Finding the Humanity in the Data: Understanding, Measuring, and Strengthening Student Engagement

Abstract

Within the emerging field of research on student engagement, there exists a wide variety of work in terms of definitions, constructs, and methodologies. In this chapter, we argue for the importance of “finding the humanity in the data,” understanding and investigating student engagement and disengagement as a function of the perceptions of students about their experiences in the learning environment. After setting out a conceptualization of engagement, we examine data from the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE), a self-report survey containing both multiple-option and open-response questions. Our analysis is focused on the words and school experiences of students as a way of understanding levels and dimensions of student engagement in school. Using examples from the field, we describe ways in which schools use student perception data to understand and strengthen student engagement. We conclude by setting out challenges for research, policy, and practice in the field of student engagement.