Improvement In Test Scores Research Articles

Engaging Adolescents: Innovative ESL Teaching Strategies for Teen Learners

This study investigated the effectiveness of innovative ESL teaching strategies tailored specifically for teenage learners, focusing on the integration of digital tools and culturally relevant materials. Participants aged 13 to 19 were subjected to a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessments of language skills and qualitative feedback through interviews and focus groups. Results indicated significant improvements in both test scores and student engagement, highlighting the crucial role of adapting educational strategies to the developmental needs and interests of teenagers. The research confirms that interactive and relevant teaching approaches can profoundly enhance learning outcomes in ESL contexts.

Backward Design in Pre-Service Teacher Education to Enhance Curriculum Knowledge

This action research aimed to enhance the curriculum knowledge of 37 pre-service teachers in early-childhood education through backward design (BD) as an innovative framework. Participants enrolled in an online curriculum development course focusing on curriculum elements and underwent BD-based instruction for five weeks. Multiple data collection tools were employed, including pre- and post-achievement tests and curriculum literacy scales, digital learning journals, performance tasks, course observations, and interviews. The results showed a significant improvement in the curriculum knowledge of the pre-service teachers. This was evidenced by a notable increase in curriculum literacy scores, a moderate improvement in achievement test scores, and positive performance task outcomes. These findings highlight the effectiveness of BD-based instruction in enhancing the curriculum knowledge of pre-service teachers. This study provides valuable insights for teacher educators to effectively tailor their instructional approaches. Further research is needed to validate these results and advance instructional practices in pre-service teacher education.

Lessons Learnt Delivering a Novel Infectious Diseases National Training Programme to Timor‑Leste's Primary Care Workforce.

Background and Objectives: Timor‑Leste is a lower‑middle‑income country in Southeast Asia. To control the significant local threat from infectious diseases, it is imperative to strengthen the knowledge and practice capabilities of the primary care workforce. Methods: We report and reflect on the development and delivery of a national training programme in infectious diseases called the Advancing Surveillance and Training to Enhance Recognition of Infectious Diseases (ASTEROID) programme, developed by the medical non‑governmental organisation (NGO) Maluk Timor and other Timorese stakeholders. The 1-week training course delivered by local doctors is multi‑modal, combining lectures with educational videos, interactive sessions and a mobile application. The ongoing training was delivered to every Timorese municipality in the participants' place of work and involved 540 healthcare professionals from 37 facilities. Training covered infectious diseases most relevant to the Timorese workforce, and focused on disease detection, management, prevention (including infection prevention and control issues) and notification. Findings: Multiple choice question (MCQ) assessment during the training has shown an average improvement in test scores from 45% to 64%, improving to 71% and 79% at 3- and 12-month follow‑up respectively. The programme has been well‑received, with participants appreciating the use of local specialists in video content, the tailoring of content to the local context and the variety of educational methods. Difficulties have been faced when it comes to delivering adequate content in a week‑long format to a workforce which has not previously received significant professional development. Conclusions: This approach could provide a model for delivering training to national healthcare workforces in low- and middle‑income countries (LMIC) and could be further refined on the basis of the lessons detailed here.

Effects of a sequential square mat walking training program Fisior® on improving physical performance in older adults with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 12-week functional walking training program utilizing a sequential square mat (Fisior® Mat) on the physical performance of older adults diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD). MethodsParticipants, aged over 60 and diagnosed with mild to moderate PD, underwent progressive resistance training sessions lasting 30-40 minutes, three times a week, using the Fisior® sequential square mat. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with participants from a patient association. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze physical performance variation between intervention and control groups. ResultsTwenty-eight patients (14 in each group) participated, with improvements observed in total Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, chair test score, gait speed score, and balance test score. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in chair and balance test scores compared to controls. ConclusionThe Fisior® sequential square mat program, as an adjunct to conventional outpatient physiotherapy, effectively enhances physical performance in older adults with PD.

Empowering Students' Creative At The Utilization of Moodle-H5P with Flipped Classroom in Global Warming Learning to Enhance Students' Creative Attitudes

Fostering creative attitudes is essential in global warming learning, as it helps students think creatively and critically about complex environmental issues. This study aims to examine the impact of Moodle-based interactive media with H5P in flipped classroom settings on improving students' understanding of global warming in physics. The creative attitude indicators measured in this study include curiosity, imagination, collaboration, perseverance, risk-taking, openness to new experiences, independence and self-confidence in one's ideas, persistence, imagination and appreciation of fantasy, discipline and commitment to tasks, and collaboration and group trust. The research uses a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. Data were collected through tests, and analysis was conducted using ANOVA and N-Gain analysis. The findings reveal a significant improvement in students' creative attitude test scores after using Moodle H5P-based learning media, as shown by the ANOVA results. Additionally, the N-Gain analysis indicates that the improvement in students' creative attitudes falls into the moderate category. The use of Moodle H5P-based interactive media in a flipped classroom setting has a significant impact on enhancing students' creative attitudes, especially in understanding global warming. The use of Moodle H5P-based interactive media in a flipped classroom setting has a significant impact on enhancing students' creative attitudes towards understanding physics topics, particularly global warming.

