Master Students Research Articles

Unveiling e-learning and knowledge sharing during the pandemic: From expert skills perception to student satisfaction

The present undertaking seeks to explore the relationships between five main constructs, that is, e-learning, expert skills perception, knowledge perceived value, knowledge sharing and student satisfaction in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though there is a wide array of studies looking into the impact of the pandemic on the online teaching environment and on student satisfaction, this investigation is paving the way towards scrutinizing the role of expert knowledge in the overall equation. A questionnaire-based survey with 310 master students who participated to expert online lectures in various marketing and business administration classes in the context of the pandemic e-learning environment was carried out between March 2020 and May 2022. The results indicated that Expert Skills Perception explains 58.8% of the variance of Knowledge Perceived Value, while Knowledge Perceived Value and e-Learning Process explain 45.2% of the variance in Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Sharing and e-Learning Process explain 65.6% of the variance in Student Satisfaction, defining a strong predicting power of the structural model. By addressing students' perceptions of the online education process which relies on expert knowledge sharing is liable to offer a reference point for conducting and enhancing similar endeavors even in the post-pandemic ‘new normal’.

Analyzing Argumentative Texts Produced by English Education Master's Students at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta

This research investigates the grammatical construction and common logical problems in argumentative essays produced by Master of English Education students at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. This study utilized a qualitative research framework and content analysis as the design. The data collection involves a detailed syntactical analysis, facilitated by Shang’s syntax tree generator, with the researcher actively engaged in the evaluation and categorization of grammatical and logical elements. The main arguments are identified, and connections to the overarching thesis are established. Systematic coding is applied to categorize findings, encompassing sentence structure, evidence usage, tone, logical connectives, cohesions, counterarguments, and identification of logical fallacies. Findings reveal notable technical errors in sentence construction, especially in constructing complex sentences. Moreover, difficulties in understanding the appropriate genre in argumentative writing and logical errors in expressing opinions and drawing conclusions are identified. This study discovered that students encounter difficulties in maintaining a coherent and logically sound progression of ideas throughout their essays.

An Applied Linguistic Approach to Grammatical Errors Analysis: The Case of First -year Master Students at the Department of English

Error Analysis is a tool that researchers in applied linguistics use to scrutinize errors made by foreign language learners through the comparison between errors made by learners of a target language and their native language system. It is widely used nowadays for it helps scholars identify the difficulties in the acquisition of a foreign language. It allows teachers to know their students’ errors and give special attention to them. This paper aims at analyzing first-year Master students’ grammatical errors at the Department of English in Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef in order to recognize their errors, describe and categorize them and explain their occurrence. Twenty essays were randomly selected and analyzed focusing on students’ grammatical errors only. Students were given one hour and a half to write an essay in which they explain how a researcher formulates a good research title. The study was based around one research question: What are the most frequent grammatical errors made by students of English as a foreign language? It was found out that reliance on L1 to L2 transfer may have an impact on misleading foreign language learners, thus, they produce grammatical errors while writing. EFL teachers should be able to deal effectively and positively with types of their students' errors.

MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO PURSUE DENTISTRY AS FUTURE CAREER AT UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITIES

People have various motivations and perceptions when choosing a future career. The purpose of this article is to compare the motivational factors for selecting dentistry as a career among local and international students at Ukrainian universities. A qualitative design was employed, using a 24-item questionnaire with closed-ended questions to survey Master's degree students in Dentistry. Students' perceptions of motivational factors were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis, including the χ2-test and regression analysis, was conducted to identify differences. A total of 121 local and 59 international students participated in the questionnaire about motivation factors for pursuing dentistry. In the local group, 69.42% were female and 30.58% were male, while the international group comprised 32.20% females and 67.80% males. No significant differences were found between local and international students regarding professional status, income potential, entrepreneurial opportunities, practical skills, desire to work in healthcare, desire to work with people, or the wish to provide public service (P>0.1). However, international students expressed higher agreement regarding personal experiences with dental care and work experience. Conversely, local students placed less importance on factors like influence from friends and personal advice compared to international students. Recommendations for promoting education at the university include highlighting the professional status and income potential of dentistry, promoting practical skills development, and emphasizing the social value of the profession. To attract applicants from abroad, messaging about personal experiences in dentistry and graduates' recommendations on social networks could be effective strategies.

PRACTICAL APPROACH IN DELIVERING THEME "AUTONOMIC REFLEXES AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATION" AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, POLTEVE STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

In the system of higher medical education, physiology is a fundamental discipline and occupies an important place in the system of training highly qualified medical specialists. In the system of higher medical education, physiology stands as a cornerstone discipline, holding a pivotal role in shaping the competencies of future medical professionals. The scientific and pedagogical staff at the Department of Physiology, Poltava State Medical University, is dedicated to nurturing students' capacity to analyze and synthesize both theoretical and practical knowledge, laying the groundwork for clinical acumen in future specialists. This article presents a hands-on approach to teaching the topic "Autonomic Reflexes and Their Clinical Applications" within the contemporary educational landscape, targeting second-year master's and first-year bachelor's students. Highlighting the practical significance of this topic in the future medical practice, it underscores how mastering autonomic reflexes equips students with the skills to influence internal organ activity and administer emergency medical care. Such an approach not only fosters student engagement with the subject matter but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for physiology as a whole. The article outlines the instructional principles, spanning from theoretical discourse to practical exercises, emphasizing the integral role of physiology in higher medical education. By advocating for the study of physiology as a foundational science, the article underscores its role in fostering interdisciplinary integration and shaping clinical reasoning—an essential aspect of quality medical training in today's educational landscape.

E-Learning and Students Academic Performance in Cameroon’s State Universities

Purpose: The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional modes of education delivery, leading to concerns about students' poor academic performance in Cameroon state universities. This study examines “E-learning and its effects on students' performances in Cameroonian state universities.” The research questions focus on the extent to which e-notes, e-assignment, e-collaboration, and video conferencing affect students' performance.
 Materials and Methods: The study adopted a descriptive survey design and employed a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data. A sample size of 310 master's students from the Faculty of Education in the University of Yaoundé 1 and University of Buea was selected through simple random probability sampling. The instrument for data collection adopted in this study was a structured questionnaire. Data was presented using tables and frequencies.
 Findings: The findings of the study on the effects of e-learning components, including e-notes, e-collaboration, e-assignments, and video conferencing, suggest positive impacts on students' performances. E-notes and lectures provided easy access to course materials and contributed to students' understanding, although some students still preferred traditional handwritten notes. E-collaboration enhanced learning experiences by promoting knowledge sharing and critical thinking, but challenges such as unequal participation and a preference for physical collaboration need to be addressed. While e-assignments facilitated timely submissions, most students did not believe they improved their performance compared to traditional methods, emphasizing the importance of effective feedback. Video conferencing-maintained classroom community and interaction, positively influencing students' attitudes, although its effect on academic performance was relatively low.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that educators and policymakers in Cameroon should design e-learning courses that are engaging and interactive, and provide support to students to ensure they are able to succeed in online environments. A balanced approach accommodating diverse learning preferences is also recommended, along with promoting effective e-collaboration practices and providing constructive feedback.

Analysis of Digital Teacher Education: Key Aspects for Bridging the Digital Divide and Improving the Teaching–Learning Process

The quality of teacher education plays a key role in equipping students with the skills they need and it is important in avoiding learning inequalities. To bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students have equal access to technology and digital resources as well as advanced teaching–learning processes using digital tools, it is crucial to analyse the current state of teacher education in order to identify the key issues. The sample in this research consisted of 325 master of education students and in-service teachers studying at various universities (in Spain, Cyprus, and México) in the 2022–2023 academic year who filled out a questionnaire partly based on DigComEdu and this was expanded with questions relating to other digital and educational aspects. The findings reveal that there is potential for enhancement in many areas. Despite teachers having technical training associated with their profession, they lack the necessary training to overcome inequalities or digital gaps. Moreover, it is striking that those who are already working as teachers are the most pessimistic about aspects such as the use of digital resources, perhaps because of the difficulties they face in their daily work.

"Important Enough to Show the World": Using Authentic Research Opportunities and Micropublications to Build Students' Science Identities.

Primarily undergraduate institutions (PUI) often struggle to provide authentic research opportunities that culminate in peer-reviewed publications due to "recipe-driven" lab courses and the comprehensive body of work necessary for traditional scientific publication. However, the advent of short-form, single-figure "micropublications" has created novel opportunities for early-career scientists to make and publish authentic scientific contributions on a scale and in a timespan compatible with their training periods. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore the benefits accrued by eight undergraduate and master's students who participated in authentic, small-scale research projects and disseminated their work as coauthors of peer-reviewed micropublications at a PUI. In these interviews, students reported that through the process of conducting and publishing their research, they developed specific competencies: reading scientific literature, proposing experiments, and collecting/interpreting publication-worthy data. Further, they reported this process enabled them to identify as contributing members of the greater scientific community.

MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism and Association with Disorders

The Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a general and important enzyme in human cells, which is responsible for the metabolism reactions of homocysteine and folate. The genetic material for MTHFR enzyme synthesis is situated on 1 chromosome p arm in the 1p36.3 position. A lot of single nucleotide mutations have been identified in this mentioned locus, but among them well-studied is the C677T gene mutation. The C677T/MTHFR polymorphisms impact MTHFR enzyme activity, leading to alterations in methionine and folate metabolism, homocysteine levels, and in most cases subsequent effects on DNA methylation. This literature review compiles information about the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and explores its potential association with various complex, multifactorial disorders, such as cancer, cardiovascular complications, neurological conditions, and diabetes mellitus, among others. The review synthesizes findings from diverse global populations, providing valuable insights for master's and doctorate students, as well as researchers specializing in this field.

Work-life balance and online student engagement among registered nurses enrolled in online graduate nursing education: a mixed methods study

Background There is a growing number of online nursing graduate degree programs to address the professional development needs of working nurses. Work-related antecedents of online student engagement in graduate nursing studies are under-explored in the literature. Aim The aim of the study is to examine the relationship among demographic and work characteristics, work-life balance (WLB), and online student engagement (OSE) among registered nurses enrolled in online graduate studies. Methods This study design is convergent-parallel mixed methods, utilizing a survey approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population is students of an online Master of Arts in Nursing program at a university in Cabanatuan City, Philippines. Respondents were recruited via email. Google Forms were used for data collection. Non-parametric, inferential statistical tests were used to examine relationships among variables. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to draw insights from open-ended responses. Results A total of 173 graduate students responded to the survey. Quantitative results indicate high levels of WLB (Mdn = 4.8, IQR = 1.5) and OSE (Mdn = 3.7–4.0, IQR = 0.5–1.0). WLB was significantly lower among females (U = 3297.5, p < 0.01). Emotion OSE was significantly higher for respondents with managerial positions (U = 2987.5, p < 0.05). WLB had significant low to moderate positive correlations with the domains of OSE (r = 0.22 to 0.32, p < 0.01). Qualitative findings reveal various appraisals of online learning and factors influencing work-life-study balance, such as work, personal life, and school. Conclusion Work-life balance facilitates better online student engagement among graduate nursing students and is influenced by time management, work (i.e. job environment and stressors), personal (i.e. home life and leisure activities), and university factors (i.e. curriculum, modality, and professors). Impact statement Empirical evidence on the link between WLB and OSE can inform graduate nursing academics in developing initiatives to ensure the timely completion of the degree program.

The Role of Self-Efficacy and Social Support for Grit in Master of Professional Psychology Students

Grit is a trait or personality that must be possessed by individuals, especially students who are studying in the Master of Professional Psychology program. Students who have grit can demonstrate good academic performance and achieve planned long-term goals. This study aims to determine the role of self-efficacy and social support for grit in Master of Professional Psychology students in Indonesia. The participants of this study amounted to 210 students from various universities and specializations majoring in psychology who were collected using purposive sampling techniques. The research instruments used were self-efficacy scale, social support scale, and grit scale. Data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis using SPSS 24. The results of multiple regression tests show that there is a significant role between self-efficacy and social support for the grit of Master of Professional Psychology students (R square = 0.654, F = 195.278, p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Keywords: self-efficacy, social support, grit, professional psychology master students

EVALUATING STUDENTS’ ACCEPTANCE FACTORS ON CHATBOT FOR LEARNING USING UTAUT MODEL

Past studies have shown that e-learning has been widely used in education. Nowadays, e-learning has become a culture for gaining knowledge online. The problem faced by conventional e-learning is the lack of student’s interest when they are using it. Therefore, some researchers have shown that Chatbot for learning has the potential to change the way students learn and search for information. Many students are aware of Chatbot technology, however, not many students have used it. Past research has indicated that only a few numbers of studies have been done on students’ acceptance of Chatbot in education. Besides, past research has indicated that the usage of Chatbot for learning is still insufficient. The first objective of this research is to identify the factors that influence students’ acceptance of Chatbot for learning while the second objective is to identify the most influential factor in students’ acceptance of Chatbot for learning. This research adapts the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) research models which consist of constructs such as Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Lecturer’s Influence (LI), Behavioural Intention (BI) with two additional constructs which are Quality of Service (QS) and Personal Innovativeness (PI). A total of 303 respondents from different levels of education such as Diplomas, Degrees and Masters students from one of the public higher learning institutions in Selangor participated in this study. Pearson correlation was used for the first objective and multi-linear regression for the second objective. The findings from this study reveal that there are relationships between constructs such as PE, EE, LI, QS, PI with BI of students’ acceptance of Chatbot for learning and the most influential construct is EE. This research outcome will be one of the guidelines for higher learning institutions to consider the implementation of Chatbot for learning as a supplementary platform for e-learning.

Mental workload, musculoskeletal discomfort and physical activity level in master's degree students in the COVID-19 context: A pilot study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a change of pedagogical strategies from on-campus to "online" modality (synchronous and asynchronous learning) and may influence the health of university students, including their mental workload. To identify the association between mental workload, perception of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), and the level of physical activity of Masters's students' online learning due to the pandemic. This was a pilot descriptive study with a cross-sectional, quantitative, non-experimental study design. The sample consisted of 20 students. To collect the data, the participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, NASA-Task Load Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The students presented mental workload at medium (45%) and high (55%) levels, with time demands as the most prevalent dimension. In addition, 80% of the students reported experiencing MSD in the last seven days, with the most frequent areas being the neck and lower back. Regarding the level of physical activity, five students had a low level (25%), five students had a medium level (25%), and ten students had a high level (50%) of activity. Most of the students (95%) conduct their master's degree along with maintaining a full-time job. Therefore, the adaptive requirements according to "time demands" is a negative factor because of its contribution to mental workload. Especially in addition to students' perception of musculoskeletal discomfort, organizational aspects would be fundamental to prevent physical and mental health risks.

Assessment of Empathy as a Prerequisite for Holistic Nursing: Psychometric Analysis of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students for Croatian BSc and MSc Nursing Students.

Purpose: To translate the original Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students version in a group of nursing students and asses its psychometrical characteristics according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 345 bachelor's and master's students in the nursing degree program. Construct validity was tested by exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Convergent validity was tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient to test the relationship between empathy and emotional intelligence. The reliability of internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Findings: The final version of the 16-item scale with its three-factor structure has a high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86, and the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and the total score of the empathy scale and the three subscales. Conclusion: The contribution of the study is significant as the instrument is qualitatively validated and its content is clinically and educationally important for understanding the concept of empathy, especially in the education of nursing students. The correct assessment of empathy contributes to a better understanding and implementation of the components of holistic care.

SPEAKING ANXIETY: FACILITATOR OR HINDRANCE TO POSTGRADUATES’ THESIS DEFENSE PERFORMANCE

Foreign language anxiety (FLA) is a well-documented phenomenon that can significantly affect academic performance. This study examined the extent to which Taiwanese postgraduate students experienced speaking anxiety during thesis defense presentations, along with potential gender differences and variations across postgraduate programs. It specifically analyzed the correlation between anxiety and thesis presentation performance. A meticulously designed study involving 168 Taiwanese master's students in an oral thesis defense seminar employed a modified Academic Performance Scale and Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety instruments to quantitatively evaluate anxiety levels. Statistical analyses unveiled significant associations between anxiety levels and academic performance. The results indicate a high level of anxiety among participants, with a mean anxiety level of 4.05 (N=168, X=2.85) and a moderate level of thesis presentation performance, evidenced by a mean score of 2.85 (N=168, X=2.85). Notably, female postgraduates exhibited higher anxiety levels than their male counterparts. The study identifies a positive, albeit modest, correlation between anxiety and performance, suggesting that a certain level of anxiety may enhance performance. The findings underscore the pervasive influence of anxiety in academic contexts and highlight gender disparities and the impact of diverse postgraduate programs on anxiety and performance. The study challenges conventional assumptions about the negative effects of anxiety on performance, suggesting that moderate anxiety can be a motivating catalyst. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the role of anxiety in learning and performance and prompts the development of targeted interventions to address anxiety and support postgraduate students' academic success.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Digital ecosystem for enhancing research and innovation activities of master's students

Introduction. The dynamic development of modern digital technologies emphasizes the need for the development of new tools to activate the research and innovation activities of master's students. A digital ecosystem holds significant pedagogical potential not only in the academic activities of students but also in research and innovation. However, its creation is complicated by a lack of understanding of the essence, structure, and emergent properties of the system. The purpose of the study is to identify the features, mechanisms, and functionality of the digital educational ecosystem to enhance the research and innovation activities of undergraduates. Materials and methods. Bibliographic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Lens, and other international information systems of peer-reviewed scientific literature were used for the analysis of publications. System analysis and analysis of internet resources were employed to address the research objectives. The results of the study. The functional capabilities of the digital educational ecosystem for activating the research and innovation activities of master's students were identified, including access to information systems and databases of scientific information, automation of research management, creation and administration of electronic surveys, access to tools for processing and analyzing large volumes of data, access to data visualization tools, collaboration systems for working on research projects, automation of planning, tracking, and organizing research or educational projects, access to electronic systems for applying for research grants and scholarships, access to specialized plagiarism detection systems, electronic portfolios, access to publication management systems, automation of the creation and formatting of scientific articles and presentations, automation of publication formatting, access to virtual laboratories and modeling environments. Conclusion. The presented analysis allowed for the identification and justification of the pedagogical potential of the digital ecosystem for the core research and project activities of master's students, specifically: providing research with information resources; improving data collection and analysis; optimizing collaborative and network interactions; automating project management; digitally supporting the research process; digital technologies for stimulating creativity; digital support for publication preparation; expanding research boundaries; self-development; supporting distance learning; supporting virtual laboratories and modeling environments; ensuring data visualization; instrumental support for research quality analysis.

