Learning Patterns in Higher Education

Dimensions and research perspectives

David Gijbels editor Vincent Donche editor John T E Richardson editor Jan D Vermunt editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:9th Aug '13

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Learning Patterns in Higher Education cover

Learning Patterns in Higher Education brings together a cutting edge international team of contributors to critically review our current understanding of how students and adults learn, how differences and changes in the way students learn can be measured in a valid and reliable way, and how the quality of student learning may be enhanced.

There is substantial evidence that students in higher education have a characteristic way of learning, sometimes called their learning orientation (Biggs 1988), learning style (Evans et al. 2010) or learning pattern (Vermunt and Vermetten 2004). However, recent research in the field of student learning has resulted in multi-faceted and sometimes contradictory results which may reflect conceptual differences and differences in measurement of student learning in each of the studies. This book deals with the need for further clarification of how students learn in higher education in the 21st century and to what extent the measurements often used in learning pattern studies are still up to date or can be advanced with present methodological and statistical insights to capture the most important differences and changes in student learning.

The contributions in the book are organized in two parts: a first conceptual and psychological part in which the dimensions of student learning in the 21st century are discussed and a second empirical part in which questions related to how students’ learning can be measured and how it develops are considered.

Areas covered include:

  • Cultural influences on learning patterns
  • Predicting learning outcomes
  • Student centred learning environments and self-directed learning
  • Mathematics learning

This indispensable book covers multiple conceptual perspectives on how learning patterns can be described and effects and developments can be measured, and will not only be helpful for ‘learning researchers’ as such but also for educational researchers from the broad domain of educational psychology, motivation psychology and instructional sciences, who are interested in student motivation, self-regulated learning, effectiveness of innovative learning environments, as well as assessment and evaluation of student characteristics and learning process variables.

"It examines and discusses the concept of learning patterns which the first chapter notes are '[broadly] students' habitual ways of learning described in terms of how students cognitively process information and/or the metacognitive. motivational and affective strategies they use' (p.1.)"—Dr. Peter Gossman, Manchester Metropolitan University, Educational Developments

"Researchers and teachers will find this book a useful resource on student learning and enhancement. ... This book is well researched. Readers will profit from its extensive treatment of learning theories, and it will enhance an educator's overall teaching competence." —Reflective Teaching

ISBN: 9780415842525

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 498g

320 pages