Authentic Teaching Research Articles

РОЛЬ ВИКЛАДАЧА У ФОРМУВАННІ МЕДІАГРАМОТНОСТІ УЧАСНИКІВ ОСВІТНЬОГО ПРОЦЕСУ

The purpose of the article is to define the role of the teacher in the formation of media literacy of the participants of the educational process. The study analyses contemporary Ukrainian and foreign works of teachers and methodologists. To achieve this goal, the following theoretical research methods were chosen: literature analysis - systematic research and analysis of existing publications and studies; logical analysis and synthesis. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the role of educators in the field of media education, the challenges and tasks they face when introducing media literacy into the curriculum, as well as the connection between the acquired media literacy skills in the university community and later professional needs, are not sufficiently covered in current scientific works. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that the article lists in detail the main tasks of the teacher when introducing the basics of media literacy into the discipline. The paper also highlights the main obstacles for teachers to integrate media literacy into the educational process, including political conditions, the structure of educational sectors, Журнал крос-культурної освіти/ Journal of Cross-Cultural Education. № 4 2024 16 lack of experience, budget or resources, and lack of organisational commitment to this area. The analysis of the results suggests the importance of media literacy as an integral part of private and professional life, and thus the significant role of teachers in promoting this concept in formal education for children and young people, which is timely and important. The article also outlines the prospects for further research, including the identification and critical analysis of media literacy projects proposed by civic activists, educators and media experts in Ukraine and abroad, the development of methodological recommendations for teachers to introduce media literacy knowledge in foreign language classes, the selection and independent development of authentic teaching materials, and recommendations for practical activities in evaluating media texts and creating their own media products.

Orchestrating iVR technology in an authentic classroom setting and its effects on factual knowledge, comprehension and transfer

AbstractAn increasing number of studies has observed that immersive virtual reality (iVR) technology using head-mounted displays (HMDs) can facilitate learning outcomes. However, most studies have been exploratory and were executed in laboratory settings instead of being implemented and orchestrated in authentic teaching settings. Furthermore, iVR design approaches based on learning theories in which learning objectives are in line with relevant curricula are still scarce. Thus, we conducted a study to provide insights from a perspective of instruction in authentic settings. We present the design of an iVR learning application that was aligned with curricula and that includes specific design features to foster relevant learning objectives. Orchestrated with additional learning material and learning activities, the iVR learning application was implemented and evaluated in an authentic teaching setting in the field of electrical engineering at a German vocational school. In order to investigate the effects of a lesson orchestrated around the iVR application, we conducted a study (n = 29) in a pre-post between-subject design in which we compared learning orchestrated around an iVR experience (iVR group n = 14) with learning in a more traditional setting consisting of a typical group task (control group n = 15). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two groups; in both conditions, the same content was addressed. We compared group differences regarding four dependent variables: motivation, factual knowledge, comprehension and transfer. In both groups, we observed an increase in knowledge and comprehension. The gain in the iVR group was significantly stronger compared to the control group, but we observed no differences in motivation and transfer. We discuss our findings from a perspective of instruction in authentic settings, along with implications for instructional iVR technology design. Despite the high organizational effort still required to embed iVR technology into a classroom setting, we stress that instructional settings that entail complex cognitive and motor tasks can benefit in particular from agency as one of the main affordances provided by iVR technology. More research should be conducted in these settings, and additional research should focus on which design features make these iVR experiences effective, and how it can be assured that transfer of knowledge is also increased.

Bridging the Visualization Gap

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) modelling tools in educational settings promises a transformative shift in teaching complex concepts. Despite their potential, the actual deployment of such tools faces substantial pedagogical and technical challenges, primarily due to the "visualization gap" between traditional 2D resources and 3D constructs. This gap can significantly hinder students' understanding and retention of complex spatial concepts critical in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and architecture. To address these challenges, this paper introduces the Integrated VR Educational Technology Assessment (IVRETA) framework, designed to evaluate and guides the development of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools in education. IVRETA assesses tools across three dimensions: Interaction and Usability, Learning Enhancement, and Authentic Pedagogy and Adaptability. Applying this framework, we evaluate 3D Whiteboard, a practical tool designed to facilitate dynamic interaction with 3D models and enhance educational outcomes through immersive learning experiences. The paper underscores the potential of the 3D Whiteboard in bridging the visualization gap and improving educational practices across various disciplines, demonstrating how IVRETA can guide the assessment and improvement of educational technologies. By providing a robust foundation for the development and enhancement of educational technologies, IVRETA supports ongoing innovation in educational settings.

