An exploration of student learning experiences and approaches to learning

Abstract

The research literature documents the different approaches to learning that students in Higher Education (HE) can adopt, e.g. deep, surface and strategic. Stage 1 of a longitudinal study aimed to determine the students’ approach to learning, and to assess whether this was related to previous learning experiences, initial expectations of HE and learning experiences in HE. A questionnaire study was conducted with 57 Level 1, degree students. The results revealed that a high proportion of students rated themselves as deep learners. Approach to learning was generally unrelated to previous learning experiences, but was related to initial expectations of HE. The students’ approach to learning was related to some initial learning experiences at HE and to assessment grades. It was concluded that the relationships between learning approach and learning experiences were generally consistent with previous research. In this study, the strategic approach appeared to be more beneficial in terms of assessment grades.