Thematic Learning Research Articles

Caught in the rye: Novice teachers’ journeys of self-discovery and identity formation

This qualitative study explores the experiences of novice teachers as they navigate the complexities of identity formation and self-discovery during their early careers. Grounded in Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and themes from J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, the research employs thematic analysis of interviews and reflective notes from eight novice teachers to uncover their emotional and professional struggles. Four key themes emerged: Alienation, identity and self-discovery, rejection of societal norms, and the search for genuine connections. Findings indicate that feelings of alienation often undermine teachers’ confidence and motivation, while self-discovery fosters resilience and adaptability. The rejection of standardized norms prompts educators to seek more meaningful teaching practices, enhancing student engagement and empowerment. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of building authentic relationships with colleagues and students in creating a supportive teaching environment. This research underscores the need for systemic support, including mentorship and collaborative practices, to improve novice teacher retention rates. By linking literary themes to educational experiences, this study advocates for the integration of narrative inquiry in teacher training programs, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by new teachers.

Implementation of the 2013 Curriculum in Integrated Thematic Learning in Elementary Schools: Strategies, Challenges, and its Impact on Learning

Dengan metode pengajaran saat ini yang dilakukan oleh guru cenderung membuat Pelajaran membosankan karena suasana proses pembelajaran tidak menarik dan cenderung peserta didik sulit untuk fokus pada proses pembelajaran, sama halnya yang terjadi di Madrasah Ibtidayah 3 Kota Palembang. Peserta didik cenderung bosan dan gaduh pada pembelajaran tersebut, sehingga peneliti mencari alternatif lain untuk meningkatkan keaktifan pada peserta didik. Dalam proses pembelajaran yaitu dengan Educaplay. Penerapan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keaktifan peserta didik pada tingkat Sekolah Dasar. Subjek dalam penerapan ini adalah siswa kelas 2 di Madrasah Ibtidayah Kota Palembang.

Multimedia-Assisted Elementary School Learning Materials Innovation Using STEAM Learning Approach

Printed materials dominate the teaching materials used in elementary schools in Indonesia. These conditions are backward with the development of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, so it is urgent to research the effectiveness of multimedia-based teaching material using Macromedia Flash Eight application with the learning approach of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) in Elementary Schools. The research method used is research and development (R&D) with the ADDIE model consisting of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The data collection instrument uses pre-test and post-test sheets, and an evaluation lift is open to the use of teaching materials for teachers and students. The respondents were eight teachers and 84 elementary school students. The effectiveness of the teaching material is analyzed in two ways: (1) the analysis of learning outcomes (pre-test and post-test) using the N-Gain Test, and (2) the evaluation of the product is based on the results of open-haul analysis, advice, and recommendations. This research and development results show that the pre-test average of 47,14 increased to 84.58 (post-test), while the test score of N-Gain was 71.75%, with the category quite effective. Thus, it can be concluded that Macromedia Flash 8-based teaching materials with STEAM approach to integrated thematic learning in elementary schools are practical and capable of improving student learning outcomes.

Automatic code generation based on Abstract Syntax-based encoding. Application on malware detection code generation based on MITRE ATT&CK techniques

In the last decade, the area of code generation based on natural language was one of the most studied machine learning topics. The paper addresses the problem of code generation from natural language, by generating a syntax-error-free generator model, which creates an Syntax-based model, later translated into code, for generating the structure of the code. Two approaches are comparatively investigated for generating the structure of the program. The first approach generates code templates in the form of an Abstract Syntax Tree, while the second generates the code in the form of an Abstract Syntax Graph, a new introduced concept which reduces the initial redundancy of Abstract Syntax Trees and uses it as a new way to generate code. The proposed methodology is tested on two literature data sets and on malware detection code generation based on a real data set containing MITRE ATT&CK techniques. The results outperform the state-of-the-art Abstract Syntax Tree approaches by 2.46% and the plain text-based approaches with more than 12.5%, highlighting that the proposed methodology learns better the structural representation than other literature approaches.

