scholarly journals Deliberative Democracy: Investigating the Longitudinal Impacts of Democratic Activities in Introductory Biology Courses

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 453-462
Author(s):  
Liz Rain-Griffith ◽  
Sarah Sheghewi ◽  
Gwendolyn P. Shusterman ◽  
Jack Barbera ◽  
Erin E. Shortlidge
Keyword(s):  
Deliberative Democracy ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Biology Students ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Biology Courses ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Skill Building

There have been multiple national calls for curricular reform in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including a need to instill democratic skills in students. Democratic skill building can be embedded in STEM classrooms through intentional “deliberative pedagogies” that include communication, collaboration, and application of information. We developed and implemented a deliberative pedagogy, Deliberative Democracy (DD), for introductory majors and nonmajors undergraduate biology courses and took a longitudinal, qualitative research approach to understand students' experiences and perceptions of DD. We asked students to respond to open-ended survey questions regarding DD at two time points and conducted semi-structured follow-up interviews. All data were iteratively open-coded using content analysis. Students' perceptions of DD were lasting and generally positive, including self-reported themes related to DD promoting their awareness of the “real-world applications of science,” and increased “scientific literacy.” Negative perceptions of DD were largely related to issues with “group dynamics.” We detected differences between majors' and nonmajors' perceptions of DD, including in regard to scientific literacy and class time use. DD is a replicable pedagogy that can assist in instilling democratic skills in biology students.

Supporting learners’ STEM-oriented career pathways with digital badges

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 87-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline R. Pitt ◽  
Adam Bell ◽  
Rose Strickman ◽  
Katie Davis
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Career Pathways ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Digital Badges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Learning Pathways ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the potential for digital badges to support alternate learning and career pathways in formal and informal learning environments. Stakeholder groups in higher education and industry discussed how digital badges might transform current processes of admitting undergraduate students and hiring young professionals. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 30 stakeholders in higher education and the technology industry. Findings Interview participants expressed optimism about the potential for digital badges to make learning pathways visible to learners and external audiences and to promote equity in STEM (STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and careers. Participants noted several obstacles, largely focused on issues of credibility and logistics of working with badges across settings. Research limitations/implications Though the research approach is limited in geographic scope, the findings have broad applicability and insight for the use of digital badges in general. Practical implications Education policymakers, employers and scholars will be able to use the insights from this investigation in their efforts to find innovative ways to expand and diversify the STEM workforce, as well as support a wider range of learners than is currently supported by initiatives aligned with the school-to-workforce pipeline metaphor. Originality/value This paper directly confronts issues of real-world applications of digital badges by discussing practical implications with college admissions officers and employers. The current study fills a need for research that investigates the use of digital badges across – as opposed to within – contexts.

IMPLEMENTING STEM APPROACH IN KINDERGARDEN

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 236-243
Author(s):  
Ivelina Velcheva ◽  
◽  
Kosta Garov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Process ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Stem Learning ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Kindergarten Curriculum

The following work is devoted to the description of an innovative approach to kindergarten learning through the application of the methods of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, better known as STEM learning. The aim of the work is to increase popularity of the approach and stimulate teachers to implement it more often in the learning process. STEM increases children’s knowledge and skills, thanks to the interdisciplinarity, research approach, learning by playing, learning by doing, project-based and problem-based learning and the opportunity for touching to real-life situations. This paper addresses the main principles of STEM and the possibilities for realization different STEM situations, based on the kindergarten curriculum. Different digital tools are described, like programmable toys and devices and LEGO constructors. Various ideas for conducting experiments are presented, too. They are useful for increasing children’s motivation and interest in the approach. An example version of a plan for work on a STEM project is proposed, which includes the steps for its implementation and which is adapted to the expected learning results in the kindergarten.

