Improve Skill Acquisition Research Articles

Effectiveness of video making to enhance infection control skills by undergraduate MBBS students

Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) Microbiology second MBBS curriculum, infection control practices are core competencies for certification of the second MBBS student. E-learning through video making can help students to achieve these infection control skills upto certifiable level. Educational videos which are of short duration, created in a step wise manner have shown to improve skill acquisition and augment observational learning. The aim and objectives were to study the effectiveness of video making as a teaching learning tool, to enhance infection control skills in undergraduate second MBBS students through video making and to evaluate the students’ infection control skills by giving them a prior checklist. Methods: Second MBBS students after taking informed consent were enrolled for the study. Ten infection control and prevention topics were included in the study for video making. All the 100 second MBBS students in 5 groups of 20 students had made all the 10 videos of duration 2 minutes. A self-administered, validated pre-test and post-test, multiple choice question (MCQ) test and objective structured practical examination (OSPE) checklist were used. Results: Mean post-test marks improved by a mean of 5.91 with significant p value (<0.001, using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software version 29). Mean MCQ and OSPE scores also improved. In almost all the questions on feedback of student’s perception and assessment feedback, percentage of students who agreed and strongly agreed were far more than those who disagreed. Conclusions: Second phase MBBS students learning and performance of infection control skills greatly improved when they created their own videos.

The use of video-based interventions to teach activity of daily living to children with autism spectrum disorder–scoping review

The study aimed to delve into the successful implementation of Video-Based Intervention (VBI) in improving activity of daily living skills (ADL) among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three primary electronic databases were utilised to perform this review: WOS, Scopus and Google Scholar. The process primarily used the research methodologies by Arksey and O'Malley as a framework. In the course of performing the scoping review, three themes emerged: firstly, a wide range of VBI techniques can be employed to enhance the skills of children with ASD; secondly, when VBI is coupled with adequate implementation support specifically tailored for children with ASD, it can effectively improve their daily living abilities. Essentially, the findings of this study support that VBI implementations can promote desired skills in ADL among children with ASD. Furthermore, additional implementation support complements video modeling, improving skill acquisition in ASD. This research enhances the existing knowledge base dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children with ASD, providing valuable insights for educators, clinicians, and families involved in their care.

Low-cost otolaryngology simulation models for early-stage trainees: a scoping review.

Medical simulation is essential for surgical training yet is often too expensive and inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS), while simulation training is often focused on senior residents and specialists, there is a critical need to target general practitioners who carry a significant load of OHNS care in countries with limited OHNS providers. This scoping review aims to describe affordable, effective OHNS simulation models for early-stage trainees and non-OHNS specialists in resource-limited settings and discuss gaps in the literature. This scoping review followed the five stages of Arksey and O'Malley's Scoping Review Methodology. Seven databases were used to search for articles. Included articles discussed physical models of the ear, nose, or throat described as "low-cost," "cost-effective," or defined as <$150 if explicitly stated; related to the management of common and emergent OHNS conditions; and geared towards undergraduate students, medical, dental, or nursing students, and/or early-level residents. Of the 1706 studies screened, 17 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in HICs. Most models were low-fidelity (less anatomically realistic) models. The most common simulated skills were peritonsillar abscess aspiration and cricothyrotomy. Information on cost was limited, and locally sourced materials were infrequently mentioned. Simulations were evaluated using questionnaires and direct observation. Low-cost simulation models can be beneficial for early medical trainees and students in LMICs, addressing resource constraints and improving skill acquisition. However, there is a notable lack of contextually relevant, locally developed, and cost-effective models. This study summarizes existing low-cost OHNS simulation models for early-stage trainees and highlights the need for additional locally sourced models. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of these models.

Simulation training of laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis with a three-dimensional-printed model leads to better skill transfer: a randomized controlled trial.

