Hybrid Learning Classrooms and Student Engagement Strategies

Hybrid Learning Classrooms and Student Engagement Strategies

What is this Research About?

Hybrid teaching and learning classrooms typically combine face-to-face and online course formats. When well-designed, these classrooms successfully motivate students to learn by developing relationships and using technology for content delivery. This research designed a qualitative study using an appreciative inquiry method to identify the benefits of hybrid teaching and learning in higher education and design a new, better model focusing on three themes: (I) perception of hybrid learning, (II) student motivation, and (III) design considerations. 

What did the Researchers Do?

The researchers designed a questionnaire for students to get feedback and study four main areas: (1) defining peak learning experience, (2) discovering hybrid learning experience and logistics, (3) dreaming about the ideal hybrid learning experience for the future, and (4) designing a new learning experience based on students’ feedback. The investigators planned two opportunities for students to take part in the study. The first was an anonymous open-ended survey, including demographic information and eight short-answer questions. The second was an online group interview to engage students in the discovery and dream phases of the study. 

What did the Researchers Find?

Findings for the first and second categories (I) and (II) revealed that students reacted positively to hybrid learning and showed increased motivation for learning overall. The findings for the design category (III) revealed an existing concern among students regarding the loss of personal contact and the need for instructional strategies. One student reported, for example, that “the worry is the online aspect and less human interaction.” These study results suggest that the level of affinity for hybrid learning is overall high, as well as the dream of a future where hybrid courses continue. 

→ How to Implement this Research in Your Classroom

The following recommendations can help educators in the implementation of hybrid teaching: 

  • Create appropriate infrastructures for delivering hybrid courses. 

  • Communicate clearly how hybrid courses are listed on the class schedule to set expectations for students when they enroll. 

  • Provide course material (readings, activities, videos, PowerPoint slides) to students in advance to increase flexibility. Post the material in a learning management system prior to the time students are to engage with it. 

  • Be purposeful when deciding whether synchronous or asynchronous methods work best to meet the learning goals. 

  • Clearly define attendance policies. Consider including a multi-access attendance plan or flexible attendance policies to accommodate students. 

  • Provide the possibility for students to use online breakout rooms to enhance social interaction with the instructor and peers. 

→  Citation

Kniffin, L.E., & Greenleaf, J. (2023). Hybrid Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: An Appreciative Inquiry. International Journal of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, 35 (2), http://www.isetl.org/ijtlhe/ 

→  Keywords

  • Hybrid Learning
  • Higher Education
  • Hybrid Teaching
  • Appreciative Inquiry 

Creative Commons by logo This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License

Snapshot Writer: Marta Bruno

Snapshot Publication Date: 2024

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