scholarly journals Facilitators Improve the Learning Experience of Visitors to a Science Centre

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soledad Machado Corral ◽  
Paulo H. Nico Monteiro ◽  
Katrina Pisani ◽  
Chantal L. Barriault
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Managerial Decisions ◽  
Naturalistic Setting ◽  
Science Centre ◽  
Discrete Learning ◽  
Learning Behaviours ◽  
The Impact

We studied how interactions with interpretative science centre staff impacts the learning behaviours and engagement levels of visitors who engage with exhibits at Science North (Sudbury, Canada). This study uses the Visitor-Based Learning Framework. The tool consists of seven discrete learning-associated behaviours that visitors show when engaging with exhibits, which are grouped into three categories of engagement: Initiation, Transition, and Breakthrough. These categories reflect increasing levels of engagement and depth of the learning experience. We studied forty-seven Science North exhibits, and 4,835 visitors to analyse the impact of unstructured facilitation in a naturalistic setting. We compared visitor Engagement Levels with and without a facilitator present. We determined that the presence of staff has a statistically significant impact on the percentage of visitors that engage in Breakthrough behaviours. When a facilitator is present, more visitors reach the Breakthrough Level of Engagement (p < 0.001). In the second phase of the study, we explored what facilitators do and say through thematic analysis to uncover common patterns of facilitator actions and comments. Our findings showed that facilitators employed strategies and methods that can be grouped in four categories or Facilitation Dimensions: Comfort, Information, Reflection, and Exhibit Use. These dimensions encompass different strategies and techniques of facilitation, that are used in a variety of situations and sequences. Our study goes beyond anecdotal evidence to show that staff-visitor interactions have a positive impact on visitor engagement with exhibits and therefore, potentially on visitor learning from exhibits. Our findings can be used to inform not only training programs but also managerial decisions and considerations around resource allocation. We suggest that facilitators are a fundamental asset for institutions that prioritize visitor engagement, one that should be given top priority when considering areas for investing.

scholarly journals Pilot evaluation of an interactive multimedia platform to provide nutrition education to Portuguese adolescents

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Maria Tallon ◽  
Raquel Saavedra Dias ◽  
Aldo Matos Costa ◽  
Janine Narciso ◽  
Ana Barros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Interactive Multimedia ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Web Platform ◽  
Portuguese Adolescents

Abstract Background Obesity prevalence has been rising worldwide and currently is one of the most serious public health problems. Nutrition literacy is important to the development of healthier habits that could help prevent and stem obesity and overweight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of using a multimedia web platform to provide nutrition education to Portuguese adolescents. Methods The intervention consisted in a two-week period in which students (n = 1291) had access to an interactive multimedia web platform with nutritional content, and designed for a self-paced learning experience. Students completed a knowledge questionnaire at baseline and immediately after the end of the intervention. Results The results obtained revealed that 85.8% of the students increased their nutrition knowledge. No gender differences were observed post-intervention. There were significant differences in the knowledge acquisition regarding age (P < 0.001). The baseline knowledge seemed to influence the learning process. Conclusions Overall, the intervention had a positive impact. The preliminary results observed will be important for the improvement of the intervention, though they need to be confirmed by further research. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that technology-based assets can be important tools to incorporate and complement health-related interventions in schools.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Alignment Between Information Systems and Marketing on Business Performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Valerie Anne Hooper
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Marketing Performance ◽  
The Impact

