Collaborative Learning Activities Research Articles

Knowledge uptake from lived experience regarding sustainable groundwater management: complementing scientific knowledge in urban policymaking

Urbanization can pose water management challenges in cities while overlooking the possibilities of residents’ lived experience and collaborative action learning. We show how the conceptual model of the Lived Experience of Sustainable Urban Groundwater Level identifies several aspects of local knowledge development through an ex-post case study in Rotterdam’s Flower Neighbourhood (The Netherlands), where too low groundwater levels threaten house foundations. Three types of local knowledge development emerged: (i) performing and monitoring well measurements by residents, (ii) environment-specific insights collected by residents and shared with civil servants, and (iii) collaboration on groundwater management experiments, resulting in empirical groundwater data. Overcoming communication barriers, trust issues, and power dynamics are crucial for effectively retrieving and integrating lived experience into collective learning for urban sustainable development.

Factors impacting college students’ collaborative learning intention: a social cognitive theory perspective

ABSTRACT Understanding students’ intentions towards collaborative learning (CL) is crucial for efficiently using related learning activities inside and outside the classroom. Based on social cognitive theory (SCT), we propose a framework to explore the impact of contextual and individual factors on students’ intent to engage in CL. We performed structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine the relationships among three environmental factors (fairness, innovation, and social relationships), two intrinsic motivational factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectations), and students’ intent to engage in CL. The findings indicate that building a collaborative climate where students perceive fairness, innovation, and warm social relationships in the classroom facilitates their intention to engage in CL. In addition, students’ intent is influenced by their belief in their ability to engage in CL activities (self-efficacy) and their outcome expectations. The findings have several implications for developing the theory of CL and educational policymaking.

Unveiling the dynamics and impact of emotional presence in collaborative learning

This study aims to understand the dynamics and impact of emotional presence in a collaborative learning environment and its effects on the learning process and outcomes. Emotional presence, defined as the experience of emotion arising from cognitive appraisals in learner-environment interactions, encompasses four dimensions: interest-curiosity, emotional regulation, expression management, and emotional awareness. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 33 Japanese college students engaged in collaborative learning activities and conducted in-depth interviews with 10 participants to gather qualitative insights. The study revealed that emotional presence evolves throughout the collaborative process, with increased emotional regulation in response to complex tasks, reflecting learners’ adaptations to varying task demands. It highlighted the importance of emotional regulation in shaping the learning process and improving outcomes in collaborative learning. Our findings suggest that heightened emotional presence, with increased emotional awareness and regulation, fosters cognitive development and learner well-being, supporting more effective and fulfilling collaborative learning experiences. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of cognitive appraisal in shaping emotional experiences, significantly influencing outcomes in technology-enhanced environments. The study concludes by proposing future research directions, such as examining the longitudinal impacts of emotional presence and exploring interventions to enhance emotional regulation skills in diverse learning contexts.

Design of Moodle-based collaborative learning activities to enhance student interactions

PurposeThis article explores the impact of systematically designed online collaborative activities in two engineering undergraduate modules and key considerations for student interaction in Moodle.Design/methodology/approachThe educational design research approach was chosen to improve educational practices through iterative needs analysis, design, development and implementation. The study followed design-based research (DBR) approach, with a mixed-method research design used to uncover the critical factors in designing, developing and implementing online collaborative learning activities for improving student interaction. Two iterative cycles of online collaborative learning activities were implemented using the Moodle learning management system for two modules of an engineering undergraduate degree programme at a state university in Sri Lanka.FindingsResults indicate that students had demonstrated increased motivation for collaborative activities, and they had not experienced any significant difficulties in accessing materials or instructions. This study emphasizes that the design of learning activities has a greater influence on determining the level of interaction between the learner interface and the learner content. Also, a higher number of interactions on the wiki page improved learner-learner interactions, likely due to clear instructions and reduced complexities compared to previous Moodle activities. Overall, appropriately designed online activities can enhance students' motivation and improve communication, collaboration, cooperation and a sense of community among peers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's constraints included a small sample size of 93 students in two courses, which limits generalization of the results. The study's findings should be carefully considered before being applied to courses with nontechnical content. The second constraint was the number of courses on which the activities were carried out. The activities were designed specifically for two Earth Resources engineering courses, and the developed activities addressed technical course content. The effect of the activities on students' engagement and motivation in various courses with nontechnical content must be investigated, and a complete generalization of the study's results may be called into question. As a result, careful consideration must be given to generalizing the study's findings.Practical implicationsThe study found that authentic collaborative learning activities using online technologies increased student participation and helped them discover their engineering design skills. Future research can focus on developing activities for other technical courses and incorporating additional tools into the instructional process. The use of a design-based research approach was recommended for future studies to obtain more comprehensive results than traditional comparative study designs.Originality/valueThe findings of this study suggest mechanisms to improve student interaction through online collaborative activities, particularly for delivering technical content. Such an understanding of learner interactions with course content, peers, teachers and interfaces will assist in the effective transformation of traditional technical content to online delivery mode. This is a unique study of converting in-class delivered engineering module content to online delivery within an equal time frame under restricted facilities and conditions resulting from a pandemic environment.

