scholarly journals Peer-assisted learning (PAL): skills lab tutors’ experiences and motivation

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Bugaj ◽  
M. Blohm ◽  
C. Schmid ◽  
N. Koehl ◽  
J. Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Highly Qualified ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Peer Assisted Learning ◽  
Cognitive Congruence ◽  
Skills Lab ◽  
Peer Teachers

Abstract Background Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is a common teaching and learning method in medical education worldwide. In the setting of skills laboratories (skills labs), student tutors are often employed as an equivalent alternative to faculty teachers. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of qualitative studies which explore the reasons for the personal commitment of student tutors. The aim of our study was to examine how undergraduate students experienced and evaluated their roles as skills lab student tutors, what their motivation was, and whether social and cognitive congruence played a role in their teaching experiences. Methods We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with student tutors who were currently teaching in a skills lab. After the interviews had been transcribed verbatim, two independent investigators performed a qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results In total, we conducted nine interviews with student tutors. Our results revealed that all student tutors showed great enthusiasm and motivation for their jobs as peer teachers. One of the main motivating factors for student tutors to teach in a skills lab was the possibility to simultaneously share and improve their knowledge and expertise. In general, the participants of our study had high aspirations for their teaching. They found it particularly important to be empathetic with the student learners. At the same time, they thought they would personally benefit from their teaching activities and develop a certain expertise as student tutors. Conclusions With the present study we are able to gain some insight into what motivates student tutors to teach in a skills lab and what kind of experiences they have. Our results provide an important input for the future training of highly qualified student tutors.

scholarly journals Reflections on a bilingual peer assisted learning program

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Cui ◽  
Tairan Kevin Huang ◽  
Corinne Cortese ◽  
Matthew Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
International Student ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Peer Assisted Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bilingual Teaching ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
High Level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate faculty and academic staff perceptions, experiences and expectations with respect to a voluntary, bilingual peer assisted learning (PAL) program, which operates for the benefit of students studying in the Faculty of Business at a regional Australian University. Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument and semi-structured interviews were used to faculty executive and academic staff in order to collect information about the perceived benefits of the program and identify opportunities for improvement. Findings – Based on an analysis of student results, the bilingual PAL program is shown to have a positive effect on performance of students participating in the program. Results from interviews with executive and academic staff indicate a high level of support for this type of student learning program. Originality/value – Although the value of both bilingual teaching and PAL has been explored in the teaching and learning literature, few studies have examined the integration of these two approaches. This research contributes to the literature by exploring the practical contribution of integrating these approaches. This research also provides valuable information regarding executive and academic perceptions of PAL programs, which is infrequently addressed in the literature. Findings may be used to inform institutions of the value of bilingual PAL programs in relation to international student retention and learning support and provide a starting point for discussions around the practical implications of such programs.

scholarly journals Teachers and Students’ Stereotypes about the Teaching and Learning of English

2016 ◽  
pp. 75-92
Author(s):  
Eliana Edith Roberto Flórez ◽  
Gladis Leonor Arias Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Private University ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Work Behavior ◽  
Academic Majors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
English Class ◽  
Grounded Theory Method ◽  
Teachers And Students

This article is the result of a research study that examined teachers and undergraduate students’ stereotypes about English teaching and learning processes at a private university in Tunja, Colombia. The research was carried out with six English teachers and twenty undergraduate students from first and second semesters. The instruments used to collect data were semi-structured interviews and questionnaires from both teachers and students. A grounded theory method was used to analyze the gathered information. Findings demonstrate that language teachers created stereotypes about students’ academic work, behavior, and attitudes due to their experiences with them as their teachers, and particularly according to students’ academic majors. Students also evidence stereotypes about the teaching and learning of English, according to their experiences in English class.

scholarly journals Teachers Perceptions of Gender Differences in Learning Styles in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-46
Author(s):  
Tayyaba Mehmood
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Undergraduate Level

