Time for a Change? A Research Update and Pilot Study Results on Academic Time-Based Decision-Making

Abstract

Engineering students in Canada and around the world are facing numerous challenges with their time, including absenteeism from class, surface approach to learning, and high stress levels. A research study to understand the time management habits of engineering students is ongoing and a pilot study has been completed. This paper contains an overview of the relevant background theories, the application of these theories to a new survey instrument, and the pilot study used to test and improve this instrument. The new survey instrument on time management and decision making was required as existing instruments published in the literature were considered to be flawed and inadequate for this study. The new instrument incorporates a decision-making dimension following the think-plan-do models of self-regulated learning theories. Analysis of this instrument will assume clusters, rather than factors, of time management behaviours to be the basis for grouping individuals. The pilot study was conducted on a number of self-selected graduate engineering students in November 2019. Participants filled out an online survey and then some volunteered for a think-aloud interview. Changes resultant from the pilot study analysis included question modifications, Likert scale modifications, and user experience improvements. The pilot study resulted in an overall improvement to the validity, reliability, and completeness of the survey instrument. The full study is currently being administered to undergraduate engineering students. The results will be published to help inform the manner in which time management is taught and used by engineering students.