Higher Education Settings Research Articles

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Educator and Caregiver Challenges in Transitioning Students with ASD to Higher Education and TVET - A Scoping Review

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with communication and social skills, necessitating significant support from family, caregivers, and educators. In Malaysia, while Special Education Needs (SEN) students are typically integrated into general education during their school years, their presence in tertiary education or TVET remains underrepresented. This scoping review aims to identify and understand the challenges general educators and caregivers face in facilitating the transition of ASD students from higher education to tertiary education and TVET. A comprehensive analysis of literature from Scopus, ProQuest, and Science Direct databases, focusing on studies published between 2013 and 2023, was conducted. The findings reveal mixed experiences, highlighting significant difficulties and areas for improvement. General educators and caregivers report numerous challenges, including inadequate training, insufficient resources, and a lack of tailored support systems, which collectively hinder the smooth transition of ASD students into higher educational settings. It suggests that targeted interventions and increased collaboration between educators and caregivers can lead to more positive outcomes. This study provides original insights into the specific needs and barriers faced by ASD students in Malaysia, offering valuable implications for policymakers, educators, and caregivers to create more inclusive and effective educational transitions. Future research on transitioning students with ASD to higher education and TVET should focus on longitudinal studies to track long-term outcomes, the development and evaluation of targeted intervention programs, and the role of assistive technologies in the transition process.

Basic psychological needs to online engagement and achievement among first-year undergraduates

Empirical research has largely focused on either identifying online learner characteristics or best practices to support online learning in higher education settings. Yet gaps remain in our empirical understanding of which and to what extent certain factors influence online learning. This exploratory study sought to corroborate the influence of three student-level variables in Basic Psychological Needs (BPNs) of autonomy, competence, and relatedness among students as they participate in online higher education coursework. This study conducted multiple regression modelling on 159 cases of first-year undergraduate students to determine the extent to which the three variables relate to engagement and achievement in online coursework. Results present preliminary empirical evidence that the basic psychological need for autonomy relates to achievement in online coursework. However, the other basic psychological needs of competence and relatedness did not clearly relate with either engagement or achievement. Results in part affirm the claim that efforts to drive student achievement in online higher education coursework ought to embed elements that support student autonomy. And results support a position of nuance where BPNs influence specific dimensions rather than all dimensions of online higher education learning as a catch-all construct.

Transitioning to the New Normal and Beyond: Maximizing Students’ Active Learning in Task-Supported Curricula

ABSTRACT Amid the lingering impacts of COVID-19, consistently shifting between online and face-to-face educational settings can be particularly challenging for language teachers and learners. Regardless of the learning environment, it is crucial to provide language learners with opportunities to engage in interactive and communicative activities both in and outside the classroom. In the context of a liminal pandemic era, this article aims to share task-supported learning activities developed for Korean learners at the beginner level. The developed task set contains in-class and out-of-class tasks focused on developing the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) and intercultural competence. Given as open educational resources (OER), these collaboratively developed tasks have been piloted across two higher education settings in the United States, demonstrating their sustainability in various learning environments, whether they be online, in person, or hybrid. These tasks that are designed based on the backward design process provide a systematic roadmap for the transition from perception-based tasks to production-based tasks that adhere to the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements (2017). Students’ reflections and instructors’ observations indicate that these tasks and assessment tools are beneficial in developing students’ language capacities, intercultural competencies, and sense of achievement in learning.

