Learning Experiences In Higher Education Research Articles

Exploring spatial influences in feedback for international students

Space is a significant factor for teaching and learning (Goodyear & Carvalho, 2019), but it is comparably underexplored in the higher education (Ellis & Goodyear, 2016). Learning spaces have become hybrid in the post-pandemic period in higher education with physical locations having digital extensions and vice versa (Ellis & Goodyear, 2018), which allows more flexible study modes and access to richer study resources. In addition to having material properties which physically promote or prevent student engagement, space is also a social product with relational and structural aspects, which could shape social relationships and moreover, reflect or promote existing inequalities amongst students (Wong, 2024). Space may therefore impact on students’ learning experiences, including within feedback encounters. Feedback is a significant aspect of students’ learning experiences in higher education. It is well acknowledged that feedback is important for students’ learning and graduate outcomes (Hattie & Clarke, 2018). Feedback encounters, such as supervision meeting and placements, could provide valuable feedback opportunities with the characteristics of immediate and frequent dialogues. However, spatial factors could affect these feedback encounters positively and negatively (Gravett, 2022). For example, many students perceive academic office as a scary space to seek feedback (Gravett & Winstone, 2019) while in comparison, online discussion boards are perceived as more flexible and equitable spaces for feedback engagement (Zhou et al., 2023). Since little is known about students’ experiences of feedback spaces and how spatial factors affect feedback, it is important to explore students’ feedback experiences in the hybrid feedback spaces. International students are a cohort for whom feedback spaces are particularly important. They often experience relocation to the new learning spaces in different cultural contexts, and are likely to be unfamiliar with material and social perspectives of the spaces (Dai et al., 2018). Therefore, they might feel disrupted and anxious at the initial stages of their feedback encounters, which could lead to the effectiveness of these valuable feedback. Since international students make great social and economic contributions to Australia, to promote more equitable feedback experiences for those students, it is important to understand their feedback experiences in the feedback spaces, to inform co-design of inclusive and supportive feedback spaces. This poster will offer an overview of preliminary findings of a review study. The review has two research questions: 1. How has space has been incorporated as part of existing feedback models in higher education, across situated, hybrid, and digital learning situations? 2. How do feedback models account for the particular situations of international students? This work has implications for future theoretical and empirical studies about feedback and feedback spaces. This research has the potential to enrich theoretical understandings of feedback and space research in higher education. Findings from this study could also enrich the literature regarding international students and provide practical strategies for supporting international students’ acculturation. In addition, the study could give implications to education institutions about how to create inclusive and supportive hybrid learning environments, which could significantly enhance the student experience and learning outcomes.

Bridging the Gap: A Framework for Experiential Learning in Higher Education

Bridging the Gap: A Framework for Experiential Learning in Higher Education

Enhancing student critical thinking and learning outcomes through innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education: the mediating role of inclusive leadership

This quantitative study examines the influence of innovative pedagogical approaches (IPA) on enhancing student critical thinking (SCT) and student learning outcomes (SLO) in higher education, with an emphasis on the mediating role of inclusive leadership(IL). Using a sample of 321 students from public and private universities in Pakistan, the research reveals that methods such as problem-based learning, flipped classrooms, and interactive teaching significantly boost academic performance and cultivate critical thinking skills. The findings indicate that innovative pedagogical approaches positively and significantly impact student critical thinking (β = 0.536, t = 6.539, p < 0.001) and learning outcomes (β = 0.551, t = 12.725, p < 0.001). Additionally, inclusive leadership mediates the relationship between innovative teaching methods and both student critical thinking (β = 0.331, t = 3.833, p < 0.001) and learning outcomes (β = 0.405, t = 8.662, p < 0.001). Data were collected using survey questionnaires adapted from established studies on inclusive leadership, innovative pedagogical approaches, student critical thinking, and learning outcomes. These results highlight the essential role of inclusive leadership in enhancing the efficacy of innovative pedagogies by creating a supportive and diverse learning environment. The study suggests that implementing active learning strategies and integrating technology in the classroom, along with inclusive leadership practices, can significantly improve student engagement, critical thinking, and overall academic performance. This research offers valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance teaching and learning experiences in higher education.

