Learning Competencies Research Articles

Audio-visual Media Instructional Use and Its Effect on Reading Competences among Grade Two Pupils in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to evaluate audio visual media instructional use and its effect on reading competences among grade two pupils in Maara sub county, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study sought to identify the audio-visual resources available for teaching and learning reading competences, investigate extent to which teachers use the available audio-visual media, examine the challenges faced by teachers and learners in use of audiovisual media in teaching and learning reading competences and assess the learners reading abilities. The French Bell system Theory and a descriptive survey design were adopted in this study. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 330 learners, 30 head teachers and 30 teachers, making a sample size of 390 respondents. The research instruments were questionnaires, interviews schedules, reading examination for grade two learners and classroom observation. Piloting of the research instruments was done in one public primary schools. The reliability of the research instruments was measured using a Cronbach's Alpha statitistic. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using tables, percentages frequencies and other descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics revealed that schools have limited computers (average 2.90 per school) with a low student-to-computer ratio (1:10). Tablets are more prevalent (average 19.17 per school), but functionality issues reduce their effectiveness. Projectors and mobile phones are more commonly available but are still not sufficiently utilized in classroom learning. The data on the competence of learners to read appears to be symmetrically distributed with the competence of learners tapering off at the tail ends. This implies that most of the learners on average could read between 21-69 words per minute. However, there are significant disparities in reading abilities among learners, with a notable percentage performing below expectations. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to support learners who are struggling and to bridge the competence gap across different schools. The reliability statistics for variables testing on teacher’s attitude in the use of Audio-visual media, for variables testing on challenges in the use of audio-visual media and for variables testing on the classroom observation performance indicators, were 0.969, 0.981 and 0.944 respectively. The reliability statistics on all the research instruments was 0.990. A Cronbach's Alpha of 0.70 (70%) or higher reveals a strong internal consistency of a series of questions integrated to form a single scale measured by the coefficient. The study recommends the government to integrate digital learning in schools and ensure schools are fully equipped with an access to electricity and network connectivity. Ministry of Education to develop teachers’ capacity on the use of digital devices. The study also recommends the Kenya institute of Curriculum Development to develop a curriculum in line with competency based curriculum provided in digital devices. Lastly curriculum support officers and head teachers to support teachers to make use of available audio visual resources for teaching and learning.

Designing Effective Pedagogical Activities to Enhance Grammar Understanding and Communicative Competence in Intermediate-Level Adult SL Learners

This article explores strategies to enhance the grammatical understanding and communicative competence of intermediate-level adult second language learners by designing targeted pedagogical activities. It focuses on how pre-task, while-task, and post-task activities can effectively support learners in grasping complex grammatical concepts and applying them in real-world communicative scenarios. The study emphasizes that using grammar in authentic contexts significantly improves learners ability to communicate fluently in English, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.By integrating theory with practice, the article underlines the importance of designing teaching activities that are not only engaging but also aligned with the specific learning needs of adult students. The pre-task phase activates prior knowledge and introduces essential terms, while the while-task phase deepens understanding through critical discussion and note-taking. The post-task phase reinforces the application of learned grammar through role-plays and reflective writing, ensuring that learners can transfer their grammatical knowledge to everyday communication situations.Furthermore, the article provides practical insights into teaching strategies that foster active learning and critical thinking, encouraging learners to not only memorize grammar rules but also use them creatively in meaningful interactions. These strategies offer valuable guidance for educators in creating more effective grammar instruction plans tailored to adult learners' unique needs, ultimately enhancing both their linguistic proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge and Social Relevance: Analyzing Socio-scientific Nature of Learning Competencies and Standards in Grade 8 Science

Knowledge and Social Relevance: Analyzing Socio-scientific Nature of Learning Competencies and Standards in Grade 8 Science

The effects of ostracism on preschoolers’ over-imitation behaviors

Overimitation represents an early developing behavior implicated in the emergence of learning, affective, and social competences. Adult overimitation is heavily affected by contextual variables such as social ostracism, the experience of being ignored by others in a social context, an experience that threatens several psychological needs, inducing the urge to reaffiliate with a social group to restore the original state of well-being. Yet, the impact of social ostracism on overimitation in children remains unclear. This study explored how a face-to-face triadic inclusive/ostracizing ball-tossing game affects overimitation in predominantly White 3-year-old children (n = 43, 53.4% boys) and 5-year-old children (n = 43, 41.8% boys). Results showed that preschoolers are highly affected by social ostracism experiences, with both age groups displaying decreased positive emotionality and heightened negative emotionality when ostracized. Despite this continuity in the affective and behavioral reactions toward social exclusion, imitation fidelity is differently affected by first-person ostracism; the 3-year-olds imitated more when ostracized, whereas the 5-year-olds did so when included, signaling a developmental difference between the strategy repertoire at different ages. Overall, the current findings shed light on the social influences driving preschoolers’ overimitation behaviors, emphasizing the importance of investigating social mechanisms underlying imitation and young children’s social cognition development.

