Holistic Learning Experience Research Articles

Curriculum Definition Revisited

The definition of "curriculum" has been the subject of scholarly debate for decades. This commentary revisits one of the most widely accepted definitions of curriculum in health profession education and offers a revised definition. The authors aim to emphasize the importance of planned and unplanned learning experiences in the definition of curriculum. Also, the key role of students’ support to help students make the most of their learning from the un-planned experiences is highlighted. In cases where the holistic learning experiences are neglected, the school is unlikely to achieve its ultimate goals.

Harmonizing Nature, Education, Engineering and Creativity: An Interdisciplinary Educational Exploration of Engineered Living Materials, Artistry and Sustainability Using Collaborative Mycelium Brick Construction.

This study presents an innovative approach to interdisciplinary education by integrating biology, engineering and art principles to foster holistic learning experiences for middle-schoolers aged 11-12. The focus lies on assembling mycelium bricks as engineered living materials, with promising applications in sustainable construction. Through a collaborative group task, children engage in the hands-on creation of these bricks, gaining insights into mycology, biomaterials engineering and artistic expression. The curriculum introduces fundamental concepts of mycelial growth and its potential in sustainable material development. Children actively participate in fabricating 3D forms (negative and positive) using mycelium bricks, thereby gaining practical knowledge in shaping and moulding living materials. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding of biological processes and cultivates an appreciation for sustainable design principles. The group task encourages teamwork, problem-solving and creativity as children collaboratively compose structures using mycelium bricks. Integrating art into the activity adds a creative dimension, allowing participants to explore aesthetic aspects while reinforcing the project's interdisciplinary nature. Conversations about the material's end-of-life and decomposition are framed within the broader context of Nature's cycles, facilitating an understanding of sustainability. This interdisciplinary pedagogical approach provides a model for educators seeking to integrate diverse fields of knowledge into a cohesive and engaging learning experience. The study contributes to the emerging field of nature-inspired education, illustrating the potential of integrating living materials and 3D-understanding activities to nurture a holistic understanding of science, engineering and artistic expression in young learners.

Exploring the Cultural Fabric: A Study on Indonesia’s Unique Architectural Marvels for Ethno-STEAM Education System

This study delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia by examining ten distinctive architectural wonders, offering insights into Ethno-STEAM education for university students. The study aims to analyse ten unique architectural marvels, evaluate students' understanding of ethno-STEAM, and explore their perceptions. The findings of our investigation reveal a multifaceted understanding of the architectural heritage of Indonesia, as well as insights into the effectiveness of ethno-STEAM education in fostering holistic learning experiences. Student understanding of Ethno-STEAM has increased significantly after learning. Their perception of ethno-STEAM has a significant positive effect, particularly regarding their cultural perspectives, STEAM understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity. Guided by the Ethno-STEAM framework, educational interventions are designed to ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, and deepen appreciation for Indonesia's architectural heritage among university students.

The Assessment of a Gradeless Residency Model for Software Engineering Education

The traditional practice of assessing academic performance through conventional letter and numerical grades has faced criticism for its limitations in promoting active engagement and curiosity among students. In response, the concept of gradeless education has gained traction, with the aim of fostering a more holistic learning experience. This work explores the implementation of the residency model, a form of gradeless education, in the context of engineering education. The model focuses on skill acquisition and competency demonstration while enhancing student wellness by minimizing assessment-related anxiety that students often face in graded assessments. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the residency model through a comprehensive survey conducted in a software engineering technology program at McMaster University. The survey investigates student perspectives on the model’s impact on motivation, learning experience, and attitudes towards learning. The results reveal a complex interplay of attitudes, with students acknowledging the importance of grades while appreciating the model’s rigorous assignments. The findings suggest that the residency model can encourage transformative learning experiences while warranting ongoing attention to optimize both learning outcomes and student well-being. Further research is recommended to assess the long-term impact and effectiveness of gradeless education models, emphasizing both their benefits and challenges.

