Physical Students Research Articles

Student Attitudes to Science in an Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Science Programme

We address the extent to which students developed expert attitudes in the individual disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics in the course of their degree programme. By attitudes we mean the way students think about the sciences compared to discipline experts.We used the standard CLASS survey instrument to compare student attitudes to biology, chemistry and physics with those of experts. The programme featured interdisciplinary modules involving biology, chemistry and physics delivered by a form of problem-based learning across a three-year (BSc) or four-year (MSci) degree. The survey was administered at the start of the programme and at the end of each year of the programme allowing us to execute a longitudinal study of changes over the three or four year degree. The survey was run over a total of six years to students on the Interdisciplinary Science degree at the University of Leicester. We find positive results in the formation of expert-like attitudes in biology and chemistry and for higher performing students in physics. We note that the nature of science, that is the beliefs of experts about science with which our students’ responses are compared, are not taught explicitly in this programme, but acquired through experience of the problem-based pedagogy. Our conclusion is that students generally develop more expert-like attitudes in the separate disciplines, and hence a greater understanding of the sciences, over the first years of the degree.The numbers of students on the degree programme averaged around 20 and the questionnaires were completed by about 60 students in total. This imposes a limitation on the power of the survey. Nevertheless we find some statistically significant results.This is the first use of the CLASS tool to investigate the development of attitudes across the disciplines with the same set of students and over an extended period. We believe this is an important contribution to the argument for greater interdisciplinarity at all levels in STEM education.

Anxiety and Attitude: Unpacking the Link in Physical Education

This study explores the relationship between physical education (PE) anxiety and students' attitudes toward the subject. The results reveal a moderate negative linear correlation between PE anxiety and students' attitudes, with a correlation coefficient of -0.405 (p-value = 0.000). This suggests that higher levels of PE anxiety are associated with less favorable attitudes toward the subject. Further analysis indicates that PE anxiety significantly influences attitudes, emphasizing its strong impact on students' perceptions and engagement. The findings highlight the importance of addressing anxiety in PE settings to foster more positive attitudes and enhance student experiences. Students with higher anxiety levels tend to develop negative perceptions of PE, while those with lower anxiety exhibit more favorable attitudes. Implementing strategies such as creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, focusing on personal growth, and emphasizing skill development can help reduce anxiety and promote a more inclusive, engaging atmosphere. These approaches are essential for improving participation, motivation, and overall enjoyment in physical education classes.

Investigation of the relationship between mental health and physical activity among university students.

Physical activity refers to all bodily movement performed by an individual from morning to night. Physical activity benefits not only physical health but also mental health. Physical activity benefits university students in many ways. This study aimed to determine the effects of physical activity on university students' mental health. A cross-sectional study design was conducted with two hundred sixty-five university students. Physical activity level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and mental health among university students was determined using the mental health inventory. Data was collected by online mode. For statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient test was used, while analysis of variance was used to determine the difference between participants as per their physical activity levels classification. Statistically significant was observed at 0.05 level. The results showed that a statistically positive significant relationship existed between physical activity and mental health (r = 0.343, p = <0.001) and its parameters: anxiety (r = 0.542, p = <0.001), depression (r = 0.691, p = <0.001), positive effects (r = 0.476, p = <0.001), behavioral control (r = 0.174, p = 0.004). While comparing the difference between participants as par physical activity level classification, significant differences existed for anxiety (F = 2.96, p = 0.052), depression (F = 4.23, p = 0.041), positive effects (F = 3.22, p = 0.048), behavioral control (F = 3.14, p = 0.058), and mental health (F = 4.65, p = 0.044). The findings suggest that interventions promoting physical activity can serve as effective strategies for mental health promotion in academic settings. Universities should consider integrating structured physical activity programs into their curricula and campus life to leverage these mental health benefits.

The roadblocks to business ownership: Analyzing the challenges Thai physical therapists face despite entrepreneurial education

Background: The field of entrepreneurship poses significant challenges for undergraduate students and physical therapists in Thailand. Entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial courses in the physical therapy curriculum, and personality qualities are likely the prominent influencers. The social-environmental factors, access to resources, and perceptions of opportunity are also suggested to play a role of the secondary influencers on entrepreneurship. Regrettably, there is a lack of empirical evidence about the impact of these effects on entrepreneurial concepts within physical therapy. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the mutual correlation and assess the primary and secondary influencers for entrepreneurship among undergraduate students and physical therapists. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 physical therapy students and general physical therapists. An online, structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale for primary and secondary influencing factors was designed. All questions’ content validity and reliability were determined before being applied to all respondents, and a significant relationship was identified with Barlette’s test. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure (KMO) and the measure of sample adequacy (MSA) were used to assess the overall feasibility of factorial analysis. Finally, the IBM SPSS AMOS program analyzed the influence on entrepreneurship with structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results from 120 responses (74 females and 46 males), 64 undergraduate students, and 56 general physical therapists were 25.81±6.62 years (21-51 years old). All questions showed good reliability. All influencing factors showed a significant relationship and feasibility through factor analysis (FA). Furthermore, the primary factors showed that personality traits strongly influenced entrepreneurship compared to entrepreneurial intention. However, the curriculum had a meager impact. In addition, secondary influencing factors, such as opportunity perception, access to resources, and social-environment factors, highly influence entrepreneurship. Conclusion: Personality traits and entrepreneurial intention are the most influencing factors, but the course in the curriculum is less influential for entrepreneurship. On the other hand, opportunity perception, access to resources, and social/environmental factors are also the secondary strong influencing factors among physical therapy students and general physical therapists.

Hubungan Antara Koordinasi Mata Tangan dan Kekuatan Otot Lengan terhadap Ketepatan Hasil Servis atas Bola Voli pada Mahasiswa Pendidikan Jasmani Angkatan 2023

This study aims to analyze the relationship between eye-hand coordination and arm muscle strength with the accuracy of the upper serve in volleyball. The method used is a correlational approach, with a sample consisting of 24 physical education students of Tanjungpura University, class of 2023. Data were analyzed using the product-moment correlation test. The results of the analysis show: (1) There is a significant relationship between eye-hand coordination and the accuracy of the upper serve, with a calculated r value ≥ r table (0.442 ≥ 0.404). (2) There is a significant relationship between arm muscle strength and the accuracy of the upper serve, with a calculated r value ≥ r table (0.496 &gt; 0.404). (3) There is a significant relationship between eye-hand coordination and arm muscle strength to the accuracy of the upper serve, with a calculated r value of 0.572 indicating a moderate correlation.

Describing the bachelor of physical education students’ participation in sports

Describing the bachelor of physical education students’ participation in sports

Development of scales to measure class participation motivation and class satisfaction, and goal orientation of physical education major university students and analysis of relationships : Verification of mediating effects utilizing Bootstrapping method

Development of scales to measure class participation motivation and class satisfaction, and goal orientation of physical education major university students and analysis of relationships : Verification of mediating effects utilizing Bootstrapping method

Comparison of body composition, cardiovascular function, blood glucose and spO2 between general and physical education male college students

Comparison of body composition, cardiovascular function, blood glucose and spO2 between general and physical education male college students

CAREER EXPECTATION DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the career expectation differences between social sciences and physical education students. The participants were 306 students aged between 18 and 32 years, MAge = 20.32, SD = 2.39, 178 enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports and 128 students enrolled in the Faculty of Social Sciences (42%). Career discrepancy was measured with Career Discrepancy Scale (Creed &amp; Hood, 2015), translated for the purpose of this study to assess the four dimensions of career discrepancy: achievement discrepancy, effort discrepancy, standards discrepancy, and ability discrepancy. The results show that there are significant differences for all the four domains of career discrepancy, with sports students reporting lower scores. In the conclusions, the practical implications of the obtained results are discussed.

Improving Graduate Competence in Physical Training and Sports Student Training Programs at Surabaya State University

Community empowerment is an essential effort focused on fostering change in different areas, including athletics, social sciences, arts, and local culture. In the realm of sports, community empowerment aims to improve the quality of human resources, athleticism, and performance at provincial, national, and even global levels. It acts as a tool for molding community identity and is vital for the advancement of sports. A goal of this Community Empowerment Program (PKM) is to provide certified training for physical trainers to students in the Vocational Faculty and the Sports Science and Health Sports Study Programs within the Health Faculty. This initiative seeks to promote sports accomplishments at both student and wider levels, encompassing regional, provincial, national, and international tiers. Developing sports success through a systematic, enduring, and sustainable approach is crucial for creating sports excellence as a regional trait and national identity. Community engagement plays a vital role in influencing national sports policies and programs. The enhancement of sports via the Sports Study Program at FV and FIKK is crucial for achieving both community involvement in sports and sports success. The techniques used consist of training physical trainers and the creation of programs. Physical trainer training emphasizes creating physical conditioning that meets the requirements of particular energy systems, sport traits, and periodization to improve athletes' biomotor abilities. Moreover, attendees are taught how to create physical training plans to enhance athlete performance and achieve established goals. This program aims to prepare FV and FIKK sports students to create training plans that improve athlete performance and lead to success. The aim is to develop proficient coaches and top-performing athletes capable of representing East Java and Indonesia in various competitive arenas.

