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Student Engagement Paper Assignment
Department of Education, Liberty University
EDUC665: Student Support Services & Retention
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Abstract
Within an in-depth examination of student engagement and its significance in higher education.
A partnership between educational institutions and students fosters engagement, improves
retention rates, and ensures academic success. Each university must implement diverse
educational approaches to cultivate a supportive atmosphere that promotes student involvement,
including facilitating collaborative group activities. In achieving desirable academic outcomes,
the difference between organic and non-organic forms of student engagement is insignificant.
This holds, particularly for online education, where techniques that promote interaction and
connection between students and educators are crucial to maintaining high levels of engagement
and active learning. Universities continuously explore innovative strategies to engage students
effectively in traditional campus settings or virtual learning environments.
Keywords: engagement, retention, strategies
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Student Engagement and The Importance
Student engagement is vital for success in higher education. It involves active
participation in one's academic journey through family support, academic readiness, life skills,
and decision-making abilities. Educators and instructors are crucial in supporting students' path
to success. According to Martin (2015), student engagement is about actively participating in the
learning environment. It is fostered within the school community through interactions with
teachers, peers, teaching methods, and the curriculum. Fredricks et al. (2004) state that the
concept of student engagement comprises three primary aspects:
1. Behavioral Engagement: This involves actively participating in academic, social, and
extracurricular activities.
2. Emotional Engagement: Focuses on a student's reactions to teachers, peers, academics,
and the school environment.
3. Cognitive Engagement Measures a student's dedication to learning.
Research indicates that active student engagement improves focus and attention during
learning tasks. It also helps develop advanced critical thinking skills essential for academic
success. Stated differently, there are effective ways for teachers to foster engagement, so it is
worthwhile to learn about it (Abla & R. Fraumeni, 2019).
Engagement Created and Promoted
Student engagement encompasses several styles students demonstrate in academic,
social, and extracurricular activities, leading to a personalized model for everyone. It involves
behavioral engagement, focusing on academic relationships, social interactions, and activities;
emotional engagement, centered on reactions toward teachers, peers, academics, and school; and
cognitive engagement, highlighting dedication to learning. These dimensions influence
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individual and group interactions, with engagement levels changing. Engaged students often
perform well academically and in life, contrasting with unengaged students facing various
challenges. The correlation between student engagement and academic success has driven the
emphasis on creating supportive environments to enhance engagement.
The video "Educating for Engagement in Higher Learning," presented by Liberty
University in 2022, underscores the vital role of engagement in college settings, displaying its
impact on academic achievements and student retention. Professors Micheal Shenkle and Ron
Miller recount their personal engagement encounters as undergraduates, stressing the importance
of the institution's mission, social ties, and academic participation. Strategies such as fostering
social connections, academic engagement, and utilizing online platforms are recommended to
boost engagement. However, because academic and social systems coexist in colleges, it is
critical to distinguish between normative and structural integration in the institution's academic
and social domains (“Dropout from Higher Education: A Theoretical Synthesis of Recent
Research on JSTOR,” n.d.). Establishing authentic relationships with students, understanding
their unique needs, and creating supportive learning environments are crucial to promoting
student engagement and success among educators.
Is Non-organic Engagement as Effective as Organic?
Whether non-organic or organic, engagement in educational programs hinges on the
support of faculty members and stakeholders; the success of these programs relies heavily on
faculty dedication. Changes made by faculty in the curriculum can significantly boost student
engagement, even in obligatory scenarios. Effective student programs flourish when faculty and
stakeholders fully back them. Involving past and present students in curriculum changes can
enhance its effectiveness. Students are more receptive to changes aligning with their future goals.
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Programs shaped by former student feedback succeed by considering current students' emotions
and perspectives. A study on a pharmacy program emphasized involving former students, now
professionals, to enhance course practicality and relevance for current students.
Personal traits and goals are key in shaping an individual's expectations and commitment
to college. These personal aspirations predict and reflect an individual's journey in college,
including challenges and successes. Objectives and institutional commitments mirror interactions
and feelings in the college environment. Integrating academic and social aspects significantly
impacts retention, considering individual attributes, past experiences, and commitments. The
model contends that an individual's integration into the educational and social systems of the
college is the factor that most directly influences his ability to remain there, taking into account
his unique qualities, past experiences, and commitments (“Dropout From Higher Education: A
Theoretical Synthesis of Recent Research on JSTOR,” n.d.).
Can true engagement be fostered in the online educational environment?
Online education is on the rise, gaining popularity as more students enroll in virtual
programs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The flexibility of online learning, which
removes time and location constraints, has made education more accessible to a broader
audience. Worldwide efforts promoting continuous learning is expected to boost the expansion of
online education. However, a notable challenge is retaining online learners, as dropout rates are
typically higher than in traditional classrooms. Factors contributing to this trend include isolation
and a lack of motivation. Wang et al. (2020) proposed a model to enhance student engagement in
online learning, integrating years of research. This framework emphasizes the significance of
contextual and motivational factors in influencing student participation, highlighting their impact
on academic performance and overall well-being. By investigating the effects of four online
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learning environment variables—teacher support, course clarity, student connectedness, and task
relevance—on student engagement in online learning, as well as the roles that students'
expectancies and task value beliefs play in these relationships, this study seeks to add to the body
of knowledge on online learning engagement (Vo & Ho, 2024b). By addressing these factors,
effective strategies can be developed to reduce dropout rates and enhance students' learning
outcomes. The framework is visually represented, with detailed sections explaining several
aspects of student engagement and the learning environment.
