Master of Education Students’ Perceptions of Face-To-Face, Online, and Hybrid Instructional Approaches

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate how MEd students perceive face-to-face, online, and hybrid modes of teaching and the extent to which these modalities support or hinder their learning within the specific context of Eastern University, Sri Lanka. a quantitative approach and utilized a survey design. 60 students were selected as the sample using an accidental sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the data, and SPSS software was used to generate numerical outputs, tables, figures, and percentages for interpretation. Consent was obtained from every participant, and the data were permanently destroyed at the end of the study. The study revealed that the majority of students prefer the on-site mode of delivery, and the majority of them were positive about the hybrid mode of delivery. Background of the students, such as gender, civil status, and family responsibility, influences their attitudes. However, a minority of students prefer the online mode of delivery, and it is influenced by distance from their hometown and the university. This study recommends considering the background information of every student when planning the mode of delivery of the programme, and adopting the hybrid mode of delivery based on situational awareness. Meanwhile, connection issues, technical tool-related issues, and enhancement-related issues need to be addressed during the online mode of delivery.