Blended learning in a second year organic chemistry class: students’ perceptions and preferences of the learning support

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rethabile Tekane ◽  
Lynne A. Pilcher ◽  
Marietjie Potgieter
Keyword(s):  
Organic Chemistry ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Learning Support ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
The Face ◽  
Second Year

Although the implementation of blended learning in organic chemistry is rapidly growing, thus far, there are few studies published on the evaluation of supplemental types of blend in organic chemistry. This report covers a phenomenographic study that was designed to evaluate a supplemental type of blended learning approach implemented in a second-year organic chemistry course in a South African context. It offers a unique contribution in terms of catering to the needs of a diverse student body. Three open-ended questionnaires were used to probe: (1) students’ perceptions of the learning support; (2) students’ preferences for different types of learning support offered; and (3) students’ suggestions for improvement. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to obtain clarity on some of the responses from the questionnaires. Analysis of students’ responses revealed that the face-to-face component was highly valued as it gave the students the opportunity to ask questions and obtain answers in real time; the online component, especially Learnsmart, was found helpful for its flexibility and providing limitless opportunities to practice or revisit concepts. The discussion board was the least valued due to the overwhelming number of postings, and the students felt they were forced to participate in order to get marks. The students experienced the course as too fast-paced possibly reflecting cognitive overload, a potential weakness of the supplemental blend. The findings will be useful in many other contexts where the student body is diverse in terms of language proficiency and the level of preparation for the demands of organic chemistry as a discipline.

Meditation buffers medical student compassion from the deleterious effects of depression.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Mascaro ◽  
Sean Kelley ◽  
Alana Darcher ◽  
Lobsang Negi ◽  
Carol Worthman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Wait List ◽  
School Students ◽  
Social Emotions ◽  
The Face ◽  
Second Year

Increasing data suggest that for medical school students the stress of academic and psychologicaldemands can impair social emotions that are a core aspect of compassion and ultimately physiciancompetence. Few interventions have proven successful for enhancing physician compassion inways that persist in the face of suffering and that enable sustained caretaker well-being. To addressthis issue, the current study was designed to (1) investigate the feasibility of cognitively-basedcompassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students, and (2) test whether CBCT decreasesdepression, enhances compassion, and improves daily functioning in medical students. Comparedto the wait-list group, students randomized to CBCT reported increased compassion, and decreasedloneliness and depression. Changes in compassion were most robust in individuals reporting highlevels of depression at baseline, suggesting that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breakingthe link between personal suffering and a concomitant drop in compassion

Secondary Traumatization Among Social Work Students—The Contribution of Personal, Professional, and Environmental Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anat Ben-Porat ◽  
Shahar Shemesh ◽  
Ronit Reuven Even Zahav ◽  
Shelly Gottlieb ◽  
Tehila Refaeli
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Explained Variance ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Self Differentiation

Abstract This study examined the rate of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among social work students and the contribution of background variables, personal resources (mastery and self-differentiation) and environmental resources (supervision satisfaction and peer support) to STS. The sample consisted of 259 social work students at three social work schools in Israel. The findings indicated that the mean level of STS was mild. Of the students, 36 per cent suffered STS to a mild extent, 19 per cent to a moderate extent and 18 per cent reported a ‘high to extreme extent’. A significant contribution was made by the student’s year of study, students in their second year of social work school suffered more severely from STS than did students in their first or third years. A positive contribution was made by the student’s level of exposure and a unique contribution was made by mastery and supervision satisfaction to the explained variance of STS. The findings highlight the importance of raising awareness of STS and its implications for social work students, as well as the necessity of helping students cope with this phenomenon. In addition, the study emphasises the significant role of supervisors in the training agencies and the importance of increasing students’ sense of mastery.

scholarly journals The validation of an L2 English listening self-efficacy instrument using Rasch analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Eric Shepherd Martin
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Rasch Analysis ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Second Year ◽  
L2 Listening ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Esl Learners

