Hybrid learning environment and the relationship with creative thinking in mathematics among Malaysian secondary school students

Abstract

Hybrid learning environments (HLE), which combine traditional face-to-face
instruction with online components, have gained significant prominence in modern education,
particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this shift, the Malaysian
Ministry of Education launched the Program Perintis Sekolah Hybrid (PPSH) in 2020. This
study investigates the level of HLE and creative thinking in the selected PPSH schools. In
addition, the relationship between HLE and creative thinking in mathematics was also studied.
Data was collected from 384 secondary school students using an adopted and validated
instrument namely Hybrid Learning and Creative Thinking in Mathematics (HLCTM). The
findings demonstrate a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.544, p < 0.01)
between HLEs and creative thinking, highlighting that well-structured hybrid environments
foster creativity by integrating pedagogical, social, and technical design elements. This study
contributes to the growing literature on hybrid learning by providing actionable insights for
educators and policymakers to optimize its implementation, particularly in mathematics
education.