Student interest as a key driver of engagement for first year students

Ella R Kahu; Karen J Nelson; Catherine Picton

doi:10.5204/ssj.v8i2.379

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Student interest as a key driver of engagement for first year students

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Student interest as a key driver of engagement for first year students

Ella R Kahu, Karen J Nelson and Catherine Picton

Student Success, Vol.8(2), pp.55-66

Student Transitions Achievement Retention and Success (STARS) Conference, 2017 (Adelaide, Australia, 08-Jul-2017–11-Jul-2017)

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5204/ssj.v8i2.379

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Abstract

Specialist Studies in Education

student engagement

first year students

Much has been written about the challenges faced by first year students at university. This paper adds to that literature by exploring student interest, known to be associated with persistence and learning. Using data from a qualitative study following 19 students through their first year at a regional Australian university, the paper examines the antecedents and consequences of student interest. Findings show the students' existing individual interests and goals interact with the teaching environment to trigger situational interest. Situational interest then enhances behavioural and cognitive engagement and leads to better learning and grades. Perceived relevance of the learning task is shown to be a particularly important determinant of student interest. Students' emotions, self-efficacy, and their sense of belonging are also important factors in explaining the links between student interest, the teaching environment, and student engagement.

Details

Title: Student interest as a key driver of engagement for first year students
Authors: Ella R Kahu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Karen J Nelson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Catherine Picton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Student Success, Vol.8(2), pp.55-66
Conference details: Student Transitions Achievement Retention and Success (STARS) Conference, 2017 (Adelaide, Australia, 08-Jul-2017–11-Jul-2017)
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.5204/ssj.v8i2.379
ISSN: 2205-0795
Copyright note: Copyright © 2017 The Authors. This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence. As an open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Student Services and Engagement; Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students)
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450599202621
Output Type: Journal article

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