Hearing students' voices: Sport management graduate students' perceptions of the selected programs in Armenia and Korea

Abstract

This study examined the sport management selected programs, in particular, focused on students' perceptions of the sport management master's program. It explored the similarities and differences of students' perceptions, for the future implications and improvement of the sport management programs at the master's degree level. Document analysis and in-depth interviews were utilized to collect the data. Ten Armenian and Korean students were selected as research participants. The findings of the study revealed that Armenian and Korean students expressed perceptions of the selected program based on their expectations and experiences. Overall, both countries' students were satisfied with educational programs. Furthermore, how students perceive programs in detail, such as their expectations from curriculum construction and experiences from courses, were individualized and based on their interests. However, students mentioned some common aspects where their expectations do not meet reality. Armenian students' reported aspects were the duration of the program, course assignments, course topics, and literacy. Korean students' reported aspects were thesis writing skills, interactions with professors, and practical experience. These outlined several areas for improvement or concern. Lastly, both countries' students mentioned the importance of students' voices and experience sharing in the classroom.