Article Gold Open Access 2025

Blended Learning and Math Achievement: A Meta-Analytic Review Highlighting the Effectiveness and Heterogeneity

Electronic Journal of e-Learning
Journal · Vol. 23 · Issue 1 · pp. 113-128
Abstract

The role of technology in mathematics education is growing more significant as contemporary learning evolves, particularly with the advent of blended learning approaches that merge traditional in-person instruction with digital and online tools. A significant amount of research has examined the connection between blended learning and mathematics education. Nevertheless, the effect of blended learning on math achievement has shown inconsistent results, indicating a need for a more comprehensive analysis. This research seeks to address this gap by analyzing the varying effects of blended learning on math achievement across different educational systems and learning environments. To achieve this objective, a meta-analytic review was conducted, synthesizing 34 empirical studies published between 2014 and 2023. These studies involved a total of 2,996 students and provided 34 units of effect size for analysis. Various statistical techniques were employed, including sensitivity analysis, publication bias assessment, Z-test, and Cochrane's Q test, all conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The findings from this meta-analysis reveal that the implementation of blended learning in mathematics has a significantly positive and robust effect on students' math achievement (g = 1.090; p < 0.05). This suggests that blended learning, when implemented effectively, can enhance students' understanding and performance in mathematics. Furthermore, the current meta-analytic review has examined that two moderating factors, such as educational level and digital platform, significantly differentiated students’ math achievement in the environment of blended learning. Meanwhile, there has not been adequate evidence to conclude that class capacity and geographical location significantly differentiated students’ math achievement in the blended learning environment. These findings highlight that while some contextual factors, such as educational level and the choice of digital platforms, play a crucial role in influencing math achievement, others, like class size and geographical location, may not be as impactful in blended learning contexts. This study offers an in-depth insight into the ways blended learning can effectively optimize math achievement across different educational settings. The positive outcomes associated with blended learning suggest that educators and policymakers should consider incorporating digital tools and resources into the mathematics curriculum more strategically. © The Authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Systematic review blended learning meta-analysis Effect size Math achievement

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Funding & Acknowledgements
Grant: 082/E5/PG.02.00, PL/2024
The authors express gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia through the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DPPM) and Master's to Doctoral Program for Outstanding Bachelor's Graduates (PMDSU) Batch VII for providing financial support and the opportunity [Contract Number: 082/E5/PG.02.00.PL/2024].
References 10 References
1 Aldalalah, Osamah Mohammad Ameen, The Impact of Blended Learning on the Development of the Cognitive and Metacognitive Thinking Skills in Mathematics of the (ECT) Students, Journal of Institutional Research South East Asia, 17, 1, (2019)
2 Almasi, Mustapha, Students' perceptions of social presence in blended learning courses in a Tanzanian medical college, International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 13, 9, pp. 107-122, (2018)
3 Alsalhi, Najeh Rajeh, Does Blended Learning Improve the Academic Achievement of Undergraduate Students in the Mathematics Course?: A Case Study in Higher Education, Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 17, 3, pp. 1-14, (2021)
4 Unnes Journal of Mathematics Education Research, (2021)
5 Aksioma Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, (2021)
6 Suluh Pendidikan, (2020)
7 Ayob, Hisham Hanfy, The effectiveness of using blended learning teaching and learning strategy to develop students' performance at higher education, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 15, 3, pp. 650-662, (2023)
8 Jurnal Basicedu, (2022)
9 Azid-Aziz, Nurulwahida Hj, Higher order thinking skills, school-based assessment and students’ mathematics achievement: Understanding teachers’ thoughts, International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 11, 1, pp. 290-302, (2022)
10 Bernard, Robert M., A meta-analysis of blended learning and technology use in higher education: From the general to the applied, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 26, 1, pp. 87-122, (2014)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
3
Times Cited (Scopus)

References 10
Document Identifiers