Abstract:

The aim of the article was to find out the engineering students’ opinions on education in Slovakia, to emphasise what qualities students liked or disliked on teachers and what kind of learning (teaching) students preferred during educational processes. The research was realised at two Slovak universities. Those were Slovak University of Agriculture and Slovak University of Technology. Together 586 students of both universities participated in the research. The first-year university students evaluated their attitudes towards education, teachers and teaching (learning) methods. The second part of the research (Part II) presents the history and the structure of education system in Slovakia, some thoughts on teaching as well as learning generally. During the research, the following research methods were used: the questionnaire method, the interview method, the method of discussion and the statistical interpretation. The results have shown that one quarter of respondents did not know the differences between the education system in Slovakia and that considered to be the European standard. However, more than 20 % of all respondents think that Slovak education system does not reach the European standard. As for evaluating teachers’ work, the results confirmed that a fair, patient and tolerant teacher was much more appreciated than a willing, creative and humorous one. On the other hand, many teachers were prejudiced, arrogant and nervous; and only some teachers were offending, impulsive, reserved or stereotyped. Regarding teaching (learning) methods, more than 20 % of students felt the lack of discussions during their lessons. Among different teaching (learning) methods, the students considered the project-based one to be the most interesting for them. The detailed results can be found in the article. This topic has been solved within KEGA Project 031-035 STU-4/2010: “Models of project-based learning at secondary vocational schools”.

Keywords:

Engineering education, engineering students’ opinions, elementary and secondary schools.