Higher Education Students Research Articles

Investigation of Higher Education Students' Computational Thinking Skill Levels

Computational thinking skill is a skill that has its origins in ancient times but has gained importance today. The competences provided to individuals by computational thinking skills are also of great importance for the education system. Therefore, it is important for students to acquire and develop these skills in order to adapt to the requirements of the modern world. Based on this, in this study, the level of information processing thinking skills of higher education students was examined and the level of this skill was investigated in line with different variables. 'Computational Thinking' scale was used as a data collection tool in the study. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale. 96 was calculated as. Demographic characteristics such as gender, department, class and education level were taken into consideration. Quantitative research method was used in the study. The research was conducted with 298 participants studying in higher education. In the analysis of the data, independent t-test and ANOVA analyses were applied to determine the score differences between the groups. As a result of the study, higher education students were found to have high levels of computational thinking skills. Gender was found to be effective on computational thinking skills. As the level of education increased, it was determined that computational thinking skills increased. It was seen that the education given in different departments had an effect on computational thinking skills. Finally, it was found that there were significant changes in students' computational thinking skills as their grade level increased.

Behavioral Intentions of Higher Education Students toward Using Gadgets for Mobile Learning

Behavioral Intentions of Higher Education Students toward Using Gadgets for Mobile Learning

Examining the potential of in- and extra-curricular challenge-based learning in higher education: A delphi study

ABSTRACT Educating students in higher education who are capable of addressing societal challenges requires innovative learning journeys. In the current study, we explore challenge-based learning (CBL) as one way to realise such education. A Delphi study has been conducted at a Dutch University for Life Sciences to identify key characteristics, learning activities, learning outcomes and support of in- and extra-curricular CBL from a stakeholder perspective. Data were collected in two rounds (round 1; N = 47; round 2; N = 29). In-curricular CBL allows students to experience guided teamwork in relation to societal issues as part of their formal curriculum. Extra-curricular CBL provides opportunities for students to have their own, customised learning journey, allowing for strong societal involvement and a variety of learning gains. In- and extra-curricular CBLs have similarities but serve different learning outcomes. Both could be part of developmental lines preparing students to be change agents for sustainability in their future life.

Investigating anonymity in formative and summative peer assessment: Effects on university students’ social-affective factors, perceptions and preference

This study examines the impact of anonymity on students’ social-affective processes, as well as their perceptions and preferences regarding peer assessment and grading for both formative and summative purposes. 177 higher education students participated in this quasi-experimental study. They participated in two peer assessment activities after receiving training on the provision of effective feedback. The first peer assessment activity was formative in nature, while the second was summative. The study had two conditions: anonymous peer assessment and non-anonymous peer assessment. Results indicate that although 73.6 % of all students (90.5 % in the anonymous condition and 56.5 % in the non-anonymous condition) preferred anonymous peer assessment, this preference did not significantly impact perceptions of fairness or peer pressure. This challenges assumptions around the effects of anonymity. Interestingly, non-anonymous settings were still favourably viewed, with the open-ended responses indicating the value of face-to-face dialogue. This suggests that non-anonymous, highly formative peer assessment requiring more interaction may lead to better social and interpersonal outcomes.

Quick, Quick, Slow: Making Time for Sustainable Photography Practices in Contemporary Higher Education

AbstractAs environmental awareness grows, so do questions about the environmental impact of photography, in particular traditional film development and processing, which includes the use of plastics, gelatine and other environmentally harmful chemicals notwithstanding water usage and waste. Pioneering practice and research into sustainable alternatives to conventional processes has quickly established, supported by organisations such as The Sustainable Darkroom. Students in Higher Education are environmentally aware and prepared to take action to mitigate their impacts where possible. As such, there is a coalescence of perceptions within and beyond the classroom which asks to be addressed in the curriculum. This paper draws upon the research project Under a Green Light: A Darkroom for the Future which investigated how university darkroom practices can pivot toward more environmentally friendly methods. The paper describes the learning environment of the darkroom as a space of slowness, immersion and experimentation and the pedagogic value of this for photography students. The paper argues that incorporating environmental awareness into day‐to‐day teaching through systemic changes to process and practice, rather than through short term curriculum interventions, contributes to transformative learning experiences and promotes positive long‐term change.

Assessing the actuality and relevant importance of Deming’s 14 points

Deming’s 14 points summarize the main challenges of corporate management to change for the 1980s, but the teaching may still be actual. Recent crises have drawn attention to the need to rethink and refine business. Leadership and organization have a crucial role in responding appropriately to environmental changes. The study uses an online survey to assess the relative importance of 14 points among higher education students. The analysis used the Q-methodology. The results suggest competing opinion patterns about the importance of the points. Still, there is an agreement about the key relevance of constantly improving every process for planning, production, and service as well as instituting training on the job. At the same time, the respondents significantly agreed that eliminating numerical quotas cannot be considered indispensable.

Wearable neurofeedback acceptance model for students’ stress and anxiety management in academic settings

This study investigates the technology acceptance of a proposed multimodal wearable sensing framework, named mSense, within the context of non-invasive real-time neurofeedback for student stress and anxiety management. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified mental health challenges, particularly for students. Non-invasive techniques, such as wearable biofeedback and neurofeedback devices, are suggested as potential solutions. To explore the acceptance and intention to use such innovative devices, this research applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), based on the co-creation approach. An online survey was conducted with 106 participants, including higher education students, health researchers, medical professionals, and software developers. The TAM key constructs (usage attitude, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use) were validated through statistical analysis, including Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling. Additionally, qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses was performed. Results confirm the acceptance of the mSense framework for neurofeedback-based stress and anxiety management. The study contributes valuable insights into factors influencing user intention to use multimodal wearable devices in educational settings. The findings have theoretical implications for technology acceptance and practical implications for extending the usage of innovative sensors in clinical and educational environments, thereby supporting both physical and mental health.

An inconvenient truth: When ideologies of multilingualism lead to auto‐inflicted epistemic exclusion by multilingual students in higher education

AbstractIn this article, we juxtapose two international contexts of higher education to critically examine both the situated complexity of (restrictive) ideologies of multilingualism and the ways such ideologies inform multilingual students’ choices of language use that contribute to their own epistemic exclusion in Canada and Germany. A content analysis of data from interviews and written reflections on language choice illustrates that the ideologies of (1) devaluation of partial repertoires, (2) maximalist view of language competences, (3) neoliberal multilingualism, and (4) native‐speakerism‐in‐multilingualism are enacted and reproduced by students themselves in both contexts, leading to auto‐inflicted epistemic exclusion. The findings reveal not only the pervasiveness of monolingualism within multilingualism and higher education, but also the hierarchization of languages and their (imagined) speakers, from which we conclude that not all forms of individual multilingualism are valued, despite increasing celebration of diversity in global higher education.

Mixed Methods Research Centering on Minoritized Students in Higher Education: A Literature Review

AbstractThe increasing diversity among higher education students urges researchers to expand research methodologies beyond traditional quantitative approaches. A growing number of higher education researchers have employed mixed methods research (MMR) approaches in studies centering on minoritized student populations. In this review, we identified and analyzed 72 empirical MMR studies published between 2007 and 2023, describing the characteristics of the research design and focusing on the MMR design strategies employed by the authors. The review details specific MMR strategies, including methods for engaging participants, integrating quantitative and qualitative data, and advancing the research agenda that centers minoritized students. Based on the review, we discuss methodological considerations and offer recommendations for higher education professionals to advance more thoughtfully conscious, student-centered modes of knowledge production focusing on minoritized populations.

Correlaciones entre burnout académico, afrontamiento y apoyo social en estudiantes universitarios

The study wasproposeddue to the perception of the scarcity of studies on the correlation between burnout, coping and social support. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the prevalence of academic burnout and its correlationswith coping strategies and social support in students of health courses. The sample consisted of 173 participants, agesbetween 18 and 30 years (M = 23.71; SD = 7.04). For data collection we used: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory for students (MBI-SS), Brief COPE (coping inventory) and Social Support Satisfaction Scale for higher education students (SSSS). The results revealed correlations between the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and cynicism, with family support satisfaction [F (3. 201752) = 9184.986, p < .001; r2 = .12] and F (3.168) = 8.473, p < .001; r2 = .131]. Referring to the correlations between coping strategies with the other study variables, the sample most frequently used emotion-focused coping in the strategies of Self-blaming (r = .290, p<.001); Substance Use (r = .241, p<.01); Instrumental Support (r = .206, p<.01) and Positive Reinterpretation (r =.197, p<.01)

Discourse analysis on academic integrity generative AI: Perspectives from science and mathematics students in higher education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced the current educational system, offering various benefits to teachers and students. However, the integration of AI in education also poses challenges, particularly in maintaining academic integrity. This study investigates the perspectives of 24 science and mathematics students on the impact of Generative AI (GAI) on academic integrity, a core principle in higher education. Using an exploratory design, the findings reveal a dual perspective: GAI can enhance learning and research by providing advanced tools and resources, yet it also risks undermining ethical standards if misused. The study highlights the importance of balancing technological advancements with the maintenance of academic integrity, emphasizing the need for responsible AI usage and the development of policies to mitigate potential negative impacts. Further research is needed to explore the impact of GAI on academic integrity across different disciplines and educational contexts.

The concepts of sustainability value and the application of big data in enhancing the ability of sustainability marketing

PurposeWe seek to contribute to the literature by comparing and analyzing the relationship between Australian and Taiwanese students regarding environmental value attitude, action intention and green marketing intention. Specifically, by comparing the green marketing intention of hospitality and tourism (H&T) students in the East with that in the West.Design/methodology/approachA well-designed curriculum examines student thinking and behavior (learn). This study compares and analyzes the value and attitude and the application of big data to green marketing among Taiwanese and Australian university students using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 633 H&T students in Taiwan (389) and Australia (244).FindingsThis study also shows how the national differences between Australia and Taiwan have interference effects on the relationship between value attitudes and action intentions and between action intentions and the green marketing intention. We also combined the application of big data and related variables and estimated the mediating effect of related variables to evaluate the impact on action intentions and green marketing of big data applications.Practical implicationsThere are significant differences in the sustainable behavior and intentions of H&T higher education students that reflect the educational differences between the East and the West. These different results may be due to a lack of natural resources and the relatively smaller size of Taiwan. With the strengthening of environmental action intention (AI) and green marketing intention (GMI), Taiwanese hospitality and management (H&M) students' sense of crisis increases, and their performance in GMI is slightly higher than that in Australia.Originality/valueThese findings indicate that it is necessary to consider students' ecological concepts, environmental knowledge, environmental value attitude and environmental action intention to improve their intentions to engage in green marketing under the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework. We also found that environmental knowledge has a mediating effect on the relationship between ecological concepts and environmental value attitude.

Beyond borders: The effects of perceived cultural distance, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adaptation on academic performance among international students of higher education

Perceived cultural distance (PCD) has been established as a significant factor influencing academic performance; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the intricate mediating and moderating mechanisms that underlie this relationship. The present study seeks to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the potential mediating role of cross-cultural adaptation and the moderating influence of cultural intelligence (CQ) in the relationships between PCD and academic performance among international students in China. The theoretical model was tested using survey data that measured international students' PCD, CQ, and cross-cultural adaptation in academic, psychological, and sociocultural domains, along with their academic performance. The findings revealed that (1) PCD exhibits a direct and negative influence on academic performance; (2) Three dimensions of cross-cultural adaptation, namely academic, psychological, and sociocultural adaptation, operate as mediators in the link between PCD and academic performance; (3) CQ, functioning as a moderator, weakens the negative association between PCD and academic performance. These results underscore the pivotal role of PCD in the realm of cross-cultural learning for international students, particularly those engaged in educational pursuits within the Chinese higher education landscape. The study also highlights the protective effects of all four aspects of CQ (metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral CQ) on the adaptation processes and academic performance of these sojourning students in the face of cultural differences.