谈判: Mega-games as Catalysts for Deep Experiential Learning in Higher Education

The study deepens into the transformative potential of mega-games as an innovative educational tool, offering profound and enriching learning experiences across diverse educational landscapes. Mega-games represent a fusion of various elements, including role-play, social interaction, simulations, rule-based systems, economic dynamics, political scenarios, and decision-making processes, all woven into an immersive narrative fabric. Through experiential learning, these games provide a unique platform for students to engage deeply with complex subject matter. This research centres on the application of mega-games within the context of sixth-semester students pursuing a degree in International Business at the Mexico State Campus of Tecnológico de Monterrey. Specifically, the study focuses on the simulation exercise titled 谈判 Tánpàn, which aims to immerse students in negotiation scenarios regarding the final price of a digital device manufactured in China. Drawing upon foundational principles outlined in Jesse Schell's book on game design, the exercise is meticulously designed to emulate real-world negotiation dynamics. The integration of game design principles, coupled with positive student feedback, underscores the efficacy of mega-games as potent educational instruments. Through rigorous analysis, the study unveils the profound impact of experiential learning on students' comprehension and application of negotiation techniques. By simulating authentic real-world scenarios, students are empowered to develop critical problem-solving acumen, hone their analytical thinking prowess, and refine their decision-making aptitude. Moreover, the immersive nature of mega-games fosters a dynamic learning environment that transcends traditional pedagogical approaches, fostering a holistic understanding of intricate subject matter. The success of the 谈判 Tánpàn simulation exercise serves as a testament to the potential of mega-games to revolutionize educational paradigms. It signals a burgeoning opportunity to expand the horizons of mega-games across various academic disciplines and participant cohorts. This study advocates for the widespread integration of mega-games as educational resources within Higher Education, championing their capacity to engender profound learning experiences and cultivate essential skills, heralding a new era of dynamic, immersive, and effective educational methodologies in diverse educational settings.

The interplay of factors affecting online learning experience in higher education

The interplay of factors affecting online learning experience in higher education

Designing experiential learning activities with generative artificial intelligence tools for authentic assessment

PurposeThis article investigates the application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in experiential learning for authentic assessment in higher education. Recognized for its human-like content generation, GenAI has garnered widespread interest, raising concerns regarding its reliability, ethical considerations and overall impact. The purpose of this study is to explore the transformative capabilities and limitations of GenAI for experiential learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses “thing ethnography” and “incremental prompting” to delve into the perspectives of ChatGPT 3.5, a prominent GenAI model. Through semi-structured interviews, the research prompts ChatGPT 3.5 on critical aspects such as conceptual clarity, integration of GenAI in educational settings and practical applications within the context of authentic assessment. The design examines GenAI’s potential contributions to reflective thinking, hands-on learning and genuine assessments, emphasizing the importance of responsible use.FindingsThe findings underscore GenAI’s potential to enhance experiential learning in higher education. Specifically, the research highlights GenAI’s capacity to contribute to reflective thinking, hands-on learning experiences and the facilitation of genuine assessments. Notably, the study emphasizes the significance of responsible use in harnessing the capabilities of GenAI for educational purposes.Originality/valueThis research showcases the application of GenAI in operations management education, specifically within lean health care. The study offers insights into its capabilities by exploring the practical implications of GenAI in a specific educational domain through thing ethnography and incremental prompting. Additionally, the article proposes future research directions, contributing to the originality of the work and opening avenues for further exploration in the integration of GenAI in education.

