Development Of Academic Skills Research Articles

In-school transition challenges among primary school learners with autism spectrum disorders in South Africa: Parents and teachers' perspectives

Successful school transition is a basis for career development and eventual overall adult educational and socio-economic outcomes. Transitioning through primary school grades is a combination of relative academic and social skills acquired in each grade and forms the basis for subsequent academic and social success at ensuing educational pursuit and adult independent life. Evidence indicates that learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families experience limiting challenges in their school transition at different levels. There is a gap in the literature as to the specific factors that constitute school transition difficulties in primary school learners with ASD in the area of study. The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges that learners with ASD face as they transition through school grades. The study adopted a phenomenological design with 12 participants (6 parents and 6 teachers). Two focus group discussions were held to collect data analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The results revealed three main themes, which included poor academic achievement and skills development, social and economic challenges as well as behavioural problems. The findings of the study suggest an increased need for home-school collaboration during the early stages and throughout the school years for the effective transition of learners with ASD. Thus, providing learners with ASD and their families with academic, emotional and behavioural intervention and support can help learners with autism to develop personal resources that will encourage their educational success.

Design, Development, Implementation, and Support (DDIS): A Curriculum Supporting Online Doctoral Candidates

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively describe and justify the case design of an approach for the integration of synchronous virtual meetings to support nontraditional online doctoral candidates. As more nontraditional doctoral students are completing their degree programs virtually through online universities, the nature of their degree progression and the development of critical knowledge and skills differ from traditional on-campus programs. Method: The case design of an approach to integrating synchronous online interactive meetings to support these learners is identified and justified through references to research in the learning sciences including sociocultural learning, heutagogy, and constructivist instructional design methods. The instructional design process resulted in a scaled schedule of interactions linked to the development of specific cognitive processes, academic skills, and expert knowledge required by doctoral candidates for successful completion of their degree programs. Results: This case design study resulted in identification of developmentally phased synchronous interactions designed to support online nontraditional doctoral candidates. The interactions identified were linked to the development of critical processes, skills, and knowledge to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the candidate’s progress. Conclusions: The results identified how the integration of synchronous virtual meetings to support online nontraditional doctoral candidates throughout their programs can both increase the development of the advanced knowledge required by these learners and the collaboration needed between mentor and mentee for the online learners to be successful.

An evaluation of the experiences of the hidden curriculum of Black and minority ethnic undergraduate health and social care students at a London university

ABSTRACT Black and minority ethnic (BME) students are less likely to achieve a first or upper-class second degree than White students. This evaluation investigated the experiences of BME Health and Social Care students at a London university of the hidden curriculum, thematically analysed through a critical race lens. Four overarching themes were identified, (1) super-visible ethnicity, (2) the negative depiction of BME lived experiences, (3) self-depreciation and self-confidence and (4) separation. Recommendations at an institution-level are made in the areas of staff diversity, language support, student registration experiences and canteen costs. Recommendations at a course-level are made in the areas of co-creation of the curriculum, student belonging, academic and literacy skill development. The recommendations are underpinned by a critical pedagogy, including culturally sensitive teaching strategies and the development of meaningful staff-student partnerships. The recommendations made may be applicable to other Higher Education Institutions with a diverse student cohort where the attainment gap is prevalent.

The impact of academic training programmes in improving teaching and learning: A case of academic staff at a selected university of technology

Academic staff are required to change and adopt new teaching approaches to meet the requirements and expectations set by higher education institutions.  This means that there is a drastic need for academics to be competent to help boost their teaching abilities, knowledge, and be encouraged to upgrade their qualifications.  Without a continuous well-coordinated academic training programmes, training and skills development, academics will continuously struggle to perform their core functions which include research, teaching and learning, continuous professional development and community engagement.  The intention of this study therefore, is to identify academics perceptions on academic training programmes provided by the selected university of technology and the predicaments, and the complexities involved in empowering academics to improve their teaching and learning approaches. A quantitative research approach was therefore used, with a questionnaire used as data collection instrument.  Using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique, a sample size of 132 was considered. The study findings revealed that the university lacked a proper system to evaluate and measure the impact of academic training programmes offered to academic staff.  The recommendations were made on different aspects in line with the findings and the study aims and objectives.  But most significantly, the study recommended that a systematic review should done to monitor the impact these training programmes have towards the development and support to teaching and learning