Learning by Doing: The Potential for Experiential Education in Health Promotion

Background: Rural populations face significant health disparities (e.g., high rates of chronic diseases) and unique accessibility barriers (e.g., limited healthcare facilities). Training higher education students to serve as facilitators for chronic disease prevention programs may address rural health promotion needs. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot, exploratory study was to create an experiential learning opportunity for students and examine their experiences. Methodology/Approach: Project leaders completed a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach training and, based on their experiences, created training program goals, content, and schedule. Undergraduate students in health-related programs or courses were recruited to participate. Four students completed a 4-week experiential training program and, at the end of the program, participated in an individual qualitative interview for researchers to understand their experiences. Findings/Conclusions: Data were analyzed through a qualitative-descriptive approach. The main theme, experiential learning, branched into two subthemes: (a) professional development and (b) program implementation and future program directions. Students’ experiential learning influenced their personal and programmatic views of prevention training. Implications: The benefits of experiential learning in prevention will enhance students’ education and future employment experiences. Future studies should improve upon training delivery and examine the acceptability of this method of delivery in the rural population.

Digital Equity and Accessibility in Higher Education: Reaching the Unreached

ABSTRACTDigital equity and accessibility for higher education (HE) students have become crucial since the early 21st century, especially for underserved, deprived, marginalised and oppressed students. The present study aimed mainly to reveal the barriers to digital access (BDA) faced by marginalised groups and to find effective strategies for promoting digital inclusion (DI). Another objective of the paper was to provide actionable policy insights (API) to improve DI in Pakistani universities. Participants (students from marginalised groups who face unique barriers to accessing digital education) were selected using a simple random sampling technique from the four provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan). We used a cross‐sectional research design to collect quantitative data from 590 students selected from 12 universities in Pakistan using a self‐developed questionnaire via online platforms. The study's findings revealed a significant difference in digital access for marginalised groups, which contributes to educational inequalities for students in low‐income areas and remote areas facing enormous challenges. We also identified practices to improve digital accessibility, including technology‐based interventions and policy reforms to improve digital infrastructure. Based on preliminary findings, a combined effort toward digital equity can significantly improve educational outcomes for marginalised students, providing a roadmap for universities to bridge the digital divide. The present paper not only highlights the current state of digital equity and accessibility but also focuses on practical insights for policy and teachers and ensures that universities are inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Assessing the Credibility and Motivation in E-Learning during the Covid-19 Education Shift

The purpose of this study is to assess the complex relationship between e-learning credibility and student motivation during COVID-19. Online education is growing, so educators, institutions, and governments must understand student motivation and e-learning attitudes. The study examines student COVID-19 management to discover crucial components. We explain the difficulty of e-learning credibility and its large impact on student motivation to help educators and scholars. Four research hypotheses guided the investigation; a descriptive survey design and an online questionnaire were utilized to collect data from 480 Saudi higher education students. Because of these factors, this study examines e-learning methods, tools, and approaches in today's complicated landscape. How e-learning systems motivate and engage students depends on interaction, adaptability, and reliability. This case study combines rapid educational technology advancement with pandemic-level disruption. It examines how e-learning will change post-pandemic education. The study's findings are noteworthy given the COVID-19 pandemic's widespread use of e-learning. Politicians and schools utilize them to engage pupils and enhance e-learning amid emergencies. This study may provide teachers, administrators, and instructional designers with confidence in e-learning. It may improve online learning. E-learning credibility and motivation should be studied across institutions and student populations.

Theoretical and methodological foundations of the use of myofascial release in higher education students in physical education classes

