As we get further into 2023, Horizon Educational has created 6 teaching strategies to engage students this year.

Teaching has never been more challenging. With students constantly distracted by laptops, phones and social media, getting them to engage in class is an increasing challenge. This is why Horizon Educational has created a list of 6 teaching strategies to help you take charge of the classroom in 2023.

1. Personalized Learning

Personalized learning is an educational approach that aims to tailor classroom instruction to students' individual needs. Each student gets a personalized learning plan based on their unique abilities and interests. One of the best ways to approach personalized learning is through STEAM education. This form of education goes beyond traditional STEM education and makes science and technology accessible to more types of learners by incorporating arts and humanities into the mix. Students from a range of backgrounds and with different interests can therefore be catered for.

2. Gamification

Interested in making your classroom more lively and fun? Give your students a game. Gamification means turning traditional teaching activities into a game. This could take the form of a history debate where two sides of the class compete against each other. Gamification can liven up your classroom – infusing learning with creativity, collaboration and play.

3. Project-based learning

Project-based learning means challenging students to actively engage by exploration and real-world challenges. Designing and constructing a hydrogen-powered RC car, for example, enables students to overcome the real-world challenges associated with this task. Creativity, perseverance and teamwork are also integral to working on a project – providing science and engineering students with a variety of STEAM skills.

4. Flipped Classroom

In a traditional classroom, the teacher’s usually the focus. Students sit passively and listen. In a flipped classroom – the focus of attention moves away from the teacher to the student. Students can be asked to research a topic in their own time and then present the information to the class – often working in groups. This enables students to take responsibility for their own learning – allowing them to become independent and better prepared for life after school.

5. Collaborative learning

Collaborative learning means getting students to work in groups.  Unlike individual learning, this means students can take advantage of others' strengths and unique skills. Evaluating each other’s ideas and making joint decisions allow students to be better prepared for the world of work. STEAM education initiatives such as the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix provide opportunities for collaborative learning while discovering the science behind renewable energy technology.

Culturally responsive teaching can be a great way to raise expectations for all students, while meeting their needs and allowing them to better connect with the subject.

6. Culturally responsive teaching

Culturally responsive teaching means relating the content in the curriculum to students’ cultural backgrounds. This means relating students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences to what they learn in school.

Student's brains are wired to make connections between what they already know and what they are learning. If a teacher connects the content covered in class to the cultural knowledge students already have – this can greatly enhance the learning experience.

Culturally responsive teaching can be a great way to raise expectations for all students, while meeting their needs and allowing them to better connect with the subject.