Exploring Reflective Practices in Blended Learning - A Deep Dive into Educators’ In-Action and On-Action Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Courses - Volume 24 - 2025

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan

This study explores how educators practice reflection within blended learning environments, focusing on interdisciplinary courses and examining the resulting effects on student engagement and learning outcomes. Blended learning merges online and face-to-face instruction and relies on reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action to continuously improve teaching and adapt to changing learner needs. A mixed-methods design combines instructors’ and coordinators’ qualitative reflections with quantitative platform data from the Forum. Results indicate that reflective practices support adaptive lesson planning and more responsive learning experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Aim/Purpose

Background

Methodology

Findings

Recommendations for Practitioners

Recommendations for Researchers

Keywords

Introduction

Future Research

Volume 24, 2025 EXPLORING REFLECTIVE PRACTICES IN BLENDED LEARNING: A DEEP DIVE INTO EDUCATORS’ IN-ACTION AND ON-ACTION PERSPECTIVES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES | Areej ElSayary* | Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | [Areej.elsayary@zu.ac.ae](Areej.elsayary@zu.ac.ae) | | --- | --- | --- | | Suha Karaki | Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | [Suha.karaki@zu.ac.ae](Suha.karaki@zu.ac.ae) | | Rawia Ahmed | Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | [Rawia.ahmed@zu.ac.ae](Rawia.ahmed@zu.ac.ae) | | * Corresponding author
ABSTRACT | | | Aim/Purpose This study aims to explore the reflective practices of educators in blended learning environments, specifically in interdisciplinary courses, and to understand how these practices impact student engagement and learning outcomes. Background Blended learning, combining online and face-to-face instruction, has become in creasingly important for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Reflection is a critical practice for instructors and educators, enabling them to continuously improve their teaching strategies and adapt to the dynamic needs of students. Reflective practices, particularly reflection-in-action and reflectionon-action, are essential for developing effective and responsive educational environments. Methodology A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating qualitative reflections from course coordinators and instructors, and quantitative data from an online learning platform (Forum) . Participants included coordinators and instructors from a federal university in the UAE involved in interdisciplinary General Education courses. Accepting Editor Fariza Khalid │ Received: January 27, 2025│ Revised: April 16, May 29, 2025 │ Contribution Findings Recommendations for Practitioners Recommendations for Researchers Impact on Society Future Research Keywords The study highlights the potential of reflective practices to significantly enhance the effectiveness of blended learning, suggesting that ongoing professional development and support for educators are essential. Additionally, the findings highlight the unique challenges and opportunities within the UAE context, calling for context-specific strategies to optimize blended learning. The findings highlight the importance of instructors’ reflective practices, particularly reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action, in developing flexible and adaptive lesson plans that enhance student engagement. Key challenges identified include the need for clearer instructional materials, better integration of interdisciplinary content, and comprehensive faculty training. Data from the online platform revealed significant variations in student engagement metrics, such as breakout room participation, chat activity, and assignment completion. Educators should design lesson plans that incorporate real-life scenarios, active learning strategies, and reflection to enhance students’ engagement in blended learning environments. Future research should investigate reflective practices in various educational settings, explore the effects of adaptive teaching strategies on student engagement across disciplines, and incorporate student perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of their impact on learning. The study emphasizes how reflective, adaptive teaching strategies can improve engagement and critical thinking, contributing to more inclusive and sustainable education systems aligned with global goals. Longitudinal research should explore the long-term effects of reflective teaching on student outcomes. In addition, investigating faculty development programs will help enhance the effectiveness of reflective practices in education. blended learning; reflective practices, students’ engagement, interdisciplinary courses INTRODUCTION In the field of education, the implementation of blended learning has gained significant attention as educators seek to enhance

FAQs

What is the main purpose of this study on blended learning?

The study explores educators’ reflective practices in blended learning environments for interdisciplinary courses and examines how these practices affect student engagement and learning outcomes.

Which research methods are used?

A mixed-methods approach is used, combining qualitative reflections from coordinators and instructors with quantitative data from an online learning platform (Forum).

What challenges and recommendations does the study highlight?

Key challenges include the need for clearer instructional materials, better integration of interdisciplinary content, and comprehensive faculty training; recommendations focus on designing lesson plans with real-life scenarios, active learning strategies, and reflection to increase engagement.

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan