Students' Learning Experiences and their Outcomes: A Preliminary Study of its Relationship in Japan

This study examines the relationship between the student's learning experiences and their outcomes in a private university in Japan. Drawing on Astin's IEO model of learning as its main theoretical framework, this exploratory study analyzes the relationship between the student's learning experiences, as measured by what, how, and how long he or she learned on one hand, and intermediate and overall learning outcomes, as measured by his or her cumulative GPA, number of acquired credits, perceived gains, and satisfaction with career placement on the other. A multiple regression analysis is employed, and this study proves that the number of acquired credits is related to his degree of satisfaction with career placement. Based on the finding, the study makes some suggestions on how the university can help its students on this matter.