Important Factor In Students Research Articles

Vocabulary Size and Critical Academic Reading Ability of Secondary Students in Sabah

English Language Learners' or ELLs reading comprehension of a text is affected by many factors. One of which is vocabulary knowledge. Several studies have shown that there is a direct link between vocabulary and reading comprehension. Although in the present study, students' comprehension, personal response and critical reading abilities were assessed, only the critical reading component is reported in this paper. While sizable studies have examined students' comprehension skills, little is known about the critical reading ability of secondary students, an important factor in students' college academic success. The purpose of the current study was threefold: (a) to investigate ELL secondary students' vocabulary level, (b) to gauge their critical academic reading ability, and (c) to determine the relationship between these two variables. Eighty-five participants from a public school in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah participated in the study. Receptive vocabulary test and an academic critical reading test were administered. Results showed that the vocabulary size of the students was associated with their critical academic abilities. The findings have pedagogical implications for educators. Keywords: ELL learners; University students; Vocabulary size; critical reading; Critical academic abilities

IMPLEMENTASI SIMPLE MULTI ATTRIBUTE RATING TECHNIQUE DALAM PEMILIHAN MINAT EKSTRAKURIKULER SISWA

Extracurricular activities are part of the internal learning process of schools as an effort to channel talent as a driver of fulfillment and student development. Among the extracurricular activities at school are (1) scouts, (2) Paskibraka, (3) Red Cross, (4) School security forces, (5) Nature lovers, (6) School health, (7) Scientific Youth, (7) 8) Sports, and (9) Arts. The choice of extracurricular interests is an important factor for students. The right choice will have an impact on improving the ability and skills of students themselves. For this reason, in this study the SMART method was implemented that could assist students in selecting extracurricular activities that they would like to do. The implementation of the SMART method is carried out by means of or through decision support information systems. The decision support information system development is using the waterfall method which has five stages, namely communication, planning, modeling, construction and deployment. The results of the development show that the resulting information system can run the SMART method correctly starting from charging the value of interest, weighting, utility, and gritting. These conditions can also be seen from the results of tests that show all components can be accepted or function aly.

Effecs of Electronic Word of Mouth Perceptions on Alzahra University Brand Image

The present study is the first research that examines the impact of electronic word of mouth and the image of the university brand on university selection by postgraduate students. Evaluated variables of electronic word of mouth include source credibility, message quality, message quantity, and message recipient characteristics. As the rank of students on entrance exam is an important factor in students making decision about choosing a university, this is considered as a moderator variable in the proposed model. The statistical population of this study is graduate and postgraduate students. Using stratified cluster sampling method, 384 questionnaires distributed among postgraduates studying at ten major faculties of Alzahra University. The data were analyzed by using Structural Equation Modeling. The results of this study indicate that the message quality, message quantity and the characteristics of the message recipient have a positive and meaningful effect, while due to the lack of ranking; the validity of the source has a negative impact on the acceptance of electronic word of mouth. The quality of the message is the most effective dimension in accepting electronic recommendations. Also, the rank of students as a moderating variable has moderate intensity effect in the master degree and high intensity in doctoral degree on university selection. The Faculty of Theology, among other faculties of Alzahra University, had the best image of the Alzahra University brand. The bisexuality of Alzahra University is positively assessed in the formation of mental image. So, it should be used as an advantage in gaining a competitive advantage and the university brand strategy.

SCHOOL CHARACTERISTICS, SKILL COMPETENCY, SCHOOL IMAGES AND OF THE PARENTS SOCIAL CLASSES IN AFFECTING STUDENT DECISIONS TO CHOOSE MIDDLE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AT VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN PALANGKA RAYA CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

This study was conducted to measure and analyze the effects of the School Characteristics, the Skill Competences, the Vocational School Image, and Parents’ Social Classes on the Students’ Preference in Selecting the Vocational Midle Schools in Palangka Raya. This study used a descriptive quantitative method. The population of this study was the Tenth Graders of Vocational Midle Schools Palangka Raya, specifically in the SMK Negeri 1 Palangka Raya, SMK Negeri 2 Palangka Raya, and SMK Negeri 3 Palangka Raya. To determine the number of the samples, Slovin Formula was applied. Data collection methods were obtained by interviewing the entitled and authorized parties who provided the data, through questioners by giving and distributing the questioners to the respondents (acted as the samples) who answered those questions, and the Study of documentation by collecting and studying the data relating to this study. The data that verify the assumptions were analyzed with Descriptive Analysis, Factor Analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The result of the Descriptive Analysis concluded that the variables such as the school characteristics, the vocational skills offered, the school image, and the social classes of the parents were the important factors in students’ preference to continue their study in the vocational high school in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Thus, based on analyzing the confirmatory factors, each of question indicators of the variables was valid and reliable and indicators of each factor were accurate to measure those variables. The Multiple Regression Analysis indicates that based on the F-test, it was obtained that the school characteristics, the vocational skills offered, the school images, and the social classes of the parents affected simultaneously on the students’ preference in selecting the Vocational High School, and the value of the coefficient of determination shows that about 54.50% of the total variation of the students’ preference can be accounted for by the four variables. Moreover, the t -test result indicates partially that the variables of the school images and the vocational skills are significantly positive to influence the students’ preference in selecting the vocational school, which the variable of the school image is more dominant. However, the school characteristics and the parents social classes are not significantly affecting on the students’ preference to select the vocational school in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan.

