Deconstructing Engagement: Rethinking Involvement in Learning. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitton, Nicola; Moseley, Alex
• Other Names: Moseley Alex guest-editor.; Whitton Nicola guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Simulation & gaming. Volume 45:Number 4/5(2014:Aug./Oct.)
• Page Start: 433
• Page End: 449
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: affiliation -- attention -- captivation -- construction of engagement -- engagement -- engagement with education -- engagement with games -- immersion -- incorporation -- learning -- limitations -- model of engagement -- participation -- passion; Social sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Game theory -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Jeu de rôle -- Périodiques; Éducation; Jeu d'entreprise; Jeu de simulation; Méthode de simulation; Sciences sociales; Théorie des jeux; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 003.3
• DOI: 10.1177/1046878114554755
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-8781

Abstract

Background . Thediscourse of learnerengagement has become prevalent in formal education research and practice in recent years. However, the term has multiplemeanings and variousconstructions, particularly in the context of games andlearning, where the coming together of two different disciplinary constructs createsambiguity andtensions . Aim . The notions ofengagement with education andengagement with games are not necessarily mutually compatible, and this article aims to explore this. Method . This article starts by exploring the use of the term bydeconstructing the idea of engagement, and highlighting issues with the way in which people use it in different contexts. Next, it discussespractical and theoretical limitations of the concept, such as theassumed link betweenengagement andlearning and measurement of engagement. Results . The core contribution of the article is asynthesis of the complexliterature in this field presented as amodel of engagement with learning based on six ways ofconstructing engagement :participation, attention, captivation, passion, affiliation, andincorporation . Conclusion . The article concludes by discussing the benefits and possible uses of this model, and highlighting necessary furtherresearch to forward the field of games and learning in this area.