First published in 1983, Understanding Student Learning provides an in-depth analysis of students’ learning methods in higher education, at the time. It examines the extent to which these learning methods reflected the teaching, assessment and individual personalities of the students involved. The book contains interviews with students, experiments and statistical analyses of survey data in order to identify successes and difficulties in student learning and the culmination of these techniques is a clearer insight into the process of student learning.

First published in 1983, Understanding Student Learning provides an in-depth analysis of students’ learning methods in higher education, at the time. It examines the extent to which these learning methods reflected the teaching, assessment and individual personalities of the students involved. The book contains interviews with students, experiments and statistical analyses of survey data in order to identify successes and difficulties in student learning and the culmination of these techniques is a clearer insight into the process of student learning.

The purpose of the research program described here was to investigate college students' approaches to learning, and to determine the extent to which these reflected the effects of teaching and assessment demands rather than representing relatively stable characteristics of the individual learners. There were six main areas within the program: (1) the measurement of approaches to and styles of studying; (2) the exploration of the cognitive skills, cognitive styles, and personality characteristics underlying different approaches to studying; (3) the extension of Marton's work on reading academic articles; (4) the identification of students' perceptions of the academic 'climate' of departments; (5) the use of interviews to investigate students' strategies in carrying out particular types of academic task; and (6) an investigation of how contrasting academic contexts appear to affect the approaches to studying adopted by students in those departments. Details of each of these areas of research are presented. (BW)

The research described in Student Learning and Academic Understanding had its origins in the pioneering work of Ausubel, Bruner, and McKeachie and followed two complementary lines of development. The first line extended the ideas of Marton on approaches to learning through an inventory designed to assess these approaches among large samples of students and using in-depth interviews with students about their experiences of academic understanding. The second line drew on a range of studies to explore the influences of university teaching and the whole teaching–learning environment on the quality of student learning. Taking the research as a whole shows the value of complementary research approaches to describing student learning, while the findings brought together in the final chapter suggest ways of supporting deep approaches and the development of personal academic understanding among students. Student Learning and Academic Understanding covers a wide range of concepts that have emerged from interviews in which students use their own experiences to describe how they study and what they find most useful in developing an academic understanding of their own. These concepts differ from the traditional psychological concepts by being focused on the specific contexts of university and college, although they are also relevant to the later stages of school education. Explains the origins, meanings, and relevance of "deep" and "surface" approaches to learning Introduces an array of concepts derived from the specific contexts of university education Illustrates how in-depth interviewing can be used to explore students’ ways of thinking Provides a series of heuristic models to guide thinking about the influences on student learning Includes an inventory on approaches to studying and experiences of teaching for use by teachers

This authoritative book has supported thousands of distance learners, providing accessible support and friendly advice for their studies. This essential guide provides practical help for anyone who is embarking on a distance learning course. Ideal for those who have not previously studied at a distance or for students returning to study after a break, it covers fundamental issues such as motivation, goal-setting, time management and coping strategies. The fourth edition includes: • How to understand the distance learning experience and what your institution expects of its distance learners • The practicalities of learning at a distance, including how to get support when you need it • Updated information on the use of new technologies in distance learning, including mobile learning • Tips and advice on doing a research project at a distance • Coverage of key study skills including reading and note-making, completing written assignments, developing critical analysis skills and avoiding plagiarism • Support for international students in understanding how to make the most of studying remotely at a UK Higher Education institution Hallmark features of this book are the comments and advice offered by students and tutors sharing their own experiences of distance learning. It also includes comprehensive self-study activities that highlight the element of active learning that is crucial to successful studying at a distance. Studying at a Distance, 4th edition is a key resource for undergraduates and postgraduates in all open and distance learning or e-learning courses.

This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU 2017, held in Porto, Portugal, in April 2017. The 22 revised full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 179 submissions. The papers deal with the following topics: new educational environments, best practices and case studies of innovative technology-based learning strategies, institutional policies on computer-supported education including open and distance education.

This book discusses the topic of graduate employability from the premise that in this era of ‘massification,’ economic austerity, and political uncertainties, higher education (HE) no longer guarantees a clear ‘work place advantage.’ Divided into three sections, the book offers theoretical and philosophical discourses on the ‘HE quandary,’ whilst taking into account – and critiquing - political, temporal, and national contexts. It culminates in an investigation into specific discipline areas. It offers insights into the way that institutions, decision-makers, academics, and professional support staff can work together towards ensuring that our graduates are able to cope with the varied demands and challenges of modern job markets. It harnesses arguments and reflections on the breadth and depth of the functions of HE, such as social transformation, promoting principles of social justice, and providing opportunities. It grounds these in a triadic model for enhancing student engagement and holistic learning, namely, the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural aspects. As an anthology, it is forward-gazing in terms of the sustainability debate, whilst still offering evidence-based, research-grounded, practical suggestions to readers looking for tips and tools of the trade.