Student Engagement in Adolescence: A Scoping Review of Longitudinal Studies 2010-2020

J Res Adolesc. 2021 Jun;31(2):256-272. doi: 10.1111/jora.12619.

Abstract

We systematically mapped and analyzed the longitudinal research on adolescent student engagement published during 2010-2020. A total of 104 studies of 104,304 adolescents met inclusion criteria. Studies were mainly conducted in North America (43%) or Europe (34%). Over half studied engagement across one or more years. Most studies (93%) focused on antecedents of engagement rather than outcomes of engagement (38%). Data were commonly collected using self-report questionnaires (87%) and analyzed using path, growth, and cross-lagged models. Studies mainly examined engagement in classroom activities, school, or schoolwork; and focused on behavioral engagement (70%), followed by emotional (61%), then cognitive engagement (35%). No studies used a specific theory of engagement development, but instead referred to self-determination, ecological systems, and stage-environment fit theories.

Keywords: adolescents; longitudinal studies; scoping review; student engagement.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Schools
  • Students*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires