Information Inquired by College Students from Students of Final Years of Study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify kinds of information that are connected with college studies and which appear in the mutual communication among students from different years of study. The attention was paid to such kinds of information that are usually not explicitly expressed by academic staff, but can help students when dealing with common situations which college students face such as exams, seminar tasks, cooperation with other students and communication with teachers. For the purpose of a data collection, a questionnaire survey was used. The following data analysis has verified whether there are some differences depending on faculties of study, students' gender or students' degree programme (Bachelor's or Master's). The findings indicate that students of both genders and from all faculties are mainly interested in information about studies, teachers, exams, and subjects. They also look for study materials to be offered by students of final years of study. Basic categories regarding the most important information in the communication among students from different years of study are the following: role information (information and advice about tasks connected with the role of being a student), social information (information and advice connected with dealing with teachers, faculty staff and other students) and self-management information (information and advice regarding time management). A statistically significant difference in inquired information was not confirmed with regard to faculties of studies or students' gender. It is evident that Bachelor students are more interested in information about teachers in comparison with Master students.