Impact of Hybrid Instruction on Student Achievement in Post-Secondary Institutions: A Synthetic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Hybrid online instruction is a cross between traditional face-to-face classroom format and online-only instruction. The premise behind hybrid instruction is that it provides the benefits of personal interaction with the convenience and flexibility of online assignments and discussions. While there has been significant research on how students perceive this form of instruction, less exists on the impact of hybrid instruction on student achievement. The current data is varied, with a majority of studies showing increased achievement in the hybrid classroom compared to traditional classrooms, but similar achievement to online courses. Since hybrid formats are significantly varied in the percentage of time spent online, subject matters, student populations, etc., it can be difficult to compare methods solely focused on achievement. This article is a review of the literature that provides implications/recommendations for online teachers with empirically-based strategies and suggestions for the effective implementation of a hybrid course.