Work

Academic Performance and Satisfaction of Student-Directed Learning in Online Education Among Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Students: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: The outcomes of student-directed learning (SDL) compared to teacher-directed learning (TDL) in online education is yet to be established. Objectives: This study compared the academic performance outcomes between students enrolled in SDL online course with those enrolled in TDL online course. Additionally, the researchers assessed student satisfaction with the educational design, communication and interaction, and assessment and evaluation of the SDL online course. Method: A retrospective comparative design study was conducted. The researchers studied two groups of multidisciplinary students enrolled in two different classes (classes A and B) of the Physical and Psychological Child Health course. A complete enumeration sampling method was followed, where students in class A received the SDL, while students in class B had the TDL. The study outcome measured was students' grades in the first (Week 3), second (Week 6), and final (Week 8) exams, reflecting the students' academic performance in the taught course. Additionally, students' satisfaction with the SDL course was assessed using a 17-item self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive and Mann-Whitney U nonparametric test were used. Significance was set at less than .05. Results: = .08). Widespread satisfaction was evident with the SDL course, with an overall satisfaction rate of 85%. The satisfaction rate for educational design, communication and interaction, and assessment and evaluation was 88.4%, 78.8%, and 86.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Applying SDL in online education has strong potentials to improve learning outcomes, while at the same time satisfy students' learning needs. Future research may focus on investigating the integration of practical components in student-directed online education.

Source: SAGE Open Nursing

DOI: 10.1177/23779608251365990

Authors: Basma Al Yazeedi, Zeinab Al Azri, Lina Shakman, Safiya Al Shidhani, Maryam Al Kharusi

Institution: Sultan Qaboos University

Language: English

Topic: Online and Blended Learning

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500