Transitions in students' learning patterns in higher education: dimensionality, validity and development

The aim of this contribution is to present three strands of research that are important to further advance the present knowledge base regarding the dimensionality, validity and development of learning approaches/ learning patterns.  Three strands of future research will be argued and grounded in the previous literature and illustrations will be provided focussing on actual and recent empirical contributions in the field. Important issues regarding the theoretical models, common instruments and measurement techniques will be addressed. Perspectives for further advancing cross-cultural research in these three strands will be provided.