This article examines the learning approaches of students in higher education (HE) and offers valuable implications for educational practices in this context. The study delves into students' self-regulation and engagement with various learning sources, shedding light on how they organise their learning. The findings reveal several important insights. The study highlights that students primarily rely on lectures, literature, selfdirected information-seeking, and peer interactions as key sources for acquiring knowledge. However, it is noteworthy that students tend to give limited attention to teaching techniques and their effectiveness. This emphasises the need to align teaching content with students' prior knowledge and understanding, while also recognising the significance of repetition and active engagement to deepen their comprehension. One significant barrier identified in the study is students' struggle with time management, which often impairs their ability to meet deadlines. To address this issue, teachers are encouraged to prioritise self-monitoring skills and provide explicit guidance on prerequisite knowledge and essential skills. By supporting students in developing effective time management strategies, educators can enhance their overall learning experience. Furthermore, fostering interest, motivation, and self-efficacy through meaningful learning experiences and nurturing strong teacher-student relationships is crucial for increasing student engagement. Creating a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages active participation and collaboration can significantly enhance students' learning outcomes and overall satisfaction. As for future research, it is recommended to broaden the scope beyond WEIRD populations (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) and employ ethnographic approaches to further explore the complex dynamics of student learning. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors influencing learning behaviours and the effectiveness of the recommended practices in different cultural and educational contexts.
This working paper is a preliminary version of the author's research and is made available for discussion and feedback purposes. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of Mid Sweden University. This paper has not been peer-reviewed and should not be cited without the author's permission.