Learning Skills Research Articles

Students Attitude Towards Writing Communication Skills

This study aims to know students’ attitudes towards written communication skills in English learning, in the scope of cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects. This research used descriptive quantitative in the form of the cross-sectional survey design using a questionnaire at one point in time. The population of this study was 200 students who had taken an English course in the second semester, and the sample was 135 students (67.5%), specified by the Slovin formula. The sample of this research was chosen by probability sampling with random. The data were analyzed descriptively using the data presentation method, cross-tabulation, drawing conclusions, and T-score with the SPSS program.Based on the research, the students’ attitudes regarding cognitive, affective dan behavioral aspects towards written communication skills in English learning showed that the students have a positive attitude in improving English writing skills. Many of them feel that English writing skills need to support their learning and quite relevant to the competence of education in agriculture and beneficial and valuable for them. Self-assignment for students that must be carried out outside of face-to-face hours is also the key to improve their writing skills. Therefore, the form and substance of self-assignment should be designed by lecturers in order to make students able to write English substance well. Students need to appreciate the fact that English is very beneficial for them, not only during their studies or when completing final assignments, but beyond that, it would also be valuable after they graduated from college. Keywords: Students, Attitudes

Autonomous learning patterns of students with special needs in quantum learning using flipbook media at Indonesia

Autonomous learning referred to students’ ways and processes to develop their learning skill independently and take responsibility of it. Autonomous learning encouraged students to have active responsibility in their learning process, develop their metacognitive skill, and be more independent and proactive learners. This study aimed to investigate autonomous learning pattern of students with special needs in quantum learning using flipbook media. This was qualitative research in form of case study. The participants were primary school students at Bojonegoro Regency, Tuban Regency, and Cepu Regency. Those regencies covered various students’ backgrounds and special needs. From all participants, five students were selected specifically. They were selected because they showed characteristics of autonomous learning skill that could be easily identified. Data was collected using observation and in-depth interview. Technique in analyzing data was thematic analysis technique. Data was validated using member checking. Result of study showed that students with special needs who utilized flipbook media in quantum learning tend to be more independent in setting learning goals, managing learning process, taking initiative, completing assignments, and conducting self-reflection to their progress. It could be concluded that quantum learning using flipbook media could be effectively create five patterns of autonomous learning for students with special needs at Indonesia.

Systematic Review on the Essentials of Creative Mathematical Thinking

Creative thinking skills can prepare students to be tangent, creative, and competent problem solvers in an ever-evolving world, so educators are required to understand patterns and factors that positively influence the development of creative thinking skills. The aim of this research is to identify patterns and factors that influence creative thinking skills in learning. The method used in this research is the exploration and conceptualization of mathematical creative thinking skills. The research explored 15 articles through Scopus databases, Google Scholar, Publish or Perish, and Google. Data analysis is conducted through CAQDAS ATLAS.ti, with coding objectives, methodology, and research conclusion. This research found that most of the articles highlighted task orientation, epistemological approaches, problem submission tasks, Multidimensional Creativity Assessment (MCA), tutor beliefs, problem solving, SCAMPER methods, valid instruments, social skills, confidence, belief and anxiety, and Practical Mathematical Talent Models. Overall, the contributions from this research have shown the importance of building creative thinking skills in mathematics and science education, along with various approaches and factors that contribute to the development of such skills.

Exploring the Affordances of Vernacular Digital Games in Developing 21st-Century Skills

The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented surge in technological advancements and an exponential growth in mobile device ownership world-wide. Such transformations have intensified access to digital content, opening up new avenues for non-formal learning. This was particularly true during subsequent crises such as the COVID-19 Pandemic and natural and man-made disasters which have disrupted formal learning and left many learners immobilised. This paper contends that capitalising on the intersection of formal and non-formal learning experiences is integral to innovative planning and value-added education. To dismiss engagement in non-formal leaning transactions is to exclude a significant part of learners’ cognitive processes, preferences and experiences. In particular, this paper focuses on vernacular digital games as an apt example of pervasive technology and a non-formal learning arena. Described as a popular culture text, vernacular games are originally intended for entertainment, as opposed to pedagogical, purposes. However, embedded in their designs are social and developmental affordances that render them potent tools for serendipitous learning and dynamic spaces for developing competencies. In the light of this, this paper proposes a move from gamification, i.e. adding a gaming layer to non-gaming contexts, to adding an educational layer to non-formal digital gaming contexts. To consolidate this proposal, it investigates the 21st-century competencies reportedly acquired and developed through digital gameplay. It also delves into possible design-related paradoxes. More precisely, the paper reflects on how key game design features such as multimodality, adaptivity, cultural narratives and affinity spaces can be harnessed to better cultivate much in-demand 21st-century skills. Although learning skills (in their metacognitive form of higher-order thinking) are part and parcel of 21st-century skills, literacy skills and life skills are equally important. The further longer-term aim is to map development opportunities and optimise learning in ways that are in harmony with today’s changing scenarios, demands and objectives.

Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Pendidikan Agama Katolik dan Budi Pekerti dengan Metode Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Berbantuan Media Video pada Kelas X Tari di SMK Negeri 1 Kasihan

This study aims to improve the learning of Catholic Religious Education in class X Tari at SMK Negeri 1 Kasihan, which was initially dominated by the less interactive lecture method, affecting the motivation and learning outcomes of students. To overcome this, the Problem Based Learning (PBL) method assisted by video media is applied, which involves active students in solving problems relevant to everyday life. The research was conducted in two cycles, with PBL steps such as problem orientation, individual and group investigation, and presentation and evaluation of results. The results showed significant improvements in the cognitive, skill and affective aspects of learners. The cognitive average score of the group task increased by 11.2%, from 79.7 in cycle I to 90.8 in cycle II, while the individual task increased by 12%, from 76.8 to 89. In terms of skills, the average score increased by 13%, from 76 to 88. The affective aspect also experienced a significant increase of 23.2%, from 63.4 to 88. The application of PBL assisted by video media proved effective in improving students' learning outcomes, both in terms of critical thinking, responsibility, and understanding and application of Catholic teachings. This study recommends the use of PBL method and video media as an effective learning strategy to improve the quality of learning Catholic Religious Education and Cultivation.

Enhancing critical thinking skills of EFL learners in Beninese secondary schools: Strategies and implementation

This paper investigates effective strategies for fostering critical thinking skills among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Beninese secondary schools. Critical thinking is essential for language and literacy development, as well as success in all domains. The importance of critical thinking in educational contexts is particularly crucial in a multicultural and diverse setting like Benin. This mixed-methods study combines qualitative interviews with EFL teachers and quantitative surveys with secondary school students to identify effective strategies. Results indicate that collaborative learning, inquiry-based instruction, problem-solving tasks, critical reading and writing exercises, and the integration of real-world issues into the curriculum are effective approaches. The study's findings suggest that incorporating these strategies into EFL instruction can significantly enhance the success of teaching and learning critical thinking in Beninese secondary schools.

Mastering the Game: How Level Structure and Game Elements Shape Competency Acquisition

Understanding the dynamics of level structure and game elements in digital educational games is paramount to fostering competency acquisition. How levels are organized within a game, along with the use of various game elements, has a significant impact on the learning outcomes and skill development of individuals. Through the strategic design and implementation of these components, educational games can effectively engage learners and facilitate the acquisition of competencies in multiple domains. In addition to structure, the integration of gamification elements can have a profound impact on learner engagement and sustainable skill acquisition. Therefore, a key element for the success of a serious game is to create appropriate personalization and a balanced relationship between learning and gaming experience. As a result, a mini-game called "Basketball Physics Challenge" has been designed to be integrated into an intelligent, adaptive physical learning game centered around force and motion as part of an ongoing research project. By playing the game "Basketball Physics Challenge", players will apply their understanding of basic physics principles in a realistic, interactive, and virtual setting. An experimental design was used to test the mini-game, in which a gamified and a non-gamified version were used and compared. 20 participants completed the experiment, and their learning progress was meticulously tracked. Using competency-based knowledge space theory, the mini-game facilitated in-game competency assessment, enabled monitoring of learning progress, tailored learning experiences, and provided individualized formative feedback. The pilot was used to develop and implement a competency model that will be the subject of future in-depth studies. The results indicated that the gamified version of the game led to slightly higher engagement and performance levels compared to the non-gamified version, although the difference in learning outcomes between the two versions was not statistically significant. The analysis also showed that an optimal number of levels and a balanced integration of game elements are crucial for maintaining engagement without causing cognitive overload. Furthermore, the order in which the game versions were presented affected player performance, with initial exposure to gamification leading to better outcomes. These findings provide valuable information for the design of educational games and their effectiveness in skill acquisition. This research supports the development of powerful educational technologies that enhance learning through a coherent level structure and meaningful use of game elements that effectively promote learner engagement.