The purpose of the study: to consider the theoretical and methodological foundations of the myofascial release method and to study the effectiveness of its use in higher education students in physical education classes. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalisation of scientific and methodological literature. Results of the study. The definition of the concept of ’myofascial release’ is given, the characteristics and means of this method are described, and the methodological aspects of its application are presented. The effectiveness of the use of myofascial release in physical education classes for higher education students is revealed. Conclusions. The myofascial release method, based on the research of doctors. Janet Travell, Robert Ward and John F. Barnes, demonstrates significant effectiveness in reducing muscle tension, pain and restoring muscle and fascia function through manual action on trigger points. The myofascial release technique is based on an understanding of the integrity of the fascial system, which performs protective and support functions, and disorders in which can lead to mobility restrictions and pain, which emphasises the importance of timely intervention. The use of myofascial release in physical education classes for higher education students helps to improve health, blood circulation; relieve muscle spasms; reduce muscle pain; increase joint mobility; accelerate recovery from physical activity; increase the level of endurance and flexibility; reduce the likelihood of injury. The combination of myofascial release with stretching increases its effectiveness, helping to reduce pain, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. The method of myofascial release is an effective means of improving the physical condition of students, which emphasises the importance of its implementation in the system of physical education of higher education institutions.

Correspondence of self-assessment of physical development according to indicators of physical fitness of higher education acquires

The purpose of the work is to study the correspondence of self-assessment of physical development according to indicators of physical fitness of students of higher education to determine the effectiveness of pedagogical control in the process of motor activity. To achieve the goal, the following research methods were used: data analysis of scientific and methodological literature, regulatory and legal documents, programs on physical culture, pedagogical testing of physical fitness, methods of mathematical statistics, test-questionnaire E.V. Bochenkova "Self-description of physical development". To study the individual profile of the physical "I" of the individual, we used the test-questionnaire of E. V. Bochenkova "Self-description of physical development". The questionnaire included 70 statements related to the field of physical development of a person and an indicator of general self-esteem. The purpose of this technique is to study the peculiarities of self-esteem of boys and girls and to compare the obtained data. Research was conducted on the basis of the Lutsk National Technical University, at the Faculty of Digital, Educational and Social Technologies with students of higher education. The conducted studies revealed the inadequacy of the self-assessment of physical fitness of higher education students, which indicates the importance of theoretical coverage and practical implementation in physical education classes of the section of pedagogical control and self-control of physical fitness, which should be an incentive for self-improvement of boys and girls in the process of physical activity.

Association between mental health literacy and formal help-seeking behaviors among students from the Palestinian-Arab minority in Israel

Mental health problems are common among higher education students, yet formal help-seeking rates remain low. Mental health literacy (MHL) is crucial in facilitating help-seeking, but its relationship with formal help-seeking behaviors among ethnic minority students is poorly understood. This study explored MHL among Palestinian minority students in Israel using Jorm's framework, examining the association between each MHL dimension and formal help-seeking. It also investigated information-seeking methods and their relations to actual help-seeking.129 Palestinian students completed measures of MHL, formal help-seeking, information-seeking methods, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Participants reported average or above-average levels on all MHL dimensions. Compared to those who did not report actual formal help-seeking, those who did have significantly higher levels of MHL on all dimensions, except for the ability to recognize disorders. The three dimensions - knowledge of risk factors and causes; knowledge of where to seek information; and attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior – were found to be significant determinants of formal help-seeking behaviors. Online information-seeking was an important determinant of formal help-seeking. This study supports the association between MHL and formal help-seeking behaviors, even among students from ethnic minorities. Interventions targeting MHL could enhance help-seeking behaviors in this population. This study underlines the crucial role of the Internet in minority students' lives in the context of mental health, similar to its importance in other areas of their lives. They also identify key areas for psychiatric mental health nursing to focus on for more effective education and interventions tailored to minority student populations.

Young Chileans Evaluate the News in order to decide how to Vote in 2022

Based on the call for the mandatory vote of young Chileans to approve or reject the draft of a new constitution for Chile in 2022, this research explored how they informed themselves about this political process and what was their assessment of the news to make their electoral decision. An ad-hoc quantitative survey was designed, applied online in 2023, to which 183 participants between 18 and 24 years old, mostly higher education students, responded. Young people consider it very important to vote in an informed manner, they are interested in current affairs, they value the professional work of journalists and they searched for news about the constitutional process. However, for more than half of them, the news did not respond to their interests. This finding is particularly relevant, since when asked what quality news is for them, they refer to information that responds to their needs. It is likely that the news industry does not sufficiently consider this young audience, which constitutes an opportunity to get to know their interests.