Exploring Student Engagement, Individual Contribution, and Knowledge Sharing in Academic Research Teams: A Quantitative Study

This study investigates the interrelationships among student engagement, individual contribution, and knowledge sharing within academic research teams among fourth-year Marine Engineering students at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). Employing a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from thirty (30) students using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. Descriptive statistics indicated very high levels of student engagement (M = 3.47), individual contribution (M = 3.41), and knowledge sharing (M = 3.48). Spearman’s rho correlation analysis revealed statistically significant and strong positive correlations among the three variables, with the highest correlation observed between individual contribution and knowledge sharing (r = 0.950, p<0.01). These findings underscore the critical role of active engagement and individual accountability in fostering effective collaboration and knowledge exchange in research teams. The study recommends the implementation of structured support systems that recognize individual efforts, enhance motivation, and facilitate open communication to strengthen team dynamics in academic research settings.