Diverse Student Population Research Articles

The transition from traditional to online education for the adult learner

Most educational institutions have been forced to transition to online education, prompting the adaptation of instructional approaches to ensure the diverse student population is accommodated. Digital learning platforms have created educational barriers for many adult students as the shift towards online education has accelerated due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Decades of traditional classroom experiences have enabled learned behaviour and the shift to online may no longer align with the students’ preferences, decreasing motivation and resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Exploration of the transition from traditional to online education has found technological barriers and the development of inclusive learning environments as transitional complexities for the adult learner. Examination of advantages and disadvantages of age-appropriate inclusive learning environments enables adaptation to equivalent learning opportunities. The transition to online education presents challenges and opportunities; however, through continuous evaluation and refinement, adaptation of digital learning can enhance the adult learner experience.

The role of teacher beliefs in teacher learning and practice: implications for meeting the needs of English learners/emergent bilinguals

Researchers generally agree that teachers’ beliefs influence their practice, but more research is needed on the relationship between teacher beliefs and their responsiveness to professional learning, especially among those serving diverse student populations. We examined the relationship between teachers’ beliefs, instructional practices, and student outcomes during the 2021–22 school year. Two California kindergarten teachers with high proportions of English Learners/emergent bilinguals collaborated with instructional coaches on an action research project designed to improve student engagement and oral language production during distance learning. Planning and debrief conversations revealed how teachers’ beliefs about student learning, and about the role of families and the teacher in supporting student learning, shaped the extent to which they adopted research-based practices, their differing student oral language and engagement results, and the emergence (or not) of a third space. The findings have implications for designing and carrying out effective teacher learning. We also contribute to the literature on the use of activity theory and third space to investigate teacher learning and its connection to instructional practice in classrooms serving culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Pursuing Dreams, Confronting Paradoxes: Palestinian Students in Israeli Institutions

Through an immersive qualitative exploration, we delve into the narratives of East Jerusalem’s Palestinian students as they navigate the complexities of an Israeli teacher training college. Workshops and artistic expression unearth their aspirations, challenges, and coping strategies within a labyrinthine educational landscape. Our findings illuminate their indomitable spirit and unwavering pursuit of dreams despite isolation, discrimination, and the ever-present Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This study contributes to understanding minority students’ experiences in higher education, particularly those in conflict-ridden regions. Drawing upon Resilience Theory, Social Identity Theory, Critical Race Theory, and Cross-Cultural Psychology, we weave a multi-dimensional framework elucidating factors shaping academic achievements, identity formation, and psychological well-being. The fruits of this research empower educators and policymakers to nurture resilience and inclusivity among diverse student populations navigating tempestuous waters. Amplifying Palestinian students’ voices, our work stands as a clarion call for equity and social justice in education, even amidst adversity. We underscore the paramount importance of tailored support systems and interventions, illuminating education’s transformative potential as a catalyst for positive change within communities gripped by conflict.

Student perceptions of supports for managing study in higher education according to internal and external locus of control

ABSTRACT Higher education has seen a significant shift in the last two decades, with contemporary students representing more diverse cohorts who are increasingly balancing study alongside competing life-roles and responsibilities. Given the rise in student attrition and concerns regarding engagement, we saw a visible need to consider how our students could be better supported in managing their study requirements which might improve retention and engagement. We asked students what best helps them to manage their learning and time, and this study reports on responses from 430 students over 8 course offerings between 2019 and 2021. Responses were coded using inductive category development and grouped into internal and external locus of control. The findings reveal 52.6% students demonstrated an interplay of internal and external locus of control factors, while 29.5% identified fully internal and 17.9% indicated fully external LOC. The study highlights that flexible, multi-pronged strategies and institutional supports are fundamental in supporting diverse modern tertiary student populations. The paper concludes with considerations for educators and higher education institutions, drawing on the principles of Universal Design for Learning and pedagogical care that may address many aspects raised by students that are outside their locus of control, which may consequently benefit student retention and engagement.

