Abstract:

As cybersecurity education becomes an increasingly integral part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, the demand for hands-on practical learning in cybersecurity is rising in tandem with the workforce's need for cybersecurity professionals. This paper addresses the pressing need for cybersecurity educators to identify and understand the factors impacting student learning engagement in cybersecurity labs. Despite the growing emphasis on hands-on and practical learning, many educational environments continue to struggle to fully engage students in cybersecurity lab activities. Addressing this gap requires a deeper understanding of the key elements contributing to student learning engagement in cybersecurity labs. This study investigates the factors that may influence student learning engagement in cybersecurity labs by employing a case study approach with a qualitative methodology, gathering insights from students and educators. The findings provide valuable guidance for educators and curriculum developers to design more engaging and impactful cybersecurity lab environments.

Keywords:

Student learning engagement, Cybersecurity labs, Student Motivation, Student involvement, Case study approach, Engaging learning environments.