Honors Theses

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Honors Thesis - NSU Access Only

Degree Type

Bachelors of Science

Degree Name

Biology

Department

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center

Honors College

Farquhar Honors College Thesis

Honors College Dean

Andrea Nevins

Home College Dean

Robin Cooper

Faculty Advisor

Madhavi Menon

Faculty Advisor

Kelly Ferreira

Abstract

Research examining student learning outcomes in online versus in-person learning has produced mixed results, with some studies reporting more favorable outcomes in traditional, in-person courses, while others indicate no significant differences between the two formats. Existing research predominantly focuses on either online or in-person settings independently, lacking comprehensive comparisons between the two course types. To address this gap, we designed and conducted an online pilot survey distributed via convenience sampling to students at a private university in south Florida. The primary aim of this thesis was to evaluate student learning outcomes and self-reported course satisfaction in both online and in-person courses. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationships between these key variables – student learning outcomes and course satisfaction – with self-directed learning behaviors, emotion regulation, and sleep. The findings of this study indicate that traditional in-person instruction significantly outperformed online courses in terms of both learning outcomes and course satisfaction, as reported by participants. Self-directed learning behaviors predicted higher course satisfaction and learning outcomes in both online and in-person courses, especially social outcomes in the in-person setting. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how course format impacts student performance and satisfaction in higher education, particularly in the context of online learning environments.

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