Bite-sized and peer-assisted video-based learning in statistics education: benefits on attainment, attitudes and preferences of university students

The use and acceptance of online learning have increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. This mixed-methods study examined learners’ preferences and performance in online learning interactions in relation to two factors: ‘bite-sized’ learning and ‘presenter status’ in instructional videos. University students (N = 18) without a mathematical background utilised bite-sized online learning episodes focusing on statistics. Each episode included a 10-minute instructional video followed by an assessment. The videos implemented three alternative ‘presenter-status’ conditions: lecturer, student-imitating-lecturer or student-peer-tutor. Individual students completed three episodes, one from each presenter-status condition (counterbalanced). Participants presented high performance in the post-episode assessments, irrespective of presenter status. Students also reported remarkably positive views towards bite-sized learning in user-satisfaction questionnaires. Finally, qualitative analysis of open-ended responses and interviews uncovered three main themes: positive learning experiences, divergent attitudes towards video-based learning, and differential preferences for presenter status. These findings have clear implications for teaching and learning in higher education.