scholarly journals Coeducation in Higher Education of Afghanistan: Students’ Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayeed Naqibullah Orfan ◽  
Ebtisam Niazi
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Academic Confidence ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Gender Biases ◽  
The Impact

The study investigated Afghan undergraduate students’ perceptions of positive and negative effects of coeducation. It also examined the impact of students’ gender and ethnicity on their perceptions. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 230 randomly selected students from Takhar University. The authors utilized descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data. The results showed that students had positive attitudes towards coeducation. They believed that coeducation had both personal and social effects such as improving students’ academic confidence, communication skills, preparing them for real life, promoting gender equality and reducing gender biases and stereotypes. However, less than half of students believed that coeducation had negative effects, e.g., distracting students and male students’ domination of class activities. Moreover, the findings revealed that students’ gender had a significant impact on their responses; female students’ attitude towards coeducation was stronger than that of male students. However, students’ ethnicity did not significantly impact their responses.

scholarly journals Maths Sparks: Investigating the impact of outreach on pupil’s attitudes towards mathematics

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Anthony Gerard Cronin ◽  
Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain ◽  
Emily Lewanowski-Breen ◽  
Christopher Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Towards Mathematics ◽  
Outreach Programme ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

In this article, we examine the impact of participating in a series of mathematics workshops on secondary-school pupils’ attitudes towards mathematics. A six-week program, entitled ‘Maths Sparks’, was run by a team of lecturers and students at a research-intensive university in the Republic of Ireland. The outreach series aimed to promote mathematics to pupils from schools designated as socio-economically disadvantaged (DEIS - Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), who are less likely to study mathematics at higher level than their non-DEIS counterparts (Smyth et al. 2015). Sixty-two pupils participated in the research and data was generated through pre-post questionnaires based on the Fennema-Sherman (1976) framework of Attitudes to Mathematics. Findings suggest that while male students initially had more positive attitudes towards mathematics, there was a narrowing in this gender gap across several factors on the Fennema-Sherman scale as a result of participation in the programme. The most prominent of these features were: ‘Attitudes towards success in mathematics’ and ‘Motivation towards mathematics’. Findings suggest that the construct and delivery of this Mathematics outreach programme, involving undergraduate students and academic staff, may provide a useful structure in benefitting pupils’ attitudes towards mathematics and encouraging their study of the subject.

scholarly journals The Impact of Curriculum and Instructional Choices on Undergraduate Students in Introductory Geology

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Christopher Roemmele
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Pedagogical Choices ◽  
Introductory Geology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Curriculum Topics

This research investigated the impact of an introductory geology class on undergraduate students' attitudes toward and conceptual understanding of geology. The purpose was to identify students' geologic blindness, a construct of disinterest, disdain, and unawareness of geology, geologic processes, and their relationship to humans, by assessing students’ views on curricular and pedagogical choices. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was conducted. The participants consisted of 289 students enrolled over two semesters in an introductory geology class for non-majors. Specific to content and instruction, students found the format of rock and mineral labs and exams difficult and in need of change. They expressed positive attitudes about the hands-on, collaborative nature of these labs, and observation skills to perform them. Curriculum topics judged more interesting were deemed less difficult to understand, and vice versa, and that there was general understanding of geology’s broader themes of tectonics and time. Open-ended responses from participants, and interviews with key informants provided further evidence for these results. Students indicated that explicit instruction on the topic relevance, cross-topic connections, and on-going assessment and the use of a variety of visualizations and collaborative work would help to improve understanding and attitudes. The results provide insight into ways to improve introductory geology courses by addressing geologic blindness.

scholarly journals Students’ Perspectives toward Virtual Classes Effectiveness on EFL Learners’ Communication Skills at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luluh Abdullah Alkathiri ◽  
Alanoud Abdulaziz Alkulaib ◽  
Bashaer Saleh Batays ◽  
Khulud Mohammed Awdah ◽  
Norah Rashed Bin Muwayni
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Virtual Education ◽  
Virtual Classrooms ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Virtual Classes ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Science Classes ◽  
The Impact