<p>The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of the strategic alignment between information systems (IS) and marketing on business performance. The work of Chan (1992) was used as a point of departure. She had explored the fit between IS and business strategies and had used strategic orientation as a basis for determining the fit (alignment). Although the marketing literature did not reveal any measure for alignment, measures existed for market orientation. This appeared to be the approximate marketing equivalent of strategic orientation. Given the strategic nature of market orientation, it was decided to use it in addition to strategic orientation in order to calculate alignment. It was also decided to use marketing performance as an intermediary dependent variable. A conceptual model was devised which could be applied to the assessment of alignment according to either strategic orientation or market orientation. It consisted of three constructs: alignment, marketing performance and business performance. Implicit in this model was the calculation of alignment based either on strategic orientation or on market orientation. Two versions of the model would thus be tested. A mixed methods approach was adopted for the research. First, a qualitative phase of interviews with 36 respondents (the heads of information technology (IT)/IS and the heads of marketing of 18 companies) was conducted. The purpose was to obtain a deeper understanding of perceptions of alignment between IS and marketing, and to ascertain the different measures used for marketing performance and business performance. The findings served to refine the conceptual model and inform the second phase survey. The second phase was quantitative and consisted of a mail survey of heads of IT and heads of marketing of large New Zealand companies. In total 415 responses were received, 350 of them being pairs from 175 companies.  Pairs of responses were a requirement for the calculation of alignment. A new formula was developed for the calculation. This was used to calculate alignment according to both strategic orientation and market orientation. The data collected in the second phase were used to test the model, using both factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Statistically significant evidence was provided that indicated that the alignment between IS and marketing exerts a positive impact on both business performance and marketing performance, and that marketing performance exerts a positive impact on business performance. This is so, irrespective of whether alignment is calculated according to strategic orientation or market orientation. The value of the research lies in the development of a parsimonious model which measures the alignment between IS and marketing and the impact of that on business performance. It also lies in the development of a robust formula for the calculation of alignment. It further demonstrates the value of a cross-disciplinary approach which could have significant implications for both academic research and for practitioners. The potential impact on companies consists of the breaking down of the silo mentality; an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork, cross-functional training and job rotation; and an impact on organizational structure and culture.</p>

scholarly journals The Impact of Makerspaces on Engineering Education

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Galaleldin ◽  
Francois Bouchard ◽  
Hanan Anis ◽  
Claude Lague
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Problem Analysis ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
American University ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Design Skills ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Engineering Schools

Makerspaces are gaining more ground in universities and other educational institutions as a novel approach to boost creativity, innovation, and provide more opportunities for experiential and hands-on learning experience. Albeit being multidisciplinary, and open spaces in nature,Makerspaces still lack integration to the curricula of engineering schools. With increasingly competitive markets, there is a need to educate future engineers with necessary skills to be more creative and to be able to compete in today’s global market. A twophase study was developed to study the integration of the Makerspace concept in engineering schools. The first phase was based on interviews with five North American University Makerspaces that vary in size, objective, business model, and management structure to identify best Makerspace practices in preparationof the establishment of the University of Ottawa’s Richard L’Abbé Makerspace. The second phase was a survey administered to engineering students who have used the Richard L’Abbé Makerspace since its opening in the fall of 2014 to assess its impact on their engineering competencies, in particular design skills, problem analysis, communication and teamwork skills, investigation skills, and entrepreneurial skills. This paper aims at studying best practices of Makerspaces on campus and their impacts onengineering education and on the development ofdesired skills and competencies for engineering students.

scholarly journals Students’ Perceptions of Gained and Lost Value: a Case Study of a Summer School That Had to Suddenly Move Online

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Pina Stranger ◽  
German Varas ◽  
Gaëlle Mobuchon
Keyword(s):  
Online Teaching ◽  
Summer School ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Managerial Decisions ◽  
Social Events ◽  
Summer Schools ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
The Impact

In 2020, the early Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing induced the abrupt migration of traditionally presential learning activities to online domains. This &ldquo;new normal&rdquo; environment affected management not only of training courses, but also educational events whose main added value consisted in providing students with an interactive experience onsite, as it is the case of inter-institutional summer schools. The following research corresponds to a case study in which our organization, a French university, had to reformulate, in less than three months, one of its traditional summer schools while trying to keep the original goals. We aimed at identifying the impact of four managerial decisions by analyzing, through qualitative and quantitative surveys, students&rsquo; perception of gained or lost value regarding four topics: a) online teaching, b) pre-recorded busines cases providers, c) online social events, and d) technical solutions. With an emphasis in both didactics (i.e., knowledge) and pedagogics (i.e., learning experience), the analysis of perceived value allowed as to learn about students&rsquo; assessment position, which revealed two main issues at stake: belonging, in relation to students&rsquo; identity and academic background, and performing, related to students&rsquo; expectations.

scholarly journals An Examination of the Employment Preparedness, Job Satisfaction, and Impact in the Workplace of Qatar University Pharmacy Alumni: A Mixed Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mounyah Waiel Al-Nuaimi ◽  
Ranin Abidi ◽  
Banan Mukhalalati ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Employment Preparedness ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The level of alumni’s job satisfaction and preparedness has been found to affect the impact in the workplace. Little is known about alumni’s employment experience in Qatar. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the employment preparedness, job satisfaction and impact in the workplace of College of pharmacy graduates in Qatar. Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed methods study was conducted. For the qualitative phase, data were collected by focus groups and were analyzed thematically. Quantitative data collection involved administration of a validated questionnaire. Results: Research findings suggested that college of Pharmacy (CPH) alumni were mostly well prepared in terms of knowledge and skills. They were mostly satisfied about the curriculum and the experiential learning experience. The participants were challenged by the lack of deep knowledge and skills needed for their area of expertise. COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased workload and stress. Being a Qatar University graduate facilitated the recruitment process. Lastly, a positive impact in the workplace was reported through implementation of NAPRA competencies and AFPC learning outcomes. Conclusion: This study will facilitate the understanding of factors that affect the preparedness, job satisfaction of CPH alumni and their impact in the workplace, which will ultimately enhance the learning experience in CPH.

Enhancing engineering education using project-based learning for Lean and Six Sigma

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Kanigolla ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cudney ◽  
Steven M. Corns ◽  
V.A. Samaranayake
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Student Evaluation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Theoretical Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The aim of this research is to determine the importance and impact of project-based learning (PBL) on students' knowledge in Lean and Six Sigma courses where practical application of theoretical knowledge is necessary. Design/methodology/approach – Students teams were given hands-on collaborative projects conducted with local companies. After the completion of the project, a student evaluation survey was conducted and the responses were analysed in two different phases. The first phase consisted of collecting responses from the Lean and Six Sigma courses; observing the impact of the semester project on students' knowledge based on the response percentages. The second phase analyses the responses from both the Lean and Six Sigma courses, by performing a Fisher's exact test to examine how similar the students received knowledge from the use of the semester project. Findings – Results showed that the inclusion of the semester project in the courses had a positive impact on the students' knowledge in learning course concepts and the students were able to apply theoretical knowledge in solving real-world problems. It is also observed that the response patterns are different in most of the aspects between both the courses. Research limitations/implications – This research evaluates student learning with statistical tests and is limited only for classroom teaching techniques. Further, this research states that application-oriented courses should be accompanied by projects as it helps in better understanding the course deliverables for the students. Originality/value – Research evaluating the impact of PBL on students' knowledge in Lean and Six Sigma courses does not currently exist. Statistical analysis of survey responses from both the Lean and Six Sigma courses was performed using a χ2 test of independence to examine how similar the students received knowledge from the use of the semester project.

scholarly journals An Assessment of Good Corporate Governance in State Owned Enterprises of Mauritius

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soujata Rughoobur
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Good Corporate Governance ◽  
Governmental Intervention ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe study seeks to assess the impact good corporate governance in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) of Mauritius by obtaining the general perspectives of employees in this particular sector. This study comprised of two stages. Firstly, a focus group discussion was conducted among few employees in SOEs of Mauritius. This exploratory phase was useful in identifying additional views on the impact, barriers, issues and challenges on the level of good corporate governance in SOEs of Mauritius. A survey was then being conducted as a second phase of the study among a sample of employees from SOEs in Mauritius. The analysis focused on the objectives of the study, which were to assess the practice of good governance in SOEs in Mauritius, its benefits and the barriers towards practicing good governance in these firms. The major findings of the study showed that most respondents acknowledge the positive impact of good corporate governance in the day to day of their organisations. However, they also reported that constant governmental intervention acts as a barrier for the proper functioning of SOEs in Mauritius.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Alignment Between Information Systems and Marketing on Business Performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Valerie Anne Hooper
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Marketing Performance ◽  
The Impact