Qualitative insights into a scholarship scheme designed to optimise test scores and expedite SDG-4 actualisation in Nigeria

Despite huge commitments, education quality and achievement gaps have remained low in developing countries, posing threats to the actualisation of the SDG-4 goals. A recent quantitative study found that a scholarship scheme that engages communities adopts hybrid selection criteria, and seeks en-masse motivation towards high test scores might be effective at improving education quality. Case Study interviews of 15 beneficiaries of the IFOMSSA Senior Scholarship, a scheme established in 2017 for high schools in Southeast Nigeria. Respondents confirmed that the Scheme’s hybrid (needs and merit-based) selection criteria, along with its en-masse motivation strategies and community involvement, all contributed to improved test scores and exam enrolments. Non-scholarship recipients were motivated as much as eventual recipients, affirming “mass motivation”. Community groups (family, friends, teachers, community leaders and government staff) had positive influences, while media publicity inspired confidence and trust. Scholarship schemes that integrate the advocated principles might hold the key to sustainably optimising test scores in developing countries. This expands options for improving education quality and enrolments.

Comparing the effectiveness of augmented reality and anatomical atlases in student preparation for neuroanatomy dissection

Anatomy teachers urge students to come to education sessions at the dissection rooms as well-prepared as possible. To effectuate optimal preparation, assignments are designed to guide the students’ learning processes. These assignment often include the use of anatomical figures in atlases. The role of augmented reality (AR) applications in helping students prepare for body donor-based teaching sessions at the dissection rooms remains quite elusive. Therefore, this study examines the effects of the use of an AR application compared to the use of anatomical atlases in helping students (n = 28) prepare for a neuroanatomy session at the dissection rooms with prosections. The study shows that students from both groups showed a similar improvement in anatomy test scores. The amount of experienced cognitive engagement, however, is higher in the experimental AR group. Based on these results, it can be suggested that an AR application is a valid method to help students prepare and could be an alternative to the use of anatomical atlases. Nevertheless, future studies should re-investigate this research question in larger cohorts. Also, it remains unknown whether cognitive engaged students are indeed the students who are better prepared for educational sessions at the dissection rooms.

Olfactory dysfunction management following unilateral cranial resection for olfactory neuroblastoma.

Despite advances in techniques for olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), such as unilateral cranial resection, preserving the patient’s sense of smell remains a challenge. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of post-operative olfactory training in patients who underwent unilateral resection of ONB. This retrospective cohort study assessed the effect of post-operative olfactory training on olfactory preservation in patients with ONB undergoing unilateral cranial resection. Patients were divided into training intervention (n = 5) and non-intervention (n = 6) groups. Olfactory tests were conducted pre-operatively and at multiple post-operative intervals. Partial olfactory function was preserved in all cases in the training intervention group, whereas only 17% of cases in the non-intervention group maintained partial olfactory function. Significant improvements in olfactory test scores were observed in the training intervention group compared with the non-intervention group. Our findings suggest that post-operative olfactory training could aid in olfactory preservation for patients with ONB after unilateral cranial resection. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, and further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up periods is needed to confirm these observations.

Penerapan Metode Tutor Sebaya untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Peserta Didik pada Pembelajaran Matematika

This study aimed to enhance the mathematics learning interest of 10th-grade students at SMA Negeri 21 Surabaya through the implementation of peer tutoring with a Problem-Based Learning model in statistics. The background of this research is the low learning interest of students, particularly in mathematics. This study employs a Classroom Action Research (CAR) method, consisting of two cycles. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and tests. The results of the study showed that the application of peer tutoring in the Problem-Based Learning model can improve the learning interest and critical thinking skills of 10th-grade students at SMA Negeri 21 Surabaya in statistics. This can be seen from the improvement in observation results, interviews, and test scores. Students' learning activities and critical thinking skills increased with a higher average percentage in the second cycle compared to the first cycle. The peer tutoring method with the Problem-Based Learning model enables students to learn from and help each other, thus increasing their motivation and engagement in learning. Additionally, this method helps students develop their interpersonal and communication skills.

