The Measurable Impact of Interactive Learning Materials

A recent special report from EdWeek Research Centered emphasized the importance of modifying and improving interactive learning strategies. Specifically, they noted how interactive learning materials can have a measurable impact on student engagement and performance. Building a meaningful system to encourage greater collaboration is one of the nine strategies used to promote a higher level of engagement during interactive learning, as explained in the report.

The data and anecdotal feedback alike support this position. A recent survey of teachers by Kahoot reveals that educators see playful learning and student choice in learning methods as vital to helping boost student engagement. Over 8,000 educators were surveyed nationwide, and as we enter the fourth school year impacted by COVID, teachers are still concerned about the drop in student engagement starting in 2020. With a drop in engagement and the importance of interaction, it’s no surprise that 68% of teachers said their students are more likely to remember what they learn during learning activities they choose themselves.

Student Engagement is a Key Factor in Overall Success

As we enter the 2022-2023 school year, we must bridge the achievement gap created by the pandemic. According to educational neuroscience expert Dr. David Sousa, there are substantial benefits of creating interactive lessons that engage students more actively than static activities completed as a class. Designing engaging lessons leads to a higher level of class participation, enjoyment in achieving learning goals, a development of persistence through challenges, and a motivation to gain a new and deeper understanding of materials. 

Learning Sciences International provides a compelling case study from Moseley Elementary School in Florida. The school developed strategies to improve engagement and motivation by allowing student collaboration time, creating autonomy and student ownership structures, increasing rigor, and adjusting expectations. Moseley’s approach emphasized allowing students to track their progress by organizing digital resources and recording them into a spreadsheet to track their success. 

Interactive Learning Materials Allow Flexibility for Educators

Interactive learning materials offer students a more engaging experience in their education, but they also provide more flexibility for educators. Resources found at Boardworks enhance that flexibility and reduce the required time to prep for lessons.  

With a library of 25,000 interactive slides and presentation materials, all mapped to state standards to fit seamlessly into existing lesson plans, educators can lean into interactivity efficiently. Because Boardworks materials are designed to be used immediately, prep time for teachers is significantly reduced. 

Teachers can access the lessons in their personal or school library and customize them to their needs, hiding slides, rearranging materials, or adding new slides to support a specific lesson. Boardworks lessons are embedded with opportunities for student choice, focused discussion, and demonstrations, allowing educators flexibility and ease of use. For more information on how Boardworks creates flexible learning environments, read our recent post about how we support over-burdened teachers.

You Don’t Need to Reinvent the Wheel

Well-structured materials support existing standards without reinventing the education wheel. Instead, the Brookings Institute recommends that schools focus on the instructional core to emerge stronger than before the pandemic. Online learning materials are designed to enhance the standards set forth by each district. With over 25,000 interactive slides, Boardworks covers content from K-12, ELA, Math, Science, History, and much more. 

Boardworks’ K-12 curriculum supplements are designed to align with each state’s respective curriculum standards. As our recent blog post explained, with Boardworks, there’s no ‘what if’ regarding standards alignment. Schedule a demonstration to see Boardworks in action and assess how it can support your district’s student engagement efforts.