Development Of Problem-solving Skills Research Articles

Explore first approach in a virtual and immersive learning environment with ChatGPT

Explore first pedagogical approach promotes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Promotes active involvement on the part of learners with the subject matter, which leads to exploring concepts through hands-on activities fostering a deeper understanding. The use of virtual and immersive learning environments (VILEs) in an educational context has raised interest among teachers and researchers. In this study, we design a short-training course supported by exploring first in a VILE. With this study, we investigate the perception of teachers who attended a short-training course about integrating VILEs in their teaching practice. Quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to collect teachers’ perceptions. Quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis, and qualitative data to content analysis. The results excitingly reveal teachers’ openness to integrating immersive virtual learning environments in their teaching work and admit advantages. These teachers were interested in using immersive virtual learning environments as educational resources but recognized that they needed training to use them effectively. Therefore, it is thought that exploring first in an immersive virtual learning environment will contribute to distance education by online learning.

Implementation of AI Chatbot as an Interactive Learning Medium on Accounting Lessons in SMK

The purpose of this research is to describe how the implementation of AI-based accounting learning Chatbot as well as any obstacles faced by teachers in class X SMK Batik 1 Surakarta major Financial Accounting and Institutions (AKL). This type of research is qualitative by using case study methods against students who will use AI Chatbot on accounting subjects. Research was conducted at SMK Batik 1 Surakarta. The subjects in this study are X-grade students and teachers in financial and institutional accounting. (AKL). Primary data is obtained from students who are going to use the Chatbot AI application and secondary data from previous research as a journal that matches the research topic. Data analysis techniques include data collection, data presentation, data reduction, and conclusion drawings. In this implementation effectively enhance the understanding and skills of students and teachers in the use of artificial intelligence technology. The use of AI Chatbot has the potential to enhance student engagement and expand the availability of diverse learning materials, while also facilitating the development of problem-solving and analytical skills among students. However, obstacles such as inadequate understanding, resource constraints, and effective integration into the learning process must be overcome. Given these issues, it is vital to build long-term collaboration and provide sustainable assistance between educational foundations, formal education institutions, and government agencies.

Variations in Student Approaches to Problem Solving in Undergraduate Biology Education.

Existing research has investigated student problem-solving strategies across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; however, there is limited work in undergraduate biology education on how various aspects that influence learning combine to generate holistic approaches to problem solving. Through the lens of situated cognition, we consider problem solving as a learning phenomenon that involves the interactions between internal cognition of the learner and the external learning environment. Using phenomenography as a methodology, we investigated undergraduate student approaches to problem solving in biology through interviews. We identified five aspects of problem solving (including knowledge, strategy, intention, metacognition, and mindset) that define three qualitatively different approaches to problem solving; each approach is distinguishable by variations across the aspects. Variations in the knowledge and strategy aspects largely aligned with previous work on how the use or avoidance of biological knowledge informed both concept-based and nonconcept-based strategies. Variations in the other aspects revealed intentions spanning complete disengagement to deep interest with the course material, different degrees of metacognitive reflections, and a continuum of fixed to growth mindsets. We discuss implications for how these characterizations can improve instruction and efforts to support development of problem-solving skills.

A Systematic Review of Problem-Solving Skill Development for Students in STEM Education

A Systematic Review of Problem-Solving Skill Development for Students in STEM Education

Pedagogical conditions of organisation of development of creative abilities of college students in educational activity

Relevance. The relevance of this research is conditioned upon the fact that in a modern rapidly evolving society the development of students� creativity is becoming increasingly significant. Understanding the complex interrelation between creativity and innovation is of paramount significance for the development of effective problem-solving skills and the implementation of innovations in various spheres of activity. This research examines the pedagogical conditions necessary for the development of students� creativity. Purpose. The purpose of the research � to identify specific pedagogical conditions that contribute to the development of students� creativity in college. Methodology. The following methods of scientific cognition were used during the research: questionnaire survey and qualitative interview. To collect primary data, a questionnaire survey was conducted among students. Results. The main results of the research allow identifying key pedagogical conditions that contribute to the development of students� creative abilities, emphasise the significance of a dynamic curriculum that integrates disciplines, promotes students� holistic understanding of real-world problems and stimulates innovative approaches to problem-solving. Establishing a student-centred learning environment plays an important role, as active involvement, autonomy and exploration of students� interests contribute to the development of their creative potential in a favourable atmosphere. Developing creativity enhances academic performance and prepares students for their future careers and personal growth. Creative individuals adapt to changes and bring innovative solutions in their fields. Conclusions. In conclusion, this study identifies key pedagogical conditions essential for fostering creativity among college students. These include a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum, a student-centered learning environment, and active student involvement and autonomy. Implementing these conditions not only enhances academic performance but also prepares students for future careers by equipping them with the ability to adapt and innovate in various fields. Keywords: personal growth; learning environment; innovative solutions; student performance; educational practice

