Student Engagement and its Association with Peer Relation and Student-Teacher Relation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

In recent years, the topic of student engagement has received a lot of attention in educational research. The relationship between student engagement and peer relationship, as well as teacher-student relationship, has also been extensively researched. Positive peer relationship is associated with higher levels of engagement, as students who feel connected to their peers are more likely to participate in school activities and be driven to excel academically. Positive relationship with instructors has also been demonstrated to promote student engagement, as students who are supported by their teachers are more likely to participate in class, finish assignments, and be driven to learn. This study conducts an integrative assessment of the scientific literature on student engagement, focusing on its relationship to the teacher-student relationship and peer relationship. The databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus were used to search for articles on student engagement published in English and Chinese between 2019 and 2023. Following the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 16 studies were chosen. The vast majority of the studies were empirical and employed quantitative research methods. The findings show a link between student engagement and teacher-student relationship and peer relationship. Individual (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy) and environmental (e.g., teacher support, peer interactions) characteristics were found to influence student engagement. The review emphasizes the importance of encouraging student engagement in educational environments since it can improve academic achievements and create positive student well-being. Furthermore, it emphasizes teachers' vital role in developing supportive classroom settings that promote student involvement.