Student Engagement in Virtual Learning: The Self-Determination Theory Perspective

The exploratory case study explored how the lecturers motivate the students to engage in team-based online learning and how technologies in e-learning and remote classrooms motivate student engagement. Engagement is a multidimensional construct that includes behaviour, emotions, and cognition, essential in learning outcomes. Involving 101 undergraduate students, questionnaires and virtual interviews were conducted with the participants to elicit their perceptions and experiences concerning student engagement. Following the Self-Determination Theory framework of Deci and Ryan (1985), this study proved that students’ engagement in the team-based online learning model is based on three perspectives: competence, sense of belonging, and autonomy. The theory highlights the importance of motivation and fulfilment of three basic human needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires focusing on the perceptions and experiences of undergraduate students who had participated in fully online learning for four semesters. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data divided into categories based on the Self-Determination Theory framework. The findings reveal that students’ engagement in team-based online learning is influenced by their need for competence, belonging, and autonomy. Overall, this research highlights the importance of addressing student engagement in online learning and provides insight into how lecturers and technology can motivate and enhance student engagement in team-based online learning. Lecturers must continually adapt their instructional strategies and leverage technology to maintain and increase student engagement during the online learning experience