1st Semester Research Articles

MIXED METHOD: STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN APPLYING POSSESSIVE PRONOUN IN WRITING SENTENCES AT THE 1ST SEMESTER FKIP UNILAK PEKANBARU

As the students of English Department, the students should be able in doing grammarwell, in this case Possessive Pronoun. The purpose of this research was to find out the students’ability in applying Possessive Pronoun and their common problem in applying PossessivePronoun in writing sentences at 1st semester FKIP UNILAK Pekanbaru. The type of the researchwas mixed method in type of explanatory design. The number of population was 105 students, theresearcher took 53 students as sample of the 1st semester FKIP UNILAK Pekanbaru selected bysimple random sampling. In collecting the data the researcher used two instrument, test andinterview. The form of test was essay test. The interview is held to support the data. In analyzingthe data, the researcher used SPSS in descriptive statistics. The result of the analysis showedthat the average score of 1st semester student in applying Possessive Pronoun was 52.98.Meanwhile for the median is 48, the mode is 20. The score of Standard Deviation is 27.93,Variance is 780.25, and Range is 84. According to the Z-Score, it can be seen that 41.5%students’ ability was higher than average and 58.5% students ability was below the average. Itcan be seen that students’ ability in applying Possessive Pronoun was low. For the commonproblem, based on the test, students still mixed up between Possessive Pronoun and PossessiveAdjectives. Students used wrong pattern in using Possessive Pronoun, in which they still useSubject or Object Pronoun. Based on interview, students did not understand clearly aboutPossessive Pronoun, also they have difficulties in learning Possessive Pronoun, for the reason ofabsence of review the lesson. In conclusion, students’ ability in applying Possessive Pronouncorresponds with their common problem.

Influence of preparation design on the quality of tooth preparation in preclinical dental education

Background/purposeOne of the major educational goals in preclinical dental education is to learn tooth preparation techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different preparation designs on the development of the manual dexterity of students, in order to perform a state-of-the-art tooth preparation. Material and methodsSeventy-two 1st semester students were divided into two groups and educated in tooth preparation for a ceramic anterior single crown. One group received cylindrical burs with a rounded edge to prepare a typodont model with a shoulder finishing line, while the other group had cylindrical burs with round noses to prepare a chamfer finishing line. All preparations were digitized and evaluated using special software focusing on the parameters of preparation depth and preparation angle. In addition, violation of the adjacent teeth was estimated. Data was statistically evaluated at a level of significance of 5%. ResultsThe preparation design used did not show a statistically significant influence on the preparation depth or on the preparation angle. A trend to a higher tooth structure removal as required was detected. Furthermore, no influence of the type of preparation design on the number of violated adjacent teeth was found. ConclusionIn preclinical dental education, the type of preparation design was found to have no influence on the measured parameters representing the quality of the preparation.

Factors Influencing Using Self-Directed Learning among Technical Nurses Students in Maternal &Neonatal Nursing Course

Background: Research on nursing students showed that adopting self-directive learning of effort, time, and study environment can positively influence academic achievements for undergraduate students and use of self-learning packages. Aim of the study: Identifying factors that affect the using of self-directive learning among technical nurses' students in maternal & neonatal course Nursing Institute Fayoum University. Subject and methods: A descriptive study design was used to achieve the aim of the study. Included two groups; the 1st included 50 students & the 2nd 7 instructors during the 1st semester (October 2013/2014) from the pre-mentioned institute. Sample type: a convenient sample Tools: Interviewing questionnaire sheet to assess samples characteristics'& Opinionnaire sheet to assess the students' and instructors'. Opinions regarding factors affecting using of self-directive learning. Results: all students and instructors have past knowledge and practice about the computer use, student's views includes 98% student's language abilities and 96% clarity aim of the package& clarity content are the most of important factors contribute to use self-directed learning, 100% of students recommended providing suitable time for package and100% of instructors recommended suitable time for package, procedures should be clear and interesting images, Institution administration, Program innovation, and availability of resources. Conclusion: Clarity of the topics, organization, student language level, teacher characteristics, academic abilities and availability of resources among factors can facilitating or hindering the use of self-directive learning approach. Recommendations: Nursing institution administrators must support teacher and student by creating an environment conducive to implement self-directive learning.

