Academic Year Research Articles

What support do international doctoral students claim they need to improve their academic writing in English?

Novice scholars from non-native English-speaking (NNES) backgrounds tend to encounter challenges in their doctoral education related to scholarly writing in English. This study investigated the support that NNES doctoral students perceive as crucial for achieving their desired proficiency in English academic writing (EAW). A survey was conducted during the 2021–2022 academic year, involving 255 NNES international doctoral students studying in 65 English medium PhD programs across Hungary. Volunteers from 49 countries, representing 48 languages, participated in the study. An analysis of their responses to an open question revealed that the majority felt a need for support in enhancing their EAW skills. Very few believed they could already produce publishable texts or that the support of their doctoral schools was sufficient. Most participants recognized specific areas where improvement was necessary and took full responsibility for their progress. Thus, findings of this study align with previous quantitative analyses involving the same participants and the conceptual metaphors they provided, emphasizing the high demand for support in developing English academic writing skills (Authors, 2022a, 2022b, 2023).

Students’ perspectives of a study support (Studiosity) service at a University

Supporting students’ success and achievement is a key mission of WP (Widening Participation) institutions such as the University of Bedfordshire. An essential step in ensuring students succeed is the development of academic writing skills – these are vital during students’ studies and when students leave university study and undertake further study or enter graduate-level employment. During the 2021–2022 academic year, the University of Bedfordshire implemented a study support service called Studiosity, a service designed to provide students with formative feedback on drafts of their assessment tasks. This study utilises a survey instrument exploring Studiosity’s Writing Feedback (WF) service and addresses a gap in the literature where there is very little understanding of the details of students’ engagement with the system. The survey’s results indicate a mismatch between students’ assumptions about formative feedback provided by Studiosity. However, when students utilise Studiosity’s WF service, the personalised and specific feedback raises students’ confidence in their ability to write academically.

Implementation of Pirates VS Echinomonster Algebra Props To Improve Math Learning Outcomes

This research attempts to determine student learning results through the utilization of mathematical concepts and pirates vs. echinomonster props. This study is a qualitative, descriptive research project. The subject of this lesson is algebra. The study's subjects were five female students from SMP Al Kholili Kalisat Jember's class VII for the 2023–2024 academic year. The procedures of tests and interviews are employed in this research to collect data. Strategies for data analysis in this study are based on looking at how students tackle algebraic problems. The results showed that kids could solve algebraic problems with pirates vs. echinomonster props. The employment of pirates vs. echinomonster algebra props has been shown to improve students' mathematical learning outcomes by 1.2%, according to the study's findings.

Prediction of adolescent weight status by machine learning: a population-based study

BackgroundAdolescent weight problems have become a growing public health concern, making early prediction of non-normal weight status crucial for effective prevention. However, few temporal prediction tools for adolescent four weight status have been developed. This study aimed to predict the short- and long-term weight status of Hong Kong adolescents and assess the importance of predictors.MethodsA population-based retrospective cohort study of adolescents was conducted using data from a territory-wide voluntary annual health assessment service provided by the Department of Health in Hong Kong. Using diet habits, physical activity, psychological well-being, and demographics, we generated six prediction models for successive weight status (normal, overweight, obese and underweight) using multiclass Decision Tree, Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbor, eXtreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated by multiple standard classifier metrics and the overall accuracy. Predictors’ importance was assessed using Shapley values.Results442,898 Primary 4 (P4, Grade 4 in the US) and 344,186 in Primary 6 (P6, Grade 6 in the US) students, with followed up until their Secondary 6 (Grade 12 in the US) during the academic years 1995/96 to 2014/15 were included. The XG Boosts model consistently outperformed all other model in predicting the long-term weight status at S6 from P4 or P6. It achieved an overall accuracy of 0.72 or 0.74, a micro-averaging AUC of 0.92 or 0.93, and a macro-averaging AUC of 0.83 or 0.86, respectively. XG Boost also demonstrated accurate predictions for each predicted weight status, surpassing the AUC values obtained by other models. Weight, height, sex, age, frequency and hours of aerobic exercise were consistently the most important predictors for both cohorts.ConclusionsThe machine learning approaches accurately predict adolescent weight status in both short- and long-term. The developed multiclass model that utilizing easy-assessed variables enables accurate long-term prediction on weight status, which can be used by adolescents and parents for self-prediction when applied in health care system. The interpretable models may help to provide the early and individualized interventions suggestions for adolescents with weight problems particularly.

