The Integration of Context Of Learning, Concepts Of Learning And Approaches To Study Data Communications

This paper explores the integration of context of learning, concepts of learning, and approaches to study data communications. Students’ responses show that their approaches to study are directly related to the context and concepts of learning. Five concepts of learning are illustrated through three models proposed by previous studies. These concepts are then used as benchmarks for developing models of teaching to enhance the students’ approaches to learning. It is found that students with intrinsic interest who are academically orientated automatically adopt the deep approach to learning whilst academically orientated students with extrinsic interest can adopt the deep approach only with help from institutional context. Accordingly, this paper proposes a practical teaching / learning model to help students to attain the deep approach to study. To date the model has changed students’ orientation to study, as well as encouraged some students towards the deep approach to study.