Perceptual Learning Research Articles

The impact of the educational environment on student engagement and academic performance in health professions education

BackgroundThis research explores the relationships between the educational environment, student engagement, and academic achievement in Health Professions Education (HPE) , specifically examining the mediating role of engagement.MethodsThe study used cross-sectional design, and data were collected from 554 HPE students via self-report questionnaires. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) assessed the educational environment while the University Student Engagement Inventory measured learning engagement across the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Academic achievement was measured using cumulative GPA. Relationships between study variables were analyzed using path analysis.ResultsPath analysis demonstrated that four educational environment subscales directly affected emotional engagement (48% variance explained). Students’ perception of learning and academic self-perceptions influenced behavioral engagement (28% variance explained), while cognitive engagement was influenced by academic self-perceptions (39% variance explained). GPA was positively influenced by behavioral and cognitive engagement but negatively by emotional engagement. Cognitive and behavioral engagement mediated the relationship between students’ academic self-perceptions and academic achievement.ConclusionsStudents’ perceptions of the educational environment significantly influenced emotional engagement, followed by cognitive and behavioral engagement. Cognitive and behavioral engagement directly affected academic achievement and mediated the relationship between the educational environment and academic achievement.

CONECTANDO CONCEITOS: O IMPACTO DOS MAPAS MENTAIS DIGITAIS DINÂMICOS NA APRENDIZAGEM DE SISTEMAS LINEARES

Traditional teaching methods tend to emphasize verbal and linear learning, focusing on isolated information rather than identifying relationships between concepts. However, building meaningful understanding requires visualizing these conceptual interconnections. The shift from a linear approach to integrated network models, such as mind maps, facilitates this knowledge organization, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts. With the advent of distance learning, additional challenges arise in the production of teaching materials, requiring critical reflection on the potentialities and challenges of digital technologies in pedagogical practice. Therefore, this research investigates the effectiveness of using dynamic digital mind maps (DDMM) in learning Electrical Engineering, focusing on the Linear Systems course. The study aims to evaluate, through a data collection instrument, how mind maps can assist students in understanding mathematical and abstract concepts, highlighting two perspectives: how students learn, and their perceptions of meaningful learning based on Digital Educational Resources. The experience emphasized a lesson plan for knowledge construction in the face of the challenges of 21st-century engineering education, developing competencies and skills for solving real and interdisciplinary problems.

The texture of parental experiences with online learning: the interplay of norms, relationships, and emotions

This article reports findings from a mixed-method study investigating parents’ perspectives and experiences in navigating their children’s online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved surveys of parents (n = 775) and interviews (n = 32) conducted in eight primary schools in Hong Kong. Statistical analyses revealed that parents’ perceptions of online learning (PPOL) were positively affected by their self-efficacy in providing online learning support, their expectations for parent-teacher communication, and their satisfaction with schools’ support. Conversely, increased levels of parental engagement and stress, and the need for regular school updates negatively affected PPOL. Qualitative findings showed that parents’ perspectives were influenced by experiences tied to their normative role expectations and their perceptions of teachers and schools, which subsequently shaped their emotional responses to online learning. These findings offer nuanced insights for developing policies and practices aimed at better supporting parents’ engagement in the digital era.

Students' Readiness and Perceptions of Autonomous Learning: A Case Study of UMI students

This paper aims to investigate the readiness and perceptions of students towards autonomous learning at the Faculty of Arts, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, English Department, a concept that emphasizes learner independence and self-regulation in the educational process. As educational paradigms shift towards more student-centered approaches, understanding how prepared students are for such autonomy is crucial for successful implementation. This case study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews to assess students' self-efficacy, motivation, and attitudes towards independent learning. It involves 120 participants, the research focuses on the impact of demographic variables such as age, gender, and educational background on students' readiness and attitudes, the factors influencing their readiness for autonomous learning, their perceptions of the benefits and challenges of autonomous learning compared to traditional learning, and the relationship between self-efficacy and perceived readiness. The findings reveal varying levels of readiness among students, influenced by factors such as prior learning experiences, access to resources, and personal motivation. While a significant portion of students express enthusiasm for the flexibility and empowerment associated with autonomous learning, others indicate concerns about the challenges it presents, including time management and the need for self-discipline. The study concludes by discussing the implications for curriculum design and the support structures necessary to enhance students' readiness for autonomous learning at UMI.

Analysing the Impact of Gamification Techniques on Enhancing Learner Engagement, Motivation, and Knowledge Retention: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

This study investigates the impact of gamification techniques, including Kahoot!, Classcraft, and Badgeville, on learner motivation, engagement, and perceptions of learning effectiveness and enjoyment in online learning environments. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships between gamification elements and learner outcomes, framed by Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Data collected from a survey of 169 academics across varis fields reveal that gamification techniques, such as leaderboards, badges, points systems, and challenges, significantly enhance learner engagement, with an average increase of 25% observed. Rewards, incentives, and competitive challenges boost both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, leading to a 30% improvement in learner performance. Despite a slight negative perception regarding gamification's impact on learning effectiveness, a 20% increase in perceived enjoyment underscores its overall positive influence. Knowledge retention significantly impacts learner engagement, perceived learning effectiveness, and enjoyment, with a correlation coefficient of 0.65 between retention rates and engagement levels. These findings highlight the importance of balancing competitive elements to optimize motivation, effectiveness, and enjoyment while maintaining a supportive learning environment. The study provides actionable recommendations for designing gamified e-learning environments that effectively integrate gamification elements to enhance engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention, offering evidence-based guidance for educators aiming to create engaging and effective online learning experiences.

Deep convolutional neural networks are sensitive to face configuration.

Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) are remarkably accurate models of human face recognition. However, less is known about whether these models generate face representations similar to those used by humans. Sensitivity to facial configuration has long been considered a marker of human perceptual expertise for faces. We tested whether DCNNs trained for face identification "perceive" alterations to facial features and their configuration. We also compared the extent to which representations changed as a function of the alteration type. Facial configuration was altered by changing the distance between the eyes or the distance between the nose and mouth. Facial features were altered by replacing the eyes or mouth with those of another face. Altered faces were processed by DCNNs (Ranjan etal., 2018; Szegedy etal., 2017) and the similarity of the generated representations was compared. Both DCNNs were sensitive to configural and feature changes-with changes to configuration altering the DCNN representations more than changes to face features. To determine whether the DCNNs' greater sensitivity to configuration was due to a priori differences in the images or characteristics of the DCNN processing, we compared the representation of features and configuration between the low-level, pixel-based representations and the DCNN-generated representations. Sensitivity to face configuration increased from the pixel-level image to the DCNN encoding, whereas the sensitivity to features did not change. The enhancement of configural information may be due to the utility of configuration for discriminating among similar faces combined with the within-category nature of face identification training.

Promoting intergenerational learning in higher education: participants’ perspectives on co-management and project-based learning

ABSTRACT Intergenerational (IG) practices foster understanding among diverse age groups, enhancing active ageing and social cohesion. Universities, as key stakeholders in lifelong learning, are pivotal in IG initiatives. Hence, this study investigates IG practices, rooted in project-based learning and co-management, in an international collaboration of universities. It explores participants’ views on IG learning experiences, emphasising generational perspectives and institutional situatedness. The research was conducted in 2022/2023 across Central and Eastern European universities, involving 45 participants (25 older learners, 20 students). Focus group interviews were employed, using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach. Results reveal age-related differences in IG learning perceptions: younger participants emphasised self-expression and connections, while older adults reported view changes about younger generations. Project-based collaboration and effective communication were key facilitators. Institutional situatedness was also identified as a relevant perspective. Participants at Mendel University emphasised the social engagement of older adults; at Eötvös Loránd University, the focus was on the choice of topics and roles; while at University of Split, there was an emphasis on fostering creativity and cooperation. The study thus underscores IG learning’s complexity and advocates for inclusive IG practices in universities, leveraging project-based and co-management principles.

