Level Of Course Satisfaction Research Articles

From design as a socio-technological practice to design as an educational strategy

Recent high school curriculum reforms worldwide have integrated engineering design. However, the implementation of engineering design (ED) into high school curricula faces challenges due to teachers' misconceptions regarding engineering as well as their lack of knowledge and training. This study examines how the course at Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) impacted preservice science teachers (PSTs). The main purpose was to examine 13 student’s perceptions of engineers and ED. Also, the study investigates how such a course enables preservice teachers to acquire fundamental ED skills. The data were analyzed through qualitative tools and techniques. Results indicate high levels of course satisfaction and deepened understanding of engineering practice among students. Participants valued the experience, were actively engaged, and expressed positive outcomes including enhanced thinking and interpersonal skill. However, students also observed difficulties such as time management and teamwork collaboration. This research provides an overview of the effect of integrating an ED course within pre-service teacher training.

Enhancing students’ learning experience using social networking applications: evidence from a random experiment

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 quarantine, we conducted a field-setting pre/post-test randomized experiment (n = 115), creating a community using the social media application Instagram to enhance students’ interactions with their peers and immediate physical environments in a large, introductory online course in environmental psychology. We used the framework of the community of inquiry (CoI) to explain the ecological effects of this project. After posting photos and interacting with others on Instagram weekly for 8 weeks, student participants reported a significantly greater social presence and cognitive presence. Furthermore, participants reported higher levels of course satisfaction and performed better on the preliminary exams than non-participants, but this does not seem attributable to the intervention itself. We discuss the issues of self-selection bias, attrition bias, and compliance bias in this study arguing that greater social presence increased the cognitive presence, as mediated by meaningful peer interactions. Our findings provide additional evidence on the value of using social media in educational settings on learning experiences and for building communities to connect students with their peers and physical environments. We also explore the implementation of a pedagogical approach to context-based learning via mobile technologies, and how the CoI framework can be used in evaluating online learning environments.

Orientation Services and Course Satisfaction among Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Trainees in Kenya

The study examined the relationship between orientation guidance services and course satisfaction among trainees in TVET institutions in Kakamega County, Kenya. Holland’s theory of vocational choice guided the study. A concurrent Triangulation design was adopted. The study targeted 12807 trainees, four registrars, 4 Deputy Principals in charge of academics, and 4 Guidance and Counseling Coordinators from the TVET institutions in Kakamega County. The use of questionnaires and interview schedule collected data. The instruments were piloted among 38 trainees from Kisiwa TTI in neighboring Bungoma County of Kenya. The study established a significant positive correlation between orientation services (r=.473; p=.000) and course satisfaction among TVET trainees. Orientation services accounted for 22.1% of the variation in the level of course satisfaction. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Administrators of TVET institutions ensure the implementation of TVET academic policy in the institutions to enhance the adequate provision of academic services.

COURSE SATISFACTION AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN ONLINE LEARNING AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL

The adoption of online learning modality among Higher Education Institutions increased exponentially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As the universities shifted from onsite learning to online learning, course satisfaction and student engagement became the emerging concern among teachers. This study was designed to determine the significant relationship between course satisfaction and student engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in the University of Mindanao – Bansalan College, Philippines. A total of 529 university students responded to the online survey. Results showed students’ high level of course satisfaction and engagement with online learning delivery. Students have the same level of satisfaction on online learning delivery quality but have different online learning engagement levels as to year level. Also, this study revealed that online course satisfaction was significantly correlated with online student engagement. Through structural equation modeling, it was further specified that online course satisfaction is significantly related to students’ skills engagement, emotion engagement, participation engagement, and performance engagement as constructs of student engagement in online learning. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) need to improve online learning delivery quality in the new normal setting amid the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure to fill the gap between those students from advantaged and underprivileged backgrounds.

Factors Affecting Learners’ Academic Success in Online Liberal Arts Courses Offered by a Traditional Korean University

This study aimed to empirically examine the factors affecting full-time undergraduate students’ satisfaction and academic performance measured by grades using an existing large administrative dataset. The sample consisted of 21,662 undergraduate students who took online liberal arts courses offered by a large traditional Korean university in the spring semester of 2020. The theoretical framework of this study was formulated by selectively adopting and slightly modifying some of the factors from Choi’s conceptual model for adult dropout from online degree programs. The findings indicated that gender, previous GPA, campus, type of online course, the relevance of the course, adequacy of assignments and assessments, learner-instructor interaction, and learner-content interaction significantly affect students’ degree of satisfaction with online liberal arts courses. This study also found that students who considered the course less relevant to their goals or interests, had a low previous GPA, had frequent learner-instructor interactions, few learner-content interactions, and a low level of course satisfaction are more likely to earn a grade of B, C, or lower than to receive an A in online liberal arts courses.

Efficacy of an intensive 2-week musculoskeletal anatomy course in a medical education setting

There is little consistency in student contact hours and teaching activities used in medical curriculums across North America, and controversy exists regarding the most efficient or effective way to teach musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy in medical school. The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively examine academic performance and levels of course satisfaction among first year medical students who had completed an intensive 2-week MSK anatomy course during the pre-clerkship portion of their Association of Faculties of Medicine in Canada accredited undergraduate medical program. Course data from formative and summative student evaluations, as well as end-of-course satisfaction surveys were analyzed for a homogenous group of 549 first-year medical students over a 5-year period. Data indicated that student’s academic performance on both formative and summative evaluations for the 2-week MSK anatomy course were consistently high, and not significantly different from the results for other system-based 1st year anatomy courses delivered over longer durations. Likert data from end-of-course surveys also suggested that student feedback regarding the course was overwhelmingly positive, and that the 2-week MSK anatomy course had the highest level of overall satisfaction when compared to all other first-year anatomy courses. These results can be used to help in the design and implementation of MSK anatomy courses within medical curriculums, and contribute to a growing body of literature which is focused on examining the effect of curricular design on MSK anatomy learning in a medical education setting.

Academic Self-Perception and Course Satisfaction among University Students Taking Virtual Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia (KSA)

This research study examines academic self-perceptions and course satisfaction among university students and associated factors during virtual classes. A cross-sectional online survey of (n = 328) undergraduate and postgraduate Saudi students who took virtual classes during the second semester of the academic year 2019–2020 and the first semester of the academic year 2020–2021 during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The findings demonstrated students’ scores on negative academic self-perceptions (mean (M) = 9.84; standard deviation (S.D.) = 3.09) are significantly higher in comparison to positive academic self-perceptions (M = 7.71; S.D. = 2.46) and the difference was statistically significant, t(327) = 3.69, p < 0.001. The analysis demonstrated that mean differences were significant across ‘year of study’, ‘field of study’, ‘CGPA’ (cumulative grade points average), ‘employment status’, ‘on-site work’ and ‘being a parent of young child’ (p < 0.01). Correlation analysis shows a linear positive association between perceptions of workload and low technical support with negative academic self-perceptions (p < 0.001) and an inverse relationship with positive academic self-perceptions (p < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the predictor variables in the model (perceptions of workload and technical support) explain 62% variance in negative academic self-perceptions and 41% variance in positive academic self-perceptions. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated that positive academic self-perceptions bring a 32% variance in course satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of balancing workload during online studies in higher education and provision of adequate technical support to reduce the negative academic self-perceptions which are associated with lower levels of course satisfaction. Students’ academic self-perceptions and course satisfaction during virtual studies are important factors to retain students’ motivation in learning and academic performance.

The Influence of Social Presence on Students’ Satisfaction toward Online Course

Students’ satisfaction plays a vital role in ensuring effective online learning. This study investigated the association between social presence and students’ satisfaction toward online discussions in Learning Management System (LMS) platform conducted at a private university in Malaysia. Both correlation and two-step hierarchical linear regression were performed to analyze the online survey data. The instruments used to measure the summated scores of social presence and satisfaction were Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and satisfaction scale, respectively. The results revealed that the correlation between both variables was significantly positive. Students who declared relatively high level of satisfaction were more likely to report high level of interaction with their peers in online conversation and high level of social presence. Essentially, social presence seemed to contribute the most in predicting the level of course satisfaction amongst the students.

Psychological predictors of National Student Survey course satisfaction

Course satisfaction has been linked independently to University provision quality, student self-efficacy and basic psychological need fulfilment. In the current paper we seek to unite those disparate areas with a view to understanding how University factors interact with psychological factors in the determining of student satisfaction, as measured by the National Student Survey (NSS). Study one was focused on data from the NSS itself (N = 1321), in which it was demonstrated that variance in overall course satisfaction is mostly driven by satisfaction with teaching quality and the students' personal development. Study two (N=250) was focused on the psychological factors that relate to students’ personal development that might influence course satisfaction. This questionnaire-based study indicated that self-efficacy, skill confidence and the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness were associated with course satisfaction. However, those variables shared much variance and only the fulfilment of the need to feel competent uniquely predicted levels of course satisfaction. We conclude that efforts to maximise student satisfaction should focus on enabling academic staff to excel as inspirational tutors, tutors who foster competence and confidence in their students' academic journey.

Identifying subtypes of attitudinal learning among MOOCs learners: a latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT This study aims (1) to investigate the different motivations and perspectives for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that targeted attitudinal learning outcomes; and (2) to categorise learner profiles in regards to their perceived attitudinal learning gains. Seven hundred and ninety-six learners from three MOOCs participated in an author-developed survey that measures perceived learning gains in cognitive, affective, and behavioural learning, enrolment purpose, learning activity, and course satisfaction. Latent profile analysis suggested a three-profile solution: those with cognitively engaged (n = 426, 53.5%), overall highly engaged (n = 334, 41.9%), and behaviourally engaged (n = 36, 4.6%). We found no significant difference between profiles in enrolment purpose; however, learners in the overall highly engaged profile had a significantly higher level of course satisfaction and perceived lecture videos as the most impactful learning activity, while those in the behaviourally engaged profile valued interactive session with the instructor. The paper concludes that the choice of media and other activities in MOOCs should be carefully considered and selected to create a more inclusive learning environment to better meet the needs and interests of learners from diverse backgrounds.

The role of self-regulated learning Strategies on learners’ Satisfaction in Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Evidence from Malaysia MOOC

Learning in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) necessitates learners to be capable of self-regulating their learning in order to oversee and adapt their behaviour and actions in certain learning settings. Studies have highlighted that learners who have good control of self-regulation in their learning, either formal or informal learning contexts, utilise more competent learning strategies in online learning context. Nevertheless, MOOCs attract a diverse range of learners, each with different experience and satisfaction. The aim of this study is to examine the role of self-regulated learning (SRL) and its components (time management, planning, self-evaluation, and help-seeking) on learners’ satisfaction in MOOC. Data were collected from 281 learners of a Malaysia MOOC namely Asas Keusahawanan (Introduction to Entrepreneurship), in the second semester of the Malaysian universities academic calendar. A cross-sectional web-based survey was applied and a Partial Least Square (PLS) approach was use for analysing data. Findings indicated that all of SRL components except help-seeking are important factors for explaining learners’ satisfaction in a MOOC. This study provides useful suggestions for the course designers of MOOCs platforms, and the facilitators in engaging learners with suitable SRL strategies and increase the level of course satisfaction.

Accounting students’ choice of blended learning format and its impact on performance and satisfaction

ABSTRACTUsing online platforms to deliver educational content, some institutions have developed blended courses that combine the advantages of online instruction with traditional face-to-face (F2F) teaching. This study compares accounting student performance and satisfaction in two blended formats with similar content and design, i.e. F2F+ vs. Online+ courses. It also assesses the characteristics of students who choose the latter option over F2F+ courses. Students in four advanced accounting subjects were surveyed and their course performance was obtained. Results indicate that the main determinants of students’ decision to register for an Online+ course are retaking the course, increased weekly work hours, and belief that this type of blended course facilitates learning. Results show that students in advanced accounting courses with equivalent content and design perform similarly and have the same level of course satisfaction across course delivery formats, as hypothesized under equivalency theory.

Prevalence of Depression among Students of a Dental Tertiary Care Center in Kerala.

