Title: Behavioural, cognitive and affective factors of student engagement: a multi-modal model

Authors: Amy Hegarty; Lydia Devenney; Simon Stephens

Addresses: Faculty of Business, Atlantic Technological University, Donegal, Ireland ' Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Psychology and Counselling, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK ' Faculty of Business, Atlantic Technological University, Donegal, Ireland

Abstract: A gap in the research exists with the inability to clearly define student engagement and consequently develop appropriate metrics. It is important to measure and monitor student engagement and learning in an accurate and timely manner. In this study, data was extracted from the Irish Survey of Student Engagement (StudentSurvey.ie, 2022). Data analysis involved structural equation modelling and factor analysis. The outcome includes behavioural, cognitive and affective factors that shape a driven multi-modal method of measuring student engagement in higher education. The model can be used to support interventions, which aim to increase student productivity, interaction in classrooms, maintain motivation and guide policymakers.

Keywords: engagement; behavioural factors; cognitive factors; affective factors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.152377

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2026 Vol.16 No.1, pp.85 - 110

Received: 20 Jan 2025
Accepted: 16 Oct 2025
Published online: 17 Mar 2026 *

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