Alternative Learning Research Articles

TEACHING PERFORMANCE OF ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM MOBILE TEACHERS ASSIGNED IN DAVAO CITY COMMUNITY: METHODS AND STRATEGIES IN FOCUS

This study aims to discover the teaching performance of the Alternative Learning System Teachers assigned in Davao City community whose teaching methods and strategies are in focus. This study would somehow trace the significant role of ALS teachers in the institution as they communicate knowledge in a specific subject, help students grow to the fullest, develop a proper attitude, and unfold their personality. This notion of teachers is deemed universal and consistent all over the world. This study may help to develop different pedagogies and relationships between ALS teachers and to enhance teacher’s competence; achieving school goals to teachers performance in selected ALS schools in Davao City. This may also serve as the basis for improvement. Moreover, in the Philippine context, the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers and the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers specifically mandate educators to be equipped with technical and professional competence and possess dignity and reputation with high moral values. In other words, high standards are set for ALS teachers. According to American Educational Research Association (1999) unspoken pressure for them to continually put their best foot forward and maintain a dignified image in society. The criteria for selecting participants were specified and appropriate for this case study. The primary population for this case study originated from the Alternative Learning System teachers. The participants for this study were purposefully selected because, selecting the right participants and building working relationships with them can make or break a qualitative study. KEYWORDS: teaching performance, teachers, methods, strategies, alternative learning

Flashcards Based Learning Model in Learning German Vocabulary

<p><em>In today's era, especially after the pandemic, the education sector in every school is being revitalized. The author observes that in the refreshment of education, particularly for learners, there is a need for a better or enhanced learning medium during instruction. The author wants to specifically highlight other useful and alternative options of the learning medium and prove that it is possible to reintroduce old and engaging learning materials in every foreign language class. Especially, the focus is on the learning medium of flashcards.</em><em> </em><em>The author conducts this scientific writing through theoretical research and exploration from various journals, theses, and online sources. In summary, the author can conclude that it is possible to refresh the learning materials with new styles or forms, which could provide diverse new or alternative learning opportunities. Not least, it is also possible, particularly in German language instruction, to preserve or enable practical and easy language acquisition for learners using flashcards.</em></p>

Predicting consumers’ garment fit satisfactions by using machine learning

Abstract The objectives of this study were to apply alternative machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict consumers’ garment fit satisfactions (real fit satisfaction [RFS]) and compare the efficiencies of these algorithms to predict RFS. Skirts made from different fabrics were used as test garments. Mechanical properties of the skirts’ fabrics were assigned as predictor variables to estimate RFS. Study participants’ virtual body models were created by using 3D body scanner and used for virtual fitting. Each participant physically tried on the skirts and evaluated the fit. Participants also viewed the skirt simulations on their avatars and evaluated the virtual fit, which represented participants’ virtual fit satisfactions (VFS). Random Forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and conditional tree (CT) algorithms were used to learn from the data to predict participants’ RFSs. The mean correlations between the predicted and observed RFS values in the validation sets were 0.74 (RF), 0.70 (SVM-linear kernel), 0.72 (SVM-radial kernel), and 0.55 (CT). According to the variable importance analysis, VFS had the highest importance among 35 predictor variables. ML is used mostly for sales forecasting and manufacturing purposes in the fashion industry. However, garment fit, which restrains consumers from shopping online, did not get enough attention in ML studies. Besides, the ML algorithms used in fashion and apparel studies are often genetic algorithms and neural networks; therefore, there is a need to test other algorithm types. In this study, we offered alternative ML algorithms (i.e., RF, SVM, and CT) to predict consumers’ garment fit satisfactions.

Madrasah Education Quality Reform: Improving Teacher Quality post Pandemic in Indonesia

Indonesia has launched a reform agenda for the quality of madrasah education through the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, especially in terms of improving the quality of madrasah teachers as part of the sustainable development carried out by the government in the field of education. Therefore, this research aims to highlight the factors underlying the reform agenda on teacher quality. In addition, how madrasahs take the momentum of the end of the pandemic as a turning point to make comprehensive improvements. This research uses a qualitative research paradigm with a literature approach, where data is collected from the study of various literature related to the topic of discussion. The data is then verified and analyzed systematically to be presented in a structured manner. The results show that there are at least three main factors that encourage madrasahs to reform the quality of teachers related to aspects of digitalization, adaptation, and creativity. These three aspects are the core competencies that are relevant for madrasah teachers to face various situations today. The digitalization aspect departs from teachers' low teaching technology skills when implementing online classes and using various alternative learning technologies. The adaptive aspect is how the teacher's ability to respond to uncertain changes, where the rapid transition of situations requires teachers' attitude and ability to adapt to various situations. The creativity aspect for teachers is the ability of teaching art that is needed for teachers to create a pleasant learning atmosphere for students both during online and offline learning.

