A Model for Promoting Academic Engagement in Medical Sciences Students

Abstract

Introduction: Attention to scientific and cultural motivation and progress of students is very important. Academic engagement is one of the main factors of academic achievement and success. The purpose of this study was to explain the relationship between the variables “academic engagement” and “individual and academic factors” and therefore, to present a model for promoting academic engagement. Method: This mixed method (qualitative-quantitative) study was carried out in Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch. A total of 364 students were selected using combination sampling method. Data collection tools were interview in the qualitative part and a valid and reliable questionnaire in the quantitative part. The qualitative data were analyzed through open, axial and selective coding. The quantitative data were analyzed in LISREL software by means of descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage frequency, mean, standard deviation and variance, and inferential statistics including one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analysis, regression coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results: The mean score of academic engagement was 3.47±0.47 (total=5) and above the average. There was a positive (0.58) and significant correlation between individual factors and academic engagement at the 0.01 level. There was also a positive (0.40) and significant correlation between academic factors and academic engagement at the 0.01 level. Results of the structural part of the promotion model showed that the individual and academic factors were influential in promoting academic engagement by a 0.79 and 0.23 coefficient respectively. These two factors explained 84% of the variance of academic engagement. Conclusion: Reinforcement of individual and academic factors can promote academic engagement in medical sciences students