Integrating Conventional and Innovative Practices: Enhancing Literacy Education in Diverse Contexts

The Spring 2024 issue of the Georgia Journal of Literacy highlights how traditional teaching methods and innovative practices can be merged to effectively address the needs of today’s diverse student population. Articles within this issue advocate for a dynamic approach to literacy instruction, combining decades of research with contemporary classroom realities. The contributors to this issue explore topics from the complexities of reading aloud to leveraging community-based literacy projects, each underscoring strategies to create more inclusive and engaging learning environments. The issue also examines the importance of empirical data in developing effective literacy practices and offers practical strategies that apply research findings to enhance teaching and learning. The nine articles in this issue deepen understanding and encourage educators to innovate and adapt in ways that improve student engagement and literacy outcomes.

Impossible visibilities of Black and Global Majority staff at an ethnically diverse English university

This qualitative study explores how Black and Global Majority faculty at an English university with an ethnically diverse student population perceive race and racism on campus. Informed by a theoretical framework drawing on Critical Race theory (CRT), CRT methodology and critical whiteness studies, we adopt counter-narrative story telling as a method of analysis. This research foregrounds BGM faculty’s everyday experiences of racism in their professional lives and the “normalization” of racism in this setting. Through the construction of composite counter-stories (CCS) the experiences convey how BGM staff are simultaneously “othered” and “unseen”. This complex duality of hypervisibility and invisibility reveals subtle and insidious undercurrents of racism that frame the participants’ lived realities and ways everyday racism is enacted at institutional and individual levels. Although instances of “overt” racism are rare, these counter-narratives highlight ways institutional racism is perpetuated through white supremacist social and bureaucratic norms.

Inclusive education for refugee students from Ukraine—An exploration of differentiated instruction in German schools

AbstractCurrently, refugee Ukrainian learners are attending German mainstream schools, leading to an even more diverse student population. Given that the German school system is committed to provide inclusive education for all, this study aims to examine how teachers address Ukrainian students learning needs by means of differentiated instruction. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted in which eight elementary school and advanced secondary school teachers were interviewed. Findings revealed that refugee Ukrainian students in German mainstream schools are taught alongside German students, but are also placed in separated classrooms. Additionally, they occasionally participate in remote learning via Zoom from Ukraine. Furthermore, teachers reported using more frequently tiered assignments or peer tutoring systems. In contrast, practices such as mastery learning or open education are seldomly implemented. Implications of the results, as well as limitations and further lines of research are discussed.

Evaluating the factor structure, reliability and validity of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (CBI-SS) among faculty of arts students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

The Copenhagen burnout inventory-student survey (CBI-SS) has shown promising psychometric properties in diverse student populations. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Nigerian version of the CBI-SS. This was a cross-sectional study of 635 students from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the CBI-SS validity. The reliability score of the CBI-SS was 0.957, ranging from 0.862 to 0.914 for the subscales. Correlation coefficients among the four CBI-SS factors ranged from 0.507 to 0.713. The CFA indicated an adequate goodness-of-fit for the four-factor model of the CBI-SS with the sample data. However, Item 10 was removed due to unacceptably low Average Variance Extracted score. The four factors demonstrated a negative correlation with both General Academic Self-Efficacy Scale and Cumulative Grade Point Average. Furthermore, both self-reported burnout and perceived course stress showed associations with the CBI-SS, where lower levels of burnout corresponded with lower median scores on the CBI-SS scales. This study underscores the significance of the CBI-SS in evaluating student burnout within our student population. The findings indicate that the CBI-SS is a highly reliable and valid instrument for assessing student burnout, suggesting its potential for effective utilization in the Nigerian academic context.

