The study, published in Production and Operations Management, examined how the rapid switch to online instruction in 2020 affected Chinese college students. The team matched more than 15,000 course records from nearly 8,000 students across nine universities to compare grades before and during the lockdown.
Findings varied by subject. For reasoning-based subjects such as mathematics, undergraduates improved their scores by "about eight to 11 points on a 100-point scale." The authors suggest online formats helped in math because students could pause lectures, rewatch examples and practice at their own pace. By contrast, discussion and interpretation courses like English were harder to replicate online.
The researchers used econometric methods to separate online instruction effects from other factors. They found strict stay-at-home orders raised psychological stress and reduced online learning effectiveness, while some policies, such as workplace closures and parents being home more, partially offset these negative effects.
Difficult words
- examine — to study or look into something carefully.examined
- notable — worthy of attention; significant.
- translate — to change from one form to another.
- engagement — participation or involvement in an activity.
- conducive — making a certain situation likely or possible.
- flexible — able to change or adapt easily.
- supervise — to watch and direct someone’s work or activities.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are the pros and cons of online learning?
- How can teachers improve online engagement in subjects like English?
- What role do parents play in their children's online education?
- In what ways can online learning be a long-term solution?
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