In a recent study, the researchers examined the correlation between
student engagement and well-being in higher education. According to
Kahn, engagement is defined as an active commitment and a purposeful
effort expanded by students toward their learning (Kahn, 2014). Kahn
further notes that engagement includes a mixture of formal and informal
activities that promotes the success of in-person and online learning
(Kahn, 2014). Based on assessments completed by 175 students, the
researchers concluded a positive interaction between engagement and
happiness, with an unexpected negative relationship between
engagement and academic outcomes (Boulton et al., 2019).*
The Teaching Psychology textbook continues to highlight the importance
of engagement, noting the three different types of engagement:
interaction with peers, time on task, and interaction with the instructor
(Bernstein et al., 2019). As a Christian, I reflect on what Jesus says about
teaching and student engagement. Education and learning have been
around since the fifteen hundreds. Through the Bible, secular schools, and
congregation, he continues to teach by engaging the audience. Perhaps
the comfort comes from the teachings such as Biblical verses that provide
clarity or comfort during tumultuous times. The Bible serves as a directory
in life, teaching several dimensions of life. While the Bible serves as a
director, perhaps one of the all-time most outstanding teachers was Jesus
Christ. He taught us to love, love those around us, and love ourselves.
Jesus taught everyone he met because of his passion for others. He taught
valuable lessons that included being sufficient in life, like building a home,
how to travel, and how to have empathy and compassion.
Moreover, he wanted to help people learn and to love God. Jesus used his
experiences to guide him in his role of teaching. I believe that some of the
most extraordinary knowledge comes from someone's experience.
Matthew 13:34 says all these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables;
indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable (King James Bible
Online, 2022). The mentioned parables were impactful messages that
captivated and engaged his audience. While I agree that textbooks are
beneficial, it is the words of wisdom that can speak volumes, and that is
how Jesus connected to others and conducted some of his most incredible
teaching moments. Engagement is how he captivated his audience; thus,
it further supports the theory that engagement is a crucial aspect of
teaching.
I have taken all online courses throughout my schooling, and I have found
that engagement between students and staff has contributed to my
success and created a positive experience. We talk about the importance
of teachers engaging with their students, but I think interacting with your
peers is also impactful. Today I am still very close to my master's program
cohort. Still, today we lean on each other four years later for support
through emotional times and our professional development.*
My question to the rest of the class is, have you experienced a negative or
positive outcome because of student or teacher engagement? The second
question would be, do you feel that student and teacher engagement is
equally important, why or why not?*
*
References
Bernstein, D., Chew, S., Frantz, S., & Goss Lucas, S. (2019).*Teaching
psychology.
Boulton, C., Hughes, E., Kent, C., Smith, J., & Williams, H. (2019). Student
engagement and wellbeing over time at a higher education
institution.*PLOS ONE,*14(11), e0225770.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225770
Kahn PE. Theorizing student engagement in higher education. British
Educational Research Journal. 2014;40(6):1005–18.
Online, K., 4:31-32, E., 12:18-20, R., & 16:27, R. (2022).*BIBLE VERSES
Kingjamesbibleonline.org. Retrieved 7 July 2022, from
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