The study explores students’ perspectives towards virtual classes and the impact of such classes on EFL learners’ communication skills. Such study is valuable due to the lack of research works that investigate EFL students’ attitudes towards the effectiveness of such classes. Also, the findings can substantially improve the Saudi virtual education. Regarding the questions of the study, it answers two main questions: What are EFL learners’ attitudes towards virtual classes? What is the impact of virtual classes on EFL learners’ communication skills from students’ perspectives? To achieve the objectives of this study, a questionnaire was administered to 50 EFL students of levels seven and eight in English Department at the College of Sciences and Humanities at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University. The findings indicated that students had positive attitudes toward virtual classrooms. Such classes could enhance their communication, and improve their technical and self-learning skills. Based on these results, some recommendations were suggested that could be taken into consideration in future studies. First, further studies should be done to investigate the impact of virtual classes on other science classes such as Chemistry and Medicine in the COVID- 19 period. Second, such study should be conducted with a different sample of students (male). Finally, the same research can be applied to faculty members to explore their attitudes toward virtual education and its effect on communication skills.

scholarly journals How does Term-time Paid Work Affect Higher Education Students’ Studies, and What can be Done to Minimise any Negative Effects?

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain Peter McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Work Commitment ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Working Students ◽  
Work Affect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Support Students

This study aims to investigate the effects of term-time paid work on undergraduate students’ studies and what can be done to minimise any negative effects. Two studies were conducted; the first to establish the extent of students taking on paid work during term time, the impact it had on their studies and how they would like to be academically supported. The second study addressed students’ preferred methods of support, specifically seeking to establish guidelines about optimal methods. Almost two thirds of students within the study work during term time, with an average work commitment of 16 hours. Over two thirds of working students felt that their studies had been negatively affected by their paid work, whilst just over half of the students reported that their physical health had been affected, with just under a half describing mental health issues associated with working whilst studying. Over half the students thought that pre-recorded lectures would be the most suitable method of academic support and that the optimum length should be 60 minutes. In addition, a number of other asynchronous methods were identified. The results suggest that it is possible to support students more during their studies, and that the solutions are relatively simple. There is no suggestion that the methods of support will lessen the negative effects of working while studying, but they can be used to provide what students think might assist them to balance paid work and studying during term time. This study might be of interest to those supporting other groups of students who may require support with their studies, such as those with health issues, disabilities or care responsibilities.

scholarly journals The Impact Of ICTs In Education: The Case Of University Of Macedonia Students

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 29-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Areti Valasidou ◽  
Despoina Bousiou-Makridou
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Administrative Personnel ◽  
Political Studies ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this paper is to describe the results of a research that took place in order to examine the opinion and impact of Information and Communication Technology to undergraduate students of University of Macedonia. The research was conducted with two main purposes. The first purpose is to investigate how familiar are the students of international and political studies with the use of ICTs on and off campus. The second purpose of the research is to examine the possible relationship between the use of ICTs and the gender and the students performance (marks) at the Introduction to Computers module that is part of their programme of studies. The results revealed that male students are more favourable toward ICT usage and the students that scored high at the module Introduction to Computers were more likely to find that the use of ICTs help them at their studies with various ways. The university academic and administrative personnel is highly recommended to find ways in order the students to be motivated and maintain positive students attitudes to use ICTs. Thus, the students will find it very helpful during their studying or even a supplement to other teaching activities.

Developing Interpersonal and Counseling Skills Through Mixed-Reality Simulation in Communication Sciences and Disorders

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Twyla Perryman ◽  
Carlie Sandefur ◽  
Chelsea T. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Reality ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Counseling Skills ◽  
Clinical Simulation ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Simulation is increasingly becoming a valuable tool for training and educating students in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a mixed-reality simulation on CSD students' perceptions of their ability to apply clinical and counseling skills. Additionally, this study sought to investigate the overall efficacy and acceptance of this type of clinical simulation experience for undergraduate CSD students. Method A total of 29 undergraduate students participated in a clinical simulation experience that used actor-controlled avatars in a mixed-reality simulation environment to practice collecting case history information and delivering diagnostic news to parents of a child client. All students completed pre- and postsimulation questionnaires that rated the impact of the clinical simulation experience on their confidence in demonstrating targeted clinical skills and their general attitudes about their participation. Additionally, five lead participants participated in follow-up interviews to gather data to best describe students' perceptions. Quantitative and qualitative data were recorded and analyzed. Results The majority of the students exhibited positive attitudes toward the mixed-reality clinical simulation experience and reported an increase in their perceived ability to apply several counseling skills (e.g., listening and selective feedback) following the session. Analysis showed that the perceived confidence levels on seven out of the 17 targeted skill items increased on the postevent questionnaire to a level of statistical significance and that the simulation experience was described as meaningful and supportive for increasing confidence. Conclusions Mixed-reality clinical simulation may be a useful tool for teaching interpersonal communication and counseling skills for students, including undergraduates, in CSD. Additionally, the use of mixed-reality technology in this study produced similar results seen with other clinical simulation methods such as standardized patients or computer-based simulations.

