Learning Intervention Research Articles

Extending the Calgary Audit and Feedback Framework into the virtual environment: a process evaluation and empiric evidence

BackgroundThe Calgary Audit and Feedback Framework (CAFF) is a pragmatic, evidence-based approach for the design and implementation of in-person social learning interventions using Audit and Group Feedback (AGF). This report describes extension of CAFF into the virtual environment as part of a multifaceted intervention bundle to reduce redundant daily laboratory testing in hospitals. We evaluate the process of extending CAFF in the virtual environment and share resulting evidence of participant engagement with planning for practice change.MethodsWe describe an innovative virtually facilitated AGF intervention based on the CAFF. The AGF intervention was part of an intervention bundle which included individual physician laboratory test utilization reports and educational tools to reduce redundant daily laboratory testing in hospitals. We used data from recorded and transcribed virtual AGF sessions, post AGF session surveys and detailed field notes maintained by project team members. We used simple descriptive statistics for quantitative data and analyzed qualitative data according to the elements of CAFF.ResultsEighty-three physicians participated over twelve virtual AGF sessions conducted across four tertiary care hospitals during the study period. We demonstrate that all prerequisite activities for CAFF (relationship building, question choice and data representation) were present in every virtual AGF session. Virtual facilitation was effective in supporting the transition of participants through different steps of CAFF in each session to lead to change talk and planning. All participants contributed to discussion during the AGF sessions. The post AGF session surveys were filled by 66% of participants (55/83), with over 90% of respondents reporting that the session helped them improve practice. 46% of participants (38/83) completed personal commitment to change forms at the end of the sessions.ConclusionsVirtual AGF sessions, developed and implemented with fidelity to the CAFF approach, successfully engaged physicians in a group learning environment that led to change planning. Further studies are needed to determine the generalizability of our findings and to add to the literature on evidence-based virtual facilitation techniques.

Errorless Learning for Everyday Functioning in Adults With Brain Injury: A Scoping Review.

Errorless learning is an intervention technique used in acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation. To support the use of this intervention within occupational therapy practice, it is important to know how errorless learning has been applied to (re)train daily functions. To describe the empirical literature on errorless learning applied to everyday functioning in adults with ABI. A scoping review was conducted with systematic searching of four databases (i.e., AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) and screening by independent reviewers. 41 experiments from 34 papers met eligibility criteria. Errorless learning has been heterogeneously delineated, described, and applied. Operationalization of everyday functioning has been poorly reported, and mostly applied to technology use and instrumental activities of daily living. Greater clarity and detail of errorless learning interventions are required, and more research is needed on its applications to everyday functioning.

An Experimental Study on the Impact of Collaborative and Active Learning on Vocational Students' Learning Achievement and Self-Motivation

The study examines a blended instructional approach combining collaborative and active learning to improve vocational students' learning achievement and self-motivation. An experimental design was utilized, dividing vocational students into control and experiment groups. The experiment group participated in a one-month collaborative and active learning intervention, while the control group received traditional instruction. The experiment group achieved significant gains in academic achievement, with pre-test and post-test means rising from 79.63 to 86.15 (t=19.72, p<0.05) and self-motivation scores increasing from 37.82 to 42.74 (t=19.71, p<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited lower post-test scores in both academic achievement (mean=80.16, t=3.67, p<0.05) and self-motivation (mean=38.4, t=5.31, p<0.05). These results indicate that integrating collaborative and active learning strategies significantly impacts learning achievement and self-motivation in vocational education. This suggests that this instructional approach is highly effective in improving student outcomes.

Evaluating the Impact of an Educational Intervention Using Project-Based Learning on Postpandemic Recovery in Rural Colombia

This study evaluates the impact of a Project-Based Learning (PBL) intervention on postpandemic educational recovery in rural Colombia, focusing on student competencies in mathematics, language, science, and 21st-century skills. Conducted in rural schools, the intervention aimed to address significant learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing teacher training and direct student support. A pretest–posttest single-group design was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention, with standardized tests measuring academic competencies and an analytical rubric evaluating 21st-century skills. The results indicate significant improvements in math, language, and science test scores, with notable gains in problem-solving, collaborative work, communication, and critical thinking. However, a decline in creativity scores highlights the need for a stronger emphasis on fostering creativity within the PBL framework. Gender differences were observed, with female students generally outperforming males, suggesting the need for tailored instructional approaches. This study’s limitations, including the absence of a control group, nonrandom sampling, and the use of subjective assessment methods, are acknowledged, with recommendations for future research to address these issues. Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the potential of PBL to enhance student learning outcomes in rural settings, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to support educational recovery and development in similar contexts. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of PBL and to refine the intervention for broader implementation.

