A Study of Sophomore Dilemma Based on Students’ Engagement

Aim: This study investigates the Sophomore Dilemma about students’ engagement.

Study Design: This research was designed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approach.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in 2018 from October to December, in Shanghai China.

Methodology: Subjects were 176 students in F university. Data collection techniques using questionnaire and interview. Data analysis using stata14.

Results: There is a significant difference of grade in students’ learning engagement. Sophomores are less engaged in learning than those from other grades. They feel anxious, depressed, compelled and lonely, because of the contrast between reality and ideal, difficulty in keeping up with courses and loss of aim. The challenges of second-year students include academic life, individual expectations, social relationships, and extracurricular activities. We can establish or institutionalize efforts for sophomores from different aspects.

Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a sophomore dilemma during college in terms of students' learning engagement.