The influence of a period of environment-orientated work experience on students' perception of their learning style

James, P

Abstract

A period of circa 12 months' work experience, as part of an Environmental Science Bachelor's Degree programme, introduces candidates to a variety of problems and can, therefore, be expected to influence the problem-solving approach adopted by the students. An index of deep learning, based on data collected from a modified version of the ASSIST questionnaire, indicated that students maintained their level of deep learning throughout the 4 years of a thick sandwich undergraduate environmental science degree programme. However, data from interviews with students indicated their experience of environment-orientated work placement had led them towards adopting a deeper approach to learning. The apparent contradiction in data may be explained by the type of problem to be solved. It is likely that students retain a surface approach to solving technical, scientific problems whilst adopting a deeper approach to, for example, personnel and resource problems.

Citation

James, P. (2000). The influence of a period of environment-orientated work experience on students' perception of their learning style. Environmental Education Research, 6(2), 157-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/713664674

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: May 1, 2000
• Deposit Date: Aug 20, 2010
• Journal: Environmental Education Research
• Print ISSN: 1350-4622
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 157-165
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/713664674
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/713664674