Commentary on the Applications of Blended Learning in the Teaching and Learning Process – A Review

Blended learning, an innovative approach that combines traditional face-to-face (FTF) instruction with online elements, has gained prominence in education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of blended learning, including its definition, advantages, disadvantages, and various factors that affect the effectiveness of this teaching and learning approach. It also explores students’ and teachers’ perceptions of blended learning and the challenges and issues that may arise in its implementation. Blended learning has been found to provide several benefits such as personalized learning, flexibility, improved engagement, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and real-world skill development. However, it also presents challenges related to technological dependence, digital inequality, reduced face-to-face interaction, and assessment difficulties. Instructors may face challenges in terms of preparation, time management, and scheduling. Factors affecting learning in a blended environment include pedagogical approaches, technology infrastructure, teacher skills and training, student engagement, assessment methods, cultural and social context, and time management. Students and teachers generally perceive blended learning positively, citing improvements in learning outcomes and teaching practices. While blended learning offers a sound pedagogical approach, successful implementation requires addressing technical barriers, ensuring engagement, effective assessment and evaluation methods, effective time management, and providing instructor training and support. Data privacy and security, social isolation, and course redesign are also important considerations in implementing blended learning. In conclusion, blended learning is a versatile and effective educational approach with many advantages and challenges. To ensure its success, careful planning, continuous evaluation, and support for educators and learners are essential to create rich learning environments in a rapidly evolving educational environment.

Perceptual learning and neural correlates of virtual navigation in subjective cognitive decline: A pilot study

Perceptual learning and neural correlates of virtual navigation in subjective cognitive decline: A pilot study

METHODOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN OF CYBERSOCIALIZATION OF STUDENTS BASED ON BLENDED EDUCATION

In the 21st century, with the rapid development of science and technology, approaches to pedagogy have changed significantly. New teaching methods such as distance learning (DL), online learning (OL) and blended learning (BL) have come into focus. In recent years, blended learning (BM) has become increasingly popular as a new pedagogical approach, including in Uzbekistan, where its application is gradually increasing in universities. This study analyzes students' perceptions of blended learning, its benefits and challenges in the context of higher education in Uzbekistan. The results, based on questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, showed that students have a positive attitude towards BM, especially those who combine studies with family and work responsibilities. The main challenge remains access to the Internet, however, students were able to successfully utilize the benefits of both face-to-face (F2F) and online learning. The study also highlights the need for further study on the application of blended learning in the higher education system of Uzbekistan for its successful implementation and understanding.

The Impact of Teacher’s Transformational Leadership on Learning Commitment and Academic Achievement among College Women Majoring in Beauty

The leadership of instructors is very important in effectively conveying new skills and knowledge in the beauty field. In particular, transformational leadership, which promotes learner growth and enhances creativity, is gaining attention in recent times, and the need for research on its impact on beauty education is emerging. Through this study, it was found that the transformational leadership of the instructor has a significant impact on the learning immersion and academic achievement of female students majoring in beauty. This suggests that the role of the instructor in the beauty education field is very important, and that instructors can enhance the learning outcomes of learners by demonstrating transformational leadership. This study aimed to empirically investigate the impact of the transformational leadership perceived by female students majoring in beauty on learning immersion and academic achievement, and to present it as basic data necessary for the establishment of teaching strategies to improve learner outcomes. The limitation of this study is that by limiting the research subjects to female students, it does not consider the perceptions of learners with diverse backgrounds and experiences, which limits the generalization of the research results. Therefore, future research should consider various factors such as gender, age, and region to select a more comprehensive research subject and to derive more generalized results.

Double training reveals an interval-invariant subsecond temporal structure in the brain.

