UNIVERSITY OF EL SALVADOR

WESTERN MULTIDISCIPLINARY CAMPUS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
RESEARCH METHODS IN ENGLISH
SEMESTER II – 2021

RESEARCH PROJECT PAPER

´´Comparison between strategies used to study in an Online and a Face-to-face
class´´

PRESENTED BY:
 Flores Albeño, Nelson Fernando
 Hernández Benítez, Ana Ruth
 Osorio Martínez, José Wilfredo
 Vásquez Hernández, Roxana Jeamileth

INSTRUCTOR:
Stephannie Raquel Sosa Melara

September 24, 2021

Tabla de contenido
Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
 Online Classes.....................................................................................................................................4
Definition of Online class........................................................................................................................4
Strategies used in Online class...............................................................................................................4
 Clear communication with your students..................................................................................4
 Vary your types of lessons..........................................................................................................4
 Select the right tools for your class............................................................................................5
Why do people prefer to use Online strategies?....................................................................................5
 Face to Face Classes............................................................................................................................5
Definition of Face-to-face class...............................................................................................................5
Strategies used in Face-to-face class......................................................................................................5
 Group projects............................................................................................................................5
 Slide Presentations.....................................................................................................................6
 Role Playing Games, Simulations, & Debates.............................................................................6
 Classroom Discussion..................................................................................................................6
 Interactive Lecture......................................................................................................................6
 In-Class Writing Activities...........................................................................................................6
 Oral Presentations......................................................................................................................7
Why do people prefer to use Face-to-face strategies?..........................................................................7
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................8
References..............................................................................................................................................9
 Introduction

Comparison between strategies used to study in an Online and Face to face

class is an investigation where you can find definitions of online classes and face to
face classes; moreover, you will find a variety of strategies used in both methodologies
such the use of technological devices in the case of online classes and the interact
between students and teachers in the case of face to face classes; besides that, this
research contains some interesting questions such as Why do students prefer online or
face to face classes? Those kinds of questions helped us to create a survey where we
could know the students of Research Methods group three points of view. The survey
that we appended at the end of this investigation helped us to know the average of
students that prefer online or face to face classes; also, we could know some of the
strategies that they use to have a better understanding and environment in both
methodologies.
  Online Classes
Definition of Online class
An online class is a kind of educational system which is conducted through the
Internet or social media in which students have contact with their instructor just through
a meeting in a computer or cell phone; also, it is a learning process where students
have flexibility in doing homework assignments; besides that, in online classes students
use more technological resources to increase their learning. One of the good things in
online classes is that students can create their self-space to have a better environment
to get more meaningful knowledge.

Strategies used in Online class

A methodological strategy in the educational field means directing the teaching-

learning process, that is, transforming knowledge from an initial state to a desired state,
with the purpose of overcoming difficulties while optimizing time and resources. 
Nowadays, there are some specific strategies to be used in the virtual environment
which are entirely necessary for a successful learning process of students. Thus,
traditional education is transformed, and with it, the strategies used by teachers as a
consequence of the pandemic. According to The Albert Team Blog, such strategies
include:

 Clear communication with your students

It can be easy for students to start feeling disconnected when they do not have a
good communication with their tutors; that is why, it is pretty crucial to interact with your
pupils and let them know you are the right guide for them to succeed. It is important to
reassure them that your “virtual door” is always open. Then, you can bring all the
necessary means of communication so that they can be connected with you when
needed.

 Vary your types of lessons

Your teaching method should contain both synchronous (happening in real time)
and asynchronous (unscheduled and self-paced). Synchronous teaching through phone
calls, video lessons, or live chats allows students to ask questions and build
relationships with you and each other. With this, you can develop specific activities
which help encourage students’ participation, which is one of the most important parts in
successful online learning. Moreover, synchronous activities, such as discussion boards
or recorded lectures, allow your students to complete assignments at their own time and
pace. Consequently, both styles have their benefits and are necessary in their own
ways.
  Select the right tools for your class

Familiarize yourself with the tools you are using in your online classes, and don’t
hesitate to reach out to your more tech-savvy coworkers with questions. It is also
important to get prepared for all types of issues that can appear during your virtual
class. Furthermore, there must always be a plan “B” in case your first tool does not work
properly. As a result, the teacher must have mastery of digital resources and the
necessary skills to understand, select and adapt the tools for students.

