The Findings of Focus Group Study on Independent Learning in a Digital Age

Abstract

All students need to learn independently, yet the fast-changing world, especially with technology, creates many obstacles. In major cities like Hong Kong, where institutions vigorously promote contemporary educational patterns, the problem is more complicated and serious. Given the abundance of technologies, it is vital to understand how Hong Kong university students view independent learning and their expectations for its use in the digital age. The CUHK Independent Learning Centre (ILC) has been operating for over 30 years. Extending the language centre model makes this centre special. The ILC surveyed CUHK students in 2022 to learn about their opinions on autonomous studying and their expectations for help. A follow-up focus group study has been conducted to clarify the results and verify the first analysis by blending qualitative insights with the mostly quantitative findings. The principal objectives of the focus group study are to explore the viewpoints of students and aid ILC in improving its support for student needs. Students who completed the survey were invited to meet ILC hosts in 2023. Students discussed numerous issues with two ILC lecturers. All discussions were taped and transcribed into Word. Thematic analysis of student interview replies was done using QualCoder V3.5. Further content analysis showed that student perspectives fall into four main themes and different sub-themes, with a total of 480 instances recorded. The interpretation demonstrated that students comprehend independent learning, its concept, its practice at CUHK, self-efficacy, technology use, teacher assistance, and future support. Many students appear self-aware and secure in learning. They appear prepared to define independent learning in a digital age and traverse an information- and technology-rich environment. Although survey and focus group results varied on how significant in-person instruction by educators is in autonomous learning, focus group findings generally agree with survey results. In general, the assessment of both findings shows that most CUHK students enjoyed independent study.