scholarly journals The effects of instructional focus and task type on pre-vocational learners’ ability in EFL oral interaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 171 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline van Batenburg ◽  
Ron Oostdam ◽  
Amos van Gelderen ◽  
Ruben Fukkink ◽  
Nivja de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Instructional Focus ◽  
Oral Interaction ◽  
Business As Usual ◽  
Oral Skills ◽  
Interaction Skills

Abstract Little is known about the effect of diverging pedagogies on the development of interactional oral skills in a foreign language. In a controlled study, we evaluated three newly developed instructional programmes that were situated in the same training context, but that differed in instructional focus and type of task. These were compared to the effects of business-as-usual instruction. Multilevel analysis revealed that all experimental groups outperformed the ‘business-as-usual’ control group on oral interaction skills (N = 199), with similar results for the programmes. Positive effects were found on interaction skills for trained contexts of use only. No transfer was found to tasks in other contexts of use. We conclude that receiving contextualised oral interaction instruction is beneficial to the development of pre-vocational learners’ interaction skills.

scholarly journals Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication Skills of Adults with Autism: A Study Protocol for a Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10650
Author(s):  
Isabel Gómez-Calcerrada ◽  
Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez ◽  
Santos Villafaina ◽  
Juan Carlos Rueda-Rubio ◽  
Beatriz Rivera-Martín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Gait Posture

Background and Objectives: Despite the scientific evidence of the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not still considered an evidence-based practice for this population. The proposed study will aim to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy program on gait, posture, and communication skills. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 adults with ASD will participate in this non-randomized controlled trial. The experimental group will involve 12 participants who will receive AAT for 10 weeks, at two sessions per week. The focus of these sessions will be conducting different activities and physical exercises, facilitated by dogs. The control group will receive treatment as usual. The outcome measures will be the ability to walk and climbing stairs, balance, risk of falls and communication skills. Conclusions: The role of dogs as facilitators of the movement may lead to relevant benefits in the gait, posture and communication skills of adults with ASD, improving their ability to perform activities of daily living.

scholarly journals The effects of music, relaxation and suggestion on tertiary students’ affect and achievement in learning Japanese as a Foreign Language

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 16.1-16.22
Author(s):  
Kuninori Shimbo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Accelerated Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Experimental Group

This study investigates the effects of the three major factors of Suggestopedia – music, relaxation and suggestion – on the students’ affect and development of communicative competence in tertiary Japanese language classes. A review of literature on Suggestopedia, the original form of Accelerated Learning (AL), shows that its effects are controversial, surrounded by misunderstanding and lack of appropriate evaluation. There is a need to clarify the nature of AL and the effects of its factors. Two existing classes were randomly assigned as a control group (n= 29) and an experimental group (n= 25). This quasi-experimental study lasted for 12 weeks with 3 stages of 4 weeks each. The results oft-tests showed that there existed no major significant differences between the two groups. When differences between each stage were examined carefully, however, it was found that self-concept increased significantly with the introduction of suggestion. The findings did not support the general claims that AL has positive effects on language learning, but it was found that among the three independent variables suggestion influenced students’ affect positively. The finding implies that the teacher’s positive messages are powerful tools to enhance students’ affect in learning a foreign language.

scholarly journals Anti-Heartburn Effects of Sugar Cane Flour: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1813
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Beckett ◽  
Neeraj K. Singh ◽  
Jehan Phillips ◽  
Krishnakumar Kalpurath ◽  
Kent Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽  
Reflux Disease ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Symptom Scores

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 20% of Australians. Patients suffer a burning sensation known as heartburn due to the movement of acidic stomach content into the esophagus. There is anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of prebiotic sugarcane flour in controlling symptoms of GERD. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a prebiotic sugarcane flour in alleviating symptoms in medically-diagnosed GERD patients. This pilot study was a single center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial conducted on 43 eligible participants. The intervention group (n = 22) were randomized to receive 3 g of sugarcane flour per day, and the control group (n = 21) received 3 g of cellulose placebo per day. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were assessed before and after three weeks treatment using the validated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire (GERD-HRQL). After three weeks there were significant differences in symptoms for heartburn, regurgitation, and total symptoms scores (p < 0.05) between the sugarcane flour and placebo. Mean GERD-HRQL scores increased in the placebo group for regurgitation (mean increase 1.7; 95% CI 0.23 to 3.2; p = 0.015) and total symptom scores (2.9; 95% CI 0.26 to 5.7; p = 0.033). In contrast, there were significant reductions in heartburn (mean decrease −2.2; 95% CI −4.2 to −0.14; p = 0.037) and total symptom scores (−3.7; 95% CI −7.2 to −0.11; p = 0.044) in the intervention group. This pilot study has shown significant positive effects of sugarcane flour in the reduction of GERD symptoms, and a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.