Applying a cumulative risk and protective framework to assess early learning in Ghana

ABSTRACT Many children in developing countries do not acquire functional literacy skills despite being in school. We apply a cumulative risk (aggregate over a range of risk) and protection framework to assess Ghanaian kindergarteners’ early academic skills (N = 1,852, M(age) = 5.3 years; 50.2% female), considering how family-level risk factors and classroom-level protective factors contribute to the development of early academic skills over one school year. Using multi-level regression analyses, we find that cumulative risk negatively predicts children’s early literacy and numeracy skills at the start of kindergarten, as well as literacy skills at the end of the school year controlling for autumn scores. Additionally, high quality teacher–child interactions promote learning regardless of cumulative risk. However, further analyses indicate that classroom quality does not moderate the association between cumulative risk and spring outcomes. Implications for policymakers to engage in a two-generation (targeting parent and child) approach to child development in low- and middle-income countries are discussed.

Online Class: Its Implication Towards Academic Skills Development

We aimed to find out the students’ academic skills development through the use of descriptive research design. In the experiment, we used random sampling to determine the level of students’ online discourse skills in terms of spoken and written means as well as the level of student’s development of academic skills. This research was conducted by distributing a customized and corrected questionnaire to the validation of the online learning questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale interpretation to determine the interpretation of the values. Findings showed that the written discourse levels are moderate with a mean of 2.972, and spoken discourse is moderate with a mean of 2.822. The four-level students’ development skills were obtained, and most of them are moderate. Academic participation was obtained with a mean of 3.118, making inferences with 3.01, text composition with a mean of 2.93, and reading with a mean of 3.00. Based on the results of multiple surveys, there is a significant relationship between the online class and the development of academic skills as implied by the Pearson correlation test result at a 5% level of significance (Sig. 0.05). It also indicates a moderate or substantial correlation or relationship with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.54. This study has shed light on the wariness of these educators on how this means of learning have an impact on their learning and development.

Exploring teachers’ inclusive education strategies in rural Indonesian primary schools

ABSTRACT Background Indonesia’s implementation of inclusive education continues to help support students’ development of academic abilities and social skills. However, it also poses challenges for several parties involved in the administration of inclusive education in rural areas: in particular, teachers from general education backgrounds. Purpose This study aimed to investigate teachers’ teaching strategies in inclusive education in a sample of public primary schools in rural Indonesia, in order to better understand the strategies used and the teachers’ perspectives on inclusive education. Methods Participants were 40 classroom teachers from 10 public primary schools in rural Indonesia. The participants taught students from grades 2 to 6 (student ages 8 to 12) and had at least one student with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in their class. Observations were conducted to determine the extent to which teachers used differentiation, collaborative learning and inclusive classroom management strategies. After the observations, short interviews were conducted with the teachers in order to explore their perceptions of inclusive education. Data were analysed qualitatively. Findings Analysis of observation data showed that only a small number of teachers used teaching strategies that were considered effective inclusive strategies, such as differentiation and collaborative learning. The interview findings indicated that most of the teachers did not feel confident in using inclusive strategies, due to factors including limited knowledge of strategies, and class size. Conclusions This small-scale study suggests that the implementation of inclusive education remains at an early stage and is challenging in some parts of Indonesia. It highlights that sustaining and advancing teacher education is crucial: through professional development, teachers can be enabled to increase their competence and knowledge of inclusive education strategies, ultimately benefiting all students in the classroom.

