scholarly journals Using Debates as Assessment in a Physiotherapy Capstone Course: A Case Example

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-143
Author(s):  
Benjamin K. Weeks ◽  
◽  
Liisa Laakso ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Generic Skills ◽  
Capstone Course ◽  
Assessment Item ◽  
Potential Benefits

While not a new teaching and learning approach, debating may be considered novel when included in a suite of more traditional teaching and learning activities. Despite the potential benefits of debates for the development of generic skills, their use in physiotherapy education remains unreported. Thus, our aim was to evaluate student satisfaction of a debate assessment item in a physiotherapy capstone course. We recruited students enrolled in a final year physiotherapy course undertaking a group debate assessment. Students were invited to complete two surveys of their expectations regarding the debate assessment, and their satisfaction after completing the debate. Students were further invited to participate in a focus group. All students participated in the debate (n = 20). Six students (30%) completed the first survey, 16 students (80%) completed the second survey, and seven students (35%) participated in the post-debate focus group. We found that before the assessment item students were apprehensive about the debate, however they felt it would be a beneficial learning experience. After the debate, students claimed they enjoyed the novel assessment and were supportive of its continued inclusion in the capstone course, however, students were ambivalent on the inclusion of debates in earlier courses in the program.

scholarly journals Teaching and Learning in Survival Mode: Students and Faculty Perceptions of Distance Education during the COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 8053
Author(s):  
Maram Meccawy ◽  
Zilal Meccawy ◽  
Aisha Alsobhi
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Faculty Perceptions ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Negative Perception ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Online Distance Learning ◽  
Online Distance

(1) This study demonstrates how a Saudi university has responded to the COVID-19 lockdown in order to examine the success factors and highlight any challenges. The main purpose was to determine the perceptions of students and faculty towards emergency online distance learning from a teaching and learning perspective; (2) A cross-faculty study was conducted: two different self-administered questionnaires were developed for students and faculty, respectively. In addition, data was collected from official reports; (3) The results show that students had a more positive perception of e-Learning despite the difficulties that they may have faced, while faculty results leaned slightly towards a negative perception. However, there was not a definite positive or negative perception, depending on the aspect of teaching that was being evaluated. The study also indicated that faculty and students’ gender had no significant effect on their perceptions. Overall results showed that the university performed well in accordance with three of the five pillars of online learning quality framework in terms of student satisfaction, access and scalability. On the other, improvements are needed to achieve better results for faculty satisfaction and learning effectiveness; (4) The findings present a number of suggestions for increasing satisfaction to improve the online learning experience post COVID-19.

scholarly journals The impact of using virtual patients in preclinical pharmacology teaching

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-369
Author(s):  
Persoulla A. Nicolaou ◽  
Mamoun El Saifi
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Knowledge Integration ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Virtual Patients ◽  
Angoff Method ◽  
Passive Learning ◽  
Preclinical Pharmacology ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Consistent Information ◽  
The Impact

To reduce medication errors, medical educators must nurture the early development of rational and safe prescribing. Teaching pharmacology is challenging because it requires knowledge integration across disciplines, including physiology and pathology. Traditionally, pharmacology has been taught using lecture-based learning, which conveys consistent information but may promote passive learning. Virtual patients (VPs) have been used more recently to promote active learning, mainly in clinical years. Conversely, the use of VPs in preclinical disciplines, including pharmacology, is not well described. The objective was to investigate the potential benefits of combining traditional teaching with VPs in preclinical pharmacology teaching. All year 3 medical students (2 cohorts), enrolled in the Systematic Pharmacology I course (lectures: 3 h weekly; tutorial: 1 h weekly), were invited to participate in this naturalistic, prospective study. During tutorials, students were taught using case-based discussion and single-best-answer questions (control) in four tutorials and VPs (experimental) in the remaining six tutorials. The impact of VPs was assessed by 1) performance in written examinations, and 2) student satisfaction/perceptions, using a validated, modified questionnaire. Examination performance related to teaching in VP-based tutorials was significantly improved, compared with traditional tutorials. The level of difficulty of control and experimental assessment items was comparable, as determined by the Angoff method. Facilitation of learning was higher in VP tutorials, while a no-harm effect was noted on knowledge acquisition/maintenance, authenticity of learning, and disadvantages of learning. VPs may be effectively integrated in preclinical pharmacology teaching, with benefits on pharmacological knowledge and facilitation of learning.

scholarly journals Authentic Learning – Does It Improve Pass Rates and Student Satisfaction?

