Effect of Blended Learning Strategies on Higher Order Thinking Skills of University Students in South Punjab: An Explanatory Study

Abstract

The study entitled, “Effect of Blended Learning Strategies on Higher Order Thinking Skills of University Students in South Punjab: An Explanatory Study”. Research objective of the study was to determine the effect of blended learning strategies on higher order thinking of university students in south punjab. The study is survey and descriptive in nature. The quantitative as well as qualiatative (QUAN-qual) and explanatory research approach was used in this study. Population of the study comprised of three clusters at divisional level i.e. Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan. Total twelve (12) universities were selected as sample by using simple random sampling method (through bowl fish method) to get more Then required sample size, the sample included all 48 HoDs, 96 faculty members and 912 students, from the selected Universities to public and private in South Punjab. Total sample of the study consisted of 1056 respondents. The collected data was analyzed through SPSS-24 using relavent statistical formulas. The study found that 91.2% of respondents agreed that faculty members would adopt new blended learning modules in the future, while 4.65% disagreed, and 4.15% of respondents were undecided. Mean score of 4.425 and standard deviation of 0.608 supported. The value 0.073 showing a positive correlation. The regression value 0.864 supported, the significance level 0.481 also supported. Furthermore, 90.65% of respondents agreed that faculty members communicated and discussed with students in group conference mode, while 6.75% disagreed, and 2.6% of respondents were undecided. Mean score 4.32 and standard deviation of 0.754 supported. The value 0.229 showing a positive correlation. The regression value of 0.717 supported with a significance level of 0.225. The study concluded that a significant number of respondents showed willingness to adopt new blended learning modules in the future and majority of faculty members communicated and engaged in discussions with students through group conference modes.