Higher Education Outcomes Research Articles

What is known about intergenerational learning approaches for addressing ageism. including toward individuals with dementia, and attitudes toward aging among future practitioners? Exploring timely scoping review results

AbstractBackgroundIntergenerational learning can be used to enhance educational outcomes in higher education, to promote increased wellness in later life, while challenging stereotypes and negative bias toward older adults, including toward individuals with dementia, among future practitioners. Still, research on the mutual benefits and effectiveness of such approaches for addressing ageism among college and university students is limited and continuing to emerge. Accordingly, a scoping review was conducted to explore what is currently known about the use of intergenerational learning approaches in higher education based on available research and how (if at all) such strategies may be relevant for programming focused on improving inclusivity and reducing ageism, including toward individuals with dementia, chiefly among students who will work with older adults during their internships and post‐graduation. This scoping review was also conducted to offer an in‐depth understanding of current implications for practice, education, policy, and research that impacts older adults, including individuals with dementia.MethodIncluded were peer‐reviewed and grey sources based on primary qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods research in the English language, which explored intergenerational learning approaches in higher education and attitudes toward older adults and aging. Excluded were sources without clear implications for research, policy, practice or education focused on addressing ageism, including among individuals with dementia.ResultsThe search returned 313 potentially relevant articles in Academic Search Complete. Of these, 67 were preliminarily screened in for full text reading after removing duplicates and applying exclusion terms. Upon further review, 37 were initially screened in for thematic analysis, after which another 8 were excluded, owing to thin implications for intergenerational learning strategies in higher education focused on addressing attitudes toward older adults and aging.ConclusionKey themes surround intergenerational learning strategies, particularly through service learning and creative expression and attitudes toward older adults, including toward individuals with dementia, perceptions of aging, mutual benefits (e.g., cultural learning and integration), and remaining needs for future research, along with considerations for integration of service learning opportunities into university programs and existing courses. The preliminary results will be discussed, along with implications for research, practice, policy, and education focused on reducing ageism.

The influence of social class on internship participation and outcomes in higher education: the case of Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Internships have been widely recognized as an effective channel for enhancing the employability of higher education (HE) students. Accordingly, any inequality in internship opportunities may lead to inequality in students’ employability and future social positioning. Using Bourdieu’s three forms of capital, this study explores how students’ understanding and engagement in internship is affected by the differential resources available in their respective social class position and thus, the implications for the persistence of social reproduction in the future. Through in-depth interviews with eight HE students and three alumni from HE institutions in HK, we found that middle-class respondents engage in HE with cultural and social capital that motivate and facilitate their disposition and capacity to involve in internship. For working-class respondents, while a mismatched cultural disposition curtails their sense of utility, a lack of social capital limits their capacity to participate in internship. This study contributes to ongoing discussion on the relationship between social classes and education via the lens of internship involvement by providing evidence for the unequal playing field of internship for students of different social class positions.

A Theoretical Approach to School Success within the Framework of Multicultural Schools

A multicultural school is meant to promote inclusive politics and equitable learning opportunities and that in the framework of the winding quest for high educational outcomes for each and every student, regardless of ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds. School success is not merely the salient knowledge span, it encompasses a set of life skills, parental support, brain power and a myriad of attitudes meant to allow the school leaver not only to avoid depletion, but also to achieve high performance goals and, what’s more, to ensure fair treatment to all. Equipped with fortitude, resilience and a team spirit, the school leaver finds thus attainment by taking different educational pathways, from the theoretical to the vocational one. School success is ultimately about finding fulfilment, about leading a quality life and feeling integrated wherever one may be. Taking on challenges in exchanges among the different ethnic groups, making practical use of soft sills to stay connected and agile in such a community, grappling with the link between the school curriculum and the practicalities of the world around, all these might be the tipping point to be analyzed and addressed by the present article. Yet, in a multicultural learning environment attachment to one’s cultural values with its spillover implications is far from enough, it must align with keeping all lines of communication open for cultural exchange, even to the point where the exchanges become goals and social and emotional learning go hand in hand with academic achievement.

