Students' Perception of Learning Environment In Undergraduate Programmes: A Comparative Study of Public And Private Tertiary Institutions In Edo State.

ABSTRACT This study comparatively explores the learning environment in undergraduate programmes of private and public universities. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0, this study adopts the Independent T-test to analyze if significant differences exist in the perceptions of the learning environment held by students from four (2 public and 2 private) tertiary institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. The study tested for significant differences in the perceptions of students from private and public institution on five dimensions of the learning environment namely: campus environment and physical infrastructure; classroom management and  structure; teacher-students relationship; quality of instructional procedure and materials; and motivational impact of the learning environment. Results shows that students from private tertiary institutions and students from public tertiary institutions have markedly different perceptions of the five components of learning environment tested for. Thus, it was the recommendation of the study that benchmarks on good quality of campus environment and physical infrastructure, as well as classroom management and structure should be developed and statutorily enforced, in order to close the huge gaps in service delivery between private and public institutions in the country. Also, exchange programs between public and private institutions within same geographical area should be developed, as a way to integrate students from both institutions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION1.1Background to the Study61.2Statement of Problem81.3Objectives of the Study101.4Research Questions101.5        Hypotheses of the Study111.6Significance of the Study121.7Scope of the Study131.8Definition of Terms13
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW152.1Introduction152.2Conceptual Clarifications152.2.1What is Students' Perception?152.2.2Overview on Learning Environment: Definitions and Components162.3An Overview of Learning Environment in Nigerian Institutions of Learning202.4Implications of the Learning Environment For Learning Outcomes: A Review of Relevant Literature242.4.1Physical Infrastructure and Campus Environment262.4.2Classroom Management and Structure292.4.3Teacher and Student Relationship302.4.4Quality of Instructional Procedure and Materials312.4.5Influence of Learning Environment on Student Motivation332.5Review of Relevant Literature on Students' Perception of Learning Environment: Comparative Differences and Implications for Student Learning Outcome and Performance352.5.1Differing Perceptions Among Student Groups352.5.2Students' Perceptions and Learning Outcomes38
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY403.1Introduction 403.2Research Design403.3Study Population403.4Sample and Sampling Technique413.5Data for the Study: Instrumentation423.5.1Instrumentation423.5.2Validity of Instrument423.6Method of Data Analysis43
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND ANALYSIS444.1Introduction444.2Socio-Demographic Analysis444.3Analyzing Research Questions and Test of Research Hypotheses464.3.1Analyzing Research Question One and Hypothesis One464.3.2Analyzing Research Question Two and Hypothesis Two494.3.3Analyzing Research Question Three and Hypothesis Three514.3.4Analyzing Research Question Four and Hypothesis Four544.3.5Analyzing Research Question Five And Hypothesis Five564.4Discussion of Findings59
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS ANDCONCLUSION625.1Introduction625.2Summary of Findings625.3Policy Recommendations635.4Conclusion64Bibliography66  Appendix I: Questionnaire73Appendix II: SPSS Results