Experiencing the education process in physical rehabilitation

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Nunes Pereira ◽  
Miriam Fernanda Sanches Alarcon ◽  
Jaqueline Dias do Nascimento Selleti ◽  
Maria José Sanches Marin
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Physical Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Center ◽  
Main Category ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Theoretical Sampling ◽  
Adequate Communication ◽  
Education Process

ABSTRACT Objective: To interpret and build a theoretical model of the user’s experience in the education process in physical rehabilitation settings. Method: Qualitative research, based on the Grounded Theory. The setting was a Rehabilitation Center of Rede Lucy Montoro, located in an inland city of the State of São Paulo. Data collection took place from January to October 2019, based on 28 interviews with three sample groups. The collection and analysis process was guided by theoretical sampling. Results: A total of 122 conceptual codes emerged. The main category established was “Experiencing education in rehabilitation”; as Conditions, the categories: relying on team support, and considering the group dynamics; as Actions-Interactions, the category: experiencing instructions; and as Consequences, the categories: promoting change of habits, and finding resistance in the follow-up. Conclusion: The experience in the education process in rehabilitation indicates that this is an action that requires adequate communication and acceptance by the team. In group activities, although there are experiences exchanges among the members, the heterogeneity of situations shall be considered.

Evaluation of a simulation faculty training workshop in a low-resource setting: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2020-000829
Author(s):  
Rajasri Rao Seethamraju ◽  
Kimberly Stone ◽  
Michael Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Faculty Training ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Instructor Training ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Low Resource Setting ◽  
Kirkpatrick Model

IntroductionSimulation instructor training courses are infrequent in low-resource countries. PediSTARS India organisation has been conducting a Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop annually since 2014 and has trained 380 instructors in the last 6 years. The objective of this study is to evaluate this workshop using the basic Kirkpatrick model with a blended evaluation approach.MethodsA qualitative study design was used with purposive sampling from the 2018 workshop cohort. An initial online questionnaire gathered demographic and professional profile of participants. Semistructured interviews with those who consented explored their perceptions about the workshop and their experiences using simulation for training at their workplaces. The analysis was done based on a deductive research approach around the framework of the first three levels of the Kirkpatrick model.ResultsA total of 11 in-depth interviews were conducted. Participants reported long-term retention, translation and positive impact of the knowledge and skills gained at the TOT workshop. The results achieved saturation and underwent respondent validation.ConclusionThis study provides evidence to support simulation faculty training workshops as an effective educational intervention in promoting simulation-related workplace-based education and training among health practitioners and that follow-up activity may be useful in some cases. This is the first study of its kind in a low-resource setting, and supports similar simulation instructor training in these settings and provides a blueprint for such training. Follow-up studies are required to evaluate the longer term impact of this simulation instructor training.

New Features of Open Textbook for Integrative STEMx Education

2019 ◽  
pp. 142-168
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Scientific Content ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Unique Experience ◽  
Global Skills ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Open Textbooks

Over the last 10 years it was observed that scientific literacy has two orientations: (1) scientific content is presented to be used later for anything and (2) scientific content is presented to be used in life. According to data provided by the Michigan State University, STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) occupations are growing at nearly two times the rate of the non-STEM jobs. In addition, many fields are seeking employers with STEM-related skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking, and technical abilities. Thus, as STEM has progressively expanded, there is a perceived need for new focused on high-demand jobs in scientific literacy. For open textbooks to be a unique experience in STEM education, it is important to design new features. This chapter explores the open textbook area for integrative STEMx education. It considers how open textbooks can provide students a unique way forward to learn about learning strategies and to develop global skills on-demand. The conclusion is provided at the end.

scholarly journals Formation of the Inclusive Environments and Metrics in Biology Education and Research (iEMBER) Network: Building a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. mr1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Tennial ◽  
Erin D. Solomon ◽  
Latanya Hammonds-Odie ◽  
Gary S. McDowell ◽  
Michael Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biology Education ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Biology Students ◽  
Biennial Conference ◽  
Network Building ◽  
Foundation Program ◽  
Future Events ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Interdisciplinary Networking ◽  
Equity And Inclusion

