Student Perspective on Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences 2010

The survey investigated student opinion on study conditions in universities of applied sciences (polytechnics) in Finland. The main themes pertained to the choice of educational institution, study tracks, quality of teaching on their programme, study environment, the respondents' ability to study, and ways of influencing how things are run in the institution and in Finnish society. Questions covered what year the respondents had completed their upper secondary education, reasons for choosing their institution and field of study, reasons for the time it took to for them to commence their present studies after secondary education or previous studies, satisfaction with own study progress, and reasons for slow progress. Further questions charted how well the institution and studies had met their expectations, how satisfied the respondents were with different aspects of their institution (e.g. teaching quality, teaching methods, amount of work compared to credits gained, study guidance), and whether their studies had given them skills needed in working life and in life generally. Opinions on practical training and feedback were surveyed, as well as plans for further studies. The survey also explored the respondents' previous studies and possibilities to credit the previous studies or work experience as part of their degree. Ability to study and study environment were charted with a number of questions. The respondents were asked to rate their abilities to, for instance, work in group, find suitable study methods, prepare for an exam, plan their studies, interact with other students and teachers. They were presented with some statements relating to, for example, their health, life control, social relations, different aspects of study environment, and study guidance and support. Experiences of being subjected to antisocial behaviour or discrimination were charted. One topic pertained to sport services at the institution. The respondents were asked whether they were members in the student union and reasons for not being a member. They were asked to what extent they agreed with some statements relating to the activities and services of the student union. Methods used to influence things at the institute were explored. Finally, the respondents were asked whether they believed they could influence issues important to them by voting and what methods they had used to influence decision-making in Finnish society. Background variables included the respondent's year of birth, gender, R's and the parents' level of education, and details of R's degree programme and study (field of study, level, teaching language of the programme, whether Finnish or foreign student, year when commenced present studies, credits earned, change of institution or field of study).