Group Learning Research Articles

Learning vocabulary through listening

Abstract This study explored the strategy use of 12 high-school learners of English within a vocabulary teaching intervention which exposed three groups of learners to one of three types of oral vocabulary explanations: L2 explanations; codeswitched explanations (CS); and contrastive focus-on-form explanations (CFoF) giving cross-linguistic information. Unlike previous studies of vocabulary interventions, which have tended to focus solely on quantitative outcome measures and therefore give arguably limited insights into why different interventions have the impact that they do, the study implemented stimulated recall interviews to explore strategy use in order to better understand the learning outcomes from the intervention. A qualitative analysis was undertaken to explore how learners used strategies and whether patterns of use emerged by intervention group and proficiency level. Compared with the CS and L2 groups, learners from the CFoF group attended more specifically to the target words and engaged in more metacognitive reflection and evaluation of the explanations, leading potentially to deeper processing and hence greater vocabulary gains. Such strategy use also seemed, however, to explain their smaller gains in listening comprehension. Finally, strategic behaviour was found to be related to levels of vocabulary knowledge and listening proficiency. The value of exploring qualitative data on strategy use for evaluating the effects of an intervention is discussed, alongside the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings.

Investigating Verbal Learners' Perspectives on Silence in English as a Foreign Language Classrooms in Myanmar

Recognising the value of silence in English as a Foreign Language classes, this study aims to extend critical discussion to similar issues in Myanmar classrooms. We explored how verbally active Myanmar EFL students interpreted classroom silence. A qualitative case study was used to interview three self-perceived EFL ‘verbal learners’. Data analysed thematically using Jaworski's (1993) silence categories and Kurzon's (1995) model of intentionality revealed that participants acknowledged the benefits of silence, yet complained about unintended and pointless silences. The study highlights the usefulness of silence in in-class group learning and the need to explore silence holistically for diverse learning styles.

Effect of Blended Learning Method (Flex Model) on Final-Year Students of BAMS to Learn Shalyatantra

ABSTRACT Background: Blended learning is a blend of online and in-person instruction. This study was conducted to see its effect to learn Shalyatantra topic. Methodology: Final-year students (58) were equally in two groups. The topic was taught using a conventional technique in group A and a blended learning way in group B. Pre-test and post-test were conducted before and after the study, respectively. Students’ and teachers’ perceptions on Likert scale were also taken. Statistical analysis was done. Observation and Results: The mean post-test score of group B, i.e. blended learning group (18.37 ± 0.97), was more as compared to group A, i.e. conventional learning group (16.31 ± 1.53). Individually both groups were statistically significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded that blended learning helped in developing critical thinking, communication skill in students, and enhance the retention of course content.

Examining how topicality impacts pronoun resolution in second language processing

In research on second language (L2) processing, the processing of reference has been highlighted as a domain of particular difficulty, but the source of the difficulty is not well understood. The present study examines whether differences in the pronominal systems of the first language (L1) and L2 impact processing. We take a novel approach, testing a group of intermediate-advanced L2 learners in both their L1 (Mandarin Chinese) and L2 (English), allowing us to directly examine whether L2 learners show similar or different patterns when processing the L1 and L2. We also test a group of L1 English speakers. The study focused on two topicality-related factors, subjecthood and pronominalization, that have been shown to increase the prominence of an entity in the discourse, making it more likely that an entity in subject position (subjecthood) or an entity that has been referred to with a pronoun (pronominalization) will be considered as an antecedent for a subsequent pronoun. We developed a picture verification task with visual-world eye-tracking in both English and Chinese. This task provides a measure of both pronoun interpretation and online processing. Results showed subtle differences in how subjecthood and pronominalization are weighted in English and Chinese as L1s: pronominalization played a stronger role in L1 Chinese than in L1 English both in the interpretation measure and in the eye-movement data. The results for the L2 English learners showed an interesting pattern in which their results were more similar to the L1 English results on the measure of pronoun interpretation, but were more similar to the L1 Chinese results in the eye-movement data. These results show successful use of discourse cues in L2 pronoun interpretation but differences between L1 and L2 speakers during processing. It is proposed that decreased sensitivity to morphosyntactic information that is not present in the L1 (case on pronouns) leads to differences in L2 referential processing, in line with proposals that L2 learners face challenges with integrating different kinds of linguistic information online, particularly morphosyntactic information.

