A very strong engagement?

Hamish Coates, ACER

Abstract

It is difficult to manage and enhance students' learning and development without knowing how they engage with education, yet student engagement is a relatively underexplored aspect of Australasian higher education. The idea of student engagement is underpinned by a simple premise: student learning and development is influenced by participation in activities that contribute directly to desired outcomes, and institutions, teachers and support staff play an important role in stimulating such engagement. In 2007, this premise underpinned the first Australasian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE). The AUSSE was administered at 25 Australian and New Zealand institutions to representative samples of first and later year students. Highlights from the 'Australasian Student Engagement Report' scheduled for release in March, provide new insights into key areas of university education. [Author abstract]