How do different laboratory environments influence students’ attitudes toward science courses and laboratories?

The science learning environment is an important factor in students’ attitudes toward their science experiences in school, as well as toward science courses. This study compares how learning in different laboratory environments (hands-on or virtual) influences these attitudes for middle school (7th grade) students. Participants were 143 seventh-grade students from a public school. They were enrolled in four different seventh-grade science classes, all taught by a single teacher. Pretest and post-test responses were compared to investigate participants’ attitudes toward different forms of laboratories and toward science courses. Data were gathered by giving students an attitude questionnaire (pretest and post-test) and by conducting interviews (post-test). Findings revealed that laboratory experiences have a strong impact on middle school students’ attitudes toward science; after working with the laboratory environment (either hands-on, virtual, or in a combination) students had a more positive attitude toward science. Data based on the questionnaire revealed no differences in attitudinal improvement between hands-on, virtual, or combinations of these labs, although descriptive data suggested that virtual labs are more effective for attitude change than hands-on labs. This may be linked to students’ overall, but slight, preference for virtual laboratories over hands-on laboratories, as became apparent from the interviews.

SCHOOL CHARACTERISTICS, SKILL COMPETENCY, SCHOOL IMAGES AND OF THE PARENTS SOCIAL CLASSES IN AFFECTING STUDENT DECISIONS TO CHOOSE MIDDLE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AT VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN PALANGKA RAYA CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

This study was conducted to measure and analyze the effects of the School Characteristics, the Skill Competences, the Vocational School Image, and Parents’ Social Classes on the Students’ Preference in Selecting the Vocational Midle Schools in Palangka Raya. This study used a descriptive quantitative method. The population of this study was the Tenth Graders of Vocational Midle Schools Palangka Raya, specifically in the SMK Negeri 1 Palangka Raya, SMK Negeri 2 Palangka Raya, and SMK Negeri 3 Palangka Raya. To determine the number of the samples, Slovin Formula was applied. Data collection methods were obtained by interviewing the entitled and authorized parties who provided the data, through questioners by giving and distributing the questioners to the respondents (acted as the samples) who answered those questions, and the Study of documentation by collecting and studying the data relating to this study. The data that verify the assumptions were analyzed with Descriptive Analysis, Factor Analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The result of the Descriptive Analysis concluded that the variables such as the school characteristics, the vocational skills offered, the school image, and the social classes of the parents were the important factors in students’ preference to continue their study in the vocational high school in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Thus, based on analyzing the confirmatory factors, each of question indicators of the variables was valid and reliable and indicators of each factor were accurate to measure those variables. The Multiple Regression Analysis indicates that based on the F-test, it was obtained that the school characteristics, the vocational skills offered, the school images, and the social classes of the parents affected simultaneously on the students’ preference in selecting the Vocational High School, and the value of the coefficient of determination shows that about 54.50% of the total variation of the students’ preference can be accounted for by the four variables. Moreover, the t-test result indicates partially that the variables of the school images and the vocational skills are significantly positive to influence the students’ preference in selecting the vocational school, which the variable of the school image is more dominant. However, the school characteristics and the parents social classes are not significantly affecting on the students’ preference to select the vocational school in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan.

