The Psychology of Study Success in Universities ― Lessons from Finnish University Students

Universities around the world are under increasing pressure to provide prompt study processes and high levels of graduation, with teachers and students struggling to meet the expectations placed upon them as a result. This leads to questions about whether it is possible to help students to pass courses quickly and more efficiently, and still take care of their well-being. The Psychology of Study Success in Universities tackles such questions by providing extensive analysis of study success in universities in Finland, arguing that universities around the globe should be more concerned with students’ satisfaction and their perceptions of the elements in education that enhance or hinder their success.

The book provides a multi-dimensional picture of the student-related factors and teaching that may enhance study success at their best. Giving voice to both graduate students and PhD students, the book focuses first on students and their resources to establish what inspires them, what slows down their study processes, and what kinds of experiences they have of successful studies. With plenty of first-hand experience of teaching, Määttä and Uusiautti also provide research-based, innovative ideas that demonstrate that good teaching and successful study processes are secured by immediate and caring interaction, flexible and student-centred teaching and supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration between teachers.

Although the research data the book is based on was obtained in Finland, the findings will be relevant to teachers and researchers around the globe. As a result, this book will be essential reading for academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of education and psychology, as well as for those interested in positive psychology, student well-being and pedagogical studies.

Kaarina Maatta, PhD, is Professor of Educational Psychology in the?Faculty of Education, Docent of Teacher Education in the?Faculty of Art and Design and Vice-rector at the?University of Lapland in Finland.

Satu Uusiautti, PhD, is Associate Professor at the?University of Lapland and?Adjunct Professor at the?University of Helsinki in Finland.