International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Volume 3, Number 1, January 2009
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to current issues pageResearch Article
Excerpt
Achievement and Satisfaction in Blended Learning versus Traditional
General Health Course Designs
Blended learning is a hybrid of classroom and on-line learning
that includes some of the conveniences of on-line courses without the
complete loss of face-to-face tact. Purpose: The purpose of this study
was to evaluate student achievement and satisfaction with blended learning
course delivery compared to a traditional face-to-face class format
in a general health course. Method: Surveys were distributed to randomly
selected classes during the fall 2007 semester: three blended and one
traditional sections participated (n=251). Results: Total satisfaction
scores between blended (54.986) and traditional (49.788) classes were
significantly different (p< 0.01). Achievement by students of blended
and traditional sections brought mixed findings, yet blended students’
overall grades were significantly higher (p=0.048). Conclusion: Results
indicated that a blended course delivery is preferred over a traditional
lecture format, and promising data emerged to challenge teachers’
traditional approach to teaching general health courses at the university
level.
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Bridget Melton
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia, USA
bmelton@georgiasouthern.edu
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University. I serve as the Director of the Healthful Living and Physical Activity Program. I earned my Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Studies at Georgia Southern University and my dissertation topic focused on the factors that influence obesity in the university setting. I also hold a M.S. in Kinesiology emphasis in Exercise Physiology from Georgia Southern University and B.A. from Purdue University in Movement and Sport Science. My research interests focus around health behaviors in the college-aged population and effective teaching practices in college and university health and physical education programs. My primary responsibilities are in the areas of health and physical activities. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, and traveling.
Helen Graf
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia, USA
hgraf@georgiasouthern.edu
I am an Associate Professor of Community Health in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University. I serve as the Program Director for all Undergraduate Programs in this department. I earned my PhD in Community Health from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In 2003, I was awarded the University’s Excellence in Service Award for Georgia Southern. Currently, I have 62 total publications including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, books and conference proceedings (among others); 16 grants totaling $470,000.00; and 76 national and international presentations. My research interests lie in professional/ educators’ preparation, stress in young adults, research methodology and statistics. I hold certifications in coaching and serve as a local high school’s cross country coach. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and running.
Joanne Chopak-Foss
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia, USA
jchopak@georgiasouthern.edu
I am an Associate Professor of Health in the Department of Health & Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University. I received my Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University in Health Education in 1993. I also hold an M.S. from Pennsylvania State University also in Health Education and a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Delaware. My research interests focus on adolescent and women's health issues, including breastfeeding, eating disorders, adolescent pregnancy, sexual health, curriculum development in health education and health issues facing rural communities. I have been and currently serve as an evaluator for several community and school health initiatives. In 2004, I was honored as the College/University Health Educator of the Year by The Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.