Student Experience Research Articles

Factors influencing the completion of extensive reading tasks: A case study of Indonesian students in tertiary EFL class

Extensive Reading (ER) has received considerable attention in foreign language teaching and learning in Indonesia. However, research on student engagement and completion rates of ER assignments in higher education is limited. This qualitative case study investigates the factors that influence the completion of ER assignments among students in a counselling programme at a state university in Kalimantan. Using semi-structured interviews, the study explores students' perspectives and experiences to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face in completing extensive reading assignments. The findings reveal a complex interplay of factors that impede task completion, including lack of intrinsic motivation and interest in reading, vocabulary difficulties, and the learning environment. These findings highlight the critical role of English language teachers in creating a motivating and supportive learning environment, providing targeted vocabulary instruction and fostering a reading culture to maximise the benefits of ER for language acquisition and academic success in higher education.

Reframing Higher Ed Spaces and Belonging

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in changes to higher education, including how campus spaces are used and defined. Institutional pivots to meet health and safety protections impacted the way we think about public and private spaces in lasting ways. The end of the acute emergency presents an opportunity for colleges and universities to reflect about the physical and virtual student experience to cultivate a renewed sense of place and belonging. Campus spaces have historically been linked to students’ sense of belonging, which correlates with student engagement and academic success. Over generations, higher education has been shaped by social factors, evolving to become more equitable and inclusive. Campus spaces are now physical and virtual, and the COVID-19 endemic period presents an opening for higher education to recenter a student’s sense of belonging in community-based locations, physical campus spaces, and virtual learning environments.

MyFeedback: an online writing feedback service with students as partners

MyFeedback is an online feedback service run by the academic tutoring team at the University of East London (UEL). The service provides a formative type of feedback on the academic writing of students based on drafts they upload to a digital inbox. The service is a differentiating support mechanism that complements the one-to-one guidance provided by the academic writing tutors. This is possible by training and supervising students (online feedback initiators) to provide reviews of assignment drafts. In this ALDCon24 workshop, we discussed how the development and operation of the service has thrived through a partnership between learning developers and students, and thus establishing a community of practice (Wenger, 1998) of shared learning and vision. We provided insights into the working model and the ways in which students become partners and occasionally co-creators. We highlighted the opportunities and benefits that are shared among all those involved and the roles they assume. Student users of the service engage in a self-regulated learning experience (Nicol and Macfarlane-Dick, 2006) enacted by their repeated exposure to peer feedback interactions that is underpinned by pedagogical principles, such as the zone of proximal development (Vygotsky, 1978) and differentiation, for example in Tomlinson (2001). Tutors and student partners collaborate to consolidate their feedback mechanisms by bringing together teaching expertise, fresh enthusiasm, first-hand student experiences, and a sense of belonging, inclusivity and collaboration. At the same time, tutors direct their capacity efficiently to students who can benefit more from a live dialogue based on their assessment at hand.

Active listening for effective student engagement

Active listening can play a key and positive role in our relationships with others (Wolvin and Coakley, 2000; Bodie, 2011; Ellis and Abbot, 2018). When we fail to listen, we risk a lack of trust, empathy and insight; all crucial in effective communication. Whilst a lot of literature focuses on how active listening benefits students who use it, there is less understanding of the role of learning developers and the value of their actively listening to students (Canpolat et al., 2015; Shernof, et al., 2017; Eggenburger, 2021). Active listening by learning developers is, I would argue, vital in order to properly engage with and understand students. Utilising active listening in for example, 1-2-1 situations, may give students more confidence to express themselves and improve their relationship with and perception of their educational experience (Locktie, 2018). True active listening requires the listener to tune into the words of another person and suspend their assumptions (Lipari, 2010); embracing ‘listening being’ in our learning development practice may create a more positive student experience by building a person-centred atmosphere (Lipari, 2010). With discussions around the importance of developing a ‘sense of belonging’ in students gaining traction even before the COVID-19 pandemic, active listening deserves more attention. Moreover, in the context of high workloads and the increasing pressures of our higher education system, active listening is a neglected area of personal and professional development (Wolvin and Coakley, 2012). In this workshop, participants discussed how active listening can enhance their interactions with students whether online or in person. We refined our skills through practical, reflective activities, with a focus on the issues that impede our ability to listen and how we can improve. We also considered how listening feels from different perspectives and what kinds of behaviours we expect from a listener.