Conducting classroom research:

The study posits that mid-sized groups of phonologically trained non-native speakers of English can collect prosodic data that are equivalent to English native-speakers’ annotations. The hypothesis is supported by the results of a classroom experimentinvolving an experimental group of English-proficient Czech (L1) learners annotating prominence and boundaries in English monological texts before and after additional phonological training aided by Rapid Prosody Transcription (RPT). The annotationresults received before the experimental group had the training demonstrate deficiencies of their prosodic annotation occurring under the probable influence of the learners’ mother tongue (Czech). The analysis of disagreements between the experimental group’s and the control group’s (native speakers) annotations demonstrates that non-native listeners rely on slightly different cues when identifying the prosodic structure of an English utterance. Thus, it is concluded that Czech (L1) speakers of English require mandatory annotation practice focused on the differences between their mother tongue and English to perform annotation tasks successfully. The experimental group’s RPT annotations, conducted after a learning intervention, produced much better results and were recognized as statistically equivalent to native speakers’ RPT annotations. The high alignment of the readings obtained by the experimental and control groups on key prosodic parameters demonstrates that crowdsourcing prosodic information from phonologically trained non-native speakers with the help of the RPT method can be employed as an alternative means of validating intonation research when attracting native speakers to research participation is problematic.

Representing DNA for machine learning algorithms: A primer on one-hot, binary, and integer encodings.

This short paper presents an educational approach to teaching three popular methods for encoding DNA sequences: one-hot encoding, binary encoding, and integer encoding. Aimed at bioinformatics and computational biology students, our learning intervention focuses on developing practical skills in implementing these essential techniques for efficient representation and analysis of genetic data. The primary goal of this study is to enhance students' understanding and practical application of DNA encoding methods, which are crucial for various computational analyses in bioinformatics. Our intervention consists of three key components: (1) a conceptual framework that contextualizes these encoding methods within broader bioinformatics applications, (2) an interactive Jupyter Notebook with Python code examples (https://github.com/yashmgupta/Representing-DNA/tree/main), and (3) a user-friendly Streamlit application for visualizing encoded sequences (https://dnaencoding.streamlit.app/) that also enables students to input their own DNA sequences and visualize the different encoding methods, further enhancing their understanding and practical experience. By combining conceptual overview with practical coding and visualization tools, our approach provides a comprehensive foundation for students to leverage these key DNA sequence encoding methods in their future work. This study contributes to bioinformatics education by offering effective, hands-on learning resources that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in DNA sequence analysis, preparing students for advanced research and data analysis projects in the field.

TRENDS OF COMPUTATIONAL THINKING RESEARCH IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AREA: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

This study aims to map the evolution of research on computational thinking (CT) within the context of science and technology, with a particular focus on science education and physics learning. Through a content analysis of a corpus of scholarly publications from 2015 to 2023, this study seeks to identify annual trends in research on computational thinking and computational thinking skills in the context of science and technology, with a deeper exploration of the context of science education and physics learning. A content analysis guide was employed as the research instrument. In synthesizing the articles, four main aspects were examined: (1) the number of publications per year, (2) research subject areas, (3) research types, and (4) the treatments and variables measured in computational thinking research in science education and physics learning. An analysis of the number of publications, research areas, methodologies, treatments, measured variables, and findings revealed a significant increase in interest in CT in 2022, particularly in the social sciences. Quasi-experimental research emerged as the dominant approach, with a focus on developing and evaluating learning interventions that integrate CT. The use of technology in computational thinking activities to enhance students' computational thinking skills in science education and physics learning was highlighted. The findings of this study have important implications for future research, such as expanding the diversity of research methodologies, delving deeper into CT instruments and data analysis techniques, conducting more in-depth studies on technology products designed to enhance computational thinking skills, and exploring a wider range of learning contexts.