Assessment of group formation methods on performance in group-based learning activities

Research on teaching and learning has demonstrated many benefits from team-and group-based learning for improving content comprehension and meeting learning outcomes in a wide range of disciplines. We help to expand on this research, by shedding additional light on the impact of group formation decisions on group performance during group learning activities in a higher education classroom setting. Our objective is to assess the impact of different group formation strategies, including random assignment, self-selection, and methods based on individual metrics, such as academic performance and individual skill levels. Using an experimental design approach, we find that GPA-based and math-ability based group formation strategies may provide some additional benefit to group performance on the margin when initially forming groups. Self-selection of groups may be more beneficial after students learn more about each other (e.g., skills sets and work ethic) during the progression of the course. Our study contributes to the literature by providing an assessment of different group formation strategies that are accessible to a wide range of instructors for small to large classes, as well as guidance on use of different group formation strategies within classes, specifically for classes with more quantitative and analytical tasks.

Effectiveness of Student Teams: The Role of Team Personality Diversity

In current educational landscapes, group work has emerged as a cornerstone of pedagogical strategies, offering students opportunities to cultivate essential skills for future professional endeavors. Central to the success of collaborative efforts lies the intricate interplay of team dynamics, with team personality diversity emerging as a significant factor influencing team effectiveness. Building upon existing research highlighting the critical role of team personality in driving team effectiveness (Kozlowski and Bell, 2003), this study delves into the nuanced relationship between team personality diversity, team processes and emergent states, and collaborative outcomes within student teams. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of team dynamics, this research adopts a comprehensive approach, drawing upon established theoretical frameworks, such as the input-process-output model (Hackman, 1987; Ilgen et al, 2005), to elucidate the mechanisms through which team personality diversity influences team effectiveness. Through a thoroughly designed two-wave methodology and a group-level analytical approach, data were collected from 57 student teams enrolled in undergraduate and graduate courses across diverse academic disciplines during semester 2 of 2022/2023. Our findings reveal that emotional stability diversity within teams exerts a significant yet indirect influence on team satisfaction through its impact on communication openness. Specifically, greater emotional stability diversity leads to diminished communication openness, subsequently leading to reduced levels of team satisfaction. This intricate chain of effects underscores the importance of managing team personality diversity to foster open communication and ultimately enhance satisfaction among team members. While our results align with established theoretical underpinnings, they also prompt critical reflections on team interdependence and the duration of collaborative engagements within academic settings. Consequently, we advocate for further exploration into the potential of team personality diversity within student teams, with an emphasis on longitudinal studies to capture the temporal dynamics of collaborative interactions. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on team dynamics in educational settings, offering valuable insights for educators and practitioners seeking to optimize student experiences, enhance group learning outcomes, and prepare students for their future careers.

Character Education Based on Local Wisdom in Learning Science: A Systematic Literature

Character education based on local wisdom is an effort to prevent the decline of ethical and moral values among the younger generation in the educational process. This literature review aims to discuss the cultivation of local wisdom-based character education for students within science learning. The method used in this study is a Narrative Literature Review (NLR). Data collection was conducted through the Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, focusing on articles published from 2018 to April 2024. The results of the literature review indicate that local wisdom-based character education in science learning can be effectively instilled in schools by integrating the potential of local wisdom with extracurricular activities, practicums or group learning, local tourism-based learning models, game-based learning, and interactions between students using local languages.