“Outside the Box” Methods
Regarding students' self-efficacy, Rendón (1994) discovered that students were more
likely to think they could succeed in college if they felt validated by someone else, whether it
was on or off campus, in or out of class. To improve student engagement, it is essential to utilize
various creative methods that encourage active involvement and motivation among students:
Exploratory Learning
The core of exploratory learning is encouraging students to investigate questions and
explore topics independently. The essence of learning is the capacity to adjust to unexpected
circumstances quickly, and this capacity to learn acts much faster—it can alter behavior in
minutes (Ryansmerek, 2023). Students will develop critical thinking skills and a more substantial
responsibility for their education by presenting challenging questions and guiding their research.
QR Code Integration
Incorporating Quick Response (QR) codes into educational materials enables students to
use their mobile devices to access additional resources, videos, and interactive content. Teachers
can create QR Codes for pertinent materials, making it simple for students to access extra
information, tutorials, or interactive content related to their lessons. QR Codes can link to
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websites, videos, documents, or other online resources (Singh, 2024). This approach injects
dynamism and enhances accessibility in the learning process.
Challenge-based Learning
Challenge-based learning involves students solving real-world problems or situations
relevant to the curriculum. Innovative concepts from education, media, technology,
entertainment, recreation, the workplace, and society inform the framework for challenge-based
learning. It builds upon the foundation of experiential learning and heavily draws from a long
history of progressive ideas (Nichols et al., 2016). This method hones critical thinking skills and
heightens student engagement by promoting teamwork for analysis, discussion, and solution
proposals.
Strategic Use of Classroom Technology
Efficiently integrating technology tools in the classroom, such as interactive platforms,
virtual simulations, or gamified elements, can significantly increase engagement levels. It is
crucial to use technology to support and enhance educational goals.
Jigsaw Approach
The jigsaw instructional strategy is dividing the course material into manageable chunks,
giving them to individuals or small groups, and then getting everyone back together to share
what they have learned (Jermaineh, 2023). Implementing the Jigsaw Approach involves
deconstructing complex subjects into smaller units. Each student is responsible for mastering and
teaching a specific segment to their peers. This technique fosters collaboration and leads to a
deeper comprehension of the topic.
These tactics support multiple forms of engagement: social, behavioral, emotional,
intellectual, and physical. Teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment
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for their students by combining different methods (Harvard et al. Education, 2022). By
incorporating these strategies into teaching methodologies, educators can establish a learning
environment that nurtures student engagement, critical thinking, teamwork, and a more profound
engagement with the learning journey.
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Reference
Abla, C., & R. Fraumeni, B. (2019). Student EngagementG Evidence-based strategies to boost
academic and social-emotional results. McRel International, 16.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED600576.pdf
Alamri, H., Lowell, V. L., Watson, W. R., & Watson, S. L. (2020). Using personalized learning
as an instructional approach to motivate learners in online higher education: Learner self-
determination and intrinsic motivation. Journal of Research on Technology in Education,
52(3), 322–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2020.1728449
Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School engagement: Potential of the
concept, state of the evidence. Review of Educational Research, 74(1), 59–109.
Harvard Business Publishing Education. (n.d.).
https://www.hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/10-creative-ways-to-better-engage-your-
students
Jermaineh. (2023, November 28). How to leverage the jigsaw teaching Strategy for your
classroom | Resilient Educator. Resilient Educator.
https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/jigsaw-teaching-strategy/
Nichols, M., Cator, K., Torres, M., Digital Promise, & The Challenge Institute. (2016).
Challenge-based learning guide. Digital Promise.
https://www.challengebasedlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/
CBL_Guide2016.pdf
Rendón, L. I. (1994). Validating culturally diverse students: Toward a new model of learning and
student development. Innovative Higher Education, 19 (1), 33– 51.
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Ryansmerek. (2023, July 17). What is Exploratory Learning? Ryan Smerek.
https://ryansmerek.com/2021/12/24/what-is-exploratory-learning/
https://doi.org/10.2307/1170024 .Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Singh, S. (2024, March 13). QR code in Education: 6 practical use cases and more. QR Batch
Blog. https://qrbatch.io/blog/qr-code-in-education/
Student Engagement (M. Shenkle, Interviewer; By R. Miller). (2022). [Video]. Liberty
University.
Stephens, M. (2021, May 12). Student engagement in higher educational institutions. eLearning
Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/student-engagement-in-higher-education-
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Tinto, Vincent. “Dropout from Higher Education: A Theoretical Synthesis of Recent Research.”
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