Introduction: Student engagement - A window into undergraduate education

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to the ideas and concepts that fuel the subsequent analyses of student engagement. The chapter introduces the book and positions the discussion within the context of higher education quality assurance and the development of student engagement indicators. We introduce the seven system-level chapters and the final chapters on the nature and contribution of student engagement research. We then offer a brief sketch of the underpinning conceptual territory and examine the persuasive value of these ideas. This introductory chapter concludes by looking forward and offering this book as an invitation to expand and improve student engagement in higher education, and thereby to elevate the quality of student learning and development.