Findlay University Education - Research Paper Example

Discussion: Giving an interpretation of a result based on the hypothesis of a research is important because it helps to build on the integrity of the study. The hypothesis that guided this study was that students preferred to attend face to face studies as opposed to other modes of study. These modes of study are online sand blended studies. To achieve efficiency in the interpretation of results, it is therefore important to relate the results of the study, with the hypotheses. During this study, there were three choices under consideration, namely, face to face studies, online classes, and blended classes. From this research, the results obtained, denoted that face to face studies was the most preferred mode of studies. The percentage of students who preferred to study through face to face learning stood at 55%, of all participants. The second most preferred mode of studies was the blended type of learning. The percentage of students who preferred this type of learning stood at 35%, of all those students who participated in the research. Online classes were the least popular, with only 10% of those interviewed agreed to this type of learning. Figure 1, of my survey research better portrays these disparities in the most preferred type of learning. This survey clearly identifies the most preferred mode of learning. Figure 2 on the other hand points out the various reasons as to why most of the students who participated in my research preferred to attend face to face studies, as opposed to blended and online studies. The results from this survey point to a very interesting statistics. This is because the reasons advanced by students for their preference in face to face studies were tied. For instance, the number of those who denoted that their preference of face to face studies emanated from their ability to interact with their instructors was 14. 14 is also the number of students participants who denoted that the reasons for preferring face to face studies is because it is possible to conduct classroom discussions. This is surely, a very interesting statistics. Figure 2 also identifies other motivating factors that contribute to the preference of face to face studies. These factors are group work, and other un-identified factors. From these results, group work is the list motivating factor that made students to choose face to face mode of learning. Figure 3 on the other hand gives an explanation on the various motivating factors that affects students who choose to attend online classes. The main reason as to why they choose this type of classes was because of time flexibility. More than 18 students agreed that online classes were very flexible, in regard to time management. The need to allocate time for family is another reason as to why these people chose online classes. 5 students who participated in this research gave it as their main motivating factor. Another interesting statistics whereby two students agreed that time for work is a factor in choosing to attend online classes. Another two students agreed that transportation costs were a motivator in choosing online classes. Figure four explains the factors that made students to choose blended classes. Time flexibility was also the main factor chosen by students. This reason was advanced by 19 students. Family time, and need of interacting with an instructor were other motivating reasons, and each stood at 4 students each. By looking at this study, I can denote that the results support my hypotheses. It is clear that students would prefer to attend face to face classes, as opposed to other modes of learning. The figures contained in this study give reasons as to why these preference. The main motivating factor is interactions with the instructor, and classroom discussions. In my own opinion, students gave these reasons because they are eager to learn in class, and to them, the best method of understanding the various concepts in class, is to interact with the instructors and their fellow students. During this study, participating students were informed on what this research is all about. On this basis, these students gave me accurate information concerning their most preferred classes. I also assured them that their identities will be protected. This really encouraged them to participate in this study, as a result of these measures; the various threats to the internal validity of this research were minimized. The only limitation encountered during this process, was the low number of students who filled out my online survey forms. However, it did not present any threat to the validity of my research, because those who filled the online surveys were sincere in the endeavor. Conclusion: The focus of this research was on the various learning experiences that students of Findlay University pass through. It is very evident, that from this study, students prefer face to face studies, as opposed to blended and online studies. The main reasons advanced are that these studies facilitate group discussions, and they make it possible for students to interact with their instructors. On this basis, these studies will make students to achieve their learning objectives, and grasp the various concepts introduced in class. Time was an important factor that determined the students desire to choose either blended or online courses. However, from this survey, I can conclude that there are a variety of reasons that make students to choose the modes of learning. These reasons includes interactions with fellow students and instructors, need for finding time to be family members, transportation costs, flexibility of time, and group discussions/work. This research mainly used diagrams to provide an explanation of the various results of the study. However, this research did experience some challenges. This is mainly during the process of collecting information and data. An example of this challenge was when collecting information using an online survey. It took me a month to collect this information, because of a low number of respondents. However, the main achievement of this research was when collecting information from students who were attending face to face type of learning. They were very collaborative, and they answered my questions without giving me so much trouble. It took me only three weeks to accomplish this process. On this basis, the information they gave me was reliable and accurate. This research is important because it can help policy makers to develop policies that will ensure the various needs of students are met. For instance, in as much online student would want to be near their instructors, they are unable to do so. Policy makers have to find ways of improving the education system that can carter for the needs of such kind of students. This study can therefore act as a guide to other studies that policy makers should enact for purposes of improving the education system. Read More