The effectiveness of perspective video modelling training on one‐stage word problem‐solving skills in children with autism spectrum disorder

AbstractSingle‐subject research can provide adequate justification when developing successful evidence‐based educational practices for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which can help such students thrive academically. This research investigates whether point‐of‐view video modelling effectively improved the word problem‐solving addition performances of primary‐school‐aged students with ASD. The effectiveness of the intervention on each participant's ability to solve single‐digit addition by a single digit, effectively view the video on a tablet and generalise a learned skill was investigated by utilising a design that included several participant baselines. All participants saw an improvement in their ability to solve simple addition problems due to using point‐of‐view video modelling. Between the baseline and intervention phases, each participant's rate of digits correctly entered per minute and total number of steps completed significantly increased. A generalisation phase was performed at home. After receiving the intervention, people with ASD could independently complete word problems involving addition with a single digit. The findings suggest that this technology could practically support the education of the growing number of children and young people with ASD by mollifying the particular learning obstacles their impairment brings.

Word Learning in Bilingual Children at Risk for Developmental Language Disorder.

The purpose of this study was to compare the novel word learning skills between Cantonese-English bilingual children at risk for developmental language disorder (DLD) and their typically developing (TD) peers. Participants were 24 Cantonese-English bilingual preschool children at risk for DLD and 38 TD children. Each participant was presented with eight novel words in Cantonese (first language [L1]) and eight in English (second language [L2]) over eight weekly sessions. Children's existing lexical knowledge was measured using the moving-average number of different words in language samples in L1 and L2. Bilingual children at risk for DLD were scored lower than their TD peers for both languages over time. The role of lexical knowledge in children's word learning differed between the TD and DLD groups: Lexical knowledge in L1 was a predictor of L1 word learning in TD children, while lexical knowledge in L2 predicted L2 word learning in children at risk for DLD. In addition, significant cross-linguistic effects were found from L2 to L1 for both groups. This study underscores the complexity of novel word learning in bilingual children at risk for DLD. Clinically, these findings suggest the value of tracking learning trajectories in bilingual children across both languages.

Teaching Listening Skills to EFL Students Using AI-Driven Technology-Based Media

The aim of this paper is to find how much AI can be useful or as an aid in developing listening skill. A review has been made to past studies as well as the recent developments and innovations made by linguists and teaching community, yielding relevant observations. The present writing is an attempt at exhibiting how much the latest technology is effective which has been tailor-made to suit determined purpose directed at developing the listening skills of EFL learners. It is well established being significant and continues to gain importance in serving needs of education, sparking interest among students and teachers, the latter for innovating delivery of lessons. Teaching EFL college level students uses English as the medium of instruction for language teaching subjects. It is, however, noticed that difficulties crop up at school, where the students use native language for learning syllabi-related subjects, and where it is noticed that there is low comprehension capacity in the learners that needs to be pushed up to learn second language with success. The present research effort has brought to light the difficulties experienced by students in English learning as they struggle to reach a reasonable level of learning with success. This is despite there being other materials to use where old/traditional system is otherwise thought adequate. Modern approaches were brought into use by which AI-powered tools have removed difficulties they used to experience learning the traditional way resorting to written prescribed books; they experienced that books were monotonous and boring. The researchers made quite a few studies in different educational institutions and recognized the ability of AI aided media to make listening skill learning and teaching of English interesting and easy. AI has enabled educators to develop material and make it user-friendly and student-oriented for facilitating language learning easy. Language Listening builds enhanced capacity enabling EFL students to hear sounds of words of English using AI-aided tools. The present paper has discovered the utility of modern virtual tools as significant in facilitating learners’ success in developed listening skill. Tools which are created using AI have proved very help as they extend tremendous help in increasing and developing practical listening skills of not only the teachers but also, and primarily, the EFL students.

Evaluation of a Workplace Diabetes Prevention Program Delivered via Distance Learning: A Qualitative Study.

Little is known about how distance learning impacts delivery of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) despite a rapid shift to this platform during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. We explored how a workplace DPP, delivered via distance learning, impacted knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills of participants throughout the program. We conducted repeated qualitative interviews with distance learning participants at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months from September 2020 to July 2022. Three study team members coded interview data using individual responses as the unit of analysis. We used a thematic approach, using the information-motivation-behavioral skills framework, to analyze responses and generate understanding of the program's impact. The 27 individuals who participated in the interviews (89% women, mean age 56 years) reported the distance learning platform was effective in changing their behavior. The program's focus on food logging and setting limits on specific types of caloric intake was perceived as essential. Education on ideal levels of fat and sugar consumption, lessons on how to read food labels, and dissemination of recipes with healthy food substitutions allowed participants to initiate and sustain healthy decision-making. Strategies to increase physical activity, including breaking up exercise throughout the day, made reaching their goals more feasible. Participants reported food logging and weight reporting, as well as group support during sessions, either sustained or increased their motivation to adhere to the program over time. A workplace DPP delivered via distance learning successfully prompted improvements in the knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills necessary to increase healthy eating and physical activity among participants.

