Effective online teaching and learning strategies: interdisciplinary research of student perceptions in higher education

Higher Education has serious challenges regarding academic online teaching-learning-evaluation methods and tools. This study examined 980 students from diverse disciplines about their social-emotional-psychological (SEP) perceptions. We also examined the presence and desirability of 14 TLE (teaching-learning-evaluation) tools in the online learning environment. Findings indicate that current academic online learning does not meet students’ social-emotional needs and reveals a significant demand for practical and engaging methods like simulations and interactive platforms. Diverse disciplines expose different needs (e.g., business and engineering students reported a greater lack of empowerment and lowered acquisition of skills than students from disciplines characterized by higher engaging online learning, such as education and social sciences). Diversified teaching methods, interactive platforms, group support and assessment are needed to address diverse needs. This study extends the international understanding of SEP and TLE theoretical and methodological concepts and suggests practical solutions for effective online teaching-learning and evaluation for diverse disciplines.