El Desarrollo de la habilidad oral en estudiantes de Telesecundaria

Learning a second language is nowadays a necessity. It enables people from different mother tongues to establish a common ground for communicating. Particularly, for teenager students whose first language is Spanish, it has been a recurrent difficulty to articulate an understandable and purposefully oral speech in English as a lingua franca. Therefore, it was necessary to analyse the nature of the factors that hinder Telesecundaria students speaking skill development through a descriptive case study. 19 second grade students were surveyed, interviewed and observed to describe their opinions about the influence it had the socio-affective elements present in classroom learning environment where speaking activities are performed. Results revealed that a supporting learning environment enhanced students speaking skill development. Such environment required teachers to provide communicative activities and authentic teaching materials through which students can practice controlled speech. Such kind of discourse allowed students to experience low anxiety levels. Furthermore, a classroom environment that promotes trust and support will allow students to feel confident to speak in public in English. In conclusion, a supportive learning environment characterized by controlled speaking tasks that employs real-life material will allow Telesecundaria students to develop their speaking skills.

Teaching History: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practical Teaching

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of the study was to identify effective teaching strategies to bridge the gap between theory-based and practical-based approaches to teaching a history curriculum. Methods: A qualitative exploratory case study was used. Twenty educators who taught history in K-12 classrooms participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis served as data sources. Results: The findings indicated that History is better taught by actively engaging students. Innovative activities integrated with traditional methods to activate engagement and promote historical skills. Discussion: The key to making history come alive is using multiple teaching strategies. The strategies to bridge theory to practical application include engagement, innovative teaching, and authentic teaching. Limitations: It was difficult for some participants to commit to the scheduled interview. Conclusions: The content of the study may be used as a reference for practitioners to reflect on current teaching practices and developed strategies to implement in a history lesson or other content areas.

Active education for reducing the attainment gap in a public health course in the United Kingdom (UK)

Abstract Background A diverse cohort of students join our UK postgraduate public health programme. We wanted to reduce attainment gaps between students. Active and inclusive educational activities may be important mechanisms for reducing attainment gaps as well as promoting student wellbeing. Our aim was to explore how active and inclusive curriculum design could support development of public health functions (e.g., designing interventions to address health inequalities) whilst reducing attainment gaps. Objectives Our 12-week module included a project to model determinants of adolescent’s health inequalities and design an evidence-based intervention to address determinants. Informed by Fink’s taxonomy and the assessment for learning framework, we designed educational activities (i.e., small group work and presentations, ethnographic visits, discussions with stakeholders) and assessments (i.e., group poster presentation and individual critical reflection) to structure the project. We assessed attainment gaps in student marks and surveyed student attitudes to the project (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). Results 53 students (9 groups) completed the assessment with the following marks: poster (M = 61, SD = 7), critical reflection (M = 59, SD = 9), overall mark (M = 59, SD = 10). More students received ‘fails’ and ‘distinctions’ when only the critical reflection was considered (p < 0.001). Students (N = 39; 72% response rate) agreed that activities were intellectually stimulating (M = 5, SD = 0.8), supported their learning (M = 4, SD = 0.8) and made them feel included (M = 5, SD = 0.7). Active learning approach (i.e., benefits of interactions; creating effective groups); student’s caring and commitment; choice and inclusivity; complex and authentic tasks; informal, formal and timely feedback were highlighted. Conclusions Evidence that an active and inclusive approach functions to reduce attainment gaps is equivocal but appears to promote engagement, inclusion and learning. Key messages • Active learning strategies combined with authentic and flexible tasks and rich in feedback stimulate student’s interactions, inclusivity, and learning with potential for reducing attainment gaps. • Active and authentic education requires educators to work on how to properly implement these strategies.

‘I love my class family’: Writing Realities and Relational Pedagogies

AbstractAsset‐based and relational pedagogies highlight the centrality of meaningful relationships and authenticity in teaching and learning. Foregrounding children's lived experiences, interests, and ways of knowing provides a focus for teachers to be responsive, both relationally and pedagogically. Writing workshop, as conceived in the 1980's by Donald Graves and Lucy Calkins, is a longstanding curricular structure that encourages young writers to engage with multiple tools and resources, including peers, as they compose. Through writing conferences and authors’ chairs, young writers attend to the practice of composing on paper/screen as well as how their message may be received. This study analyzes children's writing samples to underscore the presence of (a) writing identity, (b) critical literacy, (c) culturally sustaining pedagogy, (d) translanguaging, and (e) intertextuality. Chilldren's interactions with tools, peers, and others provide fertile ground for understanding the critical role of a humanizing and relational approach to teaching and learning. The following questions guide this study: (1) How is a writing realities framework reflected in young children's compositions? (2) What do children's writing artifacts reveal about relationality?

