scholarly journals Classroom Re-design to Facilitate Student Learning: A Case Study of Changes to a University Classroom

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Perks ◽  
Doug Orr ◽  
Elham Al-Omari
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Teaching Learning

This case study examines the physical aspects of a particular university classroom, and what affect specific changes to the classroom had on the perceptions of students, instructors and observers regarding the room as an effective learning space. We compare survey and focus group data collected from students taking courses in the classroom prior to changes to the physical environment with comparable data from students taking courses in the same classroom after specific changes had been made. Immediately following changes to the classroom, notable increases were observed in reported perceptions of student satisfaction with the physical environment, including perceptions of the classroom as a more effective and engaging learning space. Similar perceptions of improvement as a teaching-learning space were reported by instructors and observers. However, subsequent follow-up data collection and analyses suggested little if any sustained increase in perceptions of efficacy of the room as a learning space; indeed, most reported variables returned to baseline levels. The implications of these findings and their relevance to classroom design nevertheless may provide insight regarding the manner in which physical space might support or even enhance teaching and learning.

The Tomato Pip's Story: Creative Narratives as Bridging Cultural and Science Discourses for Indigenous Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-184
Author(s):  
Lorrin Ruihi Shortland ◽  
Terry Locke
Keyword(s):  
Digestive System ◽  
Indigenous Education ◽  
Disciplinary Literacy ◽  
Word Count ◽  
Indigenous Students ◽  
Science Discourse ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Human Digestive System

This article reports on what happened when a Rumaki pūtaiao kaiako (Science) teacher at a New Zealand high school trialled the use of creative narratives with her Year-10 students as a way of developing their understanding of the human digestive system. These students were members of the school's Māori immersion unit, and creative narratives were in part utilised as a bridge between science discourse and the cultural knowledges these students brought to their learning. In this case study, students developed ‘Tomato Pip’ narratives through four versions, which told the story of a tomato pip travelling through the human digestive system. Word-count data based on these versions and from a summative test were analysed and correlations found between test scores and three categories of word-count total (total words, total science words and total discrete science words). A discourse analysis of one student's narratives identified two distinct voices in these texts: the personal narrator and the emerging biologist. Questionnaire and focus-group data indicated that the use of creative narratives was both motivational to these students and effective as a bridge into science discourse mastery. It is argued that the findings have implications for disciplinary literacy theory, Indigenous education and science instruction.

scholarly journals Facilitating Group Analysis of Two Case Studies Utilising Peer Tutoring: Comparison of Tasks and Outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Lin Siew Fong
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Peer Tutoring ◽  
Group Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Accounting Students ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Video Recordings

<p>Peer-tutoring sessions of two groups of advanced diploma in financial accounting students with mixed proficiency were analysed thoroughly in this study. Numerous studies in peer tutoring have produced favourable results to both tutors and tutees due to the scaffolding process which promotes effective learning. However, there is a lack of studies conducted using case study as a group task in peer tutoring. Therefore, in this study, the analysis of this type of task in the course of peer tutoring is given much prominence. Video recordings of the peer-tutoring sessions were made and informants were interviewed and wrote journals in order to obtain data to be analysed. The researcher’s observation notes were useful in increasing understanding of the group process. The findings revealed that there were similarities and differences pertaining to the teaching and learning experiences encountered by both tutors and tutees when analysing the two case studies. Therefore, appropriate case studies which match students’ abilities are recommended to be used in peer tutoring. Furthermore, regular guidance provided by instructors for tutors is crucial in developing their confidence in playing their role.<strong> </strong></p>

The Development of a Clinical Skills Laboratory at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-183
Author(s):  
Bernard Grevemeyer ◽  
Andrew Knight
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Psychomotor Skills ◽  
Skills Laboratory ◽  
Source Models ◽  
Senior Students

