Average Skills Research Articles

Autenthity of the indicators of complex visual-motor reaction for trap shooters

The aim of the study was to determine the validity and stability of choice reaction time testing in trap shooters. The following research methods were used: theoretical analysis and summarization of data from scientific and methodological literature and the Internet, medical-biological methods, pedagogical observation, and mathematical statistics methods. Relevant calculations were conducted using the MS Excel analysis software package and functions from the Statistica software package. The study involved 27 athletes of varying qualifications in trap shooting. Each athlete's reaction time was measured in ten attempts. Satisfactory reliability of choice reaction time testing was found among shooters of average skill level (Candidate for Master of Sports, 1st and 2nd categories) with a reliability coefficient of ICC=0.767. Excellent reliability of the test (ICC=0.933) was found in highly qualified shooters (Master of Sports and International Master of Sports). The tested choice reaction time methodology demonstrated acceptable informativeness (validity) and reliability (stability) for the training process of trap shooters.

The Effectiveness of Practical Training in Social Work on Improving the Skills of University Students

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not social work students' communication, problem-solving, critical-thinking, teamwork, and professional abilities were enhanced by practical training. Additionally, it aimed to compare these abilities across students at Jordan's Al-Zaytoonah University and those at Al-Balqa Applied University. One hundred twenty male and female students from two Jordanian universities—Al-Zaytoonah and Al-Balqa Applied University—made up the study's sample. Mathematical means and standard deviations were utilized to analyze the findings of a questionnaire that assessed the various skills. The results demonstrated that students at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan had better practical communication skills on average, with an average score of 4.567 (±0.398) on the "Communicating Clearly" ability test, compared to 4.123 (±0.462) at Al-Balqa Applied University. The average score for problem-solving strategies applied by students at Al-Zaytoonah University was 4.678 (±0.481), whereas the average score for students at Al-Balqa University was 4.234 (±0.532). In the paragraph "Working effectively within teams," students from Al-Zaytoonah University had an average score of 4.567 (±0.463) while students from Al-Balqa University had an average score of 4.123 (±0.484). As for professional skills, the results demonstrated that students at Al-Zaytoonah University outperformed their counterparts at Al-Balqa Applied University. The former had an average skill of "Applying academic knowledge" of 4.567 (±0.420), while the latter had 4.123 (±0.472).

The impact of performance degree on players: Exploring player enjoyment and engagement in the dynamic of game process

This study explores the intricate dynamics between player performance, reward frequency, and unpredictability in gaming experiences within the context of game refinement theory. It introduces three key concepts: m (inherent game risk), k (player skill level), and N (reward frequency concerning reinforcement learning), and investigates how their interplay influences player engagement and enjoyment. The research aims to contribute theoretical advancements in game design, user experience, and behavioral psychology by employing the motion-in-mind model. The findings reveal that highly skilled players (lower k) derive greater enjoyment due to their ability to navigate uncertainties efficiently, reaching an equilibrium where the measure of game refinement (GR) equals the measure of unpredictability (AD). The study examines how players transition from k=3 (average skill) to k=2 (high skill), leading to a heightened gaming perception akin to perfect players. The research uncovers relationships between player skill (k), game risk (m), and reward frequency (N). Furthermore, we extend previous research by observing the ratio of GR and AD values (denoted as ϕ) to explore the balance between entertainment and surprise in different game types, providing valuable perspectives for practitioners and academicians.

Multi-task oriented team formation in online collaborative learning

Rational and personalized team formation can greatly enhance the efficiency of online collaborative learning. However, in the process of forming learning teams and completing learning tasks, online synchronous communication among team members is often overlooked, and the abilities of team members may change during task execution, which may have an effect on the completion of team tasks. To address these problems, this paper comprehensively considers the impact of learners’ online time and skill levels on team formation. We quantify the potential development space of learners’ skills and design optimization objectives accordingly based on the Zone of Proximal Development theory. Additionally, we propose a Near-Informer deep learning model to predict learners’ future online states, aiming to measure communication efficiency. Then, we propose a multi-task oriented multi-objective optimization team formation problem, and transform it into a single-objective one by using weighted aggregation of all objectives. After that, we present a Three-dimensional Monte Carlo Tree Search algorithm (TDMCTS). The experiments are conducted based on two real datasets. Compared with the baselines, our Near-informer model achieved the highest number of optimal predictions, with 22 out of 32. Besides, TDMCTS algorithm achieved more comprehensive team formation results, with average skill satisfaction degrees of 99.8% and 98.9% on two task sets, respectively, while satisfying the task requirements.

The upper bound of the buckling stress of axially compressed carbon steel circular cylindrical shells

Abstract The buckling stress of axially compressed circular cylindrical shells (CCSs) is highly sensitive to imperfections. The literature proved that it is hard to generalize the imperfections and the designers are encouraged by the Eurocode EN 1993:1-6 (2007) to conduct geometric and material nonlinear with imperfections analysis (GMNIA) considering different possible forms of imperfections for the shell under design. As GMNIA type of analysis is difficult and requires highly skilled engineers, knowledge of the upper limit of the buckling stress serves as a guide and prevents the overestimation of the shell buckling resistance. It also encourages average skill designers to attempt GMNIA as far as the maximum possible limit is known. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide the upper bound of the buckling stress of carbon steel CCSs. Geometric and material nonlinear analysis (GMNA) of perfect circular cylindrical shells for a wide range of R/t ratio is conducted. It has been found that for cases of small and intermediate R/t values the buckling stress can be predicted by GMNA while the elastic buckling controls those of larger R/t values. The limiting R/t values depend on the steel grade and have been derived for the available standard grades of carbon steel. The obtained results are presented in terms of simplified formulas and a design chart to be used by engineers. Application of the proposed upper bound in simplified design approaches using knock down factor (KDFs) has also been discussed.

The effect of formative assessment on students' clinical knowledge, skills and self-efficacy levels

AimThis research aims to examine the effect of using formative assessment methods in clinical education on students' knowledge, skills and self-efficacy levels. BackgroundFormative assessment is used as a method designed to identify areas where students fall short and provide feedback for improvement. Formative assessment and feedback represent fundamental characteristics of quality teaching in higher education and play a decisive role in learning in nursing education. Although educators observe students performing practical tasks during clinical education, evaluation is not made by a structured control list. Therefore, just as nursing students are evaluated with “Skill Checklists” in the OSCE exam, there is a need to evaluate nursing skills during patient care in the clinical field. DesignThe study was designed as a pre-test post-test randomized controlled experimental study. MethodBefore the research, both groups filled out the self-efficacy form. The experimental group received formative assessment throughout the course. At the end of the semester, all students were given a skills test and asked to fill out the self-efficacy form again. Finally, a knowledge test was administered to the entire class. ResultsThe average knowledge score of the experimental group is higher than the control group. It was determined that there was a statistical difference of 16.54 points in the average skill scores between the groups. Posttests showed significant differences in skills such as breathing-cough exercise, basic glycemic measurement, subcutaneous injection and blood collection skills. ConclusionIt was determined that the formative assessment method increased nursing students' knowledge, skills and self-efficacy levels regarding basic nursing skills.

A Comparative Study of Trauma Management Education Using Traditional and Combined Methods with Instructional Videos on the Knowledge and Skills of Medical Students

Background: Improving the knowledge and skills of medical students using new educational methods to deal with trauma can help reduce the mortality and morbidity of injured patients. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of traditional training with combined trauma management training using educational videos on the knowledge and skills of medical interns at Mashhad University in 2021. Methods: This educational intervention study involved two groups during the academic year 2019 - 2020. Eighty-seven medical interns participated over a six-month period and were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, a clinical skills checklist covering seven skills, and a pretest-posttest MCQ test. Statistical tests used included the independent univariate test and multiple linear regression, analyzed with Stata Ver 17 software. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The average knowledge score of the intervention and control groups before the intervention was 12.09 ± 3.06 and 13.00 ± 3.01, respectively. After the intervention, the average knowledge score was 14.84 ± 3.30 in the intervention group and 15 ± 2.98 in the control group. The average skill score of the students before the intervention in the intervention and control groups was 7.00 ± 2.67 and 7.56 ± 2.42, respectively. After the intervention, the skill score was 10.67 ± 3.70 in the intervention group and 8.72 ± 3.46 in the control group. Conclusions: Although the advanced trauma life support course in Iran is relatively new, its positive impact on increasing the skills of medical students suggests a need to review traditional teaching methods. Incorporating new combined methods could enhance the quality of education and improve the skill levels of young doctors.

Can the improvements in human capital quality mitigate the negative impact of ageing on growth? Evidence from selected EU countries

AbstractMost long‐term GDP projections in developed countries expect a substantial decline in GDP growth rates over time. The main factor behind it is demographic changes, especially the decreasing working‐age population. We argue that these projections do not consider improvements in the quality of the human capital, which may, at least to some extent, mitigate the effects of the negative demographic shock. We start with a simple observation—the skills of younger age cohorts are higher than of older cohorts. Assuming that the current level of skills will be obtained also by the generations which will enter the labour market in the future, the average level of skills among the working‐age population will increase. Trying to catch this effect, we use the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies standardised test results to create an aggregate human capital measure, the average skill level of the work force, for 18 European Union countries and project it until 2040. We show that on average at least one sixth of the negative impact of the shrinking of the working‐age population can be offset by the increase in the quality of human capital and that this number can increase to three quarters in a less conservative scenario.

DESCRIBING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING YOUTUBE MEDIA TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' LEARNING SKILLS IN CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER TEACHING MATERIALS

The importance of learning media during learning is very influential in the delivery of teaching material and achievement of learning objectives to students. The aim of this research is to analyze the skills possessed by students before treatment using YouTube media in congregational prayer teaching materials, student learning outcomes after treatment using YouTube media in congregational prayer teaching materials, and the effectiveness of using YouTube media in improving learning outcomes. This observation method, namely the research design, is a pre-experimental design. The observation design uses a single group pre-test and post test design. The sample used in this observation was a purposive sampling technique. We will clearly know the effectiveness of using YouTube media supported by educational videos as a learning medium for congregational prayer teaching materials with the following four Normalized Gain test analyzes: High ranking percentage is 22,72 percent, medium category percentage is 72,72 percent, low category percentage of 9,09 percent, the constant category percentage was 4,54 percent, and the decreasing category percentage was 4,54 percent. Based on the research results 9,09% of students who were not yet proficient passed the skills test, 90,90% passed, the average skill level of all students was 87,95 points, and the learning completion rate was 90,90%. So YouTube media can effectively improve learning skills in congregational prayer teaching materials. The use of YouTube media can be applied in Madrasas, because it has been proven to improve learning outcomes.

Remedial Learning Implementation Through the Peer-Tutor Method in The Entrepreneurship Course

The global issue appears on the students' problem, especially in remedial learning.The purposes of this study are: (1) to describe the activities of lecturers in classroom management and remedial activities, (2) to describe the activities of students in peer-tutor learning method, (3) to describe students' learning mastery after having remedial activity with the peer-tutor method. The type of this research is action research, consisting of planning, action and observation, reflection, and revision. The action was given in three rounds in the classroom (Classroom Action Research). This research was conducted in STKIP PGRI Jombang, Economic Education Study Program. This research was conducted from August to September 2022. The subject of this research is 44 students of STKIP PGRI Jombang. The object of this study is Break-Even Point (BEP) material. Findings show that the average skill of the lecturer in managing the class and remedial activity in 3 rounds of Classroom Action Research is 3.29% which indicates that the lecturer has succeeded in improving students' achievement.

Using Reinforcement Learning Algorithms to Optimize Practical Skills Development in Higher Vocational and Technical Education

Optimizing practical skills development in higher vocational and technical education involves a multifaceted approach. Firstly, curriculum design should integrate hands-on learning experiences, industry-relevant projects, and internships to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Secondly, institutions should invest in state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology to provide students with a simulated work environment conducive to skill mastery. This paper, explored the integration of reinforcement learning algorithms within the Seahorse Optimization Probability Education (SHOPE) framework to optimize practical skills development in higher vocational and technical education. Through extensive experimentation and analysis, we investigate the effectiveness of various reinforcement learning algorithms in enhancing vocational teaching strategies, skill assessment processes, and classification tasks within educational contexts. Our findings highlight the capability of SHOPE to iteratively refine teaching methodologies, leading to significant improvements in student skill acquisition, success rates, and classification accuracy over multiple epochs. With the adaptive teaching strategies, and optimized vocational education programs tailored to individual student needs. For instance, our results demonstrate an average skill improvement ranging from 35% to 65% across different reinforcement learning algorithms. Moreover, success rates for mastering targeted skills reach levels between 75% and 92%.

Context matters: the importance of extra-mathematical knowledge in solving mathematical problems

Extra-mathematical knowledge is often overlooked when investigating mathematical skills. This study explores profiles of mathematical skills and associations with extra-mathematical knowledge and the understanding of complex sentences. The study involved 1,288 sixth-grade students (52.1% male) from 95 classes in 58 schools in Estonia. Students completed a math test as part of their regular lessons. The profiles of mathematical skills included students’ calculation skills, standard problems, and complex problems. Three distinct profiles of students emerged: students with high skill levels, students with average skill levels, and students with low skill levels. Students with high mathematical skills also had high extra-mathematical knowledge showing the crucial role of understanding the context of the math tasks in addition to having good mathematical skills.

Vertical structure of flows on a shallow reef flat: A coral reef surf zone

We present a 1D model of the vertical structure of wave-driven flows on a shallow coral reef and compare that model to observations made on the reef flat on Ofu, American Samoa. This model is based on longstanding approaches to modeling flow structure in beach surf zones including the averaged effects of breaking and broken surface waves. Waves enter the model through an imbalance between the radiation stress and barotropic pressure gradients that exists below the troughs of the waves, which is offset by turbulent shear stress gradients. Assuming that the depth varying eddy viscosity takes the form found in open channel flows, i.e., a parabola, the horizontal momentum equation can be integrated twice with respect to height to derive the distribution with height of the velocity. The resulting theory is compared to observations made on a reef flat located on Ofu, American Samoa. Using a velocity scale in the eddy viscosity model that is proportional to the rms wave velocity, modeled profiles match observations reasonably well (average skill= 0.66), although there is some ambiguity introduced because matching observations and theory requires the addition of a correction that is found to depend on the square of the rms wave height.

Fuzzy evaluation model for physical education teaching methods in colleges and universities using artificial intelligence.

The evaluation of Physical Education Teaching Methods in Colleges and Universities faces two main challenges: an excess of evaluating elements and a lack of assessment framework. Hence, the research proposes the multi-feature fuzzy evaluation model based on artificial intelligence to streamline the evaluation process and provide an efficient framework for accessing teaching methods. The framework integrates natural/human language using fuzzy instructions considering three evaluation perspectives, including the management stage, instructors, and students and employs the enhanced cuckoo search optimization algorithm. After the teaching expert has determined each parameter's ratings, they are fed into the improved cuckoo search algorithm and solved using an unbiased function to assess the assessment's final result. It incorporates the students' mobility mechanism and movement vector deconstruction designed based on functional criteria. A system for evaluating the quality of instruction has been developed utilizing the proposed model with enhanced cuckoo search optimization. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm has achieved the highest scores across multiple assessment categories, average skill performances of 97.01%, learning progress of 87.36%, physical fitness of 93.49%, participation rate of 95.04%, student satisfaction of 95.49%, and physical education of 96.8% teaching efficiency. The usefulness of the proposed framework in enhancing physical education teaching methods has been demonstrated by comparing the results with traditional methods. It contributes to advancing pedagogical practices in the field.

Operational Assessment of High Resolution Weather Radar Based Precipitation Nowcasting System

North East Monsoon (NEM) is the major source of rainfall for the south-eastern parts of peninsular India. Short time rainfall prediction data (i.e., nowcasting) are based on the observations from Doppler weather radars which has a high spatial and temporal resolution. This study focuses on the short-term ensemble prediction system using weather radar data to predict precipitation during the NEM and is the first of its kind in the Indian region to make an assessment of the operational performance of the prediction system. Six rainfall events have been studied for the assessment of short-term prediction system where the precipitation systems are different and include a tropical storm observed over different days during the 2022 NEM season. To assess the performance of the system, Fractional Skill Scores (FSS) at a 1 km window have been computed for a lead time of 0–2 h for all the rainfall events with more than 750 samples using different optical flow methods and ensemble sizes. The best average skill score and maximum skill score obtained at a 2 h lead time is 0.65 and 0.78 for tropical storms, 0.5 and 0.78 for stratiform and 0.15 and 0.38 for convective precipitation. It has found that the performance of the model is best for precipitation systems that are widespread and have a longer life period.

Analysis of the Dominant Aspects of Libero’s Basic Skills

The physical fitness parameters of players in the libero position need to be measured to maintain performance with training that is appropriate to the needs of supporting movement performance as a libero. The aim of this research is to analyze the basic skills of Libero players. This is quantitative research that uses skill tests as a research instrument. The test instruments used include grip strength tests, sit-and-reach, running, push-up, sit-up, back-up, and vertical jumps. The research population is volleyball players in the position of libero in the Volleyball Student Activity Unit at Surabaya State University. The sampling technique used was a total sampling of 12 students. The data was analyzed descriptively and quantitatively to determine the average skill characteristics of Libero players. The research results show that the average sit and reach test measurement result for male players is 37.93 and for female players is 40.70. The average left-hand grip strength test result for men is 39.43 and for women is 26.8. The average right-hand grip strength test result for men is 41.29 and for women is 28.40. The average result of the push-up test for men is 34.29, and for women, it is 38.80. The average result of the sit-up test for male players is 44.14, and for females, it is 54.00. The average back-up test result for male players is 76.00, and for women, it is 76.00. The average running test result for men is 9.81 and for women is 9.64. The average result of the vertical jump test for men is 55.14 cm, and for women, it is 48.80 cm. The results of this research are useful for trainers as a consideration in preparing special physical training programs that suit the characteristics of liberos.

On the Importance of Social Status for Occupational Sorting

Abstract Models of self-selection predict that occupations with flat wage schedules attract workers of lower average ability. However, in certain prominent occupations such as academia and the civil service, wages are flat yet the average skill level is high. In this paper, I examine whether social status concerns can explain this puzzle. I find that within-occupation status allows flat wage occupations to attract predominantly high-skilled workers, but only at the cost of attracting few workers overall. If, however, workers care about both within- and between-occupation status then occupations paying flat wages can be arbitrarily large and attract workers of high average skill. I conclude that within- and between-occupation status concerns act as complements.

Using 2 Versions of the Test of Gross Motor Development to Classify and Screen Young Children's Motor Skills: A Comparison Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine comparability between 2 editions of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-second and TGMD-third edition) on (1) how children's motor skills were categorized as average or below average, and (2) how children are screened for being at-risk for motor delay or with delayed motor skills. Participants were 226 children (Mage = 53.4mo, 125 boys). All children completed full TGMD-2 and TGMD-3. Children were classified as average or above (>25th percentile) or below average (≤25th percentile) and, when applicable, as developmental delay (≤5th percentile) or at-risk for developmental delay (6-25th percentile). We compared children's classifications across TGMD editions using percent agreement and chi-squared tests. The TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 had moderate agreement when categorizing children as below average (72.2% for total skills, 76.0% for locomotor skills, and 73% for ball skills). The TGMD-3 was significantly more likely to categorize children's motor skill performance as average or above (all P < .01). TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 similarly screen children who demonstrate below average skills (≤25th percentile), but not for specific skill level classifications, including above average, at-risk for delays, and delayed.

Developmental leisure reading profiles and their association with reading skills across Grades 1–9

This study examined the developmental profiles of different leisure reading habits and their association with reading fluency and comprehension in 2525 Finnish students from Grade 1 to 9. Four profiles were identified based on the reading frequency of different materials: Comics readers, Online readers, Book readers and Non-readers. Profile differences in leisure reading emerged early, although leisure reading levels changed. Boys were over-represented in the Comics readers and Non-readers, while girls were over-represented in the Online readers and Book readers. Book readers showed the highest level of reading skills, though Comics readers were also above-average readers. Among Online readers, girls had above average skills in reading while boys had below-average skills. Non-readers, especially boys, had the poorest reading skills. The study highlights the emergence of early onset individual differences in leisure reading habits and an association between different kinds of active leisure reading and reading development across grades. The educational relevance and implications statementLeisure reading is important as it can contribute to the evolution of a positive or negative cycle of reading development. Our study aimed to identify different leisure reading habits and their development and how these habits connect to reading skills. Our study revealed that there are different leisure reading profiles and that differences in these profiles emerge early. Our results indicate that although active book reading is associated with the best reading skills, other kinds of active reading also connect to above-average reading skills. Passivity in leisure reading is related to the poorest skills in reading.On the basis of these results, besides book reading, the reading of lighter materials like magazines, newspapers and comics, deserves to be encouraged. This kind of reading is connected to above-average skills and is popular especially among boys, who are at higher risk of ending up as passive leisure readers. Additionally, it might be important to target the reading motivation actions of children before they reach primary school age in the home and kindergarten settings to enhance the adoption of beneficial leisure reading habits before these are established.

Skills and Selection into Teaching: Evidence from Latin America

This paper documents a novel stylized fact: many teachers in Latin America have low levels of cognitive skills. This fact is the result of both low levels of skills among the population and—in the case of numeracy—a gap between the average skill level of teachers and the rest of the tertiary-educated population (i.e., a teacher skills gap). To characterize the selection patterns behind this gap, we show that individuals with a teaching degree have lower average skills than individuals with other tertiary degrees, and that this gap is larger than the teacher skills gap. This difference is mainly explained by the selection into teaching of graduates from non-teaching degrees. Finally, we show evidence on one important determinant of the teacher skills gap: teacher relative wages are decreasing in skills. JEL Classification Codes: I21; J24; J45