Excellent Students Research Articles

Career choice among academically excellent students: Choosing teaching career as a corrective experience

The present study examined implicit motivations of academically excellent students' choice of teaching careers rather than more prestigious occupations. Open, in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve students. Findings indicate that choosing a career in teaching served as a corrective experience for painful past experiences, and revealed four types of implicit motivations: (1) The experience of helplessness and the need to strengthen the sense of self-efficacy (2) The search for interpersonal boundaries as markers of identity (3) The need to belong: Warmth, caring, and individual attention and (4) Compensation for an unjust and humiliating experience in childhood.

Utilizing Cases in Pharmacogenetics Education of Undergraduate Medical Students

Pharmacogenetics should have an integral role in undergraduate medical education as personalized medicine is the end goal of treating individual patients effectively. Increasingly, practitioners are being asked to incorporate patient genotypes when considering therapy options, including drug choice and dosing, particularly for drugs that exhibit significant morbidity in patients with a specific genotype. To improve student comprehension of the interplay between pharmacology and genetics, we sought to expose first‐year medical students to the core concepts and practice of pharmacogenetics through a case‐based discussion (CBD) within their pharmacology course.The CBD included a short, pre‐recorded lecture (~13 min) on the pharmacogenetics of warfarin, as preparatory material. During the session, 3 mini‐cases with different indications for warfarin therapy were presented. Students in small groups answered questions related to the patient's warfarin sensitivity, bleeding/clotting risk, warfarin dose optimization and patient counseling issues. After working through the cases in groups, answers were elicited using voting cards, and students were asked to defend their answers in the large group setting. Anonymous pre and post session surveys were administered to determine student satisfaction and understanding of pharmacogenetics concepts. The session's effectiveness at improving students' knowledge in pharmacogenetics was assessed in the end of course final exam. Survey results indicated that 80% of students listened to the pre‐recorded lecture. 20% of students agreed that prior to the pharmacogenetics activity, they had not previously considered that genotypes could play a role in drug metabolism and response. 90% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the CBD increased their awareness of how different genotypes may affect drug metabolism and response and 92% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the CBD increased their awareness of the fact that drug response is due both to drugs acting on target proteins as well as drugs being metabolized and/or excreted by the body. 98% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that this CBD was effective at integrating and applying pharmacogenetics to clinical presentations and 93% agreed or strongly agreed this session increased their level of confidence to be able to anticipate and discuss how pharmacogenetics can be used in clinical care and drug prescriptions.The CBD was well‐received, and informal polling of voting responses revealed that the majority of groups came to the correct answers during the CBD. The clinical relevance and interactive nature of the exercise resulted in excellent student engagement and satisfaction. Students' high performance on pharmacogenetics exam questions (mean of 81%) revealed a clear grasp of the pharmacogenetics concepts taught in the course. We believe that the combination of the presession recording followed by the student discussion of disparate cases of warfarin treatment were responsible for student comprehension.Support or Funding InformationThis study was not supported by a grant and has been approved by FIU IRB.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The Development of Proofs in Analytical Mathematics for Undergraduate Students

Proofs in analytical mathematics are essential parts of mathematics, difficult to learn because its underlying concepts are not visible. This research consists of problems involving logic and proofs. In this study, a short overview was provided on how proofs in analytical mathematics were used by university students. From the results obtained, excellent students obtained better scores compared to average and poor students. The research instruments used in this study consisted of two parts: test and interview. In this way, analysis of students’ actual performances can be obtained. The result of this study showed that the less able students have fragile conceptual and cognitive linkages but the more able students use their strong conceptual linkages to produce effective solutions

On the value of foreign PhDs in the developing world: Training versus selection effects in the case of South Africa

