20100929 - Malcom, Relationship between Learning Styles & Success in online learning

The relationship between learning styles and success in online learning by Malcom, Marci, Ph.D., Northcentral University, 2009 , 90 pages; AAT 3356569 My Interest: 1) Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI). 2) Validity and Reliability. 3) E-Learning. Action: Medium-low priority to read specific parts of Dissertation in future. Research Goal The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which online learning students could identify their learning styles and understand how they learn. Methodology Specifically students were given an online survey asking students to identify * their learning styles, * how they learn, * their satisfaction level, and * perception of success in online learning. Relationships were explored between students identifying their learning styles and their knowledge of how they learn and satisfaction and success in online learning. The research focused on a group of online learners from a north Texas high school. In addition to the online survey, participants completed the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) to identify their learning styles. Results from the online survey and LSI were combined with data obtained from the cooperating school district for analysis. Satisfaction was measured based on student responses to survey questions, and success was measured using semester grades. Results Discussion This study added to the body of knowledge related to K-12 online learning and students abilities to identify and understand learning styles. It showed that students of all learning styles can be successful in online learning. The majority of students were both successful and satisfied making it difficult to generalize the finding to a larger population. There was not a correlation between the ability to identify learning styles and success or a correlation between correctly identifying learning styles and satisfaction in online learning with this population. Further Study In addition to adding to the body of knowledge, this study raised new questions for further study related to K-12 online learning. Generalizations can be made, but further studies with larger more heterogeneous populations are needed to validate these findings. Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW Learning styles 11 Recent online learning studies 12 Rationale for future research 14 Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY Overview 17 Restatement of Research Problems 17 Statement of Research Questions and Hypothesis 17 Descriptions of Research Design 20 Operational Definitions of Constructs 21 Validity and Reliability 23 Description of Materials and Instruments 24 Selection of Participants 26 Procedures 27 ……. Chapter 4 - FINDINGS 33 Overview 33 Foundational Data 33 Survey Data 34 KolbLSI 35 Review Questions 39 Question 1 39 Question 2 42 Question 3 43 Question 4 45 Question 5 47 Question 6 50 Analysis and Evaluation of the Findings 52 Summary 53