Dedicated clinical skills laboratories (CSLs) that make use of models, mannequins and simulators, are being increasingly established in medical and veterinary schools. These have been commonplace in medical schools for more than two decades, but their incorporation within the teaching of veterinary curricula has occurred much more recently. In 2007, a decision was taken to establish a CSL at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. We considered the range of skills that we wished to teach, the physical space and equipment needed, the storage and air conditioning requirements, the facilities needed to deliver PowerPoint lectures and case study presentations, and other essentials necessary to handle cadaver specimens. We converted an appropriate campus building to our needs, hired teaching staff, and started to source models and mannequins for the teaching of veterinary clinical skills. In 2010, 177 senior students completed a survey evaluating their experiences within our CSL. Student satisfaction was generally high, with 95% of respondents feeling that the CSL had improved their psychomotor skills. However, 15% of them felt that the models were insufficiently realistic. Our clinical skills programme has since developed considerably, and it currently offers instruction in a diverse array of surgical, medical and other clinical skills. We hope that this description of our experiences may assist others embarking on similar projects elsewhere.

T-Scan as a Patient Education Tool

2015 ◽  
pp. 672-704
Author(s):  
John R. Droter, DDS
Keyword(s):  
Patient Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Scan Data ◽  
Education Tool ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
Effective Teaching And Learning

The T-Scan is an effective patient education tool for illustrating existing occlusal pathology. It presents complex occlusal information in a visual format that is easily understood. The T-Scan applies to all stages of the teaching/learning process because its recorded data forms the framework upon which a doctor/patient discussion can begin regarding the patient's occlusal disease manifestations, the potential benefit of treatments, and the risks of not undergoing corrective treatment. When used as part of an educational strategy, the T-Scan can lead the patient to accept procedures that would benefit their long-term dental health. This chapter outlines the four stages of creating optimum dental health, the steps required to perform effective teaching and learning, the differing styles of teaching and learning utilized in educational forums, and how to best employ the technique of Feature, Function, and Benefit. A case study illustrates how T-Scan data can educate a patient about their own occlusal problems.

scholarly journals Up-scaling sanitation provision using mixed design methodologies and failure risk assessment: a case study of Marikuppam, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
M. Gormley ◽  
L. A. Williams ◽  
B. Ongole
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Mixed Design ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Failure Risk ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Focus Group Data ◽  
Single User ◽  
Areas Of Concern

Abstract Simplified sewerage provides an improved alternative to single user on-site options in peri-urban areas in India, and contributes to the aim of reducing the need for human handling of waste (manual scavenging), and the Government's goal of making India open defecation free by 2019. This research develops a mixed methodologies approach to design, optimise and assess failure risk for a proposed installation in a village in India. A steady state simplified sewerage model was used to do the initial design which was further modelled in DRAINET, a numerical model traditionally used for building drainage systems. The input data for DRAINET were obtained from a detailed survey carried out on site, which included usage pattern and focus group data. A total of 106 properties were included in the design and the survey. Test runs were carried out for the whole site over a 12-hour period. All main pipe runs were 100 mm diameter and set to a gradient of 1:100. A risk model was developed and applied to the DRAINET results which confirmed that the design operated effectively; however, there were areas of concern at the extremities of the site, which required additional flow boosting devices or gradient changed.

Investigating the Effects of Social Media on Higher Education with a Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 2040023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamoun Masoud Abdulqader ◽  
Yousof Zohair Almunsour
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
The Other ◽  
Media In Education ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Teaching Learning

This research aims to investigate the effects of social media use on higher education teaching and learning as well as the students’ academic performance. A total of 275 students and faculty members from the College of Computer Science and Information Technology at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University took part in the study. The participants answered survey questions to analyse information on their use of social media in education and how that has affected their teaching, learning and grades. A majority of the participants reported that they used social media in training. However, they also stated that social media platforms were beneficial in academic matters. The number of participants who stated that the use of social media in learning helped improve their grades was 43%. The other 57% thought that social media had no impact on their grades or had an adverse effect or were undecided.