Failing children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in England: New evidence of poor outcomes and a postcode lottery at the Local Authority level at Key Stage 1

AbstractThis paper sets out original findings from analyses of the English National Pupil Database of Key Stage 1 (KS1) attainment, to examine educational outcomes of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The schooling of these children has been entirely within the context of the current SEND system, defined by the 2014–2015 policy of the Children and Families Act and Code of Practice. With a strong focus on children's needs and outcomes, the policy intends to achieve high educational outcomes for children with SEND. Our new results show, however, that children with SEND are one of the most disadvantaged groups in education, and they are far less likely to meet expected learning standards than their peers at KS1. For instance, about 44%, 31% and 23% of children with SEND met the standards in phonics, reading and writing, respectively, compared to 88%, 83% and 78% of children with no SEND. Further, our spatial analysis shows for the first time that this disadvantage displays large spatial variability across Local Authorities: there is a postcode lottery in the education of children with SEND. The new findings provide strong evidence that the new SEND policy is failing many children with SEND, and that this performance varies markedly across space. This adds further weight and evidence to a growing recognition, even from government, that the SEND system needs to change, and that the ambitious aims of the transformation of education and care for children with SEND in 2014 and 2015 are not being realised.

Features of Experiential Learning Environments in Relation to Generic Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: A Scoping Review

Background: Experiential learning environments are beneficial for the development of generic learning outcomes, such as critical thinking, communication, and self-regulation. However, research about the variation in experiential learning activities and their benefits is scattered across several bodies of discipline-specific literature. Purpose: The aim is to map the design elements of experiential learning environments across domains and to uncover their relation with generic learning outcomes. Methodology/Approach: Using a scoping review study, 22 studies were subjected to qualitative analysis. Findings/Conclusions: The design elements were related to authenticity, structure, and agency, and learning outcomes in the cognitive, affective, metacognitive, and socio-communicative domain. Confidence and communication skills were the most often included learning outcomes, followed by teamwork and problem-solving. The design elements that were most prominently present across learning outcomes were related to individual agency within group work during the activity and authenticity represented in interactions with peers. Further, we identified seven patterns about how design elements relate to generic learning outcomes. Implications: Addressing the design of experiential learning environments on a more fine-grained level is needed to increase insights of which generic learning outcomes are being fostered, and to enhance comparability of research findings within and between types of experiential learning environments.

Elevating students’ lives through immersive learning experiences in a safe metaverse

Metaverse platforms devoted to educational purposes are becoming increasingly popular among educators worldwide due to the benefits they offer in elevating students’ lives. This study explores how immersive platform features, blockchain features, a safe learning environment and new learning models contribute to the educational outcomes. Emerging literature on educational Metaverse platforms has been used to develop a genuine conceptual model. The model was tested using data collected from 100 educators located in different countries from worldwide. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), Random Forest and other different feature importance methods, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), thematic content analysis and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). The application of PLS-SEM outlines that immersive platform features and safe learning environments positively affects educational outcomes. Random Forest and feature importance methods investigate the predictive power of items included in the model, fsQCA reveals the combinations of these factors that lead to high educational outcomes, while the qualitative insights reveal the key themes emerged from educators’ perspectives on the use of Metaverse platforms. This study contributes to Metaverse literature, which is relatively understudied in the educational sector.