Students’ Motivation and Academic Engagement in Alternative Learning System

Examining the factors that might have led students to continue the ALS program in spite of the difficulties they encountered is worth noting. This study sought to determine the level of motivation of ALS students in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic, the extent of academic engagement of ALS students in terms of timeliness of submission and quality of the output, and the significant relationship between the level of motivation and academic engagement. This was conducted among the one hundred fifteen (115) respondents from the ten (10) ALS Community Learning Centers (CLC) in West II District, Gingoog City, for the School Year 2022-2023. A researcher-made questionnaire, which was pilot-tested to establish internal consistency and reliability, was used. The study utilized statistical measures such as the mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) to determine the significant relationship between academic engagement and motivation level. Because it directly benefits them and they inspire others to be ambitious and competitive, the study discovered that the respondents had very high levels of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The respondents' high levels of academic engagement were also shown by the results, indicating a significant correlation between academic engagement and motivation. It is concluded that the students have strong internal fulfillment and willingness to engage in learning activities driven by external goals. Continuous guidance and inspiration from the learning facilitator are recommended.

The COVID-pandemic and specialist training in Head and Neck oncology: A Survey among Physicians

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the healthcare system and medical education. In this publication, the influence of the pandemic on the education of physicians active in Head and Neck oncology was examined using a survey. A survey comprising 53 questions was conducted to gather data on work settings, daily activities, team events, and educational aspects during the pandemic. A total of 497 oncologists participated, including 131 individuals working in the field of Head and Neck oncology. This subgroup consisted of 99 (75.6%) radiation oncologists, 10 (7.6%) maxillofacial specialists, and 22 (16.8%) otolaryngologists. Nearly half of the participants reported experiencing increased clinical burden, which resulted in reduced engagement in scientific activities. Digital platforms became the predominant mode of continuing education, albeit with reduced accessibility. The pandemic significantly impacted clinical training that involved direct patient interaction. On the other hand, positive effects were observed in terms of cost and availability for external educational events such as conferences. The findings highlight the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of medical education. While digitalization has accelerated in response, many physicians expressed a lack of professional interaction. Developing alternative digital learning platforms can provide a means to better cope with similar situations in the future. However, the importance of personal contact with colleagues and supervisors should not be overlooked when considering the quality of teaching.

Penerapan Model Case Based Learning (CBL) Dalam Pembelajaran Menulis Teks Negosiasi Pada Peserta Didik Kelas X SMK Mataram Semarang Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024

In the latest curriculum, Indonesian language learning is oriented towards text-based learning. Therefore, students are invited to be able to produce various types of texts according to the material taught. The purpose of this study is to describe the application of the case-based learning model in the case-based learning (CBL) learning model in the Indonesian language subject of writing negotiation texts for class X students at SMK Mataram Semarang in the 2023/2024 academic year, the method used is descriptive qualitative method. This research focuses on the differences after the application of the case-based learning (CBL) model by using observation data, interviews with educators and students and documentation. As for data analysis techniques using descriptive by displaying the results of observations, the results of interviews with educators and students, student learning outcomes in the form of writing results and documentation such as learning documentation based on the steps in the application of the case-based learning (CBL) model and several other supporters. The results obtained after the application of this learning model are that students can have scores above the KKM and can also write independently the negotiation text that has been made in accordance with the linguistic rules.The conclusion based on the results of this study is that the application of the case base learning (CBL) model in class X Boga 1 SMK Mataram Semarang in the 2023/2024 academic year can be applied as an effective learning model to make students in writing negotiation text. In addition, this application can also add alternative learning for educators.

PEMANFAATAN KAMERA LUBANG JARUM PADA PEMBELAJARAN SENI BUDAYA BAGI SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR: IMPLEMENTASI KETERAMPILAN ABAD 21

This article aims to present the results of a study on the utilization of pinhole camera as an alternative media of learning to implement 21st century skills in arts and culture learning in the primary schools through-the activities of making cameras, decorating cameras, taking pictures, and presenting pictures. Literature review is carried out to collect information on 21st century skills and the utilization of pinhole camera in the process of learning arts and culture in primary schools. The discussion puts forward students’ activities in the process of making pinhole camera, using the camera, and doing collaboration with other learning subjects. The result of the study comes up with the ideas of creating alternative learning materials and media through the utilization of pinhole camera which enables teachers to design contented and meaningful learning for students. Subsequently, this may remarkably substantiate the implementation of 21st century skills at schools in actual practices of problem solving, developing creativity, collaboration, and communication, to successfully achieve the learning objectives.

