Utilize multimedia presentations, virtual simulations, and online resources to supplement traditional teaching methods. Missouri Online provides teaching tools and instructional design support for using technology to support learning goals and competencies.

When integrating technology, consider how to support the diverse learning preferences of students and make the educational experience adaptable. Provide students with multiple means of expression, ensuring an inclusive environment that respects various forms of engagement and representations using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Reflecting on the SAMR model’s tiers of online learning, it is crucial to acknowledge that technology has the potential not just to substitute or augment traditional methods but also to fundamentally transform and redefine educational assessments and outcomes.

Here’s what one student said about technology use in one of my classes:

As this student’s experience highlighted, flexibility in technology is important, making it evident that educational technology should empower students, offering them multiple pathways to success.

This strategy lines up with QCR item #40, which is about using technology to support learning goals, objectives, and competencies.

Strategy #6 - Encourage questions and curiosity

Create an atmosphere that warmly welcomes and encourages questions. Foster a culture of curiosity by appreciating students' inquiries and engaging in open discussions. This not only promotes a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also cultivates a sense of ownership over their learning journey.

One activity I use is a weekly reflection where I connect the positive emotions associated with learning with the course content. One question prompt is, “What did you enjoy learning about this week? How did it feel when you were learning this?” Also, there’s an open discussion forum where students can share anything they’ve discovered or experienced that relates to what we’re learning. Here’s what one student said:

Strategy #7 - Emphasize lifelong learning

Instill the importance of lifelong learning. Help students recognize that education does not end with graduation but is a continuous process. Their transformation should happen while they’re still in college. Encourage them to explore topics independently, seek out new information, and stay curious beyond the confines of the classroom. And it doesn’t hurt to enjoy the learning experience either.

Here’s an example video in which I describe to students what one possible outcome is – for them to be transformed.

Conclusion

Check out the following Sprint self-paced mini-courses to learn more about creating effective instructional media, creating a sense of community through engaging course interactions, and creating a community of learners:

• Sprint 1.C: Creating effective instructional media

• Sprint 2.C: Authentic pedagogy in the age of AI

• Sprint 3.C: Effective online group work