Measuring Children’s Developmental Status in China Using the ECDI2030: Comparing with Direct Assessment and Teacher Report

AbstractThis study compared different approaches for monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goal Target 4.2, which focuses on the proportion of children who are developmentally on track. UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development Index 2030 (ECDI2030), a parent report measure, was compared with a corresponding direct assessment measure using a sample of children aged 3 and 5 (N = 309; 154 girls) in China at two time points. In the second wave, the study also investigated the correlations and agreement between the ECDI2030 and a teacher report measure for children’s development. Although Cronbach’s alpha indicated that both adult report measures had lower reliability, McDonald’s omega showed comparable reliability among the three measures when the assumption of tau-equivalence was relaxed. Moreover, both adult report measures tended to overestimate children’s developmental levels, and were less effective in capturing the development of older children compared to the direct assessment measure. The correlations between parent report and direct assessment were significant for both girls and boys, urban children, and children from higher socioeconomic quartiles in both waves. Parents’ education levels did not substantially moderate the correlations. Moreover, parent report may not predict children’s development as effectively as direct assessment. Compared to parent report, teacher report was less effective in differentiating children’s development across socioeconomic status and urbanicity. Parent and teacher judgements were more consistent on children’s early learning competencies than on children’s motor and psychosocial skills. Implications of the findings for population-based measurement of early childhood development are discussed.

Evaluating self-directed learning competencies in digital learning environments: A meta-analysis

Evaluating self-directed learning competencies in digital learning environments: A meta-analysis

Interrupting Generative AI in LIS: Using Analog, Project-Based, In-Class, Team Work to Validate Core Research Competency Learning

Interrupting Generative AI in LIS: Using Analog, Project-Based, In-Class, Team Work to Validate Core Research Competency Learning

SIMULATION TRAINING: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN UKRAINE

The article presents information on the relevance of simulation training in modern medical education. Leading specialists emphasize the need to learn practical and communication skills, be able to work more intensively in a team; they also note that simulation training can significantly contribute to the achievement of these educational goals under present-day conditions. Simulation training, beginning at the undergraduate or graduate level, can help overcome a number of challenges, such as patient safety issues, ethical issues related to the acquisition and development of skills in interacting with real patients, the need to standardize learning experiences, competency assessments, and medical certification, the need for rapid staff adaptation (staff turnover), promotion of high standards of medical care, increasing the scope of the doctor's responsibility. In addition, simulation training makes it possible to practice more or less typical clinical situations with severe consequences, to promote the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills, to improve technical skills, to practice the provision of medical care by an interdisciplinary team and individually. The experience of the simulation training development in some countries and a brief history of the foundation of the first simulation training centers in Ukraine are presented. The advantages of simulation training, which allow them to be widely used in educational activities are emphasized. The development of a training program is important in the work of the simulation center and is based on the capacity of simulation training and involves practicing technical and non-technical skills in managing certain situations in accordance with the guidelines. Debriefing (discussion) is necessary so that participants can evaluate their actions during training. Thus, simulation training is an effective method for practicing relevant skills and team interaction in doctor training. Team building experiences are offered using the simulation training, the individual characteristics of students that did not appear in traditional classes are revealed, the ability to conduct a discussion, dialogue and draw conclusions is acquired. A compulsory stage in stimulation training should be the assessment process, therefore it is necessary to notice the reaction of the participants, their satisfaction with the process, and the evaluation of the achievement of the tasks set. This will allow to improve the quality of the learning process and learning materials, to make changes in the training program. A questionnaire can be used for this purpose. The participants assess the relevance of the topic, individual levels of the simulation training and offer possible topics to advance the training program, express their wishes regarding the feasibility, frequency and points of further simulation training and the development of new frameworks. Communication skills are particularly important for doctors and can be actively developed in working conditions of our stimulation center. To conduct doctor training, it is optimal to establish simulation centers with experienced staff and a program developed to meet the needs of the rapidly changing medical landscape.

