Learning environment and graduates' transition period

Abstract

This study investigated the model of learning environment and graduates' transition period from higher education to employment. The responses to a questionnaire of 13,532 graduates from eight countries were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach. The tested model indicates a close fit based on Chi-square = 233.34, df = 10, p < 0.001; Chi-square / df = 23.33; CFI = 0.984; RMSEA = 0.042. The results showed that learning environment, as composite of structure of courses, institutional support, infrastructure, student activity, and research, affects graduates competencies. Graduates' competencies were shown to have a significant relationship with graduates' transition period in term of job search duration. The higher graduates' competencies are; the shorter the transition period will be. In addition, transition period is also influenced by study abroad experience. Graduates with experience abroad reported to have a shorter period of job search.

The effects of learning environment on graduates' competencies

“…This result is in accordance with prior studies (e.g. Lizzio et al, 2002;Patria, 2013;Vermeulen & Schmidt, 2008). However, instead of using proxy measures of learning environment and study outcome like the previous studies, the present study used latent variables in the analysis.…”

“…Patria (2013) asserted that learning environment consists of five components: structure of courses, institutional support, infrastructure, student activity, and research. Unfortunately not all components were covered in this study because of the unavailability of the data in UGM's graduate survey.…”

“…This approach is by no means a new concept; prior studies (e.g. Lizzio et al, 2002;Patria, 2013;Vermeulen & Schmidt, 2008) have tested such a relationship. However, the previous studies' models are mostly based on an item parcelling method instead of using latent variables, which are considered to be more appropriate in measuring the complex relationship.…”

“…As mentioned in the introduction, the statistical analysis conducted in this study is not based on item-parcelling method as used in prior studies in learning environment (Lizzio et al, 2002;Patria, 2013;Vermeulen & Schmidt, 2008). This study incorporated latent variables in the structural analysis which is considered a better approach than item parcelling.…”

“…A more recent study investigated the effect of learning environment on graduates' transition period from higher education to employment; Patria (2013) pointed out that learning environment affects graduates' competencies. Vermeulen and Schmidt (2008) reported that learning environment increases students' motivation, learning outcomes, and in turn affects graduates' career success.…”