Part 3: Practices that Foster Engagement

Abstract

This special issue of Student Success celebrates the work of Professor Ella Kahu and her substantial contribution to the advancement of our collective understanding of student engagement. In June 2024 Professors Karen Nelson and Chi Baik, and Dr Cat Picton sat down with Ella for a reflective conversation about her work, and additional insights in her theorising and research on student experience and engagement. In this special issue, we present the interview transcript in three parts and showcase Ella’s key publications. The publications discussed in this section explore innovative practices that promote engagement. From the exploration of student interest as a key driver for first-year students in a regional Australian university to the critical role of tutor-student relationships, these publications shed light on the various elements that contribute to a vibrant and engaging educational experience. The integration of communication tools such as Discord and Teams alongside traditional learning management systems like Moodle demonstrates the evolving nature of student interaction and community building in both face-to-face and online environments. In addition, the incorporation of personal experiences in critical reading and writing pedagogies highlights the importance of connecting academic content with students’ lives. Together, these publications offer a range of strategies that educators and institutions can employ to cultivate an engaging and supportive educational environment that support student learning across diverse contexts.