Student Perceptions Of Support Research Articles

Addressing the interplay amongst university support, student experience, and university brand image at Vietnamese higher education institutions

During the last three years, the Covid-19 pandemic has made landmark changes in all aspects of the society and higher education is no exception. The current study examines the interrelationships between university support, student experience, and university brand image. The study used partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and Smart PLS 3.3.7 to conduct the analysis. Research data were collected by structured questionnaire with 300 students from various studying majors of 12 prominent universities across the nation. The findings firstly suggest that university support has a positive and significant impact on students’ perceived support and overall student experience. Second, the student experience has a noticeable impact on the university image. In addition, the current paper also emphasizes the significant role of student experience in mediating the relationship between university brand image and student perceived support. Practically, universities have been suggested to provide more support for students, including both policies and activities, to improve student perceptions of support and experience. An outstanding student experience is critical to develop and enhance the university brand image. As a result, the findings aid higher education institutions in enhancing their competitiveness in today’s dynamic educational environment.

A multilevel approach to understanding student and teacher perceptions of classroom support during early adolescence

Supportive classroom environments are associated with improved student outcomes, particularly during early adolescence (ages 10–14 years). Applying Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to further investigate the microsystem of the school (Bronfenbrenner and Morris in The ecology of human development, Harvard University Press, Boston, 1998), we examined how student and teacher perceptions of classroom support relate to one another and identified which ecological characteristics impact student and teacher perceptions of support. Using data from 35 grade 5–6 classrooms, we examined parallel models of students’ and teachers’ perceptions of classroom support as a function of individual-, classroom- and school-level characteristics. Students’ perceptions varied substantially between students in the same classroom, and differences between schools accounted for important variability in students’ perceptions. In contrast, teachers’ perceptions showed no between-school variability; all variability in teachers’ perceptions could be attributed to varying experiences of teachers in the same school. Additionally, students’ perceptions of support were significantly and positively associated with teachers’ perceptions of support. Taken together, results suggest that educational interventions targeting classroom processes should be enacted at the school level and assessed by both teacher and student in an attempt to capture the breadth of perceptions and optimise outcomes among early adolescents.

Student perceptions of support in practice

This paper reports on a funded research project exploring perceptions and experiences of pre-registration nursing students of support in practice in one Higher Education Institution in England. The study used a mixed method approach with samples of new students (within the first six months) and finishing students (within the last three months). Students reported that the most important areas they needed support with were clinical skills, placement situations, documentation and personal issues. The mentor qualities that were valued were personal attributes, being facilitative and being knowledgeable; newly qualified mentors and experienced students were seen as being the most supportive. Students saw their own responsibilities as learning and gaining skills, being professional and caring for patients. The finishing students also felt that accountability and teaching were part of their role. Reported challenges encompassed personal issues, including work-life balance and finances, dealing with elements such as patient death and uncertainties in new situations. The best aspects of practice emerged as being involved in patient care, feeling part of a team and experiencing positive support from mentors. The findings explicated the multi-faceted nature of student support in practice that need to be taken into account when putting support frameworks in place.

The effects of electronic portfolio tools on online students' perceived support and cognitive load

Although distance educators are adopting electronic portfolios (eportfolios) for purposes of assessment and collaboration, some researchers question their utility in these venues. In a setting where feelings of isolation and attrition are high, this study examined how eportfolios affect cognitive load and student perceptions of support. The study also examined whether embedded tutorials, examples and descriptions coupled with peer reviews reduced faculty coaching needs. Findings indicate that eportfolio tools had minimal effects on cognitive load although some formatting and sharing aspects frustrated students. Additionally, while participants asked the instructor for assignment clarification and feedback, they supported one another through peer reviews and discussion posts.

Supportive school climate and student willingness to seek help for bullying and threats of violence

This study investigated the relations between student perceptions of support and student willingness to seek help for bullying and threats of violence in a sample of 7318 ninth-grade students from 291 high schools who participated in the Virginia High School Safety Study. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that students who perceived their teachers and other school staff to be supportive were more likely to endorse positive attitudes toward seeking help for bullying and threats of violence. In schools with more perceived support, there was less of a discrepancy in help-seeking attitudes between girls and boys. Findings suggest that efforts by school staff to provide a supportive climate are a potentially valuable strategy for engaging students in the prevention of bullying and threats of violence.