Validation of the use of concept maps as an evaluation tool for the teaching and learning of mechanical and industrial engineering

Abstract This paper presents the experimental work developed to measure the learning process through concept map analysis. The development of a concept map is requested by the students for each chapter or theme of the subject. As a result, maps from engineering courses have been analyzed. The measurements carried out consider several parameters, such as individual and team map building, student progressive knowledge level, and map complexity. Concerning the complexity analysis, the focus is qualitative, and it is based on the data extracted from the concept maps elaborated by the students. The study, conducted during the 2018–2019 academic year, included students from various academic levels and institutions, such as the Public University of Navarra UPNA and the University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, covering first-degree students of Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and first-degree students of Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at UPNA, third-degree students of Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at UPV-EHU. The data collected from 37 individual maps in Industrial Drawing, 31 group maps in Industrial Drawing, 12 individual maps in Design of Machinery, and 12 group maps in Design of Machinery, along with a control group of 79 students who did not participate in any activity, provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of concept maps for evaluating understanding levels and learning outcomes across various engineering subjects and academic levels. The learning outcome of the students is treated to obtain the level of understanding of complex systems shown by the students through the concept maps previously drawn and the questionnaire answered by each student about the achievement of learning results through the use of concept maps. This work shows the research methodology established and the learning results achieved qualitatively: measuring the maps by means of a rubric, self-assessment based on a survey, and through the questionnaires. Also, the results obtained in the final exams have been compared. From the observed results, this methodology is presented as a suitable alternative for evaluating the correct acquisition of concepts in online teaching situations.

Reconceptualizing the Possible: “Warming Up” the Aspirations of Community College Students

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the structure and outcomes of a unique summer bridge program, Exploring Transfer (ET). Community college students who participate in ET spend six weeks living on the campus of a liberal arts college and enroll in two rigorous courses, similar to those offered during the academic year. To assess the impact of this program, the author conducted six focus group discussions with ET graduates. Data from those discussions indicate that taking part in intensive residential immersion programs may have a more profound effect on participants than is often recognized in research that focuses on academic achievement. For FGD participants, the intensity of the ET experience impelled a process of identity reconstruction that led them to expand their views of what they were capable of accomplishing. This article explores the specific features of ET that served to “warm up” students’ academic aspirations and professional goals.

Implementation of a "Health Equity Rounds" Curriculum in a Military Internal Medicine Residency Program: A Pilot Study.