Fostering Digital Literacy in Higher Education: Benefits, Challenges and Implications

The perception of "literacy" has traditionally been linked to the ability to read and write. However, with the advancement of technology, the scope of literacy has expanded to encompass various other skills and abilities. One significant aspect is digital literacy, which goes beyond computer proficiency and comprises a range of skills essential for effective teaching and learning. Digital literacy plays a crucial role in making information more accessible and respecting the preferences of young learners. In today's increasingly digital world, students and teachers must master digital competence to succeed. Therefore, it becomes imperative to incorporate digital literacy into the curriculum, as it not only contributes to lifelong learning but also serves as a vital competency for future employment. This article presents a literature review on the positive impact of digital literacy and its associated learning outcomes in higher education. It seeks to address the following questions: How does digital literacy, as a powerful technological tool, enhance the teaching-learning process in higher education? Also, what challenges may hinder the successful implementation of various digital-related skills? Through exploring these aspects, this study aims to shed light on the significance of digital literacy in higher education and its potential implications for both educators and learners.

Learning Effects of Augmented Reality and Game-Based Learning for Science Teaching in Higher Education in the Context of Education for Sustainable Development

In the course of digitalization, new technologies and innovations are continuously introduced to the educational sector. For instance, augmented reality (AR) is increasingly applied in science teaching in both school and higher education. Combining real and virtual content potentially enhances interactivity and understanding of the learning process. This teaching and learning approach can positively impact various learning outcomes, such as learning gains and motivation. This paper aims to investigate the positive learning effects of AR using a game-based AR learning environment: “Beat the Beast”. In line with the concept of an education for sustainable development (ESD) topic, microplastics, this learning environment follows an interdisciplinary approach, combining the subjects of biology, chemistry, and engineering. To determine and distinguish the effects of implementing the technology AR in science learning environments as well as the principles of game-based learning, we contrasted the learning environment into two factors: one with AR and one without AR and the other with a game and without a game. A quasi-experimental design with 203 pre-service teachers of the first semester of all subjects was chosen to evaluate the four different types of settings with questionnaires on motivation, technology acceptance, user engagement, cognitive load, computer self-efficacy, knowledge, and ESD outcomes in higher education. Our research demonstrates that although augmented reality (AR) imposes a relatively elevated cognitive load, it does not negatively affect learning effects. In spite of the increased cognitive load, learners in AR settings do not exhibit lesser knowledge acquisition compared to those in alternative environments. Moreover, our investigation highlights AR’s potential to amplify motivation and user engagement. Contrary to expectations, in the context of the selected subject matter and target audience, game-based adaptations of the educational environment fail to enhance learning outcomes. These versions actually underperform compared to other formats in both motivational and engagement metrics.

Designing GBL for Higher Education: Pitfalls & Recommendations

Game-Based Learning (GBL) has gained significant attention in recent years as an effective educational approach to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in higher education. This conference paper aims to emphasise the significance of GBL in higher education and presents a comprehensive review of a case study involving the application of GBL in a linguistics course. The study explores the impact of games on student learning, motivation, and engagement with the course content.By integrating gaming principles and mechanics into the curriculum, students are encouraged to actively participate, explore concepts, and apply their knowledge in a dynamic and stimulating environment. The study examines data gathered from student surveys and structured interviews to evaluate the effectiveness of GBL in fostering student engagement and knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, this paper provides a valuable set of recommendations and strategies for educators and administrators interested in implementing GBL in higher education settings. It explores the potential benefits of GBL, including increased motivation, improved critical thinking skills, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Additionally, it highlights the importance of aligning game design with specific learning objectives and ensuring the integration of assessment mechanisms to gauge student progress effectively. Moreover, this paper discusses potential pitfalls and challenges that may arise during the implementation of GBL in higher education. It addresses issues such as technology requirements, accessibility considerations, and the need for appropriate training and support for instructors. By acknowledging these challenges and offering potential solutions, this research aims to guide educators and administrators in overcoming obstacles and optimising the implementation of GBL in higher education courses.

