Online Learning Helped Students Excel in Certain University Subjects During the Pandemic
When the world abruptly shifted to online education in 2020, many people assumed that learning from home would put students at a disadvantage. Surprisingly, new research from the University of Notre Dame shows that in some cases, the opposite happened. A team of researchers studying Chinese universities discovered that undergraduate students actually performed better in certain subjects—especially math—after classes moved online.
This study, titled Effectiveness of Online Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Chinese Universities, analyzed a massive collection of academic data and uncovered patterns that challenge traditional assumptions about classroom learning. In this article, I’ll walk through all the key details of the research, the reasons behind the results, and what they might mean for future online education. I’ll also add relevant context about online learning and why it works better for some subjects than others.
What the Study Examined
The research team—Shijie Lu from the University of Notre Dame, Xintong Han from Laval University, Shane Wang from Virginia Tech, and Nan Cui from Wuhan University—evaluated more than 15,000 course records from nearly 8,000 undergraduate students. These students represented nine Chinese universities, giving the study a wide and diverse data base.
The dataset spanned several semesters: the periods before the pandemic, when classes were taught in person, and the lockdown semester, when all instruction moved online. This allowed the researchers to directly compare how students performed in the two settings.
To ensure accuracy, they used rigorous econometric methods that controlled for outside factors. This was important because pandemic-era learning was influenced by more than just online technology. Government lockdown policies, psychological stress, and changes in students’ home environments all had the potential to affect academic performance. By applying careful statistical techniques, the researchers isolated the effect of online learning itself.
What the Researchers Found
Across the board, students performed better in mathematics when learning online. Their scores improved by about 8 to 11 points on a 100-point scale. That’s a significant jump, especially considering the sudden and unplanned shift to remote teaching.
But not all subjects showed the same improvement. The study reported that reasoning-based subjects—like math—benefited the most from the online format. On the other hand, subjects involving interpretation, discussion, and communication, such as English, did not experience the same gains.
This makes sense. Math and analytical tasks can be easier to learn when students have the ability to rewind videos, revisit practice examples, or pause and think through a problem. In contrast, language learning often relies on real-time discussion, peer interaction, and active engagement—areas where online environments can struggle.
The Role of Lockdown Policies
An important part of the study looked at how different government restrictions affected learning outcomes. Not all lockdowns were the same, and the severity of restrictions influenced how well students adapted to online learning.
The researchers examined factors such as:
- Stay-at-home orders
- Workplace closures
- Transportation suspensions
Their findings revealed that strict stay-at-home orders increased psychological stress, which reduced the effectiveness of online learning. Too much isolation and uncertainty had a clear negative impact.
However, workplace closures and public transportation bans sometimes had the opposite effect. With more parents staying home, students received more supervision, structure, and daily guidance. Transportation suspensions also meant fewer social distractions and a quieter home environment, helping students stay focused during online classes.
In short, rigid restrictions sometimes hurt learning, but moderate ones—especially those that put parents at home—helped compensate by improving structure and discipline.
Why Math Works So Well Online
This study reinforces a broader trend that educators have observed for years: online learning tends to work best for analytical, step-based subjects. There are a few reasons for this:
1. Self-Paced Learning
Students can pause or replay difficult explanations, giving them control over the speed at which they absorb information. This is especially helpful in math, where understanding one step is necessary before moving on.
2. Practice-Oriented Content
Math is built on repeated practice, and online platforms can easily provide interactive exercises, automated feedback, and supplemental problem sets.
3. Reduced Pressure
Some students feel less performance anxiety when they can learn privately rather than answering questions in a crowded classroom. This comfort can translate into better understanding.
4. Higher Replay Value
A recorded lecture in math is far more useful than a recorded discussion-based lecture. Students can revisit formulas, examples, and diagrams multiple times until everything makes sense.
Subjects That Don’t Translate as Well
While math and quantitative subjects benefit from the online format, others face challenges.
Language and Interpretation-Based Courses
Courses like English, literature, or communication rely heavily on interaction, discussion, and spontaneous interpretation. Online platforms often fall short in replicating the energy and natural flow of in-person conversations.
Courses Needing Physical Presence
Subjects involving labs, hands-on projects, or physical demonstrations can suffer when moved online unless sophisticated virtual tools are available.
Team-Based Creative Work
Brainstorming, group debates, and collaborative creativity can feel stiff or fragmented in a virtual setting.
A Broader Look at Online Learning
To give more context beyond the study, here are key insights experts have noted over the years about online education:
Online Learning’s Biggest Strength: Flexibility
Students can access lessons anytime, allowing them to learn according to their rhythm.
Its Biggest Weakness: Self-Discipline Requirements
Without supervision, some students struggle to stay on schedule.
Digital Divide Concerns
Not every student has equal access to high-speed internet, modern devices, or a quiet workspace.
Teacher Readiness Matters
Teachers with strong digital tools and experience deliver far better online classes than those simply reading slides on video calls.
Hybrid Models Work Well
A growing number of educators believe the best future approach is blended: subjects suited for online learning could stay online, while discussion-heavy or hands-on subjects could remain in person.
What This Means for Educators and Policymakers
Based on this research and similar studies, a few key takeaways emerge:
- Online education can be genuinely effective—it’s not just a backup plan.
- The subject type matters; analytical learning thrives online.
- Lockdown policies influence academic outcomes in subtle but important ways.
- Parents’ presence at home during the pandemic may have boosted student discipline.
- Future disruptions—whether due to pandemics, natural disasters, or other emergencies—could benefit from carefully designed online strategies rather than rushed improvisations.
The study suggests that universities should think more intentionally about how online tools can enhance learning even outside crisis periods.
Research Reference Link
Effectiveness of Online Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Chinese Universities
https://doi.org/10.1177/10591478251361979
