Engaging Middle Years Students: The challenges that middle years teachers face.

Abstract

In light of the large body of research that exists on the factors that can lead to authentic student engagement, this study focused on the challenges that middle years teachers face in implementing engagement strategies. Ten middle years teachers participated in two focus groups. The participants identified four challenges: time, money and resources, other teachers and administration, and students’ lives outside of school. Possible ways to overcome the challenges are shared in the conclusion.