A new simulation model and training curriculum for laparoscopic bilioenteric anastomosis has been developed. Currently, this concept lacks evidence for the transfer of skills from simulation to clinical settings. This study was conducted to determine whether training with a three-dimensional (3D) bilioenteric anastomosis model result in greater transfer of skills than traditional training methods involving video observation and a general suture model. Fifteen general surgeons with no prior experience in laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis were included in this study and randomised into three training groups: video observation only, practice using a general suture model, and practice using a 3D-printed biliary-enteric anastomosis model. Following five training sessions, each surgeon was asked to perform a laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis procedure on an isolated swine organ model. The operative time and performance scores of the procedure were recorded and compared among the three training groups. The operation time in the 3D-printed model group was significantly shorter than the suture and video observation groups ( P =0.040). Furthermore, the performance score of the 3D-printed model group was significantly higher than those of the suture and video observation groups ( P =0.001). Finally, the goal score for laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis in the isolated swine organ model was significantly higher in the 3D model group than in the suture and video observation groups ( P =0.004). The utilisation of a novel 3D-printed model for simulation training in laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis facilitates improved skill acquisition and transferability to an animal setting compared with traditional training techniques.

An evaluation of delivery of the parent Preschool Life Skills program via telehealth.

Using telehealth technology to deliver parent training in evidence-based intervention has been suggested to increase the accessibility of such interventions and improve skill acquisition and generalization. Within behavior analysis, global restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for the development of telehealth supports for families. The current research examined the online delivery of a parent-mediated implementation of the Preschool Life Skills program (PLS). Four parents completed the parent PLS program with their typically developing children (aged 3-5 years) via weekly videoconferencing sessions. A multiple-probe experimental design was employed to assess the effect of the intervention on children's preschool life skills and challenging behavior. Parental embedding of PLS strategies during daily activities was also evaluated. The results demonstrated increases in children's preschool life skills, decreases in challenging behavior, and evidence of parent acquisition and use of PLS strategies.

Novel, intermediate-fidelity simulator for aortic arch surgery for the cardiothoracic surgical trainee.

Training cardiothoracic surgeons in open aortic surgery is challenging due to limited operator experience, low patient volume and technically demanding skills to be performed within a deep thoracic cavity. Surgical simulation has become a cornerstone of cardiothoracic surgical training and has been shown to improve skill acquisition and performance in the operating theatre. Due to the complexity of aortic surgery, there is a paucity of simulators that are concomitantly accessible and of sufficient fidelity. The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible, intermediate-fidelity simulator for aortic surgery. This novel simulator was constructed from plastic storage containers to simulate the depth of a thoracic cavity. Head vessels and distal arch were reconstructed within the stimulator with synthetic Dacron polyester grafts to maximize model fidelity. A porcine or bovine heart was used for the simulation of aortic root replacement and anastomosis to the distal arch graft. The simulator was reproduced in a wet-lab skills session at an annual Australian cardiothoracic trainee meeting. Qualitative feedback was obtained from the current cardiothoracic trainees. It is a feasible model for the practice of aortic surgery. As the surgical education paradigm shifts towards simulation, this easily reproducible, intermediate-fidelity model provides an effective avenue to equip the trainee for the operating room and is a method of surgical training that can be considered by colleges.

Quality Assurance model for LMS to facilitate Education and Equality

The integration of quality assurance (QA) metrics into a hypothesized Learning Management System (LMS) designed for higher education is critically examined in this study. This investigation’s main goal is to evaluate the crucial elements required to guarantee students’ educational excellence, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The paper carefully assesses current LMS systems, identifies important difficulties, and suggests useful improvements to address these problems using a thorough research process. The results highlight the critical value of a thorough QA framework that supports rich learning opportunities, creates equitable chances, and improves skill acquisition. For students to receive a top-notch education and efficient service, the incorporation of QA metrics into LMS systems becomes essential. This work emphasizes the importance of ongoing research projects to look into the use and effectiveness of the suggested model in the real world, with the ultimate goal of continuously raising the standard of online learning.

Impact of Organization and Administration of Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work Workshop for Improving Skill Acquisition

Impact of Organization and Administration of Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work Workshop for Improving Skill Acquisition

Toward Teachable Autotelic Agents

Autonomous discovery and direct instruction are two distinct sources of learning in children but education sciences demonstrate that mixed approaches such as assisted discovery or guided play result in improved skill acquisition. In the field of Artificial Intelligence, these extremes respectively map to autonomous agents learning from their own signals and interactive learning agents fully taught by their teachers. In between should stand teachable autotelic agents (TAA): agents that learn from both internal and teaching signals to benefit from the higher efficiency of assisted discovery. Designing such agents will enable real-world non-expert users to orient the learning trajectories of agents towards their expectations. More fundamentally, this may also be a key step to build agents with human-level intelligence. This paper presents a roadmap towards the design of teachable autonomous agents. Building on developmental psychology and education sciences, we start by identifying key features enabling assisted discovery processes in child-tutor interactions. This leads to the production of a checklist of features that future TAA will need to demonstrate. The checklist allows us to precisely pinpoint the various limitations of current reinforcement learning agents and to identify the promising first steps towards TAA. It also shows the way forward by highlighting key research directions towards the design or autonomous agents that can be taught by ordinary people via natural pedagogy.

A Learning Mechanism to Improve Skills Acquisition for Autistic Children in Mauritania

A Learning Mechanism to Improve Skills Acquisition for Autistic Children in Mauritania

Exploring student midwives’ experiences regarding completion of the midwifery register at a nursing college in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Background. The midwifery register forms part of basic nursing education. Notably, student midwives struggle with completion of the prescribed midwifery register.Objective. To explore and describe the experiences of student midwives regarding their completion of the midwifery register at a nursing college in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.Methods. This qualitative study had an exploratory, descriptive, contextual design, and in-depth individual interviews were held. Tesch’s method was used to analyse data.Results. Three themes emerged, i.e. positive experiences related to completion of the midwifery register; negative experiences regarding completion of the midwifery register; and factors that contributed to the lack of completion of the midwifery register.Conclusion. The study findings recommend greater collaboration between different stakeholders to improve skills acquisition and completion of the midwifery register.

Exploring the influence of task and environmental constraints on batting and bowling performance in cricket: A systematic review

Cricket is an unique international sport where environmental and task constraints have shown to have a significant impact on batting and bowling performance. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effect of task and environmental constraints on cricket performance. A systematic literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SportDiscus. Studies were deemed eligible if they reported the effects of pitch type, pitch length, equipment (e.g. cricket bat, batting pads, ball type, etc.) on cricket performance. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria with Kmet score ranging between 75% and 92%. The results from this study demonstrate that environmental constraints such as pitch-type and task constraints such as equipment modification (e.g. type of cricket bat, batting pads, ball) and pitch length can influence cricketer's batting and bowling performance. Scaling cricket bats and reducing pitch length were acutely beneficial to cricket batting, while ball type, pitch length and soil properties were impactful on bowling performance. Importantly though, the impact of constraint manipulation seemed to be influenced by the skill level of the performer. The findings from this study may help to inform coaches and practitioners improve skill acquisition, through constraint manipulation, to develop highly adaptive cricket batting and bowling skill.

The Impact of Different Attentional Focus Strategies During Modeling on the Acquisition and Retention of Free Throws in Basketball

Background: In recent years, coaches and athletes have increasingly used observation as a tool for teaching and learning sports skills. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of modeling, using internal and external attentional focus strategies, on the acquisition and retention of free throw shooting in basketball. Methods: Forty-five female beginner basketball players (aged 21.62 ± 3.08 years, with a BMI of 23.48 ± 0.99 kg/m2) voluntarily participated in this study. Based on their pre-test scores using the ABBA method, they were divided into three groups: One group received modeling with an internal attention focus strategy, another group received modeling with an external attention focus strategy, and a control group. A video demonstrating the correct throwing technique was used to teach the attention-focusing strategies, and the groups did not receive any physical training. After watching the video, participants performed their own throwing attempts. Following group allocation, the participants entered the acquisition phase, which consisted of six sessions, with each session including two sets of ten attempts and a 2-minute rest period between sets. One-way analysis of variance was used for both immediate and delayed recall tests, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS 20 software.” Results: The study found a significant difference in free throw performance between the three modeling groups (internal attention focus, external attention focus, and control) during both the acquisition and delayed retention stages (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in basketball free throw performance between the three modeling groups during the recall test (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that observational learning, combined with attentional focus strategies, is an effective method for improving skill acquisition and retention in basketball.