Subsecond temporal perception is critical for understanding time-varying events. Many studies suggest that subsecond timing is an intrinsic property of neural dynamics, distributed across sensory modalities and brain areas. However, our recent finding of the transfer of temporal interval discrimination (TID) learning across sensory modalities supports the existence of a more abstract and conceptual representation of subsecond time that guides the temporal processing of distributed mechanisms. One major challenge to this hypothesis is that TID learning consistently fails to transfer from trained intervals to untrained intervals. To address this issue, here, we examined whether this interval specificity can be removed with double training, a procedure originally developed to eliminate various specificities in visual perceptual learning. Specifically, participants practiced the primary TID task, the learning of which per se was specific to the trained interval (e.g., 100 ms). In addition, they also received exposure to a new interval (e.g., 200 ms) through a secondary and functionally independent tone-frequency discrimination task. This double training successfully enabled complete transfer of TID learning to the new interval, indicating that training improved an interval-invariant component of temporal interval perception, which supports our proposal of an abstract and conceptual representation of subsecond time in the brain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

University instructors’ and students’ perceptions of blended learning and perceived determinant factors

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of instructors and students towards blended learning and perceived determinant factors at Jimma University. A concurrent mixed-methods research design was used. Data were collected from 145 students and 70 instructors by using questionnaires and interviews. The findings showed that both instructors and students confirmed the lack of facilities, lack of technological knowledge, and instructors’ lack of technological pedagogical knowledge. On the other hand, both instructors and students believed that the BL approach had a positive impact on students learning. In addition, the major challenges identified were teachers’ increasing workload, lack of access to internet connections, non-compliance of learners’ educational backgrounds to permit effective use of BL, non-suitability of the approach for all learning styles, slow internet connectivity, lack of organization of blended learning materials, and lack of IT knowledge. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the concerned university officials give thoughtful attention to the provision of necessary facilities to implement BL and design appropriate training and capacity-building programs for university instructors and students to increase students' and instructors’ knowledge and skills in technology use. Keywords: Blended learning; challenges; determinant factors; instructors; perceptions

ONLINE LEARNING FOR STUDENTS: IMPACT AND PERCEPTION

The aim of this research is to examine how online learning affects students' academic achievement. Online learning is expanding quickly at all levels of official education, including the university level. This study at one of Bandung, Indonesia's private university seeks to ascertain the impact of online learning on students' perceptions and academic achievement. All current participants in the Accounting Study Program make up the study's population. The class of 2018-2022 members of Accounting Study Program who are currently enrolled in or have completed the Auditing course make up the sample for this study. Purposive sampling is the sample selection technique employed, while the research approach used is explanatory research. Using the T and F tests, multiple regression analysis, and SPSS, the study hypothesis is tested. According to the sample technique, questionnaires were given out to 113 students. Additionally, interviews were conducted to find out what students thought of online learning, both positively and negatively. The study's findings indicated that online learning has an impact on academic achievement. Although most students have positive perceptions of online learning, there are some negative ones as well. However, the university can address these negative perceptions by correcting the relevant errors.

Jack of all trades, master of one: domain-specific and domain-general contributions to perceptual expertise in visual comparison

Perceptual expertise is typically domain-specific and rarely generalises beyond an expert’s domain of experience. Forensic feature-comparison examiners outperform the norm in domain-specific visual comparison, but emerging research suggests that they show advantages on other similar tasks outside their domain of expertise. For example, fingerprint examiners not only outperform novices in fingerprint comparison, but also in face comparison. Yet, the extent to which their skills generalise is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the generalisability of perceptual expertise amongst forensic examiners by comparing their performance to novices and other examiners within and outside their area of expertise. We recruited 85 experts from three forensic disciplines (face, fingerprint, and firearms) and asked them to complete four different visual comparison tasks: faces, fingerprints, firearms, and novel-objects. Examiners displayed domain-specific expertise: they outperformed novices and other examiners within their domain of visual comparison expertise. Yet, some of their skill also generalised: examiners also outperformed novices outside their area of expertise. However, while individual differences in examiners’ performance within their domain of experience were associated with their performance in a novel comparison task, they were not related to their performance on tasks outside their expert domain. These results provide key insight into the domain-specific and domain-general contributions of forensic examiners’ perceptual expertise. Forensic expertise lends some generalisable skill to other visual comparison tasks, but best performance is still seen within examiners’ domain of expertise.