21 МАРТ СВЕТОВЕН ДЕН НА ГОРАТА

This article presents an innovative interdisciplinary open lesson conducted on March 21, 2024, in celebration of World Forest Day. The lesson aimed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge about forests and their ecosystems, including the processes of erosion, the diversity of plant and animal species, and the importance of environmental preservation. The methodology combines theoretical learning with practical activities, such as planting seeds and observing forest biodiversity, both in the classroom and in a real forest environment. The lesson was divided into two parts: the first part included a presentation on the significance of forests, interactive discussions, and creative tasks using artificial intelligence tools. The second part involved a field trip to a local forest park, where students engaged in hands-on activities like tree planting and cleaning up the forest. The expected outcomes were to enhance students’ understanding of the natural environment, instill a sense of responsibility towards nature, and develop practical skills in environmental conservation. The interdisciplinary approach, integrating subjects such as science, physical education, language arts, and technology, provided a holistic learning experience that emphasized the interconnectedness of different areas of knowledge and the importance of protecting our planet.

Kreativitas Dan Kepercayaan Diri Siswa Melalui Kegiatan Drama di SMP Muhammadiyah Terpadu

Aims to examine the impact of drama activities at school on increasing students' creativity and self-confidence. Drama is an art form that combines various elements such as acting, expression and social interaction, which can provide a holistic learning experience for students. We provide motivation in the form of student creativity and self-confidence and analyze student participation in drama activities held at Muhammadiyah Integrated Middle School. The results showed that drama activities significantly increased students' creativity. They are better able to express new ideas, improvise, and develop stories and characters better. Additionally, participation in drama also shows a marked increase in students' self-confidence. Students become more confident in public speaking, show courage in trying new things, and participate more actively in class discussions. Drama activities also create an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, where students feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. This not only helps in the development of individual skills but also strengthens the sense of togetherness and teamwork among students. Thus, implementing drama activities in schools can be an effective strategy for developing students' creativity and self-confidence. The recommendation from this research is to include drama activities more intensively and structured in the school curriculum as part of efforts to improve the quality of education.

STRINGS OF INNOVATION: EXPLORING GUZHENG PEDAGOGY THROUGH THE 'INTERNET +' LENS

This study explore the evolving landscape of Guzheng pedagogy in the "Internet +" era, exploring the integration of traditional teaching methods with digital innovations. Applying Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and social constructivist principles, the research examines how online platforms like "ChinaGuzheng.com" and Douyin cater to learner motivations and facilitate knowledge construction within a community-driven environment. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes user demographics, satisfaction data, and behavioral engagement metrics from both platforms. Findings reveal that digital platforms effectively address the diverse needs of Guzheng learners, offering flexible learning pathways, fostering social interaction, and promoting cultural preservation. However, challenges remain in terms of platform usability and catering to individual learning styles. The study proposes an integrative enhancement that merges the strengths of both platforms, creating a holistic learning experience that embraces the core principles of UGT and social constructivism. This model has the potential to serve as a blueprint for the future of Guzheng pedagogy, ensuring the instrument's cultural legacy thrives in the digital age.

The Noteworthiness of Constructive Feedback and Student-Reflection to Approach Competence-Based Curriculum: An Explanatory Study of Medical Schools in Indonesia

Background: Competence-based medical curriculum requires the acquisition of complex abilities that should be assessed longitudinally. The programmatic assessment model can facilitate a complete picture of students' competencies. The five components of learning, assessment, supporting activities; and intermediate to final evaluation provide holistic learning experiences for students and mentors to participate in the learning strategies. We aim to assess the application of longitudinal components of the programmatic assessment model to the current assessment system based on student perceptions.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional mixed-method sequential explanatory design at six medical schools in Surabaya, East Java of Indonesia. The instrument was 43 items of validated questionnaire based on the five components and the focus group discussions. Results: This study obtained 442 respondents. The results reflected high reliability with a Cronbach alpha value of 0.969, and the validity test showed R arithmetic > R table (R table 0.128 for n 442). The current assessment system was perceived as ‘good’, with 3.9 on 5 points Likert scale; but the ‘supporting activities’ where reflection and feedback lied; was at the lowest score although insignificant. Students underlined the lack of formative aspects (reflection, feedback, mentorship, and middle evaluation).Conclusion: The overall assessment system is well-perceived by the students; however, the 'supportive activities' component has been minimally applied. So the 'assessment of previous learning' is still prominent in the current assessment system.

