YPIE Scientist: Chloe Cumberbatch

Research: The Effects of Teacher Burnout on Student Engagement Levels Following the NYS Internet-Enabled Device Ban

Research Location: Yonkers Middle High School

Awards: Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, WESEF 2025, WESEF 2026, Somers 2024

Abstract:

Every year in the United States, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school. This issue is caused by a number of factors, including a lack of understanding of the material being taught. Many teachers can have their moods affected outside of the classroom, affecting their performance while educating pupils. This can cause students to misunderstand the materials being taught and begin to disengage from the discussions in class. The purpose of this study is to determine how teacher burnout can alter student engagement in classroom settings, and whether an internet-enabled ban has any impact on their relationship. In this study, six teachers (first trial) and ten teachers (second trial) from the same high school who teach varying subjects submitted surveys weekly for eight weeks to determine their burnout and student engagement levels. One survey pertained to their teacher burnout levels, while the other consisted of questions regarding student engagement in their classrooms. The results of the first trial demonstrated that as teacher burnout levels increased, student engagement slightly decreased, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient equating to -0.610. Of the subjects that were included in the study, History had the highest student engagement levels and the lowest teacher burnout, while English had the opposite results. The results of the second trial indicated that the effect of teacher burnout on student engagement was not a strong negative correlation (r=-0.493). The results after the implementation of an internet-enabled device ban are slightly more pronounced, demonstrating that the ban did impact teacher burnout and student engagement levels. The longitudinal teacher burnout and student engagement levels did not show a meaningful correlation, which demonstrates that time did not play a large role in their values. Understanding how teacher burnout affects student engagement is an important component in terms of improving student outcomes and decreasing dropout rates.

About this Scientist:   

Chloe Cumberbatch is a senior currently pursuing her IB Diploma at Yonkers High School. She will be attending Fordham University in the fall, and is currently undecided. She plans to find a study that interests her, likely revolving around advocacy and scientific data.

Presentation Slides