Rethinking Academic Support

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Rennar-Potacco ◽  
Anymir Orellana ◽  
Peter Chen ◽  
Andres Salazar

This article presents findings of a study conducted to determine the impact of academic support provided through videoconferencing on the academic outcomes of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics students enrolled in high-risk science courses in higher education. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent posttest only design was employed to determine if grade and retention outcomes of students receiving online academic support through videoconferencing were equivalent to outcomes received by students receiving face-to-face academic support and students not receiving academic support. Data from 1,276 students were analyzed and significant differences were found in rate of retention and final grades of “Cs or above” among the three groups. The untutored group had the lowest rate. There was no significant difference in retention or final grade proportions for online and face-to-face groups, providing evidence that synchronous academic support through videoconferencing is as effective as face-to-face academic support.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1513-1533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Smolinsky ◽  
Gestur Olafsson ◽  
Brian D. Marx ◽  
Gaomin Wang

Calculus is an essential intellectual gateway and initiation in the education of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. In this study, graded online computer homework was compared with graded handwritten homework in second-semester calculus for STEM students. Previous calculus studies excluded STEM students or compared graded online computer homework with ungraded uncollected handwritten homework. Two large sections and two small sections of Calculus II were studied using a quasi-experimental design. Students were given the same lecture by the same instructor for each class. Students were not aware of the type of homework to be assigned when they registered. Online homework sections used WebAssign, which is one of the most widely used textbook and homework systems. The analysis indicates that there was no significant difference in performance between handwritten and online homework. Assessment questions that required graphical answers provided the greatest contrast between handwritten and online homework and were separately evaluated. Controls were included for entering math scores and a socioeconomic indicator. This study does not find any significant difference due to homework type. As a secondary question, the effect of class size is examined.



Author(s):  
Aslı Görgülü Arı ◽  
Gülsüm Meço

A new teaching method under the name of STEM, integrating the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is now taught by teachers in their classes. Considering that the generation that grows up in the 21st-century has grown up with technology, it is thought that integrating technology into lessons helps students learn the subject. The study aims to develop five STEM activities for the human body systems lesson by integrating the coding-based Arduino into STEM education. The activities were implemented to 6th-grade students for seven weeks and the effects on students' skills of establishing a cause-effect relationship. The study method was pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design, and the cause-effect relationship scale was used as a data collection tool. As a result of the study, a significant difference was found between the Arduino-supported STEM activities developed and the students' skills of establishing a cause-effect relationship.



ReCALL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Cédric Brudermann ◽  
Muriel Grosbois ◽  
Cédric Sarré

Abstract In a previous study (Sarré, Grosbois & Brudermann, 2019), we explored the effects of various corrective feedback (CF) strategies on interlanguage development for the online component of a blended English as a foreign language (EFL) course we had designed and implemented. Our results showed that unfocused indirect CF (feedback on all error types through the provision of metalinguistic comments on the nature of the errors made) combined with extra computer-mediated micro-tasks was the most efficient CF type to foster writing accuracy development in our context. Following up on this study, this paper further explores the effects of this specific CF type on learners’ written accuracy development in an online EFL course designed for freshmen STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students. In the online course under study, this specific CF type was experimented with different cohorts of STEM learners (N = 1,150) over a five-year period (from 2014 to 2019) and was computer-assisted: CF provision online by a human tutor was combined with predetermined CF comments. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of this specific CF strategy on error types. In this respect, the data yield encouraging results in terms of writing accuracy development when learners benefit from this computer-assisted specific CF. This study thus helps to gain a better understanding of the role that CF plays in shaping students’ revision processes and could inform language (teacher) education regarding the use of digital tools for the development of foreign language accuracy and the issues related to online CF provision.



2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2110241
Author(s):  
Zari Doaltabadi ◽  
Leila Amiri-Farahani ◽  
Seyedeh Batool Hasanpoor-Azghady ◽  
Shima Haghani

Introduction The spouse has a special role in promoting the health of mothers and infants during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Women's health during pregnancy requires the participation and cooperation of their spouses. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of face-to-face and virtual prenatal care training of spouses on the pregnancy experience and fear of childbirth of primiparous women. Methods This is a quasi-experimental clinical trial that was conducted on primiparous pregnant women referring to three prenatal clinics in Tehran, Iran. Sampling was done by available method and pregnant women were divided into three groups of face-to-face training ( n = 35), virtual training ( n = 35), and control ( n = 33). The content of training program in the virtual and face-to-face groups was similar and included; nutrition during pregnancy, emotional support, fetal growth and development, advantages and disadvantages of vaginal delivery, planning for delivery, infant care, and danger signs for infants, which were presented in four sessions. The samples in the control group did not receive any training. In the 18th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, the demographic information form, pregnancy experience scale, and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaires were completed, and once again in the 37th and 38th weeks of pregnancy, the pregnancy experience scale and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaires were completed. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of pregnancy experience after the intervention between the face-to-face training and control groups ( p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of uplifts between the two groups of face-to-face training and control ( p = 0.01), and also between virtual training and control groups ( p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of face-to-face training and control in terms of and hassles score after the intervention ( p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of face-to-face training and control ( p = 0.02) and also between virtual training and control ( p = 0.04) in terms of the mean score of fear of childbirth after the intervention. Conclusion The results of this study showed that teaching prenatal care to spouses of primiparous women by face-to-face and virtual methods can be a useful intervention in improving the pregnancy experience and reducing the fear of childbirth among primiparous women.



2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
María-José Arévalo ◽  
María Asun Cantera ◽  
Vanessa García-Marina ◽  
Marian Alves-Castro

Although Error Analysis (EA) has been broadly used in Foreign Language and Mother Tongue learning contexts, it has not been applied in the field of engineering and by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students in a systematic way. In this interdisciplinary pilot study, we applied the EA methodology to a wide corpus of exercises and essays written by third-year students of mechanical engineering, with the main purpose of achieving a precise diagnosis of the students’ strengths and weaknesses in writing skills. For the analysis to be as exhaustive as possible, the errors were typologized into three main categories (linguistic, mathematical, and rhetorical–organizational), each of which is, in turn, subdivided into 15 items. The results show that the predominant errors are rhetorical–organizational (39%) and linguistic (38%). The application of EA permits the precise identification of the areas of improvement and the subsequent implementation of an educational design that allows STEM students to improve their communicative strategies, especially those related to the writing skills and, more precisely, those having to do with the optimal use of syntax, punctuation, rhetorical structure of the text, and mathematical coherence.



Author(s):  
Jennifer L Cole ◽  
Sarah E Smith

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose Corticosteroid overprescribing is well documented in real-world practice. There is currently no evidence to guide best practices for steroid stewardship. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 3-part stewardship intervention strategy on inpatient steroid prescribing in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Summary Investigators implemented a 3-part stewardship initiative consisting of (1) an anonymous survey for providers on steroid prescribing in a simplified case of AECOPD, (2) face-to-face education and review of survey results, and (3) prospective audit and feedback from a clinical pharmacist. This was a quasi-experimental before-and-after study evaluating hospitalized adults diagnosed with AECOPD in two 12-month study periods before (April 2019-March 2020) and after (May 2020-April 2021) implementation. The primary outcome was mean inpatient steroid dosing. Secondary outcomes were duration of therapy, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmissions, 30-day mortality, and incidence of hyperglycemia. Per power analysis, there were 27 patients per cohort. The interventions resulted in a significant reduction in prednisone equivalents during hospitalization: 118 mg vs 53 mg (P = 0.0003). This decrease was similar in ICU (160 mg vs 61 mg, P = 0.008) and non-ICU (102 mg vs 49 mg, P = 0.004) locations. There was no significant difference in duration of therapy (8 days vs 7 days, P = 0.44), length of stay (3.3 days vs 3.9 days, P = 0.21), 30-day mortality (4% vs 7%, P = 0.55), 30-day readmissions (15% vs 7%, P = 0.39), or rate of hyperglycemia (48% vs 44%, P = 0.78). Conclusion A multifaceted stewardship intervention significantly reduced steroid dosing in hospitalized AECOPD patients. This reduction was not associated with known deleterious effects.