Environmental Problem Perception of 6th Grade Students

This study aims to examine and compare the 6th grade students’ perceptions of environmental issues through different techniques. For this purpose, we have tried to establish the students' perceptions of environmental issues by studying the pictures they drew and the written texts they wrote. In this study, which we have conducted with 62 students in two different secondary schools in Duzce Central during the 1st semester of the 2014-2015 academic year, we have employed a phenomenological pattern. The obtained data have been analysed using a content analysis method. As a result of the study, the themes of air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, visual pollution, endangerment of species, noise pollution, natural disasters, biological pollution and radioactive pollution in the students’ perceptions of environmental issues have been identified. When the themes of environmental problems, obtained through two different techniques, have been compared, it has been established that the number of themes expressed in the written texts are higher than the ones in the pictures. Keywords: Environmental problems, students’ drawings, students’ writing

Development of depression and deterioration in quality of life in German dental medical students in preclinical semesters

PurposeEarly intervention to counter mental disorders during the course of studies in dentistry is indicated in view of the pronounced prevalence of burnout in this student collective. To assess the proportion of students in whom these risk states can be quantified in measurable parameters for concrete mental disorders, we conducted surveys among students of dental medicine during the first 2.5 years of their studies. MethodsWe surveyed a total of 163 students of dental medicine in their first 5 semesters of study. Standardized, validated psychological questionnaires on depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory; BDI-II) and mental and physical quality of life (Short Form Survey; SF-12) were used in the survey, with per-semester participant quotas of around 90%. ResultsRegarding depression, the students were within the range of the normal populace at the beginning of the 1st semester. Symptoms of depression then became more pronounced with every succeeding semester. In the fifth semester, the average levels determined were equivalent to a depression with a clinical treatment indication. Hardly any change was registered for physical wellbeing in the quality of life questionnaire. The mental sum scores, however, reflected dramatic downturns in quality of life. Highly significant correlations between the parameters described here – depressivity and mental quality of life – were observed in all semesters. ConclusionThe participating students begin their course of studies at the level of the average populace for the symptoms surveyed, then develop, on average, a clinically manifest depression after 2.5 years. The personal experience of a deterioration of mental quality of life appears to be crucial in the phenomena observed.

Blended Learning Design: A Shared Experience

Abstract Five Flemish Higher Education Institutions developed an institution-transcending professionalization course, with focus on: learning design, for blended and multi-campus learning, in a Professional Learning Design Team (PLDT). These elements are no common practice and therefor innovative within the context of Flemish higher education. The course was first offered in Spring 2015, in a assignment-based and blended format. This allowed participants to personally experience these forms of instruction during their professionalization. At the same time, the course was an example of blended learning. 17 teams of 3-4 people started the course. 1 team dropped out. 8 teams offered blended learning during the 1st semester of this academic year. For 2 other teams all blended course materials are ready for the next semester. 1 Team had to shelve its plans because of other priorities. For 5 teams we are currently still missing the information. The participants appreciated working in a PLD-team and the step-by-step assignment-based blended approach. The relative short time frame and regular supervision and intervision were determining factors for the successful completion of the process.

Entry characteristics and performance in a Masters module in Tropical Medicine: a 5-year analysis.

Postgraduate courses can contribute to better-qualified personnel in resource-limited settings. We aimed to identify how entry characteristics of applicants predict performance in order to provide support measures early. We describe demographic data and end-of-module examination marks of medical doctors who enrolled in a first semester module of two one-year MSc programmes between 2010 and 2014. We used t-tests and one-way anova to compare, and post hoc tests to locate differences of mean marks between categories of entry characteristics in univariate analysis. After exclusion of collinear variables, multiple regression examined the effect of several characteristics in multivariable analysis. Eighty-nine students (47% male) with a mean age of 32 (SD 6.4) years who received their medical degree in the UK (19%), other European (22%), African (35%) or other countries (24%) attended the 3-months module. Their mean mark was 69.1% (SD 10.9). Medical graduates from UK universities achieved significantly higher mean marks than graduates from other countries. Students' age was significantly negatively correlated with the module mark. In multiple linear regression, place of medical degree (β = -0.44, P < 0.001) and time since graduation (β = -0.28, P = 0.007) were strongest predictors of performance, explaining 32% of the variation of mean marks. Students' performance substantially differs based on their entry criteria in this 1st semester module. Non-UK graduates and mature students might benefit from early support.