Association of maternal postpartum depression symptoms with infant neurodevelopment and gut microbiota.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying maternal postpartum depression (PPD) and its effects on offspring development is crucial. However, research on the association between maternal PPD, gut microbiota, and offspring neurodevelopment remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal PPD symptoms with early gut microbiome, gut metabolome, and neurodevelopment in infants at 6 months. Maternal PPD symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 42 days postpartum. Infants stool samples collected at 42 days after birth were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detection. Infant neurodevelopment was measured at 6 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Correlations between gut microbiota, metabolites and neurodevelopment were identified through co-occurrence network analysis. Finally, mediation analyses were conducted to determine potential causal pathways. A total of 101 mother-infant dyads were included in the final analysis. Infants born to mothers with PPD symptoms at 42 days postpartum had lower neurodevelopmental scores at 6 months. These infants also had increased alpha diversity of gut microbiota and were abundant in Veillonella and Finegoldia, while depleted abundance of Bifidobacterium, Dialister, Cronobacter and Megasphaera. Furthermore, alterations were observed in metabolite levels linked to the Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathway, primarily characterized by decreases in N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid, L-Aspartic acid, and L-Asparagine. Co-occurrence network and mediation analyses revealed that N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid and L-Aspartic acid levels mediated the relationship between maternal PPD symptoms and the development of infant problem-solving skills. Maternal PPD symptoms are associated with alterations in the gut microbiota and neurodevelopment in infants. This study provides new insights into potential early intervention for infants whose mother experienced PPD. Further research is warranted to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.

Short-term number sense training recapitulates long-term neurodevelopmental changes from childhood to adolescence.

Number sense is fundamental to the development of numerical problem-solving skills. In early childhood, children establish associations between non-symbolic (e.g., a set of dots) and symbolic (e.g., Arabic numerals) representations of quantity. The developmental estrangement theory proposes that the relationship between non-symbolic and symbolic representations of quantity evolves with age, with increased dissociation across development. Consistent with this theory, recent research suggests that cross-format neural representational similarity (NRS) between non-symbolic and symbolic quantities is correlated with arithmetic fluency in children but not in adolescents. However, it is not known if short-term training (STT) can induce similar changes as long-term development. In this study, children aged 7-10 years underwent a theoretically motivated 4-week number sense training. Using multivariate neural pattern analysis, we investigated whether short-term learning could modify the relation between cross-format NRS and arithmetic skills. Our results revealed a significant correlation between cross-format NRS and arithmetic fluency in distributed brain regions, including the parietal and prefrontal cortices, prior to training. However, this association was no longer observed after training, and multivariate predictive models confirmed these findings. Our findings provide evidence that intensive STT during early childhood can promote behavioral improvements and neural plasticity that resemble and recapitulate long-term neurodevelopmental changes that occur from childhood to adolescence. More generally, our study contributes to our understanding of the malleability of number sense and highlights the potential for targeted interventions to shape neurodevelopmental trajectories in early childhood. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We tested the hypothesis that short-term number sense training induces the dissociation of symbolic numbers from non-symbolic representations of quantity in children. We leveraged a theoretically motivated intervention and multivariate pattern analysis to determine training-induced neurocognitive changes in the relation between number sense and arithmetic problem-solving skills. Neural representational similarity between non-symbolic and symbolic quantity representations was correlated with arithmetic skills before training but not after training. Short-term training recapitulates long-term neurodevelopmental changes associated with numerical problem-solving from childhood to adolescence.

