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Deep or Surface? Understanding Learning Approaches among Undergraduate Students

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Deep or Surface? Understanding Learning Approaches among Undergraduate Students
Language: English
Authors: Kelzang Tentsho, Jigme Wangchuk, Kencho Pelzom
Source: International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. 2026 20(1).
Availability: Centers for Teaching & Technology at Georgia Southern University. IJ-SoTL, Georgia Southern University, Henderson Library 1301, Statesboro, GA 30460. e-mail: sotlij@georgiasouthern.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ij-sotl/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Learning Strategies, Questionnaires, Undergraduate Students, Cognitive Style, Difficulty Level, Learning Processes, Study Habits, Anthropology, Gender Differences, Grade Level Differences
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Study Process Questionnaire
ISSN: 1931-4744
Abstract: Student approaches to learning (SAL) have a significant impact on the quality of their learning and academic achievement. In this study, we examined the preferred learning approaches of undergraduate students and how these approaches change over time. The Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) was administered to 75 students enrolled in the Anthropology program to evaluate students' preferred learning approaches. The qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions involving 20 participants. Results showed a significantly higher deep score than surface score. Final year students had the highest deep approach score compared to other cohorts. The results also indicated that students use surface approaches due to heavy workloads, concurrent deadlines, and complex readings. The study offers insights into student learning preferences and implications for curriculum design and instructional practices in higher education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: EJ1516211
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Deep or Surface? Understanding Learning Approaches among Undergraduate Students
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kelzang+Tentsho%22">Kelzang Tentsho</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jigme+Wangchuk%22">Jigme Wangchuk</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kencho+Pelzom%22">Kencho Pelzom</searchLink>
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  Data: Centers for Teaching & Technology at Georgia Southern University. IJ-SoTL, Georgia Southern University, Henderson Library 1301, Statesboro, GA 30460. e-mail: sotlij@georgiasouthern.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ij-sotl/
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  Data: Student approaches to learning (SAL) have a significant impact on the quality of their learning and academic achievement. In this study, we examined the preferred learning approaches of undergraduate students and how these approaches change over time. The Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) was administered to 75 students enrolled in the Anthropology program to evaluate students' preferred learning approaches. The qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions involving 20 participants. Results showed a significantly higher deep score than surface score. Final year students had the highest deep approach score compared to other cohorts. The results also indicated that students use surface approaches due to heavy workloads, concurrent deadlines, and complex readings. The study offers insights into student learning preferences and implications for curriculum design and instructional practices in higher education.
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      – Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Learning Strategies
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      – SubjectFull: Undergraduate Students
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      – SubjectFull: Cognitive Style
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      – SubjectFull: Difficulty Level
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      – SubjectFull: Learning Processes
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      – SubjectFull: Study Habits
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      – SubjectFull: Anthropology
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      – SubjectFull: Study Process Questionnaire
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      – TitleFull: Deep or Surface? Understanding Learning Approaches among Undergraduate Students
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