Students workload during their study process: evidence from Latvia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to provide analysis on students’ workload in Latvia by researching the differences among study branches and modes of studies, and to find the correspondence of the real study workload to the officially regulated – 40 hours per week.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Analysis are based on the survey results performed in 2013 where 2917 students representing most of the Latvia’s higher education institutions provided answers on their study workload. Statistical calculations are used for data analysis.

Findings: The research results reflect that students in general spend less than 40 hours per week on their studies. In most cases devote less numbers to individual work, if compared to the number of hours spent in classes, the study directions of psychology, sociology being an exception. More than 56% of full-time students and 72% of part-time students consider the workload should be increased - in most cases they would prefer having more contact hours. In almost all the higher education institutions students do report on irregular workload that turns to be high in certain weeks and much weaker in others.

Research limitations/implications: The response rate - more than 3% students of higher education institutions and 7% of colleges is comparatively high, the data still doesn’t allow providing detailed analysis on each higher education institution and on each study level.

Practical implications: The research results and research methodology can be used by higher education institutions, in order to measure the students workload as well as to gain.

Social implications: Education is one of the most important tools for promoting person's professional and personal development. In this regard – better quality in education will always promote better carrier possibilities for students.

Originality/value: The research draws a framework on the measurement possibilities of students workload. In addition, this is the first research in Latvia, involving more than 2900 respondents’ opinions, thus providing a representative sample.