Authentic Environment Research Articles

Communication, Trust and Imagination. Ways to Understand the Relationship between Director and Actor

Imagination is the essence of creativity in both theatre and film, but it manifests itself differently in these two arts. In theatre, the audience actively participates in creating the world of the play. The stage is a canvas where imagination fills in the gaps. Cinema, on the other hand, often strives for hyperrealism. The camera captures actual locations, detailed sets, and authentic environments. The space becomes an integral part of storytelling. The cinema screen is perceived as a window through which the audience has access to a real world that is not limited to what is seen in the frame – it continues to exist beyond what is accessible. Imagination not only shapes our perception and reactions in everyday life but is also the driving force behind acting and directing. Furthermore, the viewer’s perception is inherently subjective, making this subjectivity a part of the creative process. Thus, the means of communication become the essence, creating distinct relationships and communication bridges. In the crews of both film and theatre, the most important and challenging relationship is probably the one between director and actor. This collaboration is based on mutual trust, imagination, empathy, and openness. The authenticity of the performance and the ability to reveal the depth of the character are essential, with the actor’s mental processes playing a crucial role in achieving this goal – primarily under the director’s guidance. Throughout this essay, I explore this relationship.

Optimising Healthcare Education with Design-Based Theory

Introduction In complex, and socially dynamic educational systems, traditional research methodologies often fail to connect with everyday practice, creating a need for “usable knowledge” when solving individual and collective education problems (Design-Based Research Collective, 2003). Traditional methods are effective, but do not necessarily uncover the nature of changes to student thinking during an education experience. With this, Design-Based Research (DBR) is a proposed solution that emerges as a pivotal methodology in educational research, as it aims to integrate theories of learning with practical experiences. Seen as a systematic yet adaptable approach, DBR integrates iterative cycles of analysis, design, and evaluation in collaboration with researchers and practitioners within authentic educational settings, (Harrington, 2012; Wang & Hannafin, 2005). This (poster) presentation will describe how DBR was utilised to create a learning environment to improve learning experiences within healthcare education. An analysis of the problem highlighted that healthcare students experienced high levels of anxiety during high-fidelity simulation when asked to perform and treat simulation manikins (Aiello et al., 2023). In part, the main issues relate to a lack of environmental authenticity, resulting in under-stimulation and performance anxiety resulting in over-stimulation. This relates to the Yerkes Dodson stress performance curve and suggests that too little or too much arousal results in poor performance (Yerkes, 1908). The hypothesis therefore was to design a solution for peak performance by increasing environmental authenticity and managing anxiety. Method The hypothesis is conceptualised as a ‘design solution’ rather than an intervention. To provide an authentic learning experience virtual reality environments were developed, and to aid performance anxiety, the centering technique was used. Centering is a visualisation technique that teaches participants to focus on the here and now, reduce negative thoughts, and lower anxiety. Virtual reality scenarios were provided prior to each simulation and included a ward-based environment (nurse students) and a rescue helicopter (paramedic students). The study involved 35 Master of Nursing Science, Entry to Practice student nurses at the University of Melbourne and 33 Bachelor of Health Science, Paramedicine students at Auckland University of Technology and industry experts within nurse and paramedic education. All data was collected for each cohort iteratively in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate and develop the design. Data collection included using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory as a pre-test baseline to measure general and long-standing anxiety for each participant. Within-test heart rates was recorded on a Polar H10 chest strap to measure an objective physiological response to stress. Post-test participants completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory–2R after each simulation to understand subjective anxiety and several focus groups were completed to gain further insight into experiences and perspectives. Discussion and Conclusion This presentation outlines the design characteristics used to support student learning within healthcare education settings. Design-Based Research offers a robust framework to develop and refine educational practices through iterative design and implementation cycles. Early results suggest that both virtual reality and the centering technique impact healthcare learning and the implementation of this approach could lead to long-term resilience and build confidence that maximises potential.