Supporting New Ways of Working for Social Workers Through High Performance Work Practices: Sustaining Professional Identity

ABSTRACTIn our study, we examine implementation of strength‐based practice (SBP) that invokes a new way of working for social workers in England. We note two antecedent conditions to support new ways of working. First, hybrid managers, who combine professional and organizational perspectives, act as a conduit for implementation of new ways of working through supporting implementation of high performance work practices (HPWPs). Second, the financial context faced by social care providers influences whether new ways of working, and HPWPs associated with this, aim to improve productivity, or enhance capability and commitment of social workers. We identify three HPWPs that support the new way of working because they align with professional identity of social workers. First, hybrid manager jobs were designed to afford opportunity for recruitment of appropriately able social workers to enact strategic influence over SBP implementation. Second, intervention to support peer‐to‐peer learning enhanced the ability of social workers to deliver SBP, and also motivated social workers toward SBP implementation because they retained professional autonomy in developing their practice. Third, performance management intervention was developmental rather than judgmental, designed to enhance ability of social workers to deliver SBP. Similar to the peer learning intervention, it remained within control of social workers, hence motivated them to engage with SBP.

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of ICT Interventions on Teaching and Learning at Midlands State University

Objectives: This study explored the benefits and challenges of ICT interventions in teaching and learning at Midlands State University. Methods: A qualitative research approach based on the interpretivism research philosophy was employed by researchers, in addition to a case study research design. Researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with a sample of twenty purposively chosen individuals using a semi-structured interview guide. This qualitative research study employed the inductive thematic data analysis method. Results: The investigation uncovered that ICT resources can improve service delivery in the host organization. However, there was a paucity of learning/teaching resources and tools (data and computers for both students and lecturers). Many participants expressed concern that there was no sufficient support for learners and educators to use ICT tools effectively. Conclusion: University management was advised to prioritize investments in teaching and learning technology to ensure effective service delivery as per the institution's mandate. To conduct a thorough analysis of the problem, future researchers can utilize the mixed method and associated research designs such as embedded, convergent parallel and sequential exploratory/explanatory. Particularly, the utilization of diverse data collection methods would assist in achieving credible outcomes.

Impact of Digital Game-Based Learning on STEM education in primary schools: a meta-analysis of learning approaches

Enhancing learning outcomes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects for primary school students remains a challenge. This meta-analysis, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), explores Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) interventions as a potential solution. Eighteen empirical studies published from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed to identify effective DGBL approaches. Key factors examined include subject disciplines, control treatment, game type, platforms, and intervention duration. Findings reveal significant positive effects of DGBL interventions on learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics, language, and science. The study underscores the importance of optimizing gameplay design and platform choices for DGBL effectiveness and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating DGBL into primary STEM education. Future research should further investigate contributing factors like game genres, technologies, implementation strategies, and specific game components to promote optimal learning processes in diverse educational settings.

Active Learning Through Video Conferencing to Maintain Physical Activity Among Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized pilot trial investigated the feasibility of an active learning physical activity intervention through video conferencing and its preliminary effects. Participants comprised community-dwelling older adults who could use e-mail. The intervention group underwent a 12-week active learning intervention via video conferencing to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly physical activity. The control group received information via e-mail once per week. The amount of physical activity and sedentary behavior was measured using an accelerometer at baseline, postintervention, and 24-week postintervention (36weeks). Of the 31 participants, 29 were eligible and randomized into two groups (15 for the intervention and 14 for the control). Adherence to the intervention was 83%-100% (mean, 97%). Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed moderate maintenance effects on total physical activity and sedentary behavior at 36weeks. Active learning physical activity intervention through video conferencing was found to be feasible and contributed to the prevention of physical activity decline in older adults.

The status quo of global geriatric radiation oncology education: A scoping review

PurposeTo identify potential gaps in geriatric radiation oncology (RO) education worldwide, as measured by geriatric oncology (GO) content within postgraduate RO training program (TP) curricula across 8 focus countries. Methods and materialsThe need for improved education around GO is internationally recognized and is a key strategic priority of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG).Two reviewers undertook a systematic scoping review from March to September 2023. Focus countries were selected using predefined selection criteria based on national radiation therapy (RT) service provision, RT access and post-graduate specialty training standards. This review is in accordance with evidence-based curriculum design methodology and represents the initial phase i.e., problem identification and needs assessment. ResultsOverall RO TP and curriculum elements varied by jurisdiction. Common elements included length of training, summative assessments and prerequisite requirements. Considerable variability exists across TPs around identified learning outcomes, content, TP organization, training networks and accreditation.Across 6 TPs, only 2 had any documented GO curriculum content. Of these, only one contained geriatric RO content scoring moderate to high based on accepted quality benchmarks. Outside official RO TPs, there is considerable GO online education content, including face to face courses, peer-reviewed articles, learning materials and resources relevant to RO postgraduate training worldwide. However accessibility to these learning interventions may be region specific and content is not standardized. ConclusionsAs expected, this systematic scoping review has identified significant gaps in GO education within RO TPs worldwide. These findings represent an essential step in the development of evidence-based recommendations for updating standards for GO training within RO training programs and establishing a globally accepted, standardized benchmarks for minimal geriatric RO education. In turn, this will ensure future radiation oncologists are able to deliver a high standard of care to and improve outcomes for older people with cancer.

