This paper investigates the design, structure and results produced by several widely used international surveys of student engagement, with specific regard to their validity in the Computer Science (CS) context. Of particular interest is the way that different survey instruments measure the multi-dimensional concept of 'student engagement'. By comparing the performance of CS in several contexts, key issues emerge regarding the impact of instrument design on results, how these results should be interpreted and if these results can actually be used to improve course delivery. The results highlight the need for reliable instruments that produce a clear and accurate picture of student engagement in specific disciplines, such as CS. This may lead to the design of more appropriate engagement measures for the CS context which can facilitate a more effective evidence-based response to any significant issues that may exist. It may also allow a more positive view to emerge of CS than is portrayed by current indicators.
['Matthew Butler', 'Jane Sinclair', 'Michael Morgan', 'Sara Kalvala']
Comparing international indicators of student engagement for computer science