Teachers' perceptions of ethnomathematics learning in the independent curriculum program in Indonesia

This research aims to determine mathematics teachers’ perceptions of ethnomathematics learning in the independent curriculum program for the 2022/2023 academic year using a qualitative descriptive method. The results of the study were strengthened by quantitative methods to determine the relationship between the variables and the problems that influenced the study. The research sample comprised 60 mathematics teachers in Kudus Regency, Indonesia. The research instrument had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient value of 0.826 through the expert judgment method, indicating its reliability. The results showed that the mathematics teachers’ perceptions of ethnomathematics learning in the independent curriculum program varied. One teacher (1.67%) saw it as very good, 25 teachers (41.67%) saw it as good, 27 teachers (45%) saw it as adequate, and seven teachers (11.67%) saw it as fair. The conclusion is that mathematics teachers in Kudus Regency, Central Java, have moderate perceptions of ethnomathematics learning in the independent curriculum program implemented in the 2022/2023 academic year. This research has benefits for teachers and school policies related to training, empowerment, and the development of independent curriculum ethnomathematics learning to obtain quality outcomes.

An ACNAP survey assessing the cardiology multidisciplinary learning needs to support lipid management

Abstract Background/ Introduction: Reducing LDL cholesterol is a high priority in cardiovascular care but requires knowledge and skills to deliver effectively. Nurses and allied professionals (NAPs) can play a major role in supporting lipid optimisation. Most NAPs will work together with patients prescribed lipid lowering therapies, and some may be more closely involved in initiation and monitoring. The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals (ACNAP) wanted to gauge the level of understanding, confidence and learning needs of cardiology professionals to better implement European Society of Cardiology (ESC) lipid lowering guidelines. Purpose The aim of the project was to highlight gaps in knowledge to better inform needs for training and educational programmes developed by ACNAP. Methods A 29 question electronic survey was developed by expert consensus, exploring previous experience, clinical knowledge, and perceptions of learning needs. It was launched at the EuroHeartCare conference in June 2023, on social media, and members of the ESC were emailed inviting participation. Results 123 people responded. 29.5% of the respondents were physicians and 70.5% NAPs. Most respondents were involved in lipid optimisation of some description with only 7.0% of respondents having no direct involvement in their patient cohort. A higher percentage of respondents responded "totally agree" when asked it they knew what cholesterol targets to aim for in secondary prevention, compared to primary prevention (61% v 41.5%). 94% of respondents felt comfortable when to initiate statins and and 82% ezetimibe. This reduced to 45% for inclisiran and 40% for bempedoic acid. Similarly, the majority felt comfortable counselling a patient newly initiated on statins or ezetimibe, but significantly fewer the newer lipid lowering therapies. Experience and understanding of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) was also explored. Only half the respondents would be comfortable in identifying and diagnosing FH and a further 25% unsure. A large percentage (37%) were unaware of the Simon Broome criteria or the Dutch Lipid Criteria Network (49%). When considering learning needs, 71% of NAP respondents needed extra support to help make lipid lowering decisions. This rises to 84% and 74% when looking at nurses and pharmacists separately, respectively. Nearly 76% would prefer any learning to be delivered online, with interactive online training packages being the most popular method. Conclusions The three main gaps identified by NAPs were: management in primary prevention (initiation and targets), the newer innovative medicines (bempedoic acid, inclisiran and PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies) and FH. Interestingly, these are the same gaps highlighted by physician responders. These findings can help guide ACNAP and ESC in the development of educational programmes with the aim to improve better lipid management overall.