scholarly journals The Effect of External Apple Vinegar Application on Varicosity Symptoms, Pain, and Social Appearance Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derya Atik ◽  
Cem Atik ◽  
Celalettin Karatepe
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
External Application ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Appearance Anxiety ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Appearance Anxiety

Aim. We aimed to determine the effect of external apple vinegar application on the symptoms and social appearance anxiety of varicosity patients who were suggested conservative treatment.Method. The study was planned as an experimental, randomized, and controlled study. 120 patients were randomly selected and then were randomly allocated to either experimental or control group by simple blind random sampling method. In the collection of research data, a questionnaire questioning sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) were used. The patients in the study group were suggested to apply apple vinegar to the area of the leg with varicosity alongside the treatment suggested by the doctor. The patients in the control group received no intervention during the study.Results. The sociodemographic and clinic characteristics of both groups were found to be similar (p>0.05). The patients were evaluated with regard to cramps, pain, leg fatigue perception, edema, itching, pigmentation, and weight feelings in the leg, VAS, and SAAS averages in the second evaluation; the control group had a decrease in such symptoms (p>0.05) although the decrease in the application group was higher and statistically meaningful (p<0.05).Conclusion. We determined that the external application of apple vinegar on varicosity patients, which is a very easy application, increased the positive effects of conservative treatment.

The effects of music, relaxation and suggestion on tertiary students’ affect and achievement in learning Japanese as a foreign language

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 16.1-16.22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuninori Shimbo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Accelerated Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Experimental Group

This study investigates the effects of the three major factors of Suggestopedia – music, relaxation and suggestion – on the students’ affect and development of communicative competence in tertiary Japanese language classes. A review of literature on Suggestopedia, the original form of Accelerated Learning (AL), shows that its effects are controversial, surrounded by misunderstanding and lack of appropriate evaluation. There is a need to clarify the nature of AL and the effects of its factors. Two existing classes were randomly assigned as a control group (n = 29) and an experimental group (n = 25). This quasi-experimental study lasted for 12 weeks with 3 stages of 4 weeks each. The results of t-tests showed that there existed no major significant differences between the two groups. When differences between each stage were examined carefully, however, it was found that self-concept increased significantly with the introduction of suggestion. The findings did not support the general claims that AL has positive effects on language learning, but it was found that among the three independent variables suggestion influenced students’ affect positively. The finding implies that the teacher’s positive messages are powerful tools to enhance students’ affect in learning a foreign language.

scholarly journals The development and effect of the education program on hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment: A randomized controlled study

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-gyeong Kim ◽  
Ihn Sook Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Over Time

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an education program on the accuracy of performance of hand hygiene (HH) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) over time. This randomized controlled pretest–posttest study was performed with 34 experimental and 34 control group participants in the Western Development Region of Nepal. The intervention was a three hours education program on how to perform HH and use PPE, using multifaceted methods such as watching a movie, demonstration, practice, and peer feedback. The accuracy of HH and PPE use was measured three times with an observation checklist and was analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA. The experimental group showed higher increase in accuracy of HH (F = 40.78, p < 0.001), putting on PPE (F = 112.75, p < 0.001), and taking off PPE (F = 34.72, p < 0.001) than the control group. As the education program had positive effects on the accuracy of HH and PPE use among nurses in Nepal, we suggest that the program be widely applied to healthcare workers in Nepal. Considering the decrease in the effect of the program on proper HH and PPE over time, it is recommended to provide re-education on HH and PPE at least three months and one month later, respectively.

scholarly journals Analgesia and patient comfort after enhanced recovery after surgery in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: a randomised controlled pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Huang ◽  
Minxue Wang ◽  
Huixin Chen ◽  
Nan Cheng ◽  
Yanling Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Enhanced Recovery ◽  
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery ◽  
Patient Comfort ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP) is the most prevalent surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, but postoperative pharyngeal pain may affect patient comfort. The enhanced recovery after surgery pathway has been proved beneficial to many types of surgery but not to UPPP yet. The aim of this pilot study was to preliminarily standrize an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for UPPP, to assess whether it has positive effects on reducing postoperative pharyngeal pain and improving patient comfort, and to test its feasibility for an international multicentre study. Methods This randomised controlled study analysed 116 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who were undergoing UPPP in a single tertiary care hospital. They were randomly divided according to treatment: the ERAS group (those who received ERAS treatment) and the control group (those who received traditional treatment). Ninety-five patients completed the assessment (ERAS group, 59 patients; control group, 36 patients). Pharyngeal pain and patient comfort were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 30 min and at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after UPPP. Complications, hospitalisation duration, and hospital cost were recorded. Results The VAS scores for resting pain and swallowing pain were significantly lower in the ERAS group than those in the control group at 30 min and at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. Patient comfort was improved in the ERAS group. The hospitalisation duration and cost were comparable between the groups. The incidence of complications showed an increasing trend in the ERAS group. Conclusion The ERAS protocol significantly relieved pharyngeal pain after UPPP and improved comfort in patients with OSA, which showed the prospect for an larger study. Meanwhile a potential increase of post-operative complications in the ERAS group should be noticed. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (23/09/2018, ChiCTR1800018537)