Exploring Heads’ Perspective on Social Justice for Students in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

Equal opportunity does not imply equal treatment: rather it means fair treatment (Ghosh, 2012). Fair treatment and providing equal opportunities to enhance individual’s capability, irrespective of any personal or societal differences, can contribute in providing excellence in education that leads to social justice. The objective of the study was to explore heads’ perspectives of students’ equitable access to educational resources, equitable participation and equitable outcomes in higher education. The study had also explored heads’ perspectives on students’ personal barriers to social justice and equity. To explore the perspective of heads on social justice for students in universities, data had been collected from 17 leaders working in higher education, by using multistage sampling technique. An interview protocol was developed to explore the perspective on social justice connected to leaders for bringing improvements in education so that all students get equal opportunities to excel in education. The results presented less positive situation of social justice and equity in public sector higher education. The study recommends that the education system needs to consider social justice and equity to ensure heads’ commitment to social justice and equity principles, leading to equal opportunities for making students’ capability better in higher education institutions in Pakistan.

Timing of higher education completion in out-of-home care experienced individuals: On schedule or delayed?

It is well known that individuals with out-of-home care (OHC) experience tend to have lower educational attainment than their peers in young adulthood, and a number of interventions have been implemented to increase their higher education outcomes. However, the timing of their higher education completion, and whether they experience educational recovery over the life course, is largely unknown. Using longitudinal Swedish data from a birth cohort of more than 13,000 individuals, this study examined OHC experienced individuals’ chances of having a higher education, here defined as a record of postsecondary education of two years or more, in midlife (age 50) and whether the timing of completion differs between them and a group of individuals who had child welfare contact (CWC) without being placed, and a group of general population peers. Results from multivariable logistic regressions corroborated prior findings that individuals who have been placed in OHC were less likely to have completed higher education compared to their general population peers. However, among those who did, they were more likely to have completed it later in life. Overall, there were no differences between the OHC group and the CWC group, both groups may thus not only benefit from specific support but also from more general inclusive education policies that allow for life-long learning.

SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR IMPROVING STUDENT’S SKILLS REGARDING THE EXAMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Preparing for exams in higher education can be challenging, and students often need help to assess their skills and competencies. This paper presents a self-assessment tool to improve students’ exam preparation and performance. The study involved collecting data from students before and after using the tool, which asked questions related to exam preparation strategies such as understanding the exam format, imagining potential test questions, and following directions carefully. The results were compared to assess the tool's effectiveness in improving students' exam skills. The findings showed a significant improvement in the student’s self-assessment and exam performance after using the tool. This paper provides an overview and comparison of existing e-learning management systems and self-assessment tools to highlight the unique features of the proposed tool. The self-assessment tool was designed and tested, with a pre-feedback and post-feedback evaluation of students' skills. Comparing pre and post results showed a statistically significant improvement in students' skills, leading to a notable shift in the percentage of responses. The "never" category experienced a considerable decrease of 27.91%, while the "always" category witnessed a substantial increase of 53.46%. These findings underscore the positive impact of the self-assessment tool on students' behaviors and attitudes toward exam preparation. Overall, this study showcases how self-assessment tools can effectively improve test readiness and outcomes in higher education.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Mobile Learning Technologies in Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes

This study aimed to investigate the impact of mobile learning technologies on student engagement and learning outcomes in higher education. A pre-test/post-test control group design was employed to compare the engagement and learning outcomes of students who used a mobile learning platform with those who did not. The study was conducted with undergraduate students at a large public university. Results showed that the intervention group reported a more positive experience with the platform, used it more frequently, found it more useful, and were more satisfied with it than the control group. Additionally, the intervention group outperformed the control group in terms of both course grades and standardized test scores. The findings suggest that mobile learning technologies can positively impact student engagement and learning outcomes in higher education. Future research could explore ways to optimize the platform further and investigate the scalability and sustainability of implementing mobile learning technologies in higher education.

