The Role of Engagement in the Development of Critical Thinking in Undergraduates

Abstract

This study explores how academic, research and extracurricular engagement is linked to the development of critical thinking in undergraduates using a spe­cific statistical model. Empirical basis of research was provided by the results of the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey conduc­ted in one of Russian national research universities in 2017 (N = 3,344). Binary logistic regression reveals a statistically significant relationship between the development of critical thinking and student engagement in learning, research and extracurricular activities, higher involvement corresponding to better cri­tical thinking skills. The findings may be useful for developing curricula, allo­cating student workload, and devising new initiatives for university students.

Keywords

• critical thinking
• student experience
• student engagement
• extracurricular activities
• academic activities
• undergraduate research