Standardization of EFL Undergraduate Skill Exam Papers: A Case Study at Majmaah University

Designing standardized exams for EFL undergraduates is a matter of great concern in pedagogical practices that assess learners’ academic achievements. This case study was conducted at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia, to explore the significance of educational exam standardization and its impact on the process of implementation, leading to a balanced and equitable assessment of English language skills. During the study, 250 final English skill exam questions of two semesters were analyzed. A mixed-method approach using a questionnaire and Focused Group Discussion was adopted to collect relevant data. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 16, and the qualitative data was processed by thematic analysis. The quantitative data results showed that questions were balanced, valid, and reliable in language skill exam papers designed for undergraduate English students. The qualitative data revealed four major themes – standardization of questions, the efficacy of Bloom’s taxonomy, assessment/evaluation, and alignment of the question with learning outcomes. These emerging themes highlighted the effectivness of standardizing exam papers, identified problems, and suggested ways of improvement. The study indicates that exams must be scrutinized for the sake of standardization in terms of maximum course coverage; the variety in the question item; clear, concise, and precise instructions; validity and reliability of exam papers; and the alignment of questions with the course and program learning outcomes to ensure the implementation of the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. The study suggests, to generalize the results, that further investigation should be done in another Saudi university for the sake of comparison.

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Standardization of EFL Undergraduate Skill Exam Papers: A Case Study at Majmaah University

10.31235/osf.io/yxkeb ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Majed O. Abahussain ◽

Muhammad Iqbal ◽

Imran Khan

Keyword(s):

Learning Outcomes ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

English Language ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Bloom's Taxonomy ◽

Pedagogical Practices ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Bloom’S Taxonomy

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Enhancing Learners’ Academic Performances Using Student Centered Approaches

International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) ◽

10.3991/ijet.v15i16.14875 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (16) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

Preeti Jaiswal ◽

Abdulghani Al-Hattami

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Language Learning ◽

Learning Outcomes ◽

Information Acquisition ◽

English Language ◽

Bloom's Taxonomy ◽

Vocabulary Knowledge ◽

Receptive Vocabulary ◽

Student Centered ◽

Bloom’S Taxonomy

Abstract- Contemporary higher education institutions place students at the centre of their thinking and emphasize on student centered approaches to help learners construct knowledge during their learning paths in higher education. The study was guided by Bloom’s taxonomy in designing learning outcomes, incorporating engaging learning activities and assessing learning outcomes. Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives provides a hierarchical classification system that classifies thinking abilities from basic information acquisition to more complex processes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using the hierarchical instructional set of cognitive processes delineated in Bloom’s taxonomy for boosting learners’ vocabulary competency in English language learning, in higher education. The sample for this study consisted of 39 students (nine males and thirty females) who were studying course entitled English for Business in Department of English Language & Literature, College of Arts, during the academic year 2018-19 at University of Bahrain. The course aims to enhance learners’ language skills to enable them to communicate constructively in various business contexts. The results revealed that Bloom’s learning approach was successful in augmenting learners ’retention and transfer of productive and receptive vocabulary in language learning and conducive for promoting proficiency in English vocabulary knowledge.

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROTOCOL IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN THE HOSPITAL INPATIENT WARDS

Belitung Nursing Journal ◽

10.33546/bnj.505 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 437-447

Author(s):

Deni Susyanti ◽

Dewi Elizadiani Suza ◽

Yesi Ariani

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Congestive Heart Failure ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Self Report ◽

