Investigating Perception on Learning Environments among Higher Education Students

The perception of the learning environment refers to how students understand, experience, and evaluate their educational surroundings, considering physical, social, and psychological aspects. This concept is important in educational research as it directly impacts students' academic performance, motivation, and overall well-being. This study examined the perception of the learning environment among higher education students in Kolkata, focusing on variations based on gender, habitation, type of institution, educational stream, and educational level. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 257 students from higher education institutions. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze differences in perceptions across these variables. The findings revealed that female students had a significantly higher perception of their learning environment compared to male students (p<0.05). Urban students showed better perceptions than their rural counterparts, although the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, students from private institutions reported a better perception than those studying in government institutions. Students from the science stream demonstrated a higher perception of the learning environment compared to those from arts and commerce streams. Additionally, undergraduate students exhibited significantly higher perceptions than postgraduate students (p<0.05). This study highlighted key differences in students’ perceptions of their learning environments and emphasizes the need to consider these variations to improve the overall educational experience.