Cultural universality and specificity of student engagement in school: The results of an international study from 12 countries

• DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12079
• Publication Date: 2015-05-23T04:56:05Z
• Authors: Shui‐fong Lam; Shane Jimerson; Hyeonsook Shin; Carmel Cefai; Feliciano H. Veiga; Chryse Hatzichristou; Fotini Polychroni; Eve Kikas; Bernard P. H. Wong; Elena Stanculescu; Julie Basnett; Robert Duck; Peter Farrell; Yi Liu; Valeria Negovan; Brett Nelson; Hongfei Yang; Josef Zollneritsch
• Keywords: Emic and etic; Student Engagement; Cross-Cultural; Multilevel modelling; Cross-cultural studies; Individualistic culture

A comprehensive understanding of the contextual factors that are linked to student engagement requires research includes cross-cultural perspectives.This study investigated how in school is associated with grade, gender, and across 12 countries. It also whether these associations vary countries different levels individualism socio-economic development.The participants were 3,420 7th, 8th, 9th grade students from Austria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, United Kingdom, States.The completed a questionnaire report their school, instructional practices they experienced, support received teachers, peers, parents. Hierarchical linear modelling was used examine effects at both country levels.The results revealed decline Grade 7 9, girls reporting higher than boys. These trends did not according Human Development Index Hofstede's Individualism Index. Most (instructional practices, teacher support, parent support) positively engagement. With exception had stronger association collectivism, most between countries.The indicate cultural universality specificity regarding school. They illustrate advantages integrating etic emic approaches investigations.