Methods
Using mixed research methods, we examined the extent to which the teaching and learning factors contributed to students’ perceived achievement of Graduate Attributes (GAs).
- Assessment
- Clear Goals and Standards
- Feedback from Teachers
- Good Teaching
- Learning Support
- Outside Classroom Learning
- Support to Career Development
- Support to Student Activities and Lives
- Useful Academic Advising
- Citizenship
- Knowledge
- Learning
- Skills
- Creativity
- Communication
- Teamwork
Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations for Practices
- Learning Support is pivotal to the attainment of GA and student satisfaction. It is the most important factor for predicting the latter two and is strongly associated with them. Its criticality in enabling an enjoyable university journey is reflected by its frequent use as justification for students’ evaluations of university life, captured in the interview. Besides direct impacts, it may also mediate the influences between aspects of university life, the learning outcome, and satisfaction, high in the betweenness centrality. The strong influence of Learning Support underlines the necessity of continued investment in university infrastructure and services.
- When inquired about their university experiences, the aspects of Learning Support and Support to Student Activities mentioned by students include (a) physical learning facilities and (b) support for international exchange and co-curricular learning. For students with special education needs, accommodating measures were also found essential.
Student Quotes from the Qualitative Analysis
"And also, I think, like maybe I can explain more is that I think HKBU is really good place for study, because I usually go to the library, learning common to like studies and then discussion. I think it should be they had provided a lot resources to like, allow students to learn." (Student 15)
"And also, campus life is quite good, especially because studying VA (Visual Arts) allows me to rent a studio and share it with classmates." (Student 5)
"I think I’m really satisfied. As a student like, at HKBU. I don’t know how to say that because I’m a student with SEN. So basically, the school will like, offer me additional support for that, like for like extra time allowance for my examination. And I think this is quite good, and also, like Professor, will give me extra care, like [Instructor’s Name] will give me extra care like when I have to like, submit my assignment late, and they will allow me to do that." (Student 10)
"And my personal life, I think, because of the activities like CCL, and because of the extracurricular activities like the Choir and other like CCL organized things and as well as because of the group project. I think I have built a lot of strong bonds and relationships with some of my friends… So I’m very thankful that, through those activities and programs I could build some good relationships and hall life I’m living in hall, for like 2 years. Hall lives to be able to live in the hall is so good, you not only, you know, build a relationship in class. And I’m also I also made friends with people from other faculty, and we’re good friends and be there for each other. So overall. I think I am satisfied with most of the aspects of my life and my quality of study, life, and professional life is quite satisfying. I would say, thank you." (Student 7)
"Okay. So overall. I feel satisfied as a student at HKBU, because the learning system and the supporting system at HKBU are good, for if I have to give an example, the International Office are working really great, I would say they are trying to be inclusive in terms of a lot of event that is happening around the campus. And also they give a lot of support to the students who want to go to exchange or who want to go summer abroad, exchange, something like this." (Student 13)