Enhancing engineering education through mini project-based learning in computer integrated manufacturing laboratory: A student-centric approach

ABSTRACT In response to evolving engineering education, there is a growing focus on fostering students’ practical skills. This study implemented a Mini Project Based Learning (MPBL) approach within the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) course. The tasks involved SOLIDWORKS modelling, writing CNC code using CADEM seeNC Turn software, and hands-on CNC machining by students. Quantifiable outcomes demonstrated the development of students’ CNC expertise. Numerical evidence showcased a significant increase in academic performance, with the percentage of students scoring over 80 marks rising from 33.33% in the previous academic year (CAY-M1) to an impressive 45.83% in the current academic year (CAY), highlighting the positive impact of MPBL. MPBL improved comprehension and enhanced critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Its integration in CIM sparked creative enthusiasm among students and educators. Effective evaluation tools played a pivotal role in elevating project results, ensuring a holistic learning experience that integrated theory and engineering design.

Bulletin Boards and Classroom Decorations: A Visual Representation of Your Music Teaching Philosophy

In this manuscript, we introduce four philosophical camps and provide bulletin board and classroom decoration examples of how music teachers can visually communicate their teaching philosophies to their students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. The categories emerged from our review of bulletin board examples created by our music teacher colleagues and include (1) music, emotion, and expression; (2) praxialism; (3) extramusical benefits; and (4) social justice. Bulletin boards may indirectly represent teachers’ philosophies when compared with explicit curricula, such as lesson plans, textbooks, and other instructional materials. However, teachers can foster holistic learning experiences for students by harmonizing their implicit messages on bulletin boards and classroom decorations with the explicit curriculum.

Shaping The Way to Teach? Exploring the Adoption of Digital Multimodal Texts As Instructional Tools in EFL Teaching Practicum

This research scrutinizes a case study conducted with 15 pre-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in a microteaching class at the English Education Department at UIN Walisongo Semarang. The purpose of the study was to examine the forms, implementation, and reflection of digital multimodal instructional media utilized by pre-service teachers. Observations of classrooms and document analysis were employed to acquire data. Pre-service EFL teachers employ digital multimodal instructional media, including PowerPoint presentations, films, and songs, to enhance English language learning. These tools integrate text, images, video, and audio elements to teach language structures, vocabulary, and emotions effectively. Student portfolios showcase diverse educational strategies across different grade levels, using videos, songs, and PowerPoint presentations to engage students and reinforce language skills. Educator reflections underline the significance of digital multimodal media in simplifying complex topics, improving comprehension, and fostering a holistic learning experience. They also stress the importance of adequate equipment and resources for successful multimedia implementation, affirming the value of multimodal approaches in providing impactful and engaging English language education. The study highlights the potential for these digital tools to provide an engaging and interactive learning environment for EFL students. It is recommended that more research investigate ways for optimizing the use of digital multimodal media in diverse EFL teaching scenarios.

Student perceptions of transferable skills development through didactic audio description

Didactic audio description (DAD) refers to the use of active audio description (AD) tasks where students generate the AD text themselves. In foreign language teaching, DAD has been used to improve linguistic and oral competences, integrated and intercultural skills, media literacy, mediation, or accessibility awareness, with positive results. This article explores students’ perceptions about active AD to promote transferable skills development through data gathered from a series of two experiments implemented at the University of Manchester between 2018 and 2020. Specifically, it explores (i) whether participants perceived an improvement in their transferable skills, and (ii) in which specific skills sub-sets they did so. Quantitative data show high perceptions of transferable skills development (especially decision making, summarizing, and communicative skills) even when perceptions of the usefulness of AD to foster linguistic skills were low. Qualitative data show that the skills range where participants perceived improvement was broader than predicted, as responses to open-ended questions mentioned skills not foregrounded in closed questions, such as integrated skills, metalinguistic skills, mediation, and accessibility awareness. This suggests that active DAD tasks could be useful in diverse settings to promote a holistic learning experience where students simultaneously develop linguistic and non-linguistic abilities, and where accessibility and inclusion are at the forefront.