When seeking to improve science in emerging economies, uncertainty exists whether PhD training in an emerging economy can yield comparable results to PhD training in the developed world. Scientific achievements may vary because of excellent training at good universities, but also because excellent students select (and are selected by) good universities. This paper compares the career effects of overseas and domestic PhD training for scholars working in an emerging economy, South Africa. We differentiate between and examine both selection and training effects for PhDs from three tiers of South African and two tiers of foreign universities. South African academics with PhDs from universities in industrialised countries generally achieve greater career success than those with local PhDs, but training by universities in industrialised countries is not necessarily better than local training. Our results suggest that the perceived superiority of foreign PhD training stems from selection rather than do training effects, and pure selection effects in fact explain career outcomes better than training effects. Focusing on training rather than selection, PhDs from top South African universities produce a similar quantity and quality research output to those trained by the leading universities in the developed world. From the perspective of an emerging economy with limited resources wishing to advance science, the development of local universities should thus be stressed, although it is clear that individuals who are able to study for a PhD abroad gain personally when they return.

Upaya Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Ibadah Shalat melalui Media Gambar dengan Papan Planel di TK Widyatama Cabak Tlogowungu Pati

This study aims to determine the increase of students’s worship knowledge at TK Widyatama Cabak Tlogowungu Pati through picture and planel board media. Classroom Action Research was conducted in the first semester of the academic year 2016/2017. This research will be carried out in 2 cycles. The analysis is done by using data reduction, display data and conclusion drawing / verification. The results showed that the picture and planel board media can improve the knowledge of the students prayer worship. This is shown from the observations of pre cycle, cycle I, and cycle II. In pre cycles, knowledge of worship in the category of good worship as many as 7 students (23%) and sufficient category as many as 24 students (77%). In the first cycle, the knowledge of worship in the category of excellent students as much as 17 students (55%), good category 11 students (35%), and enough category sebanya 3 students (10%). In the second cycle, the knowledge of worship of the students reaches an increase of 87%, that is very good category as many as 27 students (32%), good category as many as 3 students (10%), and enough category as 1 student (3%). So in cycle II there is still one student who still need guidance from the teacher.

The National Clinical Skills Competition Promotes the Construction of a Comprehensive Training Program for Chinese Medical Students

To explore an efficient training program based on an analysis in organizing seven sessions for the National ClinicalSkills Competition in China. Each year, 6-12 excellent medical students of our university are selected as anobservation team. Comparisons of the teaching characteristics were performed in this study. An optimal curriculumimplementation, specific clinical teaching scenarios and evaluation methods were gradually obtained and improved.Teaching effects were satisfactory. Among seven sessions, the eighth session was the best. Curriculum constructionand training team building are formed synchronously through this National Clinical Skills Competition. Clinicalskills training should be designed and evaluated effectively in order to increase the comprehensive capacities ofmedical students.

Integrating Simulation Scenarios and Clinical Practices Guided by Concepts of Translational Medicine

Purpose: To develop a novel method for closely and effectively integrating simulation scenarios and clinical practices to improve clinical skills training in the concepts of translational medicine.Methods: Forty-two and 38 third-year medical students in the classes of 2010 and 2009 at Jinan University were selected as an observation group and a control group, respectively. The former group was taught according to a new, integrated mode, while the latter received traditional methods. Students' scores on practical tests in physical examination, internal punctures, and case analysis; theory-based exams on diagnostics and internal medicine; and questionnaire surveys were compared and analyzed. In addition, system-oriented curricula were explored and implemented.Results: A novel mode that closely and effectively integrates theory and practice in the observation group had been established although there were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between Grade 2010 and Grade 2009 in clinical basic skills training scores. However, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in scores on practical tests of physical examination and internal punctures among the diagnostic, internal medicine and internship periods in the class of 2010 but no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in case analysis scores. Therefore, system-oriented curricula were initially designed and explored in excellent students from Grade 2010 to reinforce clinical thinking.Conclusion: The novel program integrating simulation scenarios and clinical situations for training students in diagnostics and internal medicine skills can improve medical students’ clinical comprehensive abilities and achieve effects that are similar to those of the traditional method. This program is more popular with students and ensures patient safety as well. In addition, different characteristics of clinical skills training have been compared for the further exporation of system-oriented curricula.

