Comparing Approaches to Studying of Malaysian Distance Learners and on Campus Learners: Implications to Distance Education Siew Ming THANGSchool of Language Studies and LinguisticsFaculty of Social Sciences and HumanitiesUniversiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MALAYSIA ABSTRACT This paper compares the approaches to studying of Malaysian distance learners and on-campus learners to find out to what extent the distance learning programme of a public university in Malaysia is effective in meeting the learning needs of its distance learners. The influences of the differences in modes (distance learners vs. on-campus learners) and disciplines (Social Sciences vs. Applied Sciences vs. Business Administration) on approaches to studying were studied statistically using item analysis and scale analysis. This paper first discusses the findings of this study in the light of other research carried out in this area and secondly, and more importantly, in the light of its contribution towards a better understanding of the learning needs of Malaysian distance learners.