Student perceptions on the impact of AI on their teaching and learning experiences in higher education

This paper provides evidence of student perspectives of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education (HE). In contrast to the extant literature that uses large-scale survey data to gather the student voice, research methods that prioritise qualitative data collection are presented. The data responds to a gap in the empirical evidence, redressing the lack of qualitative data on students’ thoughts and feelings in response to AI within a UK context. The paper also compares categorisations of concern relating to AI in HE between that published by academics and that generated by students using their own frames of reference. Recommendations for HE institutions are provided in response to issues identified in the literature and the research data.

Assessing self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learning experiences and the effects of career-related predictors

PurposeThis study explores the extent of undergraduate students' engagement in interdisciplinary learning experiences across their academic journey and its potential correlation with elevated levels of self-efficacy in learning. Furthermore, the research investigates how the clarity of career decisions and future goals contributes to the perception of relevance, value and alignment of interdisciplinary learning experiences among undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a self-report questionnaire in a longitudinal survey administered annually to undergraduate students at a university in northern Taiwan over four waves from 2018 to 2021. The sample analyzed for this study consisted of 123 undergraduate students who willingly and continuously participated in the research throughout the specified period.FindingsThe results showed that self-efficacy within interdisciplinary learning experiences could be classified into three clusters: high efficacy, moderate efficacy and fluctuating efficacy. The determinants influencing these clusters include career decisions and years spent in university. Undergraduate students who have determined their career decisions and are in their latter two years of undergraduate studies demonstrate higher self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learning. Conversely, students who have yet to determine their career decisions exhibit a fluctuating pattern of self-efficacy across the three interdisciplinary learning categories.Research limitations/implicationsTwo key limitations of this research include a small sample size and a confined university-specific context, potentially constraining the applicability of the results to a broader population.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the interdisciplinary learning experience in higher education by explaining the significance of undergraduates' self-efficacy and career-related factors. Whereas most research has focused on the effects of self-efficacy, this study investigated the factors that influence undergraduates' self-efficacy.

Harnessing the Power of Social Learning: Exploring Educators' and Students' Perceptions

This study investigated the potential of social media platforms to enhance student engagement and learning experiences in higher education. Researchers employed focus groups to gather insights from educators and students across diverse disciplines. The findings highlight the perceived value of social media in fostering a more connected and interactive learning environment. Participants emphasized benefits such as collaborative learning opportunities, real-time communication, and increased access to relevant information. Social media was also seen as a potential tool for promoting dynamic and adaptable educational approaches. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including potential selection bias and a relatively small sample size. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of social media integration on student learning outcomes, employing a larger and more diverse participant pool.

Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Graduate Learning Experiences in Higher Education: Insights and Recommendations

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound impact on higher education, prompting the need to assess its effects and provide guidance for future pandemics or disasters. While previous research has often focused on individual courses and short-term consequences, there is a limited understanding of the broader college experience. This study conducts a comparative analysis of graduate performance throughout different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a Graduate Learning Experience questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Scores for graduate attribute items were collected and compared across three distinct phases: pre-pandemic, pandemic era, and post-pandemic. The results reveal significant shifts in the student learning experience during these timeframes, with notable differences between on-campus and off-campus learners concerning their learning environments. The study also examines the reasons behind these variations, particularly among students living in on-campus hostels versus those off-campus. Additionally, it assesses the university’s response to the pandemic’s adverse effects and evaluates the effectiveness of these response measures. These findings offer valuable insights into the factors influencing graduate attributes in the context of online learning, with a specific focus on Hong Kong. They also provide policy recommendations for shaping the future of higher education in the aftermath of pandemics or disasters. Furthermore, these results can serve as a guiding framework for addressing similar challenges in other regions dealing with post-disaster recovery.

