{"id":19392,"date":"2025-03-06T13:23:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T18:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.xello.world\/blog\/what-is-student-engagement\/"},"modified":"2025-05-15T00:19:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T05:19:55","slug":"what-is-student-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.xello.world\/en-ca\/resources\/blog-posts\/what-is-student-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"What is student engagement: Strategies for meaningful learning outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a recent report<\/a> from Discover Education, 46 percent of teachers say student engagement has declined since 2019. Yet, 9 out of 10 students have expressed motivation to learn, work hard and get good grades.<\/h3>\n

All teachers agree student engagement is vital to the educational process, but it’s not always clear how to initiate student informational processing and meaning-making. Creating activities where students appear actively engaged without reaching the learning objectives and outcomes is possible. Did the activity equate to learning? This article briefly overviews effective student engagement: what it is, why it’s important, and how to measure learning using engagement activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Student engagement?<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to the <\/span>Glossary of Education Reform:<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Student engagement refers to the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught, which extends to the level of motivation they have to learn and progress in their education. Generally speaking, “student engagement” is predicated on the belief that learning improves when students are inquisitive, interested, or inspired and that learning tends to suffer when students are bored, dispassionate, disaffected, or otherwise “disengaged.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Student engagement is not just about capturing their attention. Student involvement is more deeply rooted in the <\/span>psychology of human behavior<\/span><\/a> and manifests itself in the science of learning. Human beings need to know things. It’s a natural state of mind to solve problems. Our brain loves puzzles. Teachers are tasked with unlocking students’ natural curiosity and need to solve problems to prepare them for college and careers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Attending to students’ behavioral, cognitive, and emotional needs fosters a positive classroom environment, leading to improved academic performance, life skills, emotional well-being, and resilience. Let’s not forget the benefits for teachers. What a joy to ply your teaching skills and watch students flourish in your classroom, displaying curiosity and enthusiasm and stretching academically.<\/span><\/p>\n

Researchers identify <\/span>three dimensions of student engagement<\/span><\/a>: Behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, and emotional engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Behavioral engagement<\/b><\/h4>\n

Behavioral engagement is the visible actions students take to participate in the learning process. These actions include adherence to rules and norms, effort put into learning tasks, active participation in class discussions, consistent attendance, and assignment submission. Research shows that high behavioral engagement enhances academic outcomes and retention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cognitive engagement<\/b><\/h4>\n

Ownership of learning includes deep learning strategies, critical thinking, a desire to understand complex concepts, and persevering through challenges. Students will not only complete assignments but seek to understand concepts and think critically.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional engagement<\/b><\/h4>\n

All students need a sense of belonging. Those who feel emotionally supported and connected often remain engaged and committed to their studies. Positive relationships with classmates and teachers spark motivation and joy in learning, resulting in long-term academic persistence and hope for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why increase student engagement?<\/b><\/h3>\n

If a student’s school experience is tied to confidence and optimism for the future, and engagement is closely aligned with student success, a teacher’s job is supremely important. Finding a way in your teaching activities to engage students remains a top priority.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to a <\/span>2024 Walton Family Foundation-Gallop Voices of Gen Z survey<\/span><\/a>, less than half of Gen Z K-12 students say their school work positively challenges them (49%) or aligns with what they do best (46%). It’s important to note that non-college-bound students show disinterest and seem less hopeful and prepared for the future. Fewer than two in 10 students strongly agree that what they learn feels meaningful, engaging, challenging, or aligned with their natural talents.<\/span><\/p>\n

In one survey segment, Gallup asked students what excites them about school when their teacher makes the topic stimulating and interesting. Students responded:<\/span><\/p>\n