An investigation of effects of instructional videos in an undergraduate physics course

This mixed methods study focuses on the use of instructional videos in an undergraduate physics classroom. Previous research has explored the effects of videos on student performance however, limited research exists on the effects of science instructional videos with embedded quiz questions on student achievement. This study compares students’ performance when a problem-solving physics video is presented to students with embedded quiz questions versus videos with quiz questions presented after the video. Additionally, the study explores students’ attitudes and preferences toward the positioning of questions in videos when learning independently. A total of 111 college students enrolled in the introductory physics course at the large Midwestern University were randomly assigned into two groups to participate in the intervention. Students completed pre and post surveys, watched instructional video and completed quiz that covered content discussed in the video that either was embedded or was presented post-video watching. The quantitative analysis did not result in statistical significance in students’ performance when groups were compared. However, qualitative analysis demonstrated strong student preferences toward the use of video in STEM classrooms when scientific problem-solving content is taught, stronger engagement with content when quizzes were embedded, and desire for immediate feedback. The study has implications for faculty who use videos and quizzing in their classroom or consider using videos in the future.