Evaluation of Digital- English Project Based Learning (PJBL) Model through Eye Tracking Analysis in Higher Education

This study uses Eye Tracking technology to analyze students' visual interactions with English learning films. The goal is to actively engage pupils and develop practical skills, not just test conceptual understanding. Eye Tracking is a technique for monitoring students' eye movements and attentiveness while interacting with digital objects. This method seeks to improve learning effectiveness by recognizing patterns of visual interaction in critical areas of the movie. In the digital age, technology plays an important role in shifting the learning paradigm. Project Based Learning (PJBL) is an increasingly popular approach in which students learn through real-world projects. The purpose of this study is to assess students' grasp of English topics using a digital-based PJBL. This study used Eye Tracking analysis to monitor students' eye movements and attentiveness while interacting with digital materials. The data suggests that pupils focus on relevant portions, particularly complex ones like grammar. This emphasizes the significance of focusing on key aspects of learning. The analytic results are used to improve material, optimize content, and diversify instructional techniques. The findings of this study will help to improve digital-based English learning using PJBL, resulting in a more immersive and effective learning experience in higher education.

Experiential learning in higher education: Assessing the role of business simulations in shaping student attitudes towards sustainability

Education for sustainable development requires innovative pedagogies that entice students' engagement, ensure effective learning outcomes, and develop students' attitudes towards sustainability. The study aimed to investigate the factors that shape students' learning outcomes of a business simulation that incorporates sustainability-related decisions and to examine the effect of business simulation learning outcomes on their satisfaction, intention to continue using business simulations as a learning tool, and attitudes towards sustainability. A survey was distributed at the end of a business simulation course for undergraduates in a private university in the New Administrative Capital in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 262 students participated in the study. The results supported all research hypotheses except for the relationship between learning outcomes and student satisfaction. The study extends our understanding of the use of experiential learning in shaping student attitudes towards sustainability. The future of implementing more business simulations in curriculums depends on students' willingness to continue using such experiential learning tools in the future along with the power of positive word of mouth associated with their experience. The study offers several important implications for higher education institutions leaders and educators.

Integrated Framework for Experiential Learning: Approaches &amp; Impacts

Purpose: The paper aims to provide a robust foundation for understanding the significance and application of experiential learning as an attractive alternative for classroom learning. Through the identification and evaluation of various types of experiential learning, the research seeks to elucidate the diverse approaches and their impacts on student learning outcomes, skill development, and career readiness. Furthermore, by focusing on the integration of curriculum and faculty training to foster an innovation culture, it aims to delineate strategies for enhancing educational practices to align the objectives of higher education with real-world applications. By predicting future trends in experiential learning, considering the influence of technological advancements, global collaboration, and integration with emerging learning models, thereby providing insights that can inform educators, administrators, and policymakers in enhancing the effectiveness and inclusivity of experiential learning in higher education. Methodology: This paper presents the multifaceted landscape of experiential learning within the context of higher education. The primary objectives of the paper include gaining a comprehensive understanding of the concept and principles of experiential learning, identifying and evaluating various methods of experiential learning and their impacts in higher education, and exploring the integration of curriculum and faculty training to foster an innovation culture based on exploratory research methods. Results/Analysis: The paper aims to assess the impact of experiential learning adoption on student learning, skill development, and career readiness, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational practices with real-world applications. Furthermore, the paper seeks to address critical issues related to equity and inclusivity in experiential learning, along with identifying faculty training needs. By examining challenges and proposing solutions, the chapter contributes to creating an inclusive environment that benefits a diverse student body. The analysis takes a forward-looking approach by predicting future trends in experiential learning, considering the influence of technological advancements, global collaboration, and integration with emerging learning models. Originality/Value: This holistic exploration serves as a valuable resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of experiential learning in higher education. Type of paper: Exploratory Research.