Impacts of child sexual abuse: The mediating role of future orientation on academic outcomes

BackgroundChild Sexual Abuse (CSA) has significant impacts on an individual's physical and mental well-being including substance use, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, as well as sexual revictimization in adulthood. Positive future orientation is associated with higher educational outcomes and successful goal attainment, but CSA survivors have lower educational attainment and less employment opportunities leading to less financial security in adulthood. ObjectiveOur study seeks to examine whether future orientation mediates the relationship between CSA and academic outcomes using data from the Kaplan Longitudinal and Multigenerational Study (KLAMS). Participants & settingKLAMS is a U.S. based panel study which captures information about the mental health, relationships, academic outcomes, and deviant behavior of two generations of family members at multiple points in time. In the present study, we use data from two separate interviews with the children (N = 2084) of the original respondents. MethodsWe estimated a series of regressions using generalized structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between child sexual abuse, future orientation, and three different types of academic outcomes. ResultsYouth who experienced sexual abuse had lower grades in school, were more likely to drop out, and had lower levels of education than children with no history of sexual abuse. Negative future orientation mediated the relationship between child sexual abuse and all three outcomes. ConclusionsIn support of existing research, we found child sexual abuse has a negative impact on positive future orientation, and positive future orientation contributes to better academic outcomes.

The Influence of The Reading Concept Mapping-Student Team Achievement Division (REMAP-STAD) Model on Students' Metacognitive Skills and Cognitive Learning Outcomes

Metacognitive skills and cognitive learning outcomes are two competencies that students should have after learning is carried out. However, in reality, the increase in these two competencies has so far not been optimal. This research aims to determine the effect of the Reading Concept Mapping-Student Team Achievement Division (Remap-STAD) learning model on students' metacognitive skills and cognitive learning outcomes. This type of research is quasi-experimental with the One-group Pretest-Posttest Design. The instrument used in this research is in the form of essay questions. The technique for assessing metacognitive skills and student learning outcomes is carried out in an integrated manner. Hypothesis testing was carried out using statistical tests by comparing two means (pretest mean and posttest mean) using Paired Samples t-test analysis. The results of data analysis show that there is an influence of the Remap-STAD learning model on students' metacognitive skills and cognitive learning outcomes. Thus it can be concluded that the Remap-STAD learning model can be used as an alternative learning to improve metacognitive skills and student learning outcomes in higher education.

Supporting college student self-determination through motivational interviewing

PurposeThis study was intended to investigate a small-scale School-based Motivational Interviewing (SBMI) pilot with first-year college students. This approach honors student autonomy, supports self-determination and has the potential to impact educational outcomes in higher education. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence based conversational skill set, defined as “a collaborative conversational style for strengthening a person's own motivation and commitment to change” (Miller and Rollnick, 2013, p. 12). Student perceptions of satisfaction with the faculty-student mentoring intervention were sought. Relational aspects of MI (partnership, empathy and alliance) were also explored.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach was used for the SBMI study, focused on college students with recent academic setbacks (N = 19).FindingsThe intervention was deployed with high levels of MI technical fidelity and relational quality. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. The relational aspects and participant perceived alliance with their faculty were highly correlated across the intervention, adding to the discussion of the mechanisms of MI that contribute to its effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThis work is formative, yet at this point is not generalizable given the scope of the study.Practical implicationsFindings are encouraging for further development of this innovative pedagogical approach. Possible future applications of research are provided.Social implicationsDiscussed herein, SBMI has the potential to meet the needs of traditionally underrepresented student groups.Originality/valueThe reported study is the initial portion of a larger intervention development project.

Assessing Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: From Practice to Systematization

Accountability systems in higher education ensure that academic programs meet learning outcomes and address student cognitive and affective development. The learning outcome assessment is one of the most important elements to enhance and assure the quality of programs. In this paper, we present a “tour” of how an assessment cycle is performed in a national/public university in Qatar. The study draws on “good” practices and how a higher education institution systemizes the process of assessing learning. The approach demonstrates how learning is connected to program objectives and the curriculum through a rational, logical, conceptual, consensual, and interpretable process. Employing specification tables known as curriculum and assessment plan matrices, with tools being assessments and rubrics, learning outcomes measures can be reached. The approach as well as system calls for an institutional structure and organization which place responsibilities on all stakeholders involved in academic programs delivery. The futuristic approach and practice posit a reconceptualization of how students will be assessed, more likely a paradigm shift necessitating a change in practice and trend in which students’ success (achievement) can be based on the learning outcomes attained.

