scholarly journals Assessing Statistical Literacy Level of Postgraduate Education Research Students in Malaysian Research Universities

Author(s):  
Ibnatul Jalilah Yusof, Et. al.

Statistical literacy is an essential component of research literacy demanded for the research students to master as they are required to read, comprehend, and evaluate research articles. Misinterpretations of data and research findings are among the unfavorable results in the lack of research literacy. Consequently, it will affect the quality of their research and eventually leads to ripple impact on other researchers. However, this study is still under researched especially among postgraduate research students. Therefore, this paper examined statistical literacy level among postgraduate research students. This study was a survey conducted with a sample of 236 education postgraduate research students by using a set of statistical literacy items. The data were analysed using Rasch Analysis approach which includes item and person measures. Findings suggested that postgraduate students‘ statistical literacy level is at Moderate Low level. The findings also revealed that the hardest items to be answered by the students are related to hypothesis testing (significant value). In order for students to improve their statistical literacy, this study suggested that the instructors and institutions to reexamine and to explore new methods of teaching and learning statistics.

Research literacy is defined as the ability to search and identify relevant research articles from relevant resources, and interpret and evaluate research articles. Although there is increasing literature on the importance of research literacy, empirical data on research literacy concept is still lacking especially in the field of education. Therefore, based on the meta-data analysis, this study conceptualizes research literacy and develops Research Literacy Test (RLT) composes of three main components such as information literacy, knowledge of research methodology and statistical literacy. This study determines research literacy level of postgraduate research students in education using the Rasch Measurement Model (RMM). After confirming that all items in RLT are statistically reliable and valid for the operational use, the test then distributed to 236 postgraduate research students in the field of education from five research universities in Malaysia. Findings show that the level of overall research literacy, knowledge of research methodology and statistical literacy of postgraduate students are at Moderate Low, while their information literacy level is at Moderate High. Due to the lack of research literacy, postgraduate students should not be left alone to pick up research skills as and when they could in the process of doing research. Faculty should consider improvising the current status and function of the existing research related courses. Encouragement from the supervisor is also essential. Lastly, postgraduate students themselves should take the initiative in updating their research literacy by participating in a range of appropriate activities and share their research with others.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Joanna Joseph Jeyaraj

Purpose – In this study, the writing needs of postgraduate research students are explored, so that support structures that enable successful completion rates and student satisfaction can be identified. Postgraduate education is expanding in Malaysian public and private higher education institutions; yet research tends to focus on public institutions, because private institutions have traditionally been oriented towards teaching instead of research. Therefore, this study explores the needs of students in a branch campus of a private overseas university in Malaysia. Methodology - Semi-structured exploratory interviews were carried out with six postgraduate students, so that a deeper understanding of their research writing needs could be obtained. Interviews were then analysed using a general inductive approach. Findings – It was found that students required support in three main areas: writing, supervision and ICT. Students sought English language support and more workshops and programmes which specifically dealt with thesis writing. They also believed that peer support groups would be beneficial. Secondly, more guidance was needed from supervisors to enable greater clarity on writing and institutional processes and procedures. Finally, students wanted greater access to ICT writing tools to facilitate writing and language learning. Significance – The findings of this study are beneficial to institutions seeking to provide greater support for postgraduate students to ensure timely completion rates and greater student satisfaction. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that postgraduate support incorporate 3Ps, i.e., be pedagogically driven; peer oriented; and programmatically implemented.


2020 ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
Bo Peng ◽  
Xiao-Rui Ma ◽  
Feng Peng ◽  
Xue-Zhong Sun ◽  
Xia-Yu Tian ◽  
...  

Postgraduate education is the highest level of higher education and the cradle of training high-level professionals in China. The quality of postgraduate training is the lifeline of postgraduate education, which determines the potential of the country’s future economic and social development and the competitiveness of talents. With the continuous expansion of the national graduate enrollment scale, it is of great theoretical and practical significance for local normal universities to cultivate biological professionals to adapt to the development of life science and social needs, and to explore a new model for the cultivation of biological postgraduate professionals. In the past 14 years, the College of Life Sciences of Xinyang Normal University has been focusing on the construction of "Supervisor-Team-Discipline", focusing on improving the theoretical quality and practical ability of postgraduate students, that is, "One center, Two improvements" of the new model of training biological postgraduate students, which has important theoretical significance and potential application value for the continuous improvement of teaching quality of biological postgraduate in education.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulhafizh Zulhafizh