Effects of Problem Based Learning on Self-Efficacy, Academic Resilience, and Self-Directed Learning in Physical Therapy Students

Effects of Problem Based Learning on Self-Efficacy, Academic Resilience, and Self-Directed Learning in Physical Therapy Students

Development and Utilisation of Physics Learning Management System for Learning Difficult Concepts in Senior Secondary School Physics – Methodological Insights

While science educators were battling the challenge of difficulty in learning physics, the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown of schools, compounded the existing ugly situation. This paper explored the methodological insights to the development and usability of Physics Learning Management System (PLMS). The study adopted the type II developmental research design to develop a functional PLMS using some of the existing digital technologies. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select 27 secondary school physics teachers in the six south-western states of Nigeria. The selected teachers were trained on the rubrics of instructional video production, Learning Management System and Culturo-Techno Contextual Approach (CTCA) model to teaching physics for five weeks. The results obtained were 86 instructional videos on perceived difficult topics in physics which were used as the content of the PLMS. To establish the validity and usability of the PLMS, 298 physics students were randomly selected from six public secondary schools across six states in south-west Nigeria. Feedback from the students and other technical observations were used to improve the functionality and usability of the PLMS. We hypothesized that the outcome of this study will over time, in addition to other similar initiatives, enhance physics learning in Nigeria in response to the call of the new normal and 4th industrial revolution. In addition to the urgent call for facility upgrades in public schools to promote virtual learning, it is also recommended upskilling and further capacity building should be encouraged among science teachers.

Analysis of Various Contexts of Difficulties Experienced by Students in Learning Physics

Physics is a subject that is difficult for students to learn and understand, especially at the high school level. This study identifies various factors contributing to students' difficulties teaching physics. This study used a qualitative method, with the object of research being 90 grade 12 students from five schools in the city of Mataram, namely MA Plus Nurul Islam Sekarbela, MAN 1 Mataram, MAN 2 Mataram, SMAN 1 Mataram, and SMAN 3 Mataram. The research data was collected using survey techniques, Google forms, and interview techniques and analyzed descriptively. Based on the research, it was found that almost 62% of students did not like learning physics. The wave and optical material group is the most challenging material for students to learn, with a percentage of 46%. Students ask their peers more frequently, 52%, based on their problem-solving abilities. In contrast, the form of description questions is the least popular question for students in the learning process, with a percentage value of 9%.

Moderating Effects of Gender on the Relationship between Senior School Physics Students’ STEM Self-efficacy and Science Identity

Moderating Effects of Gender on the Relationship between Senior School Physics Students’ STEM Self-efficacy and Science Identity

ANALISIS KESULITAN BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK POLITEKNIK ILMU PELAYARAN MAKASSAR TERHADAP MATA PELAJARAN FISIKA PADA MATERI KECAPATAN DAN PERCEPATAN

Analysis of Learning Difficulties of Students of Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran Makassar in Physics Subjects on Speed and Acceleration Material. This study aims to identify students learning difficulties in applied physics courses at Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran Makassar especially on the concept of speed and acceleration. This study is a descriptive study with a population of 240 students in the engineering study program in the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year and a sample of 150 people based on the Taro Yamane formula. Data collection techniques in this study were written tests and interviews. The research instrument in the form of essay questions was used to measure the difficulty of calculating, mastery of concepts, interpretation of symbols, and unit conversion, and interviews aimed to determine the factors that cause learning difficulties experienced by students. The conclusion of this study shows that the main difficulty of students in learning physics lies in mastery of concepts (20.3%), followed by difficulty in converting units (17.5%) and interpreting symbols (15.9%). The lowest difficulty in calculation (1.1%). Factors such as ineffective teaching methods and lack of supporting materials affect conceptual understanding. Therefore, a more varied learning approach, the use of visual aids, and the improvement of basic mathematical skills are needed to improve students' knowledge of physics.

