Unpacking the Power of Engagement
(Part 1)
Written by Dr. Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of Education Impact for LEGO® Education
Do you remember a time when you were most engaged in school? When I look back on my many years in school, there are only a few moments when I recall being truly engaged. One such time was around Grade 6 when I was asked to write and present my own project. I chose to write about the history and impact of a US President.
Growing up in a small, remote village in Denmark, that might seem peculiar, but I remember how proud I was to select a topic and create something of my own. I researched, created narratives, and made drawings, a little book, and a poster for the presentation. That form of active engagement in something meaningful to me was critical. It wasn’t just about the task; it was about the joy of learning and creating something valuable, which made me remember this for a lifetime.
Engagement can be deceivingly simple and yet surprisingly complex. To unpack what classroom engagement really means and how to foster it in the classroom, this six-part blog series will explore the different layers of engagement for students, teachers, and administrators. Let’s start by defining engagement.
Understanding Student Engagement: The Joy of Learning
When we talk about "Engagement in Learning," we’re referring to a student's genuine and self-motivated interest and active participation in the learning process. This type of engagement, often described as ‘hard fun,’ is key to effective learning. It’s when students are so involved in what they’re doing that learning becomes both stimulating and rewarding. Research shows that cognitive engagement, where students are deeply involved in something that is challenging, is a better predictor of academic success than just being active and emotionally engaged alone. When we support students with ‘hard fun,’ we cultivate a deeper commitment to learning, where they find more meaning and value in school.
Yet student engagement is on the decline. A new report from LEGO Education found only a third of administrators, teachers, and parents describe their students as engaged in learning. Another recent large-scale survey illustrates this point: only 58% of students learned something interesting in the past week and 46% are challenged in a good way by their schoolwork.
Too often, we settle for students who are merely compliant, or we see students who are completely disengaged and emotionally checked out. When we aim for student engagement, we should be looking for those who are motivated, curious, and eager to lead their own learning processes.
It’s not just about being present in the classroom; it’s about the desire to know more, to delve deeper, and to find joy in the challenges that learning presents. This is not about passive absorption of facts but about active engagement in solving problems, exploring new ideas, and making meaningful connections.
Why Is Cognitive Engagement So Important?
The significance of cognitive engagement goes beyond just keeping students occupied. Research shows that when students are cognitively engaged, their educational outcomes improve dramatically. A study from the UK found that children who enjoyed school at age six were significantly more likely to achieve higher academic success by age 16. This association remained strong even when accounting for cognitive ability and family background, suggesting that school enjoyment can have a lasting impact on academic achievement.
For example, students who reported enjoying school scored on average almost three grades higher across all subjects in their compulsory exams at age 16 compared to those who did not enjoy school. They were also 29% more likely to obtain top grades, including in critical subjects like Math and English. This study highlights that fostering a love of learning early on can be a powerful driver of long-term academic success.
The Brain Science Behind Engagement and Learning
Engagement in learning isn’t just about keeping students interested; it’s about how the brain works. When students are actively engaged, their brains form stronger connections, making learning more effective and lasting. This is why learning through play and hands-on activities is so effective. This approach actively stimulates cognitive development through experiences students find enjoyable. When students are actively engaged, they have more control of the learning process and increased decision-making. This helps students push out distractions and keep attention, which enhances memory encoding and the processes required to retrieve information later.
Brain science tells us that when students are engaged, especially in activities that involve play, creativity, and problem-solving, they are more likely to experience deep learning. Learning through play taps into both the emotional and cognitive aspects of the brain, creating a more holistic learning experience that is both joyful and impactful.
The Impact of Disengagement
Disengagement, on the other hand, is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. According to a recent LEGO Education study, nearly half of school administrators believe that disengagement leads to increased absenteeism and decreased enrollment. Disengaged students are also more likely to exhibit behavioral issues, with 61% of US teachers reporting that disengagement correlates with increased classroom disruptions.
Moreover, disengagement doesn’t just affect students; it also impacts teachers. When students are disengaged, teachers are less satisfied with their jobs and more likely to consider leaving the profession. In contrast, teachers with engaged students are happier and find their work more rewarding. In fact, 80% of teachers say they’d be happier in their jobs if their students were more engaged.
The Power of Engagement: Enhancing Student Outcomes
The benefits of student engagement extend beyond the classroom. The LEGO Education study also found that students who are engaged in learning are five times more likely to be confident, four times more likely to be happy, and three and a half times more likely to be excited about learning. These positive outcomes are not just beneficial for students but also for the overall learning environment.
Engaged students are more likely to excel academically. According to the same study, 84% of school administrators believe that engaging students with learning through play boosts test scores, while 83% report that it improves attendance rates. This suggests that engagement is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have for effective learning.
How to Foster Engagement in the Classroom
So, how can educators create an environment that fosters engagement? One of the most effective strategies is to incorporate hands-on, minds-on learning experiences that support students in experimenting, collaborating, and finding solutions that are meaningful to them. When we engage students in activities that stimulate their interests, we encourage them to explore, create, and problem-solve, making learning both challenging and enjoyable.
Later in the engagement blog series, we will discuss strategies and best practices.
Engagement is the cornerstone of effective learning. When we focus on active engagement where students find joy in the challenge of learning, we can create a more inclusive and effective educational experience. The good news is that more than 9 in 10 teachers feel it’s never too late to engage students. And engaging students isn’t just about making learning fun; it’s about making it meaningful. When students are engaged, they are not only learning, but they are also thriving, and this has long-term benefits for both students and teachers alike.
Check out part 2 in the engagement series as we explore what student engagement means and what it looks and sounds like in the classroom.
About the Author
Bo Stjerne Thomsen is the Head of Education Impact for LEGO Education. Bo is an expert on how children and adults learn through play and has published widely on creativity, play, and learning. As a learning expert, global advocate, and executive leader, he is driven by a passion for reaching children, families, and educators and making a lasting impact through playful experiences. Bo has over 20 years of international experience in education, technology, design, and research.
Prior to joining LEGO Education in 2024, Bo was the Vice-President and Chair of Learning through Play at the LEGO Foundation, where he provided consultation at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to international partners, leaders, and advocacy.
Follow him on LinkedIn.