Health disparities in the Military Health System (MHS) have been consistently documented despite the system ensuring equal access to care for its beneficiaries. Research has shown that social, economic, and political factors (i.e., Social Determinants of Health) and health care-specific factors like provider bias and systemic discrimination are key drivers of health disparities in the general population. Medical education focused on introducing these concepts using case-based learning has led to effective learning of health equity terminology. However, a significant gap exists in identifying optimal teaching approaches to develop skills to recognize these factors in actual clinical cases. This begs the million-dollar question: can case-based learning help trainees acquire the skills needed to identify the main factors contributing to health disparities in the MHS? A longitudinal case-based curriculum was developed in which clinical cases from the Internal Medicine Wards, Medical Intensive Care Unit, or General Internal Medicine Clinic at the National Capital Consortium were solicited from trainees and analyzed for evidence of health care provider bias and systemic forms of discrimination using small groups. The National Capital Consortium Internal Medicine Residency Program implemented this pilot study in November 2021. A retrospective pretest-posttest survey assessing trainee reactions to the curriculum and changes in self-reported confidence in skills was used for curriculum assessment. Survey data were analyzed using a paired samples t-test. The survey was administered during the last session of the 2022-2023 academic year, with 14 of the 23 available trainees completing it: a 60.8% response rate. Overall, 93% reported that the cases selected that academic year were engaging; the skills they were taught were practice-changing, and the educational value of the curriculum was good, very good, or excellent. Confidence ratings, assessed via a 5-point Likert Scale, demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-reported confidence in the following skill domains with large effect sizes: identification of bias and systemic discrimination in clinical cases-change in mean: 1.07 (Pre: 3.29, Post: 4.36), P < .001, g = 1.38; recognizing and mitigating personal biases-change in mean: 0.71 (Pre: 3.50, Post: 4.21), P <.001, g = 1.10; participating in a discussion about health care provider bias and systemic discrimination-change in mean: 0.79 (Pre: 3.57, Post: 4.36), P = .001, g = 1.06; and leading a discussion about bias and systemic discrimination-change in mean: 1.00 (Pre: 2.93, Post: 3.93), P = .002, g = 0.98. As the need to address health disparities in the United States becomes more pressing, so does the need for military physicians to recognize the drivers of these disparities within the MHS. Results from this pilot study of Health Equity Rounds suggest that case-based learning may be an optimal teaching approach to improve the skills of military Internal Medicine trainees in identifying and recognizing the impact of health care provider bias and systemic discrimination on clinical cases from the MHS.

An assessment of barriers and facilitators of near-peer coaching on surgical clerkships: a mixed-methods study from resident’s perspective

PurposeWe implemented a near-peer (resident–student) coaching intervention in 2021–2022 to improve clerkship students’ health system science (HSS) learning and application. This study thus sought to identify implementation barriers and potential facilitators of an effective HSS near-peer coaching program for clerkship students from the resident coach’s perspective at a single tertiary-care institution.MethodsA mixed-methods study design was employed. Thirty surgical residents volunteered to serve as HSS coaches for rotating third-year medical students during the 2021–2022 academic year. Coaches were asked to complete an exit survey, and a subset was purposefully sampled to complete semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were coded and analyzed with a framework method to identify emergent themes indicative of the barriers and facilitators of effective implementation of this near-peer HSS coaching program.ResultsA total of 20/30 (67%) resident coaches completed the survey and 50% of these residents (n = 10/20) completed an interview. Coaches facilitated multiple meetings (ranging from 1 to more than 5 times) with their assigned students over the course of the 3-month surgical rotations. Most coaches who deemed themselves successful in coaching reported early prioritization of setting individualized clerkship goals. Rapport building and strong communication were also important factors identified in facilitating effective near-peer cognitive coaching relationships.ConclusionsOur study suggests that, from residents’ perspective, effective near-peer coaching by residents on surgical clerkships requires special emphasis on early goal setting, as well as training and development of coaches in skills, such as feedback delivery, and rapport building to encourage strong resident–student coaching relationships that cater to the individualized needs of the learner.

Prevalence and causes of substance abuse among Egyptian university students

Substance abuse is a global challenge with dangerous effects on health, wealth and security of nations, and individuals’ mental and physical health. This study was done to identify the prevalence and risk factor of drug abuse among university students and evaluate drug abuse use according to its type and problems encountered. Cross sectional study using self-administrated questionnaire conducted for one month in the academic year 2022-2023 to 600 university students at Beni-Suef University from grade 1 to grade 6 and postgraduates. The survey included all faculties in the university. Screening tests for drug abuse in the urine samples were performed by dipsticks and confirmed by auto-analyzer device. Most of the students were male (68.3%), their mean age was 22.05 ± 2.25 year. 58.3% of them were from urban, 84.7 % of them were single, with monthly pocket money 1205.73 ± 1260.02 Egyptian pounds while the mean of family income 5515.50 ± 9210.39. The urine samples were collected and analyzed by drug screening strips, 75.4% of the samples were negative and 24.6% were positive. Auto analyzer confirmed 31.8% of positive cases by drug screening strips and the most common drug was confirmed was combined drug abuse (59.6%). High significance relation of addiction with the mean age of the cases (P value=0.0001), males’ gender (P value=0.0001), high monthly pocket money (P value=0.0001), lower father and mother education (P value =0.0001). The problems faced by addicts were oppose the orders (51.4%), usual liar (48.6%), struggle with parents (44.6%), and psychiatric problems (33.8%) especially unstable psychological state. The most common cause of substance intake in the positive group was adolescent curiosity (56.8%) followed by be happy (48.6%) and active (40.5%). Most of the students were male (68.3%), their mean age was 22.05 ± 2.25 year. 25.7% had a history of substance abuse, the most common substance abuse was THC (34%). Age of students, single, higher family income and father occupation were the most predicted risk factors to substance abuse.