<p>The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of the strategic alignment between information systems (IS) and marketing on business performance. The work of Chan (1992) was used as a point of departure. She had explored the fit between IS and business strategies and had used strategic orientation as a basis for determining the fit (alignment). Although the marketing literature did not reveal any measure for alignment, measures existed for market orientation. This appeared to be the approximate marketing equivalent of strategic orientation. Given the strategic nature of market orientation, it was decided to use it in addition to strategic orientation in order to calculate alignment. It was also decided to use marketing performance as an intermediary dependent variable. A conceptual model was devised which could be applied to the assessment of alignment according to either strategic orientation or market orientation. It consisted of three constructs: alignment, marketing performance and business performance. Implicit in this model was the calculation of alignment based either on strategic orientation or on market orientation. Two versions of the model would thus be tested. A mixed methods approach was adopted for the research. First, a qualitative phase of interviews with 36 respondents (the heads of information technology (IT)/IS and the heads of marketing of 18 companies) was conducted. The purpose was to obtain a deeper understanding of perceptions of alignment between IS and marketing, and to ascertain the different measures used for marketing performance and business performance. The findings served to refine the conceptual model and inform the second phase survey. The second phase was quantitative and consisted of a mail survey of heads of IT and heads of marketing of large New Zealand companies. In total 415 responses were received, 350 of them being pairs from 175 companies.  Pairs of responses were a requirement for the calculation of alignment. A new formula was developed for the calculation. This was used to calculate alignment according to both strategic orientation and market orientation. The data collected in the second phase were used to test the model, using both factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Statistically significant evidence was provided that indicated that the alignment between IS and marketing exerts a positive impact on both business performance and marketing performance, and that marketing performance exerts a positive impact on business performance. This is so, irrespective of whether alignment is calculated according to strategic orientation or market orientation. The value of the research lies in the development of a parsimonious model which measures the alignment between IS and marketing and the impact of that on business performance. It also lies in the development of a robust formula for the calculation of alignment. It further demonstrates the value of a cross-disciplinary approach which could have significant implications for both academic research and for practitioners. The potential impact on companies consists of the breaking down of the silo mentality; an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork, cross-functional training and job rotation; and an impact on organizational structure and culture.</p>

scholarly journals Stepping out of the shadows: Allied health student and academic perceptions of the impact of a service-learning experience on student's work-readiness and employability.

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Jones ◽  
Lindy McAllister ◽  
David Lyle
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Work Readiness ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Academic Perceptions ◽  
The Impact

Universities, health services and health students have a vested interest in the development of work-ready graduates to improve employment prospects, standards of practice and healthcare outcomes. Work integrated learning supports the transition of theoretical knowledge into professional practice, thus preparing students for their work following graduation. The positive impact of practice experiences on work-readiness and employability is largely assumed. This paper describes the impact of participation in a rural Australian service-learning program on student and academic perceptions of work-readiness and future employability. Qualitative data was gathered from allied health students who participated in inter-professional focus groups and allied health academics who participated in individual interviews. The findings indicate that students were challenged in transitioning from being observational or highly directed learners, described as [being in the] 'shadows' or 'shadowing', to semi-autonomous healthcare providers. Participants reported enhanced perceptions of future employability through 'real work' experiences and identified broader program implications for universities and students. Based on participant experiences, service-learning, a relatively new educational pedagogy in rural health education in Australia, may provide universities, health services, and students with an alternative to acute hospital placements in the development of work-ready attributes for new graduate allied health practitioners.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of the Gesture-Based Learning System (GBLS) and Its Impact on Learning Experience

10.28945/3518 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 191-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moamer Ali Shakroum ◽  
KOK Wai wong ◽  
Lance Chun Che Fung
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Mediated Learning ◽  
Affective Outcomes ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Several studies and experiments have been conducted in recent years to examine the value and the advantage of using the Gesture-Based Learning System (GBLS).The investigation of the influence of the GBLS mode on the learning outcomes is still scarce. Most previous studies did not address more than one category of learning outcomes (cognitive, affective outcomes, etc.) at the same time when used to understand the impact of GBLS. Moreover, none of these studies considered the difference in students’ characteristics such as learning styles and spatial abilities. Therefore, a comprehensive empirical research on the impact of the GBLS mode on learning outcomes is needed. The purpose of this paper is to fill in the gap and to investigate the effectiveness of the GBLS mode on learning using Technology Mediated Learning (TML) models. This study revealed that the GBLS mode has greater positive impact on students’ learning outcomes (cognitive and affective outcomes) when compared with other two learning modes that are classified as Computer Simulation Software Learning (CSSL) mode and conventional learning mode. In addition, this study also found that the GBLS mode is capable of serving all students with different learning styles and spatial ability levels. The results of this study revealed that the GBLS mode outperformed the existing learning methods by providing a unique learning experience that considers the differences between students. The results have also shown that the Kinect user interface can create an interactive and an enjoyable learning experience.

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