Self-control, peer assistance, and satisfaction of online learning among Chinese social work students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Online learning is a new type of learning practice based on information and communication technologies. It has gained great popularity in higher education in China in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, because it can reach more students over long distances and achieve cost-benefit maximization. Compared with the traditional classroom-based learning model, online learning reduces the control of instructors, thus highlighting the students’ self-management ability and peer assistance. Based on the data collected from an online learning survey of undergraduate (BSW) and graduate social work (MSW) students in China in 2022, this study reveals the effects of social work students’ self-control and peer assistance on online learning satisfaction. The results show that 72.95% of BSW and MSW students have participated in online learning in the previous academic year, and they are generally satisfied with their online learning. Students’ self-control ability significantly affects their satisfaction with online learning. At the same time, peer assistance is a significant mediating variable. It is suggested that in addition to promoting students’ self-control ability and self-study management, making full use of online resources to promote peer assistance and communication among students is also a way to improve social work students’ satisfaction with online learning.