The main purpose of this study is to identify the relationships between learning approach and various demographic factors. With these relationships identified, students’ learning approach can be predicted, and even in some case if we can change the factors students can adapt their learning approach toward deeper-oriented. | VNU Journal of Science: Education Research, Vol. 31, No. 2 (2015) 27-39 Learning Approaches in Relation with Demographic Factors Nguyễn Minh Tuấn* International University, Vietnam National University of Hồ Chí Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Received 26 April 2015 Revised 26 May 2015; Accepted 22 June 2015 Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to identify the relationships between learning approach and various demographic factors. With these relationships identified, students’ learning approach can be predicted, and even in some case if we can change the factors students can adapt their learning approach toward deeper-oriented. The ASSIST questionnaire and a demographic factor one developed in house were used in this study. The survey was conducted on two Vietnam universities with a sample of 882 students, who were studying maths or math-related subjects. Ttests and ANOVA were applied in the analysis process. Many relationships between learning approaches of “deep”, “surface”, “strategic” and various demographic factors were disclosed; then solutions to encourage students to use less surface approach, and more deep approach in learning were discussed. Keywords: Learning approach; demographic factor; education; student; ASSIST. 1. Introduction ∗ whereas students with surface approach focus on unrelated sections of the task, information for assessment, and facts and concepts with arbitrary association [17]. Various quantitative and qualitative researches have been conducted to expand the meaning of these two categories [18, 19, 20, 21, 22]. The descriptions of students’ learning approaches were expanded using students’ answers on their daily study practice [23, 24]. The result is that a strategic approach to studying was identified. Students who apply strategic approach have the motive to achieve the maximum possible marks, and adapt to assessment demands to allocate their resources in studying, even they find no interest in the subjects being studied. .
