Optimal Learning Environment Research Articles

Words are just Noise, let your Actions Speak: Impact of Nonverbal Communication on Undergraduate Medical Education.

Objective:To explore student’s perceptions regarding impact of kinesics (facial expressions, gestures, head movements and postures) on undergraduate medical education.Methods:A qualitative exploratory online survey was conducted from July-Sept 2020 among purposively chosen final year BDS students (n=150) of three dental colleges of Islamabad during COVID-19 lockdown phase. Semi-structured survey questions were validated and piloted before execution. Thematic analysis was performed, and consensus was built among all authors regarding findings, hence ensuring analytical triangulation.Results:Response rate was 46% (69/150). Twenty sub-themes emerged under three domains of kinesics. Participants told that ‘neutral expressions’ frequently used by teachers create ‘boring learning environment’ and ‘hesitation among students to ask questions.’ A smile of teacher imparts ‘new degree of interest in the subject’ and gives ‘freedom of expression’ to the students. On contrary, anger ‘demotivate’ students, instills ‘fear among them’, make them anxious therefore, they are ‘unable to understand lectures’ which ultimately leads to ‘loss interest in the subject’. Use of gestures by teachers creates ‘enjoyable teaching-learning process’ but movements such as clearing throat or shaky legs produce ‘constant split-second interruption’. Moreover, standing posture of teachers bring ‘interest and alertness among students’.Conclusion:Nonverbal communication can have positive or negative impact on undergraduate medical education. Therefore, teachers may start lecture with a smile and anger should be avoided to produce friendly and healthy learning environment. Faculty training is required for the effective use of nonverbal communication strategies to create an optimal learning environment for the students.

Meta-Learning: Concept Analysis

Meta-learning, a contemporary learning paradigm, will be analysed in this article. This study aims to analyse and conceptualize the definition of metalearning, to provide evidence for the application of metalearning to learning, and to single out and name the features that allow the development of metalearning in the context of self-directed learning. To reach this goal, the concept model of Walker and Avant, involving a theoretical analysis of the concept, was selected. To reveal the theoretical concept of metalearning, the analysis of scientific publications of Lithuanian and foreign authors in the field of education and training was performed, using data collection and data analysis methods. The analysis of the concept of metalearning allows us to state that metalearning is not possible without self-regulation (self-control, self-awareness, self-reflection), reflection, independence and responsibility. Metalearning competence includes the intrinsic motivation and conscious cognitive activities of the learner; it seeks to understand and manage their thinking processes, it understands memory processes, selects the best learning methods according to the existing conditions and circumstances, organizes an optimal learning environment in the learner community, and, finally, directs the learner toward a positive experience in the process. Metalearning is complex learning that includes the integration, selection, and application of individual needs, opportunities, and teaching strategies. It emphasizes successful, perceptual learning, the application and continuous pursuit of existing knowledge, personal qualities, self-motivation, and reflection.According to Mylona (2012), the weakness and lack of empirical research on meta-learning is a consequence of the lack of focus on existing systems to clearly define all constructs that would be more actively involved in meta-learning and help overcome emerging learning challenges.

A model for teaching in learner-centred clinical settings

Teaching in a learner-centred clinical setting requires clinical teachers trained in diagnosing and addressing learner needs and interests in order to create an optimal learning environment. These educational skills may not have been explicitly addressed in medical training in the past, when little to no focus was devoted to the learning environment and promoting learner-centredness. Thus, clinical teachers may be left without a model for their important and nuanced role as facilitators of learning in the current environment. We propose that clinical teachers frame their educational approach through the lens of teachers’ perspectives. Not only does this model illustrate the factors that influence and modify clinical teachers’ mindset, but it also demonstrates the impact that teachers’ experiences may have upon creating the learning environment and determining educational outcomes. This model also identifies a feasible starting point for essential staff development: refining communication skills for use in the educational setting. With this training and model to frame understanding, clinical teachers may be better prepared to fulfill their essential role in the learner-centred educational clinical environment.

