scholarly journals Effect of a small-group, active learning, tutorial-based, in-course enrichment program on student performance in medical physiology

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-344
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Powell ◽  
Ian V. J. Murray ◽  
Jaspreet Johal ◽  
Martha L. Elks
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Course Performance ◽  
Test Taking ◽  
Enrichment Program ◽  
Low Performance ◽  
Grade Average

Physiology is one of the major foundational sciences for the medical curriculum. This discipline has proven challenging for students to master due to ineffective content acquisition and retention. Preliminary data obtained from a survey completed by “low-performance” students (those maintaining a grade average below the passing mark of 70%) at Morehouse School of Medicine reported that students lacked the ability to adequately recognize and extract important physiological concepts to successfully navigate multiple-choice assessments. It was hypothesized that a specially designed, small-group, active learning, physiology in-course enrichment program would minimize course assessment failure rates by enhancing the ability of low-performance students to effectively identify important course content, successfully perform on multiple-choice assessments, and, thereby, improve overall course performance. Using self-report surveys, study skills and test-taking deficiencies limiting successful comprehension of course material and examination performance were identified. Mini-quiz assessments and assignments in formulating multiple-choice examination questions were given to help students recognize and solidify core concepts and improve test-taking ability. Lastly, self-report surveys evaluated the effectiveness of the enrichment program on overall course performance. Results showed a marked improvement in student confidence levels with regards to approaching multiple-choice assessments, and a significant improvement in grades achieved in the physiology component of the first-year curriculum, as 100% of participants achieved a final passing grade average of ≥70%. It was concluded that students became more proficient in identifying, understanding, and applying core physiological concepts and more successful in mastering multiple-choice questions.

scholarly journals Exploring Clinical Reasoning Strategies and Test-Taking Behaviors During Clinical Vignette Style Multiple-Choice Examinations: A Mixed Methods Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Sanjay Heist ◽  
Jed David Gonzalo ◽  
Steven Durning ◽  
Dario Torre ◽  
David Michael Elnicki
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Reasoning ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Clinical Vignette ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
High Stakes ◽  
Test Taking ◽  
Premature Closure ◽  
Low Performance ◽  
Knowledge Deficits

Abstract Background Clinical vignette multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are widely used in medical education, but clinical reasoning (CR) strategies employed when approaching these questions have not been well described. Objectives The aims of the study were (1) to identify CR strategies and test-taking (TT) behaviors of physician trainees while solving clinical vignette MCQs; and (2) to examine the relationships between CR strategies and behaviors, and performance on a high-stakes clinical vignette MCQ examination. Methods Thirteen postgraduate year–1 level trainees completed 6 clinical vignette MCQs using a think-aloud protocol. Thematic analysis employing elements of grounded theory was performed on data transcriptions to identify CR strategies and TT behaviors. Participants' CR strategies and TT behaviors were then compared with their US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores. Results Twelve CR strategies and TT behaviors were identified. Individuals with low performance on Step 2 Clinical Knowledge demonstrated increased premature closure and increased faulty knowledge, and showed comparatively less ruling out of alternatives or admission of knowledge deficits. High performers on Step 2 Clinical Knowledge demonstrated increased ruling out of alternatives and admission of knowledge deficits, and less premature closure, faulty knowledge, or closure prior to reading the alternatives. Conclusions Different patterns of CR strategies and TT behaviors may be used by high and low performers during high-stakes clinical vignette MCQ examinations.

scholarly journals Think, Pair, Freeze: The Association between Social Anxiety and Student Discomfort in the Active Learning Environment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven G. Buzinski ◽  
Emma Armstrong-Carter ◽  
Jenna Clark
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Course Performance ◽  
Socially Anxious ◽  
College Classrooms ◽  
Social Nature ◽  
The Social