Enhancing Inclusive Learning and Communication Skills with the Aid of Educational Videos

Enhancing Inclusive Learning and Communication Skills with the Aid of Educational Videos

Training needs for developing blended learning skills and strategies among Arabic language teachers in public schools

The study aimed to know the training needs for developing blended learning skills and strategies among Arabic language teachers in government schools. The researcher used the descriptive analytical approach. The study sample reached (265) male and female teachers of the Arabic language subject in government schools. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher prepared a questionnaire as a tool. The study consisted of (21) paragraphs. The study found that the training needs for developing blended learning skills and strategies among Arabic language teachers in government schools in Ma’an Governorate came in at a high level with an overall arithmetic average of (3.7775), as the results show that the paragraph: I provide students with some practical work through blended learning came in first place, where The arithmetic mean was (4.0852). The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the responses of Arabic language teachers regarding the training needs for developing blended learning skills and strategies due to the gender variable, while there were statistically significant differences due to variables of academic qualification and years of experience. Based on these results, the study recommended the need for teachers to develop the skills of designing and implementing.

Studying the Effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom Teaching Method for Promoting Education Students' Academic Performance and Learning Outcomes in Saudi Universities (A Comparative Study)

This study examines whether the flipped classroom teaching method effectively improves the academic performance and learning skills of education students in Saudi universities, unlike traditional lecture-based pedagogies. Guided by constructivist learning theory, the research employs an autoethnographic methodology based on the experiences of the author as a student and educator in Saudi Arabia and Australia. This study examines how flipped classrooms integrate technology, student autonomy, responsibility for learning, engagement, and satisfaction. therefore, the flipped classroom is an educational approach that delivers theoretical content to students via videos or online learning materials to be studied at home. In classroom sessions, it focuses on practical activities, discussions, and problem solving, which enhances understanding and practical application of concepts, and increases student engagement. Results from this study indicated positive effects on the student's academic achievements and involving them in more interactive learning. This study suggests that adopting the flipped classroom method could result in relatively better academic preparation for modern educational challenges in Saudi higher education. A future empirical research that examines the effectiveness of the flipped classroom method on education students in Saudi universities is recommended. In order to make generalizations based on the findings, non-probabilistic sampling must be applied.

Scotland's internal medicine simulation strategy: A 5-year journey

In 2019, the internal medicine (IM) stage 1 curriculum was implemented in the UK. This introduced a revised 3-year training programme for physicians in training. The new IM stage 1 curriculum emphasised simulation-based education, triggering the integration of simulation training on a national scale in Scotland. Bespoke training courses were developed for IM trainees in Scotland, spanning all 3 years of their training programme. Each course was meticulously designed with input from key stakeholders and trainees, aligning learning objectives with curriculum outcomes. The Scottish IM simulation strategy encompasses a 3-day bootcamp in IM year 1, a 1-day skills day in IM year 2, and a 2-day ‘registrar ready’ course in IM year 3. These courses, delivered at central locations, focus on immersive simulation, communication workshops, and simulation-based mastery learning of procedural skills. Evaluation of the programme includes pre- and post-course questionnaires, data tracking over the training programme, interviews with trainees and faculty, and annual review days to gather feedback and make necessary adaptations. The impact of the programme for trainees includes transfer to clinical practice of communication skills, improved non-technical skills, and increased confidence in procedural skills. Alignment with the IM stage 1 curriculum supports trainees’ annual reviews of competence progression. The IM simulation training also offers valuable social benefits and remains crucial, especially with increased pressure in the NHS. It is our belief that ongoing delivery of this training is invaluable to the IM stage 1 programme in Scotland.

Enhancing motor skill learning through multiple sessions of online high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy adults: insights from EEG power spectrum.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on finger motor skill acquisition. Thirty-one healthy adult males were randomly assigned to one of three groups: online HD-tDCS (administered during motor skill learning), offline HD-tDCS (delivered before motor skill learning), and a sham group. Participants engaged in a visual isometric pinch task for three consecutive days. Overall motor skill learning and speed-accuracy tradeoff function were used to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS. Electroencephalography was recorded and power spectral density was calculated. Both online and offline HD-tDCS total motor skill acquisition was significantly higher than the sham group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Motor skill acquisition in the online group was higher than offline (P = 0.132, Cohen's d =1.46). Speed-accuracy tradeoff function in the online group was higher than both offline and sham groups in the post-test. The online group exhibited significantly lower electroencephalography activity in the frontal, fronto-central, and centro-parietal alpha band regions compared to the sham (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that HD-tDCS application can boost finger motor skill acquisition, with online HD-tDCS displaying superior facilitation. Furthermore, online HD-tDCS reduces the power of alpha rhythms during motor skill execution, enhancing information processing and skill learning efficiency.

