Student Interaction Research Articles

The Critical Role of Perceived Academic Institutional Support among Students in a Divided Society

Abstract Background To promote health equity, nursing schools must foster student diversity and develop future nurses’ abilities to care for patients from different backgrounds. Although academic experiences play an essential role in promoting multiculturalism, in Israel, where the Jewish-Arab divide is deep and central, this could be challenging. This study examined the attitudes of Israeli Jewish and Arab nursing students concerning their interactions across group lines. Methods In December 2022, 362 undergraduate students completed a survey on the association between cultural intelligence (CQ), satisfaction with the college’s support, and intergroup social interaction. Results The findings revealed that (1) Arab students (minority group) demonstrated higher CQ, especially regarding awareness of cultural differences and motivation for intercultural encounters; (2) Arab students perceived the intergroup encounter with Jewish students as closer and warmer than Jewish students; (3) Arab students’ satisfaction with the college’s support was higher than that of Jewish students; (4) Structural Equation Modeling revealed that (χ2/df=1.61, CFI=.970, TLI=.955, NFI=.927, RMSEA=.041) the support provided by the educational academic setting serves as a primary explanatory factor in the association between CQ and social distance. Conclusions Educational institutions should ensure their students feel supported to facilitate closer social interactions. This emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to encourage diversity and cultural competence in nursing education. Such efforts may positively impact the students’ mental health and enhance patient care. Key messages • To foster student social interaction in divided societies, academia must ensure a high sense of support. • Proactive nursing education promoting diversity and cultural competence may benefit student mental health and patient care.

Academic orientation and alcohol-related harm among adolescents

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the social gradient in self-reported alcohol-related harm (ARH) among young alcohol consumers by including a largely overlooked group of adolescents. We also explored the extent to which such a gradient could be attributed to differential exposure or differential vulnerability to risk factors.MethodCross-sectional survey of upper-secondary students (n = 2996) in Sweden. Negative binomial regressions estimated the relationship between academic orientation (higher education preparatory; HEP, vocational; VP and introductory; IP) and ARH. To assess the contribution of explanatory factors, we estimated models that included risk factors such as heavy episodic drinking (HED).ResultsA graded association was observed between academic orientation and ARH, with more ARH among students in IP (IRR = 1.79) and VP (IRR = 1.43) than in HEP. Adjustments for risk factors attenuated the estimates by approximately half, but there was still 14% more ARH in VP and 50% more in IP than in HEP. The additive interaction test indicated a positive and significant interaction for students in VP who engaged in HED, versus students in HEP, who did not.ConclusionThe findings suggest a negative gradient in the association between academic orientation and ARH, where the students in IP experienced the highest levels of ARH. While differential exposure and vulnerability to HED account for a significant proportion of the excess risk among VP students, HED seems to be less important relative to other risk factors among IP students. More research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the elevated levels of ARH among the most disadvantaged group—students enrolled in IP.

The Influence of Graph Theory Approach in Preventing Cheating at Higher Learning Institution: A case of Institute of Accountancy Arusha

Academic dishonesty has been more common in recent years, both through self-reported and detected cases, which has brought significant attention to the issue of cheating in educational settings. Students often cheat for a variety of reasons, including lack of study time, unclear learning objectives, fear of failing, peer pressure, and parental pressure for academic success. Students who rely on plagiarizing answers miss the opportunity to build their skills and may face challenges in job requirements. The problem of cheating / copying the neighbor's works during the examination is particularly well known. With graph theory especially graph coloring, it is proposed to develop the students' sitting arrangement that can be the solution of cheating. An experimental case study focuses on three master's programs, three bachelor's degree programs, three diploma programs, and three certificate programs at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha. This is done when one room or a venue is assigned to two or more programs with different backgrounds depending on the size of the room. The result shows that using graph coloring has reduced the tendency of students to copy or ask questions from their neighbors in the examination room. Based on the assessment of graph theory's effectiveness in preventing cheating at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, several recommendations can be made. First, the institution should invest in developing a comprehensive data collection system that captures relevant information such as seating arrangements, student interactions, and exam performance patterns. Collaboration with other institutions in implementing similar technologies could also create a shared knowledge base and lead to best practices in academic integrity. Finally, continuous monitoring and evaluation of this system should be conducted to refine its processes and adapt to new cheating technique.