Beyond these basics, there are a huge variety of educational technology tools to
transform your teaching and engage your students. Then, it is vital to make use of all
the possible resources for discovering, experimenting, and implementing new strategies
in your classroom to succeed in the online learning process.

Why do people prefer to use Online strategies?

A shot poll that was realized by Students of Research Methods in English at the
University of El Salvador, Western Multidisciplinary Campus, Foreign Language
Department, some people prefer these types of strategies because they can have more
facilities like: they don't need to wake up earlier and pay for transportation if they live so
far from the school. Also, they have more time to analyze the classes when these ones
are recording. 
Besides, we can say that many students have developed abilities with technology. They
have learnt how to use it; they have discovered new applications that contribute to the
learning process.
Finally, we consider that strategies that are used in Online modality helps students to
improve their teaching skills at the same time that they improve their knowledge about
the different subjects.

 Face to Face Classes

Definition of Face-to-face class

A face-to-face class is a traditional method of learning where the learning
process is taught in person to a group of students in which they and teachers can
interact between them. It allows students to have more interaction, practice and a better
understanding of lesson contents. 

Strategies used in Face-to-face class 

 Group projects 
Group projects provide an opportunity for students to work together towards a
common goal. The outcome of these projects is usually documentation of what students
learned while working together as a group.
  Slide Presentations
Many instructors utilize slide presentations as lecture aids. Keep in mind though
that slide presentations are lecture aids, not supplements for lecture notes. Davis
(2009) describes the key principles to consider when creating slide presentations:
- Tell the class what they need to know in as few slides as possible. Davis
recommends no more than thirty slides for an hour in class and allowing
the last 15 minutes for questions.
- Keep the text to a minimum and to make sure that you cover one concept
per slide.
- Use pictures and diagrams instead of bulleted lists where possible.
Visuals tend to tell the story more effectively than text can.
- Use lighter letters on a darker background for contrast.
- Avoid a lot of different colors or text that moves across the screen. Keep
the concept relevant and to the point with static images, simple
backgrounds, and a good contrast between them.
- Do a test run in the classroom you will be assigned so that you will know
that the font size and pictures are big enough to see at the back of the
room.

 Role Playing Games, Simulations, & Debates

The class divides into pairs and plays the roles of opposing players, including:
hero and villain, buyer and seller, supporting a policy and opposing a policy, manager
and employee, etc. The instructor will need to provide students with the context of the
players and the goal of the interaction. The goal of playing roles is to understand what
both parties do and the challenges that come from trying to work with someone else to
get something done. This is an especially effective tool when students are asked to
support a policy that they are admittedly against. The activity teaches them to see the
world from a different perspective, even if it is for only a moment in the classroom.
 Classroom Discussion
Providing a safe environment within a classroom setting where students trust that
they can explore their thoughts on a subject with their peers is an effective way for
students to consider different perspectives.
 Interactive Lecture
An interactive lecture is an easy way for instructors to intellectually engage and
involve students as active participants in a lecture-based class of any size. Interactive
lectures are classes in which the instructor breaks the lecture at least once per class to
have students participate in an activity that lets them work directly with the material.
 In-Class Writing Activities
By asking your students to write frequently in class, you can:
- Help your students realize the idea-generating potential of writing and its
value even when it is not graded.
- Give students practice in the sort of single-draft writing expected of them
in exam situations.
 - Help students focus their ideas as they prepare for formal assignments.
- Discover what students understand and what is confusing to them.
- Improve your ability to give effective feedback on assignments.

 Oral Presentations
An oral presentation is a short talk on a set topic given to a tutorial or seminar
group. In an oral presentation one (or more) students give a talk to a tutorial group and
present views on a topic based on their readings or research. In some courses the oral
presentation may be the basis for a written assignment.
Why do people prefer to use Face-to-face strategies?

According to Head Space, the strategies that students use in Face-to-face

classes have an effective result in the learning process of each student since they can
have more opportunities to create a connection with teachers and students. At the same
time, people feel freer to ask about a topic that they can`t understand. In that way, they
get more information or knowledge through the tutor or their classmates. Also, students
can be more concentrated in the class or the different kinds of presentations that they
can have with their classmates. These activities as presentation, case scenarios, shows
and tells, etc., help students to have a control of their body and their emotions because
we know that to talk in public is not easy. So, it contributes not only in the intellectual
learning but also in the social learning of each person. 

