Student Participation in Higher Education: Profiles, Factors, and Impacts: A Case Study of the Department of English at Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, FLDM, Fez

Abstract

This study investigates the factors affecting student classroom participation in higher education, grounded in the hypothesis that the student-teacher rapport, student motivation, and course preparation significantly shape the extent of their engagement in class. The research aims to examine the level of student participation, identify characteristics that distinguish active participants from non-participants, and explore the key determinants of classroom involvement, as well as potential strategies to enhance it. The study targets Semester Six students from the Department of English at Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University in Fez (FLDM), selected for their advanced level and familiarity with classroom dynamics. A random sampling technique was employed to ensure representativeness and objectivity. Methodologically, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data to measure participation patterns and assess variable relationships, alongside qualitative insights to explore students' perceptions and explanations of their engagement. The combination of both approaches strengthens the validity and reliability of the findings and offers a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping classroom participation.