The effectiveness of using the role-playing technique in the professional practice course with groups to build the capacities of master's students

The effectiveness of using the role-playing technique in the professional practice course with groups to build the capacities of master's students

Dramatic art/theatre in Québec’s Compulsory Education: New Perspectives

The present text refers to the situation of arts teaching in Quebec schools, highlighting the genesis of dramatic art as a school discipline. In this context, the process of an artistic intervention realized in primary classes and focused on « animated reading » is described. The objective of our research project is to determine the effects of such a pedagogical action on the level of self-determination of students (theory defined by Deci and Ryan), on attitudes (Rosenberg et Hovland) and on the progression of knowledge related to competence - 2 The interpretation of the dramatic sequences stipulated in the Quebec School Training Program (Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport of Québec - MELS, 2001), this article dealing specifically with the results related to the aforementioned competence. The conclusions formulated on the basis of this field experience, carried out simultaneously as a Master's student and an invited artist in the school, offer us the opportunity both to enrich the school program in dramatic art/theatre and to perpetuate the respective discipline in Québec and abroad .

ECR Spotlight – Kristina Muise

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Kristina Muise is an author on ‘ Hibernating female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) adjust huddling and drinking behaviour, but not arousal frequency, in response to low humidity', published in JEB. Kristina conducted the research described in this article while a Master's student in Craig Willis's lab at University of Winnipeg, Canada. She is now a Veterinary Student at Royal Veterinary College, UK.

How to ensure the recovery of family businesses in a crisis situation? Case of the Moroccan family business Maghreb Steel

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, students will be able to examine the financial implications of Maghreb Steel’s substantial investment in the Blad Assolb complex in 2007 within the restructuring plan; explore how this decision influenced the company’s financial health and strategic position in the steel market, within the context of the restructuring plan; assess the impact of the 2008 economic crisis within the restructuring plan; analyze how the crisis affected the company’s pricing strategies, profitability and overall business strategy; investigate the financial and strategic consequences of the hot rolling activity initiated as a result of the Blad Assolb project within the company’s restructuring plan; and critique how this venture impacted the company’s operations, cost structure and competitiveness in the steel industry, aligned with the restructuring plan. Case overview/synopsis This case study deals with the only flat steel producer in Morocco: Maghreb Steel, the Moroccan family-owned company created in 1975 by the Sekkat family. It was a leading steel company. At the beginning, the company was specialized in the field of steel tubes, but thanks to its growth ambitions, the Sekkat family had made Maghreb Steel a major player in the Moroccan steel sector. In the same logic of development, the top management of Maghreb Steel launched in 2007 in the adventure to create the first production complex of cold rolling in Morocco – an investment that pushed Maghreb Steel to resort to a debt of more than 6bn dirhams (DH) with a consortium of six banks and would have allowed the company a huge leap in growth, except that the decision-makers of the group Sekkat could not see coming the economic crisis of 2008 causing the fall of steel prices by 62% compared to 2007. Thus, from its effective launch in 2010, the activity of hot rolling would become, for the company, a regrettable orientation. Moreover, the national market could not absorb all the production of the complex that the company called Blad Assolb. In response to this difficult situation, Maghreb Steel decided to store its goods to avoid selling at a loss. Faced with this situation of sectoral crisis and deterioration of its activity, Maghreb Steel lost its ability to honor its financial commitments with the banking consortium. From then on, the company became a case of failure, and the recovery measures had not ceased to be duplicated by the various stakeholders: State, Sekkat family, creditors and management of the company, having only one objective in mind: Save Maghreb Steel! This said, the present case study is dedicated to the financial and strategic analysis of the current situation and the evolution of the company throughout the crisis period to finally propose a suitable recovery plan to save Maghreb Steel. Complexity academic level The case study can be taught to students of master’s degrees in financial management as a synthesis of finance courses. It can also be used to train executives and managers working in family businesses as part of professional certification training. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and finance.