DHKFN

Knowledge tracing is effective in modeling learners' knowledge levels to predict future answering situations based on their past learning history and interaction processes. However, current methods often overlook the impact of knowledge point correlations on answer prediction. This paper design a model based on deep hierarchical knowledge fusion networks (DHKFN). It utilizes statistical approaches to construct correlation matrices to capture the correlations between knowledge points. Subsequently, it constructs a topology graph structure of questions and knowledge points and utilizes a multi-head attention network to learn student interaction information from multiple perspectives, effectively constructing adjacency matrices. Finally, it uses GCN to learn the interaction information representation between deep-level knowledge points from dynamically constructed a topology graph structures. Experimental results on three large public datasets show that DHKFN effectively considers the influence of correlations between different knowledge points, thus showing promising effectiveness.

Teaching Performance of Students of the Faculty of Education, Sohag University: "An Evaluative Study in Light of Teacher Preparation Standards"

This study aimed to evaluate the teaching performance of student teachers at the Faculty of Education, Sohag University, based on teacher preparation standards. The research employed a descriptive-analytical approach and developed a checklist comprising 64 sub-skills categorized under seven main standards: lesson planning, classroom management and student interaction, use of teaching strategies, integration of educational tools and technologies, personal traits and interpersonal skills, mastery of subject matter, and student learning assessment. The performance of 50 student teachers from scientific and literary disciplines was assessed using an observation checklist. The results revealed that teaching performance was moderate across six standards and good in the "personal traits and interpersonal skills" standard. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were found in favor of scientific students compared to their literary counterparts. The study emphasized the need to enhance student teachers' skills to improve the quality of teaching performance.

Utilising Blended Learning for Large Classes to Deliver an Introductory Programming Course

Higher education institutions are constantly pushed to increase the student intake and produce industry-ready graduates. The pressure generally arises from the governing bodies, originating from socio-political factors. It is particularly evident in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT) where there is a growing need for quality graduates. Undergraduate programmes in the field of ICT generally offer introductory computer programming courses that are mandatory at early stages of the degree programme. Consequently, the number of students registering for such courses can increase drastically. The students are coming from diversified backgrounds. While some students may have prior experience in computer programming, a larger majority may not have any prior knowledge or experience. Increased class size meets the constraint of the limited availability of physical classroom space and would require the class to be separated into smaller groups for face-to-face activities. Large classes are also challenged with the increased man-power requirement in terms of lecturers, instructors, and teaching assistants. Maintaining student engagement and interactivity becomes increasingly difficult in a large class. Grading of assessments becomes time-consuming and needs and requires increased manpower. Based on the observations and learning from an ongoing introductory programming course, this study evaluates the procedure for overcoming the challenges faced by the teaching staff, especially with a class size exceeding 1000. To cover the theoretical components, recorded video lectures are provided. The class is divided into groups consisting of approximately 100 students and live, online, interactive group discussions are conducted. The live, online smaller group discussions allow students to clarify doubts regarding the content. This also allows the distribution of the limited teaching and assistant staff. Students who need further assistance are encouraged to meet the teaching assistants physically. Thus, the workload is distributed effectively, and it helps ensure the dedicated support and attention is provided to the students. Auto graded programming assignments are effectively employed for formative and summative assessments, which reduces the grading workload significantly. The findings of this study provide insights on course design to effectively deliver the content and conduct assessments overcoming the challenges presented by increased class size.