Tourism Student Satisfaction with Extra-curricular Activities in a Public Higher Education Institution in the Philippines

Higher education institution (HEI) is viewed as a significant driver of individual and national prosperity. HEI in the Philippines like Mindoro State University (MinSU), the only university in the province, delivers student development services that are designed for the exploration, enhancement, and development of the student’s full potential for personal growth, leadership, and social responsibility through various institutional and student-initiated activities. Recognizing this, MinSU is focusing on meeting its students’ needs, expectations, and satisfaction, the ultimate beneficiaries of the educational experience. This study assessed the satisfaction of tourism management students with extra-curricular activities (ECAs) during the academic year 2023-2024. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilizes a quantitative survey to gauge overall satisfaction and identify areas of strength and weakness. Additionally, qualitative interviews provide an in-depth exploration of student experiences, allowing them to articulate the “why” behind their satisfaction levels and let them make recommendations. Findings show students prioritized participation in cultural ECAs that provided opportunities to showcase their talents and creativity, contributing to reduced academic stress. Additionally, to improve student preparedness, the Council of Tourism Students Organization might consider a phased implementation of the existing SCALE program for the next semester. This study provides the factors that contribute to student satisfaction with ECAs, ultimately for the development of more engaging and enriching action plans that enhance the holistic experience towards student-initiated activities for lifelong learners as the future tourism industry workforce.

Customer Satisfaction of Students with Front-Line Service Delivery at a Private Higher Institution in Cavite, Philippines

This study investigates student satisfaction with frontline service delivery at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite (SSC-R), recognizing the critical role of service providers in enhancing student experiences. The primary aim is to assess the level of satisfaction among students, identify challenges faced by frontline staff, and evaluate existing support strategies to recommend evidence-based approaches for improvement. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines descriptive and evaluative methods, utilizing an online survey questionnaire to gather data from senior high school and college students, as well as frontline service staff across ten service offices. The findings reveal that students generally express satisfaction with the quality of services, particularly in terms of timeliness, quality, efficiency, and adequacy. However, senior high school students reported higher satisfaction levels compared to their college counterparts. The study identifies significant challenges faced by frontline staff, including data fragmentation, diverse student needs, and a demanding work environment. In conclusion, the research highlights the necessity for targeted interventions to bridge the satisfaction gap, improve staff effectiveness, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing the overall student experience at SSC-R.

Retaining LGBTQQIA+ Faculty to Tenure and Beyond

In recent years, academia has attempted to be more open and accepting of diverse identities to better serve the campus community. To this end, there has been increased programming to focus on inclusiveness of marginalized identities such as LGBTQQIA+. However, much of this programming has centered on the student experience and neglected tenure-seeking faculty, who are generally used to carrying out such programming rather than benefiting from it. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of tenure-seeking counselor education faculty during their tenure-seeking process. Using consensual qualitative research (CQR) as an analytical framework, the authors found three core ideas: identity, vetting, and support.

Participating—or Being Part of an Organizational Change: Narratives of Participation Related to School Closures to Reduce School Segregation

The mission of all primary schools includes offering all pupils educational quality and equality. Municipalities struggle with the negative consequences of school segregation, and some local councils decide to implement extensive changes in their school organization to offer all pupils equal opportunities. This study analyzes the experiences of staff and students when a local council implemented organizational changes to reduce the negative consequences of school segregation. A narrative analysis of documentation from the education authority and interviews with pupils and school staff were used to understand the perspectives of staff and pupils. There was strong support from the staff for implementing the changes but also strong criticism of how these changes were carried out. One conclusion is that municipalities implementing similar changes need to plan for the whole process and the participation of pupils and school staff in a systematic way.