Stojan Novakovic in Gymnasium and Lyceum 1857-1863

Based on unused documents from the Archive of Serbia, the paper presents less known details about the education of Stojan Novakovic in the Gymnasium (1857-1860) and Lyceum (1860-1863) in Belgrade. Novakovic came from a poor family. Being an excellent student, he was a scholarship (blagodejanije) recipient during his entire education. As such type of aid was insufficient, he earned additional money by holding private lessons, translating and writing essays. The paper highlights the continuity of Novakovic?s seven-year education in the Gymnasium as he finished four grades in Sabac and three in Belgrade. In the history of gymnasium education in Serbia, the 1853-1863 period is particularly notable as the reform initiated in 1853 in gymnasiums placed emphasis on foreign language learning. In the Gymnasium, Novakovic learned German, French, Latin, Greek and Old-Slavic. At the Lyceum, the highest educational institution in the Principality of Serbia, he continued to learn German and French. Professor Djura Danicic, who taught him philology, history of literature and aesthetics, made a strong influence on Novakovic during his studies at the Lyceum. He learned a lot about legal terms and concepts and the history of law from law professors Nikola Krstic, Sergije Nikolic and Ignjat Stanimirovic. He learned logics, national and general history and other auxiliary subjects. In view of this, we may conclude that Novakovic?s later versatile scientific interests result from the education that he gained at the Lyceum and his hard work throughout his career. To the extent offered by the preserved documents, the final part of the paper elucidates details from Novakovic?s education (timetables, exam dates and grades).

Steadfastly Dauntless: Excellent Students in the Midst of Challenging Working Environment

This phenomenological research was conducted to investigate the experiences of working college students that helped them greatly achieve excellence in school as well as in their workplaces. Participants of this study were honor students who are currently working in part-time basis. Results revealed that there are six major themes with corresponding sub-themes in analyzing the life of working student achievers. These are: a.Eco-Social Condition (education support, number of family members and family income); b.Fortitude (nature and hours of work); c.Motivations (family-financial status and personal growth);d. Difficulties (student roles and rest and leisure time); e. Fruits of Labor(academic achievement and work incentives and promotions); and f.Virtues Developed(perseverance and determination).

Al-Quran Teaching and Learning by Al-Qabisi Model: A Study Towards Excellent Students Ulul Albab Tahfiz Model and Tahfiz Stifin

Al-Quran Teaching and Learning by Al-Qabisi Model: A Study Towards Excellent Students Ulul Albab Tahfiz Model and Tahfiz Stifin

MOOC DEVELOPMENT ON MULTIMEDIA SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS COURSE

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is one of an e-learning platform to cater Education 4.0 and Industry 4.0 today. It is identified that MOOC on Multimedia Systems and Applications Course (MSAC) yet to be developed on Open Learning platform. Thus, this research presents a design of MSAC MOOC to provide students with essential knowledge on multimedia systems and applications based on interactive teaching and learning. Students can apply the acquired knowledge in designing multimedia systems and applications such as text, graphics images, audio, video, animation which can be presented online on MOOC. The designed MOOC is different to attracts everybody in the world to participate online no matters which academic background they have. The MOOC course started with a promo video, introductory video, course synopsis, course learning outcome, durations and course plan for 14 weeks. It is also designed with badges and certificates to excellent students who finish the course and able to gain understanding with interactive and active students on the MOOC. Theoretically, eleven topics are covered throughout the MOOC that consists of learning outcome for each topic. Content in text, images, animation and video is designed in subtopic. Practically three activities in each topic are designed with assessment on quizzes and interactive online questions. Educational hyperlink is supported on the MOOC for interactive knowledge based module, video on YouTube and Multimedia channel forum related to the course. Online discussion with students and submitted online short reports is applied to show their understanding of Intellectual Property Rights concept in designing multimedia system and applications. The designed MOOC then is analyzed and result based on student’s participations, origins, assessment and feedback from the students is presented. Research is significant in identifying students’ completion of the course understanding applied tools. The MOOC course is significant for today’s teaching and learning strategy that need to be ready align with new technologies and development.

