Undergraduate Research in Australia
Engagement
It's important to note that student engagement in university courses is dependent on the parameters of the conditions within each higher education institution.
The Australasian Survey of Student Engagement states:
'Student engagement is defined as students' involvement in activities and conditions that are linked with high-quality learning. A key assumption is that learning is influenced by how an individual participates in educationally purposeful activities. While students are seen to be responsible for constructing their knowledge, learning is also seen to depend on institutions and staff generating conditions that stimulate student involvement'.
AUSSE (2008) 'Australasian Survey of Student Engagement' Australian Council for Educational Research. View further information.
Engagement, like the words 'research' and 'inquiry' is a term used widely to describe the relationship between the students and their studies or student and institution. It can focus on student motivation, teaching techniques to create general interest or generating the necessary conditions to promote student engagement at an institutional level.
'Indicators of [student] engagement are cognitive (organizing and planning his/her own work, entering deeply into learning on his/her own), affective (being motivated, persevering, taking pleasure in the course, being interested), conative (giving the necessary energy and time) and relational' (Harris et al 2004:1 cited in Reid and Solomonides 2007:28).
Reid, A and I. Solomonides (2007) 'Design students' experience of engagement and creativity' Art, Design & Communication in Higher Education, 6,1, pp. 27-39.