Influence of school type on senior secondary school physics students’ learning difficulties and misconceptions about electricity in Ondo West Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of school type on senior secondary school physics students' learning difficulties and misconceptions regarding electricity in Ondo West Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 300 students across 20 schools, equally divided between public and private institutions, using the Simple Electric Circuit Diagnostic Test (SECDT). The findings reveal that misconceptions about electricity are widespread, with significant percentages of students struggling with fundamental concepts such as current flow and circuit arrangement. Notably, the analysis indicates that school type significantly affects students' difficulties with electricity concepts, as those in private schools exhibited higher difficulty mean scores compared to their public school counterparts. These insights highlight the need for targeted educational interventions that address misconceptions and leverage culturally relevant teaching methods to improve physics education outcomes. The study underscores the importance of understanding the educational context to enhance teaching practices and bridge gaps in students' comprehension of critical scientific concepts.

Straight From the Source: Doctor of Physical Therapy Students' Perspectives on the Impacts of Program Policies and Procedures on Sense of Belonging.

There is an urgent need to increase access to and inclusion in health professions education programs for individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs. The purpose of this study is to explore student perspectives of the ways in which current Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program policies, procedures, and practices may facilitate or hinder a culture of belonging and the ability to participate across diverse student identities and needs. To date, there are no best practices in promoting and supporting health profession student belonging, and the student voice is absent in the literature. This prompts a need for guidance on where and how academic DPT programs should focus initial efforts as they self-assess their degree of compliance with newly revised accreditation standards. Sixteen DPT student volunteers from 2 institutions across 4 campuses in 4 states. A cross-sectional qualitative study using thematic analysis with semistructured interviews was used to gather student perspectives regarding factors that positively and negatively affect sense of belonging. Three researchers qualitatively analyzed transcriptions using a combination of open and axial coding to identify themes. Final consensus coding yielded 179 coded responses across 95 unique codes categorized in 6 themes: faculty and staff relationships, program policies and procedures, cohort and peer relationships, diverse identities, communication, and program resources. This is the first study known to investigate the use of student voice to better understand, operationalize, and potentially improve belonging within DPT education. Results demonstrate that when given a voice, students are able to articulate both observations of present-state sense of belonging and clear ideas and recommendations for ways in which DPT programs could address sense of belonging. Findings may help frame program policies and procedures from the student lens by offering themes, strategies, and recommendations for promoting a culture of belonging.

Self-Perceived Well-being Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students in the United States in 2022 Compared to 2021

Self-Perceived Well-being Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students in the United States in 2022 Compared to 2021

Population genetics: An introduction for physicists

Population genetics lies at the heart of evolutionary theory. This topic forms part of many biological science curricula but is rarely taught to physics students. Since physicists are becoming increasingly interested in biological evolution, we aim to provide a brief introduction to population genetics, written for physicists. We start with two background chapters: chapter 1 provides a brief historical introduction to the topic, while chapter 2 provides some essential biological background. We begin our main content with chapter 3 which discusses the key concepts behind Darwinian natural selection and Mendelian inheritance. Chapter 4 covers the basics of how variation is maintained in populations, while chapter 5 discusses mutation and selection. In chapter 6 we discuss stochastic effects in population genetics using the Wright-Fisher model as our example, and finally we offer concluding thoughts and references to textbooks in chapter 7.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration on Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes of Tertiary Physical Education Students

Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown a unique ability to tailor and enhance personalized learning experiences. However, its application in physical education is limited. This study aims to investigate the effect of the AI-driven application on the learning outcome and student engagement among physical education students in higher education. A quasi-experimental two-group design was used to determine differences between pre-test and post-test scores. Standardized tests that measured musculoskeletal strength and endurance were utilized. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES-9S) assessed student engagement. For eight weeks, the experimental group (EG) had an AI-driven physical activities while the control group (CG) followed the usual PE class. Post-test scores showed the experimental group significantly improved the learning outcome (p&lt;0.001). Engagement scores were also significantly higher in EG (p &lt; 0.01). Consequently, The CG showed a significant decrease in student engagement while the increase in learning outcome is not statistically significant. These findings suggest that AI-driven applications positively affect students’ physical fitness and engagement. Further research is recommended to fully implement AI in classrooms, addressing student and teacher literacy and ethical concerns to maximize its potential in the PE curriculum.