The SEMinal impact of contemporary science: integrated authentic science design and students’ self-efficacy and career aspirations

ABSTRACT Authentic science learning has a significant potential for contributing to students’ self-efficacy (SE) and science career aspirations (SCA) by introducing contemporary science. However, the design of authentic learning remains challenging due to the elusive and subjective nature of experiencing authenticity and the interdisciplinarity and complexity of contemporary science. This study aimed to transform these challenges into opportunities by integrating theoretical frameworks of authentic design with a unique setting, including: (a) authentic pedagogy highlighting social experiences, (b) authentic scientific equipment including hands-on operation of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) situated in a research institute, (c) contemporary science theme (biomineralization). This integrated design was investigated by collecting data from 70 secondary science students on their perceived-authenticity, SE, and SCA using pre–post Likert-type questionnaires. After discovering that authenticity was intensely perceived, we used inferential statistics to examine the relationships between different authentic aspects related to both hard and soft science skills and SE and SCA. We identified a significant connection between students’ experience of acquiring authentic knowledge (i.e. hard skills) and their SCA, as well as between the social experience (i.e. soft skills) and students’ SE. This study contributes to understanding the design and impact of authentic science activities in research institutes.

ROMANIAN GERMAN PERSPECTIVES IN LITERARY TEXTS – A PLEA FOR USE IN THE DAF/DAZ CLASSES

In recent years, intercultural awareness and a competent comparative cultural approach have once again become the focus of German as a foreign language teaching, in part due to the publication of the CEFR companion volume. Textbooks have also been endeavouring to fulfil this desideratum for years, however, with only moderate success. This makes it all the more important to find authentic texts with which these learning objectives can be achieved. Texts by Romanian-German authors not only thematise these aspects, but in some cases make them the core of their literary statements, as in the case of the texts by Herta Müller. They are therefore a very worthwhile source of authentic teaching material, as this paper will show with regard to some specific aspects.

‘Facilitating change from within’: investigating students’ experiences of using core reflection in physical education teacher education

ABSTRACT Background Reflection plays a pivotal role in professional development, particularly in physical education teacher education (PETE). Research shows that student reflections in PETE often remain at a superficial level, focusing mainly on technical aspects of teaching. However, there's a need for PETE students to engage in deeper reflections, encompassing social, moral, ethical, or political aspects of teaching. Research goal This study investigates how PETE students experience core reflection as a pedagogical intervention for their professional development. Theory Core reflection, a concept developed by Fred Korthagen, bridges the gap between theory and practice in teacher education. It encourages using personal teaching experiences as starting points for reflection, focusing on personality development and the utilization of one's inner potential. This approach is believed to help student teachers find their personal and authentic teaching style. Method The study involved 38 PETE students who participated in both theoretical and practical sessions, including a swimming course. These sessions incorporated tasks for facilitating core reflection, based on personal teaching experiences. The data comprised individual written reflections from these students, analyzed using Eggebø's ‘collective qualitative analysis’ procedure. Results The analysis revealed four key themes: (1) ‘Same Intentions, Varied Experiences’: This theme highlights the differences in depth and detail of core reflection among students, despite similar initial intentions. (2) ‘A Tool for Awareness’: The tool was found to be effective in helping students develop awareness and recognize their personal strengths and weaknesses. (3) Peer Feedback Helps Understanding Core Qualities’: This theme underscores the importance of peer feedback in identifying personal strengths and bolstering confidence. (4) ‘Being Situated in Realistic Context makes Core Reflection (more) Meaningful’: The findings emphasize the value of learning core reflection within realistic settings, such as school practicums and peer-teaching, to facilitate practical understanding and application. Discussion and conclusion Core reflection is an effective tool within PETE for promoting systematic reflection, self-awareness, and professional growth. However, it requires sustained effort and integration into educational programs. Future research should explore the long-term effects of core reflection in PETE, especially regarding the development of professional competencies aligned with individual core qualities.

