Constructivism in Synchronous and Asynchronous Virtual Learning Environments for a Research Methods Course

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"Virtual learning is becoming popular using asynchronous LMS products as well as in synchronous software such as Live (used in this study). Although math-oriented business subjects (such as the research methods course tested here) may be more difficult to teach – and learn – compared with social science courses, especially online, constructivist instructional methods can be used to assist students. In this study, constructivism was applied in asynchronous discussion forums of a LMS as well as in synchronous breakout rooms of the Live product (after course lectures). Constructivism was applied by using probing questions during asynchronous discussions and synchronous sessions to encourage students to go through the SECI knowledge management cycle, resulting with internalization at the end where students would develop a mental model as part of their individual reflection. The hypothesis of this study was that applying a constructivist instructional approach in the synchronous VLE would have a stronger positive predictive impact on grade (which it did)." (p. 59)

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