College Seniors’ Plans for Graduate School: Do Deep Approaches to Learning and Holland Academic Environments Matter?

• In Event: Deep Learning and Academic Engagement

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which college seniors’ plans to earn a graduate degree is affected by their tendency to engage in deep approaches to learning (DAL) and the academic environment as classified by Holland type. Using data from the National Survey of Student Engagement, we analyzed the responses from over 17,000 seniors attending 53 four-year institutions. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between seniors’ uses of DAL and plans for earning a graduate degree. Further, seniors majoring in Investigative environments were more likely to hold higher degree aspirations. Significant interactions effects were also found. The impact of DAL on degree aspirations was greater for seniors majoring in Artistic and Enterprising environments than otherwise similar Investigative environments.

Authors

• Louis Rocconi, University of Tennessee

• Amy Ribera, Indiana University

• Thomas F. Nelson Laird, Indiana University