Learning Approaches in Relation with Demographic Factors

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. T-tests 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.