Implementation Strategies of Higher Education Part of National Education Policy 2020 of India towards Achieving its Objectives

Well defined and futuristic education policy is essential for a country at school and college levels due to the reason that education leads to economic and social progress. India with the leadership of its current prime minister and an expert team with members of varied backgrounds has developed and planned to implement a new education policy during the next decade of the 21st century called Indian National Education Policy (NEP-2020). The aim, objectives, and details are well known to practitioners and the public. NEP-2020 is an innovative and futuristic proposal with both positive and negative aspects, framed with the objective to provide a quality school education and higher education to everyone with an expectation of holistic & research-oriented progress. This paper initially depicts an overview of NEP-2020, distinguish the strengths & weakness of the policy at higher education & research part, evaluation of the implementation suggestions given in the policy, identifying and analyzing possible generic strategies for implementation of NEP-2020 to fulfill its objectives based on focus group discussions. The paper also includes many predictive proposals on issues like developing quality universities & colleges, institutional restructuring & consolidation, more holistic & multidisciplinary education, optimal learning environment & student support, transforming the regulatory system of higher education, technology usage & integration, and online & digital education. Finally, some recommendations are made to implement the NEP2020 effectively irrespective of various constraints. This article can be considered as a reference to the policy implementation teams of Govt of India.

An evaluation of civilian and military dental foundation training.

Background and aim There is little available material relating to the quality of continuing professional development for dental professionals and no studies to investigate whether dental foundation training (DFT) is meeting its aims and objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the components of DFT within the military and Oxford deaneries from the perspective of the educational supervisors (ESs) and foundation trainees (FTs).Method Questionnaires were sent to all 124 FTs and ESs involved in DFT in the Oxfordshire and military deaneries between 2012 to 2015. Following thematic analysis of the free text from the questionnaires, an interview guide was produced which mapped the main themes for a series of semi-structured interviews.Results Sixty-six questionnaires were returned (53% response rate) from 18 military and 3 Oxford ESs (21), and 30 military and 15 Oxford FTs (45). Eighteen interviews were carried out (6 ES/12 FT). The questionnaires highlighted the educational benefit of workplace-based assessments, joint clinical sessions and the importance of an ES as a positive role model, while the interviews highlighted the facilitative benefit of effective supervision, timely feedback, practice-wide teamwork, appropriate assessments and formal/informal peer review.Conclusions This study demonstrates the benefit of creating an optimal learning environment for DFT within the context of professional and ethical organisational support and appropriate clinical resources. ESs have a critical part to play as professional and clinical role models, and in ensuring an accountable and formal educational delivery, targeted learning goals, flexible delivery and timely feedback.

Importance of Ultrasound Education in Undergraduate Medical Curriculum: A Survey Study Based on First-Year Medical Students' Perception of the 6-Year Doctor of Medicine Program of the University of Nicosia Medical School in Cyprus.

Ultrasound imaging modality is a tool used in clinical practice and is being introduced gradually in the undergraduate curriculum of several medical schools worldwide. This study aims to assess medical students' perception regarding the integration of ultrasound training as part of undergraduate education. A questionnaire was given to first-year medical students after a 2-hour-long session, which was developed to introduce them in the fundamental physics theory and function of ultrasound equipment in the clinical practice. Analysis of the results indicated that students acknowledged that ultrasound training would improve their knowledge of internal medicine (P = 0.027) and of different diagnostic modalities (P = 0.019), and enhance their medical decision making (P = 0.0004). Moreover, students found beneficial the ultrasound education regarding correlating clinical knowledge with basic sciences (P = 0.0004). The study pointed out that the majority of first-year students have the opinion that the integration of ultrasound training in the medical program is valuable in medical education and patient care. However, work is needed to determine how to provide an optimal learning environment and to assess the competency of the training sessions.

Інтерактивні технології навчання майбутніх фахівців у сфері соціальної роботи

The authors consider the features of the use of interactive technologies as an optimal learning environment for the preparation of bachelors of social work.The authors of the study clarified the concepts of «innovative educational technologies» (which are not just new, but those that deny existing ones) and «interactive educational technologies» (are those in which the activity of the subject is caused by external factors, including the organization of the learning process).The conclusion about the factors influencing the in-depth assimilation of the material during the interaction of future social workers – the exchange of information; encouraging different approaches to a particular subject or phenomenon; coexistence of various conflicting opinions and assumptions; the ability to reject or criticize anyone's opinion; stimulating the participants of interaction to seek group consent. The requirements to the toolkit of interactive learning technologies at the stages of preparation, beginning and course of interaction, its management, summarizing are formulated.The tasks of temporary microgroups of students are determined, among which: preparation of a common topic for student group discussion; revision and new formulation of the purpose of the discussion; choice of further actions, for example, other variants of the topic for discussion or transition to planning practical tasks and projects; carrying out a «brainstorming»; exchange of ideas, own experience; formulation of problems for further educational research or for general discussion, determination of the number of invited expert speakers; manifestation of differences and discrepancies.

