Enhancing Student Engagement through Action Research: A Collaborative Approach in Secondary Education for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Md. Solaiman Jony

Abstract


Student engagement is crucial for academic progress, motivation, and emotional well-being in secondary education. This study investigates the effectiveness of action research as a collaborative and reflective strategy to improve student engagement. It explores how teachers and students work together to identify classroom challenges, design interventions, and assess their impact through iterative cycles of reflection and action. Employing a qualitative case study approach in two secondary schools in southern Bangladesh, data were collected through interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations. Findings reveal that action research fosters active student participation, enhances teacher adaptability, and promotes a student-centered learning environment. This participatory process increases motivation and responsibility among students while also supporting teachers’ professional development. The study highlights how collaborative action research contributes to educational reform and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Keywords


Action research and students’ engagement; Collaborative action research; Enhancing students’ engagement; SDG 4 and secondary education; Student-centered learning

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijert.v5i3.86174

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