Project Lead: Vikas Menghwani (Assistant Professor of Teaching, Earth, Environmental & Geographic Sciences (UBCO))
Project Description
This project explores how the format of learning materials influences student engagement and learning. Specifically, it investigates whether podcasts (audio-based) are more effective for helping students grasp core concepts in science education, as compared to journal articles (text-based). By presenting the same content in both formats, students will engage with materials aligned to their learning preferences. The study will collect data through surveys at the end of the courses, to gather student feedback and perceptions around their learning experiences vis-à-vis the formats of learning materials. Findings will provide actionable insights into how instructors can use diverse formats to improve learning experiences and outcomes.
Research Questions
- How does the format of course materials (text vs. audio) affect student engagement?
- How do students perceive the usefulness and accessibility of journal articles versus podcasts for learning complex topics?
- Do individual learning preferences or styles (e.g., auditory vs. visual learners) influence the effectiveness of these formats?