Hospital Inpatient ◽

Reflection Data

Background: Patients with congestive heart failure need a comprehensive rehabilitative program to restore post-attack physical ability and prevent re-attacks, therefore, it is necessary to develop physical activity protocols for these patients. Objective: This study aims to develop physical activity protocols for patients with congestive heart failure in the inpatient wards of the Level II Putri Hijau Hospital, Indonesia. Methods: This was an action research with 3 cycles consisting of four stages, namely: (1) reconnaissance, (2) planning, (3) action and observation, and (4) reflection. Data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively. Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and self-report, while quantitative data were collected using nursing knowledge questionnaire to 35 nurses selected using total sampling, and self-efficacy questionnaire about physical activity exercise to 9 patients with congestive heart failure selected using accidental sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data using descriptive statistical test. Results: Findings showed the completed compilation of physical activity protocols for patients with congestive heart failure. The results of observation showed a decrease in blood pressure of patients with congestive heart failure on the average of 3.12 mmHg after given physical activity protocol by nurses. Conclusion: The physical activity protocols for patients with congestive heart failure have been developed, and it has an impact on the increase of nurses' knowledge concerning physical activity exercise for CHF patients as well as the improvement of patients' self-efficacy or self-confidence in doing the physical activities.

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Designing Assessment for Technical Writing and Academic Literacy: Structuring and Wording Questions using Bloom’s Taxonomy: A Case Study

Education Quarterly Reviews ◽

10.31014/aior.1993.02.01.47 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

T. S. Mokgwathi ◽

◽

Annah S. Macha ◽

Lebogang Morolong ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Technical Writing ◽

Academic Literacy ◽

Bloom's Taxonomy ◽

Bloom’S Taxonomy

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Implementing Bloom’s Taxonomy Tool for Better Learning Outcomes of PLC and Robotics Course

International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) ◽

10.3991/ijet.v15i05.12173 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (05) ◽

pp. 184

Author(s):

Madhuri Gummineni

Keyword(s):

Learning Outcomes ◽

Classroom Environment ◽

Bloom's Taxonomy ◽

Practical Experience ◽

Vital Role ◽

Real World Application ◽

Bloom’S Taxonomy ◽

Prerequisite Knowledge ◽

Signal Interface ◽

And Robotics

Instrumentation subject has a major and vital role in the industrial field. The concepts of sensors, actuators, signal interface, and conditioning, programming the microprocessor and microcontroller are the most important requisites to comprehend and contribute to the real-world application. The application of these concepts is PLC and Robotics course where the students can apply and practical experience the output. To design a project and to implement we need multidisciplinary concepts and sequence of steps viz., defining an idea, requirements and the fabricating parts to bring out a visual structure in order to perform an intended function. To inculcate this culture it’s much more important to follow and implement the standard and well-known methodology called Bloom’s taxonomy in the classroom environment for a better outcome of the course. Current leading technology PLC and Robotics course, (which require prerequisite knowledge of courses like Instrumentation, Microprocessors, Mechatronics) are very well connected for applying the gained concepts to continue the stream of the learning process. The paper presents how to bring better learning Outcomes and also create interest in the course PLC and Robotics by implementing Bloom’s taxonomy by conducting activities in the classroom.

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Mobile Phone Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

International Journal of Communication and Public Relation ◽

10.47604/ijcpr.1344 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 17-41

Author(s):

Ondicho Machuki ◽

Joan Mutua

Keyword(s):

Focus Group ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Mobile Phones ◽

Sexual Behaviour ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Safe Sex ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions

Purpose: The study sought to examine the influence of mobile phone use on sexual behaviour of university students: a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. The study specifically, sought to examine the effect of characteristics of mobile phones users, uses and gratification of mobile phones and the frequency of using mobile phones on sexual behaviour of university students in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. Methodology: The research design that was adopted was descriptive in nature. The study also used both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the respondents using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guides. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to select the sample size from the three strata, which are the various Faculties in JKUAT. The study then used Fisher’s formula to arrive at an adequate scientific sample size of 384 students who were targeted using convenient sampling, that is those that are ready to respond to the questionnaires and the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data in this research was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS v22.0. Results: It was concluded that male students are more likely to use protection consistently compared to female students. In addition, the findings imply that consistency in condom use is a factor that is dependent on the age of the individual. In addition, relationship status is a contributor to the behaviour of the students sexually. For those that are in serious relationships, their use of protection declines due to the build-up of emotional and intimate trust towards each other. The findings likewise indicate that the student’s usage of mobile phones correlates significantly with the consistent use of protection for safe sex. Those students who have had their phones since they joined Campus are more likely to practice safe sex. In addition, heavy users of mobile phones are likely to practice safe sex including those who browse the internet for news updates. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends the media practitioners need to step up the production of morally acceptable media content and offer a platform for advertising and campaigning for sexual conduct by encouraging and stressing the use of protection. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education should actively involve the undergraduate students in reproductive information awareness campaigns for ensuring positive attitudes towards responsible sexual behaviour and promoting best sexual practices.

