Splendid confusion about student dithering (7)
I believe the answer is:
aimless
'splendid' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'confusion about student dithering' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'about' could be 'a' (abbreviation in Chambers) and 'a' is found within the answer.
'student' could be 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers) and 'l' is present in the answer.
'confusion' could be 'mess' (I've seen this before) and 'mess' is located in the leftover letters.
A single letter 'i' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aimless that I've seen before include "Without direction or ambition" , "Without purpose or direction" , "Without purpose or plan" , "Rambling" , "Drifting with no purpose" .)