Exploring the Learning Success

Factors of Resilient Students: The Engagement Perspective

Exploring the Learning Success

Factors of Resilient Students: The Engagement Perspective

Dian-Fu Chang Tamkang University

Hsiao-Chi Chang UC Davis, Sung-Po Lin

Definition of Resilient StudentsDefinition of Resilient StudentsThey espouse psychological features of

resilience.They are students who are willing to

conquer the barriers during their academic journey and eventually reward by their excellent academic achievement.

Resilient student in this study are students with an economically disadvantaged family background.

Purpose of the StudyPurpose of the Study

Investigate the factors that underlying the success of resilient students.

Previous Studies focus on personality rather than engagement of resilient students.

This study employs engagement theory to explore the factors that promote the success of resilient students.

Literature ReviewLiterature Review

Context of the StudyContext of the StudyGlobal:

PISA Report did not further discuss the backgrounds, motivation, characteristics and learning related factors of resilient of students.

Taiwan: Students are deeply influenced by

Confucianism and its belief system.

Characteristics of Resilient StudentsCharacteristics of Resilient Students

Psychological: Strong will Self-efficacy Positive Attitudes or Positive thinking Behaviors go beyond the confinement

Contextual: Strong Family support Teachers providing opportunity

Theoretical FrameworkTheoretical FrameworkEngagement is positively correlated to

academic achievementEngagement versus PersonalityEngagement theory in this study:

Behavioral engagement Cognitive engagement Emotional engagement

Data CollectionData CollectionSampling population:

1,323 senior high school students

Demographic backgrounds of Students: Age ranged from 15 to18 years old 34 Senior High Schools

InstrumentInstrumentAcademic performance is the score of General

Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT): Academic proficiency of

• Chinese Language Art• English• Mathematics • Social Study • Science

18 items regarding student engagement.

MethodMethodFactor AnalysisANOVAMultiple Regression

Distribution of resilient studentsDistribution of resilient students91 resilient students (6.9%), 131 non-

resilient students (9.9%), and 1,101 average students (83.2%)

Backgrounds of Resilient students: Low socio-economic backgrounds High Academic Performance

Engagement Levels of StudentsEngagement Levels of Students

Ave

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Non

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Non

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Non

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Non

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Indirect-behav-ioral Engage-

ment

Direct-behav-ioral En-gagement

Emotional Engagement

Cognitive Engagement

-0.4-0.3-0.2-0.1

00.10.20.30.40.5

Regression ModelsRegression ModelsGroup Model R2

All students .130

Average Students

.124

Resilient Students

.203

Non-resilient Students

.269

Y:GSAT Score; X1:Indirect-behavioral Engagement; X2:Direct-behavioral Engagement; X3:Emotional Engagement; X4:Cognitive Engagement

DiscussionDiscussionThe personality of resilient students is a key

factor to their levels of engagement, specifically their enjoyment in learning.

Resilient students have better interaction with others, thus able to obtain the assistance from others.

Self-regulation of resilient students is crucial to keep their positive attitudes toward learning.

ConclusionConclusionStimulating student engagement is more

important than providing resources, specifically to economically disadvantaged students.

Emotional engagement is the key factor behind the academic success of resilient students.

Questions?Questions?