Out-of-School Exposure to English in EFL Teenage Learners: Is It Related to Academic Performance?

Learning a Foreign Language (FL) beyond the classroom has become common practice thanks to advances in technology and the use of English as a Lingua Franca. This study explores the types and amount of out-of-school informal exposure to English that Spanish secondary school students typically receive in their daily lives. Informed by recent literature on the influence of extramural activities on FL proficiency, the second aim of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between out-of-school exposure and academic performance, as measured by English school grades. Data were obtained from a questionnaire answered by secondary school students aged 12–16 (N = 2015) regarding the different types and amounts of activities they perform in English outside school. Findings revealed that teenage learners were most frequently exposed to English through audiovisual input. Social media interaction, along with reading and writing (with or without digital support), were closely associated with their English marks. Other popular activities, such as listening to music or playing video games, were not found to be related to proficiency or even showed a negative correlation with it, while less popular activities, such as watching subtitled movies and series, could have greater potential for language learning. This study contributes to the understanding of informal practices in FL learning settings and provides insights that can help bridge interactive language practices and formal curriculum to create holistic learning experiences for language learners.

Patient-based interdisciplinary e-learning with reflection: An experience of biomedical science, allied health and complementary medicine students

E-learning modules were developed to enhance student engagement, reflection and interdisciplinary learning in Pathology courses undertaken by students from the Biomedical Science, Allied Health, and Complementary Medicine disciplines. The modules focused on generating multi-disciplinary and team-based solutions to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment/management of patients. At pre- and post-intervention, we analysed the students’ experience of three themes: E-learning, reflection, and interdisciplinary learning. Flexibility and ability to reinforce understanding of course content were identified as main advantages of e-learning but a lack of direct support was a common concern. Visual aids and interactive assessments were suggested to improve online experiences. While all students had a positive pre-conception of all themes prior to intervention, the delivery of the modules significantly improved students’ perception on how e-learning deepened their understanding of course materials via reflection and interdisciplinary learning, with both aspects serving to create a holistic learning experience.

Provision and Utilization of Physical Resources for Effective Teaching and Learning Effectiveness in Public Universities in Rivers State

The paper explores the role of physical resources in effective teaching and learning in public universities in Rivers State. It emphasizes the importance of managing resources such as money, computers, teaching technology, and internet facilities to achieve educational goals. The paper is based on Wernerfelt's Resource-Based Theory, which suggests that organizations can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage through strategic and efficient use of physical resources. The study concludes that effective provision and utilization of physical resources are crucial for the success of teaching and learning in public universities. It suggests that a multifaceted approach, including infrastructure development, technological integration, library enrichment, and accommodation considerations, can create an environment conducive to academic excellence and a holistic learning experience. The paper also suggests that the state government should establish mechanisms to improve transparency and accountability in the use of physical resources to ensure efficient allocation of funds towards educational priorities.

교육대학원 논리논술교육 교과에서의 내러티브 기반 학습 활동 사례 탐구

Objectives This study aims to explore ways to apply narrative-based activities to thesis writing course.
 Methods 18 student teacher participants experienced 5 week narrative-based class activities developed in a thesis writing course at a graduation school of education in Korea, and then responded to an open-ended survey.
 Results First, to achieve steps for thesis writing, weekly activities of ‘narrative as a product’ helped increase the participants’ self-awareness, planning-ahead, and writing skills. Second, frequent communication and discussion with peers helped emotionally support participants and expand understanding of their research areas. Furthermore, an instructor’s accurate and prompt feedbacks helped them promote their thesis writing capabilities and soothed their fear of writing.
 Conclusions This study adds value to holistic thesis writing education, indicating that paradigmic thinking and narrative thinking are not isolated or opposite, but rather interrelated and connected to one another. This study contributes to the emergence of narrative-related theory and practice for holistic learning experiences in student teachers’ thesis writing.

