Perceptions of Student Learning Effectiveness: Exploring Active Versus Passive Learning

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Keywords:

Active learning; pedagogical research; student perceptions

Abstract

Inspired by Deslauriers et al. (2019), this study investigates the link between perceived and actual learning outcomes in college psychology courses. The authors evaluated active vs. passive learning methods’ effectiveness in developmental and introductory psychology classes over two semesters. Participants experienced either group discussions and lectures (active) or lectures only (passive). A repeated measures ANOVA showed significant exam performance improvements for the active group but not the passive group. Despite performance improvement, the active group felt they learned less, echoing Deslauriers et al. (2019). These findings suggest, despite student perceptions, that active learning improves outcomes if implemented thoughtfully.

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References

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Published

2025-09-23

Data Availability Statement

Data collected in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Perceptions of Student Learning Effectiveness: Exploring Active Versus Passive Learning . (2025). Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. https://celt.miamioh.edu/index.php/JECT/article/view/1180