%0 Journal Article
%T Personal Efficacy and Factors of Effective Learning Environment in Higher Education: Croatian and American Students
%A Violeta Vida£¿ek - Hain£¿
%A Harry Prats
%A Victoria Appatova
%J Journal of Information and Organizational Sciences
%D 2010
%I University of Zagreb
%X Successful learning in higher education incorporates various factors related to knowledge, skills, habits, and motivation. Additionally, students¡¯ personalities and self-efficacy may contribute to their adjustment, planning of activities, and achieving success. The objective of this paper is to analyze students¡¯ needs for support services, which enhance the effectiveness of their learning environment at higher education institutions. Answers received from a sample of undergraduate freshmen at one American University and one Croatian University were analyzed and compared. The students from both countries agree that there is a need for developing self-reliance and personal responsibility in using support services, as well as for the timely and accurate information on availability of these services. Students¡¯ suggestions and their desire to enhance effectiveness of their learning environment may be used in creating and improving support services in higher education institutions as well as training their staff.
%K Learning environment
%K self-efficacy
%K higher education
%U http://jios.foi.hr/index.php/jios/article/view/145