Workplace stress and the student learning experience

Abstract

Purpose -To investigate the possible effects of workplace stress in academics on the student learning experience. Design/methodology/approach -Questionnaires were designed and distributed to all academic staff at a Scottish Higher Education Institute. This measured perceived levels of stress amongst academic staff and the possible impact of this on the learning experience of students. Findings -Stress can be seen to impact both negatively and positively on the student learning experience. However, over half of respondents considered themselves to be considerably or extremely stressed and similar levels perceive that stress causes their teaching to be "below par" thus impacting negatively on the student learning experience.Research limitations/implications -The research was carried out in one institution and hence results cannot be generalised to cover the whole higher education sector. Practical implications -The findings, together with a growing awareness of the impact of employee stress on organisations, emphasise the need for the institution, and individuals within it, to control stress levels to ensure the student learning experience does not suffer. The paper does not address the growing phenomenon of e-learning which may act as a stressor: further research is recommended in this area. Originality/value -This paper highlights that the detrimental effect of stress does not only impact upon members of staff; stress may also impact negatively on the student learning experience.

Stress e desempenho acadêmico na pós-graduação stricto sensu em ciências contábeis no Brasil

“…Isso significa que, caso não seja tratado adequadamente, o stress produz resultados negativos, uma vez que a queda no desempenho do discente não só afeta o estudante e a instituição, mas causa um impacto direto sobre a sua experiência de aprendizagem (Stevenson & Harper, 2006).…”

Hubungan Iklim Sekolah Dan Stres Guru Sekolah Menengah Di Daerah Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

“…Ini selaras dengan beberapa sorotan karya seperti yang dibincangkan di dalam bab tiga. Antaranya Stevenson & Harper (2006) dan Tehrani (2002. Pada pandangan mereka, seseorang itu akan mengalami stres sekiranya wujud pengurusan dan pentadbiran serta organisasi yang lemah.…”

An Empirical Study of Stressors among Multimedia University Students: A Case of MMU Malacca Campus

“…Challenging stimulus can lead to positive outcomes such as motivation and improved task performance while distress can result in anxiety, feelings of loneliness, nervousness depression, social dysfunction, sleeplessness and even suicidal intention. This is similar to (Ongori et al, 2009), (Tweed et al, 2004) and (Stevenson and Harper, 2006). In addition, it is important that stress management programs be created to address stress among university students.…”

“…In Malaysia, researchers as (Redhwan et al, 2009) mention a handful of studies conducted on stress and coping styles focused on nurses, international students, school athletes, university students, and medical students and among prescience students. With regard to (Richlin-Klonsky et al, 2003) and (Redhwan et al, 2009) as well as (Stevenson and Harper, 2006), (Ratanasiripong et al, 2005) and (Bessie Ong & K C Cheong, 2009), however not much studies have been conducted to understand the identified stressors (Academic, Time/Balance, Interpersonal/Self, Relationship/Social and Family) among university students, Malaysian Universities includes Multimedia University of Malaysia (MMU). Therefore, it would be great to identify which stressors cause the highest types of stress among them.…”

“…Many scholars of behavioral science disciplines have carried out extensive research on stress and concluded that the topics are needed more attention from time to time as in (Rees and Redfern, 2000), (Ellison, 2004) and (Ongori et al,2009). Stress in academic institutions can have both positive and negative consequences if not well managed where it cited in (Smith, 2002), (Tweed et al, 2004) and (Stevenson and Harper, 2006). In addition, the adaptation to University life can bring a huge amount of stress that the students to encounter.…”