Mentoring for medical students : Description and evaluation of adifferentiated mentoring program at amedical school

In recent years, mentoring programs for medical students have been increasingly implemented in medical schools in Germany. This article describes avoluntary mentoring program for students, which is differentiated into acommon mentoring program (AP), amentoring program for excellent students (EP) and amentoring plus program (PP) for students with academic difficulties, and its evaluation.The evaluation is based on annual evaluation surveys among the participating mentees, who evaluate the mentoring relationship as well as the impact on their studies.The three student groups differ significantly with regard to sociodemographic variables. The satisfaction with the mentoring program is generally high: 84-94% are mentored by their preferred mentor, the majority assesses the conversational atmosphere as open (78-91%), and 89-98% would recommend participation in the program to others. The programs differ with regard to specific aspects. While PP mentees report the highest ratings on the mentor's accessibility, trustworthiness and feedback, EP mentees report the highest ratings on the mentor's competence as well as increased identification with the faculty and early career promotion through the mentoring program.The different assessments of the three programs as well as the generally high acceptance and satisfaction ratings indicate that such adifferentiated mentoring program provides aframework of individual support, which is highly appreciated by most students.

Effects of Exploratory and Heuristic Multi-methods on System-oriented Curricula Based on Clinical Scenarios

A system-oriented curriculum in which basic medical courses and clinical subjects are integrated and reformed is a new trend for medical education in China. In order to train and enhance the comprehensive clinical competency, thirty-two excellent medical students who formed a observation group from grade 2010 in Jinan University were selected to participated in this study. Three different exploratory and heuristic pedagogies, which employed the flexible application of case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL), and team-based learning (TBL), were explored and implemented in cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive teaching sections. The effects of these exploratory and heuristic pedagogical approaches based on the flexible application of the CBL, PBL, and TBL methods with clinical scenarios in system-oriented curricula are satisfactory. Accordingly, these teaching methods and experiences had been summarized and promoted to mainland and non-mainland medical students from grade 2014 in Jinan University. Teaching and learning effects are also satisfactory. In addition, different characteristics in conducting these courses between two types of university students are further compared and analyzed for the improvement of all system-oriented curricula in the future.

Analysis on the Effective Ways of Strengthening the Cultivation of Communication Ability Between Nurses and Patients in Higher Vocational Nursing Education

Nowadays, under the condition of the lack of nursing staff, the state began to cultivate nursing students vigorously, and higher vocational nursing education has gradually become one of the most important majors in many full-time colleges and universities. The students who are trained in professional nursing, after several years of study, they will be gradually distributed to various regions, excellent students will even be sent to hospitals with better conditions and higher medical level. In fact, the nursing work is not as easy as people know. Nursing workers not only need to directly face different patients, but also need to have certain nursing technology and ability of adjusting to changing circumstances. Cultivating the nursing ability and ability of communicating well with patients of these students is the main purpose of higher vocational nursing education.

Molecular biology education in Indonesia - suggestions for improvement

Education in molecular biology is considered difficult because it is complex and requires a lot of basic knowledge. Focused on basic science facts, it is usually taught with little connection to everyday life. A second problem is that the topic is rather abstract and results are only indirectly observed: we know that DNA is a double helix - but nobody has seen it directly. In contrast to subjects in the humanities and social sciences, molecular biology is a handy-craft where sophisticated theory and practical lab-work go hand in hand. Molecular biology is not so much a specific sub-discipline of biosciences but rather a huge tool box which is indispensable for all other fields of biology. It is therefore absolutely required for all biologists to know the basics and the potential of molecular biology in their specific field of interest. We present some thoughts how to make the theory more attractive, how to combine learning, training and teaching of theory and practice, how to stimulate independent, critical thinking in students and final-ly, how to identify and support excellent students who should advance science in the next generation. Last not least, we emphasize the necessity to expand information and teaching of molecular biology to the public.

