Student Frustration Research Articles

"The utter nightmare of us students"

Reading challenging literary texts often results in feelings of confusion, frustration, and alienation in students. The dynamics between students, instructors, and difficult literary texts are both challenging to understand and of great importance because of how such engagements can enhance cognitive and emotional growth. By analyzing a student-created podcast which aims to demystify complex works such as those by Shakespeare, this paper examines the strategies employed by the students–creators to overcome challenges presented by text. It uses a combination of video recordings, transcripts, and interviews to investigate what the students found meaningful as they reinterpreted their reading experiences for the creation of the podcast episode. By focusing on not just the product of the student podcast, but also the process in the form of the experiences, strategies, and appeals they relied on and deployed, this paper attempts to contribute to an understanding of these complex dynamics.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Nursing Education: Insights from Student Nurses at the National University of Lesotho

<i>Background:</i> Globally, student frustration and attrition rates are declining, underscoring the importance of investigating the academic and interpersonal challenges that students face after their first year. Objectives: exploring the experiences of National University of Lesotho student nurses on their course of education. <i>Method:</i> A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to conduct research at the National University of Lesotho. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide in two focus groups comprising all student nurses who are enrolled in the nursing and midwifery programme from their second year into the programme. This study employed a stratified random sampling procedure to select its respondents. This study made use of thematic analysis. <i>Results: </i>The results demonstrated clinical weariness caused by a severe workload. The tasks and responsibilities assigned to the students, which they consider to be the duties of registered nurses, frequently leave them feeling overburdened. Variations in clinical supervision experiences include negligence; some experience sexual abuse; and some students find the clinical setting quite unpleasant and inappropriate. On the other hand, students expressed that they are empowered by the current nursing curriculum to face the clinical challenges. <i>Conclusion:</i> Despite appreciating the faculty's supportive and inspiring environment, students had conflicting emotions about the instructional approaches and learning environments. There were variations in both instructional quality and clinical supervision.

Mobile Application System Efficiency and the Degree of User Satisfaction in Accessing Information

The purpose of this study was to explore the degree of user satisfaction with the use of mobile application systems to access information, specifically, the Moodle learning management system. Using quantitative methods, the authors explored user satisfaction in relation to system efficiency in accessing information and examined variables related to important demographic variables, such as local user location. The results showed that students were not afraid to use the Moodle learning management system but at the same time did not think Moodle was the best option for online learning because it continuously froze during exams, leading to student frustration. The results also showed that students were satisfied with information technology support when they needed it; however, they did not believe they received enough training to use Moodle. In addition, students did not find Moodle useful for online lectures because it does not have a live lecture feature.

Over-adaption and Autonomy Satisfaction and Frustration of Japanese Junior High School Students

Over-adaption and Autonomy Satisfaction and Frustration of Japanese Junior High School Students

Dear teachers, Do you know? The era of teaching is over, only learning prevails

Traditional teacher-centered teaching causes significant difficulties for both teachers and students. In this model, the teacher is active, delivering knowledge, while the student remains passive, attempting to absorb it. This approach often results in frustration for students as they struggle to memorize the teacher's words without truly understanding the subject matters. Traditional teaching methods not only cause suffering and pain for both teachers and students, but they also stifle students' creativity. These methods promote rote memorization of the teacher's words. Therefore, it is urgent to replace traditional teaching with more effective learner centred approaches. The main objective of this study is to analyze the pain, suffering, and challenges I faced with traditional teaching methods and how these experiences prompted changes in my pedagogy. I used multiple paradigms, and autoethnography as a strategy of inquiry, which combines personal experience and writing. I selected three participants based on their availability and willingness to be interviewed: a former colleague who teaches social studies and two of my former social studies students. In this study, I present my teaching experiences at the school level in the first section and at the university level in the second section. Initially, while teaching at the school level, I adopted traditional teacher centred teaching methods. Gradually, I recognized the weaknesses in these methods. Despite this realization, my teaching approach remained teacher-centered during my time at the school level. When I began teaching at the university level, I realized the need to improve my pedagogical practices. Consequently, I adapted my pedagogical practices to meet the needs of the students. This student-centered teaching method enabled the development of the knowledge, skills, and competencies I aimed to cultivate in them.

Impact of COVID-19 on Coordinated Programs in Dietetics

The purpose of this study was to analyze tactics employed by coordinated programs in dietetics during COVID-19 and share best practices in the event that another crisis disrupts the intended learning plan and curriculum. The study was conducted via a survey that consisted of 14 questions, not including consent, that pertained to their specific program, whether COVID disrupted their supervised practice experiences, and if so, how they overcame the challenge. Participants receiving the survey consisted of dietetic coordinated program directors and the clinical coordinators of the respective program if applicable. The survey was sent to 60 total participants with 21 returning the survey fully completed. In this qualitative study the primary point of interest was the vast utilization of technology to provide virtual patient rounding with RD’s in the field and telehealth patient interactions. Responses indicated a combination of student frustration in regard to alternative assignments, but positive responses when using virtual formats to engage with preceptors, clients, and delivering educational material. The primary implication seen in this study was the desire to revamp and improve the rigor of simulations and alternative supervised practice material.