Author(s):  
Somaya Mohammed Al- Bardini

The purpose of this study was inquiring The Impact of the reciprocal Teaching Strategy on the Development of Achievement in Islamic Education in Seventh Grade Students in Jordan. To achieve goals of this study, a test has been developed to observe the Development of Achievement. The researcher adopted a quasi- experimental approach in which the experimental group consisting of (30) students was taught in accordance with reciprocal Teaching Strategy. At the same time, the controlled group consisting of (30 students) was taught in the traditional way. The tests and the motive measuring was applied prior and post- teaching on both groups. The Analysis of Covariance results (Test- t) indicated a significant difference at (α≤0.05) between the two groups, which is attributed to the reciprocal Teaching Strategy, in developing the Acquiring Concepts in Islamic , of Learning Islamic Education Course for the experimental group. The results also indicated variation in the performance of (the experimental group) students in the posttest of the reciprocal Teaching Strategy (in developing the Academic achievement The study recommended introducing the reciprocal Teaching Strategy in the teaching of Islamic Education Course, and conducting other similar studies in different educational stages.



2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madihah Khalid ◽  
Supiah Saad ◽  
Siti Rafiah Abdul Hamid ◽  
Muhammad Ridhuan Abdullah ◽  
Hasniza Ibrahim ◽  
...  

In recent years, calls to nurture and teach creativity from an early age in schools has intensified. Creativity is something regular in the teaching of arts subjects but is not a common feature in teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. However, what really matters, is how the subject is being taught. This research aimed to foster creativity through the teaching of mathematics via problem solving that challenges the solving of problems in a creative manner, which is defined as creative problem solving. This quasi-experimental study investigates changes in students learning of mathematics via creative problem solving. Altogether, 172 Form 1 students forming treatment and comparison groups from four schools in Gombak District area, Malaysia were involved. A mixed qualitative and quantitative data were collected to investigate the effect of the 3 cycles of creative problem solving lessons implemented. Instruments used were Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, a mathematics problem solving test and creativity checklist. This paper will only present the quantitative data obtained. Results show statistically significant increases in scores for most categories of creativity and problem solving tests. This research brought together teachers and researchers in trialling creative problem solving to teach mathematics, to achieve the enhancement of students’ creative thinking and problem solving skills. This coincided with the introduction of Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah with new emphasis to strengthen the quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in general, where higher-order thinking reforms are emphasized.



2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 199-204
Author(s):  
Maja Davidovic ◽  
Jadranka Otasevic ◽  
Nada Dobrota-Davidovic ◽  
Ivana Petronic ◽  
Dragomir Davidovic ◽  
...  

Introduction/Objective. The development of speech is the result of interaction of different systems of the cortex, which gradually acquires the ability of phonological presentation and motor control, in the presence of a series of physical and physiological changes in the morphology of the articulation system. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of laterality and cortical responses on the development of speech in children. Methods. Research is a quasi-experimental design with two groups. The sample covered 60 children from Belgrade, of both sexes, ages 5.5?7 years, divided into two groups, experimental (30) and control (30). We used the following instruments: test for assessing laterality and ascertaining evoked potentials. Results. On the visual lateralization subtest there was a statistically significant difference (?2 = 7.56, p < 0.05) between the observed groups. The visual evoked potentials on all measured parameters gave a statistically significant difference between the groups: waveform cortical responses ? left (?2 = 30.00, df = 1, p < 0.05); cortical responses ? right (?2 = 6.667, df = 1 , p < 0.05); waveform amplitude ? left (?2 = 13.469, df = 1, p < 0.05); amplitude ? right (?2 = 40.00, df = 1, p < 0.05), somatosensory potentials (?2 = 18.261, df = 1, p <0.05); waveform amplitude (?2 = 12.000, df = 1, p < 0.05); waveform latency (?2 = 5.455, df = 1, p < 0.05). Conclusion. Visual laterality, as well as visual and somatosensory cortical responses to stimuli is better in children without the present articulation disorder, which could be used for timely prevention planning.



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