Beyond a Buzzword: Student Perspectives on What Contributes to Engaging Educators and Classroom Experiences

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Beyond a Buzzword: Student Perspectives on What Contributes to Engaging Educators and Classroom Experiences
Language: English
Authors: Lesley Irvine, Sam Cunningham
Source: Student Success. 2025 16(1):16-26.
Availability: Queensland University of Technology. QUT Library, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, OLD 4001, Australia. Tel: +61-07-3138-5345; e-mail: journal@unistars.org; Web site: https://studentsuccessjournal.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, College Faculty, Learner Engagement, Student Evaluation of Teacher Performance, Teacher Student Relationship, Teacher Effectiveness, Teacher Competencies, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Teaching Styles, Classroom Environment, Student Satisfaction, Student Attitudes
Geographic Terms: Australia
ISSN: 2205-0795
Abstract: In a changing educational landscape, student engagement remains a prominent issue in research and practice. This study explores engagement from the student's perspective across multiple disciplines, year levels and delivery modes. It draws on 13,125 Student Evaluation of Teaching survey comments where students have used the word "engage" (or derivative) in response to individual educators. Part of speech tagging was used to identify surrounding words that helped to contextualise the inclusion of the term. Through content analysis, key words were then grouped into six themes (approachability; synonyms for good; clarity; enjoyment and enthusiasm; relevance; and subject matter expertise) that highlighted both individual educator attributes and the overall learning experience. This research provides practical considerations for educators and administrators in relation to what students find engaging and how to support such positive environments. Additionally, it reinforces the role students play as major stakeholders in their learning and ongoing discussions around engagement.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1464375
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In a changing educational landscape, student engagement remains a prominent issue in research and practice. This study explores engagement from the student's perspective across multiple disciplines, year levels and delivery modes. It draws on 13,125 Student Evaluation of Teaching survey comments where students have used the word "engage" (or derivative) in response to individual educators. Part of speech tagging was used to identify surrounding words that helped to contextualise the inclusion of the term. Through content analysis, key words were then grouped into six themes (approachability; synonyms for good; clarity; enjoyment and enthusiasm; relevance; and subject matter expertise) that highlighted both individual educator attributes and the overall learning experience. This research provides practical considerations for educators and administrators in relation to what students find engaging and how to support such positive environments. Additionally, it reinforces the role students play as major stakeholders in their learning and ongoing discussions around engagement.
ISSN:2205-0795