The Psychology of Study Success in Universities

Universities around the world are under increasing pressure to maintain high levels of graduation and to make study processes as efficient as possible, with teachers and students struggling to meet the expectations placed upon them as a result. The Psychology of Study Success in Universities asks whether it is possible to meet these demands at the same time as protecting the well-being of students. Drawing on an extensive and detailed analysis of study success in universities in Finland, the authors of this thought-provoking work argue that universities should be more concerned with students' satisfaction and place greater weight on students' perceptions of the elements that enhance or hinder their success. The book provides a multi-dimensional picture of the student-related and teaching-related factors that promote study success. Giving voice to graduate students, including those enrolled on a PhD, the authors look at the resources that students have at their disposal in order to establish what inspires and motivates the students, what slows them down, and what kinds of experiences students have of successful studies. Määttä and Uusiautti present a wealth of high-quality research showing that good teaching and successful study processes can be secured by immediate and caring interaction, flexible and student-centred teaching and supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration between teachers. The Psychology of Study Success in Universities is essential reading for academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of education and psychology, as well as for those interested in positive psychology, student well-being and pedagogical studies.

Kaarina Määttä is Professor of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education at the University of Lapland, Finland. She is also Vice-rector of the University of Lapland. Satu Uusiautti is Professor of Education at the University of Lapland, Finland, and Adjunct Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

List of Figures Foreword Acknowledgements Part 1 Introduction 1.1 What is This Book about? 1.2 The Expectation of Success and Prompt Graduation 1.3 Introduction to the Research behind This Book Part 2 Successful University Students 2.1 The Ideal Study Process and Factors Hindering It 2.2 PhD Studies as Described by Doctoral Students Themselves 2.3 Students' Resources in University Studies Part 3 Successful University Teachers and Teaching 3.1 Caring Teacherhood in University Education 3.2 Well-structured, Positive Teaching 3.3 Resources for the Successful Supervision of Theses 3.4 Teacher Collaboration and Well-being as the Success Factor Part 4 The Importance and Essence of Study Success 4.1 Success Requires Engagement and Optimism 4.2 Love for Learning as the Way toward Well-being and Success 4.3 Study Success as a Process and Outcome