Quick Tip: Boost Student Retention with One Simple Change
- WorldTeachPathways
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Retention is one of the most critical metrics for schools and training providers. High enrollment numbers may look impressive, but if students disengage and withdraw, the long-term outcomes for both learners and institutions suffer. Improving retention often feels like a daunting, expensive undertaking. However, research and practice show that sometimes, a single adjustment in curriculum delivery can make a measurable difference.
The reality is that most students do not leave because of a lack of ability. They leave because they feel disconnected, unsupported, or unable to see the relevance of their learning. Addressing this gap does not always require a full-scale program overhaul. Instead, institutions can focus on one small but powerful change: shifting from passive delivery to active engagement.
From Passive to Active Learning
Many programs still rely heavily on passive delivery methods—long lectures, static slides, or content-heavy textbooks. While these methods transmit information, they do little to ensure students internalize knowledge or remain motivated. The simple change is to introduce one active engagement strategy per module.
Examples include:
A short discussion prompt that connects the lesson to real-world applications.
A case study that allows students to apply theory to practice.
A quick interactive quiz or poll that checks for understanding in real time.
When students are invited to participate rather than simply observe, their level of ownership and interest increases significantly. Engagement creates retention.
One Simple Change is H5P: A Simple Tool for Big Results
One of the most effective ways to integrate active learning is through H5P. H5P stands for HTML5 Package, a framework designed to make it easy for anyone to create, share, and reuse interactive digital content. With H5P, educators and trainers can move beyond static materials and bring lessons to life through interactive experiences.
The platform supports a wide range of content types, including interactive videos, presentations, quizzes, timelines, flashcards, and more. These tools not only capture attention but also improve knowledge retention by allowing learners to actively engage with content. Best of all, H5P activities can be embedded directly into websites, learning management systems, or standalone modules, making them highly accessible and reusable.
By incorporating H5P, schools and training providers can deliver small, interactive moments within each lesson—moments that keep learners motivated and connected without requiring large financial investments.
Why This Works
Engagement strategies like H5P provide two key benefits. First, they create a sense of belonging. Students who contribute feel valued and recognized, reducing the likelihood of dropping out. Second, active learning reinforces content. Learners who apply knowledge in small, consistent ways retain information more effectively and are more motivated to continue.
In one program we redesigned, the addition of short, interactive case studies and quizzes created with H5P improved student persistence by 18 percent in a single semester. The cost was minimal, but the impact was significant.
The most effective programs are those that combine rigor with relevance. Students want to feel that their time and effort lead to meaningful results. Active learning makes that connection visible.
Conclusion
Retention is not always about big investments. Sometimes, one small change in curriculum delivery can double engagement and strengthen persistence. By moving from passive delivery to active learning, and by using tools like H5P to create interactive content, schools can design programs that are both engaging and sustainable.
At WorldTeachPathways, we specialize in building compliance-ready, student-centered programs that improve retention and outcomes. If your institution is ready to see measurable improvements in persistence, we invite you to explore our case studies and subscription resources.
Want more strategies for using H5P and active learning to improve retention? Subscribe for exclusive insights or explore our case studies to see how schools are driving engagement and persistence.
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