Classroom Routines That Keep Students Engaged

I’ve been teaching at UNLV for 13 years, across many different classes and formats—in-person, online, and hybrid. Course design has always been a priority for me. I think deeply about how to structure each class based on the modality, student level, and class size. For much of that time, I’ve taught ACC 202 – Managerial Accounting, an in-person class with 100+ sophomore business students in three sections each semester. Most students don’t plan to major in accounting—and many start out dreading it. Thank you to Jessica Soria, Ph.D. for the interview (link below) about how I approach teaching ACC 202 and designing large, interactive classes. This interview caused me to reflect on course design decisions I have made in this class. Over the years, I’ve seen major shifts in student behavior and learning styles. In response, I’ve tried to build a course that’s engaging, relevant, and even fun, while driving home a key point: You can’t be an effective manager if you don’t understand accounting and what the numbers mean. Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned teaching ACC 202: (Most applicable to large, lower-division, math-based courses taught in person) 1) Experiment Every Semester Always try new strategies. Gather feedback through surveys. Keep what works—tweak or toss what doesn’t.  2) Know Your Students Use polls, surveys, and office hours to understand how students interact with your course and where they struggle or succeed. Gather a lot of feedback.  3) Make It Interactive I use a flipped classroom: lecture videos at home, in-class group work focused on problem-solving. We bring in current events, short videos, Poll Everywhere, gamified test reviews—and Discord to keep learning collaborative and social outside of class times.  4) Incentivize Excellence Students with a 99% before the final can waive it—if they write a reflection letter. These letters are shared with future classes as inspiration. 5) Focus on Understanding, Not Coverage Hit the key concepts hard. Use vivid, real-world examples. Minimize memorization—students can use notecards on exams to encourage application. 6) Coach and Communicate Students build a plan for their target grade and track their progress. I encourage office hours, send weekly updates, and aim to create a welcoming environment. 7) Be Transparent Align classwork, homework, and exams. Clear expectations make a huge difference—especially for sophomores. 8) Make Attendance Count Poll Everywhere boosts engagement and counts toward participation grades. 9) Celebrate Success A simple email recognizing students who excel on a test builds confidence and motivation. 10) Don’t Take It Personally You won’t win over everyone. Focus on trends in your feedback—not individual criticisms. I’d love to hear from other educators—what strategies have worked best for your large enrollment courses? And students—what helps you stay engaged in big classes? https://lnkd.in/gAb7Ynp6

1. Refocus the Energy Then (2016): Redirect a student’s attention by engaging them in a task. Now: Invite the student into purpose. Example: Instead of: “Stop tapping the desk!” Try: “Can you help pass out the journals?” Or: “Let’s see who can get their materials out and ready the fastest—you lead.” Why it works: Children don’t always need a correction. Sometimes, they need a mission. 2. Give Students a Break Then: Offer short mental or physical breaks to reset focus. Now: Normalize breaks as brain regulation. Example: “You’ve been working hard—take two minutes at the calm table.” Or for younger kids: “Let’s visit the breathing corner.” Pro tip: Let breaks be chosen—not assigned as punishment. Empowerment changes everything. 3. Use Non-Verbal Cues Then: Use eye contact, gestures, or signals. Now: Make cues a shared language. Example: Tap the desk twice = Eyes on me. Hand on heart = Remember our classroom promise. Current child need: Visual learners, neurodivergent students, and anxious learners benefit from predictable, non-verbal systems. 4. Address the Disruption Quickly and Quietly Then: Handle problems without embarrassing the student. Now: Preserve dignity as a sacred practice. Example: Walk over. Whisper: “Can we talk for a second after the activity?” Avoid: Correcting in front of peers or making it a “teachable moment” at the student’s expense. Today’s child: They are emotionally aware. They remember how you made them feel. 5. Offer Kinesthetic Movement Options Then: Allow students to move or stretch to release energy. Now: Build movement into daily structure. Example: “Would you like to stand and work today?” “We’re going to learn this vocabulary while clapping it out!” Brain breaks every 20–30 minutes. Why it works: Movement builds memory. Motion strengthens focus. Stillness isn't always engagement. 6. Give Anonymous Reminders Then: Remind the class without calling out specific students. Now: Use inclusive language that invites reflection. Example: “I notice some folks need a reminder about voice levels.” “Let’s all check ourselves—are we focused or distracted?” New suggestion: Use self-assessment cues: thumbs-up, sideways, or down behind the back to check in. Keeps ownership with the student. ✨ Final Thoughts This generation is different. They’re more sensitive, more aware, more expressive. Disruption isn’t always defiance. Sometimes it’s a cry for connection, a need for movement, a test of trust. As leaders, we don’t just teach reading. We set the conditions where children can think, feel, and thrive. This summer, reflect deeply. What are you willing to change so children don’t have to be changed to survive your classroom? #LavertLines™ #TeachTheBrain #DisciplineWithDignity

Brain breaks are essential for maintaining student engagement, enhancing cognitive function, and fostering emotional regulation in the classroom. Research shows that short, purposeful pauses improve focus, reduce stress, and boost retention helping students process information more effectively while promoting a positive learning experience. These breaks can range from movement-based activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or meditation to mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing or guided visualization. For younger students, quick games like "Simon Says" or storytelling prompts spark creativity, while older learners might benefit from reflection activities or collaborative discussions. By integrating brain breaks into the daily routine especially during transitions or after complex lessons educators create an environment that prioritizes both academic success and well-being. A five-minute dance session, a playful riddle, or a calming visualization can recharge students’ energy, making learning more dynamic and productive. When students feel refreshed, they are more engaged, confident, and ready to tackle challenges with enthusiasm! #RechargeAndEngage 🎯