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Engagement

Academic behaviors – such as class attendance, timeliness of assignment completion, and class participation – that foster learning and success

College-level courses can demand a great deal more than what you may recall from high school. While you may not be required to attend every course, doing so is absolutely crucial to passing. Likewise, homework, readings, or other assignments may or may not be required, but are where you have a chance to master what you learned in the course. Lastly, many courses not only grade participation (e.g., classroom discussions, online discussion boards), but use this as a major tool for learning.


Perhaps the most important part of Engagement is that it can vary from course to course. Therefore, it’s on you to learn what’s expected of each course and make sure you fulfill those requirements. Remember that, even though a reading or assignment may not be graded at the time it’s given to you, it’s a critical part of your learning and will definitely be needed later on.

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin

How can I improve my Engagement?

Strategies to Use

  • First thing’s first: go to class! Whether it’s required or not, it’s the best thing you can do to give yourself a chance at success.

  • When you do show up to class, make sure you get involved. Asking questions, engaging in conversations, and other forms of engagement are perhaps more important than what’s “in the book.”

  • Make sure to complete all readings, homework, and assignments - even if they’re not “required.” Many professors expect you to be completing this work, and you won’t realize its importance until it’s too late (i.e., test time).

  • In online classes, apply these same principles to reviewing materials, engaging in discussion boards, and completing your work. “In class” can mean both virtual and in-person.

  • Make sure to ask your faculty members if there’s any aspect of classroom engagement of which you’re unclear.

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Resources at Triton College

  • The Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS) provides campus accessibility and accommodations that foster the development of students' abilities, preparing them to work to their fullest potential to obtain their academic and career goals.

  • The TRIUMPH & SURGE Program aims to boost minority student retention and completion rates. It provides comprehensive support including academic assistance, mentoring, career development, and community service, fostering a supportive environment to help students of color overcome social and cultural barriers, ultimately increasing their success in obtaining certificates, degrees, or transferring to four-year institutions or the workforce.

  • TRIO Student Support Services offers comprehensive assistance to help students achieve their academic and future goals. Specifically designed for income-eligible, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities, the program provides support services to enhance student retention, graduation rates, and facilitate successful transfers to four-year colleges.

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Online Resources

All of the apps below are free for both iOS and Android and can help you organize your schedule and assignments

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