Investigating Student Teachers’ Learning Experience and Choice of Participation Modalities in a HyFlex Course: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

In this paper, the authors adopted a mixed methods explanatory sequential approach to examine student teachers’ satisfaction and its relationship with participation modalities in a HyFlex course. It also explored the factors behind their extent of satisfaction and choice of participation modalities. Twenty-six student teachers completed the satisfaction questionnaire, and four participants were recruited for a focus group discussion. The research findings indicated that students were very satisfied with the HyFlex course because the flexibility in attendance and the easy access to learning materials accommodated their learning needs and personal commitments; this promoted self-directed learning and reduced their academic pressure. The student teachers were also satisfied with the HyFlex course because they gained exposure to an innovative learning format. As for the factors affecting student choice of participation modalities in the HyFlex course, peer influence is one of the significant factors. Students also reported that they chose the synchronous mode based on their learning preferences and empathy towards the instructor's commitment, while they chose the online options due to their energy level, health conditions, and personal matters. Overall, this study suggests that HyFlex may be considered as a learning model that could cater to various learning needs among student teachers majoring in baccalaureate in education (physical education), and potentially enhance their learning outcomes.