The influence of social networks on students' learning achievements

Master's Thesis from the year 2016 in the subject Communications - Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Social Media, grade: 1,3, University of Bamberg, language: English, abstract: This study raises an understanding of social network relationships among students and especially, how these ties affect the students¿ learning achievements positively by creating social capital in designated networks. The thesis investigates the concept and measurement of social capital in university settings by applying a literature review. Thus, this study analyses the present and past literature by a systematic literature search and suggesting a model that connects students¿ backgrounds, social capital at university and students¿ learning achievements. Finally, results are presented and discussed, which show that all three dimensions of social capital influence students learning achievements in higher educational settings. However, not all specific components influence the different variables in the same manner and some have no influence. Furthermore, recommendations and directions for further research are provided. In sum, the study finds that a student¿s social capital, generated from his or her social relations with parents, teachers and other peers, has a significant influence on the learning achievements.