In the realm of education, open educational resources (OER) and open educational practices (OEP) have gained significant attention in recent years. These innovative approaches to teaching and learning have the potential to transform education and improve student learning achievement. In this blog post, we will explore what OER and OEP are, and delve into their effectiveness in enhancing student learning outcomes.
What are Open Educational Resources (OER)?
Open educational resources (OER) refer to freely accessible and openly licensed educational materials that can be used, shared, and modified by teachers and learners. These resources can include textbooks, lecture notes, videos, interactive modules, and more. The key characteristic of OER is that they are openly licensed, allowing for their free use and adaptation to suit individual learning needs. OER provide teachers and students with a wealth of high-quality, cost-effective resources that can enhance teaching and learning experiences.
What are Open Educational Practices (OEP)?
Open educational practices (OEP) encompass the use of OER in combination with innovative teaching and learning strategies. OEP involve the intentional design and implementation of educational activities that leverage the benefits of OER to enhance student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. Teachers who embrace OEP encourage students to actively participate in the creation, adaptation, and sharing of knowledge. OEP foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and lifelong learning, empowering students to become active contributors to their own education.
Are OER and OEP Effective in Improving Student Learning Achievement?
The effectiveness of OER and OEP in improving student learning achievement has been a topic of extensive research. The article “Are Open Educational Resources (OER) and Practices (OEP) Effective in Improving Learning Achievement? A Meta-Analysis and Research Synthesis” provides valuable insights into this question.
The meta-analysis conducted in the article examined 25 studies involving a total of 119,840 participants. The findings revealed that OER and OEP have a significant yet negligible effect on student learning achievement. While the effect size was small, it is important to note that even small improvements in learning achievement can have a meaningful impact on students’ educational journey.
The analysis also identified several factors that can moderate the effects of OER and OEP on learning achievement. These factors include the subject of the course, the level of education, the duration of the intervention, the sample size, and the geographical distribution of students. It is crucial for teachers to consider these factors when implementing OER and OEP to maximize their impact on student learning outcomes.
Furthermore, the review highlighted the importance of OER quality and effective instructional design in achieving positive learning outcomes. High-quality OER, combined with pedagogically sound approaches, can enhance student engagement, motivation, and critical thinking skills, ultimately leading to improved learning achievement.
In conclusion, while the effect of OER and OEP on student learning achievement may be small, they offer valuable opportunities for teachers to enhance teaching and learning experiences. By leveraging the benefits of OER and implementing effective instructional practices, teachers can create engaging, personalized, and collaborative learning environments that empower students to succeed academically and develop essential skills for the future.
Reference
Tlili, A., Garzón, J., Salha, S. et al. Are open educational resources (OER) and practices (OEP) effective in improving learning achievement? A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 20, 54 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00424-3
