5+ Surprising Stats About Student Engagement

Table of Contents

The Current State of Engagement
Digital Distractions
Engagement and Success Correlations
The Impact of Teachers
Statistically Backed Strategies to Boost Engagement
How STEM Sports Help Keep Students Engaged

In the world of education, student engagement is often the cornerstone of successful learning outcomes. It’s a key indicator of not only how well students are grasping the material but how likely they are to retain and apply that knowledge. In this blog, we will dive into some surprising statistics about student engagement in and out of the classroom. From the digital revolution in classrooms to the timeless impact of effective teaching, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of what keeps students hooked and why it matters to performance and future success.

The Current State of Engagement

Understanding the current state of student engagement is crucial in adapting our educational strategies. It’s a dynamic field, influenced by various factors, including technology, teaching methods, and even societal changes. Below are two current statistics that highlight the current and general state of student engagement.

Based on a 2021 survey, 45.7% of students reported being engaged with school. This number was down from the reported 52.6% in 2019 and 65% in 2018. [Sourced from Idaho EdNews]
75% of educators in a 2023 poll reported the top reason students are struggling to stay engaged is a general lack of intrinsic motivation for learning in school. [Sourced from Gradient Learning]

Digital Distractions

Technology has become a major part of our daily life and the way educators and parents can facilitate learning. Technology opens doors to innovative learning methods and brings challenges in maintaining student focus. Here are a few interesting statistics that highlight how technology influences student engagement:

In a 2024 survey, 92% of teachers noted that technology has had a positive impact on their student engagement. [Sourced from ZipDo]
According to a 2017 study, 81% of college students believe that digital learning technology, including virtual classroom chat, helps them boost their grades. [Sourced from Kitaboo]
Since 2000, E-learning has increased 900%, making it the fastest-growing sector of the education industry. [Sourced from Gitnux]

Engagement and Success Correlations

The link between student engagement and success is more than just anecdotal; it’s supported by a wide range of data. Engaged students often exhibit better academic performance, higher retention rates, and a greater inclination toward lifelong learning. Based on a Gallup Poll, students who are engaged in what they are learning are 2.5 times more likely to say they do well in school and are 4.5 times more hopeful and positive about their futures. This statistic shows the staggering evidence that getting students engaged in classroom curriculum will directly improve their academic and professional success.

The Impact of Teachers

Teachers play a pivotal role in fostering student engagement. Their methods, demeanor, and ability to connect with students can significantly influence classroom dynamics. Here are facts that highlight the impact teachers have on student engagement:

In a 2022-23 State of Engagement Report, 96.9% of teachers reported that they use teacher caring and relationship-building to drive engagement often or very often. Learn which other instructional practices correlated with higher reports of student engagement in the classroom! [Sourced from Go Guardian]
Based on a Gradient Learning Poll, 78% of educators said strong teacher-student relationships is an effective way to increase student engagement. [Sourced from PR Newswire]

Statistically Backed Strategies to Boost Engagement

It’s essential for parents and educators to actively seek out and implement strategies to enhance student engagement. Here are five statistically backed methods to increase engagement:

Interactive Learning Environments: Incorporating interactive elements into lessons, like hands-on activities or digital simulations, can significantly boost engagement. Research indicates students are more likely to retain information and stay focused when actively participating in their learning process.
Personalized Learning Approaches: Tailoring education to meet individual student needs and learning styles has been shown to increase engagement. Utilizing tools like adaptive learning software or personalized learning plans allows students to learn at their own pace and in ways that resonate with them.
Positive Teacher-Student Relationships: Building a positive rapport between teachers and students can greatly impact engagement levels. Studies show that when students feel supported and understood by their teachers, their academic interest and participation increase.
Incorporating Real-World Connections: Linking curriculum content to real-world scenarios helps students see the relevance and application of their studies. This approach can spark curiosity and motivate students to engage more deeply with the subject matter.
Frequent Feedback and Recognition: Regular, constructive feedback and acknowledging student achievements can boost confidence and engagement. When students understand their progress and are recognized for their efforts, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in learning.

How STEM Sports Help Keep Students Engaged

STEM Sports® offers a unique approach to K-8 STEM learning through a hands-on, interactive curriculum. By blending sports with STEM education, the curriculum captures student interest in new and exciting ways, while highlighting real-world uses for the knowledge. This approach not only makes learning more dynamic but also relatable, increasing student engagement in the lesson. Visit our website to explore the current STEM Sports® curriculum offerings to increase your student engagement in STEM today!

Lauren Chiangpradit