Active learning instructional techniques, often characterized by paired or small group work (e.g., problem solving, discussion), are typically associated with improved student performance. Socially anxious students may, however, experience unique interpersonal and learning challenges due to the social nature of these techniques. Despite its prevalence among college students, little research has examined how social anxiety relates to students experience of active learning, and whether socially anxious students derive the same benefits from it. Across three studies conducted in college classrooms (combined N = 569), we found that many college students met clinical thresholds for social anxiety (30.1%, 58.9%, and 61.3%), social anxiety was positively associated with discomfort in the active learning environment (r = .52, β = .61, and β = .65), early course performance did not moderate the social anxiety and active learning discomfort relationship (β = -.01 and β = .11), and even after controlling for GPA, social anxiety and active learning discomfort interacted to predict final course grades (β = -.22). These studies add nuance to the active learning literature, and suggest the need for further research on how to best utilize these techniques for socially anxious students.

scholarly journals Technology enabled active learning (TEAL) in introductory physics: Impact on genders and achievement levels

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruey S. Shieh ◽  
Wheijen Chang ◽  
Eric Zhi-Feng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Achievement Level ◽  
Learning Gain ◽  
Is Implementation ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Achievement Levels

<span>This study explored the impact of </span><em>Technology Enabled Active Learning</em><span> (TEAL) on students learning general physics, focusing on differences between genders and among various achievement levels. A quasi-experimental investigation was conducted on two semesters of courses offered in 2008. Data sources consisted of pre-tests, post-tests, self-report surveys, class observations, and interview data. The test results indicate that the learning gain achieved by the experimental group was 11% higher than that achieved by the control group in the first semester, though the margin decreased to 1% in the second semester. In the situation of the low achievement level, there was no difference found in the learning gain achieved by the two groups in the second semester. The qualitative data revealed that student academic performances were disclosed to be associated with the following factors: the instructors' teaching styles and instructional skills, the students' prior knowledge, their study habits, and the cohort atmosphere. That is, implementation of the innovative tool alone might not be sufficient to significantly improve student performance. Nonetheless, the interactive, collaborative instructional approach seemed to appeal to females more than it did to males, disclosing the potential of TEAL in narrowing the learning gap between genders.</span>

Active Learning, Cooperative Active Learning, and Passive Learning Methods in an Accounting Information Systems Course

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Riley ◽  
Kerry Ward
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Accounting Information ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Exam Performance ◽  
Learning Methods ◽  
Accounting Information Systems ◽  
Passive Learning ◽  
Learning Conditions

ABSTRACT We report the results of a study to examine the effectiveness of active versus passive learning methods in the accounting information systems area. Two groups of students completed an assignment under two active learning conditions (individual and cooperative), while a third group covered the same topic in a passive lecture. Our findings indicate support for active learning, measured through student performance on exam questions and student feedback on a questionnaire. However, compared to passive learners, we find significantly improved exam performance only for students who work individually in an active environment. Students in the cooperative active environment posted exam scores that were not statistically different from passive participants' scores. Students in both individual and cooperative active environments reported positive feedback on satisfaction, perceived learning, and effectiveness of the method. We conclude that active learning enhances student outcomes, particularly for those who work individually. Data Availability: Data are available upon request.

The Effectiveness of Usage of Online Multiple Choice Questions on Student Performance in Introductory Accounting

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianne Massoudi ◽  
SzeKee Koh ◽  
Phillip J. Hancock ◽  
Lucia Fung
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
International Student ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Accounting Students ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Learning Resource ◽  
Examination Performance ◽  
Introductory Accounting

ABSTRACT In this paper we investigate the effectiveness of an online learning resource for introductory financial accounting students using a suite of online multiple choice questions (MCQ) for summative and formative purposes. We found that the availability and use of an online resource resulted in improved examination performance for those students who actively used the online learning resource. Further, we found a positive relationship between formative MCQ and unit content related to challenging financial accounting concepts. However, better examination performance was also linked to other factors, such as prior academic performance, tutorial participation, and demographics, including gender and attending university as an international student. JEL Classifications: I20; M41.

scholarly journals Measuring supports from learning assistants that promote engagement in active learning: evaluating a novel social support instrument

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dania Hernandez ◽  
Gema Jacomino ◽  
Uma Swamy ◽  
Krista Donis ◽  
Sarah L. Eddy
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Supports ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Appraisal Support ◽  
Instrument Measuring ◽  
Support Students

