Implementing Student Engagement Pedagogies For Future Leaders

The basis of meaningful learning relies upon students’ involvement which emphasizes the fact that their active involvement in cooperative learning is necessary in order to reap the benefits of this domain. In the same context, the role of pedagogy in training researchers, educators as well as policy makers is extremely important as it ensures implementation of ways that can induce a service education environment that is based on problem-based learning. When speaking of pedagogies that are involved in engaging students in classrooms, it is important to mention that contrary to modern educational models, teaching students “about” a particular subject does not ensure that they have acquired the necessary skills and expertise in that domain. What we need today are students that will be able to emerge as engaged workers and citizens and without the influential impact of various pedagogical strategies; the same is not possible.

A good educator needs to ensure that his/her teaching style is based on three essential elements which include encouraging communication between the faculty and students, eliciting cooperation amongst the students and ensuring that the entire process is supplemented by an active learning environment. Studies have revealed that student engagement is a broad and complicated subject which cannot be limited to a single course in a teacher’s career. Student engagement can vary at different levels and frequencies and also essentially by its quality. For students, the challenge lies in not merely gaining good grades but also in putting in efforts that are required by the institution. At the institutional level, colleges can set high expectations amongst the students and encourage achievement. In addition, they must also be facilitated to apply their knowledge to different situations and activities; thus creating a collaborative learning process.

Educational institutes also need to implement pedagogies that create leaders who are able to learn directly from their faculty and experts and can in turn serve as mentors for their colleagues. This however is not possible without a supportive campus environment that provides them with an enriching educational experience. An educational experience must not be limited to the domains of curricula but in fact should include learning opportunities from various sources. Over here the faculty is free to introduce other subjects such as technology or encourage practical experience via collaborations and internships. Such an environment will keep the students motivated and satisfied; promoting their social interactions to a greater extent. It is worth mentioning here that greater levels of active participation and involvement are also linked to enhanced knowledge acquisition and cognitive development. The leaders of tomorrow need to be prepared not merely in terms of academia but also in terms of various psychosocial elements that exist in the practical world. Implementing student engagement pedagogies is therefore a critical need in order to promote social and emotional development and to reduce student attrition.