First Peoples' perspectives on successful engagement at university: What keeps students coming back to Indigenous education units?

In this article, we present a case study of the nature of First Peoples’ engagement with the GUMURRII Student Success Unit at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. Higher education plays a critical role in improving socioeconomic outcomes in First Peoples communities. Recent reports indicate First Peoples are still under-represented at university, with lower participation and higher attrition rates than non-Indigenous students. Previous studies indicate that engagement with Indigenous education units (IEU) improves student progression, retention and success; however, the specific nature of engagement with IEUs from the students’ perspectives has not been widely examined. We address a gap within the literature, seeking to better understand how support services are being contemporarily utilised by First Peoples students. By utilising an Indigenist research design, we offer an interpretation of the lived experiences of First Peoples students to better understand their reasons for engagement with IEUs, and to explore the impact upon their ongoing participation and outcomes in higher education. The findings contribute to broader understandings of the role of IEUs in higher education and illustrate that students engage with them for reasons that extend far beyond traditional tertiary support.

Effects of flipped language classrooms on learning outcomes in higher education: A Bayesian meta-analysis

Despite accumulated evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of flipped language classrooms in higher education, there is no quantitative examination of the extant empirical studies to draw a general conclusion. Based on Bayesian methodologies and 26 effect sizes, this study quantitatively examines empirical studies that investigated flipped language classrooms’ effects on learning outcomes in higher education. Our results indicate a large overall effect in favour of the effectiveness of flipped language classrooms. Subgroup analyses indicated that intervention duration, target languages, outcome types, allocation, and school locations were significantly related to the variability in language learning outcomes. A low risk of publication bias was identified. This study concluded that the flipped language classroom was a promising pedagogical approach to promoting language learning. Findings provided insights into an evidence-informed application of flipped language classrooms, for example: (1) sufficient face-to-face time to maximise the effectiveness of flipped language classrooms; (2) making flipped design adjustments based on student responses during long-term intervention; (3) giving students pre-training of flipped language classrooms and showing them the underlying benefits; (4) flipping basic contents of language learning and teaching complex contents face-to-face; and (5) adopting scaffolding strategies like code-switching to scaffold lower achievers. Implications for practice or policy: Instructors should flip writing and speaking courses with enough face-to-face time and technical support being provided to students. Instructors should consider time variance’s effects on learning performance and seek ways to maintain learners’ interest. Instructors should pre-train learners of flipped learning before implementation. Instructors should include practices, quizzes, and asynchronous online interaction tools in pre-class activities to check learners’ understandings and promote interaction and feedback provision.

The relationship between school mental health service use in high school and educational outcomes of adolescents with psychiatric disorders.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between school mental health service use in high school and educational outcomes of adolescents with psychiatric disorders. The sample included 2617 adolescents who were enrolled in eighth grade in a large urban school district in the United States, were enrolled in Medicaid during eighth grade, and had a mental health diagnosis. Psychiatric hospitalization, school enrollment, school absences, out-of-school suspensions, school dropouts, and school exits for negative reasons were examined as mental health and educational outcomes. Compared with adolescents who used school mental health services for 2 years following eighth grade, adolescents who did not use school mental health service during the high school years had a significantly lower annual number of days enrolled in school and higher rates of exiting school for negative reasons such as school dropout and long-term hospitalization. Our findings support the positive role of school mental health care delivery in high schools in preventing negative educational outcomes for adolescents with psychiatric disorder.