Research of Dr. Bernal

8/2/2019 Research of Dr. Bernal

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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

In June 2009, fourteen (14) out of thirty (30) RTU nursing graduates who took the

licensure exam passed it; that would be a forty-seven (47) percent passing rate for the

College of Nursing. They were the first batch of graduates of the College of Nursing of the

Rizal Technological University.

The College of Nursing aims to develop within the student the knowledge, skills

and attitudes in the professional practice of nursing which include the ability to analyze

and evaluate the practice in context of the local health care system. This research can help

in identifying gaps and measure if the nursing department achieves its aim.

One aim of this research is to determine the learning approach of the nursing

students and if deemed appropriate recommend interventions to promote an effective

approach to teaching and learning for the nursing students.

Since the College of Nursing is at its early stage, there were no measures of its

student’s performance except for the licensure exam. As such, the researchers are

interested in the learning process of the nursing students whether they adopt a deep or

surface approach to learning.



Students having a deep approach to learning have an intrinsic motivation to

learn and to understand the meaning of what is being learned. Students who used a surface

approach concentrated on surface features of the learning tasks such as key words or

phrases. Their strategies are to memorize and to reproduce elements which seemed

appropriate. (Kember, Charlesworth, Davies, McKay, Stott, 2001).

One instrument that could measure the study approach is the Revised Two-Factor

Study Process Questionnaire or the R-SPQ-2F developed by Biggs, Kember and Leung

(2001). It consisted of twenty items using a rating scale of one to five; ten items measured

deep learning and ten items measured surface learning. (Biggs and Kember, 2001 as cited

by Knowles and Kirkman). Within each of these two factors it is possible to distinguish

strategy and motive subscales. Each of the subscales consisted of five items. The final

version of the questionnaire therefore has two main scales, Deep Approach (DA) and

Surface Approach, (SA) with four subscales, Deep Motive (DM), Deep Strategy (DS),

Surface Motive (SM), and Surface Strategy (SS). (Kember, Charlesworth, Davies,

McKay, Stott, 2001).

The R-SPQ-2F was utilized in several studies for nursing students (Tiwari et al.,

2006; Leung, Mok, Wong, 2007) where the researches showed varied results. The R-SPQ-

2F is effective in measuring differences in a problem-based learning but showed negative

results for high quality multiple choice tests.



Theoretical Framework

This study is premised on the theory that students adopting the use of a deep

learning approach is, in general, associated with higher quality learning outcomes and a

surface approach with lower quality learning outcomes. (Gijbels, D., Van de Watering, G.,

Dochy, F., Van de Bossche, 2005)

There are two main influences in the student’s development of a certain learning

approach, personal and the teaching context. On the personal side, some factors in the

students’ background or personality seem to be associated with a Surface Approach

(Biggs, 1989) and others with a Deep Approach. (Biggs, 1987) On the teaching side, time

pressures, examination stress, and using test items that emphasize low level cognitive

outcomes encourage a surface approach. On the other hand, learner activity, student-

student interaction, and interactive teaching, particularly problem-based teaching

encourages a deep approach. (Biggs and Telfer, 1987).

Using the R-SPQ-2F, the researchers would like to explore if the nursing students

are geared toward a deep or surface approach or both. Where students who adopt an

approach that contains elements of both approaches or neither approach tend to fail

university examinations (Meyer, Parsons & Dunne 1990: Entwistle, Meyer & Tait 1991).

They have learning outcomes significantly worse than their colleagues who adopt either a

surface or deep approach.

Also, the interaction between a student and the course structure, curriculum

content and the methods of teaching and assessment shape whether a student will gravitate

toward a surface or deep approach. (Peng and Bettens, 2002)



Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to determine the approach to learning of first year to fourth year nursing

students of Rizal Technological University using the Revised Two- Factor Study Process

Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F).

Specifically, this study sought answer to the following problems.

1. What is the students’ approach to learning according to the following scales by year

level?

The study approaches and subscales are:

1. Deep Approach

Deep Motive

Deep Strategy

2. Surface Approach

Surface Motive

Surface Strategy

2. What is the difference between the study approaches and its subscales and the students’

year level based on the following:

A. Deep Approach

B. Deep Strategy



C. Deep Motive

D. Surface Approach

E. Surface Strategy

F. Surface Motive

3. What is the difference between the deep and surface scale scores of the nursing students

on the following scales?

3.1 Deep Motive vs. Surface Motive

3.2 Deep Strategy vs. Surface Strategy

3.3 Deep Approach vs. Surface Approach

Hypothesis

Ho:Neither one of the four groups in deep and surface scores and subscales are equal.

Ha: At least one of the four groups’ deep and surface scores and subscales are

different from the other three.

Ho: There is no significant difference in the mean scores of deep motive and

surface motive scores for the year level.

Ha: There is a significant difference in the mean scores of deep motive and

surface motive scores for the year level.

Ho: There is no significant difference in the mean scores of deep strategy

surface strategy scores for the year level.

Ha: There is a significant difference in the mean scores of deep strategy and



surface strategy scores for the year level.

Ho: There is no significant difference in the mean scores of deep approach and

surface approach scores for the year level.

Ha: There is a significant difference in the mean scores of deep approach and

surface approach scores for the year level.

Assumptions

It is assumed that the nursing students understand the questionnaire and that there

is no need to translate the questionnaire to Filipino since they will be taking the licensure

exam which is in English. It also assumed that the selection process of the nursing

students is of high standard and the medium of instruction is in English.

Limitations/Delimitations of the Study

The study is limited to the 92 first year to fourth year nursing students of Rizal

Technological University during the school year 2008-2009. Twenty-three (23) students

per year level were selected from the sample of the nursing students who answered the

questionnaire. The instrument used is in English since it is assumed that the selection

process of nursing students is of high standard and it is also assumed that the students will

also take the nursing board exam which is in English and that the medium of instruction is

English. The sampling technique used can be a limitation which will prevent the

researcher from generalizing the results of the study.

Definition of Terms



R-SPQ-2F refers to The Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire

Deep Approach is an approach characterized by students understanding or concentrating

on the meaning of the learning material.

Deep Motive is an approach characterized by students who show interest from within and

often have the initiative to go beyond their syllabus and achieve satisfaction through deep

understanding of a subject.

Deep Strategy is an approach characterized by being task specific and aim at

understanding the meaning of what is being learned; relate the different aspects of the

information with one another or relate to previous learning and personal experience.

Surface Approach is an approach characterized by students having limited interest in a

task and has an extrinsic motive to carry out task for some external achievement.

Surface Motive is an approach characterized by students who tend to learn just enough to

pass and who are afraid of failure due to social pressure.

Surface Strategy is an approach characterized by students who memorize, concentrate on

key words or phrases.

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE



Student learning is a challenging process dependent on a number of variables both at the

learners’ or personal, the teaching context (Biggs, 1987) and institution level. (Siddiqui,

2006). Learning approach can be modified either by the changes in the personal situation

of the student, or a change in the teaching situation may modify the learning approach. For

example, the teacher can help the student adjust their learning approach by giving

problem-based assessment rather than those that encourage memorizing. This may in turn

change the students’ motivation, which may change the approach used. This may also

influence the outcome, the teacher’s perception of the students and the student’s own

perception.

Students can adopt neither approach nor both approaches. The deep/surface

distinction seems dichotomous but the distinction between the two approaches is not

absolute. Although memorization is ordinarily associated with surface learning as a

strategy to recall information for assessment purposes it may play a part in both

approaches. (Kember, 1996)

Assessment methods can influence the learning approaches of nursing students.

Assessments designed to assess understanding rather than rote learning can contribute to a

deep learning approach. Multiple-choice questions can be formulated at high cognitive

levels for nursing assessments. (Leung, Mok and Wong, 2006)

The original research which characterized deep and surface approaches was

pioneered by Marton and Säljö (1976) as cited by Kember, Charlesworth, Davies, McKay,

Stott (2001). The categories used to describe approaches to learning were derived from

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interviews and observation of students performing normal learning tasks such as reading

academic articles and identified two discrete approaches to reading articles. When

students adopt a deep approach they have an intention to understand the author’s meaning

and linking it to their experiences. Students adopting a deep approach concentrated on the

underlying meaning of an article, with the intent to understand the real message of a piece

of writing or the underlying purpose of an academic task. Learning approaches have a

motivation and a strategy element which are intimately elated. Students attempt to

understand a topic if it is of real interest to them or if they can see its relevance to their

current or future professional roles. On the other hand, a surface approach is associated

with limited interest in a task or an extrinsic motivation. (Kember, Charlesworth, Davies,


Surface Approach

Surface approach is studying merely for the intention of reproducing information

without any further analysis. Students who memorize terms without understanding the

meaning of the word are an example. Surface and deep approaches relate to rehearsal and

the general cognitive processes of coding. (Phan and Deo, 2006)

According to Tang (1994) of Hong Kong Polytechnic, students adopting a surface

approach have an extrinsic motive to carry out the task for some external achievements

like a high grades or passing the subject other than the present task itself. This approach

aims at avoiding failure but with investing minimum effort.



These students focus on isolated facts and fail to see the relation among the

information. According to Peng and Bettens (2002), surface motivated learners are

encouraged in a society where the rewards for staff that perform are limited by their

education level. Students who are only motivated by extrinsic factors tend to be less

interested in most of the knowledge they learn during their days in the university,

believing that it will not help them in their future career. Thus, these students will tend to

learn just enough to pass, and they are afraid of failure because of social pressures.

Students who use a surface strategy are dependent on the lecturers and expect to

learn everything from them. They are also found to be syllabus bound. Most of these

students avoid disagreement with the lecturers, perhaps as a sign of respect or perhaps

they are afraid that it will affect their grades. (Peng and Bettens, 2002)

Deep Approach

Students showing intrinsic motivation are likely to use the deep approach to

learning. Such students are able to adapt to the ever-changing environment by continuous

learning, helping them to discover as well as to understand new ideas. Satisfaction is often

achieved through deep understanding of a subject. Deep learners are flexible and all

rounded. Thus, it is expected that they are able to excel in almost any field into which they

venture. (Peng and Bettens, 2002)

Students who are engaging in a deep approach have an intrinsic motivation of felt

need based on interest in the task. The strategies thus adopted are task specific and aim at

seeking and understanding the meaning of what is being learned. These students not only

relate the different aspects of the information with one another, but also relate them to



their previous learning and their personal experiences. Deeply motivated learners are

believed to show interest from within and often have the initiative to go beyond their

syllabus to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. (Peng and Bettens, 2002)

According to Laird, (2005), the reason deep learning is important is because

students who use such an approach tend to earn higher grades, and retain, integrate and

transfer information at higher rates. Deep learning is associated with an enjoyable learning

experience while the surface approach tends to be less satisfying.

According to Gijbels et al (2005) although the results seem to be inconsistent, the

use of a deep learning approach is, in general, associated with higher quality learning

outcomes and a surface approach with lower quality learning outcomes (Crawford,

Gordon, Nicholas, & Prosser, 1998; Hazel, Prosser, & Trigwell, 1996; Snelgroove &

Slater, 2003; Trigwell & Prosser, 1991; Van Rossum & Schenk, 1984; Zeegers, 2001).

The result of a study by Tiwari et al (2003) on the effect of problem-based learning

on nursing students resulted that the students adopted a deep approach to learning during

the period of clinical education. Ä description of their clinical education experiences like

motivated to learn; self-direction in learning; active, interactive and student-centered

learning; and enjoyment in learning suggest that they adopted the deep approach.

Students in general, adjust their styles of learning based upon the demands of the

course that they are enrolling in. (Biggs, Kember, & Leung, 2001). In a study by Davidson

(2001) on accounting students on the relationship between performance on complex



examination question and the use of a deep study approach shows that prior academic

achievement, as indicated by cumulative GPA, and motivation for taking the course, as

indicated by students’ plans to seek an accounting job, are the best predictors of

examination performance.

Landbeck and Mugler (1997) conducted a study on tertiary students at University

of South Pacific (USP) and results showed that the students at USP displayed a lower

percentage of higher-order conception of learning resulted from a highly examination

driven curricula as well as lecture-based transmission mode of teaching preferred by

students.

According to Roach (2000) and Ramsden (1992) students who graduate from

universities are unable to form a deep understanding of their field or they do not think like

a professional. The students graduate with only a surface knowledge of their field. It has

been widely accepted that such dispositions are due to expectations, held by students and

lecturers alike, that university learning is quantitative. Qualitative approaches to learning

improve critical thinking skills and understanding of subject material.

A study was conducted by Bernardo in 2003 using the Learning Process

Questionnaire (LPQ) which was the old version of the Study Process Questionnaire.

Bernardo (2003) assessed the learning approach of Filipino students and results showed

that the LPQ was a valid instrument to assess the learning approaches of non low-

achieving Filipino college students. The Deep and Achieving subscales scores of the LPQ

were positively related to academic achievement.



In a study by Stiernborg, Zaldivas & Santiago (1996) where they assessed the

comparative effectiveness of didactic teaching and experiential learning using nursing

students from Manila as participants shows that students in the experiential group has

significantly higher scores than the didactic group. This research was published in

Australia.

Studies on learning approach were conducted in Hong Kong (1998), Singapore

(2002), Australia (2003, 2006), Europe (2005) and Pakistan (2006) with limited researches

on learning approach here in the Philippines most specifically on the learning approach of

nursing students. This is an enough reason to focus the study on the learning approach of

students most especially in the field of nursing since this is one of the sought after course

in our country today.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Method

This research adopted the descriptive method since it is used to describe different

aspects of a behavior or psychological phenomena (Wagner, 2008). It involves the

collection of data in order to test the hypothesis or to answer questions concerning the



current status of the subjects of this study.

Population Frame and Sampling Scheme

The sampling used for this study was convenience sampling. A convenience

sample is a group of individuals who (conveniently) are available for study (Fraenkel &

Wallen, 2006). Nursing students who were present and available on the first day of the

second semester of the school year 2008-2009 were administered with the R-SPQ-2F.

From the total population of 503 students enrolled, 182 students took the exam with 88

students coming from the first year, 40 students from the second year, 33 students from

the third year and 23 students from the fourth year. From the sample, 23 students were

randomly selected from first year to third year, with all the 23 students from fourth year

included in the study.

Instrument Used

The researcher used the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-

2F) developed by Biggs and Kember (2001) which can be employed to measure learning

or teaching. It consisted of twenty items using a rating scale of one to five; ten items

measured deep learning and ten items measured surface learning. (Biggs and Kember,

2001 as cited by Knowles and Kirkman). Within each of these two factors it is possible to



distinguish strategy and motive subscales. Each of the subscales consisted of five items.

The final version of the questionnaire therefore has two main scales, Deep Approach (DA)

and Surface Approach, (SA) with four subscales, Deep Motive (DM), Deep Strategy (DS),

Surface Motive (SM), and Surface Strategy (SS). (Kember, Charlesworth, Davies,


The range on each category of approach to learning is from 10 to 50, ten questions

with five being the high score on each question. Within each approach, there are sub-

categories of Motive and Strategy, each with five questions. The range in scores for these

is from 5 to 25.

A scoring key was provided by the instrument developer in computing for the

subscales motive and strategy.

The first Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) consists of 42 items, seven for each

of the sub-scales surface strategy, surface motive, deep strategy, deep motive, achieving

strategy and achieving motive. It contains an achieving approach scale in addition to ones

for deep and surface approaches. The Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire

was developed to provide a shortened version dealing only with deep and surface

approaches, principally for work on teaching effectiveness and staff development. It can

be administered quickly and easily by a regular teacher, for use in monitoring teaching

contexts. (Kember, Charlesworth, Davies, McKay, Stott, 2001).

Much of the 'approaches to learning' researches have been conducted with higher

education students in Australia and Hong Kong and this kind of measurement is viewed as

a valid and reliable way to assess learning. The study process questionnaire is a valid and



useful tool for nurse teachers to gain knowledge about student nurses' approaches to

learning. (Slater, 2003)

Reliability

Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency of the twenty items was 0.78. The internal

consistency of the two scales Surface Approach and Deep Approach each having ten items

was 0.77 and 0.66 respectively. The reliability indices for four subscales was also

calculated and are almost identical to the reliability coefficient in earlier study (Biggs,

Kember, Leung, 2001) (Siddiqui, 2006) Table 1.

According to McIver and Carmines (1981) as cited by Gliem and Gliem (2003)

Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient normally ranges between 0 and 1. However, there

is actually no lower limit to the coefficient. The closer Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is to

1.0 the greater the internal consistency of the items in the scale.

Table 1- Reliability Coefficient for the Scales and Subscales

Scales and Subscales Chronbach alpha valueBiggs et. Al.

( 2001)Leung & Chan

( 2001)Siddiqui

( 2006)Current Study

(2008)

Deep Approach (DA) 0.73 0.76 0.75 0.77Deep Motive (DM) 0.62 0.61 0.58 0.48

Deep Strategy (DS) 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.53

Surface Approach (SA) 0.64 0.73 0.73 0.66

Surface Motive (SM) 0.72 0.59 0.59 0.57

Surface Strategy (SS) 0.57 0.58 0.58 0.56

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Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers handed the letter of request to the Dean of College of Nursing

regarding the proposal to conduct their study in this college and to utilize the selected

nursing students as respondents of the present study. The R-SPQ-2F was administered to

the nursing students who were present during the first day of second semester of the

school year 2008-2009. The data gathered were tallied and computed using the Tools

Analysis of Microsoft Excel.

Statistical Treatment of Data

To compare the differences among the approaches the One Way Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA) was used. The ANOVA is used to test hypotheses about population

means and used to two or more groups to see if the groups are affected. The F Test was

used to test for the significance of the two types of group (Downie & Heath, 1983). Both

computation utilized the Data Analysis tools of Microsoft Excel.

To compute for the differences among the year level per subscale, the T-Test for

Paired Mean in the Data Analysis tools of Microsoft Excel was used. The mean and

standard deviation was also computed using the Data Analysis tools of Microsoft Excel.



CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter deals with the presentation of results, analysis and interpretation of

the profile and competencies of human resource practitioners.

The students approach to learning of the respondents according to the components

of the selected variables is presented in the next table.

Table 2- Mean Scores and Standard Deviation of First Year to Fourth Year Students

on Deep and Surface Approach and its Subscale



Year Level DeepApproach

(DA)

DeepMotive(DM)

DeepStrategy

(DS)

SurfaceApproach

(SA)

SurfaceMotive(SM)

SurfaceStrategy

(SS)

Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD

Freshmen 34.13 6.0 17.91 3.6 16.22 3.2 26.48 5.7 11.78 3.2 14.70 3.8Sophomores 34.48 7.2 18.52 4.2 15.96 3.6 27.13 5.5 12.48 2.7 14.65 3.7Juniors 33.30 5.9 17.35 3.4 15.96 3.1 27.09 5.5 12.13 4.0 14.96 3.1Seniors 34.70 4.9 17.78 2.9 16.91 2.9 25.35 5.5 10.87 2.9 14.48 3.5

Table 2 shows the mean scores for deep and surface approach and their subscales. The

deep approach scores of 34.13 for freshmen; 34.48 for sophomores, 33.30 for juniors and

34.70 for seniors is higher than the surface approach of 16.22, 15.96, 15.96 and 16.91 for

freshmen to seniors respectively. This implies that the nursing students have a deep

approach to learning and is interested in the topic discussed in class. This could be

attributed to the student’s desire to enroll in nursing because they are internally motivated

to learn and be competent in their field.

The sophomore students got the highest surface approach score of 27.13, highest

surface motive scores of 12.48 and a high deep motive score of 18.52 which suggests that

the sophomore students alternately uses the deep and surface motive where they may find

the topics interesting but would like to pass the course while doing as little work as

possible. Where students adopt an approach that contains elements of both approaches or

neither approach, they tend to fail university examinations. (Meyer, Parsons & Dunne

1990: Entwistle, Meyer & Tait 1991), or have learning outcomes significantly worse than

their colleagues who adopt either a surface or deep approach.

The result is similar to the study conducted by Fourie (2003) “…students in their

second year of study are relying more on memorizing than during the first or third year of



study” and “students with a more dominant surface approach to learning are not the

students who will be doing that “extra bit” in their studies.”

The junior students ranked first in the surface strategy subscale with a score of 14.96 and

ranked last in the deep approach with a score of 33.30. This implies that their strategy to

learning is more on memorization and studying only topics that they expect will be in the

exam. This could be attributed with the kind of assessment technique employed by the

professor. According to Kember (1996) as cited by Fourie (2003), “Memorization is

ordinarily associated with surface learning as a strategy to recall information for

assessment purposes that may play a part in both approaches”.

The succeeding presentation tells whether there is a significant difference between the

study approach and the students’ year level.

Table 3- Mean differences between year levels on approaches to study

Scale Source of

Variation

Sum of

Squares

df Mean

Square

F F crit Interpretation

DeepApproach

BetweenGroups (Year Level)

25.78 3 8.594 0.23 2.71 not significant

WithinGroups

3256.09 88 37.001

Total 3281.87 91DeepStrategy

BetweenGroups (Year

Level)

14.09 3 4.696 0.46 2.71 not significant

WithinGroups

905.65 88 10.292

Total 919.74 91DeepMotive


16.22 3 5.406 0.42 2.71 not significant

WithinGroups

1130.70 88 12.849



Total 1146.91 91SurfaceApproach


47.60 3 15.866 0.51 2.71 not significant

Within

Groups

2715.39 88 30.857

Total 2762.99 91SurfaceStrategy


2.70 3 0.899 0.073 2.71 not significant

WithinGroups

1084.78 88 12.327

Total 1087.48 91SurfaceMotive


32.99 3 10.996 1.04 2.71 not significant

WithinGroups 928.87 88 10.555

Total 961.86 91Table 3 shows the ANOVA result for the comparison of the approach and its

subscales per year level. This table shows that the F value of 0.23 for deep approach, 0.46

for deep strategy, 0.42 for deep motive, 0.51 for surface approach, 0.073 for surface

strategy and 1.04 for surface motive is not significant. The null hypothesis is accepted at

0.05 significance level which states that “Neither one of the four groups in deep and

surface approach scores and their subscales are equal”. This implies that year level does

not affect the deep and surface approach scores and their subscales. The homogeneity of

the scores can be attributed to the sampling technique used which is the convenience

sampling. According to Siddiqui (2006), one explanation for no difference can be the

homogeneity of the sample. Other studies suggest that as the year of study increases, the

student also increase their adoption of a surface approach. (Fourie, 2003)

The differences between deep and surface approach and their subscales for all

year level are presented in Table 4.



Table 4- Differences between deep and surface approach and their subscales for all

year level

Scales Computed Value Df Tabular Value Interpretation

Deep Vs Surface Motives Freshmen 6.16 22 2.07 significantSophomores 5.27 22 2.07 significantJuniors 4.33 22 2.07 significantSeniors 8.46 22 2.07 significantDeep Vs Surface Strategies Freshmen 1.69 22 2.07 not significantSophomores 1.86 22 2.07 not significantJuniors 1.91 22 2.07 not significantSeniors 3.10 22 2.07 significantDeep Vs Surface Approach

Freshmen 5.75 22 2.07 significantSophomores 4.77 22 2.07 significantJuniors 4.50 22 2.07 significantSeniors 7.63 22 2.07 significant

p>0.05

Table 4 shows that there is a significant difference between the Deep Motive vs.

Surface Motive of freshmen to senior students. The computed score of 6.16, 5.27, 4.33

and 8.46 is greater than the tabular value of 2.07. Therefore, the alternative hypothesis is

accepted that “there is a significant difference in the mean scores of deep motive and

surface motive scores for the year level”. This implies that the students work hard because

they find their topic interesting and gives them a feeling of deep personal satisfaction. This

can be attributed with the students’ personal desire to pursue nursing as their career

because of the internal motivation or satisfaction they get from studying the course and

also an external motivation to succeed in this career because this course also offers great

amount of money abroad.

According to Peng & Bettens (2002), a high score on Deep Motive subscale



suggests that deeply motivated learners are believed to show interest from within and

often have the initiative to go beyond their syllabus to satisfy their thirst for knowledge.

Kember et.al., (2001) also stated that “students attempt to understand a topic if they can

see its relevance to their current or future professional roles”.

According to McManus and Winder (2001) as cited by Phan (2001), the R-SPQ-2F

is designed to evaluate how students approach learning the topics or courses that are most

important to them. The nursing students may have viewed the topics and their course as

important most especially the senior students who are graduating and needs the motive to

learn in preparation for the licensure exam.

In the Deep vs. Surface Strategies, the computed score of 1.69 for freshmen, 1.86

for sophomore, 1.91 for junior students is less than the tabular value of 2.07 in the 0.05

level of significance, therefore, we accept the null hypothesis that states “There is no

significant difference in the mean scores of Deep Strategy vs. Surface Strategy scores for

the year level”. This implies that the freshmen to junior students’ alternatively uses the

deep and surface strategy in learning, they may try to study topics until they understand

them but they may or only study topics which they think will be in the exam.

With reference to the deep motive vs. surface motive scores of freshmen to junior

students, results suggest that the nursing students are deeply motivated to learn but employ

both the deep and surface strategy in their approach to learning. According to Kember

(1996) as cited by Fourie (2003), “Memorization is ordinarily associated with surface

learning as a strategy to recall information for assessment purposes that may play a part in



both approaches”. The role of the teacher is very critical in this area.

According to Leung, Mok and Wong (2006), “Assessment methods can influence

the learning approaches of nursing students. Assessments designed to assess

understanding rather than rote learning can contribute to a deep learning approach.

Multiple-choice questions can be formulated at high cognitive levels for nursing

assessments”.

According to Meyer, Parsons & Dunne (1990) and Entwistle, Meyer & Tait

(1991), “Where students adopt an approach that contains elements of both approaches or

neither approach, they tend to fail university examinations or have learning outcomes

significantly worse than their colleagues who adopt either a surface or deep approach”.

We would like to see these students as having a deep strategy once they reach their senior

year as is the case of the senior students.

The senior student’s computed value of 3.10 for the Deep Strategy vs. Surface

Strategy is greater than the tabular value of 2.07. in the 0.05 level of significance.

Therefore, we accept the alternative hypothesis that “there is a significant difference in the

mean scores of Deep Strategy and Surface Strategy scores for the year level”.

This implies that the senior students are inclined to spend extra time trying to

obtain information about new topics and they do extra work like looking at the suggested

readings so they can understand the topic better. The senior students work hard, do extra

work and test themselves until they completely understand the topic.











In the Deep vs. Surface Approach, the result of 5.75, 4.77. 4.50 and 7.63 for

freshmen to senior students respectively is greater than the tabular value of 2.07 at the

0.05 level therefore, we accept the alternative hypothesis that :”there is a significant

difference in the mean scores of deep approach and surface approach scores for the year

level”. Nursing students are deeply motivated to learn, and relate the different aspects of

the information with one another, but they also relate them to their previous learning and

their personal experiences. (Tang, 1994)

According to Laird, Shoup & Kuh, (2005) “…on average seniors ‘frequently’

(often or very often) engage in deep approaches to learning”.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings, the conclusions arrived at and

recommendations made in the light of the findings of the study.

This study sought to find out the “Learning Approaches of Nursing Students Using

the Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire”

Specifically it sought to answer the following;

1. What is the students approach to learning according to the following scales by year

level?

1.1 The study approaches are:

Deep Approach



Deep Motive

Deep Strategy

Surface Approach

Surface Motive

Surface Strategy

2. Is there a significant difference between the study approach and the subscales and

students’ year level?

3. Is there a significant difference between the deep and surface scale scores of the nursing

students on the following scales?

3.1.1 Deep Motive vs. Surface Motive

3.1.2 Deep Strategy vs. Surface Strategy

3.1.3 Deep Approach vs. Surface Approach

The population of the study was composed of 92 nursing students. The learning

approaches were categorized as deep or surface with two subscales per category. For deep

approach the subscales were deep motive and deep strategy. For surface approach the

subscales were surface motive and surface strategy. The nursing students were grouped

according to their year level.

The weighted mean was used for analyzing the data on the approach, strategies

and motive of the nursing students. To find out significant difference between the learning

approach and the subscales the ANOVA was used. To test if there is a significant

difference between surface approach vs. deep approach, surface strategy vs. deep strategy

and surface motive vs. deep motive, the t-test for correlated means was used.



All the computations used the Tools Analysis of Microsoft Excel.

Summary of Findings

1. The freshmen to senior nursing students’ learning approach, strategy and motive

were dominantly deep approach.

2. The senior students got the highest mean score of 34.70 in the Deep Approach,

16.91, in the Deep Strategy and got the lowest mean score of 25.35 in the

Surface Approach. The sophomore students got the highest Surface Approach

mean score of 27.13 and high Surface Motive mean score of 12.48 in

comparison with the other year level. The junior students got the highest Surface

Strategy mean score of 14.96, the lowest mean score of 17.35 in Deep Motive

and lowest mean score of 33.30 in Deep Approach.

3. The F value of 0.23 for Deep Approach, 0.46 for Deep Strategy, 0.42 for Deep

Motive, 0.51 for Surface Approach, 0.073 for Surface Strategy and 1.04 for

Surface Motive at 0.05 levels is not significant.

4. The computed score of 6.16 for freshmen, 5.27 for sophomores, 4.33 for juniors

and 8.46 for seniors’ is greater than the tabular value of 2.07 in the 0.05 level of

significance using the t-test for paired mean. Therefore, the alternative

hypothesis is accepted that “there is a significant difference in the mean scores

of Deep Motive and Surface Motive scores for the year level”. The computed

score of 1.69 for freshmen, 1.86 for sophomore, 1.91 for junior students is less

than the tabular value of 2.07 in the 0.05 level of significance, using the t-test for

paired mean Therefore, we accept the null hypothesis that states “There is no



significant difference in the mean scores of Deep Strategy vs. Surface Strategy

scores for the year level”. The senior student’s computed value of 3.10 for the

Deep Strategy vs. Surface Strategy is greater than the tabular value of 2.07 in the

0.05 level of significance using the t-test for paired mean. Therefore, we accept

the alternative hypothesis that “there is a significant difference in the mean

scores of Deep Strategy and Surface Strategy scores for the year level”. The

computed value of 5.75 for freshmen, 4.77 for sophomores, 4.50 for juniors and

7.63 for senior students is greater than the tabular value of 2.07 at the 0.05 level

of significance In the Deep vs. Surface Approach, the result of 5.75, 4.77. 4.50

and 7.63 for freshmen to senior students respectively is greater than the tabular

value of 2.07 at the 0.05 level of significance using the t-test for paired mean.