Online teaching and Learning post-Covid: An Analysis of LMS Usage and Student Outcomes Following the Pandemic

In 2020, the global higher education sector plunged into online teaching and learning within a very short timeframe with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sri Lankan state higher education system was no exception. While the initial readiness of both students and teachers for this switch varied or, in many cases, was low, online instruction was the predominant form of teaching and learning for most of the subsequent two years. The Sri Lankan university sector resumed face-to-face teaching for undergraduates in mid-2022 but aspects of online teaching and learning remain, providing a valuable opportunity to take stock of the experiences gathered during the pandemic. This study aims to use data on undergraduate courses offered both during and after the pandemic period at the Faculty of Business in the University of Moratuwa in order to identify online teaching practices that persisted beyond the COVID-19 period and relate student interactions with these activities with academic outcomes. The dataset spans 473 students in five cohorts across six undergraduate courses and includes Moodle (the LMS used by the university) logs, data on academic outcomes, and features of the online course pages. The student level data for the selected courses are augmented with interviews with the corresponding lecturers to gain further insights into why certain learning activities were considered successful and others not. By doing so, the paper aims to identify effective learning tools and best practices that arose during the unplanned transition to online teaching from both lecturer and student perspectives. The results show that there is a continuity in the tools between the online mode during the pandemic and the post-pandemic return to face-to-face teaching with tools such as quizzes, assignment submissions, and videos/lecture recordings used noticeably more than in the pre-Covid period. The use of interactive tools increase the student engagement with the course Moodle pages, which in turn are positively associated with learning outcomes. The paper thus highlights some positive consequences of the pandemic period on education in terms of enhancing the adoption of digital tools for learning among both staff and students.

Can Game-Based Learning Help to Increase the Awareness of Water Management in Uganda? A Case Study for Primary and Secondary Schools

In the Ugandan curriculum, theoretical teaching predominates in conveying water-related topics due to its efficiency and low resource requirements. However, this teacher-centred approach limits student interaction and collaborative learning. Conversely, game-based learning can enhance social skills, critical thinking, and engagement, yet it remains underutilised in Ugandan education. To address this gap, this study developed three educational games: Water Conservation Snakes and Ladders (WCSL), Water Awareness Quartet Cards (WAQC), and Water Pollution Puzzle (WPP). These games were implemented in four schools—three primary and one secondary—where students engaged in competitive, team-based play. The impact of these games on learning outcomes was assessed through pre- and post-test questionnaires. Descriptive and thematic analysis indicated a significant positive effect, with WAQC showing a 25% greater influence on performance than WCSL (18%) and WPP (14%). The findings also underscored the importance of age in determining game acceptability and enjoyment. To enhance education on water-related issues, it is recommended that these topics be integrated into both Science and Social Studies curricula and taught consistently across academic terms. Ultimately, the Ugandan government should consider incorporating game-based learning strategies into schools to improve student engagement and learning in water resource management.

Kahoot! Game‐based digital learning platform: A comprehensive meta‐analysis

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, the widespread use of technology in classrooms has encouraged the transition from traditional lecture methods to digital‐based learning environments. Technological game‐based learning platforms, such as Kahoot!, which are used to encourage students' active participation and interaction in learning environments, are used significantly by teachers and students in educational environments worldwide.ObjectivesThis article aims to examine the effects of Kahoot, a digital learning platform, on education through meta‐analysis. This meta‐analysis provides a holistic understanding of the potential impact of Kahoot on education by synthesizing the results of various experimental studies. This study evaluates the influence of Kahoot on key educational variables, such as academic achievement, retention, motivation, anxiety and attitude, which are essential for enhancing teaching methods and optimizing learning environments.MethodsThe study conducted a meta‐analysis following the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA). A total of 43 studies that met the specified criteria were included in the sample, providing a comprehensive overview of the impact of Kahoot across different contexts. The sample was n = 1706 for the experimental group and n = 1647 for the control group.Results and ConclusionThe findings from the meta‐analysis indicate that Kahoot has a significant moderate positive effect on academic achievement, with an average effect size of 0.772 (95%CI: 0.540–1.004). The analysis also shows a very large positive effect on retention, with an average effect size of 1.492, suggesting that students using Kahoot tend to have significantly higher retention compared with those who do not. For motivation, Kahoot demonstrates a large positive effect, with an average effect size of 0.960, indicating that students using Kahoot tend to be more motivated. The impact on anxiety is less clear, with a small negative effect size of −0.338, suggesting a moderate reduction in anxiety levels among students using Kahoot. Lastly, Kahoot appears to have a medium positive effect on students' attitudes towards learning, with an average effect size of 0.678.TakeawaysThese results underscore the potential of Kahoot as an effective educational tool. The results of this study provide valuable guiding information for educators and policy makers by helping to optimize teaching methods and learning environments through the effective use of digital tools, such as Kahoot. The findings suggest that Kahoot can increase academic achievement, retention, motivation and attitudes and potentially reduce anxiety, making it a promising digital tool for modern educational practice.

