Factors related to student engagement in blended learning in higher education: A narrative synthesis based on a systematic review

This systematic review synthesizes empirical research on factors associated with student engagement in higher education blended learning. Drawing on 81 peer-reviewed studies published since 2016, we distinguished between four factors affecting student engagement: individual, instructional, interactional, and learning-environment factors. The synthesis shows that instructional factors, particularly learning support, assessment and feedback, course delivery, and learning materials, and individual factors, particularly intrapersonal competencies, were most frequently examined across studies. Interactional and learning environment factors were less frequently studied. In addition, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement were the most commonly investigated dimensions, whereas social and agentic engagement received comparatively limited attention. We also identified substantial reliance on one-time self-report measures, with relatively limited use of longitudinal or digital-trace data to capture the dynamic nature of engagement. These findings highlight the need for more nuanced research on social and agentic engagement, improved operationalization of factors using longitudinal and digital-trace approaches, and greater attention to how adaptable instructional factors interact with less adaptable individual differences when designing blended learning environments. • Factors associated with student engagement in blended learning in higher education were systematically reviewed. • Eighty-three empirical studies, including quantitative and qualitative studies, were included. • Individual factors, instructional factors, interactional factors, and learning environmental factors are identified. • Individual factors and instructional factors are most related to student engagement. • Surveys are the most commonly used method to measure the identified factors. • Most instructional factors were examined by means of intervention designs. • The literature review showed that the most recurring factors are malleable factors. • The number of articles investigating factors influencing social and agentic engagement is limited.