Influence of Teachers’ Experience in Information Communication Technology and Students’ Academic Performance in Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools of Rwanda: A Case of Kayonza District

The study evaluated the impact of teachers' ICT experience on students' math performance in public secondary schools in Kayonza District, Rwanda. Involving 259 participants (223 teachers and 36 head teachers), data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Findings revealed that 83.5% of respondents strongly agreed that teachers skilled in MS Excel, 85.9% in PowerPoint, and 83.9% in preparing teaching materials with ICT tools positively influenced students' performance. Additionally, 82.3% noted that teachers trained in exam preparation with ICT tools demonstrated their ICT experience. Improved student outcomes were reported, with 79.4% noting better numeracy, 80.2% improved grades, and 78.3% enhanced skills in experimenting with MS Excel. A significant positive correlation was found between teachers' ICT expertise and students' math performance. The study suggests that proficiency in ICT tools enhances students' academic performance. The Ministry of Education should support ICT integration to boost academic achievement, with superintendents and head teachers optimizing ICT training and lab usage. Teachers should share ICT skills to improve instruction and student outcomes. Future research should investigate the broader effects of ICT in education on academic achievement in mathematics.

Text Analysis of the System of Changing Majors in Chinese Universities

The major, as the most basic unit for cultivating talents, has always been a subject of public concern. The choice of major affects the effectiveness of talent cultivation, and the correct choice of major is one of the key factors affecting the level of study commitment and state, as well as the student's college experience and the quality of undergraduate education. It is crucial to pay close attention to the adjustment and conversion of majors for students who are dissatisfied with their majors after entering a university. This paper lists the theoretical basis for major transfer, describes the development of relevant major regulations in China, and analyzes the implementation regulations of five randomly selected universities, it raises issues and provides relevant suggestions.

The Lived Experiences of Students with Bullying in King Khalid University: A Qualitative Approach Study

Psychological health and physiological health are crucial issues for educational institutes. However, bullying in universities remains a significant social issue that requires a deep understanding from the bully’s perspective. This qualitative study investigated students with lived experiences of bullying in two medical colleges at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Nine male students participated in this study through semi-structured group discussions using open-ended questions. The discussions were transcribed, and the data were thematically analyzed. Four themes were identified: (i) the prevalence of bullying, (ii) bullying experiences, (iii) the institutional policy of bullying, and (iv) factors contributing to bullying. Findings showed that students lacked knowledge of their colleges’ anti-bullying policies, and verbal bullying was the prevalent form of bullying in interactions among students and between students and lecturers. In addition, cyberbullying was extended to digital platforms, as indicated by a number of participants. The participants also highlighted the significance of anti-bullying policies, believing that better awareness would empower students to address bullying more effectively. Recommendations were made for universities to implement anti-bullying policies and ensure their visibility to assist students in dealing with bullying situations.

Development of English Board Learning Media to Increase Learning Motivation in English Subjects in Grade 3 of Elementary Madrasah

Students are less motivated to follow the English learning process. The methods and approaches used by teachers are less interesting to students, still centered on the teacher. This study developed English board learning media, and to increase student enthusiasm and make it easier for teachers to transfer knowledge to students. English Board is expected to be fun, interesting, and motivating, and not make students bored when participating in English learning activities. The "English Board" learning media can increase student enthusiasm in learning and provide a pleasant learning experience for students. English Board media uses a research and development model. This study was only conducted in five stages, namely: 1) potential and problem stage, 2) data collection stage, 3) product design stage, 4) product validation stage, and 5) product revision stage. The results of the media validity obtained an average percentage of 89.77%, this result is included in the category of very good or very suitable for use in implementing English learning activities.