Comparing frequencies of adolescent suicide attempters pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic school terms

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic had and still have a major impact on adolescent mental health and consequently on suicidal behavior. However, few studies have investigated whether the pandemic has changed the patterns and the triggers of suicidality peaks in adolescents, e.g., seasonal patterns or family conflicts. We hypothesized that the pandemic modified suicidality rates: an increment of suicide attempts would be observed in the first semester of the academic year during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period of previous academic year; and the precipitating factors would be more related to social stressors during the pandemic school year.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the precipitating factors, also including school-related factors and cognitive skills, of adolescent suicide attempters occurred in the first and second semesters of the year before the pandemic lockdown (study periods 1 and 2) and the year after (study periods 3 and 4).ResultsThe sample consisted of 85 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 recruited consecutively from March 2019 to March 2021 at emergency ward because of suicide attempt. Forty-eight adolescents (55.3% of the sample) were attended before the lockdown (pre-pandemic group) and 38 (44.7%) the year after. The results showed a higher proportion of female suicide attempters in period 4 (Sept 2020-Feb 2021) respect to period 3 (Mar 2020-Aug 2020), i.e., pandemic semesters compared with the increment observed between period 2 and 1 (prepandemic semesters; Fisher’s exact test = 4.73; p = 0.026). The multinomial regression models showed a significant effect in the frequency of adolescents who attempted suicide (ratio χ2 = 15.19, p = 0.019), accounted by the differences between period 4 (Sept 2020-Feb 2021) and period 1 (Mar 2019-Aug 2019), with depressive symptoms being a significant contributing factor (Exp(b) = 0.93; p = 0.04). Additionally, social triggers and age were found to be significant risk factors for suicide attempts in the first semester of the pandemic academic year (period 4) compared to the same semester of the pre-pandemic year (period 2; Exp(b) = 0.16, p = 0.01, and Exp(b) = 1.88, p = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, the decrement between first and second semester of the number of females attempting suicide was more pronounced than in the prepandemic school year -though this findings lacked statistical power due to very limited sample size-. Change in the frequency of adolescent attempting suicide in the different school periods was associated with greater severity of depressive symptoms. Social relations in back-to-school after the lockdown were also associated with the number of adolescents attempting suicide.

Developing a Dyslexia Diagnostic Team: A Feasibility Project

Purpose: Dyslexia, a neurobiological phonological processing deficit, can be identified early; however, there is a substantial variation between and within states regarding who makes this diagnosis and when. Dyslexia evaluations are often challenging to obtain and very expensive for families who need to seek them outside of the school setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of developing a free dyslexia diagnostic team within our university speech and hearing clinic. Method: We developed a team of academic and clinical faculty and students at the doctoral, master's, and undergraduate levels. We developed a 6-hr (1 day) testing battery and recruited families via social media. Children needed to be between the ages of 8 and 11 years and reported to have classroom difficulty related to word reading and/or spelling. Results: We were able to create a strong and successful team, testing battery, and recruitment plan. Master's students were interested in the opportunity and families drove between 246 and 453 miles to participate. We allocated enough time in our summer schedule for all parties. However, we have concerns about the sustainability of this program, especially during the academic year. Conclusions: Broadly, this dyslexia diagnostic team is a feasible endeavor. There was internal and external community interest. We identified small and solvable barriers related to debriefing and test interpretation. We also identified larger issues related to funding, faculty availability, and student support.