English Learning Anxiety, Learner Engagement, And Intervention Strategies Among Chinese Undergraduates

This study determined the relationships among English learning anxiety, learner engagement, and intervention strategies to propose a language learning program to improve the teaching quality and learning effect among Chinese undergraduates. The research employed a descriptive quantitative method and selected 477 undergraduates from a Chinese university to participate in an online questionnaire survey. The research conducted a pilot test to ensure reliability. The findings indicated that women were more inclined to participate in the survey and the respondents decreased with higher grades. Liberal arts students had the highest participation due to the higher proportion of female students in liberal arts, science, and engineering. The results showed a positive and supportive attitude towards English learning anxiety, learner engagement, and intervention strategies among Chinese EFL undergraduates. Regarding English learning anxiety, it is found that anxiety in communication is higher than anxiety in the negative evaluation and English classroom, which implies that the language learner has anxiety in English learning, especially in communication. Cognitive and emotional engagement are more important than behavioral engagement. The findings suggest that cognitive and emotional engagement promotes English learning effectiveness far beyond behavioral engagement. Concerning intervention strategies, respondents considered classroom intervention to be more important than behavioral intervention and cognitive intervention. It was found that the higher the English learning anxiety, the lower the learning engagement; the higher the English learning anxiety, the higher the intervention strategies; and the higher the learner engagement, the lower the intervention strategies. Therefore, the study offered recommendations to various stakeholders. This includes policymakers, curriculum designers, college language teachers and learners. A language learning program has been proposed to strengthen language teaching and learning among Chinese undergraduates.

A Case Study on the Data Mining-Based Prediction of Students’ Performance for Effective and Sustainable E-Learning

The study explores the application of data analytics and machine learning to forecast academic outcomes, with the aim of ensuring effective and sustainable e-learning. Technological study programs in universities often experience high dropout rates, which makes it essential to analyze and predict potential risks to reduce dropout percentages. Student performance prediction (SPP) offers potential benefits, including personalized learning and early interventions. However, challenges such as (1) data quality and availability and (2) incomplete and inconsistent data complicate this process. Moreover, to support the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), we focus on the quality of education. A case study approach is used using data mining techniques, particularly classification, regression, and clustering, to predict student performance. The case presented aims to predict risks and ensure academic success and quality. The cross-industry standard process for data mining (CRISP-DM) methodology is used to structure and guide the prediction process. The study shows that using data from student learning processes within an academic success prediction model and data mining can identify at-risk students.

Correction: Creativity as Key Trigger to Cognitive Achievement: Effects of Digital and Analog Learning Interventions

Correction: Creativity as Key Trigger to Cognitive Achievement: Effects of Digital and Analog Learning Interventions

Gamification and Language Learning to Enhance Cognition in Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review.

In this systematic review, we explored the literature on both online gamification and language learning in older adults aged 50 and older. Studies describing either digital gamified cognitive training or language learning interventions and include objective outcomes relating to the cognition of the participants were highlighted as suitable to be included as part of the review. In accordance with the established studies, we analyzed the aim and outcomes of the two separate types of interventions, the study design used, the modalities utilized for the respective interventions, as well as the cognitive outcomes obtained. A focus on the Asian context is included to better understand the effects of such interventions on Asian older adults. Mixed findings have been noted in both online gamified and language learning trainings, especially for language learning. However, results lean toward improvements in the cognitive abilities of older adults following gamified interventions, especially gamified cognitive trainings.