An Exploration of Students’ Lived Experience of Being Remote Learners: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

This study sought to explore a deeper understanding of the lived experience of students who underwent remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Following the qualitative phenomenology research paradigm, seven demographically diverse participants took part from different universities. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to explore how participants made sense of their experiences. A rigorous analysis of students’ reflections and online interviews revealed three overarching themes: constructive experience, deconstructive experience, and futuristic sense-making of remote learning practice. This study proposes various solutions and evidence-based recommendations to enhance students’ experiences of remote learning, as well as directions for future research. Keywords: Remote, Learners, Experiences, Phenomenology

Playing the game of selectivity: The normalisation of merit and invisibilisation of advantage in students’ admission into competitive schools

Students’ beliefs in schooling to achieve opportunity have been well documented in the school choice literature. How students make sense of successful entry into competitive and high-demand schools via high-stakes entrance exams is less researched. High-demand schools, including both public and private schools, can utilise entrance exams to enrol their students. This paper aims to contribute empirical and conceptual insights into school selectivity by tracing the experiences of students as they navigate exams into selective and high-fee private schools, to broaden understandings of how competitive school admissions processes can impact students. Interviews reveal that many students are motivated to achieve occupational opportunities through admission into competitive schools. Influenced by their families, all participants undergo private tutoring and exam coaching to prepare for entrance exams, from a few months to 8 years. Long-term tutoring, repetitive test-taking and applying for multiple high-demand schools both simultaneously and consecutively constitute ‘playing the game of selectivity’, an experience from which students develop conceptions of merit that normalises these processes. Such conceptions of merit include individualistic strategies that render invisible their own sense of economic advantage relative to others.

College Amenities Application (CampusIn)

Abstract—In the digital age, enhancing student experience and academic success through efficient services is essential for modern educational institutions. The College Amenities application serves as a comprehensive, multifunctional platform that integrates various aspects of academics into one seamless system. It offers a range of services, including food ordering, where students can conveniently browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries; event showcasing, which keeps students informed about campus events, workshops, social activities and placement information, providing access to job opportunities, internships, and career resources. Additionally, the application features like secure document storage, enabling students to organize and retrieve academic materials such as notes, assignments, and research papers with ease. By combining these features, the application improves campus connectivity, enhances student engagement, and supports academic and professional growth, making it a valuable tool for fostering a more efficient and interactive campus experience. Keywords: Service Automation, Campus dining, Event Registration, Placement Automation, File Storage.

Teaching Self-Regulated Learning Through Reflective Writing: Experiences of First-Year Medical Students With the Master Adaptive Learner Model

Teaching Self-Regulated Learning Through Reflective Writing: Experiences of First-Year Medical Students With the Master Adaptive Learner Model

A Comparative Study on ERNIE Bot 4.0 Turbo and ChatGPT 4o’s Performance in Evaluating First-Year Undergraduate Persuasive Essays

This study compares the performance of two prominent AI language models, ERNIE Bot 4.0 Turbo and ChatGPT 4o, in evaluating first-year undergraduate persuasive essays within the social sciences domain. Drawing from the Louvain Corpus of Native English Essays, a comprehensive collection of academic writings by British and American university students, this study aims to examine the models’ capabilities in assessing the grammatical correctness, vocabulary usage, coherence, content depth, and writing style of the essays. This study adopts a structured evaluation framework based on IELTS writing criteria to assess the models’ performance. A 40 persuasive essays from the Louvain Corpus were evaluated by both AI models and compared with human raters’ evaluations to ensure validity. The findings reveal distinct differences in the assessment styles of the two models. ChatGPT 4o exhibits a more critical approach, pinpointing areas for improvement, such as lack of argument development, coherence issues, and grammatical errors. Conversely, ERNIE Bot 4.0 Turbo offers a more balanced assessment, acknowledging essays’ strengths and suggesting improvement areas. Notably, ERNIE Bot’s evaluation highlights potential biases in AI-based assessment systems, particularly in its unequal emphasis on viewpoints. This comparative examination offers valuable perspectives on the advantages and constraints of AI models in assessing scholarly compositions, underscoring the significance of amalgamating varied AI functionalities to establish more all-inclusive and efficient feedback systems for learners. By understanding these differences, researchers and educators can better utilize AI-assisted essay evaluation systems to enhance student learning experiences.

