AKADEEMILINE ÕPIKESKKOND KUI ÜLIÕPILASE ÕPIHOIAKU KUJUNDAJA
Academic learning environment as a factor influencing students’ approach to learning
Reet Urban
Abstract In recent years the approach to the learning process has changed, moving from the teaching oriented way to the learning oriented way and the quality of learning in higher education is the focus. Learning is a complex process and there has been a great interest among the learning theorists to investigate the aspects which support student-centeredness. According to educational theorists, the learning style of the person is relatively constant, but the attitude and approach to learning is affected by the learning environment. The main question is how to create the learning environment which motivates students to choose a deep approach to learning? The main components which affect learning environments are teachers’ attitude to learning, teaching methods and assessment that are coherent with the learning outcomes. John Biggs’ (2001) Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and 2 Factors Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) are widespread questionnaires to measure students’ estimations of the studying process and their approach to learning. This article provides a literature review about the aspects of the academic learning environment which are affected by teachers and the conclusions of research results on the student assessments of the studying process and their learning using Biggs’ questionnaires. Keywords: learning environment, deep learning, surface learning 88
