Student Engagement Framework

What is student engagement?

Student engagement is best understood as a relationship between the student and elements of the learning environment, including: adults at school, students' peers, instruction, curriculum, and the wider school community. Because of this, student engagement serves as a vital link between students’ experiences and their learning. Student engagement takes many forms, but researchers very frequently focus on three particularly impactful areas: cognitive engagement, social engagement, and emotional engagement. These three core forms of engagement inform HSSSE and MGSSE through our Dimensions of Engagement framework.

Why does it matter?

Student engagement is increasingly viewed as one of the keys to addressing issues such as low student achievement, student boredom and alienation, and high drop-out rates (Fredricks, Blumenfled and Paris, 2004). Engaged students are more likely to perform well on standardized tests, are less likely to drop out of school, and conditions that lead to student engagement (and reduce student apathy) contribute to a safe, positive, and creative school climate and culture.

Research indicates that student engagement declines as students progress from upper elementary grades to middle school, reaching its lowest levels in high school. Some studies estimate that by high school, as many as 40-60% of youth are disengaged (Marks, 2000). Given the serious consequences of disengagement, more and more educators and school administrators are interested in obtaining data on student engagement and disengagement for needs assessment, diagnosis, and prevention.

Schools have the power to create the conditions under which students can achieve highly, become motivated for learning, and stay connected and engaged academically, socially and emotionally (ASCD, 2009).

Dimensions of Engagement

Student engagement is a complex, multidimensional construct. Based on the research, three especially important areas of engagement – cognitive/intellectual/academic, social/behavioral/participatory, and emotional – form the Dimensions of Engagement framework that informs HSSSE and MGSSE. Explore each of these areas of engagement and how they inform HSSSE and MGSSE below:

Describes students’ effort, investment, and strategies for learning – the work students do and the ways students go about their work. This dimension can be described as “engagement of the mind.” Sub-dimensions of this area include: a) Cognitive Growth through Personal Skill Development, b) Level of Effort in Academic Pursuits, c) Attitude Toward Learning, and d) Cognitive Engagement with Academic Goals, Future Plans, and Aspirations.

Example of survey items informed by this dimension include:

How school contributes to: Writing effectively, Thinking critically, Learning independently
How often students: Ask or answer questions in class, Talk to teachers about class work
Whether students: Put forth a great deal of effort in school work, Enjoy being creative in school

Captures students’ actions in social, extracurricular, and non-academic school activities, including interactions with other students – the ways in which students interact within the school community. This dimension can be thought of as “engagement in the life of the school.”

Examples of survey items informed by this dimension include:

How school contributes to: Working well with others, Treating people with respect

Time spent participating in school-sponsored activities

Motivations to attend school because of teachers or friends

Emphasizes students’ feelings of connection (or dis-connection) to their school – how students feel about where they are in school, the ways and workings of the school, and the people within their school. This dimension can be described as “engagement of the heart.” Sub-dimensions of this area include: a) Motivation for Learning, b) Emotional Engagement with the School, c) Positive Relationships with Adults in School, d) Positive Relationships with Other Students.

Examples of survey items informed by this dimension include:

Whether students are motivated by: Desire to learn, Teachers who encourage them, Desire to succeed in the world outside of school

Whether students feel like they are an important part of their school community, care about their school

Whether students feel safe in school and supported by teachers, administrators, counselors, or other adults

How school contributes to: Understanding yourself, Developing personal beliefs and values

Center for Evaluation, Policy, & Research

Student Engagement Framework