Development Of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) Textbooks Based On Ethnopedagogy Through Local Wisdom In Thematic Learning

This study aims to develop an Islamic Religious Education (IRE) textbook based on ethnopedagogy, which integrates local wisdom into thematic learning, and assess its quality and feasibility. Based on the researcher's observations in several elementary schools in North Aceh, it was found that, in practice, the concepts were not connected to local culture, which is a critical component of the ethnopedagogical approach. Therefore, the solution proposed by the researcher is to provide teachers with an understanding of the ethnopedagogical approach. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D) with the ADDIE model, which consists of five stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The study involved 27 elementary school teachers in North Aceh as the sample. The survey results showed that the thematic textbook based on Ethno pedagogy was deemed feasible and practical. Most teachers gave ratings with an average of over 80% on almost all tested indicators. In conclusion, developing the IRE textbook based on ethno-pedagogy successfully integrated local cultural values into IRE learning and positively impacted students' understanding and attitudes. Implications: This textbook plays a role in preserving and introducing local wisdom to students, indirectly strengthening their cultural identity. By studying local wisdom, students will better appreciate their environment's cultural heritage and values while integrating religious teachings into their socio-cultural lives. Additional Materials: A teacher training program on implementing local wisdom or initiatives from local governments to develop educational resources based on local culture.

Flexible Distribution Approaches to Enhance Regression and Deep Topic Modelling Techniques

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an extension of the Dirichlet multinomial regression (DMR) and deep Dirichlet multinomial regression (dDMR) topic modelling approaches by incorporating the generalised Dirichlet (GD) and Beta‐Liouville (BL) distributions using collapsed Gibbs sampling for parameter inference. The DMR and dDMR approaches have been shown to be effective in discovering latent topics in text corpora. However, these approaches have limitations when it comes to handling complex data structures and overfitting issues. To address these limitations, we introduce the GD and BL distributions, which have more flexibility in modelling complex data structures and handling sparse data. Additionally, we use collapsed Gibbs sampling to estimate the model parameters, which provides a computationally efficient method for inference. Experimental results on benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in improving topic modelling performance, particularly in handling complex data structures and reducing overfitting. The proposed models also exhibit good interpretability of the learned topics, making them suitable for various applications in natural language processing and machine learning.

Integrasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah di SMA Negeri Palangka Raya dan Minat Belajar Siswa pada Pembelajaran PAK Remaja

Christian religious education has a significant role in shaping students' character and morality, but the challenges faced in increasing students' interest in learning are often the focus of attention. In an effort to overcome this, recent research has highlighted the importance of choosing effective learning models in increasing students' interest in learning in Christian Religious Education subjects. Choosing the right learning model can play a key role in stimulating students' interest in learning, because it not only teaches subject matter, but also creates an interesting and relevant learning environment. Educators need to consider various learning models that are appropriate to the learning theme in order to increase student interest and involvement. A learning approach that is interesting and relevant to students' needs can help motivate them to learn better

Interlocal learning mechanisms and policy diffusion: The case of new energy vehicles finance in Chinese cities

AbstractPolicy diffusion based on learning mechanisms has fascinated political science and public administration scholars for a long time. A robust and growing body of studies have identified the existence and importance of learning mechanisms in policy diffusion. However, there are still some gaps that need to be further improved. First, scholars identify the learning mechanism mainly based on indirect evidence, such as geographical proximity and successful innovation policies adopted by other jurisdictions, which lacking direct and systematic evidence. Second, little is known about how the hierarchical power structure affects the leap from learning behavior to policy adoption. This study provides direct evidence for the promoting effect of intergovernmental learning on policy diffusion by analyzing case of Chinese local financial subsidy policies for new energy vehicles. The empirical results reveal that policy learning in the form of site visits among local governments significantly promotes the policy diffusion, but superior government policy strategy attenuates the influence of interlocal learning on policy diffusion. Also, the initiators and themes of policy learning affect the learning–diffusion linkage, portraying the conditional effects and nuanced dynamics of interlocal policy learning in eliciting policy diffusion.

Low-connectivity Educational Technology: A Case Study of Supporting Learning during Covid-19 via SMS with ‘Keep Kenya Learning’

The use of Short Messaging Service (SMS) for education has grown in recent years, drawing particular attention to supporting school-level learners, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This renewed interest has prompted questions about how this form of educational technology could be used in the longer term. However, despite being used in many Covid-19 responses, there are few documented examples of innovative applications in this field during the pandemic, which represents a gap in the literature. As a medium for education, SMS offers potential benefits such as being cost-effective and having positive impacts on learning. In this paper, we present a case study of an educational programme rapidly implemented during the pandemic as part of the ‘Keep Kenya Learning’ program, to support learners remotely in terms of literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning topics. Through the case study, we describe the innovative process used to rapidly develop content for SMS, and draw upon usage statistics, quiz scores and user feedback to gain insights into its implementation with learners and caregivers in Kenya. The case study demonstrated that educational television content can be effectively adapted to mobile delivery. Furthermore, we present practical reflections on the development and implementation of SMS educational technology which will help inform future initiatives. These include considering timing in relation to school terms when planning a supporting intervention, and designing content in a modular way to allow flexibility for learners in navigating through courses.

PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN TEMATIK INTEGRATIF BERBASIS KEARIFAN LOKAL UNTUK MEMBENTUK KARAKTER ANAK (PENELITIAN PENGEMBANGAN DI RA KHALIFAH INSANI METRO

This research was motivated by problems discovered during initial observations in Group A RA. Khalifah Insani Metro City, namely some students do not understand their respective characters because their learning activities are still conventional so they rarely link local culture with learning themes. The aim of this research is to develop a prototype of an integrative thematic learning model based on local wisdom for early childhood and determine the effectiveness of an integrative thematic learning model based on local wisdom in forming character. The research approach used in this research is Research and Development (R&D) with J. Moonen's developmental instructional model. The sample used was 1 teacher and 20 group A students at RA Khalifah Insani Metro City. The results of the research show that the development of an integrative thematic learning model based on local wisdom to shape children's character regarding product use is able to facilitate and instill good manners in students and can create appropriate and effective learning.

학교 축제와 연계한 중학교 학교자율시간 운영 방안의 시론적 탐색: 핵심프로젝트를 중심으로

Objectives This study explored a plan to operate a school festival that links core-projects of each subject in the 16+1 autonomous school hours system in middle school through the subject of ‘Planning a School Festival’. Methods We analyzed literature and previous studies on the organization and operation of school autonomous hours, cases of operating middle and high school festivals, and cases of operating domestic and international core-projects. Based on this, we examined the relationship between school festivals and core-projects in school autonomous hours, and discussed ways to operate school autonomous hours linked to school festivals. Results Firstly, the class schedule of school autonomous time linked to school festivals can be operated as a festival for the entire week or only part of the week. Secondly, a new subject called ‘Planning a School Festival’ can be opened in school autonomous time. Thirdly, the core project of school autonomous time linked to school festivals can be operated in various ways by subject. Conclusions Firstly, it provides a convergent educational experience. Secondly, cooperation and creativity are strengthened. Thirdly, connections with the local community are strengthened. Fourthly, various learning topics and activities are integrated.

Implementation of the 2013 Curriculum in Integrated Thematic Learning in Elementary Schools: Strategies, Challenges, and its Impact on Learning

Education is the process of imparting knowledge, character development, and producing a more harmonious social order and way of life, including through the development of students' intellectual capital, skills, and intellectual development. One of the innovations brought by the introduction of the 2013 curriculum is the integrative theme learning model. To provide meaningful educational experiences to students, integrative thematic learning connects various disciplines and materials through themes. The 2013 curriculum states that in order to place students as the center of the learning process, teachers must play an active role as facilitators and motivators of learning. This article aims to explain how the 2013 curriculum is applied to integrative thematic learning, and its impact on the teaching and learning process in elementary schools. The implementation of the curriculum in integrative thematic learning shows several challenges, such as difficulties in determining assessment or evaluation criteria for students, teachers' lack of understanding in compiling thematic integrative lesson plans, limited teaching aids, and the use of traditional learning methods that are less varied. The proposed solution is training and education for teachers, principals, and supervisors to acquire skills and knowledge in implementing the curriculum according to students' needs. By implementing a variety of learning methods, it is hoped that it can increase student motivation and independence in the learning process.

