Students, especially 16-19 year olds can be especially difficult to target and engage with. Here are some techniques that Purlos uses that you can use too:
- Attention-grabbing techniques: Utilise strong openings, provocative questions, or multimedia elements such as photos and interactive buttons to grab students’ attention and make them more invested in your message. For example, starting your email with “You won’t believe what we have planned for the next event” and including a visually appealing image, can be an effective way to grab students’ attention.
2. Relevance is crucial: Tailor your message to students’ interests and needs by discussing current events, personal experiences, or providing valuable information. This can help to keep students engaged and more likely to take an interest in your message. For example, if you’re hosting a mental health event, mention how it can help students cope with the stress of college life.
3. Use channels relevant to your audience: Use social media platforms and other digital tools to reach and engage with students. By effectively utilising technology, you can grab students’ attention and keep them interested. For example, create a Facebook event or send a message through WhatsApp to promote an upcoming event. You could even use a channel such as Tiktok, which is popular with young people, to promote events or initiatives.
4. Encourage participation: Activities such as asking questions, sharing ideas, or working on projects can encourage participation. For example, creating a survey to gather feedback from students on how to improve the college experience can be a great way to get students involved. Use tools such as Google Forms, Menti or Miro to get instant feedback and make students feel involved.
5. Positive reinforcement: Praising students for their participation or offering rewards for good attendance and results can have a positive impact on student engagement. For example, sending out a message of congratulations to students who have achieved a high grade can make them feel positive about their student experience and encourage future engagement. You could also send post-interview feedback via a channel like WhatsApp.
By using these strategies, you can effectively capture and retain student attention. Remember to always be authentic and listen to your audience’s needs and interests. And don’t be afraid to adjust and experiment with your communication style to find what works best for you and your students.
