Learning Strategies Project

Prior research has found that self-discipline and motivation are significantly correlated with performance in online classes (Waschull, 2005; Shrum & Hong, 2002). This current study examines the learning strategies students use in online and face-to-face courses to better understand links between self-discipline and course performance. Currently, research hasn’t examined specific learning strategies students use in online courses, in connection to course grades. In the current study, participants were recruited to complete an online survey using Qualtrics. The survey included statements assessing students’ motivation, attitudes about learning, and strategies they use to learn material. The final section includes questions about students’ experience in general with online and face-to-face courses and their GPA. We expect that students who use more in-depth learning strategies will report better course grades than students who use surface strategies. We also expect that students in online courses need to use more organizational strategies to succeed compared to students in face-to-face courses. Preliminary results suggest that student strategies did vary based on whether they were in face-to-face or online courses, and that students in online courses were less likely to seek out resources for help compared to students in face-to-face courses. We will present recommendations for both students and instructors in both online and face-to-face courses to maximize student performance using in-depth learning strategies