Abstract
The lack of academic engagement in introductory science courses is considered by some to be a primary reason why students
switch out of science majors. This study employed a sequential, explanatory mixed methods approach to provide a richer understanding
of the relationship between student engagement and introductory science instruction. Quantitative survey data were drawn from
2,873 students within 73 introductory science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses across 15 colleges
and universities, and qualitative data were collected from 41 student focus groups at eight of these institutions. The findings
indicate that students tended to be more engaged in courses where the instructor consistently signaled an openness to student
questions and recognizes her/his role in helping students succeed. Likewise, students who reported feeling comfortable asking
questions in class, seeking out tutoring, attending supplemental instruction sessions, and collaborating with other students
in the course were also more likely to be engaged. Instructional implications for improving students’ levels of academic engagement
are discussed.
switch out of science majors. This study employed a sequential, explanatory mixed methods approach to provide a richer understanding
of the relationship between student engagement and introductory science instruction. Quantitative survey data were drawn from
2,873 students within 73 introductory science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses across 15 colleges
and universities, and qualitative data were collected from 41 student focus groups at eight of these institutions. The findings
indicate that students tended to be more engaged in courses where the instructor consistently signaled an openness to student
questions and recognizes her/his role in helping students succeed. Likewise, students who reported feeling comfortable asking
questions in class, seeking out tutoring, attending supplemental instruction sessions, and collaborating with other students
in the course were also more likely to be engaged. Instructional implications for improving students’ levels of academic engagement
are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-33
- DOI 10.1007/s11162-011-9247-y
- Authors
- Josephine A. Gasiewski, University of California, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3005 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521, USA
- M. Kevin Eagan, University of California, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3005 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521, USA
- Gina A. Garcia, University of California, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3005 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521, USA
- Sylvia Hurtado, University of California, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3005 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521, USA
- Mitchell J. Chang, University of California, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3005 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521, USA
- Journal Research in Higher Education
- Online ISSN 1573-188X
- Print ISSN 0361-0365