Independent learning and independent learning strategies are at present significant topics in educational research. The bulk of this research deals with independent learning in junior and higher education with little based upon the further education sector. The focus of this article is the interpretation of independent learning by 16- to…

The primary focus of this study is to explore the variation in academic performance of European Business (EB) students, using the student learning framework. Prior research has shown that students' approaches to learning and preferences for teaching influence the quality of their learning outcomes. The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for…

A survey of student satisfaction and dissatisfaction was undertaken within an undergraduate education studies cohort at a new university in the English Midlands. The cohort included both 'traditional' and 'non-traditional' students and represented an increasingly typical 'widened' community of students within higher education. This student-…

The evolution in students' expectations based on Maslow's theory of human motivation shows a transition from expectations having an effect upon motivation towards those providing a satisfactory experience. Maslow's argument was that once the lower level needs, such as physiological and safety needs, are met other higher needs emerge. In the…

This paper reports the results of an empirical study of psychological morale in further education students. Success in A-level examinations is dependant on a number of factors, not only intellectual ability but also morale and other personality factors. This investigation aimed to assess the influence of these factors in the 16-18 years age range.…

This article presents data from two small-scale investigations of the employment of learning support staff in further colleges in England. The policy context after the incorporation of the colleges in 1993 and available data on these staff are reviewed. This is followed by a summary and analysis of findings from interviews with human resource…

The present paper outlines the experiences reported by students from different social class backgrounds who have recently graduated from university. Students from manual skilled and partly skilled backgrounds were classed as disadvantaged, while students from professional or intermediate backgrounds were classed as advantaged. Data were collected…