A Systematic and Literary Review on the Learning Outcome and Competency-Based Test

The study aims to reach a pro on learning outcomes and competency-based tests conducted in schools and the ways for implementing the same in higher education for assessing and evaluating in relation to the competency-based teaching-learning experience. Every individual has a distinct method for acquiring and constructing their knowledge. Facilitators in school and college are responsible for being skilled in various pedagogies to witness the progress of the learner. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has accentuated processed-based learning and assessment in practice. In 2023, SCERT implemented a new assessment for evaluating competency-based learning in schools and ways to guide the facilitator in designing the framework for teaching. As a follow-up, every month the students are assessed through learning outcome/competency-based tests in government schools. In this study, a convergent design, one of the mixed methods is used, and a structured questionnaire is set to collect the data. The data is collected from government school students who appear for learning outcome/competency tests, classes ranging from sixth to ninth, and also with the teachers who handle these students in all five subjects. The study discusses the development, pattern, and design of learning outcome/competency-based tests in schools, and its comparison with higher education competency-based semester assessments. It shows the new method of learning outcome/competency-based test can benefit the teaching and learning experience in higher education if conducted every month as a diagnostic assessment.

Perspectives On Game-Based Learning Within The Higher Education Sector

This study investigates the perceptions of faculty members on the integration and implications of game-based learning (GBL) in higher education, specifically within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It aims to understand how GBL influences student motivation, engagement, and the achievement of learning outcomes, thereby offering a faculty-centric perspective on the effectiveness of GBL strategies in enhancing educational experiences at the tertiary level. The research methodology employed semi-structured interviews with 18 faculty members across various disciplines in UAE universities. These interviews were meticulously analysed through open coding, selective coding, and axial coding using NVivo software. The findings indicate a strong consensus among faculty members on the positive effects of GBL on student motivation and engagement. A crucial insight is the necessity for GBL tools to be directly relevant to subject matter and aligned with specific learning outcomes. Despite these benefits, challenges such as the need for game design to meet educational objectives were noted. The study highlights the potential of GBL to transform learning experiences in higher education by fostering an engaging, interactive, and motivational learning environment. It suggests that for GBL to be effectively integrated into higher education curricula, there must be a concerted effort to develop subject-specific games that are pedagogically sound and aligned with learning outcomes. This research contributes to the academic discourse by focusing on the relatively underexplored area of faculty perspectives on GBL in the higher education sector of the UAE. It extends the understanding of GBL's applicability beyond K-12 education, addressing a gap in the literature regarding its use and effectiveness in tertiary education. Through its faculty-centric lens, the study provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing GBL in higher education settings, thereby offering a foundational framework for future research and practice in this emerging field.

Influence of internship, service learning and student mobility programmes on the development of critical thinking disposition in higher education

A willingness to explore new ideas and to maintain reflective skepticism is necessary to exercise critical citizenship. Importantly, the disposition to think critically is a dynamic (rather than static) characteristic of a person that can be developed through different educational experiences. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of three applied learning experiences – namely, internships, service learning and participation in international mobility programmes – on higher education students' disposition toward critical thinking. Participants were 147 Spanish undergraduates aged between 17 and 24 years (M = 18.36, SD = 1.16; 69.39% women). They were enrolled in degree programmes in the fields of social and legal sciences (81.6% of students) and engineering and architecture (18.4%). Critical thinking disposition was assessed at two time points: at the beginning of their undergraduate studies and at the end of year 2, by which time some students had participated in applied learning experiences. No changes were found in the disposition toward critical thinking of students who did not participate in experiences of this kind. However, students who had engaged in service learning projects showed gains in their critical thinking disposition. Contrary to expectations, no significant improvement in critical thinking disposition was observed among students who carried out internships or participated in mobility programmes. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting service learning experiences in higher education so as to promote and develop students' disposition toward critical thinking.

