The Engaged Teaching Project
How can we reimagine what
Learning could be
in our university?
A glimpse into how the WSU Student Partners have worked with the Engaged Teaching Project at WSU to tackle the challenge of student disengagement in our university.
The Challenge of
Student Disengagement
If we’re being honest with ourselves, the learning experience for many students at our university has been sub-optimal at worst, and uneven at best. There is student feedback data that points to it. Teaching staff in our Schools have alluded to it. Universities around the country have been talking about it too. To investigate the problem, we went on campus and spoke to students about what the state of engagement is like in their classrooms.
Check out the video below,
"What could staff do to create a better learning experience?" - Watch the WSU Student Vox Pop
What is really important in creating engaged learning experiences?
The 5 Moments
that Matter PDF
The 5 Moments that Matter is more than just a resource; it’s a powerful tool crafted by Western students for Subject Coordinators and their teams. It’s built on real student experiences and draws on several additional sources of data—those reflected in QiLT data, student focus groups, and insights from the WSU Student Partner team. It aims to distill the essence of what works, offering practical actions that educators can take to engage students, and keep them engaged throughout the subject.
Explore the 5 Moments that Matter
The “5 Moments that Matter” emerged from a collaboration between students, staff, educational advisors, and drew on insights from the higher education research. We asked ourselves a fundamental question: What truly engages students?
Our answers weren’t intended to just be a list of ideas. It’s a vision that touches every corner of the semester. It’s about:
(1) how we begin, (2) the expectations we set, (3) the connections we make in the classroom, (4) the assessments we design, and (5) how we close the journey. Each moment is a vital thread in the fabric of a truly engaging educational experience.
Moment 1
Start with Inspiration
For many students, the start of a new semester is an exciting journey into new subjects and ideas. However, I sometimes find that this initial thrill is dampened by a flood of assessments, deadlines, and subject requirements. When an educator does their best to start with inspiration, the classroom transforms into a vibrant and engaging space that sets the tone for the semester where learning feels like an adventure!
Own Your Learning
"Owning Your Learning" is about aiming to bring your best self to every class. It's a commitment to staying engaged and curious even when life throws challenges your way. Reflecting on my own experiences, I learnt the importance of prioritising my time and being fully present. It’s a mindset that has made a significant difference to how I approach academic success. .
Moment 2
Bring the Learning to Life
Bringing learning to life is an opportunity to engage students in memorable and tangible learning experiences. For me, when staff enhance their lessons with personal anecdotes and creative demonstrations, the material is more relatable and impactful. When a teacher adds their unique twist, an ordinary class can turn into an unforgettable experience. And no one wants to miss it - me included!
Moment 3
Demystify Assessment
For many students, assessments are often seen as mere obligations, lacking space for creativity or independent thought. For me, the best assessments, however, share key characteristics: I understand their purpose; I see how different concepts are connected, and there is opportunity for me to exercise creative freedom. I want my assessments to be valuable learning opportunities, and not tasks to complete. Most students just need a little more support to see assessments that way too.
Moment 4
End with Reflection
The end of semester is a time for reflection - for both teachers and students. It’s not just about grading or the relief at closing your books and computers—it’s a chance for students to understand their growth, to connect knowledge to future ambitions, and to appreciate the educational journey. It’s a time of the semester I look forward to because it allows me to celebrate the personal and academic strides I’ve made.
Moment 5
Watch our Presentation
As part of our work in working alongside staff to create more engaging learning experiences, we have been presenting the 5 Moments that Matter to various staff audiences in our university.
Below is a recording of an online presentation we gave during Learning & Teaching week at WSU.