Young learners’ motivation, self-regulation and performance in personalized learning

IntroductionPersonalized learning, a topic that has garnered significant attention in education, is known for its potential to cater to student's unique needs and improve educational outcomes. However, most large-scale longitudinal studies on personalized learning have primarily focused on middle school students and above (age ≥11). This study, in contrast, delves into the uncharted territory of how personalized learning affects younger students (ages 7–12), a domain largely overlooked by large-scale studies. ObjectiveTo understand the effect of PL on young learners’ academic performance, metacognitive awareness, and motivation. MethodMultidisciplinary design teams embedded personalized learning in eight participating elementary schools, resulting in personalized learning interventions tailored to each school in four subjects. The effects were measured over three years among 588 students and 82 teachers and analyzed using a Bayesian Gaussian regression with random intercept models and nested groups. ResultsWe found significant evidence that the personalized learning interventions fostered academic performance in two of the four subjects: math and spelling. Regarding spelling, we found that the schools in which metacognitive skills were explicitly trained improved their students' spelling performance significantly compared to other schools. We found significant evidence suggesting that student ICT skills improved metacognitive awareness, intrinsic motivation, and math performance. We also found significant evidence that teachers' ICT skills support student metacognitive awareness. However, we could not confirm the theorized effect of personalized learning on metacognitive awareness or students’ intrinsic motivation. ConclusionOur study provides evidence-based recommendations for implementing personalized learning interventions in elementary schools, particularly for math and spelling. Finally, improving ICT skills among students and teachers benefits students in math and in their metacognitive skills.

Health professions students’ acceptance and readiness for learning analytics: lessons for educators

BackgroundLearning analytics (LA) is a tool for gathering, analysing, and interpreting data related to student’s learning behaviour, engagement, and performance. As the student data collected by the institutions are used to construct LA, it is essential to understand the acceptance and readiness of the students regarding the implementation of LA.MethodsA sequential mixed method research design was used in this study. A validated questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy programmes to collect their general views on LA. Focus group interviews with a total of 18 students were conducted to explore their perceptions in depth, followed by thematic analysis of the transcribed data.ResultsGenerally, the students were aware of their demographic data, utilisation of learning management system and academic performance data being collected by the university. They were agreeable for collection of those data which had direct association with their learning to be used for LA. However, they expressed concerns about the privacy, confidentiality, and security of the collected data. Three themes emerged from the interviews, i.e., self-regulated learning, evidence-based decision making and data management. The students perceived that LA could help them to monitor achievement of learning outcomes and provide support for individualised learning paths through recommendations of learning resources and learning motivation. They also opined that LA could help educators and institutions by providing feedback on teaching and learning methods, resource allocation and interventions to create conducive learning environment.ConclusionsLA is a useful tool to support self-regulated learning, however, precautions should be exercised during implementation to ensure data privacy and security.

Longitudinal effects of a scenario-based learning intervention on preservice teacher self-efficacy

We explore how an online ‘scenario-based learning’ (SBL) intervention is associated with the teaching-related self-efficacy of 1261 preservice teachers recruited from an initial teacher education (ITE) program in the UK. Participants completed four 1-hour online sessions involving realistic classroom scenarios and received real-time feedback on their responses. Results showed a positive upward trajectory for self-efficacy with some variation among the self-efficacy subdomains. Results from open-ended responses following the intervention showed how reflection on scenarios and feedback played a role in preservice teachers' self-efficacy. The findings highlight the benefits of providing preservice teachers with low-risk, authentic classroom experiences bolstered by expert feedback and opportunities for reflection.

Improving the articulation of skills towards proving “value for money”

PurposeEnsuring value for money is becoming more of a priority for UK university degrees. The aim of the action research project was to add value by improving skill acquisition and articulation amongst Chartered Management Degree Apprentices through a problem-based learning module called Self-Managed Learning.Design/methodology/approachIntentional weekly interventions to develop skill acquisition, development and articulation were implemented over 10 weeks. A focus group at the end of the 10 weeks to reflect upon the interventions would then reveal through a thematic analysis whether there was indeed added value.FindingsThe action research intervention to improve and enhance how apprentices construe and construct what they experience and then learn to articulate that accurately was well received. Key outcomes included increased awareness of and enhanced use of reflection, merging work and university and increased self-efficacy and skill development awareness.Practical implicationsThis research underscores the significant impact of enhanced stakeholder engagement on educational delivery and skill development. The study illustrates how the involvement of all parties, from apprentices to educators and employers, within the learning process can aid the development of intentional skill and professional development when work-based learning is effectively integrated within the educational curriculum.Originality/valueThe action learning intervention was an educational improvement enhancing personal development, social mobility and an opportunity for individuals to pursue knowledge for their own sake.