Exploring the role of learner characteristics in learners’ learning environment preferences

Chaw, Lee, and Tang, Chun Meng (2022) Exploring the role of learner characteristics in learners’ learning environment preferences. International Journal of Educational Management, 37 (1). pp. 37-54.

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Abstract

Purpose This study intends to examine whether the reasons learners like or dislike a learning environment can help explain the differences in the characteristics of the learner and whether learner characteristics can influence a learner’s preference for a learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design. The study first conducted focus groups with university students to uncover their learner characteristics by examining the reasons they liked or disliked a learning environment. This was followed by a questionnaire survey to explore how these learner characteristics influenced learner inclination for a learning environment. The survey data were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (partial least squares structural equation modelling).

Findings The findings showed that two types of learner characteristics, i.e. online learner characteristics and classroom learner characteristics, significantly affected learner inclination for a learning environment. Analyses also indicated that learner demographics had no major moderating effect between learner characteristics and learner inclination for a learning environment.

Practical implications The findings can be useful for education institutions, learning designers, and academics to design engaging learning activities to better support different learning needs.

Originality/value This study makes a novel attempt to distinguish learner characteristics based on the reasons learners like or dislike a learning environment and establishes that individual learners’ characteristics play a role in influencing their preference for a specific learning environment.

Item ID: 76927
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0951-354X
Copyright Information: © Emerald Publishing Limited
Date Deposited: 06 Dec 2022 00:16
FoR Codes: 39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390102 Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development @ 80%
39 EDUCATION > 3903 Education systems > 390303 Higher education @ 20%
SEO Codes: 16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1601 Learner and learning > 160102 Higher education @ 20%
16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1602 Schools and learning environments > 160299 Schools and learning environments not elsewhere classified @ 50%
16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1603 Teaching and curriculum > 160304 Teaching and instruction technologies @ 30%
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