Reignite the Spark: Mid-Semester Strategies to Re-Energize Students

Brett Christie, Ph.D.
VP of Educational Innovations

Midway through the semester, energy can wane, and motivation can dip. But a mid-semester slump doesn’t have to define the second half of your course. In our recent Alchemy webinar, Avoiding the Mid-Semester Slump, we explored strategies to breathe life back into classrooms—both in-person and online.

From our discussion, instructors shared innovative and practical methods they’ve used to reignite student engagement when it starts to fade. Here are some of the top strategies that can make a difference.

Reignite the Spark—Small Changes, Big Impact

1. Create Fun and Socially Engaging Activities

• Add movement: A “7th-inning stretch” during class, quick physical activities, or a walk-and-talk discussion.
• Introduce play: Gamified learning, minute-to-win-it challenges, or creative competitions.
• Use small-group peer discussions: Encourages active participation and reduces passivity.

2. Increase Personalized Interaction

• Hold quick check-ins: One-on-one student meetings or informal class discussions.
• Invite guest speakers: A fresh voice can provide renewed energy and real-world insights.
• Use small-group peer discussions: Encourages active participation and reduces passivity.

3. Modify Assignments and Engagement Structures

• Survey students mid-semester: Ask what’s working and what’s not using our Your Voice Matters survey
• Adjust workloads or deadlines: Provide flexibility for students struggling with burnout.
• Make low-stakes revisions: Allow students to resubmit or improve assignments to boost motivation.

Up Next: Preventing the Slump Before It Starts

Now that we’ve covered how to respond to a slump, how can we design courses to prevent it from happening in the first place? In Part 3, we’ll explore long-term engagement strategies to keep students motivated 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.