How can we improve AI competencies for tomorrow's leaders: Insights from multi-stakeholders’ interaction

This study investigates factors influencing artificial intelligence (AI) competencies in higher education for sustainable development using learning theories. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, it analyzes responses from 525 students and interviews with 35 faculty members from five Indian universities. The study employs confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to explore relationships between various learning approaches and AI competencies. Findings indicate that collaborative learning, problem-solving, and cognitive competence significantly contribute to AI proficiency. Human-tool collaboration and self-learning also enhance students' understanding of AI concepts, fostering strategic decision-making in business contexts. Additionally, thematic analysis from qualitative interviews identifies critical themes for developing an AI curriculum framework, including curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, ethical considerations, and global perspectives. The research provides an integrated theoretical model and offers practical recommendations for enhancing AI education, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical AI usage in management education.

Determining the Influence of Digital Literacy on Learning Personal Competence: The Moderating Role of Fear of Missing Out

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:9.0pt">One of the ways to enhance and improve the quality of learning delivery is through the use of technology, particularly the Internet, which facilitates faster and easier access to information. This research aims to explore the degree to which factors such as digital literacy, metacognitive awareness, meaningful learning, habits of using smartphones, and personal learning competence are related to one another. Both the relationship between metacognitive awareness and personal learning competence, as well as the relationship between smartphone habits and personal learning competence, are moderated by a moderating variable known as the fear of missing out. Fear of missing out is a moderating variable. Structural equation modeling, specifically partial least squares, was employed to analyze data from 597 engineering students. SmartPLS version 4 was the tool used for this analysis. The study found that the moderating variable, fear of missing out, significantly impacts metacognitive awareness, learning personal competence, and smartphone habits, making it a crucial factor to investigate. This result is significant because it is a variable that influences the learning that students go through for their education and because it is an extremely important thing to investigate.</span></p>

Evaluation of the Implementation of Project-Based-Learning in Engineering Programs: A Review of the Literature

Project-Based Learning (PBL), as an experiential methodology, improves learning outcomes and competencies (technical and non-technical) in engineering students. The Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate (CDIO) approach, adopted globally in engineering education, is based on PBL but expands the curriculum framework. Developed by MIT and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden, CDIO focuses on the entire life cycle of engineering projects to train engineers so that they are capable of applying knowledge in real-life situations. Integrating CDIO and PBL into engineering curricula requires changes in teaching methodologies, teacher training and workspaces. The literature has explored their combination, highlighting shared values and mutual reinforcements. An assessment model is crucial for implementing PBL and evidencing improvement in student and course skills. Only through assessment and the cycle of continuous improvement will the adoption of PBL in engineering programs be advanced. A systematic review of the literature is proposed to identify effective methods in the evaluation of educational programs based on PBL, analyzing related research areas and evaluations according to the CDIO approach.

Difficulties Encountered by Home Facilitators in Printed Modular Learning Modality

Parents or guardians acting as home facilitators may encounter obstacles while introducing printed modular learning modalities. It is a long premise that this paper sought to measure the difficulties encountered by home facilitators in printed modular learning modality in a mountainous public elementary school in a fourth-class municipality in the central Philippines for the school year 2021-2022. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from grade five composed of 2 sections with a total of 58 home facilitators using 30 items self-made instruments that have passed the rigorous validity which obtained a rating of 5.00 from the three jurors interpreted as excellent and valid, and reliability which obtained 0.966 which means that instrument developed has a high degree of reliability. Statistical tools used were mean and Mann- Whitney U test. Data showed that home facilitators experienced a high difficulty in printed learning modality regardless of age, family income, number of children, and educational background. When grouped by age, family income, and number of children, no significant difference was found in the respondents’ level of difficulty with printed learning based on monitoring, support, and learning environment. Nonetheless, a significant difference was found based on groupings by educational attainment. The result calls for the allocation of more funds for possible alternatives, equipping teachers with rigid workshop/orientation/training, revisiting the most essential learning competencies lessening the number of pages in modules, and formulating a plan of action to offset difficulties encountered by home facilitators in printed modular learning modality. Keywords: Education, Communication with Teachers, Monitoring and Support, Learning Environment, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Difficulties of Teachers in the Contextualization of the Most Essential Learning Competencies

