Investigating the Effect of Lecturer-Student Interaction on Student Engagement in Class

Abstract

Lecturer-student interaction, as a key determinant of student attitudes toward learning and academic performance, has garnered considerable attention and investigation by researchers. A positive interaction between lecturers and students can help students bolster their learning engagement. This study undertakes a review of relevant literature and research concerning lecturer-student interactions and examines its effects on student engagement at a public university in Vietnam. A self-designed cross-sectional quantitative survey was used in this study. Analysis of the 225 responses indicates that students exhibit a significant interest in lecturer-student interactions, and the current level of such interactions is relatively high. Additionally, the findings reveal a positive correlation between lecturer-student interactions and student engagement, and demonstrate a substantial effect of that interaction on student engagement. Specifically, when students perceive a high degree of care, support, and rapport from lecturers, they exhibit increased involvement in learning across behavioural, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. The limitations and academic suggestions for further research are also addressed in this study.