Paws and Pedagogy: Using Pet Photos in a Learning Management System to Enhance Student Engagement

Authors

  • Wayne Geerling University of Texas
  • Nicola Thomas Charles Sturt University

Keywords:

asynchronous learning, behavioral nudge, building community, engagement, innovation, LMS, motivation, online learning, pets

Abstract

In an era of hybrid and digital learning, maintaining consistent student engagement presents a formidable challenge, particularly in an asynchronous environment where students learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This paper outlines a creative, low-cost teaching intervention, delivered to an introductory-level Macroeconomics subject at Charles Sturt University in 2025. We use photos of staff pets to build rapport, foster a sense of community, and motivate students to regularly log into the online learning management systems (LMS) platform and read the subject content. This approach demonstrates how integrating light-hearted, emotionally resonant stimuli – such as pet photos – can serve as a behavioral nudge to deepen academic interaction and improve student engagement.

Author Biography

  • Nicola Thomas, Charles Sturt University

    Nicola Thomas holds a PhD in Economics from Monash University. She is a Lecturer at Charles Sturt University. Nicola’s passion for teaching led her to develop interactive teaching resources such as Kahoots! to engage students in creative ways in her introductory economics, innovation and applied economics courses.  Nicola has a research background in environmental economics, working in multidisciplinary teams to find solutions to climate change impacts on the biophysical environment. As an early-career economist, Nicola is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to expand her teaching skillset as well as exciting research projects in applied economics.

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Published

2026-03-19

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Journal for Economic Educators

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Wayne Geerling, Nicola Thomas

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