Re-Engaging Students Mid-Course — Keeping the Momentum Going

 

Even motivated students can lose steam mid-course. Life gets busy, or the material feels repetitive. This is a critical moment for intentional re-engagement.

 

Drawing from Motivating and Retaining Online Students, we recommend:

• Mid-course reflections: Invite students to share what's working and what they need.
• Mini motivational videos: Remind learners why the course matters and acknowledge their progress.
• Relevance boosters: Link upcoming topics to current events or student goals.

 

Re-engagement is not about adding more content—it’s about reactivating purpose and connection.

 

Lehman, R. M., & Conceição, S. C. (2014). Motivating and Retaining Online Students: Research-Based Strategies That Work. Jossey-Bass. 

 

How do you rekindle student energy during the semester? We invite your insights in the forum.

 

Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Online Learning

 

One of the biggest tensions in online education is structure vs. flexibility. Students need clarity—but they also need options that respect the realities of adult life.

 

In Managing Online Instructor Workload, we offer insights into how instructors can create a structure that supports learners and streamlines teaching.

 

We suggest:

• Weekly pacing guides to keep students on track
• Built-in flexibility, such as soft deadlines and alternate formats
• Modular course design for easier navigation and content updates

 

Structure is not rigidity—it’s a support system that helps both students and instructors thrive.

 

Conceição, S. C., & Lehman, R. M. (2011). Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success. Jossey-Bass. 

 

What are your favorite ways to balance structure with flexibility? Contribute your perspective in the forum.