Effect of Histopathological Explanations for Dermoscopic Criteria on Learning Curves in Skin Cancer Training: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Case-based training improves novices pattern recognition and diagnostic accuracy in skin cancer diagnostics. However, it is unclear how pattern recognition is best taught in conjunction with the knowledge needed to justify a diagnosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether an explanation of the underlying histopathological reason for dermoscopic criteria improves skill acquisition and retention during case-based training in skin cancer diagnostics. In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, medical students underwent eight days of case-based training in skin cancer diagnostics, which included access to written diagnosis modules. The modules dermoscopic subsections differed between the study groups. All participants received a general description of the criteria, but the intervention group additionally received a histopathological explanation. Most participants (78%) passed a reliable test in skin cancer diagnostics, following a mean training time of 217 minutes. Access to histopathological explanations did not affect participants' learning curves or skill retention. The histopathological explanation did not affect the students, but the overall educational approach was efficient and scalable.

The Technique Triad Theory

A common theme that has been recently perpetuated through the medical community is the oversimplification of injury science to the equation of load versus capacity and the disregard for the influence of movement quality. The Adaptation Model is based on the belief that one can recover and/or adapt to any stimulus or stress that is gradually applied as long as it does not breach the system’s capacity; and that, as humans, we can infinitely become better suited to our environment regardless of what this environment may entail. Many who support this hypothesis reject the importance of biomechanics, technique, and movement proficiency in regard to injury prevention and rather promote this idea of adaptation in isolation. Building capacity through many repetitions gradually involves neurophysiological adaptations that improve skill acquisition, neuromuscular efficiency, and technique. Therefore the “adaptation model” inherently involves an element of “technique” in itself. “Load” and “Capacity” play a key role in one’s ability to adapt, grow and perform at their best. However, this duality is incomplete without the 3rd pillar - technique. In order to maintain ideal movement proficiency and drive physiological adaptations, we must increase the load within the context of what our skill and technique will allow. Although technique quality is described often on a sliding spectrum-like scale, as requiring sufficient competency within certain fundamentals as a prerequisite to increasing load allows you to improve skill without increasing the risk of breaching your tissue tolerances. Increase load too quickly, and you risk sporadic and uncontrolled migration of forces onto parts of your body or tissue systems that do not yet have the required capacity to handle such stress. With the proper movement patterns ingrained and the appropriate dosage or load progressively challenging the capacity, the programming now reflects the intensity of such stimuli based on the athlete’s ability to recover from the fatigue debt created in training. As the programming progresses and the load is increased, capacity requires technique and the ability to move proficiently through the sport-specific movement. 1) Technique permits load because load requires technique, 2) Load challenges capacity because capacity dictates load and 3) Capacity requires technique because technique protects and maximizes capacity.

Towards best practice in developing motor skills: a systematic review on spacing in VR simulator-based psychomotor training for surgical novices

ObjectiveRepeated practice, or spacing, can improve various types of skill acquisition. Similarly, virtual reality (VR) simulators have demonstrated their effectiveness in fostering surgical skill acquisition and provide a promising, realistic environment for spaced training. To explore how spacing impacts VR simulator-based acquisition of surgical psychomotor skills, we performed a systematic literature review.MethodsWe systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, ERIC and CINAHL for studies investigating the influence of spacing on the effectiveness of VR simulator training focused on psychomotor skill acquisition in healthcare professionals. We assessed the quality of all included studies using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool. We extracted and aggregated qualitative data regarding spacing interval, psychomotor task performance and several other performance metrics.ResultsThe searches yielded 1662 unique publications. After screening the titles and abstracts, 53 publications were retained for full text screening and 7 met the inclusion criteria. Spaced training resulted in better performance scores and faster skill acquisition when compared to control groups with a single day (massed) training session. Spacing across consecutive days seemed more effective than shorter or longer spacing intervals. However, the included studies were too heterogeneous in terms of spacing interval, obtained performance metrics and psychomotor skills analysed to allow for a meta-analysis to substantiate our outcomes.ConclusionSpacing in VR simulator-based surgical training improved skill acquisition when compared to massed training. The overall number and quality of available studies were only moderate, limiting the validity and generalizability of our findings.