Enhancing Interdisciplinary English Learning: A Systematic Review of the HyFlex Model's Strategies, Challenges, and Implications

This systematic review offers a thorough analysis of the existing research on the utilization of the HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible) learning model in interdisciplinary English courses. Drawing insights from 24 empirical studies published from 2008 to 2023, the review aims to showcase successful tactics for enhancing the HyFlex methodology while pinpointing notable deficiencies in its integration within the context of interdisciplinary English education. The review reveals promising strategies, such as leveraging peer interactions, utilizing authentic assessments, and implementing discipline-specific guidelines. However, it also uncovers critical gaps, including insufficient research on the model's effectiveness, a lack of frameworks for assessing higher-order skills, and challenges in facilitating meaningful discourse across modes. The review further highlights the need for more robust faculty training, consistent institutional support, and greater accessibility and inclusiveness for diverse student populations. To address these gaps, the review recommends the development of comprehensive assessment frameworks, investment in faculty training, integration of work-integrated learning, and implementation of blended synchronous approaches. By addressing these areas, the HyFlex model can be optimized to create more inclusive, flexible, and effective learning environments for students in interdisciplinary English courses. This review provides a solid foundation for understanding the current research landscape and identifies key areas for future development, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Post-Pandemic Support for Special Populations in Higher Education through Generative Artificial Intelligence

The sudden closure of schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted education authorities to quickly explore new teaching and learning methods. This disruption to traditional classroom settings led to the implementation of innovative strategies that assist educators and students in developing abstract thinking skills. In the wake of the ongoing impact of the pandemic on education, one crucial innovative approach that educators should embrace is generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Generative AI represents a significant transformation in the education sector, offering human-like content tailored to meet the individual needs of students, educators, and institutions. While the integration of generative AI post-pandemic is inevitable, this chapter highlights the myriad opportunities it presents for the education industry, particularly in terms of the strategies it provides for colleges and universities to recruit and engage diverse student populations through personalized instruction and equal access to opportunities. In the evolving landscape of post-pandemic education, technology that supports collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world educational connections is no longer considered a futuristic concept. While educational practices continue to evolve, the substantial entry of generative artificial intelligence into education is both distinct and unavoidable. With technological advancements come questions of digital equity and effective implementation. This chapter underscores how generative artificial intelligence can bridge these gaps by creating customized learning experiences that benefit educators and enhance access to knowledge. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence as a technological support tool is poised to bring about significant changes in education. Generative AI has the potential to drive the necessary shift towards personalized instruction and meaningful student interactions. This chapter seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of exploring generative AI strategies as the education sector grapples with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents insights into current and future opportunities offered by generative artificial intelligence to support innovative teaching practices, foster equitable growth, and facilitate the transition to educational systems on a global scale.

Faculty diversity and graduation rates: a zero-sum effect

ABSTRACT Texas higher education institutions serve some of the most diverse student populations in U.S. institutions. However, graduation rates remain among the lowest in the United States, particularly for underrepresented minority students. Diverse faculty members who act as mentors have the potential to increase underrepresented minority students’ graduation rates. Yet few studies have examined these relationships. Using data from the 2021 Integrated Post-Secondary Data System (IPEDS), this quantitative study contributes to this line of research by examining the correlations of overall faculty diversity and faculty race/ethnic match and mismatch with graduation rates of students by race/ethnicity in Texas. Similar to past research, findings suggested a zero-sum effect: a significant positive relationship between faculty and students of the same racial/ethnic background and a negative correlation between faculty diversity and the graduation rates of students from different racial/ethnic backgrounds than faculty. These results suggest that further research is needed to determine what other variables might influence such findings and how faculty can support students from different racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Associations among educators' beliefs, intervention fidelity, and student outcomes in school-wide positive behavior interventions, and supports: A school-level moderated mediation analysis.

