# Optimizing online teaching effectiveness in elementary education: Exploring multifaceted pathways based fsQCA analysis

**Authors:** Xiaofang Ma

PMC · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0345463 · PLOS One · 2026-03-23

## TL;DR

This study explores how elementary school teachers can improve online teaching effectiveness using a detailed analysis of various factors.

## Contribution

The study introduces a multifaceted analysis using fsQCA to identify key factors influencing online teaching effectiveness.

## Key findings

- Multiple configurations contribute to enhanced online teaching effectiveness.
- Teachers' acceptance of online teaching is a central condition for improvement.
- Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is pivotal for online teaching effectiveness.

## Abstract

The effectiveness of online teaching has emerged as a critical concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on fostering a sustained interest in online instruction among educators. This study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the complex causal relationships that underpin the online teaching efficacy of elementary school teachers. A comprehensive questionnaire was administered to 171 elementary school teachers, capturing their perspectives across six key dimensions: the acceptability of online teaching, teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), students’ autonomous learning, teacher-student interaction, course design and implementation, and technological support for teaching. The findings reveal a multiplicity of configurations that contribute to enhanced online teaching effectiveness, with teachers’ acceptance of online teaching and their TPACK being identified as central conditions, pivotal for the improvement of online teaching effectiveness.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** CMTR2 (cap methyltransferase 2) [NCBI Gene 55783] {aka AFT, FTSJD1, HMTr2, MTr2}
- **Diseases:** OTE (MESH:D065606), CDI (MESH:D018450), SAL (MESH:D007859), TSI (MESH:C563663), COVID-19 (MESH:D000086382), anxiety (MESH:D001007)
- **Chemicals:** TPACK (-)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

38 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13008059/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13008059