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- Approaches to study in higher education portuguese students: a portuguese version of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST)Publication . Valadas, Sandra T.; Ribeiro Gonçalves, Fernando; Faísca, LuísThis paper examines the validity of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students—short version (ASSIST; Tait et al. in Improving student learning: Improving students as learners, 1998), to be used with Portuguese undergraduate students. The ASSIST was administrated to 566 students, in order to analyse a Portuguese version of this inventory. Exploratory factor analysis (principal axis factor analysis followed by direct oblimin rotation) reproduced the three main factors that correspond to the original dimensions of the inventory (deep, surface apathetic and strategic approaches to learning). The results are consistent with the background theory on approaches to learning. Additionally, the reliability analysis revealed acceptable internal consistency indexes for the main scales and subscales. This inventory might represent a valuable research tool for the assessment of approaches to learning among Portuguese higher education students.
- The mediating effects of approaches to learning on the academic success of first-year college studentsPublication . Valadas, Sandra T.; Almeida, Leandro S.; Araújo, Alexandra M.Students’ personal predictors of academic success are particularly relevant for first-year college students, given the specific challenges that these students face when entering higher education (HE). Academic success in HE has been related to multiple factors, including the students’ approaches to learning (SAL), satisfaction (linked to commitment and persistence), study time (effort), and prior academic achievement. This study analyzes the combined effect of these predictors on perceived academic success. Data from 247 students was collected using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students and other specific measures to assess presage and process variables of academic success. Although academic success is multidimensional and difficult to explain, factors such as prior academic achievement, satisfaction with the course, SAL, and study time contribute to explain perceived academic success in first-year college students.
- Conceptions of learning, approaches to learning and cognitive development: students profiles in a portuguese higher education institutionPublication . Valadas, Sandra T.In this paper we examine concepts referring to learning and teaching in higher education recognized in the literature as study orientations, approaches to learning, study behaviours, approaches to studying and conceptions of learning. We also explored students’ cognitive development and academic success according to some indicators previously studied. An investigation on this subject was developed with emphasis on contextual variables, as well as students’ perceptions about the learning environment, as constructs that can influence the use of more deep or more superficial approaches to learning tasks, according to Entwistle’s work. The Portuguese version of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students – ASSIST (Valadas, Ribeiro Gonçalves & Faísca, 2009, 2010), as well as of the Parker Cognitive Development Inventory – PCDI (Ferreira & Bastos, 1995) were used to collect data concerning the approaches to studying, conceptions of learning, and levels of cognitive development in college students. Comparative and correlational results from 566 Portuguese higher education students, from different scientific areas (Biological Sciences, Economics, Earth Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical and Technological Sciences) and first and last years’ graduation are presented. We also explored students’ profiles resulting from cluster analysis. Results are consistent with the theory, although some particularities were found.