Technology Integration in The Hannafin and Peck Model: Dynamic Transformation of Islamic Religious Education at Sdn Cilengkrang

This research adopts a qualitative approach, employing a case study method to explore the impact of technology integration in the teaching of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at SDN Cilengkrang. Data collection is conducted through interviews, observations, and document analysis to gain deep insights into the experiences of teachers and students regarding the instructional model that incorporates technology. The research aims to provide a detailed understanding of how technology, including PAI software and online platforms, influences the engagement and comprehension of religious concepts among students. The data analysis process in this study is inductive, where researchers systematically explore patterns, themes, and relationships emerging from interviews, observations, and document analysis. Thus, the research aims to comprehensively describe the positive impact of technology integration in PAI learning. The findings of this research support existing literature and emphasize the potential of dynamic PAI learning, integrating cognitive aspects with religious values. The success of technology integration in PAI teaching at SDN Cilengkrang, despite facing challenges in teacher training, has significant positive implications. Serving as a foundation for improving the quality of PAI teaching, this research opens new opportunities for more dynamic and holistic learning experiences.

Effectiveness of the “Hand as Foot” teaching method in human physiology: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe "Hand as Foot" teaching method, an innovative approach in medical education, utilizes hand gestures to simulate anatomical structures and functions. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the "Hand as Foot" teaching method compared to traditional method in the "Human Physiology" course. MethodsDuring the 2023 spring semester, a randomized controlled trial involved 84 health management students. Participants were randomly assigned to the "Hand as Foot” teaching group or the traditional teaching group. A self-designed Likert scale was used to evaluate students' perceptions of teaching effectiveness, covering dimensions such as engagingness, intuitiveness, facilitation of understanding, enhancement of memorization, and effortlessness of learning. Additionally, a knowledge assessment test was administered to measure knowledge acquisition. ResultsThe "Hand as Foot teaching method" group (41 students) reported significantly higher ratings for all dimensions of teaching effectiveness compared to the traditional teaching group (43 students) (p ≤ 0.01). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the experimental group's test scores were notably superior (Mean = 6.35 vs. Mean = 5.94). DiscussionThe "Hand as Foot" teaching method demonstrated superior effectiveness in engaging students, facilitating comprehension, and enhancing memorization. Its interactive and tangible nature provided a holistic learning experience, enabling students to visualize complex physiological mechanisms. Additionally, it fostered active student participation and a desire for deeper understanding. ConclusionWhile the "Hand as Foot" teaching method demonstrated strengths in engaging students and aiding comprehension, further researches with larger and diverse cohorts are needed to gauge its impact on learning outcomes and broader applicability.

Perceptions of pre-service elementary school teachers toward education for sustainable development through character education

This study aims to explore the perceptions of pre-service elementary school teachers towards the concept of education for sustainable development through character education. This study is a descriptive research in which the object of research is 142 pre-service elementary school teachers at one of the universities in Surabaya, Indonesia. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of 6 structured questions and 1 open-ended question that was distributed through Google form. The data obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Based on the results of data analysis, most of the respondents agreed that education for sustainable development through character education is very important in primary schools Introduction. In addition, aspects that need to be considered in implementing education for sustainable development through character education are the formation of attitudes and values, environmental awareness, social skills development, and holistic learning experiences.

Correlational Analysis of Academic Performance in General Education Courses During the Digital Learning Space

The integration of digital learning setups in higher education has revolutionized the educational landscape, necessitating a reevaluation of academic performance in General Education Courses (GECs). This correlational analysis study examines the interconnectedness of student grades across eight GECs during the transition to digital learning environments. By investigating the relationships between GEC subjects, the study sheds light on potential interdisciplinary connections and offers insights into overall academic performance trends. Findings reveal significant correlations between various GECs, highlighting the importance of fostering interdisciplinary learning experiences and promoting critical skills development among students in digital educational contexts. The study underscores the imperative of designing curriculum frameworks that encourage holistic learning experiences, prioritizing the development of communication skills, scientific literacy, and ethical reasoning. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for continuous evaluation and improvement initiatives to enhance the quality of education in digital learning environments. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of academic performance trends in GECs and informs pedagogical practices aimed at preparing students for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.