An investigation of the approach to learning of Nepalese tertiary students

Abstract

This investigation with 342 Nepalese tertiary students indicates that current conceptions of approaches to learning are relevant to these students. Factor analysis of the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) also suggests that the structure of learning processes is similar for Nepalese, Australian, and Filipino students. Internal locus of control also seems to be a factor in the adoption of deep and achieving approaches to learning in each of these cultures. Evidence of differences in secondary and tertiary student approaches to learning within Nepal and comparisons between Nepalese and Australian tertiary students' approaches to learning are also presented.

A theoretical perspective of learning in the Pacific context: A sociocultural perspective

“…This research has, similar to some of the findings of Kember andGow (1990, 1991), and Watkins and Regmi (1990), which established that there are variations in approaches to learning between Western and non-Western students. The aforementioned evidence of learning approaches and academic performance show: (i) academic performance positively correlated with scores on deep approach, intrinsic motivation and achieving approach; (ii) academic performance negatively correlated with scores on surface approach, disorganised study methods and negative attitudes to studying; and (iii) academic performance correlated positively with achieving approach, for the higher linguistic course.…”

“…La discusión sintetiza estudios empíricos de investigación previos, tomando en consideración la importancia de la cultura del individuo y el contexto en el que vive. Los estudios de Marton y Saljo (1976) y otros investigadores (Biggs, 1987;Watkins & Regmi, 1990) han proporcionado una potente base teórica en relación los enfoques de aprendizaje que adoptan las personas. Más recientemente, muchos teóricos han intentado establecer los enfoques de aprendizaje del alumno en contextos de aprendizaje (Mugler & Landbeck, 1997).…”

“…Our discussion synthesizes previous empirical research studies, taking into consideration the importance of individuals" cultural background and environmental settings. Research studies by Marton and Saljo (1976) and others (Biggs, 1987;Watkins & Regmi, 1990) have provided a strong theoretical foundation concerning the approaches to learning that individuals adopt in their learning. More recently, a number of theorists have attempted to situate students" approaches to learning in contexts (Mugler & Landbeck, 1997).…”

Conceptions of learning and approaches to learning in Portuguese students

“…Moreover, the positive association between the ''deep'' approach and the ''achievement'' approach testifies to the possibility of the latter associating with other approaches to learning, specifically the possibility that students have of simultaneously investing in deepening subject knowledge and striving for high grades (e.g. Watkins & Regmi, 1990, 1992.…”

University Students' Learning Approaches in Three Cultures: An Investigation of Biggs's 3P Model

“…Cross-cultural studies using the SPQ also remain one of the major interests of many investigators (e.g.. Niles, 1995;Watkins & Regmi, 1990;Wong, Lin, & Watkins, 1996). Some of these studies have been conducted in a number of Asian countries, including Hong Kong (e.g., Tang & Biggs, 1996).…”