Comparative analysis of the physical condition level assessment of the students from the faculty of international trade and law

Activity has to be an important factor in students’ life for improving physical development. The modern assessment system of students’ physical condition in higher education institutions allows to determine the level of young people’s motor achievements both in individuals’ and whole groups’ physical activity. The article reviews a comparative analysis of the physical condition level assessments of students from the faculty of international trade and law. Particular attention is focused on the quality of testing the assess of the first- and second-year students’ motor development. In this research were used the tests of the Ukrainian population’s physical condition. Based on the testing results, we can compare the physical condition analysis of students who passed the testing in the first year, and then the same students – in the second. It has been found that no endurance test is improved by any student, but strength and flexibility tests have improved significantly. A comparative analysis of researches shows that fitness scores have not improved significantly at every level, and the most notable improvements were observed at the intermediate level. Despite some improvements of individual students’ test results, in most of them the level of physical condition remained unchanged. Such qualities as flexibility and coordination have increased significantly in the women-only “Fitness” section. In the sports sections “Football”, “Basketball”, “Athletic Gymnastics” and “Wrestling” were most developed such motor skills as speed and strength particularly among men. It turned out that some students were not ready to pass the test standards and had a low level of development of some motor skills. An important condition for increasing interest in physical education is the university’s modern sports facilities. The results show the need to improve physical training classes in higher education institutions, to develop a program of classes and a system of preparation for students’ physical condition assessment.

The Association between Health-Related Fitness and Physical Activity during Weekdays: Do Fit Students Exercise More after School?

Physically active students are more likely to be fit and learn better in school than sedentary ones. For school-aged children, it is unclear whether physical fitness level is an important determinant for student’s activity afterschool. This study examined the association between health-related physical fitness test performance and afterschool physical activity during weekdays. Participants (n = 97, 11–13 years old) completed health-related fitness tests. They wore Actigraph GT3X accelerometers for five consecutive days, recording physical activity participation during after school hours. Descriptive statistics for both afterschool physical activity and health-related fitness were summarized. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between variables. Participants spent most of their afterschool hours participating in sedentary behaviors (274.27 ± 66.89 min) and light physical activity (73.68 ± 51.66 min), and only 11.35 ± 16.92 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), accumulating approximately 2058.52 ± 1690.56 steps each day afterschool. The regression model explained 22.8% of the variance in afterschool MVPA, and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) scores were the only statistically significant predictor (β = 0.47, p < 0.01). Fit students do tend to exercise more after school. Promoting physical fitness in school is an important factor for students’ afterschool physical activity participation during weekdays.

Factors considered by Western Australian Year 10 students in choosing Year 11 mathematics courses

In Australia, many Year 10 students choose not to enrol in Year 11 and 12 intermediate and advanced mathematics courses, despite having the ability to complete these courses successfully. Girls, in particular, remain significantly underrepresented in such courses. In this study, Year 10 students identified by their teachers as capable of succeeding in an advanced Year 11 mathematics course attended one of eight focus group sessions. In these sessions, they discussed the factors they considered in choosing their Year 11 mathematics courses. The data were analysed through a combination of directed and conventional content analysis, to capture both established importance factors in mathematics course choice, and potentially new or context-specific factors that arose within this group. Intrinsic value, utility value, generalized mathematics self-efficacy and sociocultural influences were cited most frequently as important factors in students’ decision-making. Findings not only affirmed the relevance of expectancy-value theory for describing the motivational factors that influence students’ mathematics course choices, but also underscored the need to consider the sociocultural contexts within which these choice decisions are made.

Factors predicting career choice among Malaysian students in skills-based training institutions

This study examines the relationship between career interest, knowledge, adaptability and maturity in predicting career choice among 720 students in the Malaysian Skills Certification System. Career interest, knowledge and adaptability were found to be positively related to career choice, while career maturity was not significantly related to career choice. The career choice model was observed to be sufficiently solid and flexible to incorporate and measure the five constructs (career choice, interest, knowledge, maturity and adaptability). Importance-performance matrix analysis indicates that career adaptability is the most important factor in students’ career choices, albeit with the lowest mean scores.

Developing Professional Identity of Economics Students Through Foreign Language Learning in Ukraine and Abroad

Abstract The article tackles the issue of students’ professional identity in relation with their motivation towards learning foreign languages (with the focus on English). Modern European education is based on the principle of integrity of the interests of all stakeholders, and future specialists must be ready to meet the challenges of the growing global market. Yet only a small number of Ukrainian school graduates and students of economic universities can communicate fluently in foreign social and communicative spheres. An attempt to find out what hinders the process of foreign language acquisition at non-linguistic universities and what really influences their motivation has been made. The research shows that an important factor in students’ motivation towards learning foreign languages is their professional self-identity, which is developed during university study and is in its turn determined by the contents, the form of professional education and the goals set. The analysis of the pedagogical literature has enabled us to formulate the definition of the “professional identity of economics students” content. Thus, it denotes person’s professional competencies that help him/her understand his/her role and place in the professional domain, at the job market and in the society on the whole, and also implies motivation, confidence and responsibility as well as readiness to work effectively. Once the student has identified his/her future professional roles, challenges, options and responsibilities he/she is motivated to develop the skills necessary to perform their professional duties and succeed in the career. Economic university training with the global context in mind is a motivating factor of improving foreign language competency of students and a definite factor of economic education prestige.

