5 Ways to Raise Self-Engaged Learner

Want to know the secrets of expert pedagogists? The decade old researches on how to create and nurture self-engaged learners? Look no further! In this article, we put together the best ways you can promote self-engagement in your child. By the way, what is “self-engagement” anyway? Many parents with constantly complaining kids or kids who tend to get distracted easily will be able to relate with this idea. How many times have we tried to spread out a painting or a craft activity, including those expensive DIY kits, and settle down with a cup of coffee, only to hear “Mom/Dad! I need help!!” We empathize with you. If you want those prolonged, blissful hours of peace while your child labors over a project, read these tips.

1. The Power of Pep Talk — If there is one powerful weapon, you as a parent have, that cannot be provided by an education system in the world, is the power of “pep talk” with your child. Nothing, we repeat nothing will compare to this power. These talks remain with your child in times of stress and happiness. These talks are what we call “human values”. Try this: “There is nothing on this earth that you cannot do. All challenges were created for humans, you are a human, you can do this.” Talks like these will elevate the self-belief and the sense of worth in your child. Imagine packing them with power in short sessions like these. So the next time they need help, they will be more in control.   

2. Be approachable:  Do you look like a person who exudes fear and forbiddance? That’s sad. If you want your children to be more self-engaged and less disrupting in their activities, win their trust in one thing: make them realize that you are always approachable. Children have the tendency to attract attention when they know they won’t get any! Studies indicate that teachers and care-providers when appear approachable, well prepared, and sensitive to the children’s needs, then children tend to work harder and longer at their tasks! Did you ever think of that?

3. Take it Up Another Notch: Okay, here’s another common misconception amongst parents. We tend to assign relatively easier tasks to our children, especially when it comes to drawing and art activities. Create educational experiences for students that are challenging and enriching and that extend their academic abilities. Connect their home based activities to their future and immediate surrounding, Talk about the value of their tasks in their personal life. Easy learning activities and assignments are not as effective at engaging children as activities and assignments that challenge them. So when do you know your child is actually engaged in their task? When you find them probing, reflecting, questioning, conjecturing, evaluating, and making connections between ideas, they are engaged.  

4. Enable your children to become active citizens — What is the relevance of active dialogue between you and your child when they don’t get to materialize any ideas? Talk about giving back to the community they live in. If there is a charity auction, have your children donate their toys. In fact, try this, for every toy they buy, they need to donate one toy! Talk about recycling, re-inventing and innovations that serve mankind. Don’t worry about sounding too lofty to your child. They need such ideas at this age (before they become too far-fetched in adulthood, unfortunately). So what will happen when they learn citizenship values? Any project they work on at home or school, they would want it to be a part of their environment. Congratulations, you have instantly taught the value of their efforts!

5. Connect with Your Social and Cultural Values — Talk about your culture using multi-media and even family memorabilia. Help them connect with their friends of similar culture, especially during the traditional holidays. This will create a sense of belonging to the world they live in. It will strengthen their identity and satisfy their sense of being. This is especially essential for minority kids who need to be successful not only in the classroom but in extra-curricular activities as well.

Reference Zepke, N., and Leach, L. (2010). Improving student engagement: Ten proposals for action. Active Learning in Higher Education, 11 (3), 167-177.