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in Students: A Study on the Effectiveness of Group Counselling Strategies Using the Talking Stick

Critical thinking skills are a crucial aspect of education aimed at equipping students with strong analytical abilities, deep understanding, and effective problem-solving skills. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of implementing the talking-stick-playing strategy during group guidance sessions on the enhancement of critical thinking skills among students majoring in Guidance and Counseling at Bengkulu University. The research methodology employed in this investigation is experimental, utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest design. Participant selection involved purposive sampling, with a sample size of eight students from 29 students. Data collection used the critical thinking ability scale adapted from Purnomo (2020), comprising 5 dimensions and 15 statement items. Analytical techniques were using descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon test analysis. Findings from the descriptive analysis reveal that students' critical thinking abilities were categorized as sufficient before the intervention, but improved to a good level after the treatment. Furthermore, the Wilcoxon test results yielded an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000, indicating that the implementation of the talking-stick strategy during group guidance sessions significantly influences the development of students' critical thinking skills. This indicates that the structured and participatory communication method introduced through the Talking-Stick helps students develop their critical thinking skills. Therefore, this approach should be considered by educators and counsellors as a valuable resource in enriching students' learning experiences in higher education.

Educational Management Innovation by Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

Innovation in higher education is essential to align teaching with technological developments. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) offers great potential to improve education management in higher education through optimizing the teaching and learning process. This research aims to explore how the integration of artificial intelligence in education management can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of students' learning experience in higher education. The research method includes a comparative analysis between conventional education management systems and systems that utilize artificial intelligence, as well as the implementation of AI technology in the decision-making process in higher education. The results show that the application of artificial intelligence can improve the ability of prediction, data analysis, adaptation, and personalization in curriculum management, student performance evaluation, and the provision of learning resources tailored to individual needs. Artificial intelligence in education management in higher education has opened up various opportunities. Artificial intelligence enables personalization of learning. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence in administration has also improved the efficiency of resource management and administrative processes. The conclusion of this study states that the utilization of artificial intelligence in educational management in higher education can bring about positive changes. By effectively utilizing artificial intelligence technology, universities can improve students' learning experience and optimize administrative efficiency, better preparing students for future challenges. It can also manage education in higher education to create a more adaptive, responsive, and innovative learning environment, which in turn can improve the overall quality of higher education.

Driving the career readiness agenda in Hong Kong higher education

The concept of “career readiness” can trace its origin to earlier studies about learning and employability in higher education as well as management of student life cycle. Since then, career readiness has evolved into a major concern for public funders and regulators of higher education. Policy researchers contend that following the expansion of higher education and subsequent institutional commitment to ensuring student success, the current stage is about emphasizing employability as the primary indicator of graduate outcomes. This policy shift projects the university-employer interface into the spotlight and creates a favorable condition for promoting work-based experiential learning in higher education. While all postsecondary education institutions in Hong Kong give due regard to graduate employment as a measure of successful “university to work transition,” most of them however do not offer structured courses to train their students in skills for lifetime employability. This leads to the question of whether the status quo is desirable and what would be an effective lever for effecting change. Should coaching students for career readiness remain the responsibility of career development office or can academic staff also have a role to play in supporting it? What are the different approaches for teaching about “work life” in the crowded undergraduate curriculum space? Answers to the above would depend on how much the higher education sector in Hong Kong is prepared to embark on a “whole-of-life” approach to develop “work conscious” and not just “work ready” graduates. The new direction will help to generate a positive effect on higher education institutions in Hong Kong for them to compete through curricular and pedagogical innovations in support of the career-readiness agenda.

A Systematic Review of Chinese Students’ Online Learning Experience in Higher Education

The Covid-19 pandemic prompts an increasing number of university students to engage in online learning (OL). China is one of the countries that have experienced a radical shift in this sense. Before the pandemic, the online mode of university study was not recognised as a legitimate educational experience in China; thus, a small number of Chinese students engaged in online study. Subsequently, there is a relatively incomplete understanding of their OL experiences. Given the exponential expansion of OL in China during the pandemic, it would be a timely effort to synthesise knowledge on Chinese students’ OL experiences. For that purpose, the present paper presents the results of a systematic literature review of 34 published journal articles concerning Chinese students’ online study. The results give a deep insight into Chinese distance higher education from students’ perspectives and call for more studies on the implications of relevant policy and cultural dimensions on Chinese students’ online study journey.