Comparing the effectiveness of multiple text reading and rereading on knowledge retention and metacognitive accuracy

AbstractAlthough learning approaches are designed to enhance individuals' ability to store and retrieve information, not all of them are considered effective. The goal of the present study was to experimentally compare the test performance as well as the accuracy of metacognitive judgements of a multiple text reading group, rereading group, and single reading group in a one-day vs. one-week delayed test (3 × 2 between subject design). A total of 186 psychology students (Mage = 20.76) participated in the experiment focused on reading comprehension, accuracy of metacognitive judgments and knowledge retention. Results of the knowledge test indicate that in the one-day delayed test, multiple text reading and rereading yield similar results: both deliver slightly better results than single reading. In the one-week delayed test, though, multiple text reading yields better results than rereading, and both these reading approaches outperform single reading. Moreover, multiple text reading results in fairly robust knowledge retention with only a slight decrease in scores between the one-day delayed and one-week delayed test. Regarding metacognitive monitoring, judgements of learning in the multiple text reading group remained relatively stable after each reading and participants were underconfident about their knowledge. In the rereading group, judgements of learning increased after each reading and participants were overconfident about their knowledge, especially on the one-day delayed test. These findings have implications for educational practices aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and promoting effective learning.

INFORMATION SERVICES ABOUT BIOGRAPHIES OF SUCCESSFUL FIGURES ON LEARNING INTEREST OF NINTH GRADE STUDENTS IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

The main research focus is the low learning enthusiasm of ninth grade students at junior high school. This can be seen from various behaviors shown during the teaching and learning process, such as delayed learning, difficulty maintaining concentration, engaging in conversations with peers, and daydreaming. In addition, students tend to be less active in both individual and group learning sessions. The purpose of this study is to explore how biographical information services provided by successful individuals can affect students' interest in learning. The research design used in this study is pre-experimental, specifically using a one group pretest-posttest approach. The sample size of this study consisted of 33 ninth grade students of junior high school. Through the research findings, the calculated T value is 5.525. Furthermore, the Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.05 corresponds to the two-sided T table value of 2.042. Notably, the calculated T value exceeds the T table value, indicating a large difference between the results before and after the application of biographical information services for successful individuals. After careful examination of the decision-making process and acceptance criteria, it was determined that Ha was accepted and Ho was rejected. In conclusion, the utilization of biographical information services for successful individuals has a significant impact on increasing students' interest in learning.

Implementation of Differentiated Learning Through Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment in Grade IV of SDN 1 Kelayu Jorong

This study aims to describe the process of implementing differentiated learning through cognitive diagnostic assessment and factors that can support and hinder teachers. This study used a qualitative research approach with a descriptive research method. The source of this study was fourth grade teacher at SD Negeri 1 Kelayu Jorong. Data collection techniques used interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques used data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and verification. The results of the study showed that the implementation of differentiated learning consists of: 1) Planning stage, mapping students' abilities through cognitive diagnostic assessment results into three learning groups such as: advanced, moderate, and developing groups, and teachers choose and compile teaching materials, methods, and strategies that were in accordance with students' abilities, 2) Implementation stage, used process differentiation, content differentiation, and product differentiation, 3) Evaluation stage, teachers applyed two types of evaluation, namely formative evaluation, and summative evaluation. Supporting factors for the implementation of differentiated learning with teacher collaboration, and the ease of finding sources through PMM. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors for teachers in implementing differentiated learning were time and lack of encouragement to participate in improving teacher competency through various workshops and seminars.

Early Career School Counselors’ Experience of Developing Group Counseling Skills: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

ABSTRACT Group counseling is essential to school counselors’ practice, but training may be insufficient. Little literature exists on school counselors’ post-master’s experience of gaining group skills. The research question for this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study was as follows: How do early career school counselors (ECSCs) experience developing group counseling skills post-master’s? Interviews with ECSCs, use of IPA data analysis, and application of trustworthiness strategies yielded themes. Findings described participants’ experience of learning group skills in the context of colleague connections, group scarcity, motivation, and tension between barriers and motivations. Implications for group training in counselor education, continuing education, and supervision are provided.