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Authentic Learning ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
University Education ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pass Rates ◽  
Learning Methods ◽  
Learning Techniques

Learning by doing is thought to be one of the most effective ways to learn (Lombardi, 2007). This article explores the findings of a small scale study on one module about whether pass rates and student satisfaction can be improved by introducing authentic learning methods into the classroom by changing the teaching and assessment methods used on a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) module (Accounting and Finance for Decision Making). The pass rates pre and post the changes were monitored and also the student satisfaction scores. Comparisons were made between the results three semesters prior and three semesters post the changes, reviewing quantitative and qualitative data from 180 students. Leeds Beckett University has undertaken reviews of its undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and one of the key messages underlying university education at the Business School is that it needs to enhance employability. Therefore the consideration of using ‘authentic learning’ methods wherever appropriate would appear to fit in well with this strategy. The findings suggest that the introduction of authentic learning techniques make student learning from this sample more effective in terms of better pass rates and also that the students enjoy the learning experience more. The findings therefore bode well for the further use of authentic learning techniques in future teaching and learning activities and also support current literature in this area. The module continues to use the changes introduced and has experienced much higher pass rates and student satisfaction as a result.

scholarly journals Student Perspectives of Online Teaching and Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Burhan Ozfidan ◽  
Hala Ismail ◽  
Orchida Fayez
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Online Instruction ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Course Structure ◽  
Wide Range

This exploratory study explores an array of student perceptions regarding their online learning experience. In the present circumstances where the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all fields of life, most educational institutions have resorted to online instruction and virtual meetings. The present study explored the variables contributing to student satisfaction with online teaching and learning effectiveness. Data were collected through an online survey. Python with Scikit-Learn was used for data analysis to implement regression functions and classify the data. The results of the study defined effective online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. In combination, eight criteria contributed to the definition: motivating students to accomplish, communicating effectively, meeting students' needs, providing access to a wide range of content, providing a well-organized course structure, providing numerous sources, providing explanatory feedback, and facilitating meaningful discussions. The results of the study are beneficial to understand what kind of factors contribute to student satisfaction concerning online transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will also help them develop a future support plan to help youth cope with virtual classes and online instruction.

scholarly journals A SCALE-UP Mock-Up: Comparison of Student Learning Gains in High- and Low-Tech Active-Learning Environments

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. ar12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula A. G. Soneral ◽  
Sara A. Wyse
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Design Feature ◽  
Learning Gains ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
The Impact

Student-centered learning environments with upside-down pedagogies (SCALE-UP) are widely implemented at institutions across the country, and learning gains from these classrooms have been well documented. This study investigates the specific design feature(s) of the SCALE-UP classroom most conducive to teaching and learning. Using pilot survey data from instructors and students to prioritize the most salient SCALE-UP classroom features, we created a low-tech “Mock-up” version of this classroom and tested the impact of these features on student learning, attitudes, and satisfaction using a quasi-­experimental setup. The same instructor taught two sections of an introductory biology course in the SCALE-UP and Mock-up rooms. Although students in both sections were equivalent in terms of gender, grade point average, incoming ACT, and drop/fail/withdraw rate, the Mock-up classroom enrolled significantly more freshmen. Controlling for class standing, multiple regression modeling revealed no significant differences in exam, in-class, preclass, and Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology Concept Inventory scores between the SCALE-UP and Mock-up classrooms. Thematic analysis of student comments highlighted that collaboration and whiteboards enhanced the learning experience, but technology was not important. Student satisfaction and attitudes were comparable. These results suggest that the benefits of a SCALE-UP experience can be achieved at lower cost without technology features.

scholarly journals Evaluating an e-Portfolio implementation with early adopters using Appreciative Inquiry

1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Symonds
Keyword(s):  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
System A ◽  
Student Views ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The University

The benefits of using e-Portfolio tools to enhance the student learning experience have been widely reported. These benefits include opportunities for reflection, flexibility, connectivity and integrated learning. In recognition of these potential benefits to students, the University of Worcester adopted an institution-wide e-Portfolio system which is available to all staff and students at the university.In order to maximise the potential of this system, a study was carried out to elicit staff and student views as to what the benefits of using an e-Portfolio were. It is all too easy to focus on the negative aspects when struggling to implement a new initiative, particularly involving technology. With this in mind a conscious effort was made in the evaluation to value and learn from the positive experience of users.Feedback was sought from early adopters of the system in an Appreciative Inquiry framework in order to ascertain the benefits of using such a system, to both staff and students, and to inform future practice and recommendations. Findings of the inquiry indicated that there are three significant factors which can influence effective practice with e-Portfolios: tutor engagement, support and embeddedness. Whilst both staff and student users found the use of e-Portfolio beneficial for the teaching and learning process, the issues that were raised by each group were subtly different.This paper will discuss how staff and students perceive the benefits of using an e-Portfolio and the factors that can influence engagement. It will also consider the implications of using an Appreciative Inquiry approach in institutional research.

