Resilience in crisis: A study of Lebanese student engagement across economic, political, and pandemic turmoil

Abstract

This article investigates the dynamics of student engagement in higher education against the backdrop of multifaceted challenges—including the Covid-19 pandemic, socioeconomic crises, and political instability—within the context of Lebanon. Using data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the article spans three distinct periods: the onset of an economic slowdown and political instability (2013–2014), the profound deepening of the economic crisis and political turmoil (2017–2018), and the tumultuous period of the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating explosion of August 4, 2020 (2020–2021). It addresses three key research questions examining differences in student engagement over time and exploring the influence on engagement of sociodemographic characteristics, particularly the difference between first-year and senior students. The findings shed light on the intricate relationship between external crises and student engagement, offering insights into the adaptability and resilience of higher education in challenging circumstances. The study contributes to our understanding of student engagement within turbulent contexts and provides a basis for enhancing the quality of education delivery in similar settings.