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and student interest development: a longitudinal study investigating the roles of challenge, frustration, and meaning making

ABSTRACT Course-based research experiences (CUREs) are shown to be more engaging for college students, lead to better academic performance, and increase students’ intent to persist in science. This especially holds true when compared to lecture-based science courses with standard lab assignments. Less attention has been given, however, to the nuanced week-by-week experiences of students participating in CURE courses over a semester. This study addresses why it is crucial to understand how student interest is sustained throughout the CURE course, despite potential challenges and frustrations. Conducted over a 15-week period, this longitudinal study examines enrolled students (N = 170) who had one of 13 instructors from six institutions. The results indicate that students’ high frustration with participation in CUREs moderates the relationship between perceived challenge and interest. In addition, higher levels of the variable ‘meaning making’ among students have significant associations with week-by-week interest maintenance throughout the semester. Findings suggest that to sustain high levels of student interest over a semester, CURE instructors should focus more on reducing student frustration within CURE course operations. To further support student interest, these findings also suggest that instructors need to foster and emphasize the connections of CURE course content to students’ own lives and personal goals to sustain their interest.

Four Strategies for Supporting Students With Dyslexia in Solving Mathematics Word Problems

Solving mathematics word problems requires skills from multiple domains, including efficient word-decoding skills, text comprehension, problem solving, and arithmetic. Word problems can be especially difficult for students with dyslexia (i.e., word-level reading disability), causing frustration for students and teachers. This article discusses the complex process of solving word problems and outlines four strategies for supporting the co-development of skills in word-problem solving and reading for students with dyslexia: (a) adapt word problems for readability and support word reading; (b) teach students to recognize word-problem types; (c) explicitly teach word-problem specific vocabulary; and (d) integrate writing through student-generated word problems.

Gamifying the university classroom: a comparative analysis of game dimensions through educational Escape Room and a digital board game

IntroductionUniversity education is looking for innovative ways to enrich the teaching-learning process.MethodsThis study aims to describe and compare two gamified experiences: an educational Escape Room and a digital goose board game with Genially. The design of this research follows a quantitative correlational methodology. A total of 135 university students in the first year of the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education participated in the study.ResultsData were collected using the Gamified Game Experience Scale (GAMEX). The results of contrasting means for the game dimensions between both gamified experiences reveal a significant variability (p < 0.01) in favor of the Escape Room in fun, absorption, creative thinking, activation and mastery. On the other hand, the absence of negative affect was significant (p < 0.05) in favor of the digital board game.DiscussionIt could be said that the educational Escape Room manifests itself as a powerful resource for learning. However, it can induce a high level of stress, generating discomfort, hostility and frustration in students, so its implementation is not free of negative effects. These findings provide additional empirical evidence that could guide the design of gamified experiences in the Higher Education environment.

Buckets of fun: Impacts of fraction ball activities on students' math-related emotions

Rational number learning can cause frustration and negative emotions for elementary school students. Fraction Ball, a play-based math intervention, allows students to actively learn rational numbers through engaging and interactive activities. Based on a cluster-randomized trial with 16 teachers and 360 students, our pre-registered analyses showed moderate positive impacts of Fraction Ball on overall students' self-reported math-related emotions. Exploratory analyses indicated that students with higher negative emotions at pretest showed larger experimental impacts on decreasing negative emotions at posttest. Finally, we found that Fraction Ball evidenced no trade-off between rational number learning and emotional outcomes at the classroom block level, indicating that positive learning gains in rational number skills were associated with increases in positive emotions and decreases in negative emotions.

Retrieval method as a learning intervention for long term retention and creative thinking skills

Abstract— Few key skills among many that are needed in the 21st century are critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, meta cognitive skills, technology literacy and decision making under uncertainty. With the emergence of ChatGPT and other Generative AI tools, there is a dire need for a distinctive way of learning and application of learning to ensure learning effectiveness. Mere content is no longer the most important factor to learn these skills but. what is needed is the ability to retrieve material learnt, in the context of application. For the learner to be able to apply the critical thinking levels and higher learning levels of Blooms taxonomy, the basic first level of remembering forms the basic foundation, particularly when the students are from first generation educated families or with disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. However, when students cram for the exams, they generally get an ‘illusion of learning’, where they think they know, but in reality often they may not be able to recall what they crammed when they need it later. This is a case of inefficient investment of time and effort in learning for the student. For the teacher, it slows down the teaching process and opportunity to engage in higher order thinking level applications. Addressing the frustrations of both teacher and students, the authors applied the concept of Retrieval method for MBA I year for Marketing Management course during a semester and a survey was conducted at the end of the semester to understand the perception of students on effectiveness of Retrieval techniques. The results supported that retrieval techniques were effective in supporting the student learning. Keywords— Blooms Taxonomy; Learning intervention; Retention technique; Retrieval Technique.

