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Dissertation
Academic Engagement Ratings and Instructional Preferences
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2011
Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold. The first objective was to determine the nature and extent of any differences that may exist between upper elementary, middle, and high school students among the 3 dimensions of student engagement-behavioral, cognitive, and emotional. The second objective was to gain a deeper understanding of students' preferences of learning and teaching styles through focus group sessions. The goal was to better support educators in identifying best teaching practices and effective instructional procedures that engage students throughout the students' educational career, therefore, possibly providing an intervention against the high school dropout rate. The engagement ratings and instructional preferences of 93 students in 3 school levels-upper elementary, middle, and high-were examined in this study. Findings of this study suggest there are statistically significant differences between 2 of the 3 primary dimensions of student engagement: cognitive and emotional. However, results indicate there is no statistical difference in the behavioral dimension among the 3 school levels. In addition, findings of this study revealed a strong emotional theme among all 3 school levels. Each group of participants shared a large percentage of comments about emotional connections between students and teachers. Another popular theme among participants is the preference for kinesthetic activities. Each focus group revealed their preference of learning and teaching styles with top choices involving hands-on activities, games, and project-based learning.
Details
- Title
- Academic Engagement Ratings and Instructional Preferences
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Contributors
- Melanie D. Pelton (Committee Chair)Sherri Zimmerman (Committee Member) - University of West Florida, School of EducationRebecca McBride (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 96
- Copyright
- © 2011 Tonya Bess Conner
- Identifiers
- 99380090866506600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida