A Qualitative Study on the Volunteer Work Experience of University Students Majoring in Social Welfare

The main aim of the present study is to adapt the academic motivation scale (AMS) for use within basic vocational training and university students. Another aim was to analyze the characteristics of the different dimensions of motivation, whilst also examining existing significant differences between the two studied educational stages. For this, we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, alongside descriptive and inferential analysis of student responses. One of the main findings was that a reduced version of the AMS, made up of five dimensions and 21 items, demonstrated good internal consistency and fit. Further, we observed that intrinsic motivation is higher in university students, whilst extrinsic motivation is higher during the basic vocational training stage. In addition, we uncovered significant differences between both educational stages with regards to the pleasure felt by students when they better themselves, learn new things and attend the educational center. Differences also emerged in relation to the importance attributed by students to achieving a good and well-paid job. With regards to amotivation, significant differences only exist in relation to the motives students have for attending classes and decision making about whether to continue studying the course they are enrolled on. Finally, we have analyzed how the variables sex, age, prior work experience and volunteering experience, and average grade influence the motivation of students undertaking basic vocational training and university students.

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A Comprehensive Study on University Students’ Perceived Employability: Comparative Effects of Personal and Contextual Factors

SAGE Open ◽

10.1177/21582440211036105 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 215824402110361

Author(s):

Meriç Ergün ◽

Harun Şeşen

Keyword(s):

Labor Market ◽

University Students ◽

Work Experience ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Teaching Staff ◽

Ministry Of Education ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Perceived Employability ◽

Contextual Determinants

This study aimed to investigate the personal and contextual determinants affecting the employability perception of university students using a comprehensive model, and to compare the effects of these determinants with each other. The sample consisted of 463 university students from Turkish universities in İstanbul. Following explanatory and confirmatory analyses, the study variables were tested via hierarchical regression analysis. Across all variables, generic skills, academic performance, personal circumstances, and external labor market had significant and positive effects on the perception of employability, while students’ work experience and the contribution of university and consultants did not. The external labor market was identified as the strongest determinant of employability, and contextual factors were identified as having a stronger influence than personal ones. The results present a number of suggestions for stakeholders—including the Ministry of Education, university administrations, teaching staff, employers, students, families, media, and graduates—vis-à-vis perceived employability.

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University students’ understanding and perceptions of schizophrenia in the UK: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025813 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e025813

Author(s):

Charlotte Cadge ◽

Charlotte Connor ◽

Sheila Greenfield

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

University Students ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Negative Symptoms ◽

Health Campaigns ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

African Caribbean ◽

Lay Understanding ◽

The Uk ◽

The University

ObjectiveTo explore lay understanding and perceptions of schizophrenia in university students.DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.SettingThe University of Birmingham, West Midlands.Participants20 UK home students of white British (n=5), Indian (n=5), Pakistani (n=5), African Caribbean (n=4) and dual white British and African Caribbean ethnicity (n=1).ResultsFindings revealed a lack of knowledge about schizophrenia, particularly the negative symptoms that were not mentioned. There were mixed ideas on the causes and sources of available help for schizophrenia; however, positively many said they would consult their general practitioner. While there was a general misconception among the students that schizophrenia caused multiple personalities and was a dangerous illness, there were some differences in perceptions and understanding between ethnic groups, with more Indian students perceiving upbringing as a causal factor in the development of the illness and more Pakistani students perceiving possession by a spirit as a cause.ConclusionsThe university students interviewed lacked knowledge about schizophrenia and stigma was widespread, both of which may delay help-seeking. Public health campaigns educating young people about schizophrenia are required to improve early identification and intervention and improve outcomes. Further research exploring ways to effectively tackle stigma is also required.

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