Developmental Analysis of Academic Engagement in Male and Female Students in Mashhad

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to compare academic engagement among male and female students in Mashhad. Methodology: This research employed a non-experimental, comparative design. The statistical population included male and female students in two age groups (10–12 and 13–15 years) from the seven districts of Mashhad in 2023, totaling 4,618 students. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a sample of 355 students, who were selected through a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the Zarang Academic Engagement Questionnaire (2013). Data analysis and hypothesis testing were conducted using an independent sample t-test and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).  Findings: The findings indicated that students in the 13–15 age group had higher mean scores in academic engagement and its components, including cognitive, behavioral, and motivational engagement, compared to students in the 10–12 age group. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that as students age, their academic engagement increases.