Cognitive development among low birthweight (LBW) children at 4-year-old in relation to socio-demographic variables and chronic morbidities

ABSTRACT Low birthweight children are at risk for motor, language and cognitive delay in early childhood. The aim of the present study is the examination of cognitive skill development among 4-year-old preterm and low birthweight children in relation to demographical and perinatal variables. We utilized the Wechsler Preschool Primary Scales of Intelligence-IV for measuring IQ. 33.3% of the children performed in the ranges of below average (IQ<90). We found that perinatal and neonatal risk factors for lower cognitive functioning are birthweight (especially less than 1000 grams), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, or intraventricular haemorrhage after birth. We also identified demographical risk factors, such as lower maternal education, lower socioeconomic status, and Roma ethnicity. In conclusion it is crucial to emphasize, that early intervention programmes for cognitive development should consider implementing the education of the parents to broaden their and their children’s perspectives in life. Another important task is monitoring the development of low birthweight children with neonatal chronic diseases and providing them with the earliest interventions to nurture cognitive skill development which may promote the optimal development of academic skills and prevent delays.

Designing and Applying a Moodle-Based E-Textbook for an Academic Writing Course

This study explores the use of a Moodle-based electronic textbook (e-textbook) created for an on-campus intensive academic writing course. The role of the e-textbook in facilitating collaborative writing practice and developing academic digital literacy skills as part of a blended learning approach is investigated. The study involved 83 students used the e-textbook over a period of 10 weeks. Data from activities posted on the e-textbook web-site, e-learning journals, course evaluations, and the researchers' field notes and reflections based on classroom observations were analysed to explore 1) student reactions to the materials and the blended learning approach and 2) the effect on student writing practice and the development of academic literacy skills. The results identify practical, pedagogical, and affective aspects of student adaption to the e-textbook materials and to the blended learning approach. The intervention appears to have achieved its major aims, but further investigation is suggested, including of the role played by guidelines for creating e-textbooks.

Improving educational quality through active learning: Perspectives from secondary school teachers in Malawi

Addressing the learning crisis in low-income contexts remains a major concern. This paper analyses how active teaching and learning pedagogy (ATL) was implemented in secondary schools in Malawi to improve learning outcomes. Based on interviews with teachers and headteachers from five schools, the paper seeks to explore how ATL was understood and implemented, and what challenges were experienced from the perspectives of trained and untrained teachers. The findings reveal that ATL was positively viewed by all participants, as it was considered beneficial in improving students’ academic performance and skills development. All participants identified some key implementation challenges, including large classes, lack of materials, the use of English, long distance to school and poverty. The paper underscores the need to move away from a polarised view of pedagogy (direct instruction against ATL) and conceptualise active learning on a continuum.

The Effects of Kindergarten and First Grade Schooling on Executive Function and Academic Skill Development: Evidence From a School Cutoff Design.

Early executive function (EF) skills reliably predict school readiness and future academic success. While children’s skills undergo rapid development during the transition to formal schooling, it remains unclear the extent to which schooling exerts a unique influence on the accelerated development of EF and academic skills during the early years of schooling. In the present study, a quasi-experimental technique known as the school cutoff design was used to examine whether same-aged children who made vs. missed the age cutoff for school entry significantly differed on EF, reading, and math outcomes. Data from 166 pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade children (Range = 3.75–7.58 years, 92 girls) from a longitudinal study of literacy development were analyzed. Children were assessed on EF, reading, and math skills in fall and spring. Results revealed unique effects of kindergarten, but not first grade, on growth in EF and reading over and above the effect of age. Schooling was unrelated to growth in math. Because kindergarten represents the first year of elementary school and children’s first exposure to a formal schooling environment, kindergarten schooling may be uniquely positioned to produce greater gains in academic and behavioral outcomes compared to other grades.

