Alternative teaching strategies and activities for non-science enthusiast learners in higher education

Developing student interest in non-major science courses in higher education can be extremely difficult, particularly for students who do not identify as science majors. This study explores the challenges faced by non-science enthusiast learners in engaging with science courses, focusing on their perceptions and learning behaviors. Many students view science as difficult and disconnected from their daily lives, leading to decreased motivation and participation. The study aimed to identify the learning behaviors of these students and to determine effective teaching strategies to enhance their engagement. Qualitative data were collected through one-on-one interviews with 20 educators using purposive sampling, allowing for in-depth insights into their experiences with non-enthusiast learners. The findings revealed that students often displayed disengaged behaviors, such as distractibility and passive participation, which hinder their academic success. Effective teaching strategies identified included making science relatable to students’ everyday experiences, creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments, and employing engaging, interactive methods like hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Additionally, fostering emotional connections between educators and students was found to be crucial in enhancing interest and participation in science. Furthermore, future research should investigate the long-term impacts of these strategies to develop effective educational frameworks.