Date of Award
10-16-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
Program
Differentiated Instruction
Capstone Instructor
Dr. Brian Boothe
Second Reader
Dr. Tosca Grimm
Keywords
Academic engagement, Parent engagement, Learning Environment, Academic Achievement
Abstract
This paper reviewed how student engagement impacts academic achievement in a classroom setting. The concept of engagement is complex and includes the student’s focus, interest, and active involvement in their learning. The research examined fifteen peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies. Three common themes were identified throughout the study's investigation. The first theme uncovered was the importance of the student-teacher relationship and its role in developing student engagement in a classroom setting. The next theme investigated was how the parents’ engagement influenced students' engagement in their learning, thus leading to academic achievement. The third theme found in the research examined the impact the learning environment played on how students engaged in their learning. The research findings supported the belief in the importance of building quality nurturing relationships between students and teachers, families supporting learning in the classroom through varying opportunities, and creating a learning environment that encouraged students to explore learning in various engaging strategies. These results encourage school leadership and educators to engage in professional development to support relationships, build parent engagement strategies, and implement teaching strategies to promote explorative and critical thinking learning options to build student educational success.
Keywords: Academic Engagement, Family Engagement, Academic Achievement, Learning Environment