scholarly journals Stimulating Learning with Integrated Assessments in Construction Education

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imriyas Kamardeen

Quality of learning students experience is heavily dependent on the effectiveness of course design. Assessments are a key component in course design and students determine their level of involvement in a learning activity based on whether it is assessed or not. Assessments are therefore a powerful tool that lecturers can utilise to drive learning. However, designing effective assessments to stimulate learning is challenging in the presence of disciplinary, contextual dimensions. A case study approach is adopted to demonstrate how effective integrated assessment schemes may be developed and implemented for construction education. The scheme in the case study amalgamated case-based learning, online quizzes and adaptive eTests to provide a variety of assessments, aligned with lecture topics and contemporary real-word scenarios. It was found that the presence of both formative and summative tasks in the assessment scheme complemented each other, kept students constantly motivated and engaged in learning, and resulted in a good learning experience for them. The study provide evidence, and valuable insights and tips for lecturers in similar degree programs as to how they could modify pedagogical styles in their courses for better learning experiences for students and improved teaching ratings for themselves. Keywords: Pedagogy, Integrated assessment, Case-based learning, Online quiz, Adaptive eLearning

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srikar Chamala ◽  
Heather T. D. Maness ◽  
Lisa Brown ◽  
C. Brooke Adams ◽  
Jatinder K. Lamba ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Participants in two recent National Academy of Medicine workshops identified a need for more multi-disciplinary professionals on teams to assist oncology clinicians in precision oncology. Methods We developed a graduate school course to prepare biomedical students and pharmacy students to work within a multidisciplinary team of oncology clinicians, pathologists, radiologists, clinical pharmacists, and genetic counselors. Students learned precision oncology skills via case-based learning, hands-on data analyses, and presentations to peers. After the course, a focus group session was conducted to gain an in-depth student perspective on their interprofessional training experience, achievement of the course learning outcomes, ways to improve the course design in future offerings, and how the course could improve future career outcomes. A convenience sampling strategy was used for recruitment into the focus group session. A thematic content analysis was then conducted using the constant comparative method. Results Major themes arising from student feedback were (1) appreciation of a customized patient case-based teaching approach, (2) more emphasis on using data analysis tools, (3) valuing interdisciplinary inclusion, and (4) request for more student discussion with advanced preparation materials. Conclusions Feedback was generally positive and supports the continuation and expansion of the precision oncology course to include more hands-on instruction on the use of clinical bioinformatic tools.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanqin Wei ◽  
Qiyang Sun ◽  
Zili Qin ◽  
Huiwen Zhuang ◽  
Guangli Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Standardized training allows more physicians to master otoendoscopic surgery. However, the lecture-based learning (LBL) applied in otoendoscopy teaching may not be conducive to training students in clinical thinking and surgical ability. It is necessary to explore innovative methods for otoendoscopy teaching. This study aimed to determine the effect of a step-by-step (SBS) method combined with case-based learning (CBL) in otoendoscopy teaching. Methods Fifty-nine physicians who participated in otoendoscopy training were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into two groups (A and B). Group A underwent training with the SBS & CBL method, while Group B underwent training with the LBL & CBL method. The effects of these two methods for otoendoscopy training were compared by evaluation of professional skills and questionnaires before and after the training. Results Proficiency in otoendoscopic anatomy and grades for both professional knowledge and otoendoscopic skills were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B(P < 0.05). In terms of learning interest, surgical ability, acting capacity during surgery, reducing surgical complications, and satisfaction with learning experience, all responses from Group A were better than those from Group B(P < 0.05). Conclusions The SBS & CBL method may help to improve ability in otoendoscopic surgery and clinical thinking and appears suitable for endoscopy teaching.


Author(s):  
Nadine Ibrahim ◽  
Allison Van Beek

A new learning opportunity among civil engineering students is learning about urbanization in cities, which combines the sub-disciplines of civil engineering in a seamlessly interdisciplinary manner.  One of the greatest benefits of learning about a global phenomenon such as urbanization is introducing the opportunities to offer examples of the technological, cultural and social diversity surrounding the evolution of urban design, technologies and sustainable strategies from global cities. The ability to have a globally diverse classroom to bring in these perspectives and create a learning experience that captures this information sharing and exchange can be created through course design, learning activities, and assessments, hence the “global classroom.”  The authors present a case study of the global classroom for the online course “Sustainable Cities: Adding an African Perspective” and share their perspective on learner-driven formats that support the global classroom, which hinges upon students’ own interest and commitment to an online learning format.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrie A Koehler ◽  
Zui Cheng ◽  
Holly Fiock ◽  
Shamila Janakiraman ◽  
Huanhuan Wang