Peer assisted academic support: a comparison of mentors’ and mentees’ experiences of a drop-in programme

ABSTRACT In Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) programmes, students provide academic and social support to fellow students. Recent PAL iterations include drop-in programmes to improve higher education students’ general academic literacy in an open, non-judgemental, learning environment led by experienced students. The majority of the PAL literature, however, focuses on curricular programmes, with limited understandings on processes enabling positive outcomes for students. This study contributes to the PAL literature through the investigation of factors and mentoring strategies underpinning effective peer learning in drop-in PAL programmes. Participants were students attending an academic drop-in PAL programme, and the peer mentors employed by the programme. Results suggest that students’ expectations about the type of support provided by PAL mentors may jeopardise the learning objectives of the programme. The analysis of PAL mentors’ experiences reveals how the use of strategies to enhance social and cognitive congruence between peers supports the development of effective peer learning partnerships. Mentors’ approachability alongside their ability to provide practical strategies and academic examples tailored to students’ learning needs characterised peer learning interactions between students. Mentors also encouraged students to engage in active help-seeking behaviours. This paper examines strategies to enhance peer learning interactions that support the development of independent and transferable academic skills in students seeking peer support.

Development of Cognitive Functions and Academic Skills in 9- to 10-year-old Children with Borderline Intellectual Functioning

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study examined whether the cognitive and academic development of children (Mage = 10.52 years) with Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF), is characterized by developmental delay or atypical development. Cognitive tasks, arithmetic tasks, and reading tasks were administrated during three succeeding years to the BIF group and a Chronological Age-Matched Comparison (CAMC) group. The BIF children displayed weaknesses in relation to all tasks, and slower developmental rates on four arithmetic tasks and word reading. The results provide evidence in support of the developmental delay model as the BIF children overall displayed similar developmental growth and trends as the CAMC group.

The impacts of supervisor – PhD student relationships on PhD students’ satisfaction: A case study of Vietnamese universities

This study focuses on investigating impact of supervisor – PhD student relationship on PhD students’ satisfaction with their supervisors’ supervisory styles and their skill development. A survey was conducted among 430 respondents who both finished or were doing their doctoral study at universities in Northern, Central and Southern cities in Vietnam in social science, economics and business management majors. Findings revealed that the leadership, helping, understanding and responsibility relationship between supervisors and PhD students were positively associated with PhD students’ satisfaction with supervisors’ supervisory style while the uncertain, dissatisfied and admonishing types of relationships were negatively associated with PhD students’ satisfaction. The strict relationship did not negatively affect PhD students’ satisfaction with their supervisors’ supervisory styles. Furthermore, PhD students’ satisfaction with their supervisors’ supervisory styles positively influenced their satisfaction with academic skill development during their PhD candidature. Implications and future research directions were then discussed.

CHALLENGES OF WRITING ACADEMIC ESSAYS AND WAYS OF OVERCOMING THEM

The paper highlights major challenges in writing academic essays. The article reveals the role of essay writing in studying, communication, creating and conveying information. The work on an academic essay requires development of three types of competences – metalinguistic, communicative and discourse competence. Difficulties in writing essays emerge when learners fail to recognize essential text properties – text cohesion and coherence, informativeness and modality. Lack of a deep analysis of the subject under study, superficial conclusions and poor analytical skills result in producing a one-dimensional, linear text. Insufficiently reasoned structure elements of the text can sometimes provoke learners to provide examples contrary to the topic sentence. The main way of solving this problem is making a logical and structural scheme, – an outline, before starting to write the text. It is equally important to follow the principle of ordering information, organizing the material in a certain succession, keeping the line of reasoning throughout the text. Learners can choose a relevant way of information organization – cause and effect, chronological, spacial and thematic. The article contains examples of exercises aimed at choosing an appropriate way of representing information and exercises for developing discourse competence. Another category of difficulties embraces lexical and stylistic, grammar and spelling mistakes. These errors deal with the operational dimension of the text and their prevention requires developing necessary competencies by doing special exercises to improve the technical aspects of writing. Writing an essay implies keeping to the language norms, grammar and stylistic accuracy. Scientific and research papers are characterized by developed syntactic constructions, complex sentences with clauses of cause and result, abstract vocabulary, while colloquial words and expressions must be omitted. Academic essay is viewed as a product of analytical research work, as a multidimensional text that integrates operational, cultural and critical components. The content of the academic text depends primarily on the depth of information analysis and its critical comprehension. The profound research work triggers the generation of new ideas. Regular and stage-by-stage work on writing the academic essay promotes the development of academic literacy skills. In addition, writing essays helps to train analytical and metalinguistic skills, shapes a personality, capable of thinking critically and articulating ideas.