Existing literature has established the effectiveness of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) for improving school-level student behavioral and academic outcomes. Implementation of SWPBIS in uncontrolled settings is often suboptimal, leading to lackluster outcomes. Researchers have developed and validated several implementation strategies to improve individual-level implementation determinants (e.g., educators' supportive beliefs) to promote the successful delivery of universal programs (e.g., SWPBIS). However, empirical studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of change through which school-level educators' beliefs influence their delivery of SWPBIS. This school-level quasi-experimental study tested a mediational mechanism of change where changes in educators' beliefs work through their intervention fidelity of SWPBIS to influence student outcomes. We delivered the Supportive Belief Intervention (a school-wide implementation strategy used before training to promote educators' supportive beliefs about SWPBIS) and then Tier 1 SWPBIS training to 81 elementary schools serving diverse student populations. At the start of the academic year, school-level educators' beliefs were assessed before the Supportive Belief Intervention. At the end of the academic year, educators' beliefs, intervention fidelity, and rates of student reading proficiency and suspension were assessed. Conditional process analyses with nonparametric bootstrapping (mediational and first stage moderated mediational models) revealed that, at the school level, a larger increase in educators' supportive beliefs was associated with enhanced SWPBIS fidelity and better corollary student outcomes (increased reading proficiency and reduced suspension), while student socioeconomic status moderated the size of the mediation effect. Implications for research and practices about the implementation of SWPBIS and school context were discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Creative Visual Arts and Biology Processes: Examining Emergent Bi/Multilingual High Schoolers Meanings

This case study research examines how emergent bilingual and multilingual high school students construct meanings while engaging with objects during a biology lesson that integrates visual arts. Drawing on the theoretical framework of Symbolic Interactionism (SI), the study focuses on "Artistic Reformatting to Represent Interdependence among the Structures and Functions of an Animal Cell." By investigating the connections between the students' interests, beliefs, memories, and objects, as well as their social interactions with peers, friends, family, and others, the research uncovers the ways in which meanings are constructed. While visual arts integration is common in academic content, little attention has been given to its potential to support meaning-making among emergent bilingual and multilingual students. The findings of this study highlight the importance of adopting a holistic approach to visual arts education that emphasizes contemporary strategies, enduring ideas, and social interaction in engaging with content. These insights suggest that educators can enhance their teaching methods and create meaningful learning experiences for bi/multilingual students by incorporating these approaches. The study underscores the significance of visual arts in fostering personal connections and deeper comprehension of academic content among diverse student populations, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and effective educational environment.

Solution to Improve English Reading Comprehension Skills for First-Year Non-Specialized Students at Tan Trao University

The increasing importance of English as a global language necessitates the development of robust reading comprehension skills among university students, especially those in their first year. At Tan Trao University, a significant number of first-year non-specialized students struggle with English reading comprehension, which impedes their overall academic progress and limits their access to global knowledge resources. This study, titled "Solution to Improve English Reading Comprehension Skills for First-Year Non-Specialized Students at Tan Trao University," seeks to address this pressing issue by identifying the challenges these students face and proposing effective solutions to enhance their reading comprehension abilities. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review, this research delves into various theoretical frameworks and previous studies on reading comprehension and second language acquisition. It investigates the specific difficulties encountered by non-specialized students, such as limited vocabulary, lack of background knowledge, inadequate reading strategies, and low motivation. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data from standardized reading tests and surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that students' reading comprehension difficulties stem from a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, students often exhibit low self-efficacy and anxiety towards reading in English. Externally, insufficient exposure to English texts, lack of tailored instructional materials, and limited access to reading resources further exacerbate the problem. In light of these findings, the study proposes a multifaceted intervention strategy aimed at improving reading comprehension skills. Key solutions include the integration of extensive reading programs, the use of authentic and engaging reading materials, and the implementation of reading strategy instruction. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment through peer collaboration, teacher feedback, and motivational activities. To ensure the effectiveness of these solutions, an implementation plan is outlined, detailing steps for curriculum development, teacher training, and ongoing assessment. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse on language acquisition but also offers practical recommendations for educators and policymakers at Tan Trao University. By addressing the specific needs of first-year non-specialized students, the proposed solutions aim to enhance their reading comprehension skills, thereby improving their overall academic performance and increasing their opportunities for success in a globalized world. The study concludes with suggestions for further research to explore additional factors influencing reading comprehension and to develop innovative instructional approaches tailored to diverse student populations.