Fostering a happy positive learning environment for generalist pre-service teachers: building confidence that promotes wellbeing

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (02) ◽  
pp. 183-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Questionnaire Data ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Bachelor Of Education ◽  
Positive Learning Environment ◽  
Generalist Teachers

AbstractMusic is more than just sounds; engaging in music activities in educational settings may foster a sense of wellbeing. This paper explores whether positive learning environments can change attitudes and build confidence of students undertaking the Bachelor of Education (primary) program. As part of a wider study in Melbourne (Australia), using questionnaire data, this qualitative case study reports on two overarching themes (Wellbeing and Learning, and Skill Development and Confidence). I contend that a happy and safe teaching and learning space may promote and nurture the health and wellbeing of students who lack the confidence to teach music as generalist teachers.

scholarly journals No strings attached? Challenges and successes in creating a flexible, wire-free active learning classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian (Jill) D. Ellern ◽  
Heidi E. Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Classroom ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper serves as a case study, detailing an academic library’s three-year process of redesigning, implementing, and using a library electronic classroom. The purpose of this paper is to share the challenges and successes of a library’s attempt to create a high-tech space that both accommodates active learning and is entirely flexible and free of wires. The paper provides technical details for implementing features such as wireless screen sharing and offers practical advice for librarians who are creating new teaching and learning spaces at their institutions. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive case study, which details the lessons learned in implementing an active learning space that incorporates technology such as wireless display to multiple screens. Findings There are still major challenges in having a truly wire-free classroom including authentication policies, wireless display technology, instructor’s station mobility, and student laptop control. Successes include flexible furniture, battery-power management solutions, and using multiple wireless devices in a single room. Practical implications Practical implications of this paper include recommendations for planning this type of upgrade in a library electronic classroom. Originality/value The unique feature of this case was the effort to combine the mobile features of a flexible learning space with some of the robust technology of a hardwired active learning classroom. This paper features technical details beyond what can be found in the library literature. For example, very little has been written about the issues involved in wirelessly displaying a computer screen to multiple devices in a classroom.

TEACHERS’ SKILLS OF EVALUATION AND PLANNING AS A PREREQUISITE FOR MANAGING EFFECTIVE LEARNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ IN–DEPTH UNDERSTANDING AND COMPETENCE

2018 ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Aivars Vilkaste
Keyword(s):  
Effective Teaching ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Individual Teacher ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
Development Of Students

Teaching and learning is a bilateral process and students’ learning outcomes depend to a large extent on the motivation and performance of each individual teacher in the classroom and on the activities of all school teachers. Teacher's ability to evaluate and plan teaching and learning is one of the most important professional skills because systematic evaluation, planning and re-evaluation are an integral part of learning and maximization of development, which makes teaching effective and provides students with a profound understanding and competence. These are the means by which it can be ascertained that the results achieved are in line with national and local educational requirements. The paper analyzes the teachers' understanding of effective teaching and their skills to evaluate the teaching/learning process and to plan effective teaching as well as the need to improve teachers’ evaluation and planning skills.

scholarly journals Exploring the Conceptual Space of LEGO: Teaching and Learning the Psychology of Creativity

2002 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Pike
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learner Characteristics ◽  
Conceptual Space ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Students First ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
Motivational Changes ◽  
Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Psychology Of Creativity

This paper reports on the use of the construction toy LEGO as an effective learning resource for undergraduate classes in the psychology of creativity. Students first attended a short series of lectures on aspects of creativity, including learner characteristics such as motivation and metacognition, and theoretical approaches to problem-finding and problem-solving including the Geneplore model and the metaphor of learning as navigation in a multidimensional conceptual space. This was followed by three sessions in which students explored the conceptual space of LEGO under each of three conditions: freeplay in session 1, constraints on process in session 2 (rules for assembly), and constraints on product in session 3 (set goals). Throughout this time, students were required to keep a ‘metacognitive diary’ of their experiences, and to reflect on their own learning processes within and across sessions. Evaluation was carried out by means of a post-activity questionnaire. The paper reports on the kinds of structures produced under each set of constraints, patterns of student learning experiences, motivational changes, and student evaluations of the activity as a whole. It is suggested that, used in this way, LEGO provides a simple, highly enjoyable, yet effective medium for teaching, learning and research in the psychology of creativity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document