Student adaptation to distance learning: An analysis of the effectiveness, benefits and risks of distance education from the perspective of university students

The research study provides an analysis of the effectiveness of distance education from the perspective of university students and contributes to the reflection of the current trend of introducing combined studies in higher education. The research was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic, when most of the higher education was primarily shifted to distance learning. The aim was to identify factors influencing students' adaptation to this “new” learning model. The findings of the mixed (qualitative and quantitative) investigation, in which students commented on two open-ended questions focusing on the positive and negative effects of distance learning via an online survey form, were processed using content categorical analysis. The frequencies of responses by category were then evaluated using binary logistic regression based on odds ratios. Ordinal and cardinal data were assessed using both descriptive and inductive statistical analysis.The results showed that, in addition to teaching methods and content, the adaptation of the students themselves to distance education plays an important role and that there are significant differences in this adaptation among students depending on gender, type of study programme and their learning preferences. We also found that contact with teachers remains a key element of student success, and that maintaining communication with teachers is essential for setting an adequate pace of learning and for minimizing student frustration. We identified key factors of adaptation that influence student success in distance education, such as personality profile, motivation, study skills, and self-study competences. An important outcome of this study was the finding that it is necessary to specify educational contents that can be taught at a distance and those that require only face-to-face instruction. This appears to be a key prerequisite for the effective implementation of distance education in universities. The study also points to the need to evaluate the effectiveness of different teaching methods for learning in terms of their impact on student success in distance education mode. Based on the results obtained, we consider it necessary for universities to invest sufficiently not only in technical equipment and in training teachers in the use of available technologies, but also in strengthening the pedagogical and psychological competences of all teachers.

Sometimes More is More: Adding a Course Manual to Your Syllabus

This article presents a rationale, as well as practical guidelines, for incorporating a “Course Manual” into the standard course syllabus. The primary goal is to simultaneously increase student success and decrease faculty workload. Relevant literature on effective syllabus construction is reviewed. A novel approach, based on the application of lean principles and strategies, is proposed to reduce student frustration and capitalize on intrinsic motivation. Common benefits for both students and faculty are described, and sample content is provided

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF PRINCE SATTAM BIN ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY IN ADDRESSING CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF FRUSTRATION AMONG STUDENTS

Frustration among university students is a prevalent and often overwhelming emotion resulting from a variety of academic, personal, and social pressures, significantly impacting their overall college experience. This study aims to investigate the role of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in addressing the causes and consequences of students’ frustration. We employed a descriptive research methodology and surveyed 87 faculty members from the colleges of Wadi Al-Dawasir and Al-Sukayyia using an 18-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The results indicated that, from the perspective of faculty members, the role of Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University in addressing the causes and consequences of student frustration was moderate. The dimensions of this role were ranked as follows: first, the university's role in raising students' awareness about the causes and consequences of frustration; second, the university's educational role; and third, the university's preventive role in alleviating student frustration. The study proposes a conceptual framework to activate the preventive, awareness-raising, and educational roles of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in addressing the issue of student frustration.

Training in retinoscopy: learning curves using a standardized method

BackgroundRetinoscopy is one of the most effective objective techniques for evaluating refractive status, especially in non-cooperative patients. However, it presents a slow learning curve that often leads to student frustration. With the current Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social isolation, clinical education based on simulation has become more relevant. Therefore, we implemented retinoscopy laboratories and learning protocols to reduce student stress and learning time.MethodsWe conducted a study to evaluate the retinoscopy learning curve using a new training protocol proposal. One hundred trainees were assessed in four stages, corresponding to 08, 12, 16, and 20 hours of training. Six different refractive defects were used trying to reproduce frequent conditions of care. The time spent on the assessment was not considered as additional training time. To analyze the data, we used non-parametric statistics and linear regression to assess the variables associated with training time and performance rate.ResultsThe mean performance score at 08 hrs was 32.49% (±16.69 SD); at 12 hrs was 59.75% (±18.80 SD); at 16 hrs was 70.83% (±18.53 SD) and at 20 hrs was 84.26% (±13.18 SD). Performance at 12 hrs was significative higher than 08 hrs of training, but did not show significant differences with the performance rate at 16 and 20 hrs. We found a strong positive correlation between performance and training time in retinoscopy (R = 0.9773, CI: 0.2678 - 0.9995 p = 0.0227).ConclusionThis study showed that an increasing number of hours of practice positively correlates with performance in retinoscopy. The elaboration of a protocol and standardization of performance per hour also allowed us to estimate that a minimum of 13.4 hrs of practice is required to achieve 60% performance. Using the resulting formula, it is possible to determine the number of hours of retinoscopy practice are necessary to reach a certain level of performance.