Learning Echocardiography in the Workplace: A Cognitive Load Perspective.

Although workplace learning environments provide authentic tasks to promote learning, elements of clinical settings may distract trainees and impede learning. The characteristics of workplace learning environments that require optimization are ill-defined. Applying principles of cognitive load theory (CLT) to optimize learning environments by managing intrinsic load (complexity of the task matched to learner knowledge and skill), minimizing extraneous load (any aspect that is not part of task completion), and increasing germane load (processing for storage in long-term memory) could be advantageous. The authors explored trainee perceptions of characteristics that helped or impaired learning from a cognitive load perspective. Echocardiography interpretation was used as a model. The authors conducted semistructured interviews between December 2018 and March 2019 with a purposeful sample of 10 cardiology trainees at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine until thematic sufficiency was achieved. Participants represented a range of training levels (3 fourth-year trainees, 2 fifth-year trainees, 3 sixth-year trainees, and 2 advanced echocardiography fellows) and career aspirations (4 desired careers in imaging). Two independent coders analyzed interview transcripts using template analysis. Codes were mapped to CLT subcomponents. Trainees selected their own echocardiograms to interpret; if trainees' skill levels and the complexity of the selected echocardiograms were mismatched, excess intrinsic load could result. Needing to look up information essential for task completion, interruptions, reporting software, and time pressures were characteristics that contributed to extraneous load. Characteristics that related to increasing germane load included the shared physical space (facilitating reading echocardiograms with attendings and just-in-time guidance from near peers) and the availability of final reports to obtain feedback independent of teachers. As interpreted from a cognitive load perspective, findings highlight characteristics of workplace learning environments that could be optimized to improve learning. The findings have direct application to redesigning these learning environments.

Effect of Scaling Task Constraints on the Learning Processes of Under-11 Badminton Players during Match-Play.

Scaling equipment and the playing space according to junior badminton players’ characteristics and needs is a key aspect to design optimal learning environments. The purpose of the study is to analyze the incidence of reducing the court size (from 13.40 m × 5.18 m to 11.88 m × 5.18 m) and net height (from 1.55 m to 1.30 m) for under-11 badminton players on the following technical and tactical variables: (a) service area; (b) stroke effectiveness; (c) kinds of technical strokes; (d) players’ hitting area; (e) shuttle landing area; (f) shuttle flight; and (g) rally length. Twenty-eight badminton players (mean age of players: 9.81 ± 0.93) were selected and played a badminton competition (B) with the current federative rules and a mini-badminton competition (MB) with the altered net height and court dimensions. The results showed that a lower net height and a shorter court would increase the frequency and variability of strokes and play patterns, introducing quantifiable changes considered beneficial for children in their first stages, both in training and competition.

The future of health professions education: Emerging trends in the United States.

The future of health professions education: Emerging trends in the United States.

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

Anatomy as a Model Environment for Acquiring Professional Competencies in Medicine: Experiences at Harvard Medical School.

Anatomy education provides students with opportunities to learn structure and function of the human body, to acquire professional competencies such as teamwork, interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and to reflect on and practice medical ethics. The fulfillment of this wide potential can present challenges in courses that are part of an integrated curriculum and shorter than traditional courses. This new reality, together with students' increasing concern about the stresses within medical education, led to efforts at Harvard Medical School to implement practical steps toward an optimal learning environment in anatomy. These were based on core elements of ethical anatomy education and principles of trauma-informed care. Anatomy is conceptualized here as the "first clinical discipline," with relational interactions between anatomical educators, medical students, and body donors/patients. Essential prerequisites for the implementation of this work were support by the medical school leadership, open partnership between engaged students and faculty, faculty coordination, and peer-teaching. Specific interventions included pre-course faculty development on course philosophy and invitations to students to share their thoughts on anatomy. Student responses were integrated in course introductions, combined with a pre-dissection laboratory visit, an introductory guide, and a module on the history and ethics of anatomy. During the course, team-building activities were scheduled, and self-reflection encouraged, for example, through written exercises, and elective life-body drawing. Students' responses to the interventions were overall positive, but need further evaluation. This first attempt of a systematic implementation of an optimal learning environment in anatomy led to the identification of areas in need of adjustment.

