Combining Learning and Engagement Strategies in a Software Testing Learning Environment

There continues to be an increase in enrollments in various computing programs at academic institutions due to many job opportunities available in the information, communication, and technology sectors. This enrollment surge has presented several challenges in many Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT), and Software Engineering (SE) programs at universities and colleges. One such challenge is that many instructors in CS/IT/SE programs continue to use learning approaches that are not learner centered and therefore are not adequately preparing students to be proficient in the ever-changing computing industry. To mitigate this challenge, instructors need to use evidence-based pedagogical approaches, e.g., active learning, to improve student learning and engagement in the classroom and equip students with the skills necessary to be lifelong learners. This article presents an approach that combines learning and engagement strategies (LESs) in learning environments using different teaching modalities to improve student learning and engagement. We describe how LESs are integrated into face-to-face (F2F) and online class activities. The LESs currently used are collaborative learning , gamification , problem-based learning , and social interaction . We describe an approach used to quantify each LES used during class activities based on a set of characteristics for LESs and the traditional lecture-style pedagogical approaches. To demonstrate the impact of using LESs in F2F class activities, we report on a study conducted over seven semesters in a software testing class at a large urban minority serving institution. The study uses a posttest-only study design, the scores of two midterm exams, and approximate class times dedicated to each LES and traditional lecture style to quantify their usage in a face-to-face software testing class. The study results showed that increasing the time dedicated to collaborative learning, gamification, and social interaction and decreasing the traditional lecture-style approach resulted in a statistically significant improvement in student learning, as reflected in the exam scores.

Challenges in addressing student difficulties with time-development of two-state quantum systems using a multiple-choice question sequence in virtual and in-person classes

Research-validated clicker questions as instructional tools for formative assessment are relatively easy to implement and can provide effective scaffolding when developed and implemented in a sequence. We present findings from the implementation of a research-validated Clicker Question Sequence (CQS) on student understanding of the time-development of two-state quantum systems. This study was conducted in an advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics course for two consecutive years in virtual and in-person classes. The effectiveness of the CQS discussed here in both modes of instruction was determined by evaluating students’ performance after traditional lecture-based instruction and comparing it to their performance after engaging with the CQS.

A systematic review of using team-based learning in a pharmacokinetics course

Background: This systematic review aimed to summarise an application of team-based learning (TBL) in pharmacokinetics courses, to compare the learning outcomes of TBL to that of traditional lecture-based courses, and to identify the benefits of using a TBL strategy in pharmacokinetics courses. Method: PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC EBSCO databases were systematically searched, and 191 non-redundant articles were retrieved. Of these, seven articles were included. Results: Implementation of a TBL in pharmacokinetic courses resulted in several positive results including higher examination grades, improvement in professionalism aspects such as altruism, accountability, and honesty. Student engagement, peer learning, and the development of transferable skills could also be observed. Despite these positive benefits, some challenges exist, such as an increase in initial workload for faculty members, preparation of appropriate assignments, and suitable strategy to facilitate students. Conclusion: Future TBL implementation should be critically designed to optimise faculties’ workload and students’ engagement to the course.

A Lecture-Based Instructional System to Promote Student Agency

This research study was conducted in 2018 and resulted in an instructional system designed to support university instructors that seek to promote student agency in lecture-based learning environments. The objective of the study was to design and test an instructional system that supplements the traditional lecture and provides opportunities for the development of agentic engagement. In support of the instructional system design, the study examined ways in which university undergraduates used a digital backchannel, determined if using a digital backchannel affected agentic engagement, and identified the features of a digital backchannel that influenced student agency. The study employed a mixed methodology design using a questionnaire to collect quantitative student profile data and phenomenography to conduct a qualitative inquiry into participants’ experience. The population for this study consisted of undergraduates at a private, international university located outside of Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 171 participants took part in this study, with ten students selected for a focus group through a non-probability, purposive sampling. Overall, the study found that a lecturing system that employs the strategic use of a digital backchannel can promote student agentic engagement. Student agency and instructor effectiveness were both positively influenced through the employment of an instructional system.

Meningkatkan Keterampilan Mengajar Guru Bidang Studi Agama Melalui Pembimbingan Dan Praktek Mengajar

Teachers in the field of Religious Studies have poor teaching skills. Teachers are always given instruction in the traditional lecture format, which is not accompanied by any teaching techniques. Through mentoring and teaching methods, this project intends to strengthen the teaching skills of Religious Studies teachers at MTsN Pematangsiantar. This research uses a school action research approach, research was undertaken at MTsN Pematangsiantar with a total of 15 teachers involved, and it is a school action research project. The findings revealed that 1) the mean value of teacher teaching skills increased significantly, 2) the mean value of teacher teaching skills in Pre-cycle was 112,00, and the mean value of teacher teaching skills in Cycle I increased to 220,47, and 3) the mean value of teacher teaching skills in Cycle II increased to 253,40.