This paper details the development and validation of a listening self-efficacy instrument for EFL/ESL learners with beginner- to-intermediate-level English language proficiency. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to perform a task successfully, is believed to determine how likely individuals will be to cope with difficulties relating to the task domain (e.g., listening, speaking, reading, or writing), and to sustain their effort in spite of obstacles (Bandura, 1997). To date, few instruments have been developed to evaluate English L2 listening self-efficacy. The instrument presented here was distributed among a sample of first- and second-year Japanese university students (N = 121), and, unlike most previously developed questionnaires, was validated through the use of Rasch analysis. The results of the administration of the questionnaire showed that learners' responses differed predictably and considerably, thereby suggesting the utility of the instrument for future use by EFL/ESL practitioners.

scholarly journals Blended CEFR in Enhancing Vocabulary among Low Proficiency Students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prisla Devi Krishnan ◽  
Melor Md Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Malaysian Students ◽  
Education Transformation

Emphasis on English language proficiency and digital literacy among Malaysian students in schools have been given utmost priority in the Malaysian Education Transformation (2013 – 2025). With the introduction of Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), (Council of Europe, 2001) the emphasize for low proficient students to acquire vocabulary knowledge is crucial for them to move progressively into the next band as stated in the CEFR global scales. Yet, concerns arises as how the implementation of (CEFR) will impact the low proficient students with almost none to limited vocabulary acquisition. This poses an extremely high risk of these students being left far behind as English is a second language to most students. Thus, the aim of this study is to use blended learning to expand the vocabulary acquisition among low proficient students and enable them to move progressively in the CEFR band. The mixed method study employed questionnaires, face to face interviews, pre and post test and observations to collect data from 20 low proficient students aged 14 from a semi urban secondary school. Data collected were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study found that using blended learning not only enhances low proficient students vocabulary count in CEFR English but it also promotes autonomous learning and understanding of sentence structures. Hence, the use of blended learning proves to be a crucial alternative for low proficient students to enhance their vocabulary knowledge and understanding of sentence structures through digital literacy that is capable of motivating and challenging them to achieve their highest potential.

scholarly journals The Impact of Blended Learning on the Twelfth Grade Students’ English Language Proficiency

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Hussein Al Noursi
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Twelfth Grade ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

The blended learning approach utilizes modern technologies and electronic media in teaching to create a technology-based environment. However, it is not an exclusive online environment because the teacher and the students have to be present in a traditional face-to-face classroom. It is widely believed that adopting a blended learning approach will enable learners to have quality educational opportunities and improve their performance. The incentive for conducting the research is to evaluate the effect of the blended learning approach on high school students’ English proficiency. Specifically, the study aimed at answering the question: is there a significant difference in the Twelfth-Grade students’ English language proficiency as measured by IELTS due to the model of delivery (Blended learning model and the traditional delivery model)? To achieve the study’s goal, the researcher applied the experimental method and used IELTS to measure language proficiency. The study sample selected purposively consisted of 63 male twelfth-grade students in one of the private schools in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study sample was assigned to two groups: the experimental group taught using blended learning consisted of 31 students, and the control group led by the traditional method consisted of 32 students. The results showed statistically significant differences at the level of (a<0.01) between the means of the results of the two groups on the post achievement test in favor of the experimental group. These results illustrated the impact of adopting the blended learning approach in an English Foreign Language (EFL) setting on students’ achievement in standardized tests. However, the successful implementation of blended learning largely depends on how responsible and committed students are towards active learning.

scholarly journals Biodiesel: uma experiência com alunos do ensino tecnológico

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinara München ◽  
Denise Da Silva ◽  
Francele Carlan
Keyword(s):  
Organic Chemistry ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Technological Education ◽  
Second Year