Examining the influence of team-based learning on medical students' comprehension and attitudes regarding psychedelic therapies.

This study evaluates the impact of a two-hour team-based learning (TBL) curriculum on medical students' knowledge, comprehension, ethical understanding, and attitudes towards psychedelic therapies. Sixty-three pre-surveys and fifty post-surveys assessed students' perceived knowledge and attitudes using Likert scales. Forty-eight matched pre/post-knowledge tests with multiple-choice questions quantified changes in comprehension. The TBL approach featured independent learning, team readiness assessments, and application exercises. Post-curriculum, students demonstrated significantly improved test scores (mean 41.4% increase, p < 0.0001) and more positive attitudes across 16 of 18 items (p ≤ 0.0495). Overall attitude scores increased 23% (p < 0.0001). Qualitative feedback reflected enhanced comfort discussing psychedelics clinically. While some students expressed support for psychedelic-assisted therapy, others cited reservations. This innovative curriculum bridged an important education gap given the increasing relevance of psychedelic medicine. Findings suggest TBL enhances medical student preparedness in this emerging field. Continued curricular development is warranted to ensure proper psychedelic education aligns with patient needs and legislative policies. As psychedelic research progresses, maintaining instructional excellence is crucial for future healthcare professionals.

Effects of various exercise interventions on motor function in cerebral palsy patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

A network meta-analysis was utilized to compare the rehabilitative effectiveness of different exercise interventions on motor function in cerebral palsy(CP) patients. Computer searches were conducted across 9 databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and others, to identify randomized controlled trials focusing on different exercise interventions aimed at enhancing motor function in CP patients. The search spanned from the inception of the databases to January 31, 2024. 20 articles, encompassing 570 patients and evaluating three types of exercise interventions, were included in the analysis. Results showed that aerobic training, resistance training, and mixed training exhibited superior outcomes compared to the control group, as evidenced by improvements in Gross Motor Function Measure scores, muscle strength, gait speed, and 10-Meter Walk Test scores (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the network meta-analysis revealed that resistance training ranked highest in enhancing gross motor function and gait speed among CP patients, while mixed training was deemed most effective in improving muscle strength and 10-Meter Walk Test scores. Exercise interventions have been shown to significantly improve motor function in CP patients. Among these, resistance training and mixed training stand out for their effectiveness in enhancing walking capabilities. Resistance training is specifically aimed at improving gross motor function, while mixed training focuses on increasing muscle strength.

Randomised controlled trial of intermittent calorie restriction in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundCalorie restriction (CR) ameliorates preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS) via multiple mechanisms. These include decreased leptin, a proinflammatory adipokine, but mechanistic studies in humans are lacking. Tests of daily...

Investigating the efficacy of melatonin, topical sodium citrate, and multivitamin with zinc as a potential treatment for postinfectious loss of smell

ObjectivesUpper respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, are associated with olfactory dysfunction and there is a need for novel therapeutic approaches. The aim of study was evaluating the effectiveness of adding melatonin, multivitamin and sodium citrate to olfactory training for the treatment of olfactory loss caused by COVID-19. MethodsWe evaluated olfactory function using University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT ®) scores and self-reported patient outcomes in post-infectious smell loss cases. We investigated the effectiveness involved olfactory training combined with sodium citrate, melatonin, and multivitamin supplements with zinc over a three-month period compared to an olfactory training alone. ResultsA total of 66 patients were included, with 33 in each group. There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants who showed improvement in UPSIT scores between the groups (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 0.43–4.8, p = 0.56). Both groups showed improvement in average test scores, but there were no significant differences in self-reported olfactory ability or discomfort with olfactory loss. Qualitative symptoms, such as parosmia and phantosmia, were reported by a similar proportion in both groups before and after the treatment (p = 0.11, p = 1, respectively). ConclusionsOlfactory training alone and olfactory training with associated with melatonin, multivitamins and topical sodium citrate did not show significant differences in improving olfactory function in post-COVID-19 patients. Level of evidence3.

The educational game SonoQz improves diagnostic performance in ultrasound assessment of ovarian tumors.

