In-Person Learning Among College Students Reimagined

Following the pandemic, education has experienced profound shifts and transformations. While online learning became the norm throughout the pandemic, a growing body of research from 2023 onward indicates renewed interest among college students for returning to in-person learning environments. Recognition of the unique benefits face-to-face interaction offers is driving this shift, as it’s impossible to fully replicate these benefits in a virtual setting. The latest research suggests in-person training has substantial benefits over other learning modalities when it comes to providing an enhanced learning experience that fosters deeper engagement and connection.

Heading Back to the Classroom

One of the primary reasons for this resurgence of interest in face-to-face learning is the enhanced interaction and engagement it offers. According to the Student Voice Survey of July 3, 2024 the majority (58%) of college students preferred the in-person/face-to-face modality. Additionally, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, found students who participate in face-to-face classes tend to have more meaningful interactions with their peers and instructors, leading to improved understanding and retention of course material.

The study reinforces the idea that in-person classes offer unique advantages that contribute to a more effective and satisfying educational experience. Moreover, a meta-analysis published in a 2023 issue of Behavioral Sciences concluded that “student engagement plays an important role in shaping educational achievement in the higher education system, and factors influencing student engagement may have profound and long-lasting implications for student performance and learning outcomes.”

Another significant advantage of in-person learning is the sense of community and belonging it fosters. Research findings published in a 2022 issue of SN Computer Science found students preferred in-person teaching for the primary belief that the classroom is a more effective learning environment.

Even though students admitted that commuting to college was challenging, the benefits of effective in-person learning and the corresponding socialization that goes along with being among peers were considered far more important. Additionally, “students value face-to-face relationships and consider their importance for learning and personality development. They also expressed worries regarding the prolonged absence of face-to-face communication and addiction to technology on psychological health and human relationships.”

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