Abstract
This dissertation explores the dynamic instructor and student experiences inherent in the evolving modalities of higher education. The first article synthesizes qualitative research about the challenges and successes faced by instructors transitioning to online learning environments, especially in their interactions with content and learners. Emphasizing the importance of support for instructors and institutions, it sets the stage for understanding the nuanced experience of online teaching. The second article presents an exploratory case study of a religious education professor teaching across four modalities. His experience emphasized adaptive strategies and underscored the pivotal role of instructor preparation. Findings revealed the instructor's proactive engagement with varied teaching methods and highlighted the significance of aligning pedagogy with student needs across modalities. The third article employs basic qualitative research to delve into the lived experiences of religious education students in different modalities, focusing on their spiritual formation and religiosity outcomes. The study offers insights into students' experiences across modalities and provides practical, pedagogical insights to help instructors consider the nature and determinants of spiritual impact in any given modality. Collectively, these studies offer valuable insights into the complexities of teaching and learning across different higher education modalities. They highlight key challenges and successes, offering practical guidance for instructors and institutions navigating modality transitions. By examining both instructor strategies and student experiences, this dissertation provides actionable principles for enhancing pedagogy and fostering student engagement in diverse learning environments.
Degree
PhD
College and Department
David O. McKay School of Education; Instructional Psychology and Technology
Rights
https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Sorensen, Stephanie D., "Modalities and Meaning: Instructor Adaptation and Student Spiritual Formation Across Higher Education Learning Environments" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 10665.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/10665
Date Submitted
2024-12-11
Document Type
Dissertation
Handle
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13502
Keywords
online courses, higher education, teaching experience, student experience, religious education, knowledge base for teaching
Language
english
