LAUSR

Abstract This study explores the role of teaching presence in students’ behavioral engagement in online learning. We analyzed three classes conducted by one teacher over a period of three semesters. Content analysis and social network analysis were employed to analyze the teacher’s teaching presence and students’ behavioral engagement. Results indicated that teaching presence promoted students’ interaction and reduced the number of marginal students. Results also showed that design and organization, facilitating discourse, and technological support positively contributed to students’ behavioral engagement in their learning, while direct instruction and assessment had some inhibitory roles in students’ behavioral engagement. This study adds to the literature on how teaching presence indicators influence students’ behavioral engagement.