Human‐AI collaboration: Designing artificial agents to facilitate socially shared regulation among learners

AbstractSocially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) is a crucial process for groups of learners to successfully collaborate. Detecting and supporting SSRL is a challenge, especially in real time, but hybrid intelligence approaches such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents may make this possible. Leveraging the concept of trigger events which invite SSRL, we present a design of an AI agent, MAI, which can detect SSRL and prompt students to raise their group‐level metacognitive awareness with the aim of facilitating SSRL. We present the methodology we used to design MAI, drawing on the Echeloned DSR (eDSR) Methodological Framework and making use of the Wizard of Oz prototyping paradigm. We likewise present empirical results evaluating our initial prototype of MAI, using lexical alignment between speakers as a quantitative measure of the effect of MAI's prompts on facilitating SSRL, the Partner Model Questionnaire as a quantitative measure of perceptions of MAI, and interviews as qualitative context for these perceptions. We found that the first prototype of MAI did not facilitate SSRL as hoped, possibly owing to mixed perceptions of MAI's reliability and lack of clarity about MAI's role in the collaborative learning task. From these findings, we offer revised prompts for the next iteration of prototyping this agent and a refined set of design requirements for future development of metacognitive AI agents for supporting SSRL. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Socially Shared Regulation of Learning (SSRL) is recognized as a critical component for the success of collaborative learning, emphasizing the importance of group‐level regulatory processes in achieving shared goals, enacting strategies and monitoring learning progress. Supporting SSRL in face‐to‐face collaborative learning environments presents challenges, including the complexity of coordinating and synchronizing individual contributions and regulatory actions within a group context. What this paper adds This paper introduces the design of Metacognitive Artificial Intelligence (MAI), a novel AI system aimed at enhancing Human‐AI collaboration for supporting and augmenting SSRL processes. Through empirical research, the study offers lessons learned and design considerations for developing artificial agents on facilitating and enhancing SSRL among learners, demonstrating how AI can play a pivotal role in collaborative learning environments. The findings highlight the critical importance of multidisciplinary knowledge in the design of multi‐agent interfaces (MAI) that provide real‐time, adaptive support for group metacognitive processes and decision‐making. Implications for practice and/or policy Educational technologists can utilize the proposed design principles in the development and integration of MAI tools to enhance SSRL. Educators can incorporate the principles of MAI and our relevant findings into their teaching strategies to actively foster and support socially shared regulation of learning among students. Policymakers should consider revising educational frameworks to include the use of AI technologies that support SSRL strategies in collaborative learning.

From Passive Listeners to Active Learners: Changing Student Preferences in Small Group Learning for the MBBS Curriculum

From Passive Listeners to Active Learners: Changing Student Preferences in Small Group Learning for the MBBS Curriculum

The barriers and enablers to completing the RPS core advanced pharmacist credentialing programme via the CPPE/RPS pilot programme