Effects of Relational Authenticity on Adjustment to College

The authors examined the association between relational health and student adjustment to college. Data were collected from 138 undergraduate students completing their 1st semester at a large university in the mid‐southern United States. Regression analysis indicated that higher levels of relational authenticity were a predictor of success during the 1st semester; no significant findings were detected for relationships between relational empowerment and engagement constructs and adjustment. Suggestions for promoting relational development are provided.

Analisis Validitas Prediksibilitas Ujian Masuk Terhadap Hasil Belajar Satu Tahun Kedepan Di Mts Ali Maksum

&lt;p&gt;Improving student learning outcomes can be known through examination or evaluation of student learning outcomes, as well as to improve the quality of education at a particular Islamic Junior Secondary School (MTs) Ali Maksum that can be seen through the entrance test the institution itself. Entrance test could be determine the quality of student learning outcomes, therefore it is very important be re-examined or entrance test kits that is used to determine the graduation of new students. Entrance tests can also determine the outcome of the first year students in the first and second semester. In this case retesting can be done by looking at the results of the entrance test, the results of the 1st semester final exam, and the results of the final exams 2 that is analyzed using multiple regression. This analysis is used to predict the results of the entrance test and see how much influence the results of the 1st semester final exams and final exams 2. From the discussion, it is a result of its high predictive significance between entrance exams, final exams 1, 2 and semester exams in the first year in MTs Ali Maksum.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; : &lt;em&gt;Entrance test, predictabilities, validity&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Understanding the gender gap: Social cognitive changes during an introductory stem course.

Despite robust support for the basic theoretical model of social cognitive career theory (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) and predictions that, for example, increases (or declines) in self-efficacy would lead to subsequent increases (or declines) in interest, there has been surprisingly little longitudinal research that has directly examined the extent to which members of different groups (e.g., women and men) actually do experience changes in critical social-cognitive variables over time early in their curricula in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Knowing the extent to which such changes occur in typical introductory undergraduate courses is important for targeting interventions to increase persistence of underrepresented groups in STEM. We measured social-cognitive-career-theory-relevant variables near the middle and at the end of the 1st semester of a gateway introductory chemistry course and found that women had lower STEM self-efficacy, coping self-efficacy, and STEM interest than did men, even after controlling for actual course performance. Although there were no detrimental changes across the semester for women or men, men experienced a small but significant increase in their perceived support for pursuing a STEM degree, whereas women did not.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEER REVIEWING WITH THEIR WRITING PROFICIENCY

This research mainly discusses the correlation between students’ attitudes towards peer reviewing with their writing proficiency to the 1st year English Department students of STKIP Subang in Writing for General Purposes Subject. The population of this study is the 1st semester English Department students on STKIP Subang. And there are 62 students as sample chosen through simple random sampling. There are two variables used in this study: the students’ mid-term examination writing score and the result of students’ responses in questionnaires. Correlational Design which is commonly used subset of Ex Post Facto Design is chosen in this study since it tends to look at the type and/or degree of relationship between two variables. The study finds that there is a positive correlation, although there is no significant correlation between students’ attitudes toward peer reviewing with their writing proficiency. This study also divides students’ attitudes of peer reviewing into three categories; students that like to do peer editing, both like and dislike it (neutral), and they that dislike it. Key Words: student’s attitudes, peer reviewing, writing proficiency

Posttraumatic stress, effort regulation, and academic outcomes among college students: A longitudinal study.