Академічна грамотність як засіб міжкультурної комунікації та невід’ємна частина якості вищої освіти

The article considers the development of academic literacy and intercultural communication in applicants of higher education institutions. In the context of the rapid development of modern information technologies, the European context of higher education sets a demand for qualitative changes in the training of competitive specialists, aimed at the requests of employers. The objective of the article is to analyse theoretical and methodological approaches to the development of academic literacy skills in students, which is the key to education quality, competitiveness in the professional environment and the field of international scientific communications. It has been determined that in modern conditions, with the increase of the use of digital communication technologies in the educational process and their availability, the blended learning model acquires large-scale significance and can stipulate the integration of educational activities and the introduction of digital communications for the development of communication competence in applicants. The basis of academic literacy is comprised of the following skills: operation of diverse languages, understanding of differences between these languages, and comprehension of the languages. Feedback allows students to realize and adjust their activity in accordance with the optimal activity strategy in an artificially created environment. Based on the communicative interaction, students and teachers discuss creative projects, use digital tools and web services to design multimedia electronic educational resources of Moodle system (an educational university portal). In order to improve professional training effectiveness of applicants and the quality of the higher education system, the educational environment should create a new academic community with academic literacy, academic integrity, and, in quarantine conditions, pay great attention to effective online communication. To do this, higher education institutions need to create a system of comprehensive development of academic literacy, academic integrity at all stages of education. That requires activation of discussion on these issues in foreign publications with an impact factor, professional periodicals, at scientific conferences, forums, seminars, webinars and trainings.

Doctoral Students’ Academic and Professional Network Development: A Collaborative Autoethnography of Students Engaged in Fatherhood Research

Aim/Purpose: The overarching purpose of this paper was to examine how a collaborative working group of doctoral students from different institutions evolved into a community of practice and developmental network. Specifically, the aim of this study was to examine this group’s progression from working group to support group, a process that occurred through academic support, social support, professional networking, professional development, and skill development. Background: Although doctoral cohorts are often formed within the same school, some informal groups may develop among students in the same discipline from different schools. The authors explored how the formation of a working group, through attendance at an annual academic conference, enhanced their doctoral education and expanded their network through social and academic support. Methodology: The participant-researchers in this study used collaborative autoethnography to collectively examine their participation in this group formed outside of their respective schools of social work. Having worked together for over a year, meeting monthly through video calls, on a discrete project, the participant-researchers embarked on this collaborative authoethnography as they discovered their transformation from working group to support group. This group of five participant-researchers examined their own feelings about their participation in the group and the consequent benefits of belonging to such a group. Contribution: This study makes an important contribution to the doctoral education literature about how doctoral students from different schools can form informal groups that serve as a key source of intra-disciplinary networking, resources, opportunities, and support. This contribution helps to further the research on what kinds of supports doctoral students need in order to remain in their programs and graduate. Findings: We found that a working group of doctoral students from different schools of social work can develop into a community that can be used for social, academic, and networking support. We discovered that relationships with peers across schools provided a supportive environment that was distinct from those formed within our schools. Joining together to achieve a common research goal encouraged members to extend content-specific support. In addition, this group found that members had the opportunity to compare experiences at their respective doctoral programs, which enhanced peer support. Recommendations for Practitioners: Special interest groups at national conferences should encourage doctoral students at different schools to form communities of practice or similar groups. This group formation may lead to opportunities for doctoral students to work on a common project (e.g., website, publication) and serve as a source of social and academic support. Recommendation for Researchers: More research is needed on whether this relationship among doctoral students within the same discipline at different schools is equally helpful among students in different disciplines. Additional research is also needed on whether communities formed during doctoral studies can promote future collaboration as students become professors or researchers. Impact on Society: The present study’s model is applicable for use in academic settings where doctoral students convene for conferences relating to research, teaching, and practice. This model can facilitate the formation of inter-university working groups among students with similar research interests, career trajectories, and life responsibilities. Such groups can enrich peer support, promote collaboration, and enhance professional development. Future Research: More research is needed on whether this kind of social support group amongst doctoral students can be sustained as the students transition into academic careers. Additional research is also needed on whether these types of informal groups work across research focus or whether it works best when students have the same research focus.