Enhancing online learning: a systematic literature review exploring the impact of screencast feedback on student learning outcomes

Purpose This systematic literature review paper critically examines the effectiveness of screencast feedback compared with text feedback in promoting student learning outcomes in online higher education. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding feedback modalities and their impact on online learning environments.Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a systematic review approach to synthesise and analyse existing studies investigating the use of screencast feedback in online higher education settings. A comprehensive search and selection process was employed to identify relevant literature. The selected studies were then analysed for their methodologies, findings and implications. This paper seeks to provide an overview of the current state of research, highlighting the benefits, challenges and potential impacts of screencast feedback on student learning outcomes.Findings The findings of this paper suggest that while there is a positive perception of screencast feedback among students and instructors, drawing definitive conclusions about its superiority over text feedback remains at the very beginning. Students generally appreciate the personalised, supportive and engaging nature of screencast feedback, particularly within the online learning context. However, challenges such as technical barriers and potential workload implications for instructors are also noted. Further empirical research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the comparative efficacy of screencast feedback, considering factors like online engagement, digital literacy and the impact on diverse student populations.Research limitations/implications This review underscores the acute necessity for expansive and meticulously designed studies that can provide conclusive insights into the authentic potential of screencast feedback and its resonance within the unique landscape of online learning. Through rigorous inquiry, educators can discern the optimal strategies for harnessing the advantages of screencast feedback to enhance student learning outcomes, aligning harmoniously with the dynamics of virtual classrooms.Practical implications Screencast feedback emerges as a promising avenue to foster meaningful connections between instructors and learners. The review highlights that screencast feedback engenders a more dialogic interaction between lecturers and students, resulting in personalised, supportive and engaging feedback experiences.Social implications The systematic review conducted underscores the positive reception of screencast feedback from both students and lecturers in this context. The findings are consistent with the principles of social constructivist theory, suggesting that the interactive and personalised nature of screencast feedback facilitates a richer educational experience for students, even within the confines of virtual classrooms (Vygotsky, 1978).Originality/value This innovative blend of methodologies contributes new insights that can inform educational practices and pedagogical strategies in online learning environments.

Health‐Promoting Learning Environments in Higher Education: A Scoping Review of Structural Interventions to Protect Student Mental Health

ABSTRACTA rapidly growing body of research spanning several scientific disciplines and countries converges to show that mental health problems among students are an increasing challenge for higher education institutions. Mental health problems among students threaten academic performance, degree completion and student well‐being. Structural efforts aimed at building health‐promoting, learning environments for all students are lacking in the literature. This study aims to identify and describe what is currently known about structural approaches to promote mental health or prevent mental health problems among students in higher educational settings. We conducted a scoping review of studies published in peer‐reviewed journals between 2001 and 2021, which studied structural interventions to promote mental health or prevent mental health problems among students in higher educational settings. The search identified 8372 articles, and 27 were included in the final sample. Four broad categories of approach were identified: (1) inclusion and diversity approaches, (2) adaptations to the physical environment, (3) teaching health‐related skills and behaviours and (4) adaptations to pedagogical practices and teaching approaches. The general finding from the studies reporting student perceptions was that students were favourable to the interventions to which they were exposed. Studies investigating pre‐ to post‐test changes in well‐being had mixed findings. Institutions aiming to support student mental health at the structural level should rigorously study and describe these approaches and their outcomes to advance our combined understanding of how we might design and deliver structural interventions to support students' mental health.

Innovative Learning Strategies to Enhance Student Motivation and Academic Achievement: A Constructivist Learning Perspective in Islamic Religious Education

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative, constructivist-based learning strategies in enhancing student motivation and academic achievement. The constructivist approach, which emphasizes active, project-based, and collaborative learning, was implemented in a higher education setting to assess its impact on student motivation and academic outcomes. A quasi-experimental research design with treatment and control groups was employed, involving students from various academic programs. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring learning motivation and academic performance before and after the implementation of innovative strategies. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests to compare differences between the treatment and control groups. The findings indicate that the application of constructivist-based innovative learning strategies significantly improves student motivation and academic achievement. Active and project-based learning methods increased student engagement and facilitated better understanding of the material, as reflected in improved academic outcomes. The study also underscores the importance of a supportive learning environment, including the use of digital technology, in fostering the learning process. Limitations of the study include a limited sample size and contextual variables that may influence the results. The study provides recommendations for educational institutions to adopt innovative learning strategies and encourages further research to explore various learning approaches in greater depth