Entering college with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology has been linked to poor academic performance and increased risk for dropping out of college; however, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which PTSD symptoms have deleterious effects on college outcomes. Drawing from a self-regulated learning (SRL) perspective, which suggests that students' learning behaviors and outcomes can be influenced by contextual and developmental factors, we hypothesized that students who enter college with high PTSD symptomatology may experience difficulties in effort regulation, which in turn, may have deleterious effects on their academic performance and college persistence. These hypothesized relationships, as well as the potential gender differences in these relationships were examined using a longitudinal study design and a multigroup structural equation modeling approach. Of the 928 1st-year students who participated in the study, 484 (52.2%) students who reported lifetime exposure to traumatic events constituted the final sample of the study. The prevalence of PTSD among the trauma-exposed participants was 12.4%. After controlling for participation in on-campus activities and American College Testing (ACT) assessment scores, the relationship between PTSD symptomatology in the 1st semester of college and 2nd-year enrollment was mediated by effort regulation and 1st-year cumulative grade-point average (GPA). Specifically, participants who started college with higher levels of PTSD symptomatology also reported lower levels of effort regulation, which in turn, had a significant indirect effect on 2nd-year enrollment through 1st-year GPA. Results also indicated that the paths in the hypothesized model were not significantly different for men and women. (PsycINFO Database Record

Attainment of "Project Management and Finance" Graduate Attribute (GA) for Post Graduate Program in Engineering through Course Project

The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) in India has specified specific graduate attributes for post graduate program in engineering. In B V B College of Engineering & Technology, Hubballi, the Production PG program has made an attempt to design and conduct the course project from last two academic years in the core course Project Management at 1st semester level, which has been designed to address the graduate attribute 7 related to Project and Finance. Based on this the program outcome for our PG program is defined as Ability to carry feasibility study and evaluate projects considering economical and financial factors. Keeping this outcome in mind, the course project has been conducted addressing feasibility study, economical and financial factors as mentioned in attribute 7. The students were made to work on this course project for the duration of 12 weeks, which included activities like industrial visit, literature review, preliminary study, feasibility study, facets analysis, report submission and oral presentation. The evaluation process for this course project was rubrics based consisting of two different outcome elements and related performance indicators to address particularly the graduate attribute-7. The work carried out by the students focuses completely on the analysis of facets of projects from marketing analysis to ecological analysis. The conduct of course project in the core course like project management really differentiates the learning of post graduate level to that of undergraduate level as more work is being carried on the analysis part during the process of course project. The percentage attainment of each outcome element addressing the attribute-7 for both the academic years i.e 2013-14 and 2014-15 has been compared.

Comparison of Medical Students' Satisfaction with Family Medicine Clerkships between University Hospitals and Community Hospitals or Clinics.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare students' awareness of and satisfaction with clerkships in family medicine between a university hospital and a community hospital or clinic.MethodsThirty-eight 4th year medical students who were undergoing a clerkship in family medicine in the 1st semester of 2012 were surveyed via questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered both before and after the clerkship.ResultsExternal clerkships were completed in eight family medicine clinics and two regional hospitals. At preclerkship, participants showed strong expectation for understanding primary care and recognition of the need for community clerkship, mean scores of 4.3±0.5 and 4.1±0.7, respectively. At post-clerkship, participants showed a significant increase in recognition of the need for community clerkship (4.7±0.5, P<0.001). The pre-clerkship recognition of differences in patient characteristics between university hospitals and community hospitals or clinics was 4.1±0.7; at post-clerkship, it was 3.9±0.7. Students' confidence in their ability to see a first-visit patient and their expectation of improved interviewing skills both significantly increased at post-clerkship (P<0.01). Satisfaction with feedback from preceptors and overall satisfaction with the clerkship also significantly increased, but only for the university hospital clerkship (P<0.01).ConclusionStudents' post-clerkship satisfaction was uniformly high for both clerkships. At pre-clerkship, students were aware of the differences in patient characteristics between university hospitals and community hospitals or clinics, and this awareness did not change by the end of the clerkship.

Mathematics-related anxiety and attitudes: examining the impact among Latina preservice teachers

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate mathematics-related anxiety and attitudes among Latina preservice teachers. Three sections from the Inventory of Mathematics Attitudes, Experience, and Self Awareness were administered to preservice teachers enrolled in a curriculum and instruction mathematics course during the 1st semester of a 2-semester credential program. Pre- and postsurvey data were examined among female students. There were significant differences on 5 statements that suggest positive perceptions about mathematics and 5 statements that suggest negative perceptions about mathematics. We discuss strategies to reduce mathematics anxiety and address attitudes in preservice teachers.

