Impact Of Incentive Orientated Blended Learning on Students’ Learning Behavior and Outcomes

This paper focuses on a blended learning approach implemented in university courses with the aim to improve learning performance and outcomes. Therefore, a simple theoretic model of dynamic optimization is developed. In addition to the created online learning opportunities, an incentive based approach aims to promote student engagement in courses. Due to this incentive based blended learning concept, the learning process becomes more effective and successful. Moreover, students’ motivation to deal with the teaching material rises. Consequently, the lack of preparation often resulting in poor student performance diminishes. For this purpose the concept of learning by doing is introduced to university courses supported by incentive orientated blended learning. Therefore, exam outcomes are mainly the result of knowledge, which rises in solving exercises and spending learning time. Dynamic maximization of utility considering the choice between learning time and leisure time is performed. Depending on preferences for leisure time, learning performance varies. As a result, utility is maximized by constant learning over time rather than by last minute learning. This paper emphasizes the importance of the interplay of incentives to learn, e-learning opportunities and face-toface- sessions in regard to better learning behavior and outcomes.