Moving from Conventional to Online Instruction: Students’ Perspectives from the Global COVID-19 Lockdown

The effects of COVID-19 caused (and is still causing) incomparable disruption to higher education everywhere although it has improved in 2021 to some extent with students now returning (or returned) to campuses. In 2020 somewhere around February, in a matter of days or weeks, campuses around the world went quiet as countries were locked down to contain the spread of the virus. Universities had to develop quick and innovative responses that would enable them to continue to offer teaching and learning when staff and/or students did not have access to a physical campus. An immediate, practical challenge for campus universities was to mobilize and assist teachers in designing and implementing alternative assessment models and scale learning support for specific units that did not rely on face-to-face presentations. This study examined the digital devices students use to access online lectures, the perceived benefits they gained, and the challenges they faced during the lockdown when they had to resort to distance learning during the global lockdown. A non-experimental descriptive design was chosen in which a number of undergraduate and graduate students were randomly selected to participate in the study. A sample size of 260 students was drawn with a simple random sample in which the subjects responded to a carefully designed structured instrument. It was found that there was no correlation between the use of technology for online teaching and the challenges they faced during the period. It was also found that students gained experience attending online lectures during the pandemic. There was an overwhelming response of motivation for students to engage in online lectures. Students were happy with the student-teacher interactions as they affirmed there was enough time given by instructors for them to ask questions or sought clarifications on issues that were not clear to them. In a sharp contrast, it emerged that there were some difficulties going online as compared to face-to-face instruction. They indicated again that there was frustration and lack of interest in learning while being locked down. Conversely, there was lack of direct face-to-face contact with lecturers which respondents deemed was quite frustrating.

What It Takes to Teach in a Fully Online Learning Environment: Provisional Views from a Developing Country

Teachers and teaching play a critical role in the success of the online learning space. However, information about the specific strategies they employ in navigating this alternative learning space and the challenges they face remains limited. Thus, the present study was undertaken to obtain a clearer picture of teachers’ online instructional delivery and dig deeper into their difficulties for possible intervention. This study involved 17 teachers from nine higher education institutions in the Philippines. Using a descriptive case approach, overall data indicated that they promoted flexibility and interaction, facilitated learning processes, and fostered an affective learning climate as much as they could. However, these teachers faced several challenges related to technological sufficiency, learner-related factors, teaching delivery and assessment, technological complexity, and self-regulation, among others. Their varying experience was linked to their unique context brought about by several factors, namely available tools, institutional policies, pedagogical goals, and learner-related factors. Implications for classroom practices, policy-making, teacher training, and future research are discussed.

A collaborative siege method of multiple unmanned vehicles based on reinforcement learning

A method based on multi-agent reinforcement learning is proposed to tackle the challenges to capture escaping Target by Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). Initially, this study introduces environment and motion models tailored for cooperative UGV capture, along with clearly defined success criteria for direct capture. An attention mechanism integrated into the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) is leveraged, directing focus towards pivotal state features pertinent to the task while effectively managing less relevant aspects. This allows capturing agents to concentrate on the whereabouts and activities of the target agent, thereby enhancing coordination and collaboration during pursuit. This focus on the target agent aids in refining the capture process and ensures precise estimation of value functions. The reduction in superfluous activities and unproductive scenarios amplifies efficiency and robustness. Furthermore, the attention weights dynamically adapt to environmental shifts. To address constrained incentives arising in scenarios with multiple vehicles capturing targets, the study introduces a revamped reward system. It divides the reward function into individual and cooperative components, thereby optimizing both global and localized incentives. By facilitating cooperative collaboration among capturing UGVs, this approach curtails the action space of the target UGV, leading to successful capture outcomes. The proposed technique demonstrates enhanced capture success compared to previous SAC algorithms. Simulation trials and comparisons with alternative learning methodologies validate the effectiveness of the algorithm and the design approach of the reward function.