Academic entrepreneurship – the role of academic business incubators in Poland

Developing relations between academic community and business environment is crucial for creating knowledge needed for the economy. Academic Business Incubators perform this function making better use of the potential of universities and transferring research results to the economy. The main aim of this research article is to present the role of Academic Business Incubators operating in Poland. The research methodology is an analysis of the literature of the subject in the field of academic entrepreneurship and analysis of existing data and documentation on the practical aspects of the Academic Business Incubators in Poland. The research shows that vast majority of incubators focus on cooperation only with local institutions. The cooperation with foreign scientific and business units may contribute to development of innovation projects. Also, supporting the development of Academic Business Incubators by Higher Education Institutions may be an important factor for students as it increases the attractiveness of studying at a given institution.

The link between attributes and city brand meanings: an analysis for multiple stakeholders

Purpose- This paper investigates the perceptions of different target groups such as residents, tourists, and students about a city brand by using five city brand attributes such as urbanity&cultural activities, infrastructure, nature&environment, economic conditions, and job opportunities&business networks. Methodology- A quantitative survey was conducted in order to test hypotheses and linear multiple regression was used to assess the predictive power of city brand attributes. Findings- Urbanity&cultural activities and nature&environment affect the city brand attitude as a living place for the samples of residents, students, and tourists. Urbanity&cultural activities, infrastructure, nature&environment, and economic conditions make significant contributions to the attitudes as a studying place. City brand attitude as a visiting place has been affected from urbanity&cultural activities, nature&environment, and infrastructure. Economic conditions are the most crucial element providing that the residents and tourists consider any city as a liveable city, while job opportunities&business network is the most important factor for students. Conclusion- Stakeholders' perceptions about a city vary according to their purpose of existing in the city. This study makes theoretical contributions to the city branding literature with covering views of residents, tourists and students for a specific brand meaning as a living place, studying place, or visiting place.

Exploring school choice and the consequences for student racial segregation within Pennsylvania’s charter school transfers

Using individual-level student data from Pennsylvania, this study explores the extent to which charter school racial composition may be an important factor in students’ self-segregative school choices. Findings indicate that, holding distance and enrollment constant, Black and Latino students are strongly averse to moving to charter schools with higher percentages of White students. Conversely, White students are more likely to enroll in such charter schools. As the percentage and number of students transferring into charter schools increases, self-segregative school choices raise critical questions regarding educational equity, and the effects of educational reform and school choice policies on the fostering of racially diverse educational environments.

Among Students' Internal Factors, Should Motivation be Used as One of Recruitmen for Admission of Medical Students in Indonesia?

Background: Indonesia medical education recruitment system recruits students directly from high school who had been influenced by mostly teacher centered learning. As part of pedagogical approach in higher education, those students will be obligatory to learn independently and effectively. Self-directed learning (SDL) is an important aspect in latest medical educational evidence which would determine students’ successfulness in learning. Self-directed learning readiness (SDLRS) is influenced by several factors including motivation, age, culture, and previous education experience. Today, the admission process in Indonesia is based on knowledge-test based only. This study aims to reveal correlation between several factors which influence students’ Self Directed Learning Readiness (SDLRS).Methods: This study used SDLRS questionnaire as a valid and reliable toll to measure the students’ self directed learning readiness and correlate with those several factors.Result: From 540 distributed questionnaires, 412 questionnaires returned back. The Spearman correlation showed significant ratio between students SDLRS score and students’ motivation. While, the analysis on age showed that age of 20 has significant ratio with students’ SDLRS score.Conclusion: among age, previous education experience, and culture; students’ internal motivation should be considered as important factor for students’ SDLRS which will determine their successfulness in learning in medical education. These factors should be regarded as one requirement of students’ admission in medical education.

Efektivitas Layanan Bimbingan Kelompok dengan Modeling dalam Meningkatkan Efikasi Diri Siswa dalam Menghadapi Ujian