Higher Education Students’ Experiences of Game-Based Learning - Fostering and Hampering Aspects in Virtual Teamwork

The application of digital game-based learning (GBL) methods has lately received more attention in higher education (HE). An extensive body of previous investigations has recognised the potential of instructional games to advance the learning of appropriate work life skills. However, there seems to be a lack of understanding in the current literature regarding the students’ views towards meaningful ways to collaborate in virtual teams during educational activities. The current study is contextualised by a business simulation game and examines university students' experiences through working collaboratively in multi-site teams. In that context, the focus is on the fostering and hampering aspects of virtual collaboration as experienced by the students during the simulation sessions. The study was executed among 66 undergraduate university students in Finland. The data were collected from the students' reflection papers and were then analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. The evidence shows that students experienced fostering and hampering aspects in relation to communication, collaboration, organising, and technology during the simulated sessions. As these are all very typical to modern distributed collaborative work, we may conclude that the GBL course presented in this study provided students with opportunities to experience and rehearse collaborative virtual teamwork in an authentic work context. Our findings highlight the importance of allowing students to practice 21st century skills in an authentic, safe and stimulating environment. Simulation games provide a feasible context for doing so.

A study between aesthetic and functional design with respect to restaurant with Wabi Sabi style

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, transience, and simplicity. In restaurant design, it involves balancing aesthetics with functionality to create a unique and memorable dining experience. This research focuses on the combination of aesthetics and functionality in wabi-sabi inspired restaurants. Wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic emphasizing imperfection, simplicity, and transience, is increasingly popular in modern interior design. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. It finds beauty in the natural world, aging, and the inevitable passage of time. Embracing flaws, irregularities, and asymmetries, wabi-sabi acknowledges the temporary nature of things and appreciates the understated and unadorned. This philosophy encourages us to slow down, Savor the moment, and find joy in the simple things. The study explores how wabi-sabi principles can be applied to create visually appealing and practical restaurant spaces. The research begins by defining wabi-sabi and its key characteristics. It then examines the aesthetic aspects of wabi-sabi restaurant design, including the use of natural materials, imperfect textures, minimalist colour palettes, organic shapes, and negative space. Additionally, the functional aspects of wabi-sabi design, such as comfort, efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability, are discussed. The study explores how wabi-sabi principles can be integrated into restaurant design to create a harmonious and authentic environment. It also examines the impact of wabi-sabi design on the customer experience and the restaurant's brand identity. To illustrate the application of wabi-sabi principles in restaurant design, the study presents case studies of successful wabi-sabi inspired restaurants. These case studies provide concrete examples of how designers have effectively combined aesthetic and functional elements to create unique and memorable dining experiences.

Wireless programmable patterns of electro-hydraulic haptic electronic skins able to create surface morphology

Haptic feedback technology represents a frontier with revolutionary potential, particularly in virtual and augmented reality. Skin, as an underexplored sensory interface, holds tremendous potential to significantly enrich our perceptual experiences while directly impacting the fields of communication, entertainment, and medicine. This article presents a programmable, ultra-lightweight, and ultra-thin wireless wearable haptic electronic skin that achieves rapid response and large mechanical feedback force and deformation displacement output. The electronic skin comprises a series of haptic electro-hydraulic actuators, each with the weight of 0.023 g and the thickness of 199 μm. Each actuator can be independently regulated and produce a maximum normal force of 150 mN and a normal displacement of 0.58 mm, simultaneously achieving the haptic presentation of textures. Relying on a portable multi-channel control circuit system designed, each electro-hydraulic actuator of the haptic electronic skin can be precisely control to achieve various haptic patterns. Showcasing its potentials, the haptic technology aids visual-impaired individuals in reading books, provides ground navigation instructions, and enhances gaming experiences, contributing to a more immersive and authentic artificial intelligence environment.

Viewing Medical Education Through the Lens of Second Language Acquisition.

The domains of second language learning and medical learning, although different in many ways, share several commonalities. In both, there is an element of declarative learning, such as memorizing terms and rules and understanding schema. However, both domains also classically include immersive learning in authentic environments with experts (fluent speakers in language, experienced clinicians in medicine) as a means to achieve mastery. Physician assistant (PA) educators may benefit from considering these commonalities and how they may apply to their own educational practices. Several hypotheses from Stephen Krashen's monitor model of second language acquisition (acquisition-learning distinction, the monitor hypothesis, affective filter) are presented with parallels to PA education. As the study of a second language is a common experience within the United States, explicit discussion of the similarities between language and medical learning may be a tool that PA educators can use particularly to help learners as they transition from didactic to clinical learning.