Measuring EFL Learners’ Perceptions of Technology Self-efficacy in Online Language Learning

Technology self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in learners’ technology uptake during their learning process in technology-mediated learning environments. This study aims to explore EFL learners’ perceived technology self-efficacy in online language learning. The quantitative data obtained in this study was via a survey questionnaire with 910 learners of a Vietnamese university. The study results revealed that the overall level of EFL learners’ technology self-efficacy was moderate, except for their high efficacy in using the Internet to gather information. Moreover, these results indicated that male learners were more confident in fulfilling online learning tasks than their female counterparts. The learners majoring in engineering showed more confidence in their capability to use computers and learning management systems in their English learning process compared to those of other majors. However, the learners’ length of time learning English had no significant impact on their perceptions of technology self-efficacy. The findings provide some insights into how the EFL learners perceive their self-efficacious beliefs of technology use in online language learning, which will help train strategies to promote technology uptake in Vietnamese higher education settings.

Implementing the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) Tool for Training Medical Faculty.

Introduction Despite simulation being widely recognized as an essential component of medical education, there remains a dearth of literature on its implementation and effectiveness in pre-clerkship medical education. In order to effectively encompass healthcare simulations within medical instruction, it is imperative to first address the often neglected gap in faculty development and training. With this in mind, we aim to present our experience in implementing the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) tool in training faculty at Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA. Methods Twenty participating faculty practiced instructing a simulation session and completed the DASH tool. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to report the findings. Results The Survey Rater and Student DASH version results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test to see if there was a difference between the two groups for each question. Conclusions All faculty participating in healthcare simulations should be trained in order to deliver a structured debriefing experience. In healthcare medical simulation, the identification of faculty training is imperative to address many of the challenges of healthcare today, including patient safety issues and limitations of medical training in hospital settings. Implications The study aims to serve as a template that researchers can use in identifying potential faculty training development, as the benefits of having faculty trained in simulation methodology are successful in higher educational settings. Further studies in simulation-based education faculty training are recommended.

Exploring Indonesian EFL students’ lexical diversity and its correlation with academic vocabulary use in an online academic writing environment

This paper reports on a quasi-experimental study designed to explore the relationship between lexical diversity and academic vocabulary use among Indonesian EFL university students engaging in online academic writing discussions and assignments. The study analysed 11,624 tokens and 5437 types collected from students' contributions in online discussions and academic writing assignments. Findings revealed that the level of lexical diversity among the students was significantly varied depending on the text length and the total amount of data. It was found most students were indicated to possess average ESL level of academic writing with a D value ranging from 50 to 70 while some others indicated a high level of adult ESL with developed academic text in the range between 70 and 80 D level. Moreover, it was also found that the degree of lexical diversity was not affected by the writing topic familiarity or students' academic year. Findings revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between measures of lexical diversity and academic vocabulary use. Contrary to expectations, while a diversified vocabulary generally correlates positively with student writing performance, this relationship reverses in contexts emphasizing the academic quality of writing. These results highlight the complex dynamics of lexical usage in academic writing and suggest that mere lexical diversity does not always equate to higher academic writing quality. This study contributes to a critical understanding of how lexical diversity functions in digital academic environments and offers implications for English language teaching practices in higher education settings.

Spiritual needs throughout childbirth: a cross-sectional study among working women at the largest university in Brunei

