Enhancing Student Learning Experiences Through Integrated Constructivist Pedagogical Models

Abstract

This study investigates the use of constructive pedagogy models to effectively engage students and enhance their learning experiences in college courses. Meaningful Online Learning attributes was used to redesign a face-to-face course in Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. The contemporary landscape of higher education is marked by a dynamic shift towards optimizing pedagogical approaches to meet diverse learning needs and preferences and to effectively engage students and enhance their learning experiences. Within this context, this research delves into the exploration of constructive pedagogy models as a means to actively engage students and elevate their learning experiences in the realm of college courses. A mixed-method approach was employed to conduct an exploratory case study, which involved the use of various instruments and sources such as a pre-course survey, a focus group discussion, and an analysis of the course based on the Meaningful Online Learning framework. This study lies in providing guidelines for faculty to redesign their courses using constructive approaches, particularly emphasizing the MOL attributes and to improve the quality of their courses. The results unveiled a positive correlation between the incorporation of Meaningful Online Learning attributes into the course redesign and the improvement of students' learning experiences. Furthermore, students exhibited the acquisition of novel skills and knowledge through the adaptation of assignments and learning activities associated with the course. Educators in higher education have to enhance their courses based on the MOL principles to effectively engage students in learning process and to design active and constructive courses that contribute to enhance students’ learning success. The researcher recommends applying this approach and the obtained design principles to other courses for refinement purposes. Additionally, they suggest conducting a comparative study between a class with traditional pedagogy and a class with constructivist pedagogy. Implication of the finding of this study showed that it is important to design engaging learning experiences to gain students the required skill to compete globally and contribute effectively to their communities. That is, students are playing crucial roles in society’s development especially in sustainable development. Further investigation is needed to refine and enhance the obtained principles and to share best practices of designing meaningful learning using innovative pedagogy models.