Abstract Introduction The RPS and CPPE launched a pilot programme in March 2023 to support 300 pharmacists to evidence their advanced practice via an e-portfolio aligned to the RPS Core Advanced curriculum1 in a 12-week period. Successful pharmacists are credentialed as Advanced Pharmacists. The pilot involved CPPE education supervisors (ESs) support, an online learning platform and small group learning and support. Aim To ascertain barriers and enablers to completing an advanced e-portfolio and to identify how to improve the on-going programme. Methods The invitation to complete the anonymous survey in May 2024 was administered via www.onlinesurveys.ac.uk and developed linking to key performance indicators around education supervision support, to understand why candidates were deferring cohorts and to ascertain additional support accessed by candidates. Ethical approval was not required as study is service evaluation. Candidates who responded included those who successfully submitted their e-portfolio ‘submitted candidates’ n=10, candidates who are resubmitting their portfolio after not passing ‘resubmission candidates’ n=8, pharmacists currently completing their portfolio ‘current candidates’ n=44 and those who started but left without submitting ‘attrition candidates’ n=13. Results All submitted candidates scored ES support as very good/excellent; 60% agreed strongly they would not have submitted their portfolio without this support. Each cohort had two small-group tutorials where candidates accessed peer support and joined WhatsApp groups. Only 38% of resubmission candidates, compared to 80% of portfolio submitted candidates attended both group tutorials. Resubmission candidates were less likely to access additional peer support (38% for resubmission candidates vs 60% for submitted candidates) or to join the cohort WhatsApp group (75% for resubmission candidates vs 90% for submitted candidates). Resubmission candidates rated the remedial SMART action planning support highly. Submitted candidates would have found it easier to complete their portfolio with more comprehensive (60%) and timely responses (70%) from their collaborators. This compares to 55% and 59% of current candidates recognising the same issues. Submitted candidates wanted more allocated time during working hours to support completion of the portfolio (60% rising to 80% for current candidates). There is a notable increase for current candidates wanting a longer period to complete their portfolio (75% compared to 40% of submitted candidates). Half of submitted candidates (50%) reported spending more than 5 hours (average) each week on their portfolio compared to 18% of current candidates. Top reasons for attrition include too busy with work, family responsibilities, personal health challenges and no support from the workplace. Candidates across all groups suggested programme improvement ideas including more evidence examples, making the RPS platform less difficult to navigate and use, and more education supervisor support. Motivating factors for completion include recognition of advanced level working and preparation for the consultant portfolio. Conclusion Enablers include education supervision, CPPE resources/facilitated support events, peer support, WhatsApp groups, recognition and career progression. Key barriers include needing more time and lack of dedicated time at work to complete e-portfolio, lack of timely and comprehensive support from collaborators and finding the RPS e-portfolio platform difficult to navigate. Limitations – low numbers and response rate. Data collection is on-going. Reference 1. Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum, 2022 https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/Credentialing/RPS%20-%20Core%20Advanced%20curriculumFINAL.pdf?ver=8gc3s2aE9t1nZN37CSU7Lw%3d%3d (Accessed 28 May 2024)

Small Group Learning Communities as a Prototype for Intersectional Black Feminist Praxis in Higher Education

Through the creation and analysis of Small Group Learning Communities (SGLC) at a predominantly White university in the U.S. South, this study investigated how SGLCs operationalize intersectional Black feminist praxis via dialogue, liberation, and ethic of caring. The racialized and gendered organizational dynamics that govern institutions of higher education make it an ideal site for such an intervention. Through an instrumental case study of 13 SGLCs, we uncover how SGLCs served interrelated, but separate purposes: (1) affirmation, mentorship, and professional development among “Black women-focused” SGLCs; and (2) epiphanies of intersectional oppression and nuanced Black girl representation in educational settings among “Black women-affirming” SGLCs. Findings suggest that SGLCs are innovative prototypes for understanding, studying, and implementing intersectional Black feminist praxis. We submit that SGLCs can advance broader social justice and liberation agendas. Moreover, findings may inform efforts to center Black women in higher education.

Peer Interaction Dynamics and Second Language Learning Trajectories During Study Abroad: A Longitudinal Investigation Using Dynamic Computational Social Network Analysis

AbstractUsing computational Social Network Analysis (SNA), this longitudinal study investigates the development of the interaction network and its influence on the second language (L2) gains of a complete cohort of 41 U.S. sojourners enrolled in a 3‐month intensive study‐abroad Arabic program in Jordan. Unlike extant research, our study focuses on students’ interactions with alma mater classmates, reconstructing their complete network, tracing the impact of individual students’ positions in the social graph using centrality metrics, and incorporating a developmental perspective with three measurement points. Objective proficiency gains were influenced by predeparture proficiency (negatively), multilingualism, perceived integration of the peer learner group (negatively), and the number of fellow learners speaking to the student. Analyses reveal relatively stable same‐gender cliques, but with changes in the patterns and strength of interaction. We also discuss interesting divergent trajectories of centrality metrics, L2 use, and progress; predictors of self‐perceived progress across skills; and the interplay of context and gender.

