An Exploratory Investigation of Levels of Learning and Learning Efficiency Between Online and Face-to-face Instruction

Abstract

This study examined differences in levels of learning and perceived efficiency between online (n = 22) and face-to-face (n = 32) graduate level subjects. Participants were master’s students enrolled in an accredited counselor preparation program. Findings indicated that students in both groups equally exhibited gains in levels of learning; however, there was a significant difference between groups in perceived learning efficiency, favoring the online instructional modality. Limitations regarding this study are noted, particularly related to the research design. Additional studies examining levels of learning and perceived efficiency of students enrolled in online courses are recommended.

• online learning
• counselor education
• learning efficiency

Notes

Declaration of Conflicting Interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/orPUBLICation of this article.

Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/orPUBLICation of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert L. Smith

Robert L. Smith, PhD, NCC, CFT, FPPR, is a professor and department chair in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Texas A#x00026;M University-Corpus Christi, where he also coordinates the PhD program in counselor education and supervision. Dr. Smith is a Fellow of the American Counseling Association and has served as ACA’s 63rd president.

Brandé Flamez

Brandé Flamez, PhD, NCC, LPC, is a clinical professor in the Counseling and Special Populations department at Lamar University. She has presented over 100 times nationally and internationally and has authored or coauthored over thirty book chapters and articles. Dr. Flamez is the co-author of the assessment textbook Counseling Assessment and Evaluation: Fundamentals of Applied Practice and the textbook Diagnosing and Treating Children and Adolescent Disorders: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals.

Javier Cavazos Vela

Javier Cavazos Vela, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Counseling and Guidance program at The University of Texas at Brownsville. His research interests include positive psychology, mental health, and client outcomes.

Stefani A. Schomaker

Stefani A. Schomaker, PhD, is an adjunct professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Texas A#x00026;M University-Corpus Christi. Dr. Schomaker’s research interests include online learning as well as mindfulness in education and counselor training.

Mary Alice Fernandez

Mary Alice Fernandez, PhD, LPCS, NCC, CSC, is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Texas A#x00026;M University–Corpus Christi. Dr. Fernandez is the school counseling program coordinator. Her research interests include pedagogy in counselor education, training opportunities for bilingual counselors, and wellness practices for students and community members.

Shanice N. Armstrong

Shanice N. Armstrong, EdS, is a doctoral student in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Texas A#x00026;M University-Corpus Christi. Ms. Armstrong’s research interests include pedagogy in counselor education, creativity in counseling, and multiculturalism.