This study aimed to find out and toanalyze quality of lesson plans by senior high schoolteachers in Siak Regency. The lesson plans designed by teachers of the schools function as aguideline for them to run teaching and learning process at schools. It is a descriptive research. Dataof this study were collected through an instrument filled out by 142 respondents. They were seniorhigh school teachers in Siak regency. Data analysis was presented through descriptive statistics.The research findings revealed that quality of making lesson plans of senior high school teachers inSiak regency belong to the very high category (4.304 or 86.10%). The lesson plans aimed to matchteaching material with predetermined competencies, allocate time effectivelyand efficiently, decidemedia/tools as well as teaching materials, describe learning objectives and in detail, decideassessment techniques in accordance with the demands of the curriculum, organize teachingmaterials based on sequences and groups, decide appropriate teaching methods, design learningprocedures in accordance with competencies required, and decide appropriate references(textbooks, modules, computer program and so forth) to be used. These findings show that makinga lesson plan requires creativity and pedagogical skills. Creativity andmotivation lead to positiveaction in presenting quality, realistic, and concrete lesson plans


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie ◽  
Elisha Nwonu Elom ◽  
Paul Agu Igwe ◽  
Michael Olayinka Binuomote ◽  
Chinyere Augusta Nwajiuba ◽  
...  

PurposeThis study explores how the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) in technical and vocational education training (TVET) systems of Nigerian higher education (HE) can enhance quality graduate outcomes. The study also explores the issues and challenges of PBL implementation in the TVET system of Nigerian HE.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows the assumptions of qualitative research. The authors interviewed 55 participants and had a focus group with 7 TVET postgraduate students. The 55 interviewees were drawn from TVET teachers (n = 33; 24 males and 9 females), Directors at National Board for Technical Education (n = 4; 3 males and 1 female), Directors of National Directorate of Employment (n = 5; 3 males and 2 females), Directors at the Federal Ministry of Education (n = 3 males), and industry executives (n = 10; 7 males and 3 females). Data were collected through a semistructured interview approach, transcribed and coded using NVivo 12 plus and analyzed through thematic analysis.FindingsThe results show that PBL in the Nigerian TVET system has positive implications for quality TVET graduate outcomes in that it can enable integrating theory and practice, motivate learning, improve students' self-efficacy, allow students to construct learning on their own, enhance graduate competencies and graduate employability. It also revealed six perceived possible major challenges to effective implementation of PBL in the Nigerian TVET system, which includes inadequacy of teaching and learning facilities; corruption in Nigerian education sector; recruitment of unqualified incompetent TVET teachers; difficulties in identifying real-life problems, among others. Participants offered benchmarks and actions and standards for improving the identified challenges, which formed a framework for coping with issues, challenges, and barriers to effective implementation of PBL in the TVET system of Nigerian HE (Table 1).Originality/valueThe results of this study are original and serve as an advocacy for Nigerian HE authorities to explore how PBL can be implemented in the TVET system to improve graduate outcomes. The study serves as a starting point for more research in the domain of improving the quality of TVET programs in Nigerian HE. Industry leaders and policymakers in Nigeria and other developing countries could use the findings from this study to increase HE and industry participation and partnership for quality of TVET program.


Author(s):  
Rohan Jowallah

<p>This research evaluates the strategies implemented to support the research activities of postgraduate students pursuing online master’s programs in the University of the West Indies Open Campus, as well as the activities of their supervisors. The three main strategies employed were (1) the use of a web-based ‘teaching-learning space’ to facilitate asynchronous interaction between students and their supervisors; (2) the provision of a scheduling tool to facilitate the planning of one-on-one meetings via a synchronous web-conferencing tool; and (3) the organization of research seminars using the same web-conferencing tool.</p><p>This research used Moore’s theory of transactional distance and social cognitive theoretical framework to guide the project. Moore’s model reemphasizes the need for stronger forms of communicating for online students, whereas the cognitive framework focuses on the need for social interaction among learner and teacher. Participants were graduate students (<em>n</em> = 34). All participants were required to complete a questionnaire online. Data were also collected from postings in discussion forums. Overall, notwithstanding limitations, the data shows there are benefits to be gained from conducting student research activities in an online environment.</p>


Author(s):  
Robert Akparibo ◽  
Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi ◽  
Evans Atiah Asamane