Demonstration in Teaching Chemistry: The Case of Two High-Schools from Sarajevo Canton

For understanding fundamental chemical principles and gaining knowledge in chemistry, observation of chemical changes during experiment are crucial. Demonstration in teaching chemistry is particularly important in primary school where students meet chemistry for the first time, but also in secondary school for more demanding and complicated experiments. This study included 60 secondary school students from two schools in Sarajevo region. We have used test of knowledge regarding demonstration experiments prescribed by Curriculum, and questionnaire for students regarding the frequency of performed experiments. Results of this study showed that teachers performed experiments prescribed by Curriculum for 1 st semester of 1 st grade, and those students mostly do remember what happened during experiments; results of questionnaire showed that experiments in these two schools are performed on regular basis and that students and teachers recognize the importance of demonstration in chemistry.

Exploring Pedagogical Strategies for Teaching Large (Merged) Classes in Values Education 1

This study aims to explore pedagogical strategies for teaching large (merged) classes in Values Education 1, one of the general education courses in the then College of Arts and Social Sciences, Philippine Normal University. Initially, the study challenges the faculty and students in a large class exploring some pedagogical strategies that make the teaching and learning process more effective. Utilizing a qualitative-exploratory method, two classes in Values Education were merged for one semester (1st semester, Academic Year 2011-2012) to form a large class with a total of 84 students. Qualitative responses of students taken from short openended questionnaire, focus group and reflection papers were gathered and analysed to provide answers to the two major problems of the study: challenges in teaching a large class and identification of pedagogical strategies that students find effective in learning from a large class. Reflective journals highlighted students' learning using some pedagogical strategies.

Hubungan Antara Hasil UAN SMP dengan Prestasi Belajar Peserta Didik SMA

The technique analysis data used is: a) Percentege analysis technique, to achieving or obtaining the clarity about The National Final Exam results of Junior High School and learning achievement of students at 1st and 2nd semester; and b) Correlation techniques of product moment used to see how far the variables that are related to each other. The result of this research was: (1) the first grade students at 1st semester of Senior High School which have good exam results is relatively small, while the students which have less The National Final Exam result is relatively small also. Therefore it can be said that Senior High School students from The National Final Exam results of Junior High School is relatively quite enough; (2) The first grade students at 1st semester of Senior High School which have good achievement is relatively small, while the students which have less achievement is relatively small also. Therefore it can be said that learning achievement of Senior High School students at 1st semester is relatively quite enough; (3) the first grade students at 2nd semester of Senior High School which have good achievement is relatively small, while the students which have less achievement is relatively small also. Therefore it can be said that learning achievement of Senior High School students at 2nd semester is relatively quite enough; (4) There is significant relationship between The National Final Exam results of Junior High School and students at the 1st and 2nd semester learning achievement of Senior High School.

Effects of Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) on Motivation of Saudi EFL Adult Learners

Students Teams Achievement Division (STAD) is a cooperative learning strategy in which learners work in heterogeneous groups to achieve a common goal. It has been widely used in teaching different subject areas under different settings. This study aimed at investigating the effects of STAD on motivation of Saudi EFL learners. Two intact groups of 1st semester students were selected. One group worked as the experimental group and the other one as the control group. A questionnaire was administered to both groups at the beginning of the semester. The experimental group was taught with STAD whereas the control group was taught with the traditional whole class teacher-fronted method. The treatment was administered for two weeks. The same questionnaire was re-administered after the treatment. The data was analyzed using independent samples t-test. Findings revealed that there was no significant difference (p = 0.36 &gt; 0.05) between the experimental and the control groups in terms of motivation.

Factors Affecting Attrition among First Year Computer Science Students: the Case of University of Latvia

&lt;p class="R-AbstractKeywords"&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;The purpose of our study was to identify reasons for high dropout of students enrolled in the first year of the computer science study program to make it possible to determine students, who are potentially in risk. Several factors that could affect attrition, as it was originally assumed, were studied: high school grades (admission score), compensative course in high school mathematics, intermediate grades for core courses, prior knowledge of programming. However, the results of our study indicate that none of the studied factors is determinant to identify those students, who are going to abandon their studies, with great precision. The majority of the studied students drop out in the 1st semester of the 1st year, and the dropout consists mostly of those, who do not really begin studies. Therefore, one of the main conclusions is such that the planned activities of informing about the contents of the program should be carried out, and the perspective students should be offered a possibility to evaluate their potential to study computer science before choosing a study program. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;