Introduction:According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people were estimated to suffer from depression in 2017. Many studies have observed that medical personnel have a higher level of depression, but studies among dentists are scarce. Early diagnosis will help in controlling the morbidity and mortality due to depression. Hence, this study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of depression among students of Government Dental College (GDC), Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the state of Kerala, India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at GDC, Thiruvananthapuram, for a period of 3 months from September to December 2017, using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and a pro forma comprising 37 questions. Students having PHQ scores >9 were considered to have depression. The questionnaire was administered on 364 students comprising undergraduate students, paradental students, house surgeons, and postgraduates. Separate sessions were arranged for each group and four reminders were given.Results:The prevalence of depression was estimated as 26.9% (95% confidence interval: 22.4–31.8). Being married, having high and average level of course satisfaction, and having close friends were found to act as independent protective factors, whereas female gender and breakups in relationships were found to be independent risk factors.Conclusion:It is high time we provide supportive programs and implement preventive measures to help professional students, especially those who are at higher risk of mental ill-health. Further studies need to be conducted to explore the academic reasons for depression.

Full-semester and time-compressed fluency disorders course: an evaluation of student perceptions of competence, satisfaction, and workload

This article addresses the effectiveness of a time-compressed four-week course format compared to a full-semester 16-week format for a graduate-level course. Participants were 78 students enrolled in a speech-language pathology course, fluency disorders. No significant differences were noted for student competency self-perceptions. However, time-compressed students reported significantly higher levels of course satisfaction and workload difficulty.

Predicting student satisfaction with courses based on log data from a virtual learning environment – a neural network and classification tree model

Student satisfaction with courses in academic institutions is an important issue and is recognized as a form of support in ensuring effective and quality education, as well as enhancing student course experience. This paper investigates whether there is a connection between student satisfaction with courses and log data on student courses in a virtual learning environment. Furthermore, it explores whether a successful classification model for predicting student satisfaction with course can be developed based on course log data and compares the results obtained from implemented methods. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Education in Osijek and included analysis of log data and course satisfaction on a sample of third and fourth year students. Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) with different activation functions and Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural networks as well as classification tree models were developed, trained and tested in order to classify students into one of two categories of course satisfaction. Type I and type II errors, and input variable importance were used for model comparison and classification accuracy. The results indicate that a successful classification model using tested methods can be created. The MLP model provides the highest average classification accuracy and the lowest preference in misclassification of students with a low level of course satisfaction, although a t-test for the difference in proportions showed that the difference in performance between the compared models is not statistically significant. Student involvement in forum discussions is recognized as a valuable predictor of student satisfaction with courses in all observed models.

Innovative blended delivery and learning: exploring student choice, experience, and level of satisfaction in a hyflex course

Blended education is an approach that is becoming more prevalent in education. This study explores student choice, experience, and level of satisfaction in a unique blended approach, the hyflex model. With this model, students are responsible for making decisions regarding the best blend of online and face-to-face activities. The study findings suggest that when given the opportunity to choose the best blend, students will select activities based on flexibility, convenience, and learning style and needs. As such, when well developed, the hyflex model can ensure choice, a more active approach to learning, and a high level of course satisfaction.

An inquiry‐based biochemistry laboratory structure emphasizing competency in the scientific process: A guided approach with an electronic notebook format

The laboratory setting is an exciting and gratifying place to teach because you can actively engage the students in the learning process through hands-on activities; it is a dynamic environment amenable to collaborative work, critical thinking, problem-solving and discovery. The guided inquiry-based approach described here guides the students through their laboratory work at a steady pace that encourages them to focus on quality observations, careful data collection and thought processes surrounding the chemistry involved. It motivates students to work in a collaborative manner with frequent opportunities for feedback, reflection, and modification of their ideas. Each laboratory activity has four stages to keep the students' efforts on track: pre-lab work, an in-lab discussion, in-lab work, and a post-lab assignment. Students are guided at each stage by an instructor created template that directs their learning while giving them the opportunity and flexibility to explore new information, ideas, and questions. These templates are easily transferred into an electronic journal (termed the E-notebook) and form the basic structural framework of the final lab reports the students submit electronically, via a learning management system. The guided-inquiry based approach presented here uses a single laboratory activity for undergraduate Introductory Biochemistry as an example. After implementation of this guided learning approach student surveys reported a higher level of course satisfaction and there was a statistically significant improvement in the quality of the student work. Therefore we firmly believe the described format to be highly effective in promoting student learning and engagement.

