Profiling Islamic Undergraduate Student Engagement in Indonesia: A Multidimensional Latent Profile Analysis

Introduction. This study employed multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) to examine the complexities of undergraduate student engagement. Utilizing a within-item multidimensional graded response model, the research scaled and profiled student engagement across cognitive, behavioral, and social dimensions, employing latent profile analysis to unveil distinct engagement patterns among Islamic university undergraduates. Method. Aligning with a cross-sectional design, the study involved 657 Islamic university students (65% female) spread across Indonesia, selected through convenience sampling. A 19-item measuring Multidimensional Student Engagement Scale was applied, yielding internal consistencies: α = .913 for all items, .895 for the Cognitive Subscale, .811 for the Behavioral Subscale, and .754 for the Social Subscale. These coefficients indicate the scale's high internal reliability level, reinforcing its consistency in assessing student engagement dimensions. Results. The latent profile analysis revealed four typical engagement profiles among the participants. The first, encompassing 133 students, exhibited low engagement across all three dimensions: cognitive, behavioral, and social. The second profile, with 47 students, showed a contrasting pattern with high engagement in cognitive and behavioral dimensions but low in the social aspect. The majority, with 462 students, fell into the third profile, demonstrating an average level of engagement across all dimensions. The fourth, comprising 15 students, was characterized by high engagement in all three dimensions, representing a fully engaged cohort. Discussion and Conclusion. The identification of four distinct engagement profiles by LPA underscored the necessity for personalized educational strategies. According to this, tailoring interventions to specific engagement profiles can enhance student experiences and outcomes. For instance, leveraging digital platforms for Class 1 and 2 students while promoting leadership and community roles for Class 4 students represents a strategic approach aligned with contemporary educational research.