Introduction: This study evaluates spiritual needs throughout childbirth of women who are working in higher education setting. Methods: Healthcare professionals have fundamental roles in ensuring the spiritual needs of women throughout childbirth are met. This concurs with the World Health Organization’s definition of health that holistically comprises of physical/biological, psychological/mental, social and spiritual aspects. This study evaluates spiritual needs throughout childbirth of women who are working in higher education setting. Results: A total 80 female staff participated in the study. Three out of the five domains of the spiritual needs scale were found to be the most frequently addressed as interpreted from the mean score. These are: “Finding meaning and purpose” 4.2 (0.6) followed by “Religious needs” 4.1 (0.7) and “Seeking peace” 4.0 (0.6). Those aged 40 and above scored 4.3 (0.8), which is significantly higher (P = 0.048) for “Finding meaning and purpose” compared to other age groups. Those who had four or more children had significantly higher spiritual needs for “Finding meaning and purpose” 4.2 (0.6) and “Seeking peace” 4.4 (0.7) compared to those having one to three children. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that spiritual needs are essential during childbirth. “Finding meaning and purpose” and “Seeking peace” were identified to be the most common spiritual needs during childbirth. As women age and have more children, their spiritual needs increase. This study contributes positively toward the improvement of care, particularly spiritual aspects where evidence is scarce. Keywords: Assessment, Brunei, Childbirth, Women, Spiritual

Engagement and interaction in a culturally diverse higher education setting

The increased migration of the last decades has contributed to the generation of diversified societies, raising the need to understand perceptions about cultural diversity and educate on intercultural communication, intending to shrink discrimination. In order to be able to impact and instruct on intercultural competence, professors must possess preparation and development related to interaction in culturally diversified settings. With the aim to recognize the necessity for improving the interaction between professors and students in multicultural environments, this research explores the role of professors’ identity as an antecedent of intercultural competence, further designating their job engagement. The results of the survey with 322 university professors reveal the central role of professors’ commitment to social justice, as the link between their dedication to students’ needs and their own keenness towards continued involvement in working tasks. The implications emphasize the professors’ predisposition to building a productive and harmonious learning environment as a trigger for their enthusiasm, efficacy and commitment while working in culturally diverse environments. Intercultural competence presents the individual commitment to act with respect and avoid issues that could jeopardize communication in a culturally diverse environment, pointing out its importance for personal and professional relationships. In this way, this study observes cultural diversity from the lens of the impact on professors’ engagement, as the critical tool of diversity-competent, aware and sensitive communities in the long run.

Investigating Approaches Utilized by Instructors to Navigate Classroom Organization Issues in Higher Education Environments

The primary goal of the study was to investigate the perspectives of instructors regarding strategies for managing classroom organization challenges in a higher education setting. The researcher selected a sample of 478 respondents by using a simple random sampling technique from six universities operating in Multan district. The study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data through a questionnaire. 348 questionnaires from the 478 instructors were collected. The response rate was 73.23%, which was acceptable for survey research. For the analysis of data, the researcher applied both descriptive and inferential statistics. Average mean and standard deviations were employed to examine the opinion of higher education institution instructors about the frequency of use of approaches and effectiveness of these approaches. A t-test was employed from inferential statistics for finding the opinion of higher education institution instructors on the basis of gender. Percentage analysis was conducted for the analysis of approaches through rank-order. Thematic analysis method was used for the examination of open-ended questions. The study found that higher education institution instructors often use clear voice, question-answer strategies, and active student-instructor interaction to address classroom organization issues. Other approaches include planning lessons, treating all learners equally, arranging the classroom well, improving familiarity, and practicing instructional techniques. However, the use of rules based on conditions, time-out approaches for violent behavior, and rules for penance and penalties was rare.

The Impact and Acceptance of Gamification by Learners in a Digital Literacy Course at the Undergraduate Level: Randomized Controlled Trial.

In recent years, the integration of technology in education has revolutionized traditional learning paradigms. Digital literacy, a crucial skill in the 21st century, has become a vital aspect of modern education, enabling students to navigate, critically assess, and effectively use digital tools. As educators strive to boost engagement and learning outcomes, gamification has appeared as an auspicious pedagogical approach. By applying game mechanics to nongame contexts, gamification seeks to create a more immersive and digital learning experience. This research paper aims to investigate the impact and acceptance of gamification by learners in a digital literacy course at the undergraduate level. In a pre-post intervention study, 168 undergraduate students were randomly assigned either to the experimental group (gamification based) or control group (conventional) learning condition. Both groups of participants learned the same topics in digital literacy. Empirical findings showed that participants from the experimental group had better academic performance in digital literacy than those who were not exposed to the game-based learning environment. The participants' prior experience with gamification was not found to be a significant predictor of their acceptance of gamification in a digital literacy course. The study provides evidence supporting the potential benefits of gamification in enhancing digital literacy education and opens the door for further exploration and implementation of gamified learning approaches in higher education settings.

