Challenges in addressing student difficulties with time-development of two-state quantum systems using a multiple-choice question sequence in virtual and in-person classes

Research-validated clicker questions as instructional tools for formative assessment are relatively easy to implement and can provide effective scaffolding when developed and implemented in a sequence. We present findings from the implementation of a research-validated Clicker Question Sequence (CQS) on student understanding of the time-development of two-state quantum systems. This study was conducted in an advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics course for two consecutive years in virtual and in-person classes. The effectiveness of the CQS discussed here in both modes of instruction was determined by evaluating students’ performance after traditional lecture-based instruction and comparing it to their performance after engaging with the CQS.

Teaching Generation Y: Which Instructional Tools Do Students Prefer in a Traditional Classroom Setting?

The paper evaluates different teaching aids used in an introductory in-class course that focuses on planning theories. We examine the perceptions of students regarding specific teaching tools and how helpful they were in making the course more approachable and providing a better learning experience. The analysis covers 133 student responses over a period of four consecutive years. Findings show that certain instructional tools are regarded as more helpful in making the course material more intelligible. This suggests educators in planning theory courses should review and continuously monitor the didactic tools they use in class.

Design-based research as a framework for developing and deploying augmented reality applications and scenarios for intercultural exchange

This paper delves into the underlying phases involved in designing, developing, and deploying Augmented Reality (AR) applications and game-based scenarios that will be implemented during intercultural exchanges among students in two different academic institutions in Sweden and Cyprus. Building on principles of design-based research (Barab & Squire, 2004; Klopfer & Squire, 2008), the aim is to expand the learning ecology by leveraging instructional tools and developing novel scenarios to broaden the trajectories of collaboration, intercultural understanding and communication, and cultural knowledge. The AR applications and scenarios are in the process of being developed as part of the Digital Methods Platform for Arts and Humanities (DiMPAH) project, where game-based activities will foster intercultural collaboration, exploration of cultural heritage sites, intercultural understanding, knowledge, and interaction. Adopting a bottom-up approach, instructors collaborate with a software developer and an extended research team to design pedagogically and culturally potent scenarios embedded in novel technologies that bring the virtual into the physical world.

Hybrid Learning Aided Technology-Rich Instructional Tools - A Case Study: Community College of Qatar

Educational Institutions have an essential role in promoting the teaching and learning process, within universities, colleges, and communities. Due to the recent coronavirus COVID 19 pandemic, many educational institutions adopted hybrid learning (HL), which is a combination of classic and online learning. It integrates the advantages of both, and it is a fundamental factor to ensure continued learning. Technological innovations such as HL are changing the teaching process, and how students, lecturers, and administrators interact. Based on this, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) focused on researching the structures and elements related to the adoption of HL. Thus, the goal of this research paper is to reveal the impact of HL on the learning process in CCQ, and the effective didactic tools required for a successful HL program. Our research questions for assessing and evaluating the learning process at CCQ are as follows: a) Is HL a suitable learning strategy that would best suit the students ?; b) What are the didactic tools needed in the HL program at CCQ ?; c) Will the students meet the learning objectives if HL program is adopted?. A quantitative method was used in this study. Furthermore, a questionnaire was designed for the survey which was designed to measure the opinions of the students, instructors, and administrators about the HL program. It is observed from the results that the majority of students, instructors, and administrators showed a positive attitude toward HL, but some had negative views and experienced challenges. The results were analyzed and discussed to better utilize HL to meet the growing demands of the community.

Preview-Review Bilingual Instructional Tools Development with Discovery Learning Model Setting to Enhancing Student’s Conceptual Understanding and Speaking Ability

This study aimed to analyze the validity categories and the effectiveness of preview-review bilingual instructional tools with discovery learning model setting in enhancing conceptual understanding and speaking ability. This study was research and development (R & D) using ADDIE developmental model consisting of analyzing, design, develop, implementation, and evaluation. The data collection was done through non-test techniques using product validation sheets, learning observational sheet, and observational sheet for speaking ability and test techniques using an assessment sheet for measuring conceptual understanding. The validity of preview-review bilingual instructional tools with discovery learning model setting was analyzed qualitatively based on 5-point scale conversion table. The effectiveness of preview-review bilingual instructional tools with discovery learning model setting in the implementation stage was analyzed based on the average of the gain score. The result showed that the validity of preview-review bilingual instructional tools with discovery learning model setting was 3.60 for the content and 3.55 for the language which is in very good category and the developed of preview-review bilingual instructional tools with discovery learning model setting was effective in enhancing conceptual understanding and speaking ability based on average gain score.

