Providing personalised learning experiences, feedback, and fostering engagement can be particularly challenging in large science courses due to the sheer number of students and the diversity of their learning needs. To address these challenges, I have implemented several strategies in a large second year molecular biology course to enhance engagement in blended learning environments, focusing on inclusive, interactive, and student-centred approaches.

To enhance lectures, well-designed slides with learner-centred visuals, organised content, colour-coding, and concise text can boost engagement, comprehension, and retention while reducing cognitive load and stress. Interactive tools like Pear Deck further enrich learning by providing real-time feedback and fostering active participation in both large in-person and online classes. Anonymity in these activities encourages inclusive engagement, creating a safe space for all students to ask and answer questions. This approach supports active learning principles, improving knowledge retention and critical thinking, while adhering to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to meet diverse student needs.

Adopting the ‘Students as Partners’ framework to amplify the student voice and collaborate on student-led initiatives fosters a more inclusive and empowering educational environment. This approach enables real-time course adjustments to enhance the learning experience. It promotes active student engagement, giving learners a sense of ownership over their education. This practice has proven highly beneficial, as it cultivates leadership skills, strengthens the sense of community, and ensures that student feedback actively shapes the course and their learning journey. Such collaboration aligns with constructivist principles, encouraging shared responsibility and deeper engagement with the curriculum.

Sustained positive feedback from students revealed that these strategies have enriched the overall education experience for students. When surveyed, 99% of students either strongly agreed or agreed that instructors actively encouraged engagement during lectures, 92% of students felt that the teaching in the course was inclusive and supportive of students from diverse backgrounds, and 86% of students strongly agreed or agreed that they felt part of a learning community. This demonstrates the need for educators to continually adapt and cultivate teaching strategies to increase student engagement.

Keywords: Education, Technology, Feedback, Engagement.