So, here’s the thing: getting students to actually pay attention in class isn’t just about throwing facts at them like a human version of Google. The truth is, it’s a lot more complicated, and there’s a fine line between keeping them engaged and making them mentally check out faster than I can lose my keys.

Back when I was teaching, I realized that if I wanted any chance of my students not zoning out, I had to get creative. And I’m not talking about making them do a TikTok dance (though, let’s be honest, some of them would probably love that). Anyway, here’s the kicker: student engagement isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it’s about creating an environment where learning doesn’t feel like a chore. And no, I don’t mean forcing them to do thirty-page essays on topics no one cares about.

Ready? Let’s dive into some tricks that actually worked (and failed miserably, but we’ll get to that later).

1. Active Learning: Get ‘Em Moving, Thinking, Talking

I’m not saying you should make them run laps or do push-ups (though, full disclosure, I tried that once as a joke and no one laughed). I’m talking about getting students out of their seats, out of their heads, and into the learning.

Active learning is the real deal. When you force students to interact, problem-solve, and collaborate, they start making connections on their own. And honestly? They’re way more likely to remember what they just did. This isn’t just theory—I can tell you from personal experience that group projects where students actually had a role to play turned into the most fun I had teaching. They were challenged to think critically. Sometimes, too critically—like when they tried to “debunk” my lesson on photosynthesis (and yeah, they were right).

Let me give you a very non-scientific example: Once, I had them break into teams and “pitch” a wild business idea based on what we’d learned in a unit on economics. One group—let’s call them Team Chaos—decided to sell “invisible furniture.” They were so into it. Like, so into it. I couldn’t get them to stop, and that level of enthusiasm is priceless.

2. Tech That Actually Works (No, Not Just Google Slides)

Alright, let’s talk about tech. Y’all, I’m not saying technology is the magical cure-all, but trust me: a solid app or website can boost engagement like nobody’s business. I mean, do you really think anyone is excited about a dry PowerPoint that’s like watching paint dry? Of course not. Enter gamified learning tools.

I’ve had some serious fun with platforms like Kahoot! where students race to answer questions—who knew quiz time could turn into a borderline blood sport? Not only does it get them excited, but it forces them to compete and absorb the material at the same time. And when the first answer appears on the board and their name is at the top? That is what I live for as a teacher.

Tech can also be used to give instant feedback, which, let’s be real, is a total game-changer. They can see where they messed up right away, without waiting for me to hand back their papers. Fast feedback = fast learning. Plus, it stops me from losing track of where I put everything (which, um, happens more often than I care to admit).

3. Personalized Learning: Like Tailoring Your Favorite Hoodie

Everyone learns differently. Some students are visual learners, others are kinesthetic, and some just want to be left alone with a book, thank you very much. My first attempt at this was a disaster. I tried making assignments “personalized” by just letting students pick their project topics. Huge mistake. Letting them choose “anything” resulted in a lot of half-hearted attempts about cats. Cats. For an entire semester.

Anyway, back to the point: personalization can work wonders if you give them choices that actually align with the curriculum. Give a student who loves photography the chance to create a visual presentation of your lesson, while another student could write an essay or do a hands-on experiment. They get to showcase what they’re passionate about—and you get to meet your learning objectives. Win-win.

Here’s the kicker: when students feel like what they’re learning is relevant to them, they stay engaged longer. I mean, I’d be pretty stoked if I could get credit for making a YouTube tutorial on the Civil War.

4. Create a Classroom Vibe That Makes Them Want to Stay

Ahem, this is where I went wrong a few times. No one wants to walk into a room that feels like a prison. I learned the hard way—don’t ever make your classroom feel like an interrogation room, even if you’re trying to be “super serious.”

What works? A classroom that’s supportive, inclusive, and, well, fun. Students need to feel like they belong. Like, yeah, they might not know everything about chemistry, but they can ask a question without feeling embarrassed. If they can’t engage because they’re too worried about getting roasted by their peers, then forget about it. Keep it chill.

I once had a student who could barely speak up in class, but once we started doing low-key group discussions (and I, uh, stopped talking so much), this kid flourished. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. Every time we did group work, they were leading discussions, making connections I didn’t even see coming. Point is, when you create that safe space, it actually works.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I don’t have any illusions. I’m not perfect at this. Sometimes, my attempts at “vibing” with my students totally tanked. Cue the awkward silence after I tried to use a TikTok reference they didn’t get. (Shoutout to Gen Z for keeping me humble.)

5. Set Goals. Give Them The ‘Why’

One of the hardest things I had to learn was how to tie what we were doing to the bigger picture. Like, why does this math lesson matter? (Spoiler: It’s harder than it sounds).

Fast forward past three failed attempts at explaining the relevance of geometry, and I figured it out: let them see the purpose. Set clear goals, sure, but also explain the “why.”

And—seriously—celebrate small victories. Students will care way more if they know that their little wins add up. This is how I got my students to stop rolling their eyes every time I talked about percentages—because they knew their ability to nail them meant something tangible. (Also, I may have used a pizza analogy once. Do with that what you will.)

In the end, keeping students engaged isn’t some one-size-fits-all miracle. It takes time, testing, and the occasional facepalm moment. But if you’re willing to get creative, embrace the tech, and build a classroom that’s less about you talking and more about them doing, you’ll see results. And maybe you’ll find a few hidden gems in the process. Or, like me, you’ll get a student to actually care about the Civil War. That’s something worth celebrating.