Attitudes of undergraduate students towards persons with disabilities; the role of the need for social approval

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Kowalska ◽  
Justyna Winnicka
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Social Approval ◽  
Social Desirability Scale ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Explicit Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The purpose of this study was a diagnosis of the attitudes of students of Warsaw universities towards people with disabilities and the variables which impacted on these attitudes. Additionally, we examined the relationship between the need for social approval and explicit attitudes towards people with disabilities. The study focused on two components of attitudes: behavioural (measured by preferable social distance - SDSB) and cognitive (tested with a semantic differential scale - SDSO). 318 students completed a survey including a demographic sheet, a social desirability scale, the SDSB and SDSO. The results indicate that students expressed positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. The impact of such variables as gender, the type of disability and the need for social approval was registered and were differentiated in regard to components of attitudes. The results are discussed with reference to earlier research and cues for further studies are suggested.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families: Young People’s Experiences in Estonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Kutsar ◽  
Leena Kurvet-Käosaar
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationships ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Children's Coping ◽  
The Impact

This articles reflects the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the everyday lives of children and their families in Estonia during lockdown in spring 2020 and 2021. The data corpus is based on diaries compiled by children during the first lockdown in 2020 for a collection at the Estonian Literary Museum, and on a series of semi-structured interviews with children documenting their experiences during lockdown in spring 2021. The study draws on literature from the “new sociology of childhood” and applies Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model to an analysis of young people’s experiences when their mobility outside the home was restricted, and they were forced to reorganise their time use. The findings show how the pandemic extended the social contexts in which children and their families are embedded and highlighted the role played by socio-cultural factors in shaping children’s coping capacities. In combination, analysis of the two datasets demonstrated the differential effects of lockdown on young children. The accounts from the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 suggested that positive family environments could smooth the negative effects of lockdown and help them cope with unexpected changes in their everyday lives. The interviews during the second outbreak of the pandemic revealed how the emerging weariness and boredom reported by some children strained family relationships. The amount of time that children spent online both modified and expanded their experiences of technology-supported interactive spaces. Their reports showed that the interactive contexts in which they were operating through social media extended beyond national borders to an interest in transnational and global events. Online communication did not, however, compensate for the loss of real-life contacts with friends, which became a major concern for young people in Estonia. In the concluding discussion, the authors consider policy responses that address the main issues identified in the research.

scholarly journals A Practical Approach for Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, the Gold Standard in Microbiological Diagnosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tímea Mosolygó ◽  
Krisztián Laczi ◽  
Gabriella Spengler ◽  
Katalin Burián
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Medical Diagnostics ◽  
Microbiological Diagnosis ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Gene Expression Studies ◽  
The Impact

From gene expression studies to identifying microbes quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is widely used in research and medical diagnostics. In transmittable diseases like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016), or the present SARS-CoV2 pandemic qPCR plays a key role in the detection of infected patients. Although the technique itself is decades old with reliable approaches (eg. TaqMan essay) in the diagnosis of pathogens many people showed distrust in it during the SARS-CoV2 outbreak. This came mainly from not understanding or misunderstanding the principles of qPCR. This situation motivated us to design a simple laboratory practical class, in which students have opportunities to understand the underlying principles of qPCR and its advantages in microbiological diagnosis. Moreover, during the exercise, students can develop skills such as handling experimental assays, and the ability to solve problems, discuss their observations. Finally, this activity brings them closer to the clinical practice and they can see the impact of the science on real life. The class is addressed to undergraduate students of biological sciences.

scholarly journals Organizational culture as an important factor of enterprise crisis management in the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-75
Author(s):  
Srđan Žikić ◽  
Milena Valjević
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Crisis Management ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Business Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly has serious socio-economic effects. The whole world is going through a unprecedented crisis with all the characteristics of unpredictability and difficult prevention. Today, there is practically no organization that has not been affected by this crisis. During a period of great uncertainty, it is very important that organizations properly understand the impact of this threat on internal and external stakeholders. Only companies that are able to manage the crisis effectively with an adequate organizational culture and leadership can maintain a competitive advantage. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop and support an ethically oriented organizational culture that will strongly support ethical standards. The proactivity and ethical approach of this type of organizational culture contributes to mitigating the negative effects of the crisis and provides adequate support to employees. Based on the above facts, the basic motive of the research was to determine the extent to which an ethically oriented organizational culture is supported in the company during a period of severe business crisis and uncertainty. The research is based on the answers collected by a standardized and structured survey questionnaire on a sample of 100 respondents.

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