Our objective was to determine whether the educational game SonoQz can improve diagnostic performance in ultrasound assessment of ovarian tumors. The SonoQz mobile application was developed as an educational tool for medical doctors to practice ultrasound assessment, based on still images of ovarian tumors. The game comprises images from 324 ovarian tumors, examined by an ultrasound expert prior to surgery. A training phase, where the participants assessed at least 200 cases in the SonoQz app, was preceded by a pretraining test, and followed by a posttraining test. Two equal tests (A and B), each consisting of 20 cases, were used as pre- and posttraining tests. Half the users took test A first, B second, and the remaining took the tests in the opposite order. Users were asked to classify the tumors (1) according to International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple Rules, (2) as benign or malignant, and (3) suggest a specific histological diagnosis. Logistic mixed models with fixed effects for pre- and posttraining tests, and crossed random effects for participants and cases, were used to determine any improvement in test scores, sensitivity, and specificity. Fifty-eight doctors from 19 medical centers participated. Comparing the pre- and posttraining test, the median of correctly classified cases, in Simple Rules assessment increased from 72% to 83%, p < 0.001; in classifying the lesion as benign or malignant tumors from 86% to 95%, p < 0.001; and in making a specific diagnosis from 43% to 63%, p < 0.001. When classifying tumors as benign or malignant, at an unchanged level of sensitivity (98% vs. 97%, p = 0.157), the specificity increased from 70% to 89%, p < 0.001. Our results indicate that the educational game SonoQz is an effective tool that may improve diagnostic performance in assessing ovarian tumors, specifically by reducing the number of false positives while maintaining high sensitivity.

Supporting Healthy Affect and Coping After Perceived Failure in College Students in Christian Higher Education

Perceived failure in academic performance can lead to differing outcomes for students. Depending on the coping strategies that they choose, students may improve or worsen their performance. This study examined the relationship between affective components and coping strategies in college students’ responses to perceived academic failure and their subsequent academic performance. Data was collected from 122 undergraduate students in 200-level micro and macroeconomics classes at a four-year Christian university in Texas. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to measure positive and negative affect in response to their first exam grade and the Brief COPE Inventory to determine the strategies that participants used to cope with their perceptions of failure on their exam. The results showed that maladaptive coping strategies mediated the relationship between post-test negative affect and subsequent improvement in standardized test scores. This article serves as a call to Christian institutions of higher education to consider how to best support students in developing effective coping strategies when faced with failure.

STUDENT'S SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-CONTROL AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS

This study aimed to determine whether self-esteem and self-control significantly influence the student's academic achievement in mathematics. A descriptive-correlational research design was used. The respondents of this study were 310 Grade 10 students in five public secondary high schools in the Division of Davao del Norte and were chosen through stratified random sampling. This study used three adopted questionnaires. Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson r, and Regression Analysis were used as statistical tools. The findings showed that student’s self-esteem was fairly manifested while student’s self-control was fairly observed. The academic achievement of grade 10 students in mathematics did not meet expectations. The findings also revealed that both self-esteem and self-control have a significant relationship on students’ academic achievement in mathematics. The findings also demonstrated that self-control is a significant predictor of academic achievement in mathematics but not self-esteem. The results emphasized that educators and school administrators should focus on enhancing social and physical acceptance, addressing procrastination, attention control, and impulse control, and boosting mathematics achievement. These interventions may include teamwork activities, body positivity programs, and creating a safe space for discussing social anxieties. Strategies may include time management workshops, mindfulness exercises, and role-playing scenarios. Future research could explore the link between self-control and mathematics achievement, suggesting that incorporating self-control strategies into classrooms, effective study time planning and focused teaching techniques could improve test scores. KEYWORDS: Math education, self-esteem, self-control, mathematics achievement, descriptive and correlational design, regression analysis, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Comprehensive assessment of the results of zorba dance-based rehabilitation in patients after myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction Dance movement engages global muscle sequences of the human body, improves physical performance, and helps reduce stress and excessive muscle tension. Dance exercises allow you to better control your movement and muscles. Zorba Greek dancing as a form of physical activity brings benefits in the form of improved mental health, well-being and quality of life. Rehabilitation may contribute to improving cardiorespiratory fitness and mental condition in the group of patients after myocardial infarction. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate a rehabilitation program based on Zorba dance on selected clinical parameters in patients after myocardial infarction. Materials and methods The study included 99 patients after myocardial infarction who were rehabilitated for 5 weeks. Patients were enrolled into two groups. Group I (50 patients) performed cycle ergometer training and the Greek dance Zorba. Group II (49 patients) performed cycle ergometer training and rehabilitation exercises. At the beginning and after rehabilitation, patients' BMI, balance (scales: Tinetti, Berg, 30CST), gait (6MWT), psychophysical status (SF-36, WHO-5, FCIS), and breathlessness (mMRC scale) were assessed. Results After undergoing rehabilitation, there was a reduction in BMI (I vs. II p&amp;lt;0.01), improvement in balance on the Tinetti (I vs. II p&amp;lt;0.01) and Berg scale (I vs. II p&amp;lt;0.01), improvement in the 30CS test score (I vs. II p= 0.018), improvement in WHO-5 (I vs. II p&amp;lt; 0.01), and reduction in dyspnea (mMRC) (I vs. II p&amp;lt; 0.01) in the Zorba group. Conclusions Both methods of rehabilitation improve functional efficiency; However, rehabilitation with the use of Zorba dance additionally improves balance in patients after myocardial infarction.