Critical writing in higher education: A need analysis survey

Critical thinking and writing are considered as one of the twenty-first century skills that must be acquired by students; however, research on this area still needs more empirical paucity of evidence. The present study aims to reveal English students’ learning needs on critical writing course at university level. Drawing on survey research, this study invites 437 undergraduate students majoring in English department from four universities in Surakarta municipality, Indonesia. Statistical analysis identifies key student priorities: acquiring, evaluating, and synthesizing information; effective communication; articulating their opinions; publishing their writings; and presenting materials at international forums. The data also reveal that English students encounter significant challenges in critically analyzing information and drawing conclusions from reading passages. Regarding their expectations for critical writing instruction, students aspire to enhance both their critical thinking and academic writing abilities. This is particularly pertinent for pre-service teachers who will need to teach content and produce both academic and non-academic publications. Additionally, the survey indicates a positive student response to incorporating technology (e.g., social media, networking sites, websites) into collaborative learning activities for critical writing courses. These findings provide valuable insights into the needs and expectations of English students regarding critical writing courses, offering a clear direction for course design and instructional strategies.

Penguatan Literasi Moderasi Beragama Bagi Guru Agama Sekolah Dasar Di Kelurahan Perkamil Kecamatan Paal Dua Kota Manado (Pendekatan Participatory Action Research)

Religious teachers have a key role in instilling religious moderation in the younger generation. Through their experiential approach and capacity to teach moderation values, Religious Teachers are expected to be role models of ethics and morality. They also need to open up correct and valid information, making them a source of information that can form a moderate, tolerant and harmonious society. The community service program was conducted in Perkamil Village, Manado, with a focus on Elementary School Religious Teachers. Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, the program includes mapping of religious issues, teacher training, and development of religious moderation literacy. The mapping results identified incomprehension, inequality, lack of interfaith dialog, identity politics, lack of multicultural education, and irresponsible media as the main problems. Strengthening religious moderation literacy is done through curriculum alignment, teacher training, collaborative learning activities, and mastering multicultural issues. These steps are expected to create functional and sustainable institutions and communities, and accelerate the implementation of religious moderation in elementary schools. Through these efforts, the community is expected to overcome potential religious conflicts and build an inclusive environment. Keywords: Religious Moderation, Religious Teachers, Participatory Action Research, Perkamil

Implementing Engaging Strategies to Cultivate Study Habits and Propel Academic Achievement among Secondary School Students

Effective study habits are essential for academic success among secondary school students. However, many students struggle to develop and maintain effective study habits, leading to poor academic performance. The paper explores the significance of building bridges to success by implementing engaging strategies to cultivate study habits and propel academic achievement in secondary school students. It highlights the theoretical framework behind this approach and emphasizes the importance of study habits in the lives of students. Additionally, the paper presents evidence-based strategies and interventions that can be applied in educational settings to enhance students' study habits and academic performance. The paper also provides practical strategies that educators can employ to foster a supportive learning environment and teach effective study techniques. Additionally, it discusses the implementation of engaging strategies in the classroom, such as active learning techniques, technology integration, and collaborative learning. Lastly, the paper addresses the importance of assessing and monitoring students' progress to ensure the effectiveness of these strategies. In conclusion, cultivating study habits and promoting academic achievement among secondary school students can foster a positive and engaging learning environment and students can develop the necessary skills and habits to excel academically.

Radial blended-collaboration in doctoral education: Insights from an Indonesian higher education institute

This study explored how doctoral educators apply a radial blended collaborative (RBC) strategy to teach EFL speaking. This study used a narrative case study design and a qualitative approach. In doing so, teachers employed eight RBCs' strategies: raising collaboration awareness, forming groups based on 21st-century skills, using controlled-chosen topics and theme-based prior knowledge, employing snowball questioning techniques, engaging in role-play in different contexts, conducting peer evaluations, and providing oral and written feedback. This study found that technology integration, such as WhatsApp, Zoom Meeting, Google Classroom, and electronic mail, enhanced the learning experience, whereas pooling WhatsApp messages was used to direct the chosen discussion topics. The results demonstrated that RBC significantly improved students' speaking performance across four instructional dimensions: collaborative awareness, active learning, classroom interaction, and technological integration. Future research should aim to enhance spoken communication by integrating technology in assessments and fostering collaborative learning environments.

Towards teaching strategies addressing online learning in blended learning courses for adult-learners

Blended learning offers a learner-centred approach that employs both in-class learning and digital technology to facilitate online learning. Such an approach is especially advantageous to adult-learners in higher education as it meets their educational needs. However, adult-learners’ participation in blended learning programmes remains challenging due to a general lack of online interaction, and no clear teaching strategies that address this concern. Literature relating to adult-learners’ educational needs and online interaction was consulted in order to design teaching strategies that foster adult-learners’ online interaction. The aim of this study is to further validate these teaching strategies, hence a multiple case study was carried out using a mixed method approach. As such, eight teachers and sixteen students from four courses across three universities in Belgium and the Netherlands were interviewed. Additionally, a questionnaire testing a pre-defined set of variables was distributed to 84 students. The results lead to a set of validated teaching strategies that help teachers to further develop their professional skills and expertise. The teaching strategies can be grouped into three categories, namely 1) the teacher's online presence, 2) collaborative learning activities and preparatory learning activities, and 3) the distribution of learning content and learning activities across online and in-class learning. An elaborate set of validated teaching strategies is included. This study aids towards teacher professional development and adds evidence-based knowledge to teaching strategies and instructional frameworks for adult-learners in higher education.Teaching/learning strategies, adult-learning, cooperative/collaborative learning, teacher professional development, online learning.

The use of Canvas and Voice Thread in an online English master’s degree

The implementation of technology is fundamental in the educational area and the basis for e-learning. Canvas and Voice Thread are two different online tools used in the learning process of an online master’s degree in English. The two virtual tools have been used by students with a professional status for the development of both individual and collaborative learning activities. The two online tools are different, and each has a function within the learning process. Therefore, this study seeks to know the experience and perceptions of the students of the English master’s degree about the use of technology, specifically the use of technological tools such as Canvas and Voice Thread in the learning process of the students. An interpretative design will be carried out through the use of a survey to know how students perceive the use of online tools and their comparative influence. The survey consists of three sections focused on personal information, perception of the online tools, comparison between their influence, and additional comments. The result of the study provides numerical data and descriptive knowledge of the influence of the online tools Canvas and Voice Thread in the development of the academic activities of adult learners in an online master’s degree. Canvas is one the most influential tools in online learning due to its benefits and advantages.

Enseñanza híbrida y transformación digital en la educación: integración de tecnología y metodología

The research explores the integration of technology and methodology in hybrid teaching at the University of Guayaquil, evaluating the perceptions of students and the strategies employed. The objective is to analyze the implementation of this educational approach that combines in-person instruction and online learning experiences. A quantitative approach was adopted, collecting data through self-administered surveys from a sample of 350 students. A structured questionnaire was used to address aspects such as student perception, technological tools, teaching strategies, and overall satisfaction. Students had a positive perception about the integration of technology and methodology. The use of online learning platforms, videoconferencing tools, and multimedia resources was reported. Teachers employed active strategies, highlighting project-based and collaborative learning. The research supports the effective implementation of hybrid teaching at the University of Guayaquil, highlighting the importance of adequately integrating technology and methodology. Challenges were identified such as the digital divide, teacher training, instructional design, and the development of digital competencies.

Improving age-friendly advance care planning in primary care: Outcomes from a Pacific Northwest learning collaborative.