“The Mysterious Disappearance”: assessment of a sustainability-themed virtual educational escape room in higher education

PurposeIn this study, we assessed the educational value and efficacy of a virtual educational escape room (VEER), called “The Mysterious Disappearance”, for training pre-service teachers.Design/methodology/approach“The Mysterious Disappearance” was developed ad hoc and contains various activities and puzzles focussing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research will evaluate the design quality and satisfaction of 193 participants regarding the VEER, their perceptions of game-based learning (GBL) and analyse which soft skills are most used and which valence typology (positive/pleasant or negative/unpleasant emotions) has the greatest impact on players’ experience. Descriptive, exploratory factor and inferential analyses are employed.FindingsThe study indicates that the VEER is rated very positively by pre-service teachers. Overall satisfaction levels are high, and the resource and methodology are perceived as favourable. The design quality of the resource is also well rated, with participants perceiving it as a challenging but engaging and well-balanced. Participation in the VEER shows several benefits, especially in cognitive and motivational areas. The participants demonstrated high levels of soft skills utilisation. The resource elicits predominantly positive and pleasurable emotions. Finally, there is a positive perception towards GBL among pre-service teachers, both as students and future teachers.Originality/valueThis study employs a multivariate analysis, using a questionnaire comprising three scales. This study’s dual focus on participants’ perceptions, as current Students and Future teachers, provides insights into their potential role as designers/implementers. Findings contribute to the ongoing development of academic hypotheses, particularly by highlighting the increased motivation linked to VEER use and its positive impact on learning. Designed with the SDG framework, the game enhances teachers' engagement with the 2030 Agenda, supporting their professional development and promotes values related to sustainability. The VEER was developed ad hoc by one of the authors, and the study has potential implications for numerous fields and areas of research.

Functional diversities within neurons and astrocytes in the adult rat auditory cortex revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing

The mammalian cerebral cortex is composed of a rich diversity of cell types. Sensory cortical cells are organized into networks that rely on their functional diversity to ultimately carry out a variety of sophisticated cognitive functions for perception, learning, and memory. The auditory cortex (AC) has been most extensively studied for its experience-dependent effects, including for perceptual learning and associative memory. Here, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) in the AC of the adult rat to investigate the breadth of transcriptionally diverse cell types that likely support the role of AC in experience-dependent functions. A variety of unique excitatory and inhibitory neuron subtypes were identified that harbor unique transcriptional profiles of genes with putative relevance for the adaptive neuroplasticity of cortical microcircuits. In addition, we report for the first time a diversity of astrocytes in AC that may represent functionally unique subtypes, including those that could integrate experience-dependent adult neuroplasticity at cortical synapses. Together, these results pave the way for building models of how cortical neurons work in concert with astrocytes to fulfill dynamic and experience-dependent cognitive functions.

Affective Engagement with Metaphor in Introductory Statistics Education

Metaphor is a popular pedagogical tool to help learners understand unfamiliar concepts, but its affective and interactional qualities remain underexplored compared to its cognitive benefits. This study investigates how metaphor may enhance affective engagement within introductory statistics education for linguistics students. As previous research tends to rely on delayed and self-reported data, this study employs a mixed-methods approach that combines real-time physiological measures of engagement with feedback through surveys and interviews. It compares metaphorical and literal instructional styles for teaching simple linear regression, focusing on: i) differences in teacher and learner skin conductance levels, ii) teacher-learner synchrony through skin conductance concordance, iii) the relationship between physiological measures and affect-related survey responses, and iv) learner reflections on their experiences. Results show that the metaphorical style is associated with higher engagement levels and stronger teacher-learner synchrony, affirming the role of metaphors in enhancing collaborative learning when elaborated over time in spontaneous interactive fashion. However, the qualitative data reveal nuanced learner perceptions, highlighting the importance of clearly communicating the scope of metaphor use. This study contributes to understanding the interplay between affective and cognitive engagement in metaphorical learning, offering practical recommendations for its effective implementation in complex subjects like statistics.