COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE LEARNING OUTCOMES IN ONLINE AND TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM SETTINGS

Abstract

This study explores a comparative analysis of language learning outcomes in online and traditional classroom settings. With the growing trend of online education, especially spurred by world events, such as Covid-19, this research aims to find out whether online language learning is as effective, if not more effective, than the traditional face-to-face instruction system. The major goal is to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each environment from a learning performance perspective, in terms of student engagement, motivation, interaction between instructor and learner as well as overall satisfaction. The study has a mixed-methods approach as it uses quantitative data from language proficiency tests and surveys as well as qualitative information from interviews and focus groups. Results show that although both types of learning have their benefits, traditional classrooms encourage greater degrees of student interaction, engagement, and immediate feedback. In contrast, Online Learning can provide a significant amount of flexibility, cost efficiency and personalized learning experiences. However, challenges such as technological barriers and reduced level of motivation in the online setting were observed. These findings provide a focus on the potential for blended approaches between blended learning, which is a combination of the best of both. The implications of this study are large to educators, policy makers, and institutions alike as it provides knowledge about how language curricula can be optimized for diverse learning environments-that focuses on enhancing student outcomes both online and in traditional learning settings.