An Innovative Offshore Delivery of an Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Program

2012 ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firoz Alam ◽  
Aleksandar Subic ◽  
Gregory Plumb ◽  
Mark Shortis ◽  
Reddy P. Chandra
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Student Needs ◽  
Flexible Learning ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Learning Modes

In the era of globalisation, traditional onshore education providers have the opportunity to offer offshore education to meet student needs. Although a number of many non-engineering programs have been offered offshore for some time, the engineering programs generally lag behind due to insufficient laboratory and workshop facilities off campus and the difficulties encountered when trying to emulate this learning experience. RMIT University’s offshore mechanical engineering program is designed to overcome these difficulties by combining traditional teaching and learning with flexible learning modes. The program represents a hybrid approach and has drawn significant interest among students, educational developers, and professional bodies.

The Interteaching Approach

2019 ◽  
pp. 264-286
Author(s):  
Joanne S. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Peer Learning ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Traditional Teaching Methods

Interteaching is a pedagogical technique designed to increase student engagement and facilitate peer-to-peer learning. Studies of interteaching have largely supported the efficacy of this approach with regard to academic performance and student satisfaction. In this chapter, the literature evaluating the effectiveness of interteaching is reviewed, and a study of the incorporation of interteaching into an associate-level course within the author's institution is described. Outcomes of the interteaching course are compared with those from the same course in a previous quarter utilizing more traditional teaching methods. The chapter concludes with practical suggestions for the application of interteaching within the classroom and in distance learning. Recommendations for the incorporation of digital teaching and learning applications to augment this pedagogical style are also provided.

scholarly journals Social, usability, and pedagogical factors influencing students’ learning experiences with wikis and blogs

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-306
Author(s):  
Shailey Minocha ◽  
Dave Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Perceptions And Expectations ◽  
Intended Learning Outcomes

With a variety of technology-enabled tools and environments to choose from, it is increasingly difficult for educators to ascertain the factors that influence the quality of the students’ learning experience and hence make appropriate choices for the use of technology. In this paper, we discuss the role of two technologies — wikis and blogs — in teaching and learning. We provide case studies of two courses at the Open Umiversity, UK and empirical evidence of students’ experiences, perceptions, and expectations on these courses. We discuss the context of these courses and the usage of these technologies: The pedagogical underpinnings and the rationale for introducing these technologies; the intended learning outcomes from the usage of these tools; and the extent to which the activities based around these tools have enabled the intended learning and facilitated the learning process. We report on the social, usability, and pedagogical factors that have influenced the quality of students’ learning experience. The research reported in this paper aims to provide guidance to course designers and educators for choosing tools, particularly wikis and blogs, for their contexts and for creating value and generating a positive student experience to engender student satisfaction and retention.

scholarly journals The effect of using flipped teaching in project management class for undergraduate students

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abushammala
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Summative Assessments ◽  
Higher Institutions

Teaching Project Management module to undergraduate students is important and has been globally considered in multiple academic disciplines by many higher institutions. Students in undergraduate level encounter difficulty in understanding the topic of project management since there have no prior knowledge before the course. This paper aimed to determine the effectiveness of flipped teaching and active learning in Project Management module for undergraduate students in Civil Engineering. However, the paper discussed the effective practices in teaching and learning project management and their impacts into students’ learning experience, and assessments development and marking. The Padlet and SurveyMonkey e-tools were used to collect students’ feedback on the instructor practice; either by tagging comments or filling questionnaire. The results indicated that the use of multiple in-class activities and digital technology in a flipped classroom are important to enhance students’ performance. It is also observed that the use of multiple assessments engaged students deeply with the course and provide deeper learning. Students’ performance in summative assessments showed that there is a noticeable improve in student’s scores in the current semester in contrast with previous semester where traditional teaching was practiced.

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