Multinational corporations and domestic company’s development: Evidence from Nigeria

This research study looks at assessing, and reviewing how multinational corporations spurred up economic development, particularly in Nigeria to an extent. Multinational Corporations (MNCs) involves having operations in more than one Nation with its head office at their home country. They are subject to changes in international exchange rates, tariffs, duties, and restrictions on trade. Majority of the successful ones’ targets production points where labour is cheaper, with affordable transportation so as to deliver to their markets. The research used scholarly journals, articles, and textbooks to review the activities of MNCs in Nigeria’s economic development, as it relates to growth, technology transfers and policy issues. Based on the literature, the research discovered that multinational corporations have contributed to the Nigeria’s economic development, which varies. Meanwhile, the technology internalization as well as transfers is still a mirage. Although, some MNCs still engage in unethical business practices that soils their name, and their image of Nigeria. This research study recommends other things including that representatives of all stakeholders-employees, customers, society, government should be appointed as members of the Board of Directors of various corporations, to ensure direct representation, and as well as participation in the decision-making process. More so, polycentric model of staff selection should be imposed by government on these MNCs which will be stated under the terms of agreement with all the multinational corporations operating within Nigeria. This will improve skill acquisition as well as adequate transfer of technology.

The Impact of Different Attentional Focus Strategies During Modeling on the Acquisition and Retention of Free Throws in Basketball

Background: In recent years, coaches and athletes have increasingly used observation as a tool for teaching and learning sports skills. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of modeling, using internal and external attentional focus strategies, on the acquisition and retention of free throw shooting in basketball. Methods: Forty-five female beginner basketball players (aged 21.62 ± 3.08 years, with a BMI of 23.48 ± 0.99 kg/m2) voluntarily participated in this study. Based on their pre-test scores using the ABBA method, they were divided into three groups: One group received modeling with an internal attention focus strategy, another group received modeling with an external attention focus strategy, and a control group. A video demonstrating the correct throwing technique was used to teach the attention-focusing strategies, and the groups did not receive any physical training. After watching the video, participants performed their own throwing attempts. Following group allocation, the participants entered the acquisition phase, which consisted of six sessions, with each session including two sets of ten attempts and a 2-minute rest period between sets. One-way analysis of variance was used for both immediate and delayed recall tests, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS 20 software.” Results: The study found a significant difference in free throw performance between the three modeling groups (internal attention focus, external attention focus, and control) during both the acquisition and delayed retention stages (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in basketball free throw performance between the three modeling groups during the recall test (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that observational learning, combined with attentional focus strategies, is an effective method for improving skill acquisition and retention in basketball.

Incorporating Competency-Based Training into Traditional Training for improving Skill Acquisition and Self-Employability

Technical Training is one of the most important tools in ensuring that learners in technical and vocational education and training institutions achieve a higher success rate as they acquire skills and become self-employed as a result of this specialized training. There is no doubt that technical and vocational education is not only an integral part of secondary and post-secondary education, but it is also one of the most influential aspects of preparing individuals for their careers. 230 complete questionnaires were finalized out of 280 TVET students who participated in the survey and were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20 and SMART PLS in order to examine the validity and reliability of the constructs. Based on the results of the study, traditional training has a positive correlation with skill acquisition and self-employability. Skills acquisition and competency-based training are positively correlated. Similarly, competency-based training has a positive association with self-employability. Moreover, there is a significant moderating impact of TVET Learner's Satisfaction on the relationship between traditional training and self- employability, as well as between competency-based training and self-employability. Practically, this research and the results will lead TVET institutions and students to focus more on skill-learning and re-energize their motivation and well-being, which will play a significant role in their success.

Transcranial direct current stimulation leads to faster acquisition of motor skills, but effects are not maintained at retention.

Practice is required to improve one’s shooting technique in basketball or to play a musical instrument well. Learning these motor skills may be further enhanced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We aimed to investigate whether tDCS leads to faster attainment of a motor skill, and to confirm prior work showing it improves skill acquisition and retention performance. Fifty-two participants were tested; half received tDCS with the anode on primary motor cortex and cathode on the contralateral forehead while concurrently practicing a sequential visuomotor isometric pinch force task on Day 1, while the other half received sham tDCS during practice. On Day 2, retention of the skill was tested. Results from a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that participants in the anodal group attained a pre-defined target level of skill faster than participants in the sham group (χ2 = 9.117, p = 0.003). Results from a nonparametric rank-based regression analysis showed that the rate of improvement was greater in the anodal versus sham group during skill acquisition (F(1,249) = 5.90, p = 0.016), but there was no main effect of group or time. There was no main effect of group or time, or group by time interaction when comparing performance at the end of acquisition to retention. These findings suggest anodal tDCS improves performance more quickly during skill acquisition but does not have additional benefits on motor learning after a period of rest.