Outcomes of Biophilic Design for Schools

Biophilia is the theory that humans are innately connected to nature. As a basis for forming built space, biophilic design has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognition and enhance mood—it makes us happier. In the last 20 years, research in learning spaces has shown an association between biophilic design and student mood, calmness and improved standardized test scores. In 2019, a group of architects, scientists and educators led an experiment involving 6th-grade Math students at the Green Street Academy, which found that student stress was significantly reduced and learning significantly improved in a classroom enriched with biophilic strategies. The architects applied these strategies to the design of Bethel Hanberry Elementary School, and after a year of occupancy, an independent assessment found positive perceptions of the biophilic design, fewer behavior referrals, better teacher retention, lower absenteeism and improved test scores. In both a controlled research experiment and real-world application, the design of learning space, using biophilic strategies, has a significant impact.

Generative adversarial networks synthetic optical coherence tomography images as an education tool for image diagnosis of macular diseases: a randomized trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of generative adversarial networks (GANs) in creating synthetic OCT images as an educational tool for teaching image diagnosis of macular diseases to medical students and ophthalmic residents. In this randomized trial, 20 fifth-year medical students and 20 ophthalmic residents were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1 allocation) into Group real OCT and Group GANs OCT. All participants had a pretest to assess their educational background, followed by a 30-min smartphone-based education program using GANs or real OCT images for macular disease recognition training. Two additional tests were scheduled: one 5 min after the training to assess short-term performance, and another 1 week later to assess long-term performance. Scores and time consumption were recorded and compared. After all the tests, participants completed an anonymous subjective questionnaire. Group GANs OCT scores increased from 80.0 (46.0 to 85.5) to 92.0 (81.0 to 95.5) 5 min after training (p < 0.001) and 92.30 ± 5.36 1 week after training (p < 0.001). Similarly, Group real OCT scores increased from 66.00 ± 19.52 to 92.90 ± 5.71 (p < 0.001), respectively. When compared between two groups, no statistically significant difference was found in test scores, score improvements, or time consumption. After training, medical students had a significantly higher score improvement than residents (p < 0.001). The education tool using synthetic OCT images had a similar educational ability compared to that using real OCT images, which improved the interpretation ability of ophthalmic residents and medical students in both short-term and long-term performances. The smartphone-based educational tool could be widely promoted for educational applications.Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [No. ChiCTR 2100053195].

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation with concurrent cognitive performance targeting posterior parietal cortex vs prefrontal cortex on working memory in schizophrenia: a randomized clinical trial

Working memory deficits are linked to irregularities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in schizophrenia, effective intervention strategies are lacking. We evaluated the differential efficacy and underlying neuromechanisms of targeting transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at the DLPFC and the PPC with concurrent cognitive performance for working memory in schizophrenia. In a randomized and double-blind clinical trial, sixty clinically stable schizophrenic patients with below-average working memory were randomly assigned to active DLPFC, active PPC, and sham tDCS groups. Two sessions of tDCS during N-back task were delivered daily for five days. The primary outcome was changes in spatial span test scores from baseline to week 1. The secondary outcomes included changes in scores of color delay-estimation task, other cognitive tasks, and mismatch negativity (biomarker of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor functioning). Compared with the active DLPFC group, the active PPC group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in spatial span test scores (p = 0.008, d = 0.94) and an augmentation in color delay-estimation task capacity at week 1; the latter sustained to week 2. Compared with the sham tDCS group, the active PPC group did not show a significant improvement in spatial span test scores at week 1 and 2; however, significant enhancement was observed in their color delay-estimation task capacity at week 2. Additionally, mismatch negativity amplitude was enhanced, and changes in theta band measures were positively correlated with working memory improvement in the active PPC group, while no such correlations were observed in the active DLPFC group or the sham tDCS group. Our results suggest that tDCS targeting the PPC relative to the DLPFC during concurrent cognitive performance may improve working memory in schizophrenia, meriting further investigation. The improvement in working memory appears to be linked to enhanced N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor functioning.