Acquisition Of Skills Research Articles

Assessment of Learners’ Retention Strategies in Literacy, Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programmes in Lagos State, Nigeria

Assessment of Learners’ Retention Strategies in Literacy, Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programmes in Lagos State, Nigeria

Unlocking Cognitive Horizons by Exploring the Influence of Maps on Primary School Pupils: An Examination Conducted in North Macedonia

This study thoroughly investigates the effects of utilizing maps as educational tools for children, aiming to enhance pupils' cognitive abilities and improve the overall educational system within primary schools. By exploring the potential benefits of incorporating cartographic materials into the curriculum, this research sheds light on their positive impact on children's intellectual growth and the educational framework at the elementary level, such as primary schools. The primary aim of this investigation is to deliver an interactive and compelling educational resource tailored for pupils aged between 7 and 10 years old. Pre-test and post-test were conducted with 377 primary school pupils in Tetovo, North Macedonia. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach and through a meticulous analysis of the potential benefits of integrating maps into the pedagogical framework, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the positive effects they can have on children's skill acquisition and the overall efficacy of the educational system. Ultimately, the findings of this study are expected to inform educational stakeholders by furnishing empirical evidence on the advantages of incorporating maps into the learning process for young learners, thus contributing to more effective educational practices. The study's findings demonstrate a predominantly favorable reception, emphasizing the efficacy and educational utility of the maps and atlases among young pupils. The analysis shows that employing the maps and atlas led to an average enhancement in pupils' learning abilities, with an approximate mean increase of 31.45%.

Learners’ Attitudes and Practices towards Learning Communication Skills: The Cases of Mbeya University of Science and Technology and Arusha Technical College

This study investigated learners' attitudes towards learning communication skills as a fundamental module among ordinary diploma students of science programmes. The study involved a sample of 112 students. A cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that diploma students have positive attitudes towards learning communication skills. By comparison, female students were revealed to be more positive than male students. Moreover, first- and third-year students showed more positive attitudes than second-year students. It is recommended that students be emphasised about the importance of communication skills as future professional engineers and for the competitive labour market. To make training sessions more interesting and facilitate the smooth acquisition of the necessary skills, efforts must be made to strengthen communication skills training at colleges and universities.

The Effects of Practice Variability on the Acquisition of Bilateral Dart-Throwing Skills

The Effects of Practice Variability on the Acquisition of Bilateral Dart-Throwing Skills

The Effect of Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series Presented with Tablet Computer in Acquiring Functional Reading Skills for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

This study aims to examine the effect of the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series, which is presented with a tablet computer, on the acquisition of functional reading skills by three high school students with moderate intellectual disabilities. The design of the study is a multiple-probe model with an inter-subject probe phase, which is one of the single-subject research models. While the dependent variable is identified as functional reading skill, the independent variable of the present study is the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series offered via a tablet computer. The participants of the study are three male students with moderate intellectual disability. The starting level of the experimental process of the research, the implementation of the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series consisted of monitoring and generalization stages. The data obtained in the research were analyzed and interpreted graphically. As a result of the research, it was found that the Edmark Reading Program Functional Words Series, which was tested with a tablet computer, was effective in acquiring functional reading skills of students with moderate intellectual disability. In addition, the participants of the research were able to generalize the 10 target words that were taught in the real environment as well as in the teaching environment, and they were able to continue reading one and three weeks after the teaching. The interviews conducted to determine the social validity of the research revealed that parents, teachers and participant students expressed positive opinions about the program offered via tablet computer.

Informal Life Safety Education for Students in the Context of Globalisation: Insights From International Practices

Informal education is a process of self-organised acquisition of specific competencies. Although not necessarily goal-oriented and structured, it actively contributes to expanding professional knowledge and skills and is positioned as one of the critical competencies of an individual. Informal education has gained particular significance in the era of internationalisation. The article aims to analyse the specifics of organising informal education for students in the field of life safety against the backdrop of global internationalisation, based on the experience of foreign countries. The research identifies the primary forms of informal education, including single lectures, video lessons, online consultations, and communication tools. It has been established that informal education creates preconditions for self-realisation, acquisition of new knowledge, skills, and competencies, increased motivation, and professional competence. Mechanisms for crediting the results of informal learning to formal education have been provided. It has been found that the educational environment in the era of internationalisation involves academic mobility, active international relations, projects, research initiatives, and academic programs, as well as the integration of international, intercultural, and global dimensions into higher education goals. Policies and programs appropriate to implement in response to globalisation as a tool for maximising its opportunities have been identified. An analysis of the national internationalisation of informal education in life safety, consideration of its organisational strategies through the prism of target programs and personal motivation of higher education students has been conducted. It has been proven that informal education in life safety enhancement is flexible, not limited by time frames, and does not involve certain procedural formalities. It aims to improve students’ life activities, allowing them to actively socialise and enhance their socio-economic status.

Assessing Entrepreneurial Awareness, Interest, and Skill Development Approaches Among Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works Students in Technical Colleges of Adamawa State for Self-Employment

This study assessed entrepreneurial awareness, interest, and skill development approaches among EIMW students in GSTCs in Adamawa State for self-employment. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, targeting 217 respondents, including administrators, teachers, and students from three GSTCs in Adamawa State. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean statistics and ANOVA at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that EIMW students possess a moderate level of awareness of entrepreneurship, with many students lacking sufficient exposure to entrepreneurship concepts in their curriculum. The study also found a moderate level of interest in entrepreneurship among the students, with limited practical exposure contributing to a lack of enthusiasm for self-employment. Additionally, key strategies for entrepreneurial skill acquisition were identified, including providing rewards for innovation, aligning entrepreneurial content with market needs, and fostering creativity through institutional support. The study concludes that while students show potential for entrepreneurial success, more emphasis needs to be placed on entrepreneurial education and practical exposure. Recommendations include Government should organize entrepreneurship awareness campaign in all Government Technical Colleges in order to create more awareness among students in the Technical College.

Power Distribution Transformer Maintenance Skills Required byElectrical Engineering Technology Students ofPolytechnics inNorth-East Nigeria

Electric power distribution industry in North-East, Nigeria is faced with inadequate number of power transformer maintenance personnel which has led to numerous abandonment of broken down power transformers. Transformer faults have been blamed for many power outages of long duration in many towns and communities in North-East, Nigeria.It is against this backdrop that thisstudy determined the power distribution transformer maintenance skills required by Electrical Engineering Technology students of polytechnics in North-East Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study which employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 144 comprising of 135 Electrical Engineering Technology Lecturers, 3 Power Transformer Maintenance Technicians and 6 Electric Power Distribution Company-Based Supervisors. The entire population was used hence, there was no sampling. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled: Power Distribution Transformer Maintenance Skills Required Questionnaire (PDTMSRQ) developed by the researchers. The instrument was validated by three experts and a reliability of 0.74 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Mean statistic was used to answer the research questions while ANOVA was used to test the two null hypotheses of the study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the Electrical Engineering Technology students of polytechnics in North-East Nigeria required preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance skills. The study recommended the following: Lecturers should encourage the students’ skill acquisition process by exposing them to various maintenance activities in order for them to imbibe the different methods of power transformer maintenance; Students should be trained to recognize sounds and sights of faulty equipment in order to predict the parts or components that needed replacement or repairs.

Effects of Teachers’ Mathematics Training Skills acquisition on Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda

Background: This study investigates the effects of mathematics training for secondary school teachers on students' academic performance in mathematics in Rwanda, focusing on Karongi District. Teacher training is critical for enhancing teaching practices and improving student-learning outcomes. Despite various initiatives, reports indicate persistent challenges in teacher training effectiveness, affecting student performance. Methods: This research examined two objectives: evaluating the training skills mathematics teachers in Karongi District gain from these programs and assessing the academic performance in mathematics attributable to teacher training. A descriptive survey design was employed for the first two objectives, while a correlational design was used to assess the relationship between teacher training and student performance. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using SPSS version 30. The study targeted 484 individuals, including head teachers, deputy head teachers, district education officers, and mathematics teachers, selected through purposive and random sampling. Results and Discussion: Findings revealed that 93.7% of respondents agreed that training helps teachers in pedagogical preparation and content delivery, while 97.7% acknowledged increased student attendance and academic performance. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.498) was found between teacher training and student performance, with an R2 of 0.248. Conclusion: The study concludes that teacher training positively affects academic performance and recommends continuous support from stakeholders to enhance training initiatives.

Cooperative Learning Instructions and Student Skills Acquisition in Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Bugesera District

The researcher investigated the effect of cooperative learning instructions on student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. Specifically, this study identified the influence of group problem solving on student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda, determined the influence of collaborative problem solving on student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda, and established the relationship between the effect of cooperative learning instructions and student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. The study's target population consisted of 5800 participants from the Bugesera district, with a total sample of 375 respondents from Bugesera district schools. The researcher selected headteachers using purposive sampling approaches while selecting teachers and students using simple random methods, while the findings were analysed through SPSS version 21, and interpretations were made based on results given by respondents. To the first objective, results indicate that 74.9% strongly agreed and 19.4% agreed that group problem solving indicated the cooperative learning instructions ; 66.5% strongly agreed and 19.2% agreed that peer teaching indicated the cooperative learning instructions ; 60.6% strongly agreed and 23.1% agreed that collaborative problem solving indicated the cooperative learning instructions ; and 68.5% strongly agreed and agreed. 22.5% agreed that Jigsaw learning indicated the cooperative learning instructions, and 80.3% strongly agreed. 19.7% agreed that peer coaching and classroom action research indicate the cooperative learning instructions. To the second objective, the study indicates that 59.4% strongly agreed and 24.2% said that it allows them and their colleagues’ students to share different approaches and solutions to problems, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. 65.6% strongly agreed and 20.0% agreed that encouraging group members to teach each other; 74.1% strongly agreed and 19.4% agreed that it helps them and their colleagues’ students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios; and 75.5% strongly agreed and 20.3% agreed that different viewpoints lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. For the third objective The study found a strong positive relationship between group problem solving, critical thinking skills, and student participation in class discussions. Adjustments in group problem solving improved exam results in math, increased retention rates, and group problem solving. Peer teaching also positively impacted exam results in math, critical thinking skills, and group problem solving. Collaborative problem solving significantly impacted exam results in math, critical thinking skills, and attractiveness rates. The integration of homework over the internet has received less attention. Correlated since most of their level of significance was more than 0.05 in association with the student skills acquisition in mathematics in public secondary schools in Rwanda. The study recommends that cooperative learning in Rwanda improves secondary school students' mathematical skills by dividing students into small groups, defining learning objectives, encouraging active participation, and using technology. Regular monitoring and recognition of successes can enhance understanding and create a supportive learning environment.

A Study on Skills Acquisition Strategy for Improving Performance in Men’s Horizontal Bar

A Study on Skills Acquisition Strategy for Improving Performance in Men’s Horizontal Bar

Interventions for Remarried Families

Remarried families become widespread as a type of family that differs from first marriages both developmentally and structurally. Due to its developmental and structural differences, both the quality and continuity of this families emerge as areas that need to be studied. To offer effective interventions to remarried families, researchers and practitioners in the field of mental health should have access to knowledge on this subject. The literature on remarried families emphasizes biological, non-biological and co-parenting related issues. The expectations, knowledge and perceptions of both the married couple, the children and the surrounding social environment of the remarried family is another important issue. Communication, problem solving, and conflict management can be an important tool in strengthening relationships and preventing negative experiences for families established through remarriage. It is seen that the interventions that deal with the mentioned characteristics of families formed through remarriage are given in the form of group practices, adopting a preventive approach, supported by practices that point to skill acquisition in addition to providing information. Programs offered for families formed through remarriage share commonalities such as remarried family development, parenting skills, communication and problem-solving skills. The effectiveness of interventions for remarriage has been tested by various studies conducted since the late 1970s. While testing the effectiveness of such interventions, it is seen that different outcome variables such as family integrity, dyadic satisfaction, relationship quality, marital continuity, conflict level, stress level and behavioral disorders experienced by family members are considered. Research findings show that interventions for remarriage are effective.

Strategies for mitigating challenges facing the effective collaboration between technical colleges and industries for skill acquisition in motor vehicle mechanic works in Edo state, Nigeria

This study investigated the strategies for mitigating challenges facing collaboration between technical colleges and industries for skill acquisition in motor vehicle mechanic works in Edo State. Three research questions and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance were used. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with a population of 80 respondents, which comprised technical teachers and managers of automobile industries in Edo State. The entire population was adopted as the sample because it is of manageable size. A structured questionnaire with 17 items arranged in clusters was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach alpha coefficient formula was used test the reliability of the instrument and it yielded an overall coefficient of 0.85. The findings of the study revealed that collaboration between technical colleges and industries for skill acquisition is facing a lot of challenges, such as industry’s unwillingness to support students’ industrial work experience scheme, amongst others. Based on the findings, it was recommended, amongst others, that industries should establish school-based workshop as a strategies for improving collaboration between technical colleges and industries for skills acquisition.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of virtual reality and augmented reality in social skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

This paper examines the emerging role of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in providing immersive and personalized social skills training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By creating realistic and interactive environments, VR and AR offer novel approaches to address the social deficits characteristic of ASD, facilitating skill acquisition and generalization in a controlled and supportive setting. This study reviews recent advancements, challenges, and future directions in utilizing VR and AR as adjunctive tools in social skills interventions for individuals with ASD.

High-stakes Technical Performance Assessments Across the Continuum of Surgical Training.

The aim of this article to outline proposals for the use of high stakes technical performance assessments, defined as assessments of technical skill that take place outside of the operating theatre, across the continuum of surgical training. Technological advancements have allowed for the assessment of operative technical skill outside of the workplace environment, developed and evaluated in line with modern concepts of assessment validity. With the introduction of competency-based education principles across surgical training curricula, increasing scrutiny is being placed on the validity and reliability of assessments used to inform high-stakes training decisions regarding selection, progression through training, autonomy granting and end-of-training certification. The role of performance assessments, conducted outside of the workplace environment, is yet to be fully established. This article discusses the use of high-stakes performance assessments across the continuum of surgical training, with reference to relevant theories of surgical skill acquisition and assessment, along with contemporary evidence from the performance science literature. Assessments of increasing professional authenticity are required across the continuum of surgical training. In an attempt to capture inherent ability rather than skill at the time of trainee selection, assessments should be of deliberately low levels of professional authenticity. Assessment in early surgical training should focus on ensuring competence in core surgical skills, and then assessing for canonical competence across a series of commonly encountered procedures. Baseline competence in these procedures should ideally be assessed prior to the transition to (supervised) lead operator, with a view to ensuring patient safety and improving the efficiency of in-theatre training. Assessment later in training relies more heavily on the workplace, with simulation offering a complimentary role in ensuring a minimum competency standard in procedures less likely to be encountered in the workplace. High-stakes performance assessments can play an important role as part of a programmatic approach to surgical training and certification. They can and should be designed with an appropriate level of professional authenticity to ensure adequate and appropriate representation of the assessment construct.

Effort to Optimize Learning Physics at Integrated Islamic High School via a Physics based Ethnoscience Approach

The aim of community service program is to enhance the educational experience at the integrated Islamic high school (SMA IT Khairu Ummah) Rejang Lebong district by employing an ethnoscience approach. The service program is implemented in SMA IT Khairu Ummah to address challenges posed by inadequate learning facilities and infrastructure, particularly in physics education, which may impede the teaching and learning process. The implementation of community service initiatives in 2024 comprises four phases. The first phase encompasses observational efforts within schools to acquire a comprehensive picture of the educational environment. The second phase involves the socialization of service activities and coordination with school principal and educators, particularly those teaching physics. The third phase entailed instructing educators on the development of ethnoscience-focused educational resources. The last phase entails regular assessment and guidance involving two Mahasiswa Kampus Merdeka Belajar program and five physics lecturers to guarantee that the community service program positively influences the learning process. The findings indicate that the training positively enhances teacher competencies by implementing ethnoscience education that leverages the local community's cultural and traditional diversity, even amidst constraints of limited facilities and infrastructure. Physics teacher and students of SMA IT Khairu Ummah SMA IT have implemented an ethnoscience-based physics approach that is effective in enhancing students' comprehension of scientific processes and their acquisition of related skills.

Investigating the link between temperamental and motor development: a longitudinal study of infants aged 6–42 months

BackgroundSince the 1920s, motor development has been a strong research theme, focusing on infants' acquisition of motor skills, such as turning over and crawling. In the 1980s, a dynamic systems approach began emphasizing children's own motivation, which helped explain individual differences in the emergence of motor skills. However, few studies have examined factors contributing to individual differences in early motor development. In response, we investigated directional associations between temperament and motor development in children aged 6 months to 3 years.MethodThe Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS-A) recruited mothers between January 2011 and March 2014. 2,639 mothers were sent a questionnaire at 6 months, and responses were received from 1,657 of them, with full data for children aged 6 months, 2 years, and 3 years, including from three mothers of twins, were analyzed through structural equation modeling. Question items regarding fine and gross motor activities at each age were selected by pediatric neurologists specializing in developmental disorders. The Japanese version of the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire was administered at 42 months. Temperament was assessed through the parent-reported Behavior Questionnaire (short version) for infants, toddlers, and children. In all three measures, Surgency and Negative Affectivity were extracted, and Effortful Control, a major form of self-regulation, was found from toddlerhood onward, as in previous studies.ResultsA path diagram reveals that at 6 months, Surgency and Orienting/Regulation interacted positively with the motor function (respectively, r = .57; r = 40, ps < .001). Up to about 3 years, Effortful Control plays a role in facilitating the motor function, resulting in positive effects on Control During Movement (CDM), General Coordination (GC), and Fine Motor Movement (FMM) (β = 14; β = 30; β = 37, ps < .001). Surgency had a positive effect on CDM and GC (β = 18; β = 06, ps < .001), whereas Negative Affect had a negative influence on FMM and GC (β = -.08; β = -.08, ps < .001).ConclusionWhile Surgency may be a key reactive factor in early motor development, Effortful Control and Movement develop in an interactive manner.Trial registrationUMIN000030786.Scientific Title: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Date of disclosure of the study: 2018/01/15.Only questionnaires were administered in the study.

The Role and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in The Learning of English Writing Skills in Second Language Acquisition

In this era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its integration into English writing in Second Language Acquisition has long been a research hot spot of numerous scholars all over the world. However, previous studies generally focus on investigating and assessing its present applications instead of adopting a comprehensive view. To help fill the research gap, this study examines the current usage of AI in the learning of English writing, explores the problems and obstacles students encounter, and provides feasible solutions to its defects. The result indicates that apart from bringing multiple benefits to learners, AI has also generated various problems mostly characterized by declining creative learning, weakened social connection, and menaced confidential information. On account of the existing problems, this study propounds that there is an urgent need for improvement, including revolutionizing AI's internal mechanism, modifying the criteria for English writing evaluation, and installing more advanced systems for surveillance and individualized learning.

The influence of musical experience on laparoscopic surgical skill performance: an original investigation and literature review.

As the needs and curricula of surgical residencies evolve, recent studies have focused on identifying factors that may be related to faster and more efficient surgical skill acquisition, such as experience with playing video games, sports, and other dexterous activities. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between instrumental musical experience and laparoscopic surgical skill performance as well as to provide an overview of the available literature on this topic. A query from database inception to January 2023 of the PubMed database for literature discussing the association of musical experience and surgical skills was conducted. One hundred and twelve publications were sorted for relevance, yielding 16 included studies. The details of these studies were organized in a table and further analyzed. Study participants answered several questions regarding their personal instrumental musical experience and rotated through two minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills stations. Participants received a score for each station based on level of performance. Descriptive statistics as well as non-parametric analyses and Spearman's correlations were calculated when appropriate to determine any associations between musical experience and laparoscopic surgical skill performance. One hundred individuals participated in the study. Fifty-one of the participants indicated that they played at least one musical instrument, and twelve (9.0%) of these individuals played more than one instrument. There was no statistically significant difference or correlation in scores between individuals that played an instrument and those that did not (p > 0.05). Playing a greater number of instruments did not significantly correlate with increased performance (p > 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference or correlation in scores within the group that played instruments based on instrument type or number of years playing an instrument (p > 0.05). Experience playing musical instruments did not confer an advantage in MIS skills tested in the present study.

Exploring Language Proficiency: Dynamics of Acquiring Arabic Speaking Skills from Stephen Krashen's Perspective At Islamic Universities

Understanding the dynamics of acquiring Arabic speaking skills is crucial in the context of Islamic universities, where language proficiency is integral to academic success and personal development. This study aims to explore the process of acquiring Arabic speaking skills from Stephen Krashen's perspective at two undisclosed Islamic universities in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study design, the research employs interviews with lecturers and students as the primary data collection technique. The analysis is conducted descriptively, involving stages of data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that Arabic speaking skills are acquired through two main approaches. Within the classroom, intensive learning is facilitated through a direct method emphasizing language practice, supported by a curriculum focused on daily themes and language reinforcement programs. Outside the classroom, students engage in active communication in Arabic in various environments, such as dormitories, mosques, and cafeterias, while participating in activities that support language acquisition. These factors, combined with student motivation and a conducive learning environment, significantly contribute to the acquisition of Arabic speaking skills. The study concludes that the different learning approaches at the two universities effectively enhance students' Arabic speaking proficiency. Key factors contributing to successful language learning include the presence of Arabic language environments, appropriate curricula, active learning methods, individual motivation, and practical experiences outside the classroom, such as internships or student exchange programs. The research suggests that educators and students should focus on creating immersive language environments and incorporating practical experiences to maximize language acquisition.