Measuring Student Engagement at an Activity Level
Tracks
Jade 2
| Tuesday, July 2, 2024 |
| 1:00 PM - 1:25 PM |
Presenter
Dr Lara Molendijk
Lecturer - Accounting
Edith Cowan University
Measuring Student Engagement at an Activity Level
Abstract
This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating the measurement of student engagement at an activity level as there is currently no widely accepted instrument to measure student engagement with an activity. Measuring student engagement from an activity, rather than a course (ie. course level), will assist teachers make informed, evidence-based decisions to improve their classes, such as deciding the optimal experiential learning activities to utilise. Measurement of student engagement at an activity level is explored from two directions: modifying items from existing course level instruments and developing items directly from theory. Several instruments are recommended, depending on the number of items available to fit within a questionnaire design. Results suggest past literature, that typically uses a single item to measure engagement with an activity, can be improved by using at least 3 items. Discriminant validity between the three types of engagement listed in the literature (affective, behavioural and cognitive engagement) was not found, providing insights into the theory and measurement of engagement at both activity and course levels.
Biography
Dr. Lara Molendijk is a dedicated lecturer in accounting at Edith Cowan University. In her current teaching-focused academic role, she brings a strong passion for accounting education research, with a particular emphasis on student engagement and experiential learning.
Dr. Molendijk earned her PhD from Curtin University in November 2022, where she presented a thesis titled ‘Measurement and Empirical Analysis of Student Engagement with Experiential Learning Activities’. Her research offers valuable insights into how experiential learning activities can enhance student engagement, contributing significantly to the field of accounting education.
Despite being an early career researcher, Dr. Molendijk has contributed to her field. She has published a comprehensive literature review article in the esteemed Journal of Accounting Education and has a number of articles currently in the pipeline, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and practices in accounting education.
Dr. Molendijk is committed to fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment for her students at Edith Cowan University, leveraging her research findings to enhance teaching methodologies and improve student outcomes.
Discussant
Yathra Gunaratne
Phd Student
Griffith University
