Approaches to learning, engagement, leisure and past performance. A proposal for a model

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Multiple variables influence the teaching-learning process. It is always a challenge for teachers to view students holistically and individually, offering a motivating education based not only on quality material but also respecting their unique identities. The aim of this study was to test a complex structural model based on the Student Learning Approaches (SLA) theory proposed by Biggs, which links learning approaches, engagement and free/leisure time as variables that influence the teaching-learning continuum. METHOD. A total of 752 students studying different degree courses at the University of León were recruited to participate in this study. Data were collected using a specifically adapted questionnaire to estimate free/leisure time, the Learning Approaches Questionnaire and the Spanish version of the Student Academic Engagement questionnaire in order to assess engagement. RESULTS. The values obtained indicate that the proposed model presents a satisfactory overall fit. DISCUSSION. The results support the proposed hypotheses, in agreement with other studies. Students’ past performance is a good predictor of a deep or a surface approach. The deep approach correlates positively and directly with high values for engagement and inversely with free/leisure time, whereas the surface approach indicates lower engagement and higher free/leisure time. The marked trend of these results suggests that engagement and approaches are reciprocal predictors. Given that students displaying high engagement and a deep approach have little free/leisure time, and that this, in turn, is recognised as a factor that influences their capacity for recovery, the recommendation to strengthen the use of a deep approach while increasing engagement opens a new line of research aimed at assessing whether these students (high engagement and deep approach) require less free/leisure time to recover, and if so, what is the minimum amount and quality of time necessary.