The Effect of Using Context-Based Learning Videos on Fluid Materials on Students Critical Thinking Ability

Starting from the learning media used in schools not being able to prepare students to think critically, using context-based learning videos is one solution to improve students' critical thinking abilities. This research aims to see the effect of context-based learning videos on fluid material on the essential thinking abilities of class XI students at SMA Negeri 5 Solok Selatan. This study uses a quasi-experiment with a posttest-only control design. The research population was all class XI IPA students at SMAN 5 Solok Selatan registered in the 2022/2023 academic year. Purposive sampling was chosen as a sampling technique, so classes XI IPA 1 and XI IPA 2 were taken as research samples. The instrument used to obtain critical thinking ability data was a written test using 8-item essay questions. Normality, homogeneity, and t-tests were used in the data analysis. The measurement results show that experimental class students (80,38) have higher critical thinking skills than the control class (70,56). Statistical analysis with the t-test shows that that tcount &gt; ttable (3,41 &gt; 2.006) means the working hypothesis is accepted. So, it can be concluded that using context-based learning videos on fluid material affects students' critical thinking abilities.

Nursing students' awareness of global climate change: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to determine nursing students' awareness of global climate change. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 302 undergraduate nursing students from a foundation university in Northern Cyprus during the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. A descriptive information form and the Awareness Scale of University Students about Global Climate Change (ASUSGCC) were used for data collection. The mean ASUSGCC score was 3.54±0.64, and the participants received the lowest and highest scores from the awareness of the causes of global climate change (3.54±0.64) and awareness of the effects of global climate change on the natural and human environment (4.03±0.70) subscales, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between the Global Climate Change scores and the year of education, with fourth-year students obtaining significantly higher scores (p<.05). The study found that nursing students have a moderate level of awareness of global climate change. To raise the level of awareness among these undergraduates, who will be future healthcare professionals, we recommend including climate change awareness in the national nursing curricula.

PQRS (Preview, Questions, Read, and Summarize) Strategy for Teaching Reading Skill: An Action Research at Indonesian Senior High School Students

It is evidence that the literacy and reading proficiency for Indonesian students need to be enhanced. Therefore, the objective of this study is to enhance the reading proficiency and learning engagement of eleventh-grade students at SMA Persada Bandar Lampung in the academic year 2023/2024 through the implementation of the Preview, Question, Read, Summarize (PQRS) strategy. The research involved twenty-two students and followed the Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach, consisting of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting phases within each research cycle. Notably, the progress in students' learning engagement is evident in the mean scores, with the first cycle averaging 35.32 and the second cycle averaging 38.50, indicating an improvement of 3.18 points. Additionally, there was a noteworthy enhancement in students' reading proficiency, illustrated by the mean scores for their learning activities: 58.52 in the first cycle and 70.45 in the second cycle, reflecting an improvement of 11.93 points. These findings affirm that the PQRS Strategy effectively enhances both students' reading ability and their engagement in learning activities. Therefore, it is important to recommend PQRS teaching strategy to be used in English class. Keywords: CAR, Reading Comprehension, PQRS (Preview, Question, Read, and Summarize) Strategy

The extent to which teachers at the Qamines Educational Services Office perceive the criteria for their evaluation by the educational supervisor from their own point of view.

