Exploring learner engagement in an Indian ESP classroom

Abstract

The lack of interest from learners and their struggles to engage in classroom activities can impede the learning process. In this article, I discuss a framework that has proven effective in my teaching environment, fostering both initial and sustained engagement among learners throughout a course. The CLARA model, adapted from Mercer and Dörnyei (2020), outlines key principles of learner engagement upon which educators can draw to design their teaching approaches, with the aim of enhancing learner engagement and improving learning outcomes. As an illustrative example of this model’s effectiveness, I hope to demonstrate how, as a class, we used CLARA to inform our approach. This involved identifying climate action as a theme for our classroom, challenging ourselves to find ways in which we could work on this topic, and creating climate action comics as an interesting, challenging, and effective output for learner creativity and engagement.