The purpose of the study is to explore the preferred language learning styles of the undergraduate students based on their gender. In Pakistan, the traditional lecture method is commonly used at the undergraduate level which is teacher centred (Hussain, Azeem & Shakoor, 2011), not accounting for the learner and learning style differences. The difference in learning styles varies from one individual to another; thus, influencing the overall language learning process and performance (Manochehr, 2006). The present study used a mixed method approach, with Kolb’s learning style model (1986) as the basis of the theoretical framework to determine individual learning styles. The sample was selected through purposive sampling technique and comprised of 60 undergraduate students and 10 teachers who were teaching English to these students. Data was collected from the students studying English at the undergraduate level and their teachers by using survey questionnaire and semi structured interviews respectively and was analysed in the form of descriptive statistics. The findings of the study confirmed that gender differences had a direct influence on the learning style preferences of the students. Moreover, both male and female students showed a tendency for Active Experimentation (AE) style of learning, indicating that they want to be actively engaged in their own learning process, instead of merely listening to the lectures being delivered in the traditional method. In addition, although the findings indicated that the teachers were aware of the differences in the learning styles based on gender, but their teaching practices did not account for the preferred learning styles of the students. These results can be further utilized to improve the teaching and learning styles for the students at the undergraduate students.

scholarly journals What Should Be Considered in the Evidence-Based Practice Competency-Based Curriculum for Undergraduate Nursing Students? From the Student’s Point of View

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10965
Author(s):  
Chieun Song ◽  
Weongyeong Kim ◽  
Jeongmin Park
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Nursing Curriculum ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing Students ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing

Background: The nursing curriculum should be systematically developed to improve the evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies of undergraduate nursing students. We attempted to identify the factors important for developing or improving the EBP-integrated nursing curriculum. Methods: This study adopted the qualitative research design using qualitative content analysis. A total of 168 study participants were included in the study. The participants were third-year nursing students at a private university located in southeastern South Korea. An open-ended question was asked: “To improve students’ EBP competencies during theory classes, on-campus practicums, or clinical practicums, what do you think is necessary?” Result(s): The analysis presented thirty themes, which were grouped into 10 sub-categories and further into four categories, and finally into three main categories. The students responded that they needed to form their own attitudes toward EBP. Regarding educator-related needs, students responded that effective teaching and learning methods should be used in classes. The students also suggested that the EBP process should be applied during clinical practicum. Regarding school-related needs, students suggested that EBP education should be applied at the beginning of the curriculum. Furthermore, the students recommended that repeated teaching should be used for EBP, and that EBP education should be connected to the major courses. Conclusion: The development of EBP competencies among undergraduate students is an important factor that can impact the nursing quality and patient safety. Based on the findings of this study, multidimensional efforts are needed to improve the liberal arts education of students and strengthen the educators’ competencies of EBNP and EBTP. Furthermore, schools should strive to assess students’ educational needs regularly and integrate the subsequent EBP-integrated nursing curricula consistent with these needs.

scholarly journals Introduction of near peer assisted learning approach in teaching proper hand scrub technique among undergraduate students

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 3004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijayata Sangwan ◽  
Mukesh Sangwan ◽  
Sunita Siwach ◽  
Shivani Khandelwal ◽  
Pinky Lakra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Peer Assisted Learning ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Cognitive Congruence ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
Ethical Clearance ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Introduction: In near peer assisted learning (NPAL)tutor is of the same level of education as with one to two years senior but within the same broad grade. Literature suggests that it fosters qualities like leadership, self-confidence and mentoring in tutors with simultaneous provision of a cordial learning environment to tutees. With this study we introduced NPAL in our newly established institute and assessed its feasibility, student’s perception, future applicability.Method: After having ethical clearance from institution, the students and faculty of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology were sensitized. The interns posted in labor room were designated as tutors and maternity students were included as tutees. The surgical hand scrub was the topic of teaching. The faculty taught interns and assessed, then interns taught maternity students and they were assessed by faculty members. The interns were again assessed by faculty. Afterwards both these interns and maternity students supposed to work together in labor room, the feedback was taken from all with a structured questionnaire using Likert scale.Result: The results were encouraging from all the corners, the tutors, tutees and faculty agreed that NPAL is a better method of teaching strongly enhancing the learning of tutors and their communication skills and develops positive attitude towards teaching as a part of their profession. The tutees found a cordial learning environment with a cognitive congruence with their tutors and felt very comfortable while working with them. Faculty also showed a positive attitude towards NPAL.Conclusion: NPAL is a good adjunct to standard teaching but could not substitute standard teaching.