Supervisor descriptions of veterinary student performance in the clinical workplace: a qualitative interview study

This qualitative study investigated the qualities of veterinary student performance that inform a supervisor's impression of their competency. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 15 supervisors from...

Herausforderung „Examenspredigt“

The author looks for an explanation as to why otherwise excellent students often receive in their final exams comparative low grades for the written sermon plus description of the path to the sermon. Grading a sermon is a difficult task. Literature advice given to students tends to overlook the fact that the presentation of such a path to the sermon differs from actual stages of preparing a sermon. The question is also what can be taught in the preparatory classes. The author discusses possible solutions to these challenges.

Using Neuro-Fuzzy Technique to Classify and Predict Electrical Engineering Students’ Achievement Upon Graduation Based on Mathematics Competency

<p>This paper discusses the findings of a case study that uses neuro-fuzzy tool to classify and predict Electrical engineering students graduation achievement based on mathematics competency. In this study, achievement upon graduation and mathematics grades were classified as the key performance index. It's based on longitudinal progress and cross validation model on two mathematics subjects, semesters’ performance, and graduation achievement of electrical students. The outcomes indicated that there is a correlation between mathematics competency with electrical engineering performance, and it’s interesting to note that weak and satisfactory students in mathematics are not able to achieve first class upon graduation, and yet there is small percentage of excellent and good students in mathematics couldn’t graduate with high achievement. The findings conclude that the combination of statistical analysis and machine learning can help us to extract knowledge and enable university management to help low achievers at early stage. It’s hoped that the findings can help faculty management to review mathematics curriculum with respect to increasing range of engineering field.</p>

A Team Formation Framework for Managing Diversity in Multidisciplinary Engineering Project

Team formation is one of the essential elements in constructing effective teamwork of any team size that requires different skill sets. Diversity in team encourages students to challenge and compete with one another while searching for new ideas, which in turn can lead to a better team performance. In a well-functioning diverse teams, the students who performed poorly may gain benefit by observing how excellent students approach the assignments. They may also benefit by getting advice and assistance from the excellent students. Studies have shown that Malaysian university graduates lack of team skills. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for forming a diverse multidisciplinary team among engineering undergraduates based on selected criteria such as individual personality type, gender, and other relevant demographic information. The proposed framework can also be used to design an automated team-formation system based on the identified metrics. The purpose of the framework is to consolidate the existing team formation literature, and to develop and test interventions for maximizing individual member and team performance as a whole that makes an effective team. For this study, a multidisciplinary approach was used where first year engineering students from three different faculties, namely Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), and Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering (FBME) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) worked on an innovation project using the Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate (CDIO) framework. Keirsey Temperament Sorter was used as an instrument to identify an individual's personality type.

A Multi-Index Measurement Model of English Classroom Teaching Level in Colleges and Universities Based on Fuzzy System Theory

As a major index for improving English teaching ability in colleges and universities, English class-room teaching level serves as an important guarantee for enrolling excellent would-be students, and plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of English major. For this reason, this paper studies the evaluation of English classroom teaching level in colleges and universities. An evaluation index system is established by analyzing the selecting principles for evaluation indexes of English classroom teaching level. Furthermore, such evaluation is graded, and the fuzzy membership of an evaluation object concerning various indexes in different grades is worked out. Then, AHP method is employed to obtain the corresponding weight of evaluation indexes, so as to establish a multi-index measurement model of English classroom teaching level in colleges and universities based on fuzzy system theory. The result of case study demonstrates that the presented model is feasible.