The Influence of Student Interaction on Sense of Community and Academic Performance in Blended Learning Courses in Selected Tanzania Universities

Document Type : Original Research Manuscripts

Authors

1 PhD, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mzumbe University.

2 PhD., Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2 1050 Elsene, Brussels, Belgium.

3 Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

4 Faculty of Social Sciences, Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania

10.22034/lss.2024.444833.1016
Abstract
Student interaction has been reported to be essential in enhancing students’ performance and sense of community, although it tends to differ across various variables. This study investigates students’ interaction in blended learning (BL) courses at two Tanzanian universities and how their interaction ultimately relates to a sense of community and academic performance. A total of 492 undergraduate students studying education, accounting and economics were involved. The data were collected using the interaction and sense of community scales, and student performance was obtained from coursework scores. Furthermore, the data analysis involved mean scores, regression and Kruskal Wallis Tests. The results of this study demonstrate that students’ characteristics, such as gender and ICT skills, did not result in any significant differences regarding interaction; only degree programmes were significant. Additionally, student interaction did not predict their academic performance but only predicted their sense of community. The findings of this study indicate that degree programmes influence student interaction. Additionally, student interaction positively contributes to a sense of community without impacting academic performance. Study contribution and implications are also discussed.

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  • Receive Date 20 February 2024
  • Revise Date 29 March 2024
  • Accept Date 26 July 2024