A comparative analysis of blended learning and traditional instruction: Effects on academic motivation and learning outcomes.

The correlational research study aims to examine how blended learning affects academic motivation and achievement. The objectives of the study are to assess students' opinions on the current level of blended learning, teachers' practice of blended instruction, the benefits of blended learning, its impact on academic motivation and learning outcomes, and factors influencing blended learning to determine how instructors' methods influence students' academic motivation and learning results. The study includes all Bachelor of Science students from various public and private institutions in the Faisalabad Division. Quantitative data from 400 students were collected from four selected institutions. A closed-ended, customized 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through expert comments and pilot testing, with a reliability score of (= .97). Data were collected via Google Forms and researcher visits. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the collected data and answer the research questions. The findings of the study indicate that students somewhat agreed with the current blended learning environment, and strongly agreed with variables such as instructors' blended instruction techniques, the benefits of blended learning, and factors influencing blended learning. Blended learning had statistically significant positive effects on academic motivation and learning outcomes. The findings suggest improving the blended learning environment and instructors' blended education methods to enhance university students' academic motivation and learning outcomes.

Thermal Properties of Eco-Friendly Earthen Materials Stabilized with Bio-Based Polymers: Experimental Data and Modeling Procedure for Improving Mix-Design.

The fight against climate change has delineated new objectives, among which one of the most crucial is the replacement of high-energy-intensity materials in the construction sector with more sustainable and thermally efficient alternatives to reduce indirect emissions. Consequently, the thermal properties of materials assume fundamental importance. In this regard, the large-scale use of earth represents a promising option, not only due to its widespread availability but especially for its minimal embodied energy. However, to enhance its durability, it is necessary to stabilize the mixtures of raw materials. This study analyzes experimental systems based on earth stabilized with bio-based polymers to evaluate their thermal properties and how these vary depending on the selected mix-design. The experimental measurements showed thermal properties comparable to conventional materials. As expected, thermal conductivity increases when porosity decreases. The minimum value is equal to 0.216 W/m·K vs. a porosity of 43.5%, while the maximum is 0.507 W/m·K vs. a porosity of 33.2%. However, the data obtained for individual systems may vary depending on the topological characteristics, which were analyzed through a model for granular materials. The modeling suggests correlations between microstructures and thermal behaviour, which can be useful to develop tools for the mix-design procedure.