IMPLIKASI PROSES PEMBELAJARAN TEMATIK KELAS V DI MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH

Education plays an important role in shaping individual character and abilities. Thematic learning, which combines several subjects under one theme, is increasingly popular. This research explores the implications of thematic learning in grade 5 of SD Wonorejo, Pekalongan Regency. The aim of this research is to describe the implications of class V thematic learning at MI Salafiyah Wonorejo. This research method uses descriptive qualitative, data collection through observation, interviews and documentation. The research results explain that thematic learning environments are carried out both inside and outside the classroom. Thematic learning uses varied learning. This varied learning is adapted to student characteristics. Thematic learning as an integration approach naturally connects facts and ideas in an effort to understand the world. Through a theme network, students can connect ideas with experiences and the environment where students live. The implications of thematic learning include teacher creativity, active student participation, and the use of integrated textbooks. This research is relevant for improving the quality of education by designing more effective learning strategies.

IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN TEMATIK BERBASIS COOPERATIVE LEARNING KELAS II DI MI NU KESESI

Thematic learning is a learning activity that integrates material from several subjects in one theme/topic of discussion. Thematic learning will provide integrated learning opportunities that place more emphasis on student participation/involvement. A teacher who wants the teaching and learning process to be successful must be able to choose and determine the thematic learning model that will be used in the teaching and learning process, so that it can stimulate the enthusiasm of each student to be actively involved in their learning experience. This research aims to describe how the class II thematic learning model is implemented at MI NU Kesesi. This research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a field research type where data collection techniques use observation, interviews and documentation. The collected data was analyzed through 3 stages, namely data reduction, display and data verification. The results of this research show that the implementation of thematic learning carried out at MI NU Kesesi using the cooperative learning model is considered to be very appropriate to the conditions of the students and the students' abilities, which can be seen from the great enthusiasm of the students in participating in learning when using the cooperative learning model. . And the teacher attracts students' activity by asking questions about the material and relating it to everyday life.

‘People-in-environments’ taking the classroom to the community: evaluation of a collaborative problem-based community learning model for social work students

ABSTRACT This paper reports on an innovative community-based ‘People-in-Environments’ learning model designed to support social work students in their development of ‘Readiness for Practice’ in an English urban metropolis. This experiential model challenges students to think differently about the meaning of communities, community resources, and their own assumptions, whilst enhancing critical thinking, self-awareness, reflexivity, and the integration of anti-oppressive values. A central element involves engaging students in embodied, problem-based, confluent learning by critically responding to scenarios using real-life circumstances and visiting diverse community locations. Drawing on qualitative questionnaires, focus groups, and anecdotal data from selected student cohorts 2018–2023, six learning themes are presented: Enhanced Knowledge, Deeper Learning; Examining the Familiar Unfamiliar; What Does Community Mean; Person-In-Environment, Self-In-Environment; A Different Kind of Empathy, and Group Work Challenges. Students’ narratives emphasize the significance of embodied, emplaced learning in unfamiliar settings. Reflexively analyzing thoughts, emotions, and materiality enhanced understanding and skill development. This model facilitates nuanced appreciation of what community means, both the intersections of geographical locales with identities and attachments, and the importance of understanding community attributes, strengths, risks, and resources. The paper concludes with suggestions for creative expansion through community mapping in placements and integrative learning in social work curricula.

A Blended Learning Approach to Teaching Medication Use and Perspectives on Spirituality in Pharmacy Practice

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess students’ proficiency and perspectives regarding the role of spirituality in pharmacy practice using a blended learning approach. MethodsStudents viewed online preclass videos on general spirituality and 5 major religions in the United States. Next, students attended an interactive lecture followed by a simulated counseling session. Lastly, students completed an anonymous, 38-question, electronic perspective survey. The items were grouped into scales, and the results were compared using paired-sample t tests. Effect sizes were measured by Cohen’s d. Additionally, students could opt to complete a reflection assignment on this activity as part of a concurrent course. A content analysis qualitative approach was utilized to assess these reflections. ResultsAll students (N = 125) completed the counseling session, and 113 (90.4%) completed the survey. The mean score on the counseling session rubric was 94.8%, demonstrating students’ skills in recognizing spiritual concerns in simulated patient interactions. All perspective scale scores indicated a statistically significant change from pre to post, with the greatest change demonstrated in empathic perspective-taking (medium effect), followed by anxiety and lack of multicultural self-efficacy, religious/spiritual openness, and desire to learn (small effects). Students agreed that the instruction helped prepare them as a pharmacist (mean = 5.41) and that hearing from people with authentic experiences was valuable (mean = 5.40). Major learning themes included individualizing care, respect for beliefs, learning about diverse backgrounds, and prohibited medications. ConclusionStudents performed well in counseling patients regarding medication-related spiritual needs using a blended learning approach. In addition, the students perceived an increase in empathy while addressing spiritual considerations in patient care.

