Characteristic features of organizing university students' independent study (survey results)

The article is concerned with the problem of independent study organization among students taught at higher educational establishments. Characteristics and assessment results of the research carried out at Petrozavodsk State University constitute the focus of the paper. Results of the research and analysis of the problems arising in the course of competency-based approach employment are provided. The obtained results reflect correlations between students' expectations from the university course of study and real learning outcome; understanding of the importance of independent study skills' development for personal competency enhancement; and assessment of different types of self-directed learning. Results of the research are based on the analysis of questionnaires filled out by students and on the analysis of in-group and personal conversations with students and professorial staff. The obtained results revealed the following: university students understand the value and importance of independent study skills development for enhancement of their personal competitiveness; the presence and employment of different forms of independent study inclusive of innovative and traditional types; importance of the means to control and assess results of students' self-directed learning. It was also confirmed that employment of students' independent study is not systematical and lacks theoretical justification. The authors' understanding of the problem in focus and its possible solutions are provided.