Accuracy and Idea Consideration: A Study of Small-Group Interaction in Biology

The study examines the relationship between scientific accuracy of contributions, peer idea consideration, one’s ability to direct the conversation, and learning outcomes of students engaged in small-group work in an introductory undergraduate biology lab course.

Online Problem-Based Learning Intervention on Self-Directed Learning and Problem-Solving through Group Work: A Waitlist Controlled Trial

Background: Small group work embraces independent study and interactive learning, which enhance knowledge acquisition and skills. Self-directed learning (SDL) and problem-solving (PS) are essential skills in the development of the nursing profession. During the coronavirus pandemic, virtual learning was indispensable. However, little is known about how students develop SDL and PS abilities through online learning through group work. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the online intervention on SDL and PS abilities through interactive group work. Methods: A randomised waitlist-control trial was carried out. A structured intervention using problem-based learning (PBL) as a guideline was used to direct student learning in small group work. Assessments were scheduled at Time 0 (baseline), Time 1 (8th week), Time 2 (16th week), and Time 3 (28th week). Results: The mean student age was 21.45 (SD = 0.86). About 78% of students were female. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and analysis at the baseline. Students in the intervention group reported greater improvement in the SDLRS and PSI at the 8th week, whereas those in the waitlist control group reported greater improvement in the SDLRS and PSI at the 16th week. Sustained effects in the SDLRS and PSI were observed in both the intervention and waitlist control groups at the 16th and 28th weeks, respectively. A repeated-measure analysis was performed to compare the SDLRS and PSI in different periods and revealed statistically significant results (p < 0.001) in all subscales of SDLRS and PSI in the four study periods. Conclusions: The guidelines appear to be an effective treatment for SDL and PS ability enhancement with sustainable effects through interactive group work. The guidelines with explicit instructions and learning objectives provide directions and guidance to students to learn more effectively. The educator plays a vital role in facilitating the students’ SDL and PS ability improvement.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN MATH BINGO PADA MATA PELAJARAN MATEMATIKA MATERI PECAHAN KELAS IV SD

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengembangan media pembelajaran math bingo pada pembelajaran matematika materi pecahan yang memenuhi kriteria valid dan praktis. Media math bingo dikembangkan dengan memanfaatkan aplikasi powerpoint yang terdiri dari 4 papan permainan bingo. Metode yang digunakan adalah Research and Development (RnD) mengacu pada model pengembangan 4D. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui lembar validasi, lembar angket respon siswa, dan angket respon guru. Analisis data melalui empat tahapan, yaitu define, design, development, dan dessiminate. Berdasarkan hasil uji coba small group work yang dilakukan pada kelas IV SDN 48 Lubuklinggau, diperoleh bahwa, hasil kepraktisan media pembelajaran math bingo berada pada kriteria sangat praktis. Kemudian uji coba validasi yang dilakukan oleh 3 validator ahli media, bahasa, dan materi diperoleh hasil validasi media komik dengan kategori tinggi, sehingga disimpulkan bahwa dalam tahap uji coba small group work dan uji validasi memenuhi kriteria kevalidan dan kepraktisan. Media pembelajaran math bingo pada pembelajaran matematika materi pecahan kelas IV SD dapat digunakan dalam pembelajaran di sekolah dasar. AbstractThis study aims to determine the development of math bingo learning media in mathematics learning with fractions that meet valid and practical criteria. Math bingo media was developed by utilizing the powerpoint application, consisting of 4 bingo game boards. The method used was Research and Development (RnD), which referred to the 4D development model. Data was collected through validation sheets, student and teacher response questionnaires. Data analysis went through four stages: define, design, development, and disseminate. Based on the results of the small group work trial conducted in the fourth-grade students of SDN 48 Lubuklinggau, it was found that the practicality of the math bingo learning media was in very practical criteria. Then, the validation test carried out by three validators of media, language, and material experts indicated that the validation result of comic media was in the high category, it concluded that the criteria for validity and practicality were met in the small group work trial stage and the validation test. Learning media math bingo in mathematics learning fractions of grade IV elementary school can be used in the learning process in elementary schools.

USING GROUP-BASED METHODS IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM WITH STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS

The article deals with the problem of using group-based foreign language learning in higher education establishments. The emphasis is on the advantages of small-group work in the foreign language classroom. The general models of using small groups are described in the article.

Flipping the classroom

This article describes one approach to flipping an introductory sociology course. To encourage students to practice ‘doing’ sociology, we designed a flipped classroom that included a ‘pay to play’ model, small group work and an emphasis on active learning during class time. With this course design, we linked in-class active learning with outside prework so that students could engage with critical sociological concepts and apply those concepts in practice. With this flipped design, the instructors observed that students were deeply engaged with the course topics and expressed positive perceptions of their learning and growth over the semester. As the landscape of university instruction shifts, this course design model may assist instructors looking to foster active and engaged learning remotely.

Everybody Still Plays: Virtual Engagement without Webcams On

When learning is virtual and students’ webcams are turned off, the ways that we interacted in an in-person classroom fall short. These six strategies for hearing from all students during whole-group instruction and small-group work honor students’ need to keep their webcams off.

PENGEMBANGAN LEMBAR KERJA PESERTA DIDIK (LKPD) MELALUI STRATEGI BELAJAR SMALL GROUP WORK PADA MATERI BANGUN RUANG SISI DATAR

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengembangkan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD) menggunakan strategi belajar small group work pada materi bangun ruang sisi datar dan menghasilkan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD) yang memenuhi kriteria valid, praktis dan efektif. Penelitian ini menggunakan ADDIE yang meliputi Analysis (analisis), Design (desain), Development (Pengembangan), Implementation (Implementasi), and Evaluation (Evaluasi). Pada penelitian pengembangan ini peneliti membatasi tahap pengembangan sampai pada tahap Development (pengembangan). Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa SMP kelas VIII. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengukur kevalidan LKPD (Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik) yang dikembangkan ini adalah angket penilain oleh guru matematika, untuk mengukur kepraktisan LKPD instrument yang digunakan adalah angket respon peserta didik dan untuk mengukur keefektifan LKPD instrumen yang digunakan adalah tes hasil belajar peserta didik menggunakan LKPD melalui strategi small group work pada materi bangun ruang sisi datar. Kevalidan RPP dan LKPD dinilai dari penilaian rata-rata untuk RPP dan LKPD yang dinilai oleh dua dosen ahli dan satu guru matematika. Keefektifan LKPD yang dikembangkan ditinjau dari nilai tes hasil belajar peserta didik kelas VIII SMP.

Shaping student confidence and their perception of learning in undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry courses

This study examined factors influencing student confidence and their perception of learning in the context of undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry courses. Anonymous online surveys were used to measure the extent to which small group work influenced student confidence in solving problems compared to working individually, as well as how various course factors and the amount of effort and pleasure students experienced during their coursework influenced their perception of learning. Upon examining over 2500 student responses to more than 150 unique problems/exercises across 3 different courses, student confidence in solving problems improved to an average of approximately 8 out of 10 when they worked in small groups, compared to that of 6.5 out of 10 when working alone. Students ranked (i) opportunities to revisit assessments, (ii) the class environment, and (iii) instructor feedback as course factors that were most influential on their learning. There was little if any correlation between student effort and their perception of learning, and their perception of learning only slightly correlated with the amount of pleasure they experienced during their coursework. Taken together, these data highlight the importance of facilitating regular small group work, multistage assessments, good feedback and a pleasurable learning environment for students.