An insightful estimation of undergraduate medical students’ experience about the Flipped Classroom

Background and Objective: The Flipped Classroom (FC) approach has become increasingly predominant and popular in medical education. This study aimed to explore the usefulness and the scope of FC based on medical students’ experience, with their adaptation challenges. Methods: The present study was a mixed-method accomplished during the academic years 2019-20, involving fourth-year students at the College of Medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to seek their first experience and opinion of the FC. Results: A total of 234 questionnaires were distributed to the students, and 214 students completed the survey (response rate of 91.45%). Out of this total, 68.2 % were males and 31.8% were females. Most of the students agreed 156 (72.9%) that the flipped classroom was more engaging than the traditional lecture, among them 100 (68.5%) males and 56 (82.3) females agreed. Almost ~79% of students liked FC as it enabled them knowing the material in advance, and the class time was spent clarifying the facts and principles with active interaction, as commented during focus group discussion “More chance for discussing with the doctors, and I got the chance to answer” (St. 6). Conclusion: The results showed that the students like the FC more than the conventional classroom. Suggestions were given by students to improve the active learning sessions within the FC modality. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4256 How to cite this:Abdulghani HM, Sattar K, Ahmad T, Halepoto DM, Akram A. An insightful estimation of undergraduate medical students’ experience about the Flipped Classroom. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4256 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Use of Commercially Produced Medical Education Videos in a Cardiovascular Curriculum: Multiple Cohort Study

Background Short instructional videos can make learning more efficient through the application of multimedia principles, and video animations can illustrate the complex concepts and dynamic processes that are common in health sciences education. Commercially produced videos are commonly used by medical students but are rarely integrated into curricula. Objective Our goal was to examine student engagement with medical education videos incorporated into a preclinical Cardiovascular Systems course. Methods Students who took the first-year 8-week Cardiovascular Systems course in 2019 and 2020 were included in the study. Videos from Osmosis were recommended to be watched before live sessions throughout the course. Video use was monitored through dashboards, and course credit was given for watching videos. All students were emailed electronic surveys after the final exam asking about the course’s blended learning experience and use of videos. Osmosis usage data for number of video views, multiple choice questions, and flashcards were extracted from Osmosis dashboards. Results Overall, 232/359 (64.6%) students completed surveys, with rates by class of 81/154 (52.6%) for MD Class of 2022, 39/50 (78%) for MD/MPH Class of 2022, and 112/155 (72.3%) for MD Class of 2023. Osmosis dashboard data were available for all 359 students. All students received the full credit offered for Osmosis engagement, and learning analytics demonstrated regular usage of videos and other digital platform features. Survey responses indicated that most students found Osmosis videos to be helpful for learning (204/232, 87.9%; P=.001) and preferred Osmosis videos to the traditional lecture format (134/232, 57.8%; P<.001). Conclusions Commercial medical education videos may enhance curriculum with low faculty effort and improve students’ learning experiences. Findings from our experience at one medical school can guide the effective use of supplemental digital resources for learning, and related evaluation and research.

Restructuring Perceptions of Geographical Knowledge and Experience Among Learners Under a Concept Mapping Domain

Alexandra k Transfer quoted, “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see”. While teaching merely rests on art but it connotes into science wherein imaginative minds are ignited for knowledge. Pedagogy and enriched content are dependable solutions for effective teaching and learning. Real meaningful learning is the focus of modern teaching which follows a constructivist approach. Bygone are the days when the traditional lecture method was sufficient to teach the pupils. Advanced technologies have been the replacement of the monotonous lecture method in Geographic studies. The pupil now constructs their knowledge by engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration and evaluation methods. Different pedagogical practices are involved, like the enquiry approach, reflective strategy, collaborative learning, etc., among which concept mapping is one of the important strategies applied in Geography teaching. It is a graphical organiser which connects links between the two or more concepts in some logical, sequential flows. Concept Mapping effectively assists in achieving the learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are the assessment standard that indicates the expected level of learning that learners should achieve for that particular class. Many concepts of Geography dealing with exhaustive knowledge about nature and processes in nature are prudently taught with the concept mapping approach. These maps make a vivid picture of illustrated concepts in learners minds assuring thus, a rigorous and long-lasting rationalisation of content knowledge. The paper highlights one of the robust, innovative strategy of modern pedagogy in Geographic studies where the chain linkages in concept mapping provide an enriching experience of learning nature and natural phenomena.

Investigating Difficulties of Self-Study in Reading Skills of English Language Students of the High-Quality Training Program at Can Tho University

Research has indicated that self-study is a constructivist learning approach that promotes student engagement within tertiary education. However, teaching at higher education institutions is largely based on traditional lecture mode and thus, students are likely become passive in their learning process. Moreover, little research has been conducted to look into this constructivist approach perceived by students in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes. These paper therefore examines the difficulties of self-study in reading comprehension classes in high quality program at a university in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Data collected in this study included questionnaire and interview. The participants in this study were 75 juniors in English languages and culture studies. The findings from this study indicate that student-related factors such as time, learning environment, and subject-specific vocabulary could hinder them from reading learning. Pedagogical implications and recommendations for students and teachers are provided.