Intellectual Precocity: What Have We Learned Since Terman?

Over the past 50 years, eight robust generalizations about intellectual precocity have emerged, been empirically documented, and replicated through longitudinal research. Within the top 1% of general and specific abilities (mathematical, spatial, and verbal) over one third of the range of individual differences are to be found, and they are meaningful. These individual differences in ability level and in pattern of specific abilities, which are uncovered by the use of above-level assessments, structure consequential quantitative and qualitative differences in educational, occupational, and creative outcomes. There is no threshold effect for abilities in predicting future accomplishments; and the concept of multipotentiality evaporates when assessments cover the full range of all three primary abilities. Beyond abilities, educational/occupational interests add value in identifying optimal learning environments for precocious youth and, with the addition of conative variables, for modeling subsequent life span development. While overall professional outcomes of exceptionally precocious youth are as exceptional as their abilities, educational interventions of sufficient dosage enhance the probability of them leading exceptionally impactful careers and making creative contributions. Findings have made evident the psychological diversity within intellectually precocious populations, their meaningfulness, and the environmental diversity required to meet their learning needs. Seeing giftedness and interventions on their behalf categorically has held the field back.

Educational Environment and Mental Health of Moroccan Medical Students: A Study in the Faculty of Medicine of Marrakech

Introduction: Studies concur that an optimal learning environment is a vital aspect for effective learning and for enhancing students’ well-being. Conversely, medical training is reported to be a suboptimal environment, thereby compromising students’ learning and well-being.Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between students’ perceptions of the educational environment and their mental health.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, using the GHQ-12 and the DREEM questionnaires, with 380 students from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th year), during the academic year 2017-2018. Results: We recruited 358 students in a period of 2 weeks, achieving a response rate of 94.2%. There was a predominance of females (66.48%). The mean age was 22.20 ± 2.149 years. The average GHQ score was 6.37 ± 3.484, with a psychological distress rate of 66.76%. The mean total score of DREEM was 86.5 ± 29.194 which indicates the existence of several significant problems. There was a statistically significant association between the poor perception of the educational environment and psychological distress.Conclusion: Improving the educational environment and promoting deep learning approaches for medical students will improve their psychological health during medical training.

Transitioning University Courses Online in Response to COVID-19

As the world reeled from the realization that a pandemic of a magnitude not seen in a century was upon us, and that physical distancing to reduce the speed of transmission was going to necessitate suspension of regular classes, university faculty members scrambled to convert their planned lectures from in-person to online formats. This article describes one faculty member’s experiences using a flipped classroom approach in a virtual teaching environment. The arrival of COVID-19 fractured the school year and put some students’ graduation in jeopardy. From a hasty search of literature on the process of teaching and evaluating in an online environment, to a selection of hardware and software to provide students with an optimal learning environment while ensuring the security and validity of online evaluation, this article will highlight some of the successes and pitfalls of a rapid transition to online instruction and evaluation. Although there is a body of literature on the process and efficacy of online teaching, the constantly evolving nature of technology not only continues to produce new online instruction tools, but also tools that can be used by students to circumvent most cheating prevention measures put in place.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Creating an optimal environment for distance learning in higher education: discovering leadership issues

Current literature does not provide exhaustive information about leadership as part of teaching and learning. The distance learning format creates a platform for developing leadership skills. However, this form of education is often confused with the denial of the importance of education and the ideas of “unschooling”, which leads to a negative attitude in society towards extramural forms of study. This study demonstrates the value of distance learning in the education system, and describes specific leadership skills that can be improved through distance learning. The study disproves unconfirmed judgments and clichés about detachment, loneliness, and the degradation of communicative competencies among distance learning students. The study as well outlines the impact of extramural forms of study on the development of inclusiveness and tolerance for self-expression in educational classes. Thus, it has been proven that distance learning has a positive influence on skills development.

