The Relationship between Institutional Climate and Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes in Ontario Community Colleges
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study was designed to examine the relationship between institutional climate and student engagement in Ontario colleges. Climate and engagement data were gathered by questionnaires from a sample of 348 students from an Ontario community college. The climate data were collected by the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and student engagement was measured by a questionnaire compiled using items selected from the Ontario College Student Engagement Survey (OCSES). Statistical analyses of correlation and multiple-regression were applied to test the relationship between the variables, using SPSS Statistics Version 21. Results revealed that students’ perception of their learning environment was significantly related to both engagement and learning outcomes. The climate dimensions of good teaching practice, emphasis on independence, appropriate workload, and support for learners were found to be significant predictors of student engagement, which in turn was significantly related to learning outcomes. Findings provide empirical evidence that supports the feasibility of using institutional climate dimensions to predict student engagement and learning outcomes. Based on this, future studies may treat student engagement as a type of organizational behaviour that can be studied in relation to the social psychological context of educational institutions, thus broadening the scope of study on student engagement. From a practical point of view, the findings provide clear indications for college educators around building appropriate policies that encourage and support optimal student outcomes. As well, effective teaching practices that are appropriately conceived and implemented can make a significant difference that results in improved education quality.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Wenlu Feng
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3010920994