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An analysis of the academic effectiveness of hybrid learning: the experiences of faculty and students in Kuwait

26 Feb 2025
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003 Education

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The study "An Analysis of the Academic Effectiveness of Hybrid Learning: The Experiences of Faculty and Students in Kuwait" investigates how hybrid learning has influenced academic performance, satisfaction, and overall effectiveness in private universities across Kuwait. The research, conducted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the increased use of hybrid education (a combination of online and in-person instruction), provides valuable insights into the successes and challenges faced by students and faculty.

The study involved 311 participants, including 245 students and 66 faculty members, from private universities in Kuwait. The main objective was to assess the effectiveness of hybrid learning models and their influence on academic outcomes, while also identifying areas for improvement. Key findings from the research include:

Student Perspectives: The majority of students responded positively to hybrid learning, with 63% highlighting the flexibility of reviewing recorded lectures as a significant benefit. Many students noted that this flexibility improved their understanding of course materials, especially those balancing work and personal commitments. The study also found that online platforms enhanced communication between students and instructors. However, 33% of students expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of physical interaction and the traditional campus experience, particularly first-year students.
Faculty Perspectives: Faculty members were less favourable toward hybrid learning, with 82% believing that traditional in-person instruction was more effective. Concerns raised by instructors included challenges in fairly assessing students online and reduced levels of interaction. While hybrid learning offered more flexibility, the reduced face-to-face engagement and difficulties in managing online assessments were significant drawbacks for faculty members.
The study also identified several key challenges, including a sense of "disconnect" between online and in-person students, leading to feelings of isolation for remote learners. Based on these findings, the study offers the following recommendations:

1. Enhance Faculty Training: Increased training for instructors to improve their use of online teaching tools and hybrid lesson delivery.
2. Boost Student Engagement: Implement strategies such as group discussions, interactive activities, and collaborative projects to keep online students more engaged.
3. Fair Assessment Methods: Develop new grading methods for both online and in-person students, including a blend of individual and group assessments and enhanced monitoring of online exams to reduce cheating.

As hybrid learning continues to play a crucial role in education, both in Kuwait and globally, this study offers valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to improve the quality of instruction and learning in hybrid environments.