The objective of the study was to ascertain the extent to which teachers perceive the performance evaluation criteria issued by the Office of Guidance and Inspection and to identify statistically significant differences in the level of teachers’ perception of these criteria according to gender and specialization variables. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the author employed the descriptive method and utilized the questionnaire as an instrument, comprising 29 paragraphs distributed across three areas. The author employed the questionnaire, which represents the criteria for evaluating the performance of teachers as issued by the Office of Guidance and Inspection, to the random sample of the study, which consisted of 70 male and female teachers of primary and secondary school teachers in schools belonging to the Educational Services Office. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 14% of the original study population of 517 teachers with a school schedule distributed over 14 schools participated in the study. The results indicated the following: The degree of teachers’ perception of their evaluation criteria was high, and there were statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level between the mean of teachers’ estimates of the degree of their perception of their performance evaluation criteria at the Qamines Educational Services Office, attributable to the two gender variables. These differences were in favor of males, and there were no differences attributable to the scientific specialization variable.

Development and Acceptability of Web-based Module in Cookery

This study delves into the development and acceptance of a web-based cookery module, aiming to enhance culinary education, particularly in the face of challenges such as the pandemic. These modules offer promising avenues for effective learning experiences and the promotion of self-regulated learning among students. Employing a mixed-method approach utilizing the Input-Process-Output design model, the study involves the validation of the developed module by eight expert practitioners in cookery. Subsequently, its acceptability will be assessed among Senior High School (SHS) Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) students enrolled in cookery subjects during the academic year 2023-2024. Evaluation of the module by teacher experts utilizes a four-point rating scale, drawing from the Guidelines and Processes for Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS) Assessment &amp; Evaluation – Evaluation Rating Sheet for Non-Print Materials (DepEd, 2009), focusing on content quality, instructional quality, technical quality, and other pertinent factors. Similarly, student feedback is gathered through a five-point scale adapted from Venkatesh et al. (2003) and modified by Namoco, S. (2021) to align with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, offering both rating scale responses and descriptive interpretations. Both teacher experts and student users are purposefully selected for their insights. Initial findings from the expert evaluation indicate a high recommendation for implementing the web-based module in cookery education. However, ongoing data collection and analysis are underway to gauge student-user acceptability comprehensively. This study underscores the significance of well-designed interactive learning modules in fostering self-regulated learning and enhancing student performance in cookery subjects, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the pandemic and economic constraints.

Group Size: An Active Ingredient of School-Based Language Therapy.

This study explored the relation between therapy group size and language outcomes for children receiving school-based language therapy through an implementation science lens. Data for the current study were gathered as part of the Speech-Language Therapy Experiences in Public Schools study. Participants included 273 English-speaking kindergarten through second-grade children with language impairment receiving business-as-usual therapy on the caseloads of 75 speech-language pathologists. Data were collected over an academic year, including weekly therapy logs, speech-language pathology questionnaires, and pre- and post-language measures. Descriptive analysis revealed that children primarily experienced small-group therapy sessions (two to four children); however, there was considerable variability in group size. Hierarchical general linear modeling indicated that caseload size did not explain group size variability. However, the number of student cancellations was positively associated with receipt of large-group sessions. Notably, a significant negative association was found between receipt of large-group sessions (i.e., five to 10 children) and language outcomes. Children who received more than the average number of sessions in large groups (i.e., more than 5% of total sessions) experienced 0.18 SD less language gain over the academic year compared to the mean (0.54 SD). No other group size configurations (i.e., individual, small group, and extra large) yielded significant associations with language outcomes. The findings suggest that young children receiving language-based therapy in large groups make substantially fewer language gains over an academic year. These results have considerable implications for educational policy and clinical practice, which are discussed through an implementation science frame.

Metacognitive Awareness as a Predictor of Mathematical Modeling Competency Among Preservice Elementary Teachers

&lt;p style="margin-left:28px; text-align:justify"&gt;Mathematical modeling offers a promising approach to improving mathematics education. This study aims to determine if the concept of metacognitive awareness in the learning process is associated with mathematical modeling. This study also considers the interaction effect of sex and academic year level on both variables. Focusing the study on preservice elementary teachers might address potential issues and targeted intervention in their preparation program concerning their ability to teach and guide young learners in modeling activities. The research sample includes 140 preservice elementary teachers at Central Luzon State University, Philippines. Data collection used an adapted metacognitive awareness inventory and a validated researcher-made mathematical modeling competency test aligned with the K-12 mathematics curriculum in the Philippines. Results revealed that the preservice elementary teachers had a high metacognitive awareness and mathematical modeling competency, ranging from 22 to 31 out of 36 points. Besides, Factorial ANOVA indicates that academic year level positively affects both variables regardless of sex, and stepwise regression analysis unveiled that information management, declarative knowledge, and planning significantly predict 41.4% of the mathematical modeling competency variance. This suggests that developing metacognitive awareness supports preservice elementary teachers in performing modeling tasks that improve their competency level in mathematics.&lt;/p&gt;

The Effect of Dopamine Stimulation Activities on English Language Learners: An Empirical Research

This study explores the perceptions of dopamine-stimulating activities among students and the challenges faced by teachers in implementing these activities in language education at Dai Nam University. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys and semi-structured interviews with 220 non-English major students and language teachers. The surveys assessed students' perceptions of various dopamine-stimulating activities, including gamified vocabulary acquisition courses, interactive language games, reward-based speaking activities, physical activity breaks, and project-based learning with rewards. Results indicate varying perceptions across academic years, with first-year students expressing the highest perceptions of effectiveness, followed by a decreasing trend in perceptions among higher-year students. Teachers reported challenges such as balancing novelty with meeting specific learning objectives, resource constraints, and classroom management difficulties. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with language teachers provided additional insights into the challenges and strategies encountered in implementing dopamine-stimulating activities. Themes emerged around the excitement and perceived effectiveness of these activities, specific activities utilized by teachers (such as interactive games, multimedia presentations, and real-world simulations), challenges faced, positive outcomes observed (including enhanced student engagement, participation, and language proficiency), and the need for flexibility and creativity in overcoming challenges. The study highlights the importance of considering students' perceptions and challenges faced by teachers in optimizing the effectiveness of dopamine-stimulating activities in language education. Tailored approaches to address varying perceptions and challenges are necessary to ensure meaningful engagement and promote effective language learning experiences. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on innovative pedagogical approaches in language education and offer practical implications for educators seeking to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

A New Machine-Learning-Driven Grade-Point Average Prediction Approach for College Students Incorporating Psychological Evaluations in the Post-COVID-19 Era

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years, intelligent evaluation of college students’ growth by means of the monitoring data from training processes is becoming a promising technique in the field intelligent education. Current studies, however, tend to utilize course grades, which are objective, to predict students’ grade-point averages (GPAs), but usually neglect subjective factors like psychological resilience. To solve this problem, this paper takes mechanical engineering as the research object, and proposes a new machine-learning-driven GPA prediction approach to evaluate the academic performance of engineering students by incorporating psychological evaluation data into basic course scores. Specifically, this paper adopts SCL-90 psychological assessment data collected in the freshman year, including key mental health indicators such as somatization, depression, hostility, and interpersonal sensitivity indicators, as well as professional basic course scores, including mechanical principles, mechanical design, advanced mathematics, and engineering drawing. Four representative machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM), CNN-CBAM, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) that include deep and shallow models, respectively, are then employed to build a classification model for GPA prediction. This paper designs a validation experiment by tracking 229 students from the 2020 class from the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering of Henan University of Science and Technology, China. The students’ academic performance in senior grades is divided into five classes to use as the prediction labels. It is verified that psychological data and course data can be effectively integrated into GPA prediction for college students, with an accuracy rate of 83.64%. Meanwhile, this paper also reveals that anxiety indicators in the psychological assessment data have the greatest impact on college students’ academic performance, followed by interpersonal sensitivity. The experimental results also show that, for predicting junior year GPAs, psychological factors play more important role than they do in predicting sophomore GPAs. Suggestions are therefore given: the current practice in existing undergraduate teaching, i.e., only conducting psychological assessments in the initial freshman year, should be updated by introducing follow-up psychological assessments in each academic year.