Students’ approach to learning: evidence regarding the importance of the interest-to-effort ratio

Abstract

Existing science evidence sustained that students’ preferences for a learning approach (i.e., deep or surface learning) depend on several contextual variables. In this study, we used the network psychometrics perspective to investigate the interactions between the elements that define students’ learning preferences. We aimed to understand which are the central elements of the students’ behavior patterns used when they decide to adopt one specific learning approach. We used the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire to collect responses from a large sample of university students (5357 students, 73% female). The results indicated that the interest-to-effort ratio is central to students’ preference for deep or surface learning. Also, we found that the estimated network is stable across different groups defined by the academic disciplines, students’ gender, and year of study. These results are presented as arguments for using the workload and students’ interest as topics in pedagogical programs dedicated to academics.