The impact of the future time perspective on student learning motivation and autonomous learning behaviours in the context of a work-based program

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study interviewed 16 undergraduates attending a work-based learning (WBL) program at a Sino-British university to explore the impact of future time perspective (FTP) on students’ learning motivations and behaviours. The study identified four types of students according to their different understandings of FTP. Then, self-directed learning indicators were used as benchmarks to evaluate learning behaviours. In comparing the four types, it was discovered that students who see the connection between the present WBL program and their future employment tend to have more autonomous learning behaviours and are motivated to engage in learning activities. The difference is that students who entered the WBL with an FTP tend to be more self-directed learners and prefer an individualistic cultural orientation in learning. Students who gained a sense of FTP due to participating in the WBL program prefer to learn in groups and need more peer support. This paper contributes to the theoretical understanding of the connection between FTP and learning motivations and how it affects learning behaviours. It also offers practical suggestions for designing and delivering the WBL program in higher education.

KEYWORDS:

• Autonomous learning
• future time perspective
• higher education
• learning motivation
• work-based learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study received funding support from the following: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Teaching Development Fund (TDF20/21-R22-152); and the Chinese Society for Technical and Vocational Education-New Vocational Education Institution of China: Development and Evaluation for International Microcredential of TVET (SZ22B04).

Notes on contributors

Qian Wang

Dr. Qian (Sarah) Wang (FHEA), Assistant Professor, Research Director of the Academy of Future Education (AoFE), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou, China.

Hanlihui Ma

Hanlihui Ma, Ph.D. Student of the Academy of Future Education (AoFE), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China and School of Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.

Xiaojun Zhang

Dr. Xiaojun Zhang (PFHEA), Senior Associate Professor, Executive Dean of the Academy of Future Education, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China.

Jiyao Xun

Dr. Jiyao Xun (SFHEA), Associate Professor & Director of Shanghai-Taicang Research Institute, Entrepreneur College (Taicang), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China.

Jian Chen

Jian Chen, Assistant Professor, Head of the Vocational Education Division of the Academy of Future Education, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China.