Abstract Background Active learning supports student performance, but can be challenging to implement in large courses. The Learning Assistant (LA) Program is a growing intervention to support students in large active learning classrooms. This program places advanced undergraduates who have training in pedagogical methods in active learning classrooms to interact with and support students during in-class activities. LAs increase student performance, but the mechanism behind this is still unclear. Social support is a promising framework to help elucidate the types and extent of assistance LAs provide to students and begin exploring the “how” behind LAs effectiveness. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument measuring undergraduate students’ perceptions of the social supports for active learning available to them in the classroom. This instrument was based on both the broader social support literature and the literature on what factors encourage students to engage deeply in active learning. To provide initial evidence of validity, the instrument was completed in six sections of General Chemistry I at one R1 university. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to determine the internal structure of the instrument. Then the instrument’s relationship to engagement in active learning was evaluated as another form of validity evidence. Results These analyses best supported a three-factor instrument that included five items representing supportive feedback provided during active learning (appraisal support), eight items representing emotional support during active learning, and six items representing the communications of norms and values related to active learning (informational support). All three factors were individually correlated with three measures of engagement. In regression analyses with all three factors measured together, only informational support predicted changes in two of the three measures of engagement. Conclusions This study supports the use of the Perception of Social Supports for Active Learning (PSSALI) instrument to understand students’ perceptions of the supports they are receiving to engage in active learning in chemistry courses. One implication of this work is that in order to increase engagement, learning assistants should clearly communicate the value of active learning and the classroom norm of active participation.

scholarly journals Small Changes: Using Assessment to Direct Instructional Practices in Large-Enrollment Biochemistry Courses

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. ar7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoying Xu ◽  
Jennifer E. Lewis ◽  
Jennifer Loertscher ◽  
Vicky Minderhout ◽  
Heather L. Tienson
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Bonding ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Bond Energy ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Instructional Interventions ◽  
Student Responses ◽  
Large Classes ◽  
Instructional Effect ◽  
Large Enrollment ◽  
The Impact

Multiple-choice assessments provide a straightforward way for instructors of large classes to collect data related to student understanding of key concepts at the beginning and end of a course. By tracking student performance over time, instructors receive formative feedback about their teaching and can assess the impact of instructional changes. The evidence of instructional effectiveness can in turn inform future instruction, and vice versa. In this study, we analyzed student responses on an optimized pretest and posttest administered during four different quarters in a large-enrollment biochemistry course. Student performance and the effect of instructional interventions related to three fundamental concepts—hydrogen bonding, bond energy, and pKa—were analyzed. After instructional interventions, a larger proportion of students demonstrated knowledge of these concepts compared with data collected before instructional interventions. Student responses trended from inconsistent to consistent and from incorrect to correct. The instructional effect was particularly remarkable for the later three quarters related to hydrogen bonding and bond energy. This study supports the use of multiple-choice instruments to assess the effectiveness of instructional interventions, especially in large classes, by providing instructors with quick and reliable feedback on student knowledge of each specific fundamental concept.

Prospective Implementation of Correction for Guessing in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Multiple-Choice Examinations: Did Student Performance Improve?

2008 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 1149-1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Prihoda ◽  
R. Neal Pinckard ◽  
C. Alex McMahan ◽  
John H. Littlefield ◽  
Anne Cale Jones
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Correction For Guessing

scholarly journals Educational puzzles for understanding gastrointestinal physiology.

1999 ◽  
Vol 276 (6) ◽  
pp. S1 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Bailey ◽  
C T Hsu ◽  
S E DiCarlo
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Small Group Discussion ◽  
Educational Tools ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Gastrointestinal Physiology

We developed four innovative, creative, and fun educational tools to promote active learning, enhance problem-solving skills, and encourage small group discussion. Furthermore, the tools encourage deductive reasoning and critical thinking rather than passive memorization of material. The tools include crossword puzzles, hidden messages, word scrambles, and word searches. These tools were developed using two computer programs: the Crossword Construction Kit and The New Puzzle Factory. Instructors are encouraged to optimize the value of the tools by using the additional options presented at the end of each of the puzzles. The additional options encourage students to become active learners by creating their own tools. Although the principles of these four tools can be adapted to many disciplines, these specific games focused on gastrointestinal physiology. Our goal was to create tools that can be used either inside or outside the classroom to complement and enhance the lecture.

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