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Facebook as Complementary Teaching Material: Reconceptualizing the Context Boundaries of Formal and Informal Learning in EFL Higher Education

International Journal of Linguistics Literature & Translation ◽

10.32996/ijllt.2021.4.9.3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (9) ◽

pp. 23-35

Author(s):

Iman Abbas

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

English Language ◽

Pedagogical Practices ◽

Survey Analysis ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Formal Curriculum ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Skills Learning

This article is a case study that aims to understand and explore a teacher's perspective about integrating Facebook as an informal social platform into the EFL classroom in a higher education context in Oman. The study further aims to identify the attitudes and perspectives of a group of students belonging to the same context. Research data came from semi-structured interviews with a teacher participant and a survey questionnaire with student participants. The study provides a set of findings based on interview data analysis and questionnaire survey analysis. The study's findings revealed the teacher and students' positive attitudes and perspectives towards the role of Facebook in boosting pedagogical practices and increasing English language skills learning. This study contributes to knowledge by providing insights on the integration of Facebook as an informal platform into the formal curriculum-based learning in TESOL. The insights and findings are of value to the teachers and instructors in EFL higher education contexts. Pedagogical implications for ESL (English as a second language) and EFL (English as a foreign language) and researchers are offered in the light of these results.

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How do trainee doctors learn about research? Content analysis of Australian specialist colleges’ intended research curricula

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034962 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. e034962

Author(s):

Paulina Stehlik ◽

Christy Noble ◽

Caitlin Brandenburg ◽

Peter Fawzy ◽

Isaac Narouz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

Learning Outcomes ◽

Research Training ◽

Bloom's Taxonomy ◽

Learning Activities ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Research Experience ◽

Accessible Information ◽

Bloom’S Taxonomy ◽

Assessment Activities

ObjectivesPatients do better in research-intense environments. The importance of research is reflected in the accreditation requirements of Australian clinical specialist colleges. The nature of college-mandated research training has not been systematically explored. We examined the intended research curricula of Australian trainee doctors described by specialist colleges, their constructive alignment and the nature of scholarly project requirements.DesignWe undertook content analysis of publicly available documents to characterise college research training curricula.SettingWe reviewed all publicly accessible information from the websites of Australian specialist colleges and their subspecialty divisions. We retrieved curricula, handbooks and assessment-related documents.ParticipantsFifty-eight Australian specialist colleges and their subspecialty divisions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresTwo reviewers extracted and coded research-related activities as learning outcomes, activities or assessments, by research stage (using, participating in or leading research) and competency based on Bloom’s taxonomy (remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, creating). We coded learning and assessment activities by type (eg, formal research training, publication) and whether it was linked to a scholarly project. Requirements related to project supervisors’ research experience were noted.ResultsFifty-five of 58 Australian college subspecialty divisions had a scholarly project requirement. Only 11 required formal research training; two required an experienced research supervisor. Colleges emphasised a role for trainees in leading research in their learning outcomes and assessments, but not learning activities. Less emphasis was placed on using research, and almost no emphasis on participation. Most learning activities and assessments mapped to the ‘creating’ domain of Bloom’s taxonomy, whereas most learning outcomes mapped to the ‘evaluating’ domain. Overall, most research learning and assessment activities were related to leading a scholarly project.ConclusionsAustralian specialist college research curricula appear to emphasise a role for trainees in leading research and producing research deliverables, but do not mandate formal research training and supervision by experienced researchers.

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