Learning pattern development throughout higher education: A longitudinal study

• Published in: Learning and individual differences Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 256 - 259
• Main Authors: Donche, Vincent, Coertjens, Liesje, Van Petegem, Peter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.06.2010
• Subjects: Learning conception; Learning pattern; Learning style; Longitudinal study; Self-regulation; Learning conception; Learning style; Learning pattern; Longitudinal study; Self-regulation
• ISSN: 1041-6080; 1873-3425
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2010.02.002

Research on learning pattern development in higher education contexts is scarce. This longitudinal study seeks to address this issue by analysing the development of students' learning patterns throughout University College. Vermunts' Inventory of Learning Styles was used to assess individual differences in learning conceptions and learning strategies. By examining intra-individual changes in learning patterns we expected to find developmental trends within learning patterns. Results show that meaning oriented learning increases over time and undirected learning decreases. Some learning patterns are however more subject to change than others. The development of learning patterns was found to be relative and dependent on the learning pattern which students have already acquired in the first-year of University College.