PRINCIPLES OF CONNECTIVISM LEARNING THEORY IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Abstract

The research is intended to determine the dominant principles of connectivism learning theory in international studies that are related to student’s learning expectations. For that purpose the roles of teachers and students in the process of cognition, the dominant methods of study and technical means employed in the knowledge of the process of cognition are analysed. Also, the parameters of student satisfaction with international studies are analysed: the possibility to interactively know and interpret knowledge, to learn by learning strategies suitable for a student, to choose a meaningful curriculum for a student. The research results show that learning expectations of students in international study programmes are associated more with principles of connectivism than with constructivist learning theory. An essential factor in causing the reaction of student dissatisfaction with studies is the quality of pedagogical communication in a foreign language.

Keywords: connectivism, international studies, roles of participants in educational process, teaching / learning methods, technology enhanced learning.

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2015.107