An Investigation of Methods of Instruction and Student Learning Styles in Internet-Based Community College Courses

Abstract

SUMMARY This study investigated learning styles and students' perceptions of the helpfulness of Internet-based methods of instruction among students enrolled in Internet-based courses at the four Nevada community colleges. The study found tentative evidence that reflective learners were more likely to enroll in the Internet-based course included in the study than active learners (chi-square = 6.37, p= .012). The results also supported the idea that global learners were less likely to complete these Internet-based community college courses than sequential learners (chi-square = 7.93, p= .005). An analysis of students' helpfulness ratings for 13 specific methods of Internet-based instruction found no significant correlations between learning styles and perceived effectiveness of instructional methods.