Factors in Student Learning

Presenter Information

Yadira Salinas, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mellisa Xiong, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

16-4-2013 2:00 PM

End Date

16-4-2013 4:00 PM

Student's Major

Psychology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Daniel Houlihan

Mentor's Department

Psychology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Second Mentor's Name

Melissa Lenz

Second Mentor's Department

Psychology

Second Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

Students and teachers look at learning differently. A 2008 study of college students and instructors found that students placed a great deal of importance on factors related to instructors. Instructors however, placed importance on instructor and student related factors. Therefore, we attempted determine if this is true for Minnesota State University, Mankato and Minnesota high schools by surveying their students and instructors. To our knowledge, no similar study has been conducted comparing attitudes at the college and high school levels. The survey includes items that address instructor personality, delivery of material, course related factors, student temperament, and setting. Surveys were given to undergraduates taking a psychology course, and instructors throughout the university. High school students were able to participate if 18 years old or if their parents provided consent. Final data analysis has not occurred, however, we predict that several important differences will be found between high school and college students, college instructors and high school teachers, and between students and their respective instructors/teachers. Quantifying differences in perspectives will help develop better transition programs for incoming college students, and may even provide insight to teacher burnout.