Exploring the Impact of Game-Based Learning and Creative Active-Learning Activities on Student Engagement and Academic Performance: A Case Study in the basic sciences for Pharmacy Education

Game-based learning is a well-established educational concept that has been rejuvenated through digital technology. Game-based learning leverages the interactive nature of games to promote active knowledge acquisition in students. The effectiveness of game-based learning centers on two key components: competition and engagement. This theory is rooted in the belief that engagement occurs when students actively perform tasks within a stimulating game environment, fostering active learning. Modern digital games seamlessly integrate educational content with gameplay, facilitating the transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory. Game-based learning is applicable across various educational settings, including higher education in the health professions. In higher education, digital games stimulate active engagement, supporting the development of problem-solving skills and collaboration in academic environments. Furthermore, game-based learning instills a valuable lesson in students — the ability to learn from mistakes and failures while completing the assignment. Game-based learning provides a safe space for students to learn, offering scaffolding through simulations, preparing them for course performance. Some of the most popular educational games are those that allow educators to create questions with answers, enabling students to compete for points. Most of these games can be specifically tailored for the current content, are accessible online, and multiple groups can participate simultaneously. In this study, we developed several web-based games for multiple student cohorts, incorporating them into class activities and making them available as solo-play options within the Learning Management System (LMS) as SCORM packages. In specific courses such as biochemistry and physiology, students were invited to engage in free online games developed by the instructor, employing various free platforms. The games were optional, and participation was not tied to grading. These games featured questions designed at a Bloom's Taxonomy level comparable to the summative assessments in the course. The games fostered a competitive, enjoyable atmosphere that was well-received by students. These game questions served as additional checkpoints for revisiting key concepts and essential details from the class sessions. Importantly, as these questions were not associated with grading, it ensured a stress-free learning experience. As assessment resources, students were able to access the games through the LMS, reviewing questions and playing them repeatedly to learn from their errors and reinforce their understanding. This approach allowed students to engage in self-assessment while feeling that they were studying, even outside the classroom. To investigate whether student engagement with games correlates with improved academic performance, we tracked access to the games in the LMS during the semester. We recorded the number of times each student accessed the games and correlated this data with their course grade. In addition, we distributed an end-of-semester survey to gather students' perceptions regarding the utility of game-based learning in their learning process. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant benefits of game-based learning in their learning journey. However, our analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant correlation between student engagement with the games and their course grade. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the integration of game-based learning activities into the classroom environment enhances student engagement, promotes active learning, and receives strong positive feedback from students. While game-based learning offers a valuable tool for reinforcing key concepts and providing a stress-free environment for self-assessment, our findings do not suggest a direct correlation between student engagement with game-based learning and improved course grades. This intriguing result underscores the complex relationship between student engagement and academic performance, suggesting that other factors play a pivotal role in determining student outcomes in higher education. None. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Approaches for sustainable professional skill development for vocational education students in Thailand.

This article presents a research study that aims to explore sustainable approaches for developing professional skills in vocational education students in Thailand. This is the second phase of the research, which utilizes a qualitative research methodology. The key informants in this study are administrators of vocational education institutions, teachers, and students currently enrolled in vocational education institutions in Thailand, totaling 36 participants. The research uses a purposive sampling method and snowball sampling method. Data collection methods include document analysis, in-depth structured interviews, and observation. The results of the interviews are analyzed, and the content analysis is summarized. The research process consists of 4 steps: 1) literature review, 2) data collection, 3) data analysis, and 4) verification and confirmation. The research findings highlight several key considerations, including: 1) factors influencing the development of professional skills among vocational education students, such as curriculum design, support and counseling, practical training in workplaces, interactive learning, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills development, practical learning, and supportive learning environments, 2) approaches for sustainable professional skill development involve employing the appropriate approaches for self-development. The steps include setting clear goals and plans, active learning and training, technology skill development, experiential learning, problem-solving skill development, participation in professional activities, self-reflection, and continuous self-improvement. These approaches aim to enhance the competencies of vocational education students, ensuring quality and efficiency as part of lifelong learning and sustainable development.

General Problem-solving Skills Can be Enhanced by Short-time Use of Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Future students are confronted with a complex world that demands the ability to solve problems in unstructured, undefined, and unfamiliar situations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the development of problem-solving skills through the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). While previous research has primarily focused on content-related and long-term measurements when examining the effects of PBL, this study took a different approach by exploring the general increase in problem-solving skills resulting from PBL. The sample consisted of 90 second-semester students who were assessed at three different time points using three subscales of the Wilde-Intelligenz-Test I & II: analogies (AL), letter series (BR) and numerical series (ZN). The findings revealed a significant improvement in general problem-solving abilities within the PBL group. These results provide valuable insights into the impact of PBL on the development of general problem-solving skills, even within a domain-independent and short-term context. Lecturers are encouraged to consider implementing PBL in their study programs, as it equips graduates with the necessary skills to tackle the challenges of today’s dynamic and constantly changing world.

