Examining Learner Engagement Strategies: Australian and Canadian Teachers' self-Report

Abstract

The Learning and Engagement Questionnaire (LEQ) measures instructional and environmental variables associated with learner engagement. The present study sought to determine the suitability of the LEQ to measure learner engagement with a sample of Canadian teachers and to further investigate the factorial structure in comparison with the Australian context. Canadian teachers (N = 739) from Kindergarten to Grade 12 responded to the LEQ in ways that are explained by two factors identified as “Instructional Cycle” and “Student-Directed Learning.” The previously reported factor structure of the LEQ identified five factors in the Australian study: “Goal Directed Learning,” “Task Selection,” “Intensive Teaching,” “Teacher Responsiveness,” and “Planning and Learning Environment.” There is a discussion of the cross- cultural differences between the Australian and Canadian participant groups and their dominant pedagogical approaches. The LEQ has the potential to raise teachers’ awareness of the strategies they can use to facilitate inclusive practice through differentiated student engagement.