Relational Student Engagement in Co-curricular Spaces

Evidence from a South African University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24085/jsaa.v10i1.2193

Abstract

Student engagement is a widely researched and utilized concept to enhance student experiences and outcomes. Most research on student engagement, however, focuses on curricular engagement with relatively little emphasis placed on the co-curriculum. This study utilizes Case’s theory of relational engagement to analyse findings from three focus groups conducted at a university in South Africa to better understand how relational engagement is instantiated in the co curriculum and how the co-curriculum differs from the standard academic curriculum in terms of engagement. In particular, we show relational engagement is just as important in the co-curriculum, highlighting student relations to broader university life, to fellow students, and to communities beyond the campus.

Author Biographies

  • Matthew Wawrzynski

    Associate Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education in the Department of Educational Administration at Michigan State University.

  • Jacob Lemon

    doctoral candidate in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education in the Department of Educational Administration at Michigan State University.

  • Sapna Naik

    doctoral candidate in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education in the Department of Educational Administration at Michigan State University.

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Published

2022-08-17

How to Cite

Relational Student Engagement in Co-curricular Spaces: Evidence from a South African University. (2022). Journal of Student Affairs in Africa , 10(1). https://doi.org/10.24085/jsaa.v10i1.2193