Teacher Support as Predictor of Student Engagement in College English Course in Selected HEIS in China

Abstract

This study adopted quantitative method to investigate the predictive role of teacher support in student engagement in College English courses at selected universities in China. The study population consisted a sample size of 379 students and 124 teachers, and assessed the level of teacher support in terms of emotional, academic, and instrumental support, as well as behavioral, emotional, and cognitive aspects of student engagement. Through Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression analysis, the study revealed the teacher-student differences in perceptions of teacher support and student engagement and also the predictive role of teacher support on student engagement, with implications for enhancing educational practices. The study revealed that both teachers and students rated teacher support positively in terms of emotional, academic, and instrumental support, with slight differences. There was no significant difference between teacher and student assessments of overall teacher support, though students rated emotional support higher. However, a significant difference was found in the assessment of student engagement, where students rated their engagement—especially emotional engagement—higher than teachers. Also, it was found that academic and instrumental support were significant predictors of student engagement, with academic support having the strongest impact. Based on these findings, a teacher support program is proposed to enhance student engagement in College English classes. The findings of this study have implications for teacher professional development in higher education. It highlights the importance of teacher support, especially academic and instrumental support, teachers towards boosting student engagement in College English class. Schools should prioritize ongoing training that helps teachers better understand and meet students’ academic and emotional needs, while also improving their ability to provide practical instrumental support. Professional development programs that strengthen and improve these areas can enhance teaching effectiveness, reduce discrepancies in student engagement perceptions, and ultimately improve student academic performance in College English classes in China.