Enhancing Students' Development through Human-Space Correlation: A Conceptual Review of Co-Working Spaces in Educational Institutions

Education spaces are an important factor in maximising students' learning experience. Tertiary education institutions in Malaysia could benefit from co-working spaces as informal learning spaces to improve student interactions, well-being, productivity, and knowledge. This paper aims to establish a framework for developing co-working spaces in tertiary education institutions, particularly in Malaysian institutions. This research undertakes a review of journal articles, reports, and other documents gathered from the Google Scholar database concerning two main areas: firstly, co-working spaces, and secondly, education institutions. The data was analysed using VOSviewer software for specific keywords; 'education institution', 'university', 'student', and 'library'. The review brings forth important attributes when developing co-working spaces in tertiary education institutions. The findings can tremendously help education institutions apply the concept of co-working spaces to enhance learning environments for students' holistic development

The Role of Distance Learning in Shaping Indonesia Golden Generation: Student Interaction, Engagement, and Satisfaction

This research explores the critical role of student interaction in enhancing engagement and satisfaction in the context of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at the Open University in Indonesia. Amidst the increasing adoption of digital education platforms, this study examines how dynamic and effective student interactions and engagement influence educational satisfaction outcomes in online environments. Using a quantitative approach, this study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse responses from 120 students who participated in online tutorial sessions. The findings reveal that student interaction significantly increases student satisfaction and engagement, with engagement serving as a mediating factor that improves the overall educational experience. This study confirms that high-quality interactions are essential for student engagement and satisfaction and emphasises the need for educational platforms that support strong interactive features and prompt instructor feedback. This research contributes to the literature by emphasising the important role of interaction and engagement in ODL settings and suggests practical implications for educational practitioners and policy makers. Enhancing interactive experiences in online learning can facilitate higher levels of student engagement and satisfaction, thereby supporting the formation of a competitive and adaptive golden generation in Indonesia's digital era.

Exploring the Link Between Social Media Engagement, Social Anxiety, and Environmental Preferences in University Students

As mental health issues become increasingly prominent, social anxiety is prevalent among university students and significantly affects their social behaviors and environmental preferences. With the increasing reliance on social media, understanding how these behaviors shape preferences for physical social environments is crucial for designing supportive campus spaces. This study investigates the relationship between social anxiety, social media usage, and environmental preferences in campus settings. We aim to identify the key environmental factors that can promote healthier social interactions for students with varying levels of social anxiety and social media use. Data were collected from university students through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, online and offline behavior, social media usage intensity, social anxiety level, and environmental preferences. Using K-means clustering, participants were grouped into four clusters based on their social media usage and social anxiety levels. ANOVA and Multivariate Multiple Regression (MMR) were conducted to examine differences in environmental preferences across these clusters. Significant differences in environmental preferences were observed across the four clusters. Gender and grade influenced social anxiety levels, with females and undergraduate students reporting greater anxiety. Individuals with high social media use, regardless of their anxiety levels, generally exhibited stronger preferences for various environmental dimensions, including openness, convenience, facility provision, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape. However, individuals with higher social anxiety tended to prefer enclosed, facility-rich, and more controlled environments. The relationship between social anxiety and preferences for convenience, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape was minimal or non-significant. This study highlights the importance of considering both behavioral and psychological factors when designing university social environments. By identifying specific environmental preferences of students with high social anxiety, the findings offer evidence-based recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive campus spaces that promote positive social interactions and well-being.