Moreover, people feel more compromising in these classes because they know
that at every moment; the teachers can ask them about the topic that he/she is
explaining. In addition, students take notes about the teacher's explanation. They are
not waiting for the material. 

Finally, we can notice that students see these types of strategies as something
normal. They are familiar with Face-to-face classes. Since the majority start to study in
this way before or in the seven years until their twenty or more years. Students show
that they need a person who has the control of the area where they are; in this case, a
classroom. 
 Conclusion

Currently, due to the Covid-19 situation, online classes have been implemented;
however, both online and face-to-face methods are effective for the learning process.
First, the strategies used in the traditional method develop your social skills, and at the
same time, acquire new knowledge. Then, the strategies used in online classes such as
clear communication between the teacher and the student, varieties of lesson plans,
and the use of online tools which are: useful websites and applications to carry out
certain activities that benefit the student's learning process.
According to an investigation realized by a group of students of Research
Methods in English at the University of El Salvador, Western Multidisciplinary Campus,
Foreign Language Department, which a series of questions was asked to determine
which of the methods was more favorable for their learning processes; the 88.2% of
students find the strategies used in face-to-face modality are more favorable, while
11.8% think that their learning process is more favorable online.
In brief, both methods are very important for the teaching - learning process
since both have quite effective strategies that help the student in their social and
technological learning.
 References
 Answer from students of Research Methods in English at the University of El
Salvador, Western Multidisciplinary Campus, Foreign Language Department,
(September 20, 2021).
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/140abSvdYDtzj78yhL_inBGEQCsnY3kd
gk9VxPpGmb5k/edit?usp=sharing
 EDUCAUSE ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information
Technology, (2019). https://www.educause.edu/ecar/research-publications/ecar-
study-of-undergraduate-students-and-information-technology/2019/learning-
environment-preferences
 Ed Surge Education Technology News and Resources (2011-2021).
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-12-11-most-students-and-faculty-prefer-
face-to-face-instruction-educause-surveys-find
 Head Space National Youth Mental Health Foundation Ltd (2021).
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/face-to-face-vs-online-learning/
 Penn State (2018) https://sites.psu.edu/hybridlearning/face-to-face-instructional-
strategies/
 Political Science/JSIS/LSJ Writing Center, Tools for TAs and Instructors,
Washington.
https://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/inclasswr.html

 Starting Point, Teaching Entry Level Geoscience, interactive lecture.

https://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/interactive/index.html

 Strategies for teaching Online (“The Albert team”, August 9, 2021).

 The Learning Centre UNSW (2010) Seminars and Presentations.

https://www.google.com/url?
sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://maths.ucd.ie/modules/sci10010/SCI10010%
2520-%252012%2520Seminars%2520and
%2520Presentations.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjWiLGLspHzAhU_QzABHdniDuYQFno
ECAQQBg&usg=AOvVaw1Xh_86viDhF0SsdwIuCt8J
 Top Hat Glossary. https://tophat.com/glossary/o/online-class/ 
 References

Gierdowski, D. (2019, October 30). Learning Environment Preferences. Educause:

https://www.educause.edu/ecar/research-publications/ecar-study-of-
undergraduate-students-and-information-technology/2019/learning-environment-
preferences
Headspace. (2021). Face to face vs. online learning. Headspace:
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/face-to-face-vs-online-learning/.
Heather, M., & Teed, R. (2021, July 9). Interactive Lectures. SERC Pedagogic Service
Project: https://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/interactive/index.htmly
Koenig, R. (2019, December 11). Most Students and Faculty Prefer Face-To-Face
Instruction, EDUCAUSE Surveys Find. Edsurge:
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-12-11-most-students-and-faculty-prefer-
face-to-face-instruction-educause-surveys-find
Political Science/JSIS/LSJ Writing Center Tools for TAs and Intructors. (s.f.). In- Class
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Salvador, S. o. (2021, September). Comparison between strategies used to study in an
Onlline and Face to face class. (N. Flores, Hernández Ana, & R. Vásquez,
Interviewers)
The Albert Team. (2021, August 9). Strategies for Teaching Online: The Ultimate Guide
for Educators. The Albert Team: https://www.albert.io/blog/strategies-for-
teaching-online/
The Learning Centre, The University of New South Wales. (2010). Oral presentations
for tutorials and Seminars. The Learning Centre:
https://maths.ucd.ie/modules/sci10010/SCI10010%20-%2012%20Seminars
%20and%20Presentations.pdf
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