Assessing the Key Drivers of Sophomores’ Satisfaction and Learning Outcome in Shandong, China
Keywords:
Online Education, Student Satisfaction, COVID-19, Sophomore StudentsAbstract
Purpose: The study aims to explore the factors impacting student satisfaction and learning outcome, specifically among sophomore students at public colleges in Shandong, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak. The research intends to identify challenges and propose recommendations to enhance this student cohort's online learning experience. Research Design, Data, and Methodology: A quantitative research design is employed, incorporating surveys to gather data among 500 sophomore students in public colleges in Shandong. Item-objective congruence (IOC) index and a pilot test with 30 responses were conducted. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) were applied to scrutinize the effect of variables. Results: Technological, instructional, and faculty factors influence online education quality. Student satisfaction links to virtual engagement, adaptability, and responsiveness, emphasizing the need for adaptive pedagogy and enhanced support amid COVID-19. Nevertheless, empathy has no significant impact on student satisfaction towards online courses. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of addressing the identified factors to optimize online teaching quality and student satisfaction, especially for sophomore students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The findings provide actionable insights for educational institutions seeking to navigate the challenges posed by the current circumstances.
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