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2025: Introduction to teaching and learning in higher education

How to activate passive students in the classroom? - a teacher’s perspective

  • Mohammad Alhamsho
  • Benjamin Anderhorn
  • Paulina Ekendahl
  • Pouria Elahi
  • Bengt Meuller
Submitted
September 18, 2026
Published
December 31, 2025

Abstract

Active learning is widely recognized as an essential component of effective education, yet the ways in which teachers activate and engage passive students vary considerably. This study adopts teachers’ perspectives on strategies for encouraging student participation. Findings reveal two approaches: some teachers focused on planning sessions to activate students during lectures. While other teachers were more strategic and structured courses to motivate students to learn by engaging more deeply with the material. While many teachers draw on established methods such as Tanner’s 21 strategies, examples of other strategies were found. However, challenges persist, notably the tension between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the return-on-time invested. Overall, this 
study underscores that successful engagement requires more than isolated techniques – it demands a holistic approach to education where active participation from students is an integrated part.

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