ANALYSIS OF QUALITY LEARNING URGENCY IN ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Quality learning is learning that creates an effective and meaningful educational experience for students. Quality learning must be in accordance with the learning objectives that have been set. Every activity or material presented must support the achievement of the learning objectives that have been set. Quality learning should stimulate students to develop problem solving skills. This can be achieved by assigning assignments or projects that require analysis, synthesis, and creative thinking. Quality learning respects students' individual differences. This includes understanding students' learning styles, levels of understanding, and their specific needs, and providing appropriate support. Quality education cannot be cheap, or rather it doesn't have to be cheap or free. However, quality education does not require asking where the money will come from to form all these qualities. The government is obliged to guarantee that every citizen receives an education and guarantees access for the lower classes to quality education. In this way, schools will no longer worry about where the funds will come from, and the community will no longer have difficulty getting access to quality schools with affordable educational costs. Quality learning is an investment in students' personal and academic development. It's not just about relying on a particular method, but also about creating a learning environment that motivates, supports, and encourages students' intellectual and moral growth

Pupils’ School Performance and Their Cognitive Abilities to Solve Problems

The paper describes the results of a study whose main aim was to find the correlation between a pupil’s school grades in Czech language (native), mathematics and physics and pupils' cognitive predispositions to problem solving in science and mathematics diagnosed by the Lawson Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning and the Culture of Problem Solving test. The total of 180 pupils from the Czech Republic aged 14–15 took part in this study. The results show that pupils with better grades in the monitored subjects achieve better results in both tests. It also turns out that there are generally statistically insignificant differences between the results of pupils assessed by grades 1 or 2, and between the results of pupils assessed by grades 3 or 4. Pupils’ performance in the two tests might help to strengthen the objectivization of grading at school. They might also help to identify the indicators important for the development of problem-solving skills. The research specifically points at the need of developing algebraic thinking, conception of infinity, spatial imagination, geometric imagination in the plane, proportional reasoning and the abilities of the control of variables.

Computational thinking in mathematical problem solving: Pattern recognition

Computational thinking is increasingly acknowledged as important in education to support the development of problem-solving skills in mathematics. Pattern recognition plays a significant role in solving mathematical problems using computational thinking. This qualitative research explores how students recognize patterns when solving mathematical problems using computational thinking. The study adopts a case study approach, with 46 subjects then chooses two students from the Mathematics Education Study Program selected through purposive sampling. Data collection methods involve tests and interviews in August. The data is qualitatively analyzed, involving reduction, data presentation, and concluding the research findings. The results indicate that the subjects recognized a pattern related to determining the height of a triangle, which was one of the assigned questions. The pattern emerged as the subjects identified the problem, decomposed it, recognized known and unknown information, and identified the relationship between sub-problems and task information. The identified pattern is crucial in addressing the problem in the given task.

An evaluation of knowledge and perception of pharmacology in undergraduate oral hygiene students and recent graduates at a single higher institution in Pretoria.

Pharmacology is an increasingly important area of study for oral hygienists,as it provides the scientific basis for safe and effective oral healthcare. However, a lack of fundamental understanding of the discipline among clinical graduates can present significant challenges. Oral hygienists require pharmacological training to meet the requirements of their scope of practice. Pharmacology knowledge assists with the diagnosis and treatment of oral conditionsand forms the foundation for further clinical competency development. The knowledge and perceptions of pharmacology for pharmacy, nursing and medical students have been well documented; however, little information is present for Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) students. This paper sets out to evaluate BOH students' and recent graduates' knowledge and perceptions of pharmacology at a single higher institution in Pretoria to identify possible gaps and weaknesses. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data using an online questionnaire. The English-language questionnaire consisted of the self-reported perceptions and knowledge and actual knowledge of pharmacology of undergraduate BOH students and recent graduates. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice questions, true or false questions and Likert scale questions. Ethics was obtained from the institution's Research Ethics Committee (REC 350/2021). Overall, the participants perceived the pharmacology module positively and understood its importance. Concerns were raised about insufficient time for studying and that assessments were more aligned to gaining factual knowledge than the development of problem-solving skills. Students rated their knowledge between 57.24% and 69.44%, with BOH III students and graduates having a statistically significant greater self-rated knowledge of antivirals, antifungals and common agents used to treat oral conditions in comparison with BOH I and BOH II students. Overall, BOH students and graduates' actual knowledge was between 45.24% and 66.84%. Although not statistically significant, the total self-rated knowledge of BOH III students and recent graduates tended to be higher than their actual knowledge. Knowledge deficits were evident with some pharmacological concepts across the various BOH groups, such as pharmacokinetics, pain, drugs altering dental treatment I: central nervous system drugs, drugs altering dental treatment II: respiratory and endocrine drugs, drugs altering dental treatment III: cardiovascular drugs, drug-drug interactions and common agents used to treat oral conditions. Self-rated knowledge deficiencies were noted by students and recent graduates for certain pharmacological concepts and were supported by the measurement of their actual knowledge. Further investigation into knowledge deficiencies is needed to guide curriculum review to further strengthen oral hygienists' pharmacological competencies and ensure alignment to their scope of practice.

유아의 코딩놀이 경험에 따른 수학적 문제해결력과 스마트폰 중독의 차이 및 관계 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between mathematical problem-solving ability and smartphone addiction according to the experience of coding play in 5-year-old children, and the relationship between mathematical problem-solving ability and smartphone addiction.
 Methods To achieve the objectives of this study, 135 5-year-old children enrolled in early childhood education institution located in Gyeonggi Province were selected as research subjects. Data were collected through interviews with the children and questionnaires administered to their parents. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and correlation analyses were conducted using the SPSS WIN 24.0 program to analyze the collected data.
 Results First, it was found that children with coding play experiences demonstrated higher mathematical problem- solving abilities than those without such experiences. Additionally, children with coding play experiences showed higher abilities in number and operation, algebra, and measurement. Smartphone addiction was also higher in children with coding play experiences, and they exhibited higher severity and resistance to smartphone addiction. Second, as the mathematical problem-solving abilities of children with coding play experiences increased, smartphone addiction decreased, and impulsive-compulsive use of smartphones was lower. Moreover, among the subfactors of mathematical problem-solving abilities, higher geometric and statistical abilities were associated with lower severity of smartphone addiction, withdrawal symptoms, daily life issues, and interpersonal conflicts. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between mathematical problem-solving abilities and smartphone addiction in children without coding play experiences.
 Conclusions The study suggests that early experiences with coding play can contribute to the development of mathematical problem-solving skills in 5-year-old children. However, it also indicates a potential risk of smartphone addiction. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates that higher mathematical problem-solving abilities in children with coding play experiences are associated with a lower risk of smartphone addiction. This highlights the importance of mathematical problem-solving skills, which can reduce the risk of early childhood smartphone addiction while enhancing the educational effects of coding play.

Supplemental intervention for third-grade English learners with significant problem-solving challenges

This study examined the effect of comprehension strategy instruction on third-grade English Learners’ word-problem-solving performance. The supplemental intervention included modeling how to read the word problem to identify and restate the question, distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, and collaborating with peers on applying the steps of the strategy to solve word problems. Sixty-six students demonstrating math learning difficulties (MLD) participated in the intervention for 30 min twice a week for 10 weeks (20 total sessions). Trained tutors delivered scripted lessons and checked students’ understanding by asking them questions orally and providing feedback on their answers. Students in the control group ( n = 73) received only general instruction. Results of multilevel regression indicated a significant effect favoring the treatment, suggesting that the approach may facilitate the development of problem-solving skills among students with MLD. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

The Effect of Outcome Based Education on Behavior of Students

Outcome-Based Education (OBE) is a pedagogical approach that focuses on defining learning outcomes and aligning instructional practices to achieve those outcomes. Its implementation has garnered attention for its potential impact on various aspects of student behavior. Research exploring the effect of Outcome-Based Education on student behavior indicates several key findings. Firstly, students exposed to OBE demonstrate increased engagement and motivation due to clear learning objectives and assessments. Secondly, OBE fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility among students as they are actively involved in their learning process. Additionally, studies suggest that OBE contributes to the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, leading to more adaptive behaviors in academic settings. The findings underscore the significance of Outcome-Based Education in shaping positive behaviors among students. By promoting active participation and fostering essential skills, OBE holds promise for enhancing overall academic performance and fostering a conducive learning environment. These implications extend beyond the classroom, potentially influencing students' behavior in various life domains. Future research should delve deeper into the mechanisms through which Outcome-Based Education influences student behavior. Longitudinal studies could explore the sustainability of these effects over time and across diverse student populations. In conclusion, the research on the effect of Outcome-Based Education on student behavior suggests a positive association between OBE implementation and desirable behavioral outcomes. By promoting engagement, accountability, and critical thinking skills, OBE has the potential to cultivate adaptive behaviors conducive to academic success and lifelong learning. Further investigation into this relationship is warranted to inform educational practices and policies effectively.

