Student Engagement: Insights and Perspectives From Student Voices

• In Event: Division H Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Session

Abstract

Student engagement is a key factor in educational outcomes and experiences. This qualitative study turns to student perspectives to investigate critical aspects of engagement. 120 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students from publicly-funded schools in Ontario, Canada, participated in videotaped interviews. The Ontario student population is linguistically and racially diverse, and interviews included English and French-language students, Indigenous students as well as students from equity-seeking communities. Predominant themes emerged from the interview data through a multi-step iterative coding process. The findings illustrate that students value (1) student-teacher relationships, (2) a learning environment that cultivates social and emotional well-being, and (3) support for the maturing need for autonomy. The results are considered within the systemic context of change.

Authors

• Kimberly Cho, Education Quality and Accountability Office

• Deborah Keefe, Education Quality and Accountability Office

• Jennifer Hove, Education Quality and Accountability Office

• Laurie McNelles, Education Quality and Accountability Office