Assessment of the Research Experiences of Higher Education Students

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to assess undergraduate students' satisfaction with their research experiences across various colleges, concentrating on critical aspects such as research mentorship, panel involvement, skills enhancement, collaboration, resource accessibility, and administrative procedures. Study Design: The study utilized a quantitative-descriptive approach to collect data on graduating students' impressions of their undergraduate research experiences. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at a higher education institution in the Philippines, involving seven academic colleges within the university during the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. Methodology: A total of 408 graduating students from seven academic colleges engaged in the study by completing a researcher-designed survey. The instrument assessed satisfaction in six categories and had strong reliability across all domains. Data were examined utilizing weighted averages and descriptive statistics. Comparative outcomes were illustrated using summary tables and a line graph to emphasize differences among colleges. Conclusion: The findings suggested that students were predominantly very satisfied with their research experiences, especially regarding panel guidance and competence enhancement. The College of Teacher Education demonstrated the highest overall satisfaction, whereas the College of Criminal Justice Education indicated intermediate levels across all domains, signifying areas for enhancement. The study highlights the significance of mentorship, organized assistance, and collaborative learning in enhancing student satisfaction and advocates for deliberate improvements in research infrastructure and supervision, particularly in programs exhibiting lower satisfaction levels.