School Engagement

Question 1

Fatou & Kubiszewski (2018)

Answer 1

• The concept of student engagement takes on behavioral, affective, and cognitive components.
• Behavioral engagement includes participating, investing time in academic tasks, and following teachers’ instructions, aligning with school expectations and various activities.
• The affective component involves students’ liking for the school, belief in its usefulness, and emotions tied to school experiences, influenced by teacher-student interactions.
• The cognitive component refers to mental efforts and self-control in learning. Research indicates gender divergence in cognitive strategies between boys and girls.
• The school climate plays a crucial role in shaping students’ engagement and academic journeys. A positive and engaging climate is characterized by teachers who support differentiated instructions, cultivate warm relationships, and are perceived as supportive. This, in turn, promotes students’ competence, beliefs, and overall engagement.
• Multicultural inclusivity, class outings, and group work further contribute to students feeling a sense of belonging, enhancing their engagement in school and learning activities.
• Background factors, such as gender and social background, also play a role. Girls tend to have a more positive perception of the school climate, leading to increased motivation and engagement.
• Students from social backgrounds aligned with school norms integrate better, while those from disadvantaged backgrounds face a risk of poor adaptation, negative perceptions, and dropout.