Interpersonal Skills And Cooperative Learning In Psychology Students Of A Private University In Guayaquil, 2023

The objective of this document is to propose a training plan based on the development of interpersonal skills with the aim of fostering cooperative learning among psychology students at a private university in Guayaquil in 2023. The research was conducted using a non-experimental design, which entailed observing and evaluating the variables or phenomena under investigation without any manipulation. The research findings indicate that inter-institutional alliances facilitate the expansion and enhancement of future psychologists' and professionals' competencies, offering them experiential learning opportunities in authentic work environments. The provision of internships in companies that offer training in this regard will be pivotal in complementing the academic training of students and better preparing them to address the issues they would encounter in professional practice. In this way, the university will not only fulfill its obligation to train competent professionals but will also become an agent of constructive social change.

Improving foreign language reading technique using neural text-to-speech technology

Introduction. The intensification and technical development of the country, the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-crisis phase have led to the active integration of digital resources into the educational process, which has led to a new stage of development of the modern Russian education system – its digitalization. At present, new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence technologies, are being developed and introduced into the teaching of foreign languages. This article considers the use of text-to-speech technology functioning via neural networks to improve the reading technique in English and German of students of linguistic and non-linguistic specialties. Reading skills in a foreign language can be improved with the help of Natural Reader and TTSFree speech synthesizers, which students can use on their own. Due to application of the new FES HVE (Federal Educational Standards of Higher Vocational Education) of 2018 the volume of classroom work with students has decreased and the volume of independent work of students and students number in educational groups have increased, according to this matter the practical use of speech synthesizers in a foreign language classes seems relevant and important. Materials and Methods. Conducting an experiment to determine the effectiveness of the use of Natural Reader and TTSFree speech synthesizers to improve reading skills of linguistic and non-linguistic specialties students, calculating the number of phonetic errors when reading a foreign text before and after using of the voice generator, summarizing and interpreting the results obtained. Results. The list of publications studied in the process of scientific research makes 40 Russian and foreign works. These materials allowed to study the application of TTS technology with the use of neural networks, as well as Natural Reader and TTSFree speech synthesizers in foreign language classes at the university, which allowed to prove in practice the effectiveness of the analyzed services to improve the reading technique in English and German. Discussion and Conclusions. On the basis of theoretical research of scientific sources, as well as studying the experience of practical application of speech synthesizers Natural Reader and TTSFree, the conclusion about the great didactic potential of TTS technology is formulated. Possible applications of speech synthesis include the creation of an authentic language environment, the automation of reading, listening and speaking skills, as well as the self-control of students with their written language, voiced by TTS technology.

Mutual Relationships of Nanoconfined Hexoses: Impacts on Hydrodynamic Radius and Anomeric Ratios.

Although all hexose sugars share the same chemical formula, C6H12O6, subtle differences in their stereochemical structures lead to their various biological roles. Due to their prominent role in metabolism, hexose sugars are commonly found in nanoconfined environments. The complexity of authentic nanoconfined biological environments makes it challenging to study how confinement affects their behavior. Here, we present a study using a common model system, AOT reverse micelles, to study hexose sugars in nanoconfinement. We examine how reverse micelles affect the hexoses, how the hexoses affect reverse micelle formation, and the differences between specific hexoses: glucose, mannose, and galactose. We find that addition of glucose, mannose or galactose to reverse micelles that already contain water leaves their size smaller or nearly unchanged. Introducing aqueous hexose solution yields reverse micelles smaller than those prepared with the same volume of water. We use 1H NMR to show how the nanoconfined environment impacts hexose sugars' anomeric ratios. Nanoconfined mannose and galactose display smaller changes in their anomeric ratios compared to glucose. These conclusions may provide insights about the biological roles of each hexose when studied under a more authentic nanoconfined system.

Enhancing English Language Proficiency through Online Games: Younger Learners from Marrakech as a Case Study

In this globalized and digitally transformed era, English language proficiency has become a crucial skill, serving as a gateway to international communication, educational opportunities and career advancement. This study explores the connection between online games and English language acquisition, specifically in the Moroccan context. It also highlights how the integration of technology and interactive gaming methodologies has shaped language learning. Various online games and platforms, such as Minecraft, Among Us, Fortnite, Roblox, and many more online interactive games, are considered within the broader context of this study. These games are presented as interactive mediums where learners can immerse themselves in authentic English language environments, interact with players worldwide, and practice language skills meaningfully. The research is supported by a case study conducted within the Moroccan context, precisely in Marrakech, aiming to test the effectiveness of interactive gaming for English language learning. The case study involves young Moroccans who actively engage with various interactive games, demonstrating how such experiences influence English language proficiency. Using a mixed-method approach, this study underscores the potential of online interactive games to enhance English language proficiency among young Moroccan learners. It advocates for the adoption of innovative pedagogical methods that incorporate interactive gaming experiences to promote digital literacy, linguistic proficiency, and intercultural competence. This research offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for language educators and learners striving to enhance language proficiency in this rapidly evolving world.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ ДОПОЛНЕННОЙ РЕАЛЬНОСТИ В ОБУЧЕНИИ ПРОФИЛЬНОМУ АСПЕКТУ ИНОСТРАННОГО ЯЗЫКА СТУДЕНТОВ АРХИТЕКТУРНО-СТРОИТЕЛЬНОГО ВУЗА

