Navigating Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning in Online Counseling Graduate Programs

• In Event: Surveying Course Configurations, Modalities, and Models in Support of Learning in Online Contexts

Abstract

By interviewing 11 graduate students in online counseling programs, this interpretive qualitative study explored students’ perceptions and practical experiences of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. The results suggested that counseling students preferred in-person counseling classes to online courses, found synchronous methods more effective than asynchronous methods, considered asynchronous methods less stressful compared to synchronous methods, and felt that micro-counseling skills and emotional reactions were not fully attainable in their online counseling training programs. Based on these findings, we recommend further systematic investigation of counseling graduate students’ diverse experiences and perceptions of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods to explore more appropriate and effective learning strategies for online learners and instructors in the field of counseling.

Authors

• Katie K. Koo, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Mei Jiang, Texas A&M University - Commerce
  Presenting Author