Is there a multilingual advantage in gender agreement processing? Evidence from self-paced reading

ABSTRACT Do learners who have mastered two gender systems prior to learning a third have an advantage in gender processing over those who have mastered only one gender system? To address this question, we recruited two groups of adult Polish learners of L3/Ln Swedish with and without prior knowledge of German. They completed a self-paced reading task in Swedish that involved two types of gender marking: the indefinite article, which is realised similarly in Swedish and German, and the definite suffix, which is uniquely present in Swedish. We found that while both groups were sensitive to gender agreement violations involving the indefinite article, only learners with knowledge of German showed sensitivity to gender agreement violations involving the definite suffix. Therefore, knowledge of non-native German conferred an advantage for the processing of dissimilar rather than similar gender marking. We interpret these findings in light of morphological transfer from German that consists in the employment of the existing morphemes and assigning them new grammatical functions. More broadly, the study indicates that the gender system in a non-native language rather than the native language, might be more helpful for the acquisition of a new type of gender marking in L3/Ln.

Analisis Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Dengan Menggunakan Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) Pada Mata Pelajaran IPS Terpadu Kelas VIII

This research aimed to analyze the critical thinking skills of class VIII students at SMP Negeri (State Junior High School) 2 Atinggola in the Integrated Social Science subject using the problem-based learning model. The data collection techniques applied were documentation, observation and interview. The research was classified as a qualitative descriptive research method, which depicted research variables in qualitative aspects of understanding. The research findings indicated that the students' critical thinking skills in Social Science learning at SMP Negeri 2 Atinggola in Ilomata Village, North Gorontalo Regency could be identified through PBL theory concerning learning innovation. As proof, the use of PBL students' skills was greatly optimized through a systematic group learning process so students can continuously empower, Bone, and develop their critical thinking skills.

The effect of visual displays on the mastery of the forms and functions of English intonation by Chinese L2 students

This study examines the effectiveness of visual displays in improving the mastery of the forms and functions of English intonation among Chinese L2 students. Over a four-week period, two groups of learners (visual-training and auditory-training) took part in five sessions of intonation training, while a control group received no training. Each session began with a 25-minute lesson on the forms and functions of intonation, followed by a 40-minute practice session. All sentences were presented in communicative contexts. With the aid of speech visualization technology, the visual-training group was taught linguistic categories and English intonation structures, and was encouraged to imitate and practice intonation patterns using visual displays of the intonation of each sentence. The auditory-training group learned and practiced intonation by carefully listening to audio clips of each sentence. Intonation production was assessed using speech data from pre- and post-tests. Results showed that the visual-training group outperformed the other two groups, making the greatest progress in mastering the forms of English intonation (pitch accents and boundary tones) and its functions (expressing prominence and marking modality).

Who is in focus? A scoping review of themes and consistency in inclusive education for all

ABSTRACT This review addresses the current knowledge on inclusive education suggesting that many studies focus on predetermined groups of disadvantaged learners . This review aims 1) to map the research on inclusive education for all (IEFA) and 2) to assess the consistency of studies in their approach to inclusive education (IE), research methodology and research results/discussions regarding the concept of IEFA. The analysis of 26 studies (out of 2,780 original datasets) revealed two main results: First, they represent three overarching themes of inclusion – values, practices and school development. They illustrate that beliefs about inclusive education and beliefs about practices are not always aligned. Second, the review highlights the challenges researchers face in describing a student population that includes representatives with diverse needs. While some researchers aim to describe students in detail, they often end up focusing only on those with common characteristics, usually disability. Consequently, the sample sections do not reflect the actual diversity of students addressed by IEFA. Only 46% of the studies are consistent in their approach, meaning, they conceptualise the broader concept of inclusion in theoretical approach, focus on it in methodology and interpret it in the results/discussions.