The article analyzes teaching materials based on augmented reality technologies that help to create an authentic communicative environment, which implies active involvement of each student in learning. The content of the profile module "Construction process: from breaking the foundation to handing over the keys", introducing the activities of a civil engineer at the main stages of construction, as well as the stages of its acquisition in a group project are described; gamification elements that allow to increase students' motivation and reduce their fear of learning a foreign language are offered. The need of converging traditional methods and technologies of augmented reality, which significantly increases the effectiveness of developing foreign language profile competence of students, is determined.

APPLICATION OF LINGUO-THEATRICAL APPROACH IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Background. Professional training of a teacher traditionally includes elements of theater pedagogy as a condition for mastering professional pedagogical skills; it has a special role to play in the preparation of a future foreign language teacher. The ability for language self-education develops in conditions of a deficit of an authentic linguistic and cultural environment, which can only partly be compensated by the visualization of educational material and the use of computer technologies. The authors reveal the didactic potential of linguo-theatrical technologies, which make it possible to imitate linguocultural markers and models of the country of the target language and, thereby, contribute to the development of a multicultural linguistic personality in a student at a pedagogical university. The purpose of the study is to analyze the specifics of using theatricalization, dramatization and staging techniques in foreign language classes at a pedagogical university. Materials and methods. The main research method is a comparative analysis of sources that present a multi-paradigm description of the introduction of linguistic and theatrical elements into the process of teaching a foreign language. Quantitative and qualitative indicators were identified through the use of verbal communication methods (questionnaires and oral communication). Results. The verifiability of the research results was confirmed by the introduction of a set of communicative and theatrical tasks developed by the authors into practice to ensure the implementation of a linguistic and theatrical approach to teaching students of the Department of Foreign Languages at the KSPU named after V.P. Astafyev (Krasnoyarsk). The technique of theatricalization (stage or role-playing embodiment of the features of foreign language discourse) has the greatest didactic potential; the technique of dramatization (situational personification of characters) can be used to a lesser extent - this is explained by the need to have background knowledge of an authentic communicative situation; staging (stage production with the use of theatrical props) is characterized by the complexity of its implementation and increased labor intensiveness, both on the part of the teacher and on the part of the students, which, nevertheless generates increased interest and contributes to a more solid formation of language and speech skills.

Smart industrial information integration: a lightweight privacy protection model in an intelligent manufacturing architecture

In the industrial ecosystem, both the manufacturing and edge clouds collaborate via virtualisation technology, playing a crucial role in the efficient aggregation and processing of vast data from endpoints, offering computational and analytical support for enhanced decision-making in all industrial operations. Consequently, ensuring the reliability of virtualised manufacturing environments is paramount. Remote attestation offers a viable solution, however, current schemes are plagued by inefficiencies and privacy leakage issues. To address these concerns, we propose an efficient remote attestation approach. The approach actively conceals sensitive industrial information in measurement logs by using a hash algorithm, thereby preventing privacy breaches. Furthermore, it streamlines log entries with a log compression algorithm, enhancing remote verification efficiency in the industrial information architecture. Extensive experiments were conducted in an authentic cloud environment by applying this approach across both mesh and hierarchical remote verification structures, reducing time overhead by approximately 81.32%. Additionally, it marginally impacts server performance with only a 1.49% reduction. The results affirm the proposed approach's exceptional efficacy in decreasing verification durations and mitigating remote verification attacks, demonstrating its promising utility and feasibility in the intelligent industrial platform.

