HOW MUCH KNOWLEDGE IS WORTH PURSUING DURING HIGHER EDUCATION? STUDYING STRATEGIES ON THE EXAMPLE OF MANAGEMENT STUDENTS OF GDANSK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Statistical data regarding the situation of graduates (e.g. the ease of finding a job, initial salary) indicate that the decision to study at a university can be perceived as fully rational. At the same time in the face of criticism regarding the higher education system, a university degree may become the most important profit from studies in students’ perception. The article presents quantitative and qualitative research conducted by the authors in order to identify studying strategies pursued by students. We used the method of expert raters – they were last semester students, who indicated (n = 31) and ranked (n = 30) the knowledge necessary to be successful during studies. The information obtained from them was used to identify possible study strategies, which were later evaluated by students who were at the beginning of their studies (n = 176). The results indicate that students prefer strategies that put emphasis on only selected knowledge elements. Additionally, strategy choices indicated by students that start their higher education are identical to choices indicated by those that finish their studies i.e. students in their last semester. In the authors' opinion, obtained results can be used in educational practice, for example in order to create more individualized study paths.