This descriptive study examined the teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing the most essential learning competencies (MELC) in a public elementary school under a medium-sized Division in an urbanized City in Central Philippines during the School Year 2022-2023. It used a validated and reliable self-made questionnaire to collect data from 86 teachers. The results showed that most teachers are younger, married, have taught longer, and hold bachelor’s degrees. Furthermore, data showed moderate teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing MELC according to curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, and assessment. When further grouped by four demographic groupings, teachers experienced moderate difficulties in contextualizing MELC based on the same three constructs above on curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, and assessment. Finally, no significant difference exists in teachers’ difficulties in contextualizing MELC based on the same four demographic groupings and three constructs. The findings suggest the need to equip teachers with the necessary tools and support to create a more engaging, relevant, and effective learning environment that enhances students’ understanding and appreciation of the subject. Keywords: Curriculum and instruction, instructional materials, assessment, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Relationship between social media use and critical thinking in university students

AbstractAlthough part of their use is intended for leisure, social networks could be a useful tool for developing students’ critical thinking. Nevertheless, this relationship could also be influenced by our competence in learning to learn, that is to say, our knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with self-regulation, metacognition, use of learning strategies, and problem-solving. To test this hypothesis, 301 university students participated (M = 19.83; SD = 3.17). The results showed which functions of social media related to information, content creation, and problem-solving were associated with a higher level of Learning to Learn competence and of Critical Thinking. However, the different functions of social media use were poor predictors of Critical Thinking, with the best predictor of critical thinking being the competence of learning to learn. Finally, in students with a low competence in learning to learn, a greater interaction with their immediate environment (e.g. friends, family…) or with their teachers or peers through social media was associated with a higher development of critical thinking. Moreover, in students with a high competence in learning to learn, a greater use of social media to solve academic problems was associated with a higher development of critical thinking. These results shed some light on the potential benefits that the use of social media could bring in both formal and informal settings, as well as the need to work among university students on some of the main aspects of the learning to learn competence, like metacognition, self-regulation or problem-solving, to develop critical thinking.

Hubungan antara Learning Agility, Eksplorasi Kompetensi, dan Training and Development terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Dimediasi Komitmen Organisasi pada PT. Kaya Raya Turun Temurun

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether there is a Relationship Between Learning Agility, Competency Exploration, and Training and Development on Employee Performance mediated by Organizational Commitment at PT. Kaya Raya Turun Temurun (Prestisa). Research methodology: The method used in this study was quantitative, and the survey method was used to obtain primary data through a questionnaire. The sampling technique used was a simple random sampling technique with 135 respondents. The data analysis technique uses the outer model and inner model tests with SmartPLS 4.0 Results: The results of the study indicate that in the inner model test on the competency exploration variable, it has an effect, but is not significant, on employee performance mediated by organizational commitment. Based on the outer model test, simultaneous learning agility, competency exploration, and training and development have a significant effect on employee performance through the mediation of organizational commitment. Limitations: This study was limited to employees at PT. Kaya Raya Turun Temurun (Prestisa) in 2024. The study focuses only on the relationship between learning agility, competency exploration, and training and development on employee performance mediated by organizational commitment. Contribution: This study is useful for PT. Kaya Raya Turun Temurun (Prestisa) in 2024.

ИННОВАЦИОННАЯ ПАРАДИГМА В КОНТЕКСТЕ ВЫСШЕГО ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ

The purpose of the article is to describe the experience of using the technology of developing critical thinking in the practical course of the Russian language in the technical university. The article considers efficient ways of applying elements of technology of critical thinking development in practical classes in the Russian language. The classification technology of critical thinking development techniques carried out by the authors, which is based on three phases of learning, gradually replacing each other ("challenge — comprehension — reflection"), is successfully used in university practice. In technology of critical thinking development, the ability to work with questions occupy an important place. Technology of critical thinking development is focused on the questions which develops the mental activity of students. During reflection, students analyze the received information, exchange opinions, justify their point of view. At this stage, it is advisable to turn the acquired information into written form, since in the process of verbalization, new information is comprehended. In this aspect, it is important to instill in students the ability to summarize information. The use of technology of critical thinking development techniques in practical classes of the Russian language makes it possible to make students' educational activities more creative and productive. The organization of such classes, characterized by a certain logic of construction and sequence of combinations of specific tasks, develops the communicative competence of learners, teaches them to read thoughtfully and immerse themselves in information, organize and analyze information, define and solve problems, deal with a notion, conduct reasoned discussion, interpret, creatively process new information, reflect. The use of technology of critical thinking development techniques in Russian language classes contributes to the formation of students' skills to determine the value of an idea based on a critical and objective consideration of arguments.