Effects of prefabricated arch-support insole hardness on foot pressure and muscle activity in mountaineer porters during load-bearing tasks in mountainous terrain

BackgroundThe study aimed to compare the effects of medium hardness and high hardness arch-support insoles, with the latter modified by a soft forefoot pad, on foot pressure distribution and muscle activation during high-load carrying tasks in authentic mountainous trail environments. MethodsSixteen male mountaineer porters with experience in high-load carrying tasks participated in the experiments. They wore commercially available prefabricated arch-support insoles, specifically referred to as medium hardness arch-support material (MH) and high hardness arch-support material attached a 1-mm soft sponge pad to the forefoot area (HHSF) during uphill and downhill walking tasks with a 25-kg load. Foot pressure and muscle activation were measured using wireless pressure distribution insoles and a wireless surface electromyography system, respectively. ResultsThe HHSF showed significantly higher perceived comfort scores and reduced foot pressure in specific regions during downhill walking (p < 0.05). It exhibited increased peak foot pressure in the forefoot during uphill walking (p < 0.05). The MH showed greater foot pressure in the second metatarsal during downhill walking and a larger contact area in the midfoot during uphill walking (p < 0.05). Muscle activation did not differ significantly between the two insoles (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe study indicates that combining a high hardness arch-support insole with a soft forefoot pad may enhance comfort and potentially reduce foot injury risks, and improves foot propulsion and pressure distribution.

Laboratory aging method for simulating the extracted aged asphalt from reclaimed asphalt pavement

This study compared the performance of extracted asphalt and laboratory aged asphalt. The five-year service asphalt mixtures were used for extraction in this study. The laboratory aged asphalt experienced the Rolling thin film oven (RTFO) aging the Pressure aging vessel (PAV) aging with variable duration (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 hours). By comparing the softening point, viscosity, and rheological properties of both, an aging simulation protocol was established. For laboratory aged asphalt binder, the softening point increases by 3.56 %, 5.68 %, 7.43 %, 8.16 %, and 8.74 % at PAV aging times of 5 h, 10 h, 15 h, 20 h, and 25 h, respectively. The rutting index and viscosity of the aged asphalt gradually increases with the PAV duration. There is a substantial increase in creep recovery rate and a significant decrease in non-recoverable creep compliance for aged asphalt. The rheological aging index demonstrates a linear increasing trend. The sulfoxide (SO) and aromatic (CO) aging indexes of the laboratory-simulated aged asphalt progressively rise with prolonged PAV aging time. The SO and CO aging indexes of the extracted asphalt consistent with RTFO aged asphalt experienced PAV aging 20 and 25 hours. The extracted asphalt can be simulated in the laboratory under standard RTFO conditions and a 22.26 hours PAV duration at a pressure of 2.1 MPa ± 0.1 MPa. This study introduces a methodology for simulating asphalt aging in an authentic service environment by adjusting the laboratory aging test conditions.

Immunology in Practice: a modular framework to support Master of Science students conference attendance and engagement.

Sharing a passion for the advancement of the discipline, the scientific community provides an authentic environment for new members to acquire the knowledge and develop the professional identity needed for their future careers. Supporting opportunities for higher education students to participate in this community can complement their classroom-based education and be extremely beneficial to their learning. Situated in the authentic environment of the scientific community, conferences are organized events where professionals meet to advance their discipline, and which have been shown to provide unique learning opportunities for university students. Here we present a modular framework created to support Imperial College London's Master of Science in Immunology students' attendance at the British Society for Immunology Annual Congress. The module's evaluation indicates an overall students' satisfaction with the content, organization, teaching, assessment, feedback and community aspects of the framework and draws attention to areas of potential improvements. Furthermore, the data emphasize the importance of preconference preparation, of academic mentoring and discusses the role of peer support. Finally, the data highlight the benefits for students of discovering the true breadth and depth of their discipline, of interacting with members of the community and how these contribute to the development of their professional identity.

Research on dynamic bottleneck prediction methods in manufacturing workshops

Abstract To address the challenge of identifying bottleneck responsibilities when multiple bottlenecks arise in process workshops and predicting bottleneck trends before their occurrence, a novel dynamic prediction method based on the Markov chain is introduced. This approach effectively identifies all bottlenecks in a multi-bottleneck process shop and identifies the primary bottleneck unit with the highest level of responsibility, enabling anticipation of bottleneck shifts prior to their occurrence. Initially, the concept of bottleneck is elaborated, accounting for the intricate interplay among manufacturing processes, leading to the development of a static mathematical model for multi-bottleneck prediction incorporating parameters such as time, cost, and quality. This model evaluates the bottleneck severity of each manufacturing unit, facilitating the identification of all bottleneck units and the assignment of bottleneck responsibilities, thereby establishing primary and secondary bottlenecks. Subsequently, a bottleneck state transition matrix is formed based on historical bottleneck processes, initializing the state matrix through the process with the highest bottleneck responsibility in the static setting. Leveraging the Markov chain prediction technique, the method anticipates the location of bottleneck transitions preceding the occurrence of bottleneck drift. Finally, simulations were conducted in an authentic production line environment to validate the method’s efficacy. Results indicate a 9.1% increase in the main bottleneck coincidence rate compared to single-bottleneck prediction models. Moreover, the Markov chain prediction accurately forecasts bottleneck trends prior to drift occurrences, boasting an 86.4% accuracy rate. These findings underscore the applicability and guidance potential of the proposed method.