scholarly journals DEVELOPING LOW-COST MANNEQUIN FOR UNDERGRADUATE IV LINE PHLEBOTOMY

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Doni Widyandana
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Laboratory Education ◽  
Skills Lab ◽  
Skills Laboratory ◽  
Design Options ◽  
Laboratory Training

Background: Skills laboratory training had been providing students the opportunity to practice medical skills in a longitudinal education curriculum with various methods. The integration of skills lab learning methods and the use of mannequins could provide the students to practice invasive medical procedures on patients like the real condition in the clinical setting, but still remains a safe simulation. However, simulations in the skills lab require commercial mannequins that have been imported with limited design options and very expensive prices. The effect of this expensive training will hamper institutions to facilitate students’ learning. Therefore, Clinical Skills Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universetas Gadjah Mada had initiated to produce low-cost and innovative mannequins. This study is aimed to develop low-cost mannequin in order to facilitate learning.Methods: This study is a comparison study to 3 types of simple infusions mannequin which will be attached to simulated patients. These 3 types of mannequin are based from the materials: silicone, silicone plus oil, and latex. There were three groups of respondents: 30 students, 15 teachers, and 15 simulated patients and were randomly invited to review those mannequins using a questionnaire and structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test and an “inductive content analysis”.Results: The low-cost mannequins were highly accepted by the respondents and the best mannequin was made from silicone (p<0.05). However, the mannequins need improvement on the skin design and the prevention of fluid leakage from the pumps and tubes. These mannequins were designed to stimulate undergraduate students not only to practice inserting needle to veins, but also learning how to communicate with patients at the same time.Conclusion: These low-cost mannequins can be used to practice integrated clinical skills in skills laboratory education. However, the mannequins should be evaluated and improved regularly. 

scholarly journals LEARNER MOTIVATION IN THE EFL CLASSROOMS: VOICES FROM A BANGLADESHI UNIVERSITY

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takad Ahmed Chowdhury ◽  
Sarbani Roy ◽  
Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
English Classes

English proficiency is considered a door opener almost in any field anywhere in the world, yet all the attempts to improve effectiveness of teaching and learning of English language in Bangladesh seem to fail over decades. Although poor learning motivation is counted as a key aspect why students do not hold their attention to their English classes and make use of their capabilities to understand and learn cognitively, there has been a very limited number of studies in Bangladeshi context to deal with this critical issue. This mixed method study attempted to identify the sources of motivation for attending English classes of the 1st year undergraduate students at a Bangladeshi university. Quantitative data was collected using two close-ended questionnaires from 50 randomly selected Bangladeshi tertiary level English language learners and 10 teachers. The student questionnaire was developed by adding three items with the ten items adapted from Clement et al. (1994) and the teachers questionnaire was developed and administered to follow up the findings from the student participants. For a more complete analysis, structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected students. The results indicated lack of intrinsic motivation among the learners, and based on the existing literature, the study recommended the way outs to improve motivation of the non-performing learners. The recommendations included, shifting from exam-oriented assessment system, teachers’ reflection of their own teaching practices, redesigning course curricula based on learning need and learners’ expectations, ensuring easy access to the latest educational facilities, and encouraging the roles of students and their peers to develop learners’ motivation and foster their autonomous learning opportunities. Finally, the limitations are drawn and suggestions for further research are provided.

scholarly journals Student perspectives of independent and collaborative learning in a flipped foundational engineering course

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy H Fox ◽  
Paul David Docherty
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
First Year ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning And Collaboration

