How far does VLE self-directed study facilitate improvements in written, practical and overall assessment results? Sports therapy case study

ABSTRACT

It is unclear whether engagement with Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) self-directed study can enhance the learning process and augment academic achievement. As such, the current study aims to investigate the relationship between VLE self-directed study provision in a Sports Therapy module and subsequent academic summative assessment success. The sample was comprised of 232 undergraduate BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy students (113 male, 119 female) across three separate student cohorts (2015, 2016, 2017). Each cohort was provided with differing VLE self-directed study. Analysis was conducted on its effect on achievement during both practical and written modes of summative assessment. The results of the current study suggest that while digital technology did not attenuate academic achievement, accurate alignment to the intended learning outcomes and summative assessments may be required for its successful integration into Higher Education pedagogy.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-directed study
• pedagogy
• sports Therapy
• assessment
• virtual Learning Environment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristian Weaver

Kristian Weaver is a Lecturer in Sports Therapy in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity and lectures on a variety of modules on the Sports Therapy degree programme. Kristian is also member of the ethics committee for departmental staff research.

Daniel Brown

Daniel Brown was a successful PhD student in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity at Edge Hill University where he taught on a variety of modules, primarily on the Sports Science degree programme.

John Bostock

John Bostock is a Senior Lecturer in Teaching and Learning Development at Edge Hill University. He is a National Teaching Fellow, Senior Fellow of SEDA and Principal Fellow of the HEA.

Julie Kirby

Julie Kirby is a Registered Nurse with experience of health service provision in national and international settings. She has a well-established clinical background in surgery and operating theatre nursing.