Fostering preservice teachers’ mathematical discourse through virtual simulation teaching

Simulation, a new tool in teacher education programmes, requires further evidence as to its effectiveness in supporting the development of preservice teachers’ (PSTs’) mathematical discourse. The study explores the discourse of a group of preservice teachers while teaching the concept of volume in a simulation setting. Specifically, PSTs’ verbal interactions with virtual students (i.e. avatars) are examined using utterances as the basic unit of analysis. By applying mathematics discourse frameworks, the PSTs’ discourse was categorised, identified as different types and analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings reveal the dynamics of PSTs’ discourse and highlight how simulations provide an authentic classroom-like environment, with the potential to elicit PSTs’ mathematical discourse, including preparation for unexpected situations and fostering inclusive pedagogy. This article makes a contribution to the current literature by exploring the effectiveness of simulation-based teacher education programmes in developing preservice teachers’ (PSTs’) mathematical discourse skills. Specifically, the discussion offers valuable insights into the potential of simulations as a platform for preparing PSTs to become confident and competent educators capable of fostering inclusive learning communities.

Implementation of Enquiry-Based Activity Modules for Authentic Learning in Engineering

Engineering education in the UK is evolving, moving away from traditional lecture-based teaching towards more engaging and practical methods. The purpose of this is to develop problem-solving and teamworking skills in a practical, authentic environment. Activity-based learning is gaining popularity as a way to better prepare students for real-world challenges. Northumbria University's Mechanical and Automotive Engineering programmes have embraced this approach by introducing dedicated activity-based learning modules in 2021. Activity-based learning emphasises practical skills, integrating labs and hands-on experiences. This bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping students apply their knowledge effectively. It fosters collaboration and teamwork, encouraging students to work together to solve problems and share ideas. The engineering programmes at Northumbria University include two 20-credit activity-based learning modules in foundation year and each of the first and second years of the main programmes. These modules become more complex and interdisciplinary as students’ progress. Assessment methods include technical reports, presentations, posters, and practical demonstrations. Despite its advantages, activity-based learning presents challenges, primarily around resourcing of space, equipment and materials. To overcome this, student interns helped review and develop a student-led maker space, a central hub for practical activities. This approach ensures that activities are engaging, relevant, and academically rigorous while creating a collaborative and creative environment. In summary, activity-based learning is a promising approach to engineering education in the UK. By emphasising practical skills, teamwork, and diverse assessment techniques, it better equips students to address complex issues and drive innovation in the field. This shift in pedagogy prepares students more effectively for the demands of the modern workplace.

Factors Influencing of School Type, Parental Educational Background, Gender, and Age on the English Language Speaking Proficiency of Chinese College Students

English, as an international language of communication, plays a crucial role in the development of global economic exchanges. In China, where English serves as a second language, the improvement of college students' English language speaking proficiency faces numerous challenges due to the lack of authentic English communication environments. However, there has been a lack of in-depth research on the relationship between Chinese college students' English language speaking proficiency and factors such as school background. This study utilized multiple linear regression to analyze data from the 2021 China General Social Survey. It aimed to investigate the relationship between college students' English language speaking proficiency and various factors, including different types of high school experiences, parental educational backgrounds, gender differences, and age disparities. The findings revealed that college students who attended provincial-level and municipal-level key high schools demonstrated higher English language speaking proficiency. Additionally, paternal educational background had a more significant impact on the English language speaking proficiency of offspring compared to maternal educational background. Furthermore, female students exhibited higher English speaking proficiency levels than male students. Moreover, English speaking proficiency showed an inverted "U"-shaped trend with age, peaking at 22.5 years old. Based on the research results, recommendations were proposed to balance the educational resources of different types of high schools and to reform English teaching in universities. These suggestions aim to provide robust evidence for the formulation of educational policies to meet the growing demand for English learning in China.