Research shows engaged students learn better.
Based at Indiana University, the National Survey of Student Engagement collects responses from thousands of undergraduate students. From these surveys, NSSE estimates how undergraduate students spend their time and what they gain from attending college (NSSE website).
Here are the themes NSSE explores in their survey and the corresponding engagement indicators. The higher the score students award these different themes and indicators, the more engaged they are in their learning:
Themes and engagement indicators
Academic challenge
- higher-order learning
- reflective and integrative learning
- learning strategies
- quantitative reasoning
Learning with peers
- collaborative learning
- discussions with diverse others
Experiences with faculty
- student-faculty interaction
- effective teaching practices
Campus environment
- quality of interactions
- supportive environment
Student engagement at Royal Roads
Royal Roads University's Learning, Teaching and Research Model places a strong focus on student engagement. It highlights benefits of having engaged learners, including
- increased learning confidence
- independent thinking
- heightened intellectual growth
- deepened learning
- increased value placed on learning
Further reading
For the latest articles on student engagement, see the Faculty Focus website and explore their student engagement articles.