Flipped teaching and learning approaches are being increasingly used in higher education. Some advantages associated with the approach include providing opportunity for self-directed learning and enhanced collaboration between students. In this study, an implementation of a flipped approach in a first year foundational engineering dynamics course was researched to investigate student views on independent and collaborative learning inherent in flipped learning. Eighteen undergraduate students (11 male and 7 female) participated in this qualitative study. The flipped part of the course was designed to include self-paced independent learning and in-class learning, with opportunities to collaborate, ask questions, and work on examples. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The results of the study indicated that students universally enjoyed learning independently and appreciated the increased collaboration induced by the flipped approach. The flexibility of the approach enabled a range of approaches to independent learning and collaboration, and students were able to find learning styles that suited them. This article concludes with a range of recommendations for practice to further support independent and collaborative learning with the use of flipped approaches.

scholarly journals Exploring the experiences related to postpartum changes: perspectives of mothers and healthcare providers in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Asadi ◽  
Mahnaz Noroozi ◽  
Mousa Alavi
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
New Period ◽  
Women's Lives ◽  
Field Notes

Abstract Background Numerous changes occur in different aspects of women’s lives in the postpartum period. Women’s adjusting with problems and taking advantage of this opportunity can develop their personality. In this regard, accurate knowledge of their experiences and feelings is necessary to help them to benefit from this period. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the experiences related to postpartum changes in women. Methods In the present qualitative study, 23 participants, including women of childbearing age who gave birth and healthcare providers (midwives and obstetricians) in Isfahan, Iran were selected using purposive sampling with a maximum variation strategy. Data were collected through in-depth semi structured interviews, field notes, and daily notes, and simultaneously analyzed using the conventional qualitative content analysis. Results The data analysis results led to the extraction of three main categories including “feeling of decreased female attractiveness” (with two sub-categories of “ feeling of decreased beauty” and “feeling of decreased sexual function”), “feeling of insolvency and helplessness” (with two sub-categories of “physical burnout”, and “mental preoccupations”) and “beginning a new period in life” (with three sub-categories of “changing the meaning of life”, “feeling of maturity” and “deepening the communication”). Conclusions Findings of this study can provide a good context for designing interventions to improve the women’s quality of life by explaining and highlighting their experiences in the postpartum period. In this regard, providing sufficient empathy, social and psychological support from family members (especially husband), performing appropriate educational interventions and also regular assessment of women’s psychological state by healthcare providers in postpartum period can reduce their concerns and help to improve their health.

scholarly journals Encountering suicide in primary healthcare rehabilitation: the experiences of physiotherapists

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Åse Lundin ◽  
Anna Bergenheim
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Western Hemisphere ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patients At Risk

Abstract Background Suicide is a serious public health issue and one of the most common causes of death globally. Suicide has long-lasting impact on personal, relational, community and societal levels. Research has shown that patients often seek help in the primary healthcare system preceding a suicide. Studies exploring the experiences of encountering patients at risk for suicide have been performed among various categories of healthcare personnel, such as nurses and psychiatry residents as well as emergency room staff. There is a lack of research regarding primary healthcare rehabilitation staff, despite the fact that physiotherapists are the third largest health profession in the Western hemisphere and often work with patients experiencing mental health symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of encountering patients at risk for suicide among physiotherapists working in a primary healthcare rehabilitation setting. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 physiotherapists working in primary healthcare rehabilitation clinics in the Gothenburg area, Sweden. The interviews were recorded on audio and transcribed into written text. A qualitative content analysis was performed on the material collected. Results The analysis of the material revealed an overarching theme, Through barriers and taboos – the physiotherapist finds a way, with five main categories: possibilities for identification, obstacles in meeting suicide, workplace environment matters, where does the patient belong? and education and experience are keys. Conclusions The present study indicates that physiotherapists in the primary healthcare system encounter patients experiencing suicidality, and they expressed a strong desire to care for both the physical and mental wellbeing of the patients. Despite reporting many barriers, the physiotherapists often found a way to form a meaningful therapeutic alliance with the patient and to ask about possible suicidality in their clinical practice. The result suggests that physiotherapists could play a larger role in working with patients experiencing suicidality in a primary healthcare setting and that they could be viewed as possible gatekeepers in identification as well as referral of these patients into other parts of the healthcare system.

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