Resumo: Neste trabalho, descrevemos uma atividade associada à temática biodiesel desenvolvida junto a uma turma de segundo ano do Ensino Tecnológico. O objetivo foi trabalhar alguns conceitos de Química Orgânica e a associação desses com o meio ambiente ressaltando a discussão na produção de biocombustíveis. Buscamos como base para a metodologia de ensino os momentos pedagógicos propostos por Delizoicov e Angotti  (1991), por permitirem a realização de diferentes atividades. Para avaliar e validar esta prática, foi aplicado um questionário ao final, através do qual pode se destacar que a proposta é uma interessante estratégia de ensino na aproximação entre a ciência e problemas sociais e ambientais. Palavras-chave: Biodiesel. Ensino. Química Orgânica. Biodiesel: an experience from students of Technological Education Abstract: In this study, we describe an activity related to the biodiesel subject which was applied to a second year class of Technologial Education. The goal was to work on some Organic Chemistry’s concepts and its association to the environment emphasizing the discussion in the biodiesel production. We propose as teaching methodology the pedagogical moments proposed by Delizoicov & Angotti  (1991), which enable different activities to be done. A questionnaire at the end of the activity was filled out by the students in order to evaluate this approach, which validated the activities done as an excellent approach for teaching students to assign the science to the environment and social issues. Keywords: Biodiesel. Teaching. Organic Chemistry. 

scholarly journals Digital games, cognitive skills, and motivation:

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 123-135
Author(s):  
Daniela Ramos ◽  
Bruna Santana Anastácio ◽  
Gleice Assunção da Silva ◽  
Clarissa Venturieri ◽  
Naomi Stange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Game Design ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Digital Games ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
School Year ◽  
Active Player ◽  
School Learning ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Level Of Motivation

In addition to entertainment, games have been recognized as enhancers of cognition and associated with increased motivation in the school learning context. The possibility of immersion and active player participation is considered a distinguished aspects of game design. Therefore, this study proposed the application of Brain School’s digital games using tablets during a school year, with weekly interventions of 50 minutes in a class of the second year of elementary school. Twenty-five students were analyzed with an average of eight years old. At the end of the interventions, the evaluation was carried out through individual interviews. The results revealed that most of children felt motivated to participate in the games activities. However, there was no association between level of motivation and cognitive skills investigated (attention and problem solving), nor between preferred games and cognitive skills trained. However, qualitative data showed that children liked using games and acknowledged that the activity contributed with the exercise of their abilities. In general, this research contributed to reinforcing the importance of the diversification of methodological strategies which include the use of digital games in education.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Perceptions and Experiences of the EFL Teachers and Learners About the Effectiveness of Blended Learning at Taif University

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
Fahmeeda Gulnaz ◽  
Amani Dakheel Allah Althomali ◽  
Daliyah Hesham Alzeer
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Negative Perceptions

The traditional face-to-face teaching, despite being constantly criticized by the methodologists and ever-emerging modern approaches, has never lost its scope in the (EFL) English as a Foreign Language context. Researchers and pedagogues, in order to get the both ends meet, have converged traditional face-to-face instructions and online activities into the concept of blended learning. By establishing on previous works and contexts, the present study aims at investigating Taif University’s EFL teachers and learners’ positive and negative perceptions and experiences towards the effectiveness of online (CLMS) Cambridge Learning Management System and on-site learning environments. The work utilized triangulation in the use of research methods, i.e., both qualitative and quantitative methods overlap each other: (i) structured interview of experienced EFL (4 male and 4 female) teachers of Taif University, with maximum open ended questions, exhibit qualitative dimensions of the study; (ii) an opinionnaire developed with closed ended questions by employing Likert’s five point scale to collect the data from 100 male and 100 female EFL learners of Taif University, represents quantitative perspective of the work. The opinionnaire includes 22 items and has been developed to measure the four subscales; learners’ beliefs and attitudes, promising strands that help develop learners’ confidence and language coupled with the perils that impede their creativity and motivation to learn. The findings of the study indicate that the level of strengths of blended learning is higher than its limitations. Learners found themselves satisfied being more exposed to the target language through vivid images, videos, audios, reading texts, chatting and discussion forums and acknowledged that (BLE) blended learning environment enhanced their language proficiency.

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