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Kemandirian dengan Menggunakan Model PBL pada Materi Memperjuangkan Nilai-Nilai Kehidupan untuk Kelas XII IPA SMA Pax Patriae Tahun Ajaran 2024/2025

This Classroom Action Research (CAR) aims to improve the critical thinking skills and independence of 12th-grade students in Catholic Religious Education through the application of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model on the topic of advocating life values in society. Critical thinking skills and independence are essential for students to face the challenges of modern life and build a deeper understanding of the values from Scripture and the Catholic Church's teachings. The study was conducted in two cycles, where each cycle consisted of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research was conducted on 23 12th grade students. Observation sheets, critical thinking, and independence tests were among the instruments used. The study's findings indicate that the PBL model significantly improves students' critical thinking and independence. Cycle I saw a moderate improvement, but Cycle II saw a significant increase in students' critical thinking and independence following adjustments. Students were able to connect the values of Scripture and Church teachings with real-life contexts and became more independent in completing assigned tasks. Thus, the Problem-Based Learning model is highly effective in enhancing students' critical thinking and independence in the topic of life values in society within Catholic Religious Education. The implementation of PBL can continue to be developed to improve the quality of learning and students' life skills.

“A lifelong journey:” a phenomenological exploration of faculty perceptions about coach training at an academic medical center

BackgroundCoaching in academic medicine may help learners develop lifelong learning skills. Studies typically evaluate the impact on coachees and program outcomes. Limited information is available about educating faculty to integrate the role of coaching. We explored a faculty coach training program at an academic medical center in the southern region of the United States.MethodsTwenty faculty members in the college of medicine completed the 34-h training program meeting alternate weeks from May to November 2021. We collected data from reflections during training, a post-training survey, and three post-training focus group discussions making this a qualitatively driven mixed methods research. We used a transcendental phenomenological approach for the qualitative analysis entailing deriving essential meaning of the participants’ training experiences and perceptions about coaching.ResultsWe identified 3 themes (1) perceptions, skills, and understanding of coaching, (2) perceived additional benefits from coach training, and (3) effective instructional practices to teach coaching. Under the first theme, participants expressed improved understanding about the process of coaching in academic medicine, noted the importance of listening to the whole person without judgment, questioning with curiosity, vulnerability, self-awareness, and reflection for building trust. Perceived additional benefits included personal development and illuminating discoveries. Sub-themes for effective instructional practices were learning community encompassing mindfulness, psychological safety, social cohesion, experiential and interactive learning, and suggestions. Faculty experienced internal transformation while learning coaching and felt they had the capacity to influence personal and professional development of learners and colleagues. The concepts reflection, awareness, growth, and relationship were threaded throughout the three themes.ConclusionsThe training evoked self-awareness and opportunities for personal growth. The newly trained coaches expressed the beginning of an internal transformation to embody being a coach and demonstrated willingness to influence personal and professional development of learners and colleagues. Effective instructional practices to teach coaching included mindfulness practice, psychological safety, social cohesion, and experiential and interactive learning. Based on these findings, it may be summarized that in the process of training to be a coach, the faculty not only recognized the benefits of coaching for learners but also realized individual personal benefits.

The Effect of Contextual Interference on the Acquisition and Learning of Motor Skill with an Emphasis on Cognitive Flexibility

Background: The effect of contextual interference (CI) on motor skill learning may be influenced by various factors, such as cognitive abilities. Objectives: The purpose of the current research was to investigate the effect of CI on the acquisition and learning of soccer skills, with an emphasis on the role of cognitive flexibility (CF). Methods: Eighty students, aged 9 - 12 years, were randomly selected and administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. From this group, 60 students who scored the highest and lowest points were selected as the final subjects. After completing the pre-test on Moore-Christine's pass, shoot, and dribble skills, the subjects were divided into four groups of 15 participants each (high CF with Random Practice (RP) and Blocked Practice (BP), low CF with RP and BP). The subjects then engaged in practice sessions according to their assigned protocols for three sessions, with each session consisting of three blocks of 12 trials across all three skills—passing, shooting, and dribbling. Following the practice, acquisition, immediate retention, delayed retention, and transfer tests were conducted. Results: The results showed that practice in all four groups had significant beneficial effects on the acquisition and learning of skills. Additionally, the high CF with RP group demonstrated better performance in all skills compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that RP may be more beneficial for individuals with higher CF. Teachers and educators should consider this when teaching sports skills.

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

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