Assessments from the first year of an underrepresented undergraduate internship program

To enhance our service to a diverse student population our faculty created the INtegrative biology and Physiology Undergraduate Training (INPUT) program. This research focused initiative solicited applications from first- and second-year students undergraduates of our large, urban, land-grant university. Selection criteria included academic aptitude, self-reported socioeconomic and cultural challenges, interest in physiological research and letters of support. Six students were selected from our initial cadre of applicants. The students were matched with faculty research mentors and provided a paid research opportunity for the spring semester of 2023. At the end of the term, an assessment of the experience by both each student and mentor determined whether a second semester experience was offered by the department. All of our faculty mentors were favorably impressed by the progress made by their INPUT scholars and five of the six students requested and were granted a second semester research opportunity. The five INPUT students continued their mentored research in the areas of neurophysiology, skeletal muscle physiology, and adipose biology. The one outlier stated that while she enjoyed the experience and that it encouraged her to continue in research. She also found that her scientific passion was in chemistry rather than physiology and moved to a different program. Based on the overall positive outcomes a second semester opportunity was offered to the five students who expressed an interest in continuing their physiology-focused projects. The second term experiences were completed either during the summer or fall of 2023. We will encourage our initial group of INPUT scholars to serve as ambassadors for other underrepresented students who are interested in physiology research and use their end of experience assessments to help shape the future of our INPUT program. We will report on the opportunities discovered and the challenges faced in launching the INPUT program as well as the prospects for continued outreach. Our hope is that our experiences with INPUT will encourage others to attract, encourage and prepare a robust and representative group of young scientists and clinicians to enter the 21st century biomedical community. Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455. 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.

Unveiling The Impact of “Nearpod” Application in Elevating Tenth-Grade Reading Narrative Text Comprehension Mastery

This study is a Quantitative study to examine the efficacy of Nearpod application in elevating the 38 tenth-grade students' reading comprehension mastery under the topic of narrative text at SMAN 1 Bitar. Pre-experimental research using a one-group pretest and post-test design was implemented. To obtain the data, the researchers utilized the test. Before being given to the participants, the validity and reliability of the test were examined. T-tests on paired samples were used to assess the data that was gathered by applying SPSS 25. The findings showed that students' comprehension of narrative texts was much improved by using the Nearpod application. The students' post-test score of 83.05. rose from their pre-test score of 74.13 in narrative text The student's learning results throughout the pre-and post-tests differed notably, according to the matched samples t-test, with a p-value of 0.000, which was less than 0.05, indicating statistical significance. In light of these results, it is advised that English teachers incorporate Nearpod into their teaching, particularly for reading instruction. the findings suggest that Nearpod positively impacts reading instruction. Implications include the potential of Nearpod for enhancing literacy skills and promoting student engagement. Future research could explore its effectiveness across diverse student populations and grade levels, as well as comparative studies to identify best practices in literacy instruction. By addressing these areas, future research can contribute to the advancement of technology-enhanced pedagogy.

The Relationship between Study Habits and Academic Performance among University Students

Abstract: This paper examines the intricate relationship between study habits and academic performance among university students. Drawing upon a synthesis of empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and psychological models, the abstract delves into the multifaceted dynamics shaping students' study habits and their consequent impact on academic achievement. Key factors such as time management, learning strategies, motivation, self-regulation, and environmental influences are explored within the context of diverse student populations and academic disciplines. Moreover, the abstract elucidates the reciprocal nature of this relationship, wherein effective study habits not only enhance academic performance but also contribute to holistic student development. Additionally, it sheds light on the role of technology, social media, and other contemporary influences in shaping modern study habits and their implications for academic success. Finally, the abstract underscores the importance of tailored interventions and educational strategies aimed at optimizing study habits to foster optimal academic outcomes and lifelong learning skills among university students

IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION

A growing number of individuals are coming to the realization that the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into educational frameworks has a significant impact on the learning environment of this notion. Explores the many uses and possible advantages of AI in the educational setting. The ability of AI to personalize the way information is presented to learners is one of its strongest points. Artificial intelligence (AI) encourages a personalized learning strategy that takes into consideration different learning styles and paces via the use of data analytics and adaptive algorithms. As a result, student engagement and academic achievement are enhanced. As a cognitive enhancement tool, artificial intelligence (AI) can also assist educators in creating and disseminating interesting information for diverse student populations. The use of AI in the classroom has the potential to usher in a new era of student engagement and knowledge exchange through the development of dynamic, collaborative learning spaces. With the support of AI-driven tools, educators have the potential to cultivate classrooms that are more interactive and cooperative. Traditional boundaries of the classroom. It is unclear how AI systems will affect cultural norms, standards, and the student-teacher interaction, despite the fact that AI has many positive uses. Students' happiness and success are greatly affected by online learning. In the learner-instructor relationship, which is defined by engagement, presence, support, and communication. If we want to know what kinds of problems are holding AI systems back from reaching their full potential and putting kids' and instructors' safety at risk, we need to know how people see the effects of these systems on their interactions. Having said that, we must carefully examine the ethical issues that emerge from the widespread use of AI in the classroom. Concerns about privacy, algorithmic biases, and the digital divide need our full attention. While AI is changing the educational landscape in profound ways, this abstract offers a more nuanced view of the subject. Since AI is a catalyst for innovation, researchers, teachers, and policymakers should carefully consider how to incorporate it to ensure future inclusive, equitable, and morally acceptable education. Keywords:- AI , Education,

Comparative Analysis of Differentiation Among Students in Higher Education Versus Elementary Education

Diverse student populations with varying learning skills and linguistic barriers exist throughout elementary and higher education settings. Poorer learning outcomes are observed when students are not engaged or motivated to learn. This study aimed to determine techniques used in the classroom such as discussion and debate, research and inquiry or small group instruction that could lead to a positive effect when instructing students in these settings. The analysis included a review of the literature for the years 2000 through 2023 with a focus on learning outcomes. This literature review is limited to differentiation with small group instruction, with researcher highlighting the importance of individual learning proficiency. Based on the findings of this study, it can be implied that there is a return on the teacher’s time invested using the five fundamental principles of differentiation for achieving better student learning outcomes.

Flexible learning dimensions in higher education: aligning students’ and educators’ perspectives for more inclusive practices

Driven by the rise of recent technologies and long-standing interest in accommodating diverse student needs, the demand for flexibility in higher education has intensified. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified studies investigating online learning effects, reflecting shifting preferences and demands in education. Although prior research recognizes diverse flexibility practices, a narrow focus on instructional delivery limits its potential. Bridging this gap requires re-envisioning flexible learning by involving students, educators, and institutions in the transformation process. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and compare students’ and educators’ perspectives and experiences of five dimensions of flexibility (deadlines, modality, assessment type, grading and weighting, and course correspondence). The study involves a quantitative and qualitative survey, composed of Likert scale and open-ended questions. The survey respondents were students (N = 315) and educators (N = 100) at Western University across different years and programs. The quantitative component reveals a general alignment between student and educator preferences across flexibility dimensions. Noteworthy preferences include collaborative deadline setting, non-timed and take-home assessments, and more frequent, lower-weighted tasks. Students’ increased preference for hybrid learning, despite a general preference for in-person formats, underscores the value placed on flexibility and adaptability. Qualitative findings illuminate the broader implications of flexibility that can be organized into the following four themes: (1) flexibility humanizes teaching and learning, (2) flexibility recognizes diverse student populations, (3) flexibility provides broad accommodation and increases accessibility, and (4) flexibility can offer immediate relief but poses long-term consequences. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of flexibility in higher education, offering a nuanced understanding of the impact of flexibility on students, educators, and institutions, encouraging further exploration and evidence-based policy decisions. Beyond academia, the research suggests potential reshaping of the higher education landscape, positioning flexibility as a fundamental element to foster a more inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environment for both students and educators.