Environmental Engagement Demand Differences Among Holland Academic Environments

• In Event: College Student Involvement: Exploring Contexts and Outcomes

Abstract

College and university administrators have increased the use of measurements to gauge student engagement levels on their campuses. However, little research has examined student engagement levels among different academic environments. Some current research has used Holland’s theory of person/environment fit, and accompanying Hexagonal model, as a means to compare differences among academic environments. This research used univariate and multivariate analysis to examine engagement differences among environments and the validity of the Hexagonal model. Analysis of the 2005 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) generally supported Holland’s environmental characteristics but found mixed results concerning the validity of Holland’s hexagonal model.

Authors

• Derek Keith Lester, Texas A&M University - Commerce

• Mario Martinez, University of Nevada - Las Vegas