Self-Efficacyis the most important factorforstudents’successto face examination,becauseself-efficacy beliefs made a powerful and independent contribution to the prediction of their academic performance.Modeling is one of technique usedto increase itandGroup guidancewas helpful in increasing students’ self-efficacy. This research sought to see the effectiveness of group guidance to increase the students’ self-efficacy through modeling to face examination. The subject of the research was 9 students in class XII of Pesantren Modern Diniyyah Pasia Assumed to have low self-efficacy.This research was classified into pre-experimental research which applied The One Group Pretest-Postest design. The treatment was given throuh modeling in eight meetings. The data were gathered by using self-efficacy scale which had been validated previously. The result of the research revealed that the application of group guidance service through modeling was effective to increase the students’ self-efficacy into better category. The students were confident about their ability to face examination, they were sure that they could maintain themselves, and they had confident to organize their ability to face other situation or condition.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF EXPERT TEACHERS BASED ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH STUDENTS’ VIEWPOINTS IN TEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Notating the criteria of an expert teacher based on the students’ viewpoints and using them in teaching process has a prominent role in enhancing the education quality. This study aims at identifying those characteristics in occupational health students' opinions. In this cross-sectional study in 2012, using random sampling method, 200 of occupational health students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected. Requirement data collection was using a questionnaire with α= 0.85. The questions were designed in two domains, demographic and expert teacher criteria. Finally, data analysis was carried out through SPSS software version 16. Results showed that before, after and current education of four domains ability, features such as analysis method and text selection (81.4%), accurate and comprehensive examination in final (80.2%), dominance over the scientific subjects (91%) and in general, abilities, educational discipline and manual (86.4%) were respectively recognized as important factors for experted teacher. Moreover, no significant relationship was found among gender and field of study and the above mentioned four domains (p> 0/05). In this study, teaching ability was the most important factor in students’ viewpont; hence, it is recommended that the mentioned points should be taken inro more consideration in this domain for enhanced teachers’ operation.

Acceptance and effectiveness for learning of a simulation manikin for suprapubic aspiration in toddlers constructed with simple means

BackgroundSkills trainings are increasing in popularity in undergraduate medical education enhancing clinical competencies and motivation for clinical practice. A suprapubic aspiration (SPA) is the gold standard to obtain urine from toddlers and young infants with fever and unclear focus to prove an urinary tract infection.MethodsIn a blended-learning scenario with virtual patients and skills lab training students were trained for a SPA. Currently, no toddler simulation manikin for SPA is available on the market so we constructed one with simple means. Students’ acceptance and their view on relevant aspects of the manikin for learning effectiveness were assessed.ResultsWith an expenditure regarding work of 3½ h and material costs of 188.12 Euro we were able to construct a paediatric manikin for suprapubic bladder punction using a cheap basic life support manikin. N = 56 students rated their learning success with the manikin as high (77.2 ± 21.6; mean and standard deviation; visual analogue scales from 100 = totally agree to 0 = don’t agree at all). The model was rated as useful for training (84.2 ± 17.2) and realistic (62.1 ± 23.5). Important factors for students’ learning success were (in descending order) that “urine” could be aspirated (81.4 ± 19.5), the feel of the needle inserted in the manikin (71.5 ± 23.2), and—notably less important—the outer appearance in general (40.3 ± 24.6).ConclusionsWe present a construction of a paediatric manikin for suprapubic aspiration with simple means for a realistic learning scenario with high learning success.

When the form stands in the way of content – a study of student teachers’ reading practices

Even though recurring criticism has been directed against the academic part of teacher education, little research has focused on student teachers as they engage in their academic studies. Reporting on a study of 53 Norwegian student teachers, this article explores student teachers’ reading practices in university courses in education. The study draws on the notion of approaches to learning as a particularly influential perspective in research on higher education. The findings reveal that the student teachers predominantly apply a deep approach to learning (with the aim to understand) and that writing academic texts in particular acts as an enabler of this approach. However, the participants also reported considerable difficulties with reading pedagogical literature. The article suggests that, in order to understand the persistent criticism against teacher education, there is a need to pay explicit attention to supporting student teachers in dealing with different text genres and texts from different academic disciplines. It also suggests that the important factor in students’ engagement with theory is not necessarily that it can be used immediately in the classroom, but that they recognise themselves as persons. Finally, the article raises a question about the balance between breadth and depth in the university courses.

Identification and modelling of winners and qualifiers for management institutes: evidence from India

Mushrooming of management institutes in the nooks and corners of cities in India has created a struggle amongst these institutes to gain and sustain market shares. Amidst the struggle, some institutes continue to outperform others. The objective of this paper is to understand the reasons for their performance. This paper identifies characteristics on the basis of which graduates select MBA institutes through focus group discussions, categorises them as winning and qualifying criteria, as propounded by Hill (2000), based on their potential to provide a competitive edge using the Delphi method and develops an integrated framework of their interactions through interpretive structural modelling (ISM). The findings suggest that in the category of winners, location and infrastructure are the most important factors for students. The admission process is not at all important for them and in the qualifying category; approval of the institute by a regulatory authority is their priority. The results obtained and discussed can provide clarity and focus to the administrators (owners or managers) of management institutes in designing suitable strategies for surviving in the competitive environment.