Active Learning Practices Research Articles

From social-emotional learning to social-emotional competence in Israeli-Palestinian teachers’ professional development

ABSTRACT This qualitative study investigated the contribution of a tailored 30-hour teachers’ professional development (TPD) course in social-emotional learning (SEL) to developing the social-emotional competence (SEC) of 50 Israeli-Palestinian teachers. The course incorporated active learning practices such as mindfulness, simulations, and puppet theater grounded in the CASEL framework and ecological theory. Analysis of semi-structured interviews and reflective texts revealed the course’s effectiveness in improving teachers’ SEL knowledge, self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. It also promoted understanding of conducting culturally situated SEL to address issues such as violence and meet parents’ needs during COVID-19. Overall, incorporating experiential SEL practices into TPD can develop teachers’ SEC and wellbeing. Recommendations include further research on adapting SEL for minority communities to enable transformative education.

“Not a cookie cutter situation”: how neurodivergent students experience group work in their STEM courses

BackgroundAlthough group work is increasingly used in STEM courses and may lead to improved academic outcomes, there is evidence that some implementations of group work may lead to unintended barriers for certain students’ learning. Despite the growing number of neurodivergent undergraduate students, there is limited research on neurodivergent students’ experiences with group work in STEM courses. To address this knowledge gap, the current research investigated the experiences of 22 neurodivergent undergraduate students with group work in STEM courses at a range of institution types and in a variety of STEM disciplines. Participants shared experiences with in-class and out-of-class group work assignments for lecture and laboratory courses.ResultsThrough inductive thematic coding of semi-structured interview transcripts, we identified seven themes impacting participants’ experiences. Three themes were individual level: personal characteristics that participants associated with their neurodivergence; strategies for academic success (with subthemes of organization/time management, adaptive communication, and self-advocacy); and beliefs on group work’s value. Four themes were group level/classroom level: group dynamics; role in group (including leadership roles); the competitive culture within STEM; and recommendations for instructors. Through a social-relational perspective on disability, we proposed a model showcasing how group and classroom factors serve as supports or barriers to neurodivergent students’ full participation in group work, as well as to their sense of belonging. Using the seven themes we articulated, we outlined a set of practices for designing group work assignments. In addition, we propose how pairing inclusive assignment design with instructor reflection and articulating anti-ableist values can support neurodivergent student belonging by disrupting discourses of normalcy in STEM.ConclusionsAs one of the first studies exploring the impact that group work in STEM courses has on neurodivergent undergraduates, this work may inform reimaginations of group work practices to better address the needs of neurodivergent STEM students and support a more inclusive culture in STEM classrooms. In addition, our conceptual model may serve as the basis for future research regarding interactions between individual-level and group-level factors associated with neurodivergent students’ learning through group work and other active learning practices.

Innovative Learning Practices as A Driver of Students' Performance

Higher education institutions have faced the imperative of adapting pedagogical approaches to meet the demands of the twenty-first century and the changing needs of their students. This study investigates how active learning methodologies impact undergraduate students' academic performance in two different academic fields: engineering education and the social sciences. The study was carried out within the context of a Portuguese higher education institution, the Polytechnic University of Coimbra, using a sample of 97 undergraduate students. Results reveal that active learning approaches, particularly problem-based learning (PBL), enhance student engagement, learning experiences, and competencies. Moreover, the research indicates significant differences in the effectiveness of these approaches between the fields of engineering and the social sciences, with engineering students demonstrating a more pronounced improvement in their academic performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating innovative active learning practices into higher education environments to better prepare students for the challenges of modern societies.

Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice Learning Activities Throughout Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum Courses.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial to high-quality health care, yet nurse practitioner graduates report low levels of confidence in their EBP abilities. This may be because of limited incorporation of EBP learning opportunities outside of foundational course-work. Family nurse practitioner (FNP) program faculty incorporated EBP learning activities across the three-semester clinical year curriculum, and the activities scaffolded in complexity. Initial activities included appraisal and application of clinical practice guidelines to patient case scenarios. Later, students used the seven steps of EBP to present frequently asked patient questions and EBP clinical challenges in their clinical rotations to their peers. This innovative way to thread EBP across the clinical year allowed faculty to continue to evaluate and guide students toward EBP competency. The integration of EBP learning activities across the clinical year is a feasible strategy to further expand FNP student competency in EBP. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

Exploring the Use of Subtitling in Teaching and Learning English as a Foreign Language: Theories and Applications

Technology occupies a significant resource that can be exploited empirically to contribute to translation learning and research, as it can give enormous opportunities for language learners and educators to exploit in their teaching and provide students with practical learning activities. Many researchers highly recommend the extensive use of IT in enhancing the competence of translation students and L2 learners' language skills. Since there has been an abundance of empirical research studies carried out over the last two decades, many novice researchers cannot review and handle them within their limited time. For this reason, this paper introduces the key researchers who carried out studies on the employment of audiovisual translation (AVT) in language learning and teaching; it explores and reviews the main previous research studies conducted on the impact of audiovisual translation, namely subtitling and subtitles on enhancing language learning. It first considers briefly how audiovisual translation emerged as an independent branch of Translation Studies (ST), then discusses its development as well as its continuity within Translation Studies. It also explores its classifications and highlights future research avenues.

An exploration of the relationship between active learning and student motivation in STEM: a mixed methods study.

Much of the research on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students' motivation measures the relationship between student motivation and academic outcomes, focusing on the student's mindset. Our mixed-methods research takes a different approach and considers the relationship between student motivation and instructional practices. Teaching practices and student motivation were analyzed simultaneously in undergraduate Biology classes using a self-determination theory-based survey to measure students' motivation during courses that were observed using the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS), and observation notes were collected to document instructor and student behaviors. Quantitative data were used to differentiate students' motivational levels, and qualitative data were collected to describe how instructors use specific teaching practices. The results provide a lens into how students' intrinsic motivation varies alongside the instructional practices and interactions in these classes. We found a correlation between higher levels of student motivation in interactive lectures and student-centered teaching profiles. This study highlights how the same practice can be implemented by multiple instructors with varying student motivation scores, pointing out the importance of fidelity to evidence-based instructional practice methods. The results of this study are discussed in the context of published empirical studies examining evidence-based instructional practices that are conceptually supportive of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Active learning practices observed in this study correlated to positive learning outcomes are discussed and may serve as a guide for instructors interested in implementing specific active learning practices. Recommendations for instructors and departments that are interested in flexible methods to monitor progress toward active learning practices in biology and other STEM disciplines by combining the COPUS and self-determination survey results are presented.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study uses a novel combination of instruments to describe students' intrinsic motivation in response to teaching practices. Findings demonstrate that active learning methods may support higher student motivation. Recommendations drawn from the study include using a variety of active learning methods, using evidence-based instructional methods with fidelity, and monitoring the students' affective response to those methods. Alignment of active learning practices to the components of self-determination may result in higher quality student motivation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.

Inquiry into Teaching Listening and Speaking in High School English Classes Based on an Activity Perspective

This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the issues present in current high school English listening and speaking classes and proposes corresponding improvements. Firstly, it identifies the challenges faced by high school English listening and speaking instruction, including inadequate emphasis on training listening and speaking skills by teachers, lack of operational and measurable course objectives, monotonous forms of activity organization, limitations in the use of listening materials and tools, weak connections between introductory segments and thematic content, failure to understand listening and speaking discourse based on thematic significance, neglect of teaching learning strategies, absence of learning activities in authentic contexts, and singular evaluation methods. Subsequently, a series of suggestions for enhancing teaching quality and efficiency are put forward, such as designing instruction around thematic contexts that integrate listening, speaking, reading, viewing, and writing skills; fostering the development of students’ core competencies, particularly language ability and cultural awareness; conducting comprehensive, interconnected, and practical learning activities; utilizing modern information technology to create a culturally rich learning environment; and implementing formative and multifaceted evaluation mechanisms. These improvement measures aim to enhance students’ listening and speaking abilities and cultivate them