Factors that impact student frustration in digital learning environments

The use of digital learning technologies and platforms has skyrocketed over the past decade. Although digital materials have many advantages, using them can be frustrating to students. Frustration is a negative achievement emotion that can serve as a barrier to learning. Therefore, understanding how frustration influences student learning and attitudes toward technology can help create more engaging and effective digital learning experiences. Previous research has identified three areas of frustration with academic e-textbooks (e-text frustration): (1) interactions with e-text interface, (2) technical difficulties, and (3) curriculum integration. This study investigated the relationships among e-text frustration and motivational, cognitive, attitudinal, academic, and demographic factors that impact frustration with e-texts in undergraduate biology classes. Extraneous cognitive load and motivation significantly predicted each of the three frustration constituents. Surprisingly, intrinsic cognitive load failed to predict e-text frustration. This study makes an important contribution to emotion research in education by examining the factors that impact learning in digital settings and emotions. Its implications are relevant for educators, researchers, and developers of digital learning materials and environments.

Imperativeness of the use of Assure Model in Inclusive Agricultural Education in Nigerian Universities

Implementing inclusive Agricultural Education effectively in this digital era in Nigerian universities has been a serious challenge to lecturers in Nigeria. In most cases, they change the learners’ learning styles which are more digitally inclined to fit their teaching method instead of adapting an innovative teaching method to suit the learners for effective learning. Since there was no adapted model that could help the lecturers of Agricultural Education to achieve inclusiveness, the learners struggle to adapt to the teaching method first rather than learning the content of the course. To avoid such waste of time, energy, effort, and most importantly, frustration for students, this theoretical paper, therefore, identified the gap existing in the use of ASSURE Model in inclusive agricultural education in Nigerian universities. It explored the immeasurable steps involved in the use of ASSURE Model for effective teaching and learning of inclusive agricultural education in Nigerian universities. The review also summarizes the constituents of ASSURE Model for better assimilation and planning of subsequent instruction in inclusive agricultural education in Nigerian universities. It also reported the features, practices, and imperativeness of the use of ASSURE Model in inclusive agricultural education in Nigerian universities for improved learning.

Students’ Interactions During Laboratory Group Activity in a Science Museum

There are relatively few studies examining cooperative learning during laboratory activities in a science museum. This study aims to explore such activities to better understand the nature of cooperative learning, if any, in that setting. The participants in this study were 60 fourth-grade students who visited a science museum lab as part of a school field trip. The students, divided into 12 groups, were videotaped and audio-recorded during group work consisting of balancing a scale. Our inductive data analysis of the observations revealed that although each group’s interactions were distinctive, common themes emerged. Moreover, even though the group work required cooperative learning, students did not engage in such. Students mostly instructed each other on how to operate the scale, with no scientific explanations. As the students did not know how to work together in order to solve the task, frustration abounded. This research adds to the body of knowledge about lab activities in science museum and offer practical implication to design more effective activities in these settings. Careful pedagogy and thoughtful facilitation can contribute to the students’ learning outcomes; therefore, educators should consider the following: ensuring students have sufficient prior knowledge, having the museum educator play the role of a mediator, taking steps to reduce the level of student frustration, and planning additional activities that promote the learning outcomes of the activity.

Influence of Stress and Emotions in the Learning Process: The Example of COVID-19 on University Students: A Narrative Review.

Emotional instability and stress are the main disturbances that condition the learning process, affecting both teachers and students. The main objective of this review is to analyze the influence of stress and emotions (as part of stress) on the learning environment. Stress is a physiological mechanism that the organism develops to adapt and survive external and internal challenges. In this context, stress tends to be seen as a negative condition in the learning process when it is chronic. Extreme stress situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can generate anxiety and frustration in students. However, other studies indicate that controlled stress can positively enhance the learning process. On the other hand, the quality and intensity of emotions resulting from stress can influence as well the learning process. Positive emotions are healthy and can promote optimal learning. Emotions lead to sentimental, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological changes, which will have a strong influence on intellectual performance. The activation of coping strategies constitutes a key mechanism for dealing positively with problems and challenges, generating positive emotions essential for the self-regulation of learning. In conclusion, correct management of emotions in stressful situations could promote effective learning through enhanced attention and capacity to solve problems.

Assessment for Learning in face-to-face and in emergency virtual teaching at university: satisfaction and frustration of students’ Basic Psychological Needs

Assessment for Learning in face-to-face and in emergency virtual teaching at university: satisfaction and frustration of students’ Basic Psychological Needs