Institutional success is often measured by various metrics, such as graduation rates, academic achievements, and alumni success. However, at the heart of institutional success lies student engagement.
Student engagement refers to the degree to which students are involved and invested in their education, both inside and outside the classroom. When students are engaged in their learning, they are more likely to succeed academically, feel a sense of belonging within the institution, and become active members of their communities.
Modern Campus case studies discovered:
Despite its importance, student engagement is at an all-time low. We recently hosted a webinar where several educators talked about this issue. Students are barely showing up to class, and when they are, they’re distracted by their phones or laptops. They aren’t completing assignments, or they are haphazardly. Educators have a lot to bargain with.
So, as an administrator, how can you help?
Student engagement encompasses various aspects of a student's educational experience, including motivation, interest, and involvement in learning activities. It can also involve their emotional and social connections with the institution, their peers, and their instructors. Essentially, student engagement refers to the extent to which a student is invested in their educational journey.
Student engagement has been shown to impact academic outcomes positively. One study found that “The three dimensions of student engagement (behavioral, emotional and cognitive) were positively correlated to the academic performance of the students.” Engaged students are more likely to perform well academically as they are motivated and interested in their coursework.
Additionally, engaged students are more likely to persist and graduate as they feel connected to the institution and have a sense of purpose, as was shown in the case studies above.
Moreover, student engagement is key to building a strong and vibrant institutional community. Engaged students are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities, connect with their peers and instructors, and take advantage of the resources and services offered by the institution. This, in turn, creates a positive and supportive learning environment that benefits all students and contributes to the institution's overall success. Research has proved a correlation: “Findings report a significant association between students' services and student success and persistence.”
Administrators play a critical role in fostering student engagement as leaders within the institution. Here are some of the key ways in which administrators can support and promote student engagement:
Administrators can collect and analyze data on student engagement to inform their engagement initiatives. This can involve gathering feedback from students, tracking engagement metrics, and using data to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted engagement strategies.
Encouraging open communication between all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, is also important for creating a culture of collaboration and engagement. When all stakeholders have opportunities to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns, administrators can gain valuable insights into the needs and experiences of the institution's community. This can inform the development of policies and programs that better support student engagement and success.
Administrators can establish policies and procedures that prioritize and support student engagement. This can involve setting expectations for student behavior and involvement, providing resources and support for engagement initiatives, and creating a culture that values and rewards engagement.
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, making students from all backgrounds or identities feel included. DEI initiatives can help to address systemic barriers and promote social justice within the institution and the broader community. By providing support and resources for historically marginalized student populations, DEI initiatives can help to improve engagement.
According to a study, “The students said that the sense of belonging, fair treatment, free exercise of thoughts, and fair attitude that they felt in the school encouraged them to become more actively engaged in the school.”
Administrators can provide teachers with opportunities to learn and develop their skills in creating engaging learning environments. This can involve offering workshops, training sessions, and other forms of professional development that focus on strategies and techniques for promoting student engagement.
Administrators can provide instructors with resources and support to help them engage students effectively. This can include access to instructional technology, funding for course materials, and support for innovative teaching approaches.
Ultimately, by investing in student engagement, administrators are investing in the future success of their institution and the students they serve.
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