Cross-Cultural Insights into Phatic Communication: Indonesian and Australian Student Interactions

Phatic communication, a widespread yet often unnoticed language phenomenon, primarily serves to maintain social interactions rather than convey substantive information. This study investigated the use of phatic expressions among Indonesian and Australian students, examining how cultural backgrounds and social contexts influence their communication styles. Using a Discourse Completion Task (DCT) with both qualitative and quantitative methods, this research revealed significant differences between the two groups. Australian students frequently used phatic speech to initiate conversations, provided comfort, and expressed empathy, emphasizing respect and interpersonal connection. In contrast, Indonesian students tended to use phatic expressions to promote social harmony, engage in casual discourse, and offer interpersonal support, often focusing on group cohesion. Social variables, such as social status and distance, played a critical role in shaping the choice of phatic functions and forms, with both groups adapting their communication strategies based on these factors. The findings highlight the intricate relationship among culture, social dynamics, and language in phatic communication, offering a nuanced understanding that can enhance intercultural interactions, minimize misunderstandings, and improve communication effectiveness in multicultural settings. This research underscores the importance of considering cultural and social contexts when analyzing language use, contributing valuable insights for educators, linguists, and communication professionals aiming to foster more effective and harmonious interactions across diverse cultural landscapes.

Enhancing University English Teaching through Mobile Interactive Applications from an Educational Technology Perspective

In the context of globalization and rapid advancements in information technology (IT), the application of educational technology in higher education has become increasingly prevalent. Particularly in university English teaching, mobile interactive applications have emerged as a significant teaching model. These applications transcend the constraints of time and space, providing students with a flexible learning environment that promotes interaction between teachers and students, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. However, existing research has primarily focused on the technological development and effectiveness evaluation of mobile interactive applications, neglecting the impact of student interaction and trust on learning outcomes. Additionally, there is a lack of dynamism and personalization in the recommendation of educational resources and study partners. This study constructs global and local dynamic trust models for mobile interactions, calculates trustworthiness based on mobile interactive behaviors, and integrates mobile interaction trust relationships and behaviors with a dynamic English recommendation algorithm, thereby providing a new theoretical framework and a practical approach for university English teaching, aiming to enhance the teaching effectiveness and improve students’ learning experiences.

Students Satisfaction with Online Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A first-round analysis of Diploma Program in Library and Information Science

The Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA) has transitioned from conventional teaching-learning to online education. However, no further research has been conducted to assess the successfulness of this online learning from the students’ perspective. Addressing this issue, the objectives of the study were to measure the satisfaction, successfulness and challenges faced by diploma students with online learning at SLLA during the pandemic. The survey was conducted using Google Forms and WhatsApp, with approximately 225 students approached and 194 (88.5%) responding. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, and statistical tests were applied using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Rosenthal r value. Results regarding students’ successfulness indicated that more than 70% agreed with online education during the lockdown. Additionally, students expressed that the online mode was more secure for their health 152(73%) and for transportation 129(66.49%) compared to face-to-face classes and distance mode classes. Concerning satisfaction, 97(50%) students were either highly satisfied or satisfied with online teaching, Regarding the devices used, majority of students (78.9%) used smartphones; whereas the use of laptops, desktops, and tablets was less commonly used (17.5%).Challenges identified were recorded as, clearly hearing the lectures 88(45.4%), expensive equipment requirements 85(43.8%), poor internet connection and difficulty in logging on in a timely manner 84(43.3%) each, and a feeling of isolation while attending class 82(42.3%). Overall, the majority of students were satisfied with online learning and they are moving towards the health security, transportation convenience, and ability to attend classes from home, despite the challenges faced. It is recommended to enhance student interaction and improve the practical effectiveness of the online course. Additionally, action should be taken to address the challenges faced by the students, redesign the online course to improve practical effectiveness, and implement best practices in online education.

