Core elements of student engagement

What is student engagement?

Student engagement is a complex and contested term. Researchers have argued there are different kinds of engagement: cognitive, behavioural, emotional, etc. Bryson (2014) helpfully distinguishes between what he calls Engaging Students (i.e., what institutions do to engage students) and Students Engaging (i.e., what students do to engage with their studies and the university). 

Essentially, both educators and students are involved in the engagement process. Of course, it’s also important to acknowledge that students’ ability and willingness to engage may in the first instance be dependent on the creation of a safe, welcoming environment.

Various elements of “engaging students” versus “students engaging” are outlined in the below diagram (plus written out undeneath). 

Text from diagram:

• What can institutions do to engage with their students? - Foster inclusive decision making; Build supportive environments; Facilitate active learning; Utilise multi-modal engagement.
• What can students do to engage with their studies? - Reflect on their learning; Collaborate with peers; Manage time and responsibilities; Be prepared and willing to engage. 

Why is it important?

Student engagement helps students to make the most out of their university experience and is usually seen as a route to success and enabling students to fulfill their potential. A range of support mechanisms and initiatives have been put in place to support students to engage during their time at university. Ultimately, student engagement should be an outcome of excellent teaching.

Below, you will find links that you can signpost students towards to help them develop skills to better engage in, and take responsibility for, their own learning and wider university experience.

• Online short courses: Optional online courses by The University of Edinburgh that are available to students in August to help them prepare for university.
• Study Hub Learning Resources and Hub: The Study Skills Hub, run by the Institute for Academic Development, includes a range of useful strategies to help students with developing academic skills, from time management to literature reviews.
• Undergraduate study skills workshops: Workshops to support the development of specific skills at an undergraduate level.
• Postgraduate taught study skills workshops: Workshops to support the development of specific skills at a postgraduate taught level.
• Academic support librarians: Academic support librarians help students develop the digital and information literacy skills to use library resources and get the best from their time at university.
• Edinburgh University Students’ Association: This page includes a list of all school and programme-level representatives, who work on a voluntary basis to ensure students’ voices are heard.
• Edinburgh University Students’ Association Peer Learning and Support: A list of all the peer-assisted learning, peer support and peer mentoring schemes across the University.

Next steps

Learn more about embedding student engagement in your practice

Read, watch and listen to a range of additional resources about student engagement