This study comparatively explores the learning environment in undergraduate programmes of private and public universities. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0, this study adopts the Independent T-test to analyze if significant differences exist in the perceptions of the learning environment held by students from four (2 public and 2 private) tertiary institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. The study tested for significant differences in the perceptions of students from private and public institution on five dimensions of the learning environment namely: campus environment and physical infrastructure; classroom management and structure; teacher-students relationship; quality of instructional procedure and materials; and motivational impact of the learning environment. Results shows that students from private tertiary institutions and students from public tertiary institutions have markedly different perceptions of the five components of learning environment tested for. Thus, it was the recommendation of the study that benchmarks on good quality of campus environment and physical infrastructure, as well as classroom management and structure should be developed and statutorily enforced, in order to close the huge gaps in service delivery between private and public institutions in the country. Also, exchange programs between public and private institutions within same geographical area should be developed, as a way to integrate students from both institutions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study 6
1.2 Statement of Problem 8
1.3 Objectives of the Study 10
1.4 Research Questions 10
1.5 Hypotheses of the Study 11
1.6 Significance of the Study 12
1.7 Scope of the Study 13
1.8 Definition of Terms 13
CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW 15
2.1 Introduction 15
2.2 Conceptual Clarifications 15
2.2.1 What is Students' Perception? 15
2.2.2 Overview on Learning Environment: Definitions and Components 16
2.3 An Overview of Learning Environment in Nigerian Institutions of Learning 20
2.4 Implications of the Learning Environment For Learning Outcomes: A Review of Relevant Literature 24
2.4.1 Physical Infrastructure and Campus Environment 26
2.4.2 Classroom Management and Structure 29
2.4.3 Teacher and Student Relationship 30
2.4.4 Quality of Instructional Procedure and Materials 31
2.4.5 Influence of Learning Environment on Student Motivation 33
2.5 Review of Relevant Literature on Students' Perception of Learning Environment: Comparative Differences and Implications for Student Learning Outcome and Performance 35
2.5.1 Differing Perceptions Among Student Groups 35
2.5.2 Students' Perceptions and Learning Outcomes 38
CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 40
3.1 Introduction 40
3.2 Research Design 40
3.3 Study Population 40
3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique 41
3.5 Data for the Study: Instrumentation 42
3.5.1 Instrumentation 42
3.5.2 Validity of Instrument 42
3.6 Method of Data Analysis 43
CHAPTER FOUR:
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND ANALYSIS 44
4.1 Introduction 44
4.2 Socio-Demographic Analysis 44
4.3 Analyzing Research Questions and Test of Research Hypotheses 46
4.3.1 Analyzing Research Question One and Hypothesis One 46
4.3.2 Analyzing Research Question Two and Hypothesis Two 49
4.3.3 Analyzing Research Question Three and Hypothesis Three 51
4.3.4 Analyzing Research Question Four and Hypothesis Four 54
4.3.5 Analyzing Research Question Five And Hypothesis Five 56
4.4 Discussion of Findings 59
CHAPTER FIVE:
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSION 62
5.1 Introduction 62
5.2 Summary of Findings 62
5.3 Policy Recommendations 63
5.4 Conclusion 64
Bibliography 66
Appendix I: Questionnaire 73
Appendix II: SPSS Results
