Presents results of ethnographic research into sociocultural influences on the academic performance of black students at a correspondence education university in South Africa. A contextual and individualistic/holistic approach was used in the case studies. Performance was influenced by various factors based on circumstances and attitudes. (MMU)

Examines the effect of self-referencing on recall of material from a child psychology text, comparing the effectiveness of the self-referencing strategy to the SQ4R strategy (a study method consisting of survey, question, read, reflect, recite, and review components). Determines whether both strategies enhance learning/retention compared to…

Examines the learning and study strategies of 9th grade female students from Singapore. Compares the resulting profiles to those of U.S. students of similar age and cross-ability levels as well as comparing their expressed views on the nature of knowledge. Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)

A survey of study habits was conducted with entry-level mathematics students at the University of Louisville (Kentucky). Students also tracked their study, work, and leisure activities for one week. Findings indicated that students have sufficient time available but choose not to spend the time studying. Regular collection and grading of homework…

Presents the findings of an empirical research study into the academic self-concept, study habits, and attitude towards distance education of students at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and relates these to their academic performance. Discusses variables and implications for learner support and instructional design. (Author/LRW)

This study examined the learning and study practices of postsecondary American Indian/Alaska Native students attending community colleges in the southwest. Using a survey design, students completed the Kagan Matching Familiar Figures Test, the Schmeck, Ribich, and Ramanaiah Inventory of Learning Processes, and the Weinstein, Palmer, and Schulte…

Secondary teachers face significant challenges in their efforts to increase the literacy levels of adolescents. Encouraging teachers to speak out about these challenges and to recommend initiatives that may improve literacy practices for adolescents is vital for future reform efforts. This study examines the questions: "What are the greatest…

Researching self-regulated learning (SRL) as a process that evolves across multiple episodes of studying poses large methodological challenges. While self-report data provide useful information about learners' perceptions of learning, these data are not reliable indicators of studying tactics learners actually use while studying, especially when…

This study focuses on primary students' self-learning strategies, using a sample of 1253 students from 20 Year 3 and 20 Year 5 classes from 10 primary schools in Hong Kong. Students were asked to name sources from which they could learn. They were then asked to rate 10 self-learning strategies on perceived usefulness and personal deployment.…

Examinations greatly influence course structures and student study strategies. A course for students in the civil and environmental engineering programme at Lulea University of Technology was reconstructed with the aim of increasing levels of understanding. A simple written test was designed to assess low levels of understanding (definitions,…

Students' scores on questionnaires concerning their approaches to studying in higher education exhibit reasonable stability over time, moderate convergent validity with their scores on other questionnaires, and reasonable levels of discriminating power and criterion-related validity. Nevertheless, the internal consistency of the constituent scales…

The relationship between student study time allocation and examination performance is little understood. We model the allocation of student time into formal study (lectures and classes) and self study and its relationship to university examination scores using a stochastic frontier production function. This case study uses unique time budget data…

The objective of this paper is to describe and analyse the role that study groups might play in improving the entrepreneurial competencies of farmers. The most important competencies are described. Emphasis is placed on group learning processes and participatory approaches. Theories of adult learning and extension paradigms in relation to our…

Findings are presented from a study of undergraduate students' experiences of understanding in first-year engineering. At the end of their first year of study 86 Swedish students of electrical engineering and computer science were asked to reflect in writing on their experiences of studying and learning. Fifteen of them also took part in…

This paper uses data from the 1979 and 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth cohorts (NLSY79 and NLSY97) to estimate changes in the effects of ability and family income on educational attainment for youth in their late teens during the early 1980s and early 2000s. Cognitive ability plays an important role in determining educational outcomes…