Development of integrative thematic environment-based learning materials

Development of integrative thematic environment-based learning materials

PENINGKATAN KETERAMPILAN BERBICARA MENGGUNAKAN METODE BERMAIN PERAN SISWA KELAS V SD NEGERI 05 GURUNG

This research aims to describe speaking skills in fifth grade elementary school students using the role playing method. This research conducted by qualitative approach through classroom action research. The subjects in this research were fifth grade students at SD Negeri 05 Gurung. Data collection uses observation and interview techniques. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data display, and drawing/conclusions. The results of the research stated that speaking skills with the aspects assessed in the test, namely aspects of pronunciation, intonation and vocabulary, after applying the role-playing method in thematic learning increased by an average of 16.7 points from the average in cycle I of 68.3 to 85 at the end cycle II. These results also indicate an increase of 40% in learning completion from 60% of students who completed in cycle I to 100% completion in cycle II. So the use of the role playing method is very suitable as a learning method. Students also responded in the very good category to the use of role playing methods in thematic learning. Thus, the role playing method is able to improve speaking skills in fifth grade elementary school students, and is recommended for use in learning speaking skills.

From books to the bedside: post-graduation impact of 'Week On the Wards' on medical education

BackgroundThe transition between preclinical and clinical years during medical school has been shown to be challenging. Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) implements one required two-week-long shadowing program for first and one one-week-long shadowing program for second-year medical students called Week On the Wards (WOW). The goal of this study is to ascertain whether students who completed the WOW curriculum found it beneficial over the long-term. Specifically, we want to evaluate alumni’s impression of the program’s influence on career, specialty choice, professional development, personal development, and confidence.MethodsTo evaluate our program, we developed, validated, and distributed a survey via email in the autumn of 2023. Our population included alumni from the classes of 2019–2022, irrespective of race and gender. After following steps for survey development, it was validated via focus group using qualitative methods. The survey consisted of 19 questions answerable on a 5-point Likert scale, a “Yes/No/Unsure/Maybe” section, and an optional open-ended response question. Descriptive analysis was done to report the percent responses.ResultsThe survey was emailed to 353 alumni, with 72 completed responses returned. Majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the WOW program showcased the importance of teamwork in medicine (80.6%), helped them learn to apply medical knowledge (77.8%), influenced their decision regarding which residency/specialty they chose (72.2%), provided an example of how teamwork in medicine is necessary for patient safety and effective care (66.6%), and increased their confidence in their networking skills (66.6%). Alumni nearly unanimously agreed that the WOW program was a useful part of their medical school education (93.1%) and that it should be continued for future classes (94.4%).ConclusionOur results highlight the sustained importance of early preclinical exposure to clinical environments in students’ future career decisions, in their understanding of the clinical applications of learned preclinical topics, and the importance of teamwork in medicine.

Development of Learning Media Using the Articulate Storyline Application in Integrated Thematic Learning

This research is motivated by the conventional nature of learning that takes place in the classroom, that is, it is still teacher-centered, not student-centered. This research aims to produce learning media using the Articulate Storyline application in integrated thematic learning that is valid, practical and effective to improve student learning outcomes in class III elementary schools. This research uses research and development (R&D) methods with the ADDIE development model which has five stages, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation. At the analysis stage, observations and interviews were carried out with teachers and students in elementary schools, at the design stage a learning media was designed according to the data and facts obtained. At the development stage of the learning media that has been designed, validation is carried out to find out whether the product is valid for application. Validation is carried out in three stages: first, validation by five validators who are experts in their respective fields with an overall average result of 88 with a very valid category. The results obtained after evaluating the practicality test of the teacher response questionnaire obtained an average score of 91 in the very practical category, and the student response questionnaire obtained an average score of 90 which was in the very practical category. In the effectiveness test, the learning results obtained an average value of 89 in the effective category and for the N-Gain Score an average value of 0.74 was obtained with a percentage of 74, including the effective category. Based on the results of validity, practicality and effectiveness tests, it can be concluded that the learning media using the Articulate Storyline Application in thematic learning is a valid, practical and effective learning media.