AbstractIn higher education institutions, there is a growing popularity of the use of flipped learning (FL) pedagogy to enhance the learning experience of students. At the undergraduate level, there is increasing evidence to demonstrate the potential benefits of this teaching and learning approach. However, at the level of the postgraduate education, evidence is limited on potential impact of FL on students’ learning experience. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews and focus groups involving postgraduate students and tutors to explore their perspectives of FL. Campus-based students pursuing the masters of public health (MPH) course, and their tutors at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, UK were sampled to participate in the study. Tutors generally demonstrated good knowledge and understanding of the concept of FL and its application, although different tutors use different terms to describe FL. Motivations for the use of FL among tutors were identified as: decision informed by available evidence; curriculum design suited for FL; knowledge/expertise acquired through participating in an online FL short course; advise from colleagues and perception of how higher education students should be learning. Students’ views about FL suitability for their courses were generally positive, with only a few students showing a dislike of this teaching and learning method. Our study results show that tutors and postgraduate students in public health higher education place high value on FL pedagogy, and reported positive experiences of their encounter with the FL pedagogy. The results are encouraging and suggest that higher education institutions running postgraduate masters’ degree courses, particularly public health, could consider adopting and using FL approach to enhance the learning experiences of their students.


Author(s):  
Vassilia Hatzinikita ◽  
Athanasios Katsis ◽  
Konstantinos Petrogiannis

The paper presents a part of an evaluation study undertaken by the Hellenic Open University (HOU) regarding the design and implementation of Supplementary Digitized Educational Material (SDEM: Video, Hypertext, Webcast) which was developed in order to support a number of undergraduate and postgraduate modules. The aim of this paper is to examine the HOU students’ views about the quality of each module’s SDEM they used during their study. More specifically, students’ views about (a) content presentation (b) instructional and pedagogical methodology (c) technical specifications and (d) quality of interface of the SDEM were studied by adopting a quantitative approach. The relevant data were selected with the use of an online-based questionnaire, specifically developed for this evaluation study, administered through a user-friendly web application form. The research findings indicated that students consider Hypertext as the least effective mode of digitized material whereas Webcast is viewed most favourably especially in the pedagogical dimension. Finally, postgraduate students face more serious challenges than undergraduates not only in the pedagogical aspect but also in terms of the SDEM’s technical specifications.


1970 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
S Rouf ◽  
A Majid

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the postgraduate students in Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) in the speciality of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This new trend of assessment was implemented first time in Bangladesh as a part of clinical assessment in the Fellowship examination. Materials and Methods: Three Mock OSPE were arranged for the postgraduate students before appearing in the final Fellowship examination by the faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology along with Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) in the month of September and November 2005. A total of 109 students participated. In OSPE, students rotate through different stations where they are asked to perform certain tasks. In each circuit three different categories of stations were arranged, procedural stations for demonstrating certain skills, interactive stations with simulated patients for patient education, counselling and history taking and question stations where specimens, instruments, data and scenarios were placed for evaluation of interpretation, decision making and problem solving skills. For the procedural and interactive stations a preformed standardized checklist was placed with an observer for evaluation. For the question stations answer keys were prepared for checking. Pass mark was set at 52% (13 grade) as decided by the Examination Committee of BCPS. Results: Fifty six (51.38%) students scored 52% or above and declared as having passed. Performance in the procedural station was very poor in the first Mock (40.20% success rate) but the results got better in the subsequent Mock (52% in Mock II and 72% in Mock III). Performance in the interactive stations was not at all satisfactory, 75% could not achieve the desired credit revealing the fact that the students were very poor in communication skills. Performance in the question stations was variable depending upon the objective and task enrolled. Conclusions: OSPE is objective, structured, reliable and valid way to assess all the component of clinical competency and is an option to improve quality of clinical assessment, teaching and learning. (J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2007; 25 : 3-8)


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (Fall) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Kundan Sharma

Improving the academic information literacy of overseas postgraduate students studying in China is an important part of the postgraduate education. It has been noticed that the review section has become the bottleneck of the quality of both graduate degree theses and dissertations. The use of rich and complicated information sources to conduct an efficient, accurate and comprehensive literature review of the dissertation/thesis has become an urgent problem to be solved. According to the questionnaires, for the information quality and the review writing ability of graduate students, a total of 123 Ph.D. and Master’s Degree students studying at the Harbin Engineering University were randomly selected as research samples, and several solutions were proposed for the problems arising from the investigation results.


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