Differences in Classroom Versus Online Exam Performance Differences in Classroom Versus Online Exam Performance Due to Asynchronous Discussion

This study compares student exam performance of undergraduate students in classroom and online course sections with nearly identical instructional designs. The sections differed only in lecturing and peer discussion activities, which are typical differences of classroom and online instruction. Classroom discussion activities included synchronous speech, while online discussions used asynchronous text. Composite mean exam scores show a large effect size difference that is statistically significant. Results suggest asynchronous peer-to-peer discussion is more effective than traditional classroom lecture-discussion for undergraduate students