Evaluating the Impact of AI Tools on Language Proficiency and Intercultural Communication in Second Language Education

This study investigates the impact of AI-driven tools, including Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and ChatGPT, on enhancing language proficiency and intercultural communication in educational settings. Through a mixed-methods approach involving 200 participants, significant improvements in language skills and cultural understanding were observed, with students responding more positively to these tools than educators. The results underscore the effectiveness of AI in delivering personalized learning experiences and facilitating real-world conversational practice. However, the study also highlights the necessity of integrating AI tools thoughtfully into curricula, accompanied by continuous teacher training. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy, AI bias, and equitable access, are discussed, with recommendations to ensure these technologies promote inclusive and equitable educational practices. The paper concludes with a call for future research to explore the long-term impacts of AI on language learning and intercultural competence.

Further discussion of the inherent challenges and subsequent opportunities for developing global science communication curricula

ABSTRACT This paper responds to the framework of learning outcomes and competencies proposed by Lewenstein and Baram-Tsabari [2022. How should we organize science communication trainings to achieve competencies? International Journal of Science Education, Part B, 12(4), 289–308. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2022.2136985], which provides an excellent overview of the skills underpinning all aspects of science communication. In presenting the framework, Lewenstein and Baram-Tsabari note that several people during the ‘member check’ of their framework development raised that many items may be culturally specific to Western, democratic nations. This is familiar to the discipline, which tends to be dominated by the theory developed in the ‘Global North’. The authors reiterate – rightly – that users of the framework need to develop a curriculum based on the needs of their audience and their context. However, if the dominant theories of the field are from one cultural perspective, this limits the opportunity to develop curricula in a global context. Science communication is increasingly found at the interface of attempts to address global issues like climate change, pandemics, food security and energy transition. Global solutions require global insights, meaning science communication theory and best practice need to be drawn from – and valued – from a greater variety of sources than is current practice.

The fabrication of special education mathematics students as knowers through mandatory assessment in preschool class

ABSTRACT In Sweden, there has been a development of continuously more and earlier mandatory assessments in schools in the last decades. One of the latest is mandatory assessment in preschool classes from 2019, with one of the purposes to identify students in need of Special Education in Mathematics (SEM students). Preschool class is a compulsory school year for 6-year-olds which precedes compulsory school. The study at hand explores how teachers create knowledge of mathematics and the SEM student during their work with this mandatory assessment. Results show that mandatory assessment might affect how teachers assess knowledge, develop their teaching, and (re)produce knowledge of the six-year-olds as knowers and of knowledge in mathematics. We join the vast amount of research that has shown that mandatory assessment is a potentially sensitive situation for students who are already unprivileged, who face obstacles in their learning or who struggle with mathematics. Awareness of processes of inclusion, exclusion and (in)equity during assessment and in the following education is central to not count (SEM) students out as competent learners with valuable knowledge.

Prolegomeni allo studio dei parlanti ereditari di sardo

When a minority language holds a subordinate position and is neglected or abandoned in family communication, some speakers acquire it imperfectly, resulting in limited proficiency; these individuals are known as heritage speakers. However, some heritage speakers later develop an attachment to their ancestral language and choose to study it in formal or informal educational settings, becoming heritage learners. This study focuses on heritage learners of Sardinian, a Romance language spoken in Sardinia. Today, most Sardinian residents under fifty primarily speak Italian, but there is a growing interest in Sardinian language courses aimed at reconnecting community members with their linguistic heritage. This research examines the grammatical and lexical competence of a sample of these heritage learners, particularly focusing on areas identified in the literature as vulnerable to erosion and interference from Italian. Specifically, it will demonstrate that in instances of grammatical or lexical divergence between Sardinian and Italian, heritage learners tend to accept both idiomatic Sardinian forms and Italian-influenced forms, indicating significant interference in their proficiency of the minority language. This study aims to help language teachers develop targeted interventions to enhance the competence of heritage learners, differentiating from curricula designed for second language learners of Sardinian when necessary.