Integrating Academic Skills and Employability - Revisiting the Learning Journal

Across the world, universities are more numerous today than at any other time in history, yet at the same time there is unparalleled confusion about their purpose and skepticism about their value. Based on an extensive literature review, a survey of the academic landscape and discussions with academics as well as employers, this reflective piece highlights the importance of academic skills development with regard to students’ success at university, and illustrates the link between academic skills, employability and professional success. The article was prompted by the current discussion around universities’ struggle to provide students with the necessary skills to succeed after graduation. The article argues that the differentiation between academic skills on the one hand and employability skills on the other is no longer relevant or appropriate in the 21st century knowledge economy, and invites universities to enhance their curricula with additional, mandatory skills development modules. It provides an innovative suggestion on how to link academic skills and employability in curriculum development, based on the existing academic literature around the scholarship of teaching and learning, as well as research into employability skills. The importance of academic skills on students’ professional success can never be overstated. The article offers an innovative approach to linking academic skills, employability and professional success. It adds fuel to the discussion around employability from the perspective of industry practitioners. While this paper has been written specifically with undergraduate business degrees in mind, the principles and practices it outlines can also be applied to other academic disciplines.

English - Algerian Arabic Code-switching in EFL Classroom: Case of EFL Teachers and Students in the Department of English at Tlemcen University, Algeria

The main aim of the present paper is to provide an in-depth look at the relationship between English and Algerian Arabic (L1) in an EFL classroom in the department of English at Tlemcen University, Algeria. In this regard, the researchers try to determine the reasons and functions behind the use of Code-Switching among EFL teachers and students of English to Algerian Arabic. To conduct this research work, the researchers collected data through an interview that was conducted with 16 teachers of Comprehension and Oral Expression, Literature, and Civilization in the Department of English at Tlemcen University in Algeria, and supported by a classroom observation of students with the same teachers. Findings revealed that the use of Algerian Arabic is inevitable. Teachers’ responses exhibit negative attitudes towards English-Algerian Arabic code-switching in class, but they do not deny its integration as a pedagogical necessity to explain difficult words and expressions that are hard to be grasped in the target language. The results also showed that teachers peacefully attempt to get their students accustomed to lectures delivered in English solely by avoiding translation and applying the direct method of TEFL. Furthermore, they declare that infrequent use of AA is beneficial to foster students’ academic achievements and language skills development.

Moderating effects of networks on the relationship between acculturation and entrepreneurial skills development: Evidence from Africans trained in China

With the growing number of Africans living in China for education and business engagements, it is timely and relevant to study how they are influenced by Chinese cultural values. Applying the theory of acculturation, this article analyses the influence of Chinese culture on the entrepreneurial skills of Africans trained in China. Several reports in the existing literature suggest that adaptation can lead to improved performance and creativity. We extend this to include both social and business networks as moderating factors. Using a survey of 378 African returnees from China, we found out that sociocultural and academic adaptations influence entrepreneurial skills development positively, whereas psychological adaptation has a negative effect. In terms of moderating effects, networking seems to have a negative effect on the relationship between academic adaptation and entrepreneurial skills development. However, it does not significantly moderate the impact of psychological and sociocultural adaptations on entrepreneurial skills development.