The role of cognitive engagement in classroom learning and motivation
Abstract
The article analyzes the concept of student cognitive engagement, and the manner in which classroom instruction may develop self‐regulated learners. Since theory and research on academic motivation, to date only vaguely define the role of learning processes, and since studies of learning strategies rarely assess motivational outcomes, our analysis integrates these two streams of literature. We also identify specific features of instruction and discuss how they might influence the complex of student interpretive processes focal to classroom learning and motivation. Measurement issues and research strategies peculiar to the investigation of cognitive engagement are addressed.
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Individual levels of cognitive engagement may be influenced by the instructor's encouragement and discussion facilitation as well as by intrinsic motivation.
“Of course, individual levels of cognitive engagement may be influenced by the instructor's encouragement and discussion facilitation as well as by intrinsic motivation (Corno & Mandinach, 1983).”
From Interaction and cognitive engagement: An analysis of four asynchronous online discussions (2006) · cites this paper as Corno & Mandinach, 1983
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“For example, Corno and Mandinach (1983) examined students’ cognitive engagement in classrooms, and Kahn (1990) studied the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of employee engagement.”
- Authors
- Corno, L., & Mandinach, E. B.
- Affiliations
- Columbia University (US)
- Stanford University (US)
- ORCID
- Mandinach, Ellen B.
- Venue
- Educational Psychologist
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1983-06
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 88-108
- ISSN
- 0046-1520 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-6985
- OpenAlex
- W2076532645
- Cited by
- 853
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 12 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 34 · 2021: 29 · 2020: 75 · 2019: 26 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 33 · 2015: 39 · 2014: 38 · 2013: 30 · 2012: 43
- FWCI
- 17.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Educational Psychologist (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Education, Achievement, and Giftedness
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Psychology of Development and Education
- Keywords
- cognitive engagement, academic motivation, student self-regulation, learning strategies, classroom teaching
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