Every Student Can Bloom: UNDERSTANDING Student Engagement & Learning Styles

Every teacher knows that engaged students learn better. When students are involved in their learning, they score higher on tests, get better grades, and remember what they’ve learned. But engagement isn’t just about academics, it also helps students develop social skills, emotional well-being, and self-advocacy.

A truly engaged student feels like they belong, believes in their own abilities, and keeps going even when learning gets tough. But the truth is, not all students engage in the same way. Some speak up often, while others stay silent. Some jump at challenges, while others hesitate. Why does this happen?

It comes down to individual differences and personality traits.

Why Students Engage Differently

Every student enters the classroom with unique traits. Things like intelligence, perception, learning styles, and personality all play a role in how they respond to lessons.

Some students thrive with group discussions, while others prefer quiet reflection. Some learn best through hands-on activities, while others need structured guidance. Without recognizing these differences, even the best lesson plans can fail to reach every student.

To better understand these differences, let’s compare students to four types of flowers that each requiring its own kind of care to bloom.

The Four Student Types

The Annuals: Bright and Bold Leaders

Annuals are the students who always raise their hands first. They love to participate, bring energy to the classroom, and often set the mood for the whole group. These students are natural leaders and can help push their classmates forward.

How to help them grow: Give them challenging activities to stretch their abilities while encouraging them to listen and collaborate with others.

The Perennials: Reliable and Hardworking

Perennials are steady, responsible, and high achievers. They like structure and want to do things the right way. They expect a lot from themselves and can become stressed if they feel overwhelmed.

How to help them grow: Give them manageable projects that allow them to pace themselves, and check in regularly to boost their confidence.

The Biennials: Creative and Deep Thinkers

Biennials are the artists, dreamers, and quiet worriers. They may fear rejection or doubt their own work. Some may struggle to stay focused, while others become so wrapped up in their thoughts that they hesitate to participate.

How to help them grow: Encourage them to take risks, reassure them when they express self-doubt, and provide opportunities to explore their creativity.

The Shrubs: Skeptical and Independent

Shrubs are the questioners and critical thinkers. They don’t just accept what they’re told—they analyze, challenge, and seek deeper understanding. They work well alone but can shut down if their curiosity is dismissed.

How to help them grow: Allow them to ask tough questions, give them space to think independently, and encourage them to share their insights with the class.

Teachers as Floriculturists: Helping Every Student Bloom

A great teacher is like a skilled gardener that knows how to nurture each student’s potential while making sure they all thrive together. This means:

🌱 Observing how students learn and interact.
🌱 Providing different ways to engage, so every student can connect with the material.
🌱 Creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, challenged, and valued.

But how do teachers get the tools and strategies to do this effectively?

That’s where Thryved Academy comes in.

Ready to Help Your Students Flourish?

At Thryved Academy, we equip educators with practical strategies to engage every student, no matter their learning style or personality. Our training and workshops help teachers identify student strengths, encourage participation, and create classrooms where all students thrive.

Are you ready to take student engagement to the next level? Join us at Thryved Academy and start cultivating success today. 🌿✨