Comparative study of problem solving skill development features in Japanese and Indonesian high school physics textbooks

Despite both Japan and Indonesia incorporating critical thinking skill development into their educational curricula, Japanese students exhibit higher problem-solving abilities. To investigate the role of physics textbooks in nurturing problem-solving skills, a comparative and content analysis method was employed, focusing on two textbooks: The Basic Physics High School Textbook for Science by Sukenshuppan (JP-SKN) and Fisika 1 untuk Jurusan IPA by Tiga Serangkai (ID-TS). Foshay's teaching principles for problem-solving skills served as the analytical framework, consisting of 12 key points to identify problem-solving teaching features within the textbooks. Explicitly stated sub-chapters and consistently recurring implicit elements within each chapter were recognized as book features. The analysis revealed that JP-SKN encompasses a greater variety of problem-solving skill development features compared to ID-TS. While the quality of these features may differ, JP-SKN contains 16 book features aligned with problem-solving teaching principles, surpassing the 12 found in ID-TS. JP-SKN employs diverse approaches to foster problem-solving skills, including case studies, graphs, tables, illustrations, and interactive digital content. Its "Thinking Learning" feature (思考学習) encapsulates numerous problem-solving principles, providing instructions, structured problems, and encouraging the formulation of mental models for problem resolution. Conversely, ID-TS incorporates additional elements beyond problem-solving, such as promoting teamwork, scientific attitude, and offering numerous practice questions. These findings offer valuable insights and references for the development of learning resources that aim to promote critical thinking skills within Indonesia's new curriculum. Furthermore, they serve as a starting point for future research to explore how both countries interpret their respective curriculum mandates when designing representative textbooks, particularly concerning high school Physics subjects.

Chronicling the Experiences of Life Sciences Teachers and Learners on the Usage of Enquiry-Based Learning in Enhancing Learners’ Academic Performance

Life sciences research provides critical insights into disease processes and allows for the development of novel treatments and innovative medical technologies, thereby directly improving human health and technology. Despite the widely acknowledged relevance of life sciences, there has been a long-term pattern of low performance. This is due to inefficient teaching methods, as how a lesson is delivered influences the learners' level of understanding, among other things. Hence, the present study examined the experiences of life sciences teachers and learners in using IBL to enhance the academic performance of life science learners. This study was underpinned by the interpretivism paradigm, a qualitative approach, and a participatory research approach. The study population consisted of all life sciences learners in a rural school in the Amathole West district, Eastern Cape province of South Africa, from which 2 life sciences teachers and 14 learners were conveniently sampled. Data were collected using interviews, observations, and document reviews, and they were analysed using thematic analysis. The research findings revealed that enquiry-based learning has the potential to foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills among life sciences learners. However, several issues make it difficult to successfully implement enquiry-based learning in the context of teaching and learning life sciences, including a lack of resources, time constraints, misreading of instructions, a lack of support or supervision, and a lack of pedagogical topic expertise among teachers. The study concludes that enquiry-based learning, when done right, can help learners understand life sciences concepts deeper and remember what they have learnt for a longer period.

Membangun Lingkungan Belajar Menyenangkan untuk Mengatasi Kecemasan Matematika dan Meningkatkan Keterlibatan Siswa Kelas I SD Sekolah XYZ Jakarta

This research aims to explore the use of Math Centers as a enjoyable learning environment to address mathematics anxiety and improve engagement in 1st-grade students at XYZ Elementary School. Mathematics plays a crucial role in the elementary education curriculum, contributing significantly to the development of logical understanding and problem-solving skills for students. However, the high level of mathematics anxiety and low student engagement pose challenges in the early learning process. This qualitative research involved one 1st-grade class with 20 students as the research subjects. Data were collected through classroom observations, test results, and interviews with both teachers and students. The findings indicate that 1st-grade students participating in Math Centers exhibit low mathematics anxiety and active engagement in the classroom. Students also tend to enjoy mathematics lessons in the Math Centers setting compared to regular classes. The varied activities provided in Math Centers make mathematics no longer perceived as a dull and intimidating subject. The implementation of Math Centers at XYZ Elementary School will be carried out regularly every Friday to sustain students' interest in mathematics, reduce anxiety, and motivate them to actively participate in the learning process.