Students Approaches to Learning in an English-Medium Higher Education

KIRKGÖZ Y.

The Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, vol.3, no.2, pp.30-39, 2013 (ESCI)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 3 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Journal Name: The Journal of Language Teaching and Learning
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Communication & Mass Media Index, MLA - Modern Language Association Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.30-39
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines perceptions of the learning approach that students receiving their higher education in the medium of English language adopt, factors that influence students to adopt a particular learning approach, and what approach tends to be more effective in terms of learning outcome.  First and final-year students (N=98) responded to a survey questionnaire. Furthermore, interviews were held with volunteering students (N=68).  Students’ responses indicated a tendency towards surface learning during the first-year and a mixture of surface and meaningful learning during the final-year. Various factors were identified affecting the students’ adoption of an approach. Deeper learning was achieved through joint construction of disciplinary knowledge. Suggestions are proposed to promote students’ achievement of more effective learning of their disciplinary knowledge.