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
1.1Background to the Study6
1.2Statement of Problem8
1.3Objectives of the Study10
1.4Research Questions10
1.5 Hypotheses of the Study11
1.6Significance of the Study12
1.7Scope of the Study13
1.8Definition of Terms13
CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW15
2.1Introduction15
2.2Conceptual Clarifications15
2.2.1What is Students' Perception?15
2.2.2Overview on Learning Environment: Definitions and Components16
2.3An Overview of Learning Environment in Nigerian Institutions of Learning20
2.4Implications of the Learning Environment For Learning Outcomes: A Review of Relevant Literature24
2.4.1Physical Infrastructure and Campus Environment26
2.4.2Classroom Management and Structure29
2.4.3Teacher and Student Relationship30
2.4.4Quality of Instructional Procedure and Materials31
2.4.5Influence of Learning Environment on Student Motivation33
2.5Review of Relevant Literature on Students' Perception of Learning Environment: Comparative Differences and Implications for Student Learning Outcome and Performance35
2.5.1Differing Perceptions Among Student Groups35
2.5.2Students' Perceptions and Learning Outcomes38
CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY40
3.1Introduction 40
3.2Research Design40
3.3Study Population40
3.4Sample and Sampling Technique41
3.5Data for the Study: Instrumentation42
3.5.1Instrumentation42
3.5.2Validity of Instrument42
3.6Method of Data Analysis43
CHAPTER FOUR:
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND ANALYSIS44
4.1Introduction44
4.2Socio-Demographic Analysis44
4.3Analyzing Research Questions and Test of Research Hypotheses46
4.3.1Analyzing Research Question One and Hypothesis One46
4.3.2Analyzing Research Question Two and Hypothesis Two49
4.3.3Analyzing Research Question Three and Hypothesis Three51
4.3.4Analyzing Research Question Four and Hypothesis Four54
4.3.5Analyzing Research Question Five And Hypothesis Five56
4.4Discussion of Findings59
CHAPTER FIVE:
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSION62
5.1Introduction62
5.2Summary of Findings62
5.3Policy Recommendations63
5.4Conclusion64
Bibliography66
Appendix I: Questionnaire73
Appendix II: SPSS Results