Therefore, we accept the alternative hypothesis that :”there is a significant

difference in the mean scores of Deep Approach and Surface Approach scores

for the year level”.

CONCLUSION

1. The nursing students predominantly adopt a deep approach to learning especially

the senior students. They show an intrinsic interest in the topic and achieve

satisfaction through deep understanding of the topic.

2. The result of the comparison of the deep and surface approaches and their

subscales shows no significance which could be attributed to the sampling

technique used in the study. The sample is homogenous.

3. The freshmen to junior students’ both uses the deep and surface strategy like

memorization or they may spend extra time trying to obtain information on a



topic but only those given in the class. This could be because of the assessment

technique that emphasizes a quantitative based learning or the method of

teaching applied by the teacher. These students are syllabus bound (Peng and

Bettens, 2002), they would only study topics that they are sure will appear in

their exam. The difference in the score of senior students’ may be due to their

exposure to actual nursing experience in their internship. The test was conducted

in the first day of the second semester of 2008-2009 and the reason not all senior

students participated in the survey is because they were on duty in their

internship. Another reason for the differences in the scores for the Deep and

Surface strategy is the nursing course itself. It is very expensive to enroll in a

nursing course and a failing grade is not the best thing to have, therefore the

students’ strategy to pass is to memorize, because that is what it is expected of

them to pass the subject, real learning is sacrificed. In our culture, a person with

a diploma is highly recognized most especially in the field of nursing and

passing the nursing licensure examination.

Recommendations

1. The deep approach to learning should be promoted by teachers and since the

nursing students’ approach is the deep one, it should be maintained, monitored and

established.

2. It is recommended that a randomized sampling technique be used to be able to

generalize the result to the population.

3. A different method of administering the R-SPQ-2F is by asking students to rate the

learning approach for a particular subject to specifically measure that area or



method of instruction which highly influences the learning approach of the

students. The method of teaching should promote a deep approach to learning by

utilizing experience-based learning or problem-solving learning and less on

memorization or quantitative learning.

4. The R-SPQ-2F can be administered on the first and last day of every semester to

gauge the students’ learning approach and see if they tend towards a deep or

surface approach.

5. The R-SPQ-2F can be administered to all student of RTU to establish norms

among the colleges.

6. A Filipino version of the test can be made to fit low-achievement tertiary students.

7. Variables affecting the approach can be explored for further researches like

correlating the results to the result of the nursing board examination.

8. Results of the study can be utilized by the guidance counselor to identify areas of

students that need improvement and provide programs to encourage students to

apply a deep approach to learning.

9. Other measures of learning can also be used and correlate it with the result of the

R-SPQ-2F.

10. The instrument can also be enhanced to change other items that will best make the

construct clear especially on surface strategy because it has the lowest reliability

coefficient.



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LEARNING APPROACHES OF NURSING STUDENTS OF RIZAL

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY USING THE REVISED TWO-FACTOR

STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE

A Research Paper

Presented to

The Research and Development Center

Of the Rizal Technological University

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the

Research, Extension and Production Services



By

MS. AGNES F. MONTALBO

DR. MERLENE M. BERNAL

APRIL 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Research Abstract ii

Table of Contents iii

Lists of Tables v

CHAPTER

I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction 1

Theoretical framework 3

Statement of the Problem 4

Hypothesis 5

Assumptions 6



Scope and Delimitation 6

Definition of Terms 7

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature 8

III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Method Used 8

Population Frame and Sampling Scheme 13

Instrument used 13

Data Gathering Procedure 14

Statistical Treatment 16

IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Mean Scores and Standard Deviation of Freshmen to Senior Students on deep and Surface Approach and its Subscales

19

Mean Differences Between Year Levels on Approaches to Study 21

Differences between deep and surface approach and their subscales for all year level

22

V SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Findings 27



Conclusions 29

Recommendations 30

BIBLIOGRAPHY 32

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Survey Permit

Appendix B – The Revised Two Factor Study ProcessQuestionnaire

34

35

Research of Dr. Bernal

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