Finnish vocational education and training (VET) students’ perceptions of the joy of studying in an online learning environment

ABSTRACT

We examined the perceptions of students in Finnish vocational education and training (VET) institutions about the joy of studying in online learning environments. The data consisted of 290 students’ answers to a survey and a thematic interview with eight students. The phenomenographic analysis revealed students’ experiences of joy in practical learning using digital programmes, independent learning online, collaborative learning online, and working life-oriented online learning. Students experienced the joy of studying when the teacher was positive, supportive, and interested in the subject being taught and treated all students equally. Some students experienced the joy of studying when they could study with others, while others experienced joy alone, regardless of time and place. The research contributed a profound understanding of the joy of learning in different online learning environments, which helps develop teaching and learning in VET in a student-centred manner

KEYWORDS:

• Vocational education
• PERMA theory
• joy of studying
• online learning environment
• survey
• theme interview

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pia Kiikeri

Pia Kiikeri is a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education, University of Lapland. Her research interests are focused on student and teacher well-being, vocational education and training, and the development of online education.

Satu Uusiautti

Satu Uusiautti is a professor of education (esp. educational psychology) in the Faculty of Education, University of Lapland. Her research interests are focused on positive educational psychology, positive development, well-being and flourishing in education and at work contexts.

Sirpa Purtilo-Nieminen

Sirpa Purtilo-Nieminen is a university of lecturer of education. Her research interests are focused on adult learning, lifelong learning, and online and open university education.