Civic Engagement as a Predictor of Academic Success: A Correlational Study Among Teacher Education Students at Eastern Samar, Philippines

This study aimed to uncover the relationship between the Civic Engagement and Academic Performance of Teacher Education Students at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Guiuan Campus focused on the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) students. A quantitative approach structured around a descriptive correlational design was utilized using an adapted survey questionnaire. The results reveal that BSEd students demonstrate a Moderate Level of Engagement (MLE) in both civic attitudes and behaviors. Mean scores for civic attitudes range from 4.05 to 4.11, with the highest-rated item being “Being informed of community issues” (M = 4.11), indicating that students value civic awareness. Similarly, civic behavior scores range from 4.21 to 4.27, with the most engaged behaviors being helping community members and contributing to charitable organizations (M = 4.27). In terms of academic performance, the General Weighted Average (GWA) is 1.71 (85-89%), which is interpreted as Very Good Academic Performance. Correlation analysis using Spearman’s rho shows a moderate positive relationship between civic attitudes and GWA (ρ = 0.462, p < .001), as well as between civic behavior and GWA (ρ = 0.466, p < .001). Additionally, a robust correlation between civic attitudes and civic behaviors (ρ = 0.958, p < .001) suggests that students with strong civic beliefs are likelier to engage in civic activities. These findings indicate that higher civic engagement is associated with better academic performance, emphasizing the role of civic attitudes in fostering active participation in both community and educational settings.