COMPARING THE IMPACT OF SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING ON STUDENT RETENTION AND SATISFACTION

This study investigates the effect of synchronous and asynchronous online learning methods on learners’ retention and satisfaction. The research aims to answer two primary questions: (1) Does real-time interaction in synchronous learning foster better short-term and long-term retention compared to asynchronous learning? (2) Are students more satisfied with the flexibility of asynchronous learning or the engagement of synchronous learning? A sample of 30 intermediate-level English learners was randomly divided into two groups: one receiving a synchronous lesson via Google Meet or Preply virtual classroom, and the other accessing an asynchronous lesson via pre-recorded video and PDF materials. The results of independent t-tests and paired t-tests revealed no statistically significant difference in retention between the groups, although both showed a slight decline in performance over time. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests indicated that the synchronous group reported higher engagement and a positive impact of interaction on understanding, while the asynchronous group appreciated flexibility. However, there was no significant difference in overall satisfaction between the two groups. These findings suggest that while synchronous learning may offer greater engagement, both learning methods are similarly effective in terms of retention and satisfaction.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0715/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>