From Tutor to Future Educator: Investigating the Role of Peer-Peer Tutoring in Shaping Careers in Medical Education

AbstractIn the effort to promote academic excellence and provide teaching experiences and training for medical students, the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine (UCISOM) built a novel peer tutoring program (2020), Collaborative Learning Communities with Medical Students as Teachers (CLC-MSAT). While the role of peer-assisted learning in student success on academic courses is well established, we wanted to assess the impact of our UCISOM peer-assisted learning program on tutors’ career interest in medical education. Through a mixed-methods analysis of our peer tutors’ experiences, we found 100% were overall satisfied with their positions; > 85% learned new skills; > 88% felt they were strong teachers; > 88% felt they now had a stronger grasp of the medical curriculum and most importantly, 100% of students maintained their interest and aspirations to serve in a future medical educator role after participating as a tutor. Additionally, we found a statistically significant relationship between tutors’ intentions of exploring a career in academic medicine after serving in the CLC program. Our findings suggest that our tutoring program has had a positive impact in providing authentic teaching experiences and training to medical students early in their careers at UCISOM, which may help prepare the next generation of qualified academic clinicians.

Design and Implementation of University Homeschool PE Programs: Reflections From the Field

Physical education teacher education (PETE) programs require authentic, quality field experiences for their preservice teachers. Faculty often seek alternative experiences to public-school placements due to limited space, class size, location, and overwhelmed local schools. One opportunity in the surrounding community of many universities is the homeschooled student population. Creating a homeschool physical education program can bring K-12 students to campus. This article highlights four PETE programs creating alternative, authentic teaching experiences through their university homeschool physical education programs. Each snapshot discusses hosting, logistics, marketing, and funding.

The Effect of Using Authentic Materials on Students' Procedural Text Writing Skill At Smas Isen Mulang Palangka Raya

Writing is a skill that requires not only linguistic abilities such as vocabulary and grammar, but also practical knowledge of how to express ideas in written form. Writing also helps us to gain a deeper understanding of something. In the context of teaching procedural text writing, finding appropriate materials for the classroom can be a challenge. This study aims to determine the effect of the use of authentic teaching materials on students' procedural text writing skills at SMAS Isen Mulang Palangka Raya. The method in this research is Pre-Experimental research method, with One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The findings of the study show that the use of authentic materials has a positive impact on improving students' writing scores, especially in organization.

FRESHMΕN PRE-SERVICE EARLY YEARS TEACHER-STUDENTS’ REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MUSICAL ACTIVITIES TO 4-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN

This study explores the reflections of first-year university students (N=18) at a Department of Early Years Learning and Care in Greece on the implementation of music activities to 4-year-old children (N=16) of a nursery school in the Prefecture of Ioannina who visited the university classroom in the context of the course “Music Pedagogy”. The freshmen pre-service early years teacher-students prepared the musical activities with the trainer-researcher aiming to familiarization of the children with the concept of the musical ensemble/orchestra as well as with the means of musical expression (voice, rhythmic and melodic percussion instruments, body percussion). The pre-service early years teacher-students implemented the activities, taking on specific roles. To facilitate their reflections, they were given questions so as to record their thoughts and feelings during their engagement. The qualitative analysis of the teacher-students’ answers highlighted their positive view of being engaged with authentic teaching. In addition, they showed satisfaction with their teaching ability, felt that they confirmed their choice of future profession, revised some of their erroneous views regarding the perceptual abilities of young children, and identified the advantages of early years music education both from their current experience in the educational intervention and from the courses in the first year of their undergraduate studies concerning music education.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0772/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Transforming teaching through cooperative inquiry: meaningful research for university teachers

ABSTRACT In this article, seven participants from nursing, social work, accounting, fine arts, bioscience, and learning support disciplines share insights gained through participation in a transdisciplinary cooperative inquiry research group aimed at developing excellence in teaching. This Cooperative Inquiry for Reflection and Collaboration on Learning Effectiveness (CIRCLE) group promoted transformation of individual participants’ teaching as well as development of interdepartmental collaboration and camaraderie within the context of contemporary, performance-based academic environments. Collaborative, pedagogical, action research was undertaken through cooperative inquiry (CI) to explore transformative learning activities that increased teachers’ and students’ engagement while covering prescribed learning outcomes using creative approaches. The results are presented in a reflexive, collaborative autoethnography through seven authentic teacher stories. Reflections on the process and the impact of being in the research group provide evidence of the potential transdisciplinary, CI research groups offer to enhance research and teaching outcomes in higher education. These findings are significant internationally in light of the necessity to meet the increasing expectations of all stakeholders in the global tertiary education sector.