Assessment of Student Satisfaction with Dual Education in Educational Programs in Kazakhstan

Dual education, a hybrid model combining classroom learning with practical on-site training, is critical to vocational and technical education (TVET). Despite its widespread implementation, there are significant gaps in understanding how dual education influences student satisfaction. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the key factors influencing student satisfaction in Kazakhstan’s dual education system, focusing on the impact of practical and theoretical training. This study adopted a quantitative approach, and data were collected from students enrolled in dual education programs across various educational institutions using a structured survey. The survey measured overall satisfaction and professional experience on a Likert scale. The analysis revealed that the practical component of dual education significantly increases student satisfaction by 42.3%, followed by theoretical training (35.1%) and professional experience (16.6%). The model explains 46.3% of the variance in overall student satisfaction. This suggests that practical and theoretical components are critical to enhancing student experiences in dual education programs. The findings highlight the need for further development in both practical and theoretical aspects of dual education to meet student and labor market needs. The study’s implications are essential for improving vocational training programs, particularly aligning education with market expectations. The implications of our study can be instrumental in refining educational programs and aligning them with the needs of students and the labor market. Further research is necessary to explore the specific challenges different specializations face in dual education.

Students’ Perspectives and Experiences in Project-Based Learning: A Qualitative Study

Project-based learning (PBL) has gained traction in higher education as an effective pedagogical approach that promotes active learning, critical thinking, and the practical application of knowledge. Unlike traditional lecture-based methods, PBL engages students in collaborative projects that simulate real-world challenges, thereby enhancing their problem-solving skills. However, a notable gap exists in understanding how these theoretical benefits translate into actual student experiences. Therefore, this study aims to investigate undergraduate students’ perspectives and experiences in project-based learning. By understanding students’ perspectives and experiences, this research highlights the benefits, challenges, and overall effectiveness of PBL. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 undergraduate students. The students were exposed to project-based learning in research methodology and software development courses. The interviews were conducted in person and via video conferencing, ensuring a comfortable environment for participants to share their insights. The data collected from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns. The thematic analysis revealed several key themes: the importance of consistent attendance due to the tailored and sequential nature of PBL; the facilitation of deeper understanding and the practical application of theoretical concepts; difficulties in adapting to PBL, especially when transitioning from traditional teaching methods; benefits and logistical challenges of collaboration; the crucial role of the iterative process of assessment and feedback in mastering concepts; and the fostering of autonomy and the development of essential skills such as time management and problem-solving.

Experiences of Undergraduate Students Enrolled in a University Instructional Physical Activity Course: Exploring Factors Contributing to Behavior Modification

Background: There is a trend of decreased daily physical activity among college students. Demands of coursework, hectic schedules, and stress often prevent students from engaging in regular exercise, leading to negative impacts on mental and physical well-being. University Instructional Physical Activity Programs have the potential to address this issue by offering courses that can encourage healthier habits and promote wellness. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences of undergraduate students enrolled in a two-credit elective physical activity course. Methods: Participants were 587 undergraduate students enrolled in an online instructional physical activity course. Data collection included a survey consisting of three questions on a five-point Likert scale and one open-ended response regarding their experience in the course. Results: Descriptive survey data indicated positive trends regarding participants’ experience. Based on thematic analysis, qualitative data produced four themes including (1) awareness, (2) accountability, (3) ease and convenience, and (4) behavior change. Conclusions: Participants had an overall positive response to wearing an activity tracker in an online physical activity course and believed the awareness the activity tracker provided changed their daily behaviors, enabled health outcomes, and changed future intentions for physical activity. This study provides insight into the inclusion of technology to facilitate physical activity in college-age students. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences of undergraduate students enrolled in a two-credit elective physical activity course. Methods: Participants were 587 undergraduate students enrolled in an online instructional physical activity course. Data collection included a survey consisting of three questions on a five-point Likert scale and one open-ended response regarding their experience in the course. Results: Descriptive survey data indicated positive trends regarding participants’ experience. Based on thematic analysis, qualitative data produced four themes including (1) awareness, (2) accountability, (3) ease and convenience, and (4) behavior change. Conclusions: Participants had an overall positive response to wearing an activity tracker in an online physical activity course and believed the awareness the activity tracker provided changed their daily behaviors, enabled health outcomes, and changed future intentions for physical activity. This study provides insight into the inclusion of technology to facilitate physical activity in college-age students.