Forms of Engagement Among Freshmen at Universities

Although there has been much debate about the operationalization and dimensionality of student engagement, it remains a key factor in academic achievement and degree completion. This chapter defines engagement, discusses forms of student engagement, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects. The chapter presents the engagement theory, which suggests that students who are intellectually, socially, and behaviorally engaged are more likely to experience enhanced learning. The chapter then proceeds to discuss the factors that affect engagements among first-year students at universities. Finally, the chapter concludes by presenting ways of fostering engagements among first-year students at universities.