The Inclusive Environments and Metrics in Biology Education and Research (iEMBER) network is a newly forming national community of practice that engages diversity, equity, and inclusion stakeholders in interdisciplinary collaborative projects. iEMBER was initiated with incubator funding from the National Science Foundation program for Research Coordination Networks in Undergraduate Biology Education. In June 2017, biology education researchers, social scientists, biologists, and program and policy administrators, all with interests in diversity, equity, and inclusion, met to lay the foundation for the iEMBER network. iEMBER provides a distinct forum to coordinate efforts through networking, professional development, and the initiation of collaborative research. iEMBER advances science, technology, engineering, and mathematics reform focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion through the initiation of research teams at the iEMBER biennial conference and outreach efforts at discipline-specific meetings and conferences. The focus of iEMBER is on understanding how to create inclusive, supportive, and engaging environments to foster the success of all biology students and trainees. This report focuses on the structure of the iEMBER network, two takeaways that emerged from the 2017 conference (interdisciplinary networking/collaboration and intradisciplinary broadening participation strategies), and ways for prospective members to engage in ongoing dialogue and future events. Learn more at http://iember.org .

A Group Dynamics-Based Exercise Intervention to Improve Physical Activity Maintenance in Breast Cancer Survivors

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 785-791
Author(s):  
Heather J. Leach ◽  
Katie B. Potter ◽  
Mary C. Hidde
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Cohesion ◽  
Self Report

Background: To maintain increases in physical activity (PA), interventions that implement group dynamics principles and strategies with the intent of enhancing group cohesion may be advantageous. This study examined group cohesion and PA following a group dynamics-based PA intervention among breast cancer survivors. Methods: The study was designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing an 8-week group dynamics-based intervention with an individually supervised intervention. Group cohesion was measured by the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire, and PA was measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up using a self-report questionnaire and pedometer. Results: Group cohesion levels were high following the intervention and positively associated with PA at 3-month follow-up (ranger = .182–.555). At 3-month follow-up, 91.7% of participants in the group-dynamics-based intervention (n = 12) were classified as moderately active or greater, compared with 54.5% in the individually supervised intervention (n = 11). Conclusions: These results suggest that, for breast cancer survivors, peer support and fostering group cohesion as part of an exercise program may help to support PA following the completion of a structured intervention. A larger trial with longer follow-up is needed to establish comparative efficacy for a group-dynamics-based exercise intervention to enhance long-term PA adherence in breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Influence of incentives on performance in a pre-college biology MOOC

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhang Jiang ◽  
Adrienne E. Williams ◽  
Mark Warschauer ◽  
Wenliang He ◽  
Diane K. O'Dowd
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Massive Open Online Courses ◽  
Male Students ◽  
College Preparatory ◽  
Recent Discussion ◽  
Biology Students ◽  
College Biology ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics

<p>There is concern that online education may widen the achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic classes. The recent discussion of integrating massive open online courses (MOOCs) into formal higher education has added fuel to this debate. In this study, factors influencing enrollment and completion in a pre-college preparatory MOOC were explored. University of California at Irvine (UCI) students of all preparation levels, defined by math Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score, were invited to take a Bio Prep MOOC to help them prepare for introductory biology. Students with math SAT below 550 were offered the explicit incentive of an early change to the biology major upon successful completion of the MOOC and two additional onsite courses. Our results demonstrate that, among course registrants, a higher percentage of UCI students (&gt;60%) completed the course than non-UCI registrants from the general population (&lt;9%). Female UCI students had a greater likelihood of enrolling in the MOOC, but were not different from male students in terms of performance. University students entering with low preparation outperformed students entering who already had the credentials to become biology majors. These findings suggest that MOOCs can reach students, even those entering college with less preparation, before they enter university and have the potential to prepare them for challenging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.</p>

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