Construction and Verification Study on the Hierarchical Model of Teacher–Student Interaction Evaluation for Smart Classroom

Construction and Verification Study on the Hierarchical Model of Teacher–Student Interaction Evaluation for Smart Classroom

Beyond Games: Unspoken Challenges of Pre- Service Physical Education Teachers – A Pilot Study

Studies on teacher preparation highlight the importance of practical experiences such as internships in adequately preparing pre-service teachers for the demands of the profession. However, there has been a lack of focus on the specific difficulties encountered by pre-service physical education (PE) teachers during internships. This study utilized qualitative methods to examine the specific obstacles encountered by eight pre-service physical education teachers while completing their internships at private secondary schools in the northern region of the Philippines. Through thematic analysis of weekly reflective journals, four main themes were identified: personal well-being and emotional strain, classroom management and student interactions, instructional practices and pedagogical challenges, and school environment and institutional factors. The results emphasize the importance of integrating well-being strategies into PE teacher education programs, improving PE-specific classroom management training, and promoting stronger partnerships between universities and schools to offer consistent support, resources, and practical experiences for future teachers navigating the complexities of the PE teaching environment. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences of pre-service PE teachers and provide practical suggestions for enhancing teacher preparation and support systems.

Optimization of Distance Learning Systems Using Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things in Improving the Quality of Education in the Post-Pandemic Era

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden change from face-to-face learning to Distance Learning (PJJ), posing challenges in the quality of learning and student interaction. This study examines the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize the PJJ system in the post-pandemic era. The goal is to evaluate the impact of AI in personalizing learning and IoT in improving student interactivity and collaboration, as well as identify the challenges of implementing this technology. The research uses a mixed-methods approach by combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data were obtained from 50 educators, 100 students, and 20 administrators through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and participatory observations. Correlation tests and logistic regression are used to assess the influence of AI and IoT on learning quality. The results show that 85% of students and 78% of educators agree that AI helps in customizing learning materials. IoT also increases student engagement, with 76% of students feeling more engaged and the likelihood of student engagement increasing 2.35 times greater with IoT. Key challenges include limited technological infrastructure and lack of training for educators. In conclusion, AI and IoT have great potential in improving the quality of education, but support is needed for infrastructure and educator training so that the implementation of these technologies is optimal.

TUJUAN, FUNGSI DAN PRINSIP EVALUASI PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM DI PONDOK PESANTREN SURYANI SURAKARTA

This research aims to evaluate the implementation of Islamic Education (PAI) learning at Pondok Pesantren Suryani Surakarta, focusing on the objectives, functions, and principles of the evaluation employed. The research adopts a qualitative method, utilizing data collection through observation, interviews, and document analysis involving teachers and students at the pesantren. The evaluation is intended to identify strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of PAI learning and provide recommendations for improvement and development. The evaluation results indicate that the strengths of PAI learning at Pondok Pesantren Suryani Surakarta include the extensive educational backgrounds and experiences of Islamic teachers, their ability to deliver material effectively, and the creation of a conducive learning environment. The use of the halaqah teaching method also allows for active student interaction in understanding Islamic teachings. However, the evaluation also reveals weaknesses, such as limitations in technological resources and the need to accommodate student diversity. Recommendations for improvement include enhancing access to and the use of technology in learning, adopting more inclusive teaching strategies, and developing teacher competencies. Thus, Pondok Pesantren Suryani Surakarta can continue to enhance the quality of Islamic education, meeting the urgency of shaping the character, morals, and religious values of the younger generation, and making a positive contribution to society.

Roles and Interaction of Supervisors and Students in Collective Academic Supervision: A Qualitative Study in China

Abstract Collective academic supervision (cas) is a form of student-supervisor interaction for academic learning. This paper is a qualitative case study using observation and interviews to explore the roles and interactions of supervisors and students in three cas groups in a university. Symbolic interaction theory was employed for data analysis, also taking into account the influence of the higher education context on the roles and interactions of participants. The research found that supervisors and students create various symbols through the discussion in cas. The symbols in question have exerted a substantial influence on the reciprocal relationship between supervisors and students, functioning as symbolic representations of the profound effects on students’ intellectual development and emotional energy.