Stress and psychological health of medical students in a Nigerian university.

Physician job satisfaction is one indicator of the overall health of our health care delivery system. Excellent but dissatisfied physicians could decide to leave the practice of medicine or highly talented students could opt for different careers if the perception that medicine is not a fulfilling career exists. This study aims to investigate the level of course satisfaction, its relationship to psychological disorder and presence/absence of stress among medical students. Physician job satisfaction is one indicator of the overall health of our health care delivery system. Excellent but dissatisfied physicians could decide to leave the practice of medicine or highly talented students could opt for different careers if the perception that medicine is not a fulfilling career exists. This study aims to investigate the level of course satisfaction, its relationship to psychological disorder and presence/absence of stress among medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 medical students of the University of Benin, Nigeria. The respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire and a standard instrument The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 28). The response rate was 93.9%. Two hundred and forty four (63.4%) of respondents were satisfied with their course, 331 (86.0%) of them felt medicine was stressful. There was also a statistical significant difference in the level of stress among the various levels of medical students. One hundred and twenty three (31.9%) medical students indicated that they would not study medicine again if given a second chance. One hundred and twelve (29.1%) medical students had psychological disorder. More dissatisfied students had psychological disorder than satisfied students and this difference was found to be statistically significant. The level of perceived stress among medical students was found to be high and a significant number of students had psychological morbidity. There is a need to identify and correct the causes of dissatisfaction among these groups of students in order to improve on the psychological state of the students. Stress management training is also required as majority of the medical students found the course stressful.

Reduction of Face‐to‐Face Contact Hours in Foundation Research Courses: Impact on Students' Knowledge Gained and Course Satisfaction

This study investigated the impact of reducing the number of face‐to‐face contact hours in a Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW) foundation research course in an urban school of social work on students' knowledge gained and course satisfaction. A quasi‐experimental pretest/posttest comparison group design was used to test the following hypothesis: reducing the number of face‐to‐face contact hours will not negatively impact knowledge gain and course satisfaction in a foundation research course. The findings of this study suggest that reducing the number of face‐to‐face contact hours does not negatively affect student learning as both the comparison and the experimental group demonstrated an increase in foundation research knowledge. The level of course satisfaction was influenced by the number of hours completed in the program, age, and the number of hours worked in paid employment. Students who are especially vulnerable are younger students who have completed less course hours. They tend to struggle at the beginning to get used to new technology as part of their educational experience. This paper demonstrates that it is no longer ‘if’ web‐based and distance learning technologies are appropriate for social work education but rather ‘when’ and the degree to which their integration yields greatest educational value.

The effects of web‐assisted instruction in a social work research methods course

The objective of this paper is to report on the outcome evaluation of web‐assisted graduate foundation research courses in the summer research sequence of Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville. The quasi‐experimental pretest/posttest comparison‐group design was used to test the hypothesis that students that unknowingly sign up for traditional or web‐assisted courses would acquire knowledge at equal rates, but that the students in the web‐assisted courses would report higher levels of course satisfaction. Although the actual content knowledge gain was better for the students in the traditional course, the two groups did not differ in their research knowledge at the end of the course. There was also a significant amount of knowledge increase for the experimental group, and a higher level of satisfaction in perceived knowledge gain. The students in the web‐assisted courses showed a significantly higher level of overall satisfaction with the course. In conclusion it was found that the benefits of using web‐assisted techniques are maintained even when strategies are used in courses that have not been advertised as web‐assisted, hence eliminating selection effects. The study further indicates that web‐assisted courses are just as effective as traditional courses in transferring knowledge to students. An important benefit of web‐assisted technology is that course‐satisfaction can be enhanced due to the effective path that technology provides to meet the needs of students.