UNPACKING MULTILINGUAL INDONESIAN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENGLISH AND ITS PROMISES

Issues regarding attitudes and perceptions about English and its cultural politics have been widely and significantly reported in literature. As an international language, English signifies multiple and complex benefits and challenges. This paper aims to extend the discussion by interrogating students’ attitudes and unpack their views towards promises of English in Indonesian Islamic higher education (HE) settings. Participants in this study were undergraduate English Literature students who had engaged with the introductory principles of (Critical) Applied Linguistics (CPL). Data was collected through questionnaires (with closed and open-ended questions) from 58 participants, 19 males and 39 females, and semi-structured interviews with four students. The findings elucidated different views on varieties of English as students showed a quite moderate view of varieties of English from non-inner circle countries instead of treating them as something deficient. Dependency on native speakers’ English variety, however, seems to be negotiated in that the participants view intelligibility as more important in communication than, for instance, correctness. Moreover, students in the present study view speaking English with a local accent as something acceptable. Although not absolutely certain, they still presume that having competence in English can offer better hope in their future.

Mentorship Interventions Personalized Support Systems Across Varying Higher Educational Settings: Recommendations for Personalized Educator Support

This mixed methods case study examines the experiences of mentors and mentees in a personalized mentorship support program (PMSP) at a midwestern public higher education (MPHE) institution as the program transitioned from a pilot phase dedicated to historically underrepresented educators (HUE) into year two, which sought to position the program as a viable system of institution-wide faculty support and retention. Results from year 1 and 2 of the program indicate a closing gap between faculty mentors and mentees for the outcomes of career success, intention to stay, and job satisfaction. This study provides recommendations for program strategy at varying higher education institutions to better promote program innovation and future research.

The neurodivergent college learner: faculty perceptions of supporting individuals with ADHD in higher education

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand how faculty members perceive learning needs of the attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) student, as they acclimated to and performed within the higher education settings. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenological design was used to explore the faculty perceptions of ADHD college students. A sample of ten faculty members, employed in two-year, four-year, and graduate-level programs, participated in virtual semi-structured interviews. A six step thematic analysis of the codes was performed revealing three themes. Findings Results from the study yielded three themes: problem-based learning, time management and accommodations versus privilege. These themes highlight the complexity of the learning process, the limitations with time management, and the need for meaningful, rather than stereotypical, accommodations in these settings. Practical implications The number of students diagnosed with ADHD attending postsecondary education continues to rise, necessitating a critical lens on increasing neurodiversity-affirming practices in these settings. Despite noted strengths, students with this diagnosis struggle academically, resulting in academic challenges. To maximize each individual’s learning potential, systems of higher education need to carefully consider how to best design a positive learning environment with universally effective learning accommodations. Originality/value While faculty described accommodations and strategies provided to students, they also repeatedly shared concerning challenges and barriers to learning, as demonstrated by their students in various scenarios and situations. Results suggest areas of potential improvement, alongside the complexity of serving the need of the next generation of neurodivergent learners, in a world where equity and inclusion required additional time and thoughtful effort. Of greatest concern, perhaps, was the systems already in place, including offices of accommodations and services, that tended to use a “one-size-fits-all” approach, oversimplifying, rather than serving, student need.