Review of didactic methodologies at the academic level in the context of BIM

The article addresses the issue of BIM education at the academic level in Poland and provides an overview of modern methodologies for teaching BIM-related subjects. With the reports of neuroscience and the development of modern technologies, there is a need to take a new direction in student-oriented academic education, in which the main goal will be to prepare graduates for life, work and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing reality. It is necessary to introduce new forms and techniques of education focusing on the concept of deep learning and based on the latest knowledge in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, pedagogy and artificial intelligence. Authentic teaching creativity on the part of the teacher can only come from full awareness of the numerous strategies available and making a thoughtful choice among them of reliable knowledge of their impact on students

Experienced Learners from Generation Z and the Traditional Vision of the Good Language Teacher: On The Issue of Teacher Authenticity

Different societies have their own perspectives on the definition of a good language teacher, as their members attach varying degrees of importance to the different skills and personal qualities required for effective teaching. While available studies have identified numerous desired language and pedagogical competencies among educators, the dynamic post-pandemic reality has brought increased attention to the importance of building and maintaining relationships with students. This process inevitably involves emotional engagement from both educators and students. Consequently, there is a growing call for both groups to accept their true selves and act authentically in their educational interactions. In response to the promotion of these values in education, this article aims to present the results of a study that sought to examine how experienced language students, representing Generation Z in Poland, define and evaluate authentic behaviours of their foreign language teachers. The participants of the study were asked to complete an online questionnaire containing both open and closed questions about their perceptions of their teachers’ authenticity. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed a one-sided, unequivocally positive perception of authenticity, both in the general sense and in relation to the educational context. Numerous positive traits, such as sincerity, openness, sense of humour and didactic expertise were recognised as characteristics of authentic language teachers.

Higher education pre- to post-COVID-19: student and faculty perceptions

PurposeHigher education institutions (HEIs) seek innovative approaches to attract students. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many HEIs have considered diversification through digitalization. From the initial urgency to implement technology at the start of the pandemic to a gradual acceptance over time, HEIs witnessed a shift in perceptions. This paper aims to explore the evolution of the use of technology in HEI classrooms from pre- to post-Covid-19 as seen through the eyes of students and faculty members.Design/methodology/approachSeven surveys were conducted from March 2020 to January 2023 with faculty members and students at one business HEI in Switzerland. This longitudinal study analyzed the perceptions of faculty and students regarding technology in the ever-changing HEI environments. These results have been used to make practical recommendations for future HEI classroom settings.FindingsThe findings reveal that the social aspect must be considered when implementing technology into HEIs. Faculty members and students need appropriate training and adequate resources to engage with the technology in and outside the classroom. The results suggest that one result of the pandemic was a greater acceptance of blended learning practices in traditional business education.Originality/valueThe pandemic has left long-lasting effects on teaching and learning. While many HEIs revert to traditional ways, the authors suggest the need to embrace technology that encourages engagement and authentic teaching and learning. HEIs must listen to their faculty members and students, to create more innovative learning environments.

Assessment as pedagogy: inviting authenticity through relationality, vulnerability and wonder

ABSTRACT Traditional authentic assessment tasks are frequently tied to future work and enmeshed in neoliberal and capitalist visions of education. We advocate an alternative approach where authenticity signifies meaningful learning outside the confines of the classroom to promote deep learning that ‘sticks’. We proffer an understanding of assessment as pedagogy, where pedagogy is an ontological endeavour that shapes not only what students know but how they understand themselves and their place in the world. We highlight creative assessments as a form of authentic pedagogy that eschews instrumentalism in three ways: highlighting opportunities for connection and community; reorienting students towards a more vulnerable conception of learning that is open to uncertainty; and eliciting wonder and joy via invitations to see the world anew. We argue creative assessments promote deeply authentic learning that can be transformative for students and educator-co-learners alike.

Measuring the effects of motivation messages on STEM undergraduates’ interest in teaching

The need for STEM teachers in the UK is acute. This intervention study investigated the effect of motivation messages on teaching interest, self-efficacy, person-vocation (PV) fit, and enjoyment of 423 UK-based STEM undergraduates. Vignettes depicted authentic teaching scenarios evoking social utility (SU), personal utility (PU) values, and PV fit. Interest in teaching increased after exposure to the intervention (p < 0.001). SU vignettes increased interest in teaching the most (p < 0.001, mean interest change: SU = 0.61, PU = 0.45, PV fit = −0.01). This study shows that interest in teaching can be increased by a motivation message intervention.