Thriving in uncertain worlds: the mediating role of psychological safety in hospitality and tourism students' online learning outcomes

Abstract

The largest disruption of education has occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in rapid transitioning to online learning for students. In particular, hospitality and tourism students who are educated in a practical skills-based face-to-face learning environment have faced challenges in adapting to the different educational experience. In this context, this study develops and empirically tests a conceptual framework to enhance the understandingof students’ online learning experience. Drawn from a review of relevant literature and theories, the proposed model suggests that students’ perceived online learning environment and psychological safety affect their tourism, hospitality and events threshold learning outcomes. A questionnaire survey and interviews are undertaken with undergraduate hospitality and tourism students. The findings of this study are expected to offer theoretical and practical implications for educational researchers and practitioners in hospitality and tourism fields to design online courses that enhance students’ learning achievement.