Does Delivery Method Matter for Multicultural Undergraduate Students? A Case Study of an Australian University in the United Arab Emirates

For over two decades, higher education has been facing the dilemma of what method of study is better for students. For example, is it face-to-face, online learning, or blended learning? The three mentioned methods are increasingly considered and reconsidered as to which one offers a better alternative to students. Over the last period of time, it has been acknowledged that students from different backgrounds have different learning styles and that alternating teaching methodologies and styles can aid the learning process. The fluid and diverse demographic population of the UAE requires careful consideration when considering the most adequate system/systems of higher education. The chosen method of instruction offered within educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates raises a challenge for educators as to provide active learning set up to maximise individual student satisfaction and performance while enabling students to recognise their own cognitive skillset. The objective of this study was to analyse the preference of undergraduate students’ delivery method of their courses. The study involved collection of relevant data through using a survey. A sample size of 37 undergraduate students was used to collect data. The data from the survey was analysed, and the results indicated students’ preference of the delivery method. Finally, recommendations for future research were presented.