Development of Anti-Radical Comics Electronic Media Based on Local Wisdom (Mekar-Bekal)

This research is motivated by as education develops, the challenges of the government and educators are also getting bigger to protect their students from the infiltration of wrong teachings or ideas about religious understanding, which in the end will lead to radicalism that triggers the emergence of radical movements among students. Facing the signs of intellectual degradation and the latest curriculum changes, there are several things that need to be followed up. The purpose of this research is to develop comics as an alternative learning media to counter radicalism. The research method used is research and development with qualitative and quantitative approaches. The resulting product is in the form of e-comic as a learning medium to strengthen the profile of Pancasila students The results show that the development of e-comic as a Civics learning medium on basic norms that apply in social life to realize justice has passed through four stages of development, namely needs analysis, product design, media production, validation and analysis, while for the product revision stage, testing product trial and final analysis and revision is done. The validation and analysis phase includes validation by material experts, media experts and MTs as resource persons. Eligibility of Civics e-comic In KD the norms that apply in social life to realize justice, in terms of material aspects, language, presentation, media effects on learning strategies and overall appearance. The results of the assessments from material experts, media experts and Civics teachers on all measured aspects stated the results of the assessment in the categories of Very Good and Decent.

Development of a Science Learning Module using the Guided Discovery Method to Increase Learning Independence and Scientific Literacy Ability

Science and technology are developing very quickly in the 21st century, especially in the field of education. Students need to be prepared to face these changes by having independent scientific literacy skills and skills that help them use technology. The findings from the 2015 PISA test are proof of the importance of scientific literacy in science learning. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility of the module, the effectiveness of the module, the profile of students' scientific literacy skills and learning independence after using the module and the differences in learning independence and scientific literacy before and after using the guided discovery-based module. This research uses research and development (R&D) methods modified from Borg & Gall in Sugiyono. The N-gain test is used to determine the effectiveness of the product, and descriptive data analysis is used to assess the feasibility and profile of students' scientific literacy abilities and learning independence. Differences in students' independence and scientific literacy abilities were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis H test. The research results show that (1) the guided discovery-based module developed meets the content, presentation and language criteria very well; (2) The N-gain value with the criteria is experiencing an increase, in accordance with the results of the assessment of scientific literacy and student learning independence; (3) The profile of students' scientific literacy abilities which includes science context, competence and knowledge has moderate/good criteria; (4) The level of learning independence after using the module is at high criteria; (5) Students who use guided discovery-based modules can increase their scientific literacy and learning independence, but not at the same level as students who use traditional learning methods. This shows that the use of guided discovery-based modules developed as an alternative learning resource for science lessons regarding the water cycle is feasible to use

The Project-Based Learning Model for Javanese Language in Kurikulum Merdeka

The purpose of this research is to present the implementation of a project-based learning model in Javanese language subjects. Descriptive qualitative method is used as the procedural steps in this research. Data in the research are collected through interview techniques, observations, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is Miles and Huberman's, which involves the steps of 1) data collection, 2) data reduction, 3) data presentation, and 4) data conclusion. Informants include the school principal, teachers, and students. The results of this research show that the project-based learning model is implemented for the wayang (traditional Javanese puppet) material. The findings indicate that the Project-Based Learning Model is very suitable as an alternative Javanese language learning model in the Merdeka Curriculum. This Project-Based Learning Model for Javanese language is implemented by preparing students of class VII F, arranging activity schedules, supervising the implementation, assessing students, and conducting evaluations.

A Transfer Learning-Enhanced Generative Adversarial Network for Downscaling Sea Surface Height through Heterogeneous Data Fusion

In recent decades, satellites have played a pivotal role in observing ocean dynamics, providing diverse datasets with varying spatial resolutions. Notably, within these datasets, sea surface height (SSH) data typically exhibit low resolution, while sea surface temperature (SST) data have significantly higher resolution. This study introduces a Transfer Learning-enhanced Generative Adversarial Network (TLGAN) for reconstructing high-resolution SSH fields through the fusion of heterogeneous SST data. In contrast to alternative deep learning approaches that involve directly stacking SSH and SST data as input channels in neural networks, our methodology utilizes bifurcated blocks comprising Residual Dense Module and Residual Feature Distillation Module to extract features from SSH and SST data, respectively. A pixelshuffle module-based upscaling block is then concatenated to map these features into a common latent space. Employing a hybrid strategy involving adversarial training and transfer learning, we overcome the limitation that SST and SSH data should share the same time dimension and achieve significant resolution enhancement in SSH reconstruction. Experimental results demonstrate that, when compared to interpolation method, TLGAN effectively reduces reconstruction errors and fusing SST data could significantly enhance in generating more realistic and physically plausible results.

Comparison of Prediction Effectiveness in Deep Learning Perspective of China’s Data Finance

The study has developed a financial time series forecasting model, the Transformer-Encoder model, which utilizes the attention mechanism. This model has been applied to predict the closing price of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) index, a reliable indicator of financial trends. Furthermore, the study has conducted a comparative analysis, evaluating the performance of our model against other deep learning models, machine learning models, and traditional time series data forecasting models across short, medium, and long-term forecasting periods. Our study has yielded the following key findings: Firstly, the Transformer-Encoder model, leveraging the attention mechanism, demonstrates strong performance in predicting closing prices across short, medium, and long-term periods. This indicates the model’s viability in handling non-stationary financial data and its potential as a forecasting tool applicable to time series prediction problems within the economic sphere. Secondly, compared to alternative deep learning models, machine learning models, and traditional time series data forecasting models, our proposed model consistently outperforms them.

Job Motivation and Satisfaction towards Teaching Performance among Alternative Learning System (ALS) Teachers

Job Motivation and Satisfaction towards Teaching Performance among Alternative Learning System (ALS) Teachers

Calling All Coyotes: An On-Call Model for Student-Run Free Clinics

To mitigate transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the pandemic, many ambulatory healthcare practices were either deferred or temporarily discontinued. Concern surrounding exposure risk to the virus has also deterred patients from seeking elective or preventative care. Similarly, medical schools were forced to rapidly adapt and develop protocols to protect students that suspended direct patient contact, especially if this experience was deemed elective to their primary academic requirements. At the intersection of these challenges to providing safe patient care and didactic training for students were student-run free clinics. The Coyote Clinic is a medical student-run clinic affiliated with the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and Avera Medical Group Health Care Clinic that provides free, basic healthcare services and screening to uninsured community members of the greater Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. On the heels of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a decreased patient volume forced multiple instances of closures at the Coyote Clinic. In an effort to catalyze the return of patients to the clinic and enhance the educational enrichment for the student volunteers, a novel on-call workflow was devised that prioritizes walk-in patients. This on-call model is more attractive to attending physician volunteers and offers an alternative learning avenue for trainees. Here, we describe the new model we have implemented at the Coyote Clinic for other student-run free clinics that may be facing similar barriers in re-establishing themselves in their communities.

Improving students' creative thinking in biology learning through Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom

Implementing the Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom has not yet been carried out to improve creative thinking skills in biology learning. This study aims to determine the effect of the Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom model on students' creative thinking skills in biology learning. This study is a mixed method. The research design used was a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design. The research sample comprised 72 class X students at SMAN 9 Malang, East Java, Indonesia. They were divided into one experimental class and one control class. The Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom was taught in the experimental class, while the TPS model was taught in the control class. Quantitative data was collected through pretest and posttest using essay question that refer to creative thinking indicators: curiosity, fluency, originality, elaboration, flexibility, divergent, messiness/risk taking and with others. This essay's questions have previously been tested to show valid and reliable results because Cronbach's alpha value is 0.778. Qualitative data is used together with quantitative data from the results of student answers. Analysis was carried out using the ANCOVA test with a significance level of 5%, then continued with the LSD test. Data is also explained qualitatively from the results of student answers. The study results show that the Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom model affects students' creative thinking skills. This is proven by a significance value of 0.00<0.05. Therefore, the Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom can be used as an alternative learning model to improve students' creative thinking in biology learning. Implementing the Remap-TPS integrated flipped classroom requires adapting learning instruments and tools to the learning model used and the skills measured to improve learning activities, especially in improving students' creative thinking skills.

Milli Eğitim Yönetiminde Eğitim Politikası Analiz Sürecini Uygulamaya Dönüştürme

Summary Limitations on developing real knowledge about the education system and its performance minimize the lack of potential resources in policy development. This type of information also forms the basis for achieving consensus. Understanding the problems in the education system, developing the sharing and finding a strategy for it is a critical process in reaching the foundation. Because such consensus is a key to encouraging synergetic action and cooperation by many segments that typically play a role in parts of implementation policies in the education system. To illustrate the difficulty of achieving consensus in the absence of good analytical work, we have to say that it is the best in policy discussions with priority views on the weaknesses and strengths of the education system, and how its performance should best be improved. As a result, it is not a surprise to see the political discussions at an impasse. Because it is difficult to assess the pros and cons of options only on the basis of theoretical arguments. For example, someone might argue that multilevel learning is pedagogically weak. But someone else also claims that equal-level learning can be quite effective. Because in this, each student devotes more time independently and makes the demands on teachers to teach the diversity of students' learning styles more obvious. It is not possible to emphasize the validity of any assessment of the effectiveness of multiple learning without empirical evidence to compare learning outcomes under the alternative learning arrangement. Of course, analytical work does not consist of discussion alone. But it helps those who shed light on the thoughts in reaching that conclusion. Key Words: National Education, Education Management, Education Policy, Analysis Process