The link between methods preferred by students and other psychoeducational factors

Abstract

To optimise the teaching/learning process it is beneficial to know what type of active methods students opt for, and the link between them and other psychoeducational factors such as social skills, anxiety and social attitudes. Fifty-one university students with ages ranging from 20-28 years of age participated in the study, and 76.5% of these were women. Tools were used to assess each factor and the investigation design used was quantitative. It was found that there is a positive connection between social attitudes and the students’ preference for student exposition methods, team dynamics and the perception of teamwork efficiency, as well as social skills. Trait anxiety and state anxiety levels are average, with trait anxiety being higher than state anxiety. The average results in social skills are also high, indicating an elevated level of social skills. There was also a high average mark in oral expositions (the perceived value of them), as well as their practice (their usefulness). Teaching focused on the student, interactive lessons and team dynamics are among the methods preferred by students. The findings are compared with previous studies and highlight the importance of using active methods, such as team dynamics and oral expositions.