Bridging the gap for underserved populations: Personalized AI solutions for college access and learning support

AbstractThe evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technology offers promising solutions to underserved populations in the United States. AI tools can reduce college access and academic barriers for low‐income students, first‐generation college students, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and students living in rural areas. While AI tools offer support to college students from all demographics, they offer uniquely individualized assistance to underserved students to overcome the complex postsecondary schooling challenges they face. Examples of the nuanced, often complex, obstacles faced by these vulnerable students are discussed along with brief descriptions of AI tools that can help. AI tools leverage the power of high‐speed computing, expansive access to information, machine learning capabilities, and natural language processing. Utilizing the power of AI tools, vulnerable learners can increase their access to financial, academic, and social resources needed to attend and be successful in postsecondary education. AI tools also help close opportunity gaps as they provide means by which college students gain increased independence and control over their educational and career journeys. Note that the AI tools referenced in this article are included as examples only. We encourage ongoing discussion of AI‐powered tools and solutions to help underserved students gain more access to higher education and get individualized support for vulnerable learners.Practical Takeaways Highlighting the potential of AI in addressing educational inequalities. Using AI in higher education settings for educators to better understand and respond to student needs. Implementing AI usage in higher education settings for underserved populations to reduce dropout rates. Leveraging technology to offer tailored guidance, bridging gaps, and fostering community among the underserved populations in higher education.

Large Language Model‐Based Chatbots in Higher Education

Large language models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) platforms capable of analyzing and mimicking natural language processing. Leveraging deep learning, LLM capabilities have been advanced significantly, giving rise to generative chatbots such as Generative Pre‐trained Transformer (GPT). GPT‐1 was initially released by OpenAI in 2018. ChatGPT's release in 2022 marked a global record of speed in technology uptake, attracting more than 100 million users in two months. Consequently, the utility of LLMs in fields including engineering, healthcare, and education has been explored. The potential of LLM‐based chatbots in higher education has sparked significant interest and ignited debates. LLMs can offer personalized learning experiences and advance asynchronized learning, potentially revolutionizing higher education, but can also undermine academic integrity. Although concerns regarding AI‐generated output accuracy, the spread of misinformation, propagation of biases, and other legal and ethical issues have not been fully addressed yet, several strategies have been implemented to mitigate these limitations. Here, the development of LLMs, properties of LLM‐based chatbots, and potential applications of LLM‐based chatbots in higher education are discussed. Current challenges and concerns associated with AI‐based learning platforms are outlined. The potentials of LLM‐based chatbot use in the context of learning experiences in higher education settings are explored.

A Qualitative Study into How Non-English Major Students Emotionally Respond to Teacher-Written Feedback

Despite extant literature on the interplay between pedagogical practices and emotional impact, the emotional responses of non-English major undergraduates to teacher-written feedback in L2 writing classrooms remain underexplored. This research, employing semi-structured interviews and document analysis as primary data collection tools, aims to explore how different functions of feedback, including praise, criticism, and suggestions, evoke students’ emotions in higher education settings. The study, conducted in the context of a single university's L2 writing courses, involved 88 undergraduates for document analysis and 5 for semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal that personalized feedback significantly impacts students' self-perception, learning motivation, and engagement, underscoring the importance of empathy and clarity in feedback delivery. This paper highlights tailored feedback's crucial role in enhancing academic growth and emotional well-being, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of feedback dynamics in language education.

‘There was very little room for me to be me’: the lived tensions between assessment standardisation and student diversity

Higher education aims to educate diverse professionals to operate in an increasingly complex world. Yet, academic assessment practices still rely upon standardisation, namely, that all students should demonstrate their achievement in ways that are largely comparable, if not identical. In this study, we theorise assessment standardisation as a technology of normalisation upon student diversity and identities. Our study is located in one of the most complex learning settings in higher education: placements. We theorise how diverse students navigate the tensions arising from standardised assessment situations that assess highly personalised forms of learning in complex assessment settings. Our data material consists of longitudinal interviews with 16 disabled university students in Australia before, during, and after a placement. Our findings show that assessment suppresses and normalises students’ diverse identities, calling into question the inclusivity of such assessment practices. We discuss how assessment provides students with narrow ways of forming their professional identities. While this is the case for all students, the social consequences of assessment standardisation might be more crucial for those who do not fit the ‘norm’ set by assessment, such as disabled students in our case.