Learning environment, students' attitude and intention to enhance current knowledge in the context of choosing accounting career

PurposeThis research examines the influence of the learning environment and students' attitudes towards choosing an accounting career mediated by intention to enhance the current knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe online survey is adopted to test the research model of this research. There are 503 useable responses collected with the effective response rate of 72 per cent. Data analysis and hypothesis testing use Partial Least Square as part of the Structural Equation Modelling technique.FindingsThe results of this research indicate that accounting students possess positive attitude both towards the intention to enhance the current knowledge and choosing their accounting career. The learning environment includes educators and friends who give significant influence on students' intention. Besides, current knowledge enhancement is also discovered to be able to mediate the link between attitude, learning environment and intention to choose accounting career.Research limitations/implicationsDifferent generations may generate either different perception or different orientation in choosing accounting career. Therefore, future research can consider wider coverage and more updated object.Practical implicationsFindings of this research suggest that periodic improvement and renewal are necessary to administer to create an optimum learning environment, in term of teachers' capacity, teaching materials and supporting social environment.Originality/valueThis research contributes to any research related to attitudes towards choosing an accounting career. This study is the leading study that combines students' attitudes, learning environment, current knowledge enhancement, and career choice in one single model.

Autonomy and professional identity formation in residency training: A qualitative study.

Professional identity formation (PIF) involves the development of professional values, actions and aspirations and is central to medical education. Current understanding of PIF is informed by psychological and sociological theories. One ideal of medicine is responsibility to the patient; the development of this ideal is related to learner autonomy. The purpose of this study was to further theorise the relationships between the individual and contextual aspects of PIF through exploring the associations amongst autonomy, making decisions and responsibility for patients during residency training. Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with internal medicine residents at an academic medical centre. Interview transcripts were de-identified and processed through open coding and analytic memo writing. During data collection and analysis, we identified social cognitive theory (SCT), specifically reciprocal determinism, or the triadic and reciprocal relationship between context, person and behaviour, as a useful theoretical lens through which to illuminate the relationship between autonomy and PIF. Using SCT to guide analysis, we organised themes, identified relationships amongst themes, and refined them through group discussion and constant comparison with new data. Residents discussed three main themes: autonomy; making decisions, and responsibility for patient care. Autonomy allowed residents to feel personally responsible for patient care, and build confidence and trust. Autonomy allowed residents to feel engaged in making 'real decisions' for patient care. By displaying confidence in their decision making, residents were granted more autonomy. Lack of autonomy led to disengagement and lack of ownership over patient care. This study highlighted the role of autonomy in the PIF of learners. Exploring the tension between autonomy and supervision through the lens of SCT highlighted the interconnectedness of context, behaviour and identity in PIF. To ensure optimal learning environments for PIF, educators should weigh the need for autonomy against the demands for supervision and patient safety.

An optimal environment for placement learning: listening to the voices of speech and language therapy students.

Placements are a core component of learning within speech and language therapy (SLT) undergraduate and postgraduate university programmes. They facilitate the development of students' professional and clinical competencies and socialization into the profession. It is indicated that an optimal environment for placement learning often pivots on the mentoring, supervision and feedback the student receives. To explore the perspectives of student SLTs in the Republic of Ireland in relation to factors that would best support their learning and competency development on placement. Qualitative data were collected from an anonymous online student survey that consisted of eight open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. Excerpts from the data were selected to illustrate the themes constructed. A total of 117 students responded. Four salient themes were generated that capture the students' perspectives of an optimal environment for placement learning and competency development. This study supports quality assurance within the practice education of student SLTs and highlights aspects of an optimal learning environment that practice educators can strive to develop. In parallel, this study points to the need for improved supports from university personnel and placement site managers, and an increased need for student preparedness and self-reflection. Implications for continuing professional development specific to the role of a practice educator is described, in addition to the recommendation of an expanded perspective of supervision within SLT. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject Placements are an integral component of SLT undergraduate and postgraduate university programmes that enable students to translate theory to practice. Placement involves a transition from structured and predictable learning of the classroom to more dynamic learning environment within the placement site. Assessment of placement is carried out by practice educators using competency assessment tools. An optimal environment for placement learning often pivots on the mentoring, supervision and feedback that the student receives from their practice educator. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study explores student SLTs' voices in relation to what they consider an optimal environment for placement learning should be and what they believe may best support them in their journey to develop their clinical competencies. It supports quality assurance of the practice education of our future colleagues. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings of this enquiry emphasize the distinction between competence as a SLT and competence as a practice educator and have subsequent implications for the content of continuing professional development for practice educators. In particular, an expanded perspective of the models and frameworks of supervision to promote and implement within the practice education of SLT students is presented.

Training talk

OPTIMAL LEARNING A course on creating an optimal learning environment helped Lucy Stevens put self-regulation at the heart of good communication. By Gabriella Jozwiak