Alienation, agency and authenticity: a synthesis of the literature on student engagement

In recent years, a number of authors have undertaken extensive reviews of the international research literature to investigate student engagement in higher education. This article presents the findings of a study that synthesised the qualitative research literature systematically, through the use of qualitative research synthesis. The purpose of the article was not only to synthesise the literature, but also to examine and present the concepts and themes that recurred across the student engagement literature in terms of students' conceptions of engagement. The implications for enhancing student engagement practices are also considered in relation to pedagogical design decisions.