Engagement in School and Out-of-School Contexts: A Multidimensional View of Engagement

Abstract

This article presents a multidimensional model of engagement (i.e., behavioral, emotional, cognitive) across school and organized out-of-school contexts (i.e., extracurricular activities, community organizations, and after-school programs). First, I describe the reasons why it is important to examine engagement in both school and organized out-of-school contexts. Next, an outline of the different ways involvement in organized out-of-school activities may relate to school is given. Finally, I present a conceptual model that outlines the contextual factors that are related to higher engagement in both school and out-of-school settings. The impact of teacher support, peer relationships, structure, and task characteristics on engagement are outlined. Practical examples of ways teachers can increase engagement in each area are given.