Components of effective academic learning environment: Case studies of Croatian and American students

Learning environment factors have been increasingly taken into consideration by different higher education systems in two target groups of students in Croatia and the USA. In addition to curriculum and technical support provided at a higher educational institution, other factors have been gaining importance, including student services, mentor support, learning skills development, self efficacy, as well as the prior knowledge gained in the course of secondary education and from family backgrounds. The results are interpreted in the context of identifying the key factors for successful tertiary-level education, especially in the field of information and communication technology in Croatia. Students' feedback is suggested to be used for introducing possible modifications towards a creative and effective learning environment at colleges and universities.