Assessing students approaches to learning using a matrix framework in a Malaysian public university

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• Understanding student learning characteristics is crucial for effective pedagogy in higher education.
• The matrix framework of learning approaches (MFLA) provides a structured way to analyze these characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the learning characteristics of students at a Malaysian public university using the MFLA.
• To identify prevalent learning approaches among these students.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlation research design was employed.
• A survey using Biggs's Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) was administered to 350 students.

Main Results:

• Malaysian students predominantly favor the 'achieving' learning approach.
• Four of the nine hypothetical learning approaches were identified, with two being positive.

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight the need for teaching strategies tailored to the dominant learning characteristics.
• A proposed teaching method based on the MFLA is suggested to align with student needs.