Developing the Academic Performance by Using Social Media for Students in Southwest Jiaotong University  Hope College, China

Jinhao  Guo; Patthira Phon-ngam

Authors

Jinhao Guo Shinawatra University, Thailand
Patthira Phon-ngam Shinawatra University, Thailand

Keywords:

Academic Performance; Social Media; Higher Education; Student Learning; Educational Technology

Abstract

Academic performance reflects students’ learning outcomes and achievement in higher education. Although social media is widely used as a learning support tool, its effectiveness in systematically improving academic performance remains unclear, particularly in Chinese private higher education institutions. At Southwest Jiaotong University Hope College, ongoing challenges in learning engagement and academic motivation highlight the need for innovative learning approaches. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the current status and problems of academic performance among students at Southwest Jiaotong University Hope College; (2) to develop academic performance through the use of social media; and (3) to confirm the effectiveness of social media in enhancing students’ academic performance. A mixed-methods approach was adopted in this study. Quantitative data were obtained from undergraduate students using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire to assess academic performance, while qualitative data were collected through student interviews and expert reviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive and content-based analytical techniques, and the findings were confirmed through triangulation and expert validation based on Stufflebeam’s evaluation criteria. The findings revealed that students’ academic performance was at a moderate level across all dimensions. Major problems were identified in learning engagement, academic self-efficacy, learning strategies, and depth of knowledge construction. Based on these findings, three instructional models were developed: (1) Social Media for Resource Sharing, (2) Social Media for Collaborative Learning, and (3) Social Media for Academic Support and Motivation. The confirmation results showed high levels of agreement among experts and students across all five evaluation criteria, indicating that social media-based learning is effective, practical, ethically appropriate, accurate, and cost-effective. Overall, the results confirm that social media can be effectively utilized as an innovative and sustainable approach to enhancing students’ academic.

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