Combination of Discovery Learning and Metacognitive Knowledge Strategy to Enhance Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

<p style="text-align: justify;">The research aims to develop an instructional tool based on Discovery Learning (DL) combined with a Metacognitive Knowledge Strategy (MKS) to enhance students’ Critical Thinking Skills (CTSs). In doing so, the study employed a Research and Development (R&D) method to develop such a tool. The developed instructional tool was tested for its validity by experts and practitioners’ evaluation. Further, the empirical data were collected from the results of implementation in learning and the student's responses, while the data of tools effectiveness were acquired from the critical thinking tests given to students (analyzed by related t-test). The developed instructional tools were implemented in a limited-scale trial of 32 students and a large-scale trial of 59 students. The results show that: firstly, the DL and MKS-integrated instructional tools are stated as valid in terms of the lesson plan, student worksheet, and critical thinking test. Secondly, the practicality criteria have been successfully met; the learning implementation, students’ activity, and students' responses were regarded as in accordance with the feasibility standard. Thirdly, the instructional tool was deemed effective in enhancing students’ CTSs (p = 0.05).</p>

Cultivating Creativity of Graphic Design and Multimedia Students: The Perceptions of Arab Faculty and Experts

While a consensus has emerged on the importance of creativity in graphic design and multimedia field, little systematic research has attempted to understand its facilitators or inhibitors in the graphic and multimedia education across colleges and universities. The current investigation surveys a sample of experts as well as professors teaching across the Arab World concerning their perceptions on the most significant correlates of creative thinking among students. Results point to the importance of: (1) instructors’ engagement; (2) appropriate use of instructional strategies, tools, and resources; (3) institutional support; (4) peer support; and (5) the removal of red-tape regulatory frameworks. Most importantly, this research highlights the need to move away from the rigid higher education creativity model assuming perfection, precision, accuracy, and optimal effectiveness to a more flexible creativity framework. The Multi-Layered Autonomous Phases Model (MLAPM) is proposed as an alternative approach to cultivating creativity at the higher education level. The MLAPM applies to all levels beginning with the students and the instructor in the classroom and all instructional tools applied, moving upward to the institutional administration levels. The model offers cost-effective, flexible, dynamic, and effective practices that improve levels of creativity and creative thinking among students without the need to invest in new costly equipment, tools, curriculum, or instructional programs.

Educational Analysis of Young EFL Learners during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: Rooting Its Effect

This study was undertaken to pave the way for an enlightened understanding of the effects and reflections of COVID-19 with respect to the educational landscape in terms of distance and online learning set up/learning resources, professional development, management and parental involvement. The researcher employs a mixed-methods approach by utilizing Creswell's [1] explanatory sequential design. There are 100 respondents selected for purposive sampling, which included teachers, students, parents, and school admin staff. The data was collected from 5 cities located in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Based on the results, the study shows that distance and online learning set-up really have a positive impact on students in the Saudi Community. These kind of educational endeavors develop skills for independent learning and they become well-equipped with online learning techniques and styles. It is quite obvious that students hold positive views towards online classes. However, teachers need to enhance their skills when it comes to instructional tools, especially in using computers which is necessary in an online class. Though the school management provides a relevant answer to the queries of students, parents and teachers, the school management should provide support to authorized bodies or the community. In this study, parental intervention was not significant and useful for the students’ assessments. However, parents expect a high standard of performance from their children. It can be revealed in this part that parental intervention is not useful for students’ assessment. In doing so, parents should also limit setting a standard of performance for their children. This might affect the emotional performance of a child. Aside from material support, parents should continue to provide emotional support to their children, especially in these trying times.