scholarly journals DEVELOPING QUALITY ASSESSMENTS OF ORAL SPEECH IN ENGLISH

2017 ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Olga Kvasova
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Summative Assessment ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Oral Production ◽  
Oral Speech ◽  
Oral Tests ◽  
Oral Interaction ◽  
Oral Skills

Background: Oral speech in a foreign language is an issue the theoreticians and practitioners has been discussing for decades and which has gained particular importance in today’s globalized world. Teaching and assessing English language oral skills is now being implemented in compliance with the Common European Framework of Reference. However, assess­ing oral speech has been so far in the focus of studies almost exclusively outsideUkraine which makes these issues crucial in the national context. The complexity of developing oral tests has impeded the introduction of oral part in the Independent school-leaving exam; university teachers have to themselves develop tests for summative assessment without being trained in test designing; PhD students make claims about effectiveness of their research based on the oral tests of disputable quality. Purpose: The current paper aims to initiate a discussion on ensuring quality assessment of oral skills in the institutions of higher education in the country. The author examines the construct of oral skills based on the definitions provided in the works of leading experts in applied linguistics and in Common European Framework of Reference. She further proposes a profile of B2 level oral skills based on the Syllabus for teaching English as a second foreign language to students majoring in Oriental languages in theInstitute of Philology in Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Results: The author provides a profound analysis of the Syllabus and the course book it is based on, and specifies their strengths and weaknesses thereby outlining the issues of major concern for practitioners. One of them is rooted in the absence in the Teacher’s resource pack of ready-made oral tests for summative assessment which entails versatile approaches to mea­suring students’ achievements by different teachers and therefore not reliable outcomes of testing. As a result of the scrutiny of the sources (CEFR, specifications of internationally acclaimed examinations and the Syllabus), the author comes up with the characteristics of oral production and oral interaction relevant for the learning context. Discussion: The B2 profile of oral skills defined by the author allowed her to develop analytical rating scales for assess­ing oral monologue. These scales benchmark the oral production against the four criteria (Efficiency of speech, Fluency and phonological control; Control of vocabulary and register; Grammatical control). To become a reliable tool for assessing oral production, these scales should be piloted in the classroom, discussed by the teachers/examiners and modified if necessary. The further perspective of the study relates to developing rating scales to assess oral interaction and eventual introduction of these scales in the instruction.

scholarly journals Oral Interaction in the EFL Classroom: The Effects of Instructional Focus and Task Type on Learner Affect

2019 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 308-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELINE S. L. VAN BATENBURG ◽  
RON J. OOSTDAM ◽  
AMOS J. S. VAN GELDEREN ◽  
RUBEN G. FUKKINK ◽  
NIVJA H. DE JONG
Keyword(s):  
Task Type ◽  
Instructional Focus ◽  
Oral Interaction ◽  
And Task

scholarly journals Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Frail Older People in Swedish Acute Care Settings (CGA-Swed): A Randomised Controlled Study

Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Wilhelmson ◽  
Isabelle Andersson Hammar ◽  
Anna Ehrenberg ◽  
Johan Niklasson ◽  
Jeanette Eckerblad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) for frail older people in Swedish acute hospital settings – the CGA-Swed study. In this study protocol, we present the study design, the intervention and the outcome measures as well as the baseline characteristics of the study participants. The study is a randomised controlled trial with an intervention group receiving the CGA and a control group receiving medical assessment without the CGA. Follow-ups were conducted after 1, 6 and 12 months, with dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) as the primary outcome measure. The study group consisted of frail older people (75 years and older) in need of acute medical hospital care. The study design, randomisation and process evaluation carried out were intended to ensure the quality of the study. Baseline data show that the randomisation was successful and that the sample included frail older people with high dependence in ADL and with a high comorbidity. The CGA contributed to early recognition of frail older people’s needs and ensured a care plan and follow-up. This study is expected to show positive effects on frail older people’s dependence in ADL, life satisfaction and satisfaction with health and social care.

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