Future-Proofing Engagement: Preventing the Slump Before It Starts

Brett Christie, Ph.D.
VP, Educational Innovation

Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to “fix” a mid-semester slump—because it never happened in the first place? In our recent Alchemy webinar, Avoiding the Mid-Semester Slump, we discussed proactive strategies to keep students engaged from Week 1 through finals.

Let’s explore ways to design courses that sustain motivation, so engagement remains high throughout the semester.

Try, Test, and Tweak for Engagement

1. Build Engagement Into the Course Structure

• Scaffold performance expectations and support from the start.
• Rotate activities to maintain novelty—use varied learning formats (discussions, reflections, case studies, role-play exercises).
• Use flexible assessments that allow students to demonstrate learning in multiple ways.

2. Establish Consistent Check-Ins

• Use mid-term engagement surveys that go beyond content questions to assess motivation.
• Create predictable reflection points (one-minute papers, discussion check-ins, periodic self-assessments).
• Recognize student progress through badges, micro-credentials, or class shout-outs.

3. Leverage Student-Centered Learning

• Let students co-create aspects of the course (e.g., choosing project topics or presentation formats).
• Incorporate real-world applications to maintain relevance.
• Build in collaborative learning moments to sustain peer engagement.

Final Thoughts

The best way to address a mid-semester slump is to design courses that minimize disengagement from the outset. By proactively structuring engagement into our courses, we can sustain student motivation and keep learning dynamic all semester long.

Want more insights? Access a recording of the full webinar and access our “Stump the Slump” resource collection available on our Curie platform.