Work

Characteristics and perceived pathways of students' informal learning experiences in highly flexible public spaces of higher education: a mixed-method study based on four universities in Zhejiang Province

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Against the backdrop of the paradigm shift toward a learning-centered model in higher education, flexible public spaces (FPS) in higher education institutions have emerged as critical campus venues supporting students' informal learning (IL). Existing studies have focused mostly on formal instructional contexts and objective spatial attributes, while operational quantitative assessment tools for Chinese university public spaces and integrated measurement of students' subjective learning experiences remain scarce. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design with a cross-sectional approach, this study examines the characteristics, internal associations, and subjective perceived pathways of students' IL in highly flexible FPS, based on 296 valid questionnaires and seven semi-structured interviews from four universities in Zhejiang Province. The study focuses on descriptive exploration and only examines statistical associations between variables; no causal inferences are drawn. Results show that students' overall IL experiences in highly flexible FPS are at a moderately high level, with significant positive correlations among learning satisfaction, self-efficacy and learning engagement. Qualitative analysis identifies three subjective perceptual pathways: atmospheric catalysis, autonomy enhancement, and social triggering, as well as an inherent tension between spatial openness and learning focus. These findings provide empirical references for the functional optimization of campus public spaces.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1882283

Authors: Juncheng Yang, Xing Yang, Yu-Pei Kuo

Institutions: Dhurakij Pundit University, Huizhou University, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Educational Environments and Student Outcomes

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801