Asynchronous discussions are typically considered an essential aspect of online case-based learning. While instructors implement discussions to support a variety of instructional purposes during case-based learning (e.g., facilitate students’ sense making, prompt the consideration of diverse perspectives, debate complex topics), whether students receive the expected benefits is unclear, and little research has considered how students intentionally participate in discussions to support their learning during case-based learning. At the same time, students’ participation in asynchronous online discussions represents a complex endeavor. That is, students must make several decisions regarding how to effectively participate, while simultaneously experiencing several challenges. The purpose of this exploratory multiple-case study was to consider the experiences of six graduate students participating in asynchronous online discussions as a part of a case-based course. By analyzing these experiences, we were able to conceptualize students’ navigation of an asynchronous online discussion as a problem-solving process and consider individual problem-solving approaches. Results indicate that students relied primarily on instructors to determine the purpose of their discussion participation, expressed differing levels of value for participating in discussions, adopted a variety of strategies to meet discussion participation goals, and assessed their participation efforts mainly based on guidelines set by the instructor. We offer suggestions for effectively designing and facilitating asynchronous online discussions and discuss areas needing future research.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. McDevitt ◽  
V. Passi

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) programme in eating disorders for mental health practitioners using a case-based learning approach.MethodsA total of 25 mental health clinicians were asked to evaluate their IPE programme as part of training for the National Clinical Programme in Eating Disorders. They completed a Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), a learner reaction questionnaire after each session and a final open evaluation at 4 months. Non-parametric statistical analysis was employed to analyse learner attitudes and reactions, and qualitative information was coded.ResultsA total of 23 (92%) clinicians from five disciplines participated. Baseline attitudes towards IPE were positive on all RIPLS subscales, and those with prior IPE experience had most positive views as to its benefits for teamwork and patient care (p=0.036). Learner reactions on content, delivery, outcome and structure indicated that individual learning experience was strongly positively endorsed. Change in clinical practice behaviour was reported in terms of communication, clinical activity, outcome evaluation and confidence. Barriers included other demands on time, organisational support, not having enough patients or co-workers to practice skills, and knowledge differentials between learners.ConclusionsIPE using a case based learning approach is an effective and acceptable means of developing specialist training across existing service, team and professional boundaries. It has potential for positive impact on knowledge, clinical behaviour and service delivery. Recommendations include the introduction of IPE group guidelines, wider circulation of learning points and content, and the use of self-competency ratings and reflective logs.


Author(s):  
Hao Jiang ◽  
John M. Carroll ◽  
Craig Ganoe

This chapter discusses a particular pedagogical methodology, case-based learning, and introduces an application that supports case studies. It suggests that authenticity, social interaction, community of practice, and resource accumulation are especially important for design and implementation of case-based learning systems. To make the arguments more vivid, the chapter also introduces a case study library that supports usability engineering education. Some of the suggestions are more related to case libraries or systems alike in particular, and some are valuable for learning management systems in general. The authors hope their study can invoke further research of computer-supported case studies in educational and CSCL communities, and more applications supporting this pedagogical approach will be developed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Saltan

The aim of this study was to investigate the learning experience of students studying pedagogic formation in blended design with regard to attendance, self confidence, and attitudes toward both Pedagogic Formation Program (PFP) and the teaching profession. In order to achieve this aim, a qualitative case study approach was carried out. The participants of this study consisted of 154 graduated Faculty of Arts and Sciences students who were enrolled in the first blended PFP in Turkey. A qualitative case study was conducted. Data were obtained through an open-ended questionnaire (n=154) and focus group interviews (n=8). The qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis techniques. Overall, the results indicated that blended PFP was highly promising regarding professional development, self-confidence, accessibility and eliminating some disadvantages of distance education. Specifically, inherent problems of online education continued to take place in blended design but a balanced blended approach could minimize these weaknesses. Participants indicated that face-to-face sections were more applied, authentic and effective than the online part. On the other hand, most of the participants preferred to attend the online lessons regularly.  It was mainly because of availability concerns, travelling, and comfort of their home.


Author(s):  
Terry Anderson ◽  
Liam Rourke

<P class=abstract>This study explored the capacity of Web-based, group communication systems to support case-based teaching and learning. Eleven graduate students studying at a distance were divided into three groups to collaborate on a case study using either a synchronous voice, an asynchronous voice, or a synchronous text communication system. Participants kept a detailed log of the time they spent on various activities, wrote a 1,500-word reflection on their experience, and participated in a group interview. Analysis of these data reveals that each group supplemented the system that had been assigned to them with additional communication systems in order to complete the project. Each of these systems were used strategically: email was used to share files and arrange meetings, and synchronous voice systems were used to brainstorm and make decisions. Learning achievement was high across groups and students enjoyed collaborating with others on a concrete task. Keywords: Distance Education, Case-based Learning, Collaboration Software, Online Learning.</P> <P>The evidence in favour of case-based teaching and learning continues to mount (cf. Lundeberg, Levin, and Harrington, 1999). One interesting facet of this research suggests that group discussions are the active ingredient of case study learning. For on-campus students this is simple to arrange, but where does it leave students who are studying at a distance? Case studies are often used in distance education, but traditionally they have been implemented in an independent mode, with students reading a problem-centred or exemplary narrative in order to contemplate its central issues. This type of case-based teaching omits what may be the most important part of case-based pedagogy.</P> <P>Fortunately, a wide array of Web-based communication software exists that supports various types of communication at a distance, including text or voice, person-to-person or multi-person, and synchronous or asynchronous interaction. The relative effectiveness of these systems to support collaboration among students is an important issue to distance educators.</P>


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