Comparing Approaches to Studying of Malaysian Distance Learners and on Campus Learners: Implications to Distance Education

Year 2005, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 70 - 86, 01.06.2005

Siew Ming Thang

Abstract

This paper compares the approaches to studying of Malaysian distance learners and on-campus learners to find out to what extent the distance learning programme of a public university in Malaysia is effective in meeting the learning needs of its distance learners. The influences of the differences in modes (distance learners vs. on-campus learners) and disciplines (Social Sciences vs. Applied Sciences vs. Business Administration) on approaches to studying were studied statistically using item analysis and scale analysis. This paper first discusses the findings of this study in the light of other research carried out in this area and secondly, and more importantly, in the light of its contribution towards a better understanding of the learning needs of Malaysian distance learners.

Keywords

Distance Learners, on-Campus Learners, Distance Education, Malaysia

References

• Abdul Rahman, Z. (1994) Factors related to completion of distance education courses in the off-campus degree program at University Sains Malaysia. Unpublished Degree of Doctor of
• Education, (Carolina State University, North Carolina). Alsagoff, S. A. (1985) A study of learning styles, student characteristics and faculty perceptions of the distance education programme at USM. Unpublished Dissertation,
• (University of Washington, Washington). Atan, H., Jaafar I., Guan, S.K., Azli, N.A., Rahman, Z.A. & Idrus, R.M. (2003) Self-transitional characteristic of Distance Education learners: A case study of three Malaysian Universities.
• Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 4(4). Http://www.tojde.anadolu.edu.tr Biggs, J. (1979) Individual differences in study processes and the quality of learning. Higher Education, 8, pp. 381-394.
• Entwistle, N. J., & Ramsden, P. (1983) Understanding student learning. (London, Croom Helm Ltd).
• Entwistle, N. J., & Tait, H. (1994) The revised approach to studying inventory. (Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Research into Learning and Instruction).
• Harper, G., & Kember, D. (1986) Approaches to study of distance education students. British
• Journal of Educational Technology, 17(3), pp. 212-222. Kember, D. (1996) The intention to both memorise and understand: Another approach to learning? Higher Education, 31, pp. 341-351.
• Kember, D. & Gow, L. (1992). Action research as a form of staff development in higher education. Higher Educatiopn, 23(3), pp. 297-310.
• Kember, D. & McKay, J. (1996). Action research into the quality of student learning: A paradigm for faculty development. Journal of Higher Education, (65)5, pp. 528-554.
• Kember, D., Wong, A. & Leung, D.Y.P. (1999). Reconsidering the dimensions of approaches to learning. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 69, pp. 323-343.
• Mohammed, N. (1999) The effectiveness of the distance education programme in MARA
• Institute of Technology (Cardiff University, Cardiff). Morgan, A., Gibbs, G., & Taylor, E. (1980) Students' approaches to studying. The Social
• Science and Technology foundation courses: Preliminary studies (Study Methods Group Reports IET-SMG-4) (Milton Keynes, The Open University). Nie, N. J., Hull, C. H., Jenkins, J. G., Steinbrenner, K., & Bent, D. H. (1975) Statistical package for the social sciences (2nd Edition). (New York, McGraw-Hill).
• Ramsden, P., & Entwistle, N. J. (1981) Effects of academic departments on students' approaches to studying. British Journal of Education Psychology, 51, pp.368-383.
• Richardson, J. T. E., Morgan, A., & Woodley, A. (1999). Approaches to studying in distance education. Higher Education, 37, pp.23-55.
• Schmeck, R. R., Ribich, F., & Ramanaiah, N. (1977) Development of a self -report inventory for assessing individual differences in learning processes. Applied Psychological Measurement 1, pp. 413-431.
• Thang, S. M. (2001) Malaysian learners' conceptions of their learning processes and their perceptions of their English as a Second Language courses in a tertiary distance learning context. Unpublished PhD thesis (University of Nottingham, Nottingham).
• Universiti Sains Malaysia. (1993) Conference in distance education. (Pulau Pinang, Universiti Sains Malaysia).
• Watkins, D. (1983) Assessing tertiary study processes. Human Learning, 2, pp. 29-37.
• Watkins, D. (1996) Hong Kong secondary school learners: A developmental perspective, in:
• D. Watkins & J. B. Biggs (Eds.), The Chinese learner: Cultural, psychological and contextual influences (Hong Kong, Australian Council for Educational Research and the Comparative Educational Research Centre, University of Hong Kong). Watkins, D., & Hattie, J. (1981) The learning process of Australian University students:
• Investigation of contextual and psychological factors. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 51, pp. 384-393.