UniHow system and HowULearn questionnaire

The University of Helsinki uses the HowULearn questionnaire on learning and teaching to support students with information and feedback. The questionnaire also collects student responses to help plan and develop the University’s teaching.

Students take the questionnaire three times as part of their bachelor’s studies and once as part of their master’s studies. Degree programmes decide on the exact times. After receiving an email invitation, students can take the questionnaire by logging in to the UniHow system with their username and password. The questionnaire takes 15–20 minutes to complete.

The HowULearn questionnaire focuses on methods of study, coping skills and study-related fatigue. Bachelor’s students are initially asked about their reasons for applying to the University, and later about their experiences in the learning environment, the professional skills provided by their studies and employment during studies.

The questionnaire is based on theories of university-level learning and research on higher education. Students are also asked whether they consent to their responses being used in research.

After the questionnaire deadline, students receive an email message telling them that they can access their personal feedback, including information and personalised comments concerning their study methods and how students at the same stage of the degree programme have responded to specific areas of the questionnaire. The feedback also includes research-based tips to promote learning.

The feedback is personal and available only for the student. The student can print feedback using browser's print functionalities (either to paper or to PDF-file). The student can discuss the feedback for example in PSP supervision.

HowULearn questionnaire is based on research in university pedagogy.. The University’s Centre for University Teaching and Learning HYPE is responsible for the content and development of the questionnaire as well as related research. Visit HYPE's home page.

The questionnaire responses of consenting students are used to explore learning in various disciplines, student experiences in learning environments and the best ways to support students throughout their studies in acquiring the learning skills needed to analyse and critically assess information. More information can be obtained from Anna Parpala anna.parpala@helsinki.fi, who heads the research group.

If you wish to withdraw your research authorisation, please contact either learn-support@helsinki.fi or anna.parpala@helsinki.fi

The PhD survey uses the responses of those who have given permission for research to explore doctoral researchers' experiences of their motivation, their well-being in doctoral studies, and the support of their supervisor and research community. Please read the privacy notice for the PhD survey and the Doctoral Experience research (dated 17.2.2025, PDF-file).

The data will be analysed at HYPE. The results will be reported at group level so that individual respondents cannot be identified.

In case of revoking the survey permission, please contact lotta.tikkanen@helsinki.fi.

You can contact UniHow user support via

• UniHow-system (Contact button on the right lower corner)
• sending e-mail to: learn-support@helsinki.fi