Student Engagement 2
Abstract
Student engagement is crucial in maintaining a higher education institution. Given the
increased economic stressors that universities are facing, the importance of students is greater as
well. Engaging students involves interaction and collaboration between the campus and
community that it serves whether it is organic or non-organic. When considering student
engagement, it is important to ask the question of engagement in the online setting, as distance
learners are on the rise. Change is everlasting, in all aspects of society, including higher
education institutions. This circumstance will require “disruptive innovation” to ensure the
engagement of the population.
Student Engagement 3
Importance of Student Engagement
Student engagement revolves around the issue of student retention. Student engagement
can be identified as the active participation and involvement of students in their learning
environment.Thus, while the idea of student engagement draws together considerations about
student learning, institutional environments, learning resources and teachers, it maintains a focus
on students and on their involvement with university study (Coates, 2005). Engaged students
are more likely to show more interest in their classes, contribute to classroom interactions, and
further take ownership of their overall university experience. To have that engagement is not a
linear path, engagement is multi-tiered and requires input and output from a variety of factors.
According to Kahu (2013), factors that contribute to student engagement are behavioral,
psychological, socio-cultural and holistic approaches that all overlap and strand together. This
overlap is necessary for success because if one is lacking the strands disintegrate and lead to
inadequacies. Tinoto (1975) Theory of Student Dropout notes that a person may perform
adequately in the academic domain and still drop out because of insufficient integration into the
social life of the institution (e.g., through voluntary withdrawal). It is clear that student
engagement is full circle and involves all aspects of academia and socio-emotional behaviors to
ensure student achievement. Student achievement is then used as an indicator of the success of
the university itself, such as higher retention rates and student driven culture.
The importance of student engagement extends beyond the individual. Engagement is a
reflection of the institution itself and then trickles into society as a whole. “Educated work forces
attract business investments in the community, and higher levels of education are associated with
greater employment rates, more economic activity, and more tax revenue.”(Schuh et al., 2016).
Society also benefits from student engagement by students becoming involved members of the
Student Engagement 4
community. Active student engagement can bridge the gap, build citizens, and establish a culture
of society working together. Mark Cayton, Director of Education and Research of Policy
Volunteering, explains that engaging students by the way of service learning will better build
society because students bring ideas and skills that challenge traditional problems.
How Is Student Engagement Created/Promoted?
Creating and promoting student engagement is a complex process that involves a
combination of strategies. It is not a one size fits all process. Student engagement is absolutely
linear to student interpersonal relationships and university. Whether it is student-teacher, student-
peer, or student-community. It can be created through technology, extra-curriculars, and other
activities that involve students being hands-on or collaborating with each other.
Technology can be a great way for promoting engagement, especially in the context of
online education. Discussion forums, videos, and providing feedback enhances the learning
experience and provide opportunities for there to be a 2 ways street to allow for active
participation. “These interactions can also increase students’ sense of belonging to a group of
learners.”(“Five Key Elements That Drive Student Online Engagement,” 2022) Creating the
sense of belonging relates back to Tinto (1975) and student retention. Building these
relationships that fosters a welcoming environment promotes student engagement and
participation.
Beyond the classroom, extracurricular activities, such as student clubs, sports,
internships, or community involvement, can play a significant role in promoting engagement.
These activities provide both social and academic rewards that heighten the person's commitment
to the institution and there-fore reduce the probability of his dropping out from college. (Tinto,
1975)
Student Engagement 5
Non-Organic engagement vs Organic Engagement
The effectiveness of non-organic engagement, such as participation in required courses
versus organic engagement, like elective participation in student clubs, varies based on multiple
factors. Since student engagement is a dynamic concept, there has to be a variety of ways to get
students actively involved. Non-organic and organic engagement are both effective and must be
used alongside each other.
Non-organic engagement requires students to participate with no option. Such as
required courses for a particular degree, or like the First-Year Seminar courses that are required
for freshmen. Even though the student may not be as interested in them, it is important that the
courses that are being required actually offer benefits. “Certain programs offered to students in a
required or non-organic fashion can be as effective in engaging students if the programs are
embraced by faculty and all members involved.” (Stephens, 2021) Most students are naturally
going to participate in courses that interest them, however, if the required course/activities are
focused on making it relevant rather than “you have to take it”, it would make it effective.
Organic engagement, like joining a student club or pursuing extracurricular activities, is
the result of student want. This type of engagement leads to establishing a deeper connection to
the institution, whether academically or socially depending on the type of action.
The comparison between the two forms of engagement raises questions about student
motivation and retention. Having a balance between required coursework and elective activities
offer a dynamic educational experience that enhances personal growth and ownership of one's
learning.
Student Engagement 6
Innovative Methods of Engagement
Determining a method of engagement is dependent upon the student, the environment,
and the end goal. One of “out of the box” types of engagement would be service learning,
mentioned by Mark Cayton. Service learning is an interesting way of incorporating students to
university and university to the community. According to Mcdaniel (2011) of Vanderbilt
University, it is “a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service
with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and
strengthen communities. After all, the end goal of student engagement is to ensure students are
growing, learning, and partaking in stewardship.
Biblical Worldview
A biblical worldview on personal growth and stewardship is rooted in the belief that we
are called to develop and use our God-given talents responsibly. This could be spiritually,
mentally, and emotionally. Philippians 2:12 (NIV) states, "Continue to work out your salvation
with fear and trembling," emphasizing the ongoing process of spiritual growth. Proverbs 4:7
(NIV) instructs, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get
understanding." It is important that we are taking responsibility for development that contributes
to the well-being of ourselves, the community, and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
Student Engagement 7
References
Coates, H. (2005). The value of student engagement for higher education quality
assurance. Quality in Higher Education, 11(1), 25–36.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320500074915
Five key elements that drive student online engagement. (2022, December 7). THE
Campus Learn, Share, Connect. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/five-
key-elements-drive-student-online-engagement
Kahu, E. R. (2013). Framing student engagement in higher education. Studies in Higher
Education, 38(5), 758–773. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.598505
Mcdaniel, R. (2011, March 10). What is Service Learning or Community Engagement?
Vanderbilt University. https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-through-
community-engagement/
New International version (NIV) - Version Information - BibleGateway.com. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
Tinto, V. (1975). Dropout from Higher Education: A Theoretical Synthesis of Recent
Research. Review of Educational Research, 45(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.2307/1170024
Schuh, J. H., Jones, S. R., & Torres, V. (2016). Student services: A Handbook for the
Profession. John Wiley & Sons.
Stephens, M. (2021, May 12). Student Engagement In Higher Educational Institutions.
eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/student-engagement-in-higher-
education-institutions
