Conceptualizing student engagement and its role in meaningful learning and teaching experiences

Joan Nyika*, Fredrick Mwema

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Student engagement is a crucial aspect of learning as it promotes understanding, enables learners to become responsible community members, and plays a crucial role in curriculum development. The concept has varied definitions that depict it as confusing and vague as exposed in this chapter. To demystify this confusion and vagueness, this chapter focuses on the levels of engagement and its associated formations rather than what it is. Three levels of engagement are discussed in relationship to their roles in promoting understanding of knowledge by learners, curriculum designing, and in formation of communities where knowledge, academics, students, and educational institutions interact. The discourse on student engagement conceptualization in this chapter reconciles its existent tensions with the value for education investments. Engagement is depicted as essential in promoting successful learner-instructor relations towards academic excellence and for reputable educational institutions. However, power imbalance of involved stakeholders impedes its optimal use by learners.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFostering Meaningful Learning Experiences Through Student Engagement
PublisherIGI Global
Pages159-174
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9781799846598
ISBN (Print)9781799846581
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Oct 2020
Externally publishedYes

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