Advance care planning (ACP) is the process of having conversations with patients to ensure preferences are known and support patient healthcare goals. ACP and the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) Initiative's, "What Matters," are synergistic approaches to patient-centered conversations. Implementation and measurement of ACP in primary care (PC) are variables in quality and consistency. We examined whether participation in an ACP learning collaborative (LC) would improve knowledge and ability to conduct ACP discussions and increase the frequency of documented ACP in participating practices. The WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) region Practice and Research Network (WPRN) and the Northwest Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Center collaboratively organized a 9-month virtual LC. It consisted of 4 synchronous, 1.5-h sessions, technical support, and a panel of ACP experts. A Wilcoxon rank sum test assessed differences in knowledge from a pre-post survey. Documentation of ACP in the EHR was collected after at least one plan-do-study-act cycle. We enrolled 17 participants from 6 PC practices (3 hospital-affiliated; 3 Federally Qualified Health Centers) from the WPRN. Two practices did not complete all LC activities. There was a trend toward increased ACP knowledge and skills overall especially in having discussions patients and families (pre-mean 2.9 [SD = 0.7]/post-mean 4.0[SD = 1.1], p < 0.05). 4/6 practices observed an increase in EHR documentation post-collaborative (median 16.3%, IQR 1.3%-36.9%). The LC increased PC providers knowledge and skills of ACP and AFHS's What Matters, reported ACP EHR documentation, and contributed to practice change.

Between risk perceptions and adaptation policies: centering climate justice and social innovation in heat vulnerable cities

ABSTRACT This study leverages the roles of climate justice and social innovation in the perceptions of climate risk and climate adaptation policies within the local heat-vulnerable areas of seven Korean metropolitan cities. Using survey and document-based analyses, this work examines residents’ perceptions of climate risks and evaluates local climate adaptation plans in the context of climate adaptation policies. Results demonstrate that economic and social fairness aspects and collaborative learning activities played positive roles in enhancing adaptation policies. Further, higher participation as an aspect of social innovation led to heightened climate risk perceptions. Findings imply that social innovation and climate justice features can contribute to triggering risk perceptions as an initial stage for enabling subsequent steps in support of climate adaptation policies.

Design and Modeling of Educational Scenarios for Collaborative Online Learning Activities

Collaborative learning has evolved from traditional classroom teaching to e-learning platforms, at this level of revolution, Educational scenarios for online collaborative learning activities must be carefully designed to make an interactive and engaging learning experience. This research aims to model collaborative educational scenarios within the framework of online learning activities to allow learners to participate in online activities. We discuss the appropriate educational scenario, which combines multimedia content, interaction between the collaborative group, and active learning elements, and then we model this scenario with the UML modeling language. As a result, we represent how the design of educational scenarios, provides a better enhancement of the collaborative learning experience through the use of new technologies so that learners are encouraged to reflect on their learning processes and their group's collaboration, thus promoting better understanding. In conclusion, designing and modeling a collaborative learning educational scenario emphasizes collaboration, interaction, and knowledge acquisition between learners within a collaborative learning activity.

The impact of instructional design on language acquisition in multilingual STEM classrooms

This conceptual review investigates the profound influence of instructional design on language acquisition within the dynamic context of multilingual STEM classrooms. In an era marked by the intersection of diverse linguistic backgrounds and the growing emphasis on STEM education, understanding how instructional strategies can facilitate language learning alongside scientific inquiry is imperative. This paper navigates through the intricate terrain of curriculum development to elucidate strategies to foster environments conducive to language acquisition and scientific exploration. The strategies for seamlessly integrating language objectives into STEM lessons are central to this exploration. The paper underscores the importance of deliberate planning to embed language proficiency goals within the framework of scientific concepts, thereby facilitating a holistic approach to learning. Furthermore, it illuminates the role of collaborative learning activities in nurturing language skills, emphasizing the synergy between peer interaction and linguistic development. Through collaborative endeavors, students engage in meaningful discourse, negotiating language use while collectively constructing scientific knowledge. Moreover, the review delves into the efficacy of scaffolded instruction as a cornerstone for supporting students' linguistic and cognitive development. By providing structured support tailored to learners' proficiency levels, scaffolded instruction scaffolds students' language acquisition journey while concurrently scaffolding their understanding of complex STEM concepts. This targeted approach not only cultivates language fluency but also fosters conceptual mastery, ensuring equitable access to STEM education for all students regardless of linguistic backgrounds. This conceptual review offers insights into the intricate interplay between instructional design and language acquisition within multilingual STEM classrooms. By delineating strategies for embedding language objectives, fostering collaborative learning, and implementing scaffolded instruction, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing educational practices that empower students to thrive linguistically and scientifically in the multicultural landscape of modern education. Keywords: Instructional Design, Language Acquisition, Multilingual, Stem Classrooms, Curriculum Development, Scaffolded Instruction.

Collaborative Learning in K-12 Computational Thinking Education: A Systematic Review

In the past decade, Computational Thinking (CT) education has received growing attention from researchers. Although many reviews have provided synthesized information on CT teaching and learning, few have paid particular attention to collaborative learning (CL) strategies. CL has been widely implemented in CT classes and has become the most popular pedagogy among educators. Therefore, a systematic review of CL in CT classes would provide practical guidance on teaching strategies to enhance CT interventions and improve the quality of teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting students’ CT skills development. To address this gap, this study examined 43 empirical studies that have applied CL strategies, ranging from 2006 to 2022. Several findings were revealed in the analysis. First, a wide range of theories and frameworks were applied to inform research questions, pedagogical design, and research methodologies. Second, despite the acknowledged importance of group composition in effective CL, a large number of studies did not provide details on how the students were grouped. Third, six types of CL activities and instructional designs have been identified in CT classrooms. The synthesized information provides valuable insights that can inform future research directions and guide the design and implementation of CL activities in future CT classes.

Development of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Activity.

Global mobility has made global health a priority within nursing curricula and health care organizations. A collaborative online learning activity could promote international perspectives of health care delivery. Including a collaborative online international learning activity in continuing education for practicing nurses is a viable strategy that is consistent with the internationalization at home movement. Use of a qualitative descriptive evaluation approach when teaching prelicen-sure nursing students and educating practicing nurses provides effective international collaboration, promotes a global mindset, and provides an exemplar for professional development specialists to teach practicing nurses. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(5):220-223.].

THE USE OF VERSATEXT IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES AT MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES

This article explores the integration of data-driven learning tools, as exemplified by VersaText, into the process of teaching English for Specific Purposes in medical education. The study investigates the efficacy of VersaText’s functions (Word Cloud, Concordance, and Profiler) in enhancing language acquisition and proficiency development among medical students. Through a series of classroom-based activities and exercises, students engage with authentic medical texts, analyze linguistic patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of specialized medical terminology. This study discusses the benefits of integrating open-access materials sourced from PubMed and other databases with VersaText's features, further enriching the learning experience by exposing students to real-world medical discourse. By incorporating such authentic materials, educators can enhance students' awareness of current research literature and reinforce their understanding of medical terminology within a contextually relevant framework. The pedagogical implications of using VersaText in ESP teaching are discussed, highlighting its potential for fostering active engagement, collaborative learning, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the need for ongoing research to further refine and expand the use of data-driven learning tools in ESP teaching methodologies. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on technology-enhanced language learning and provides valuable insights for educators seeking to optimize ESP instruction in various professional contexts.

Enhancing the well-being of early childhood education practitioners working in resource-constrained contexts

Background: The recent migration of early childhood care and education function brought with it many changes that affect the workplace well-being of practitioners and centre managers, yet little research has reported on the voices and experiences of those working on the ground.Aim: To find out the current state of well-being of practitioners working in resource-constrained contexts to help us theorise how might they take action to improve it.Setting: Early childhood care and education centres in rural and township areas in six different provinces.Methods: The first author conducted 10 semi-structured focus group interviews with 80 practitioners recruited by collaborating researchers at various universities. All ethical protocols were adhered to. The focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed and thematically analysed independently by the two authors before reaching consensus.Results: Two themes were identified: (1) participants experienced negative emotions arising from both internal and systemic aspects that were affecting their well-being. (2) Several factors promoted the well-being of practitioners despite their difficult circumstances.Conclusion: Based on the findings, it appears that close collaboration among practitioners within centres and, with other external stakeholders, was an important factor for enhanced well-being. Drawing from action learning theory, we suggest how practitioners can collaborate to sustain their well-being while addressing the challenges they face.Contribution: This collaborative action learning approach can be applied not only by ECCE centres, but to any organisation wishing to improve the well-being and practice of their members.

Individual and collaborative infographic design and cognitive strategies in visual literacy support process: a qualitative research perspective

This study examined the individual and collaborative infographic development processes of middle school students in a qualitative research context. In the first phase, individual and collaborative infographics were developed, a simultaneous think-aloud protocol and interviews were conducted. In the second phase, focus group interviews were conducted with 22 teachers. The findings of the study revealed that students who developed infographics individually and collaboratively completed their tasks at different stages. Protocol analysis data showed that individual and collaborative efforts were reflected in cognitive processes and that collaborative groups spent less time in testing and individual students spent less time in questioning. The findings showed that collaborative learning activities can support the learning process with components such as questioning, peer scaffolding, and sharing.