The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), a popular survey used to assess student engagement in higher education, includes ten engagement indicators:
- Higher-order learning: students are challenged intellectually and given complex cognitive tasks
- Reflective/integrative learning: students can relate what they are learning in class to their own experiences
- Learning strategies: students actively engage with the learning material on their own
- Quantitative reasoning: students are able to use statistical information in their daily life
- Collaborative learning: students work with others to learn and problem solve
- Discussion with diverse others: students interact with others from different backgrounds inside and outside the classroom
- Student–faculty interaction: students interact with faculty to grow personally/professionally
- Effective teaching practices: students’ views on how teaching is happening
- Quality of interactions: students have positive interaction and relationships with their peers, advisors, faculty, and staff
- Supportive environment: students are provided with a supportive environment by their institution in a variety of domains (including cognitive, social, and physical support)

Variables of Student Engagement in Higher Education

Astin's Student Involvement Theory refers to the ‘investment of physical and psychological energy in various objects’, where the objects can be general (student experience) or specific (preparing for an exam). This theory focuses on the process that fosters educational development, including physical, emotional, and cognitive engagement. It is based on the assumption that students who are more involved/engaged in the educational process achieve higher success levels. 

Student Involvement Theory

Peer victimization affects student engagement in the following aspects:
- school liking
- school avoidance
- independent participation
- perceived academic competence

Peer Victimization and Student Engagement

Student engagement is defined as student involvement in meaningful educational activities, and is considered an indicator for student learning and educational development. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The measure and study of sustained interaction with the medium. Engagement is different from Motivation in that it focuses on the user's willingness to continue interacting, rather than what inspires or spurs them into action.

Engagement

Willingness and consistency in performing said task. Can also be seen as "positive conduct" or "participation" with regards to the task at hand. Usually measured by:
- Persistence
- Level of concentration
- Contributions made

Behavioral Engagement

Emotional response to the task at hand. This is usually in response to needs being met or ignored while interacting with the task. Responses to varying levels of emotional engagement can be:
- Happiness
- Anxiety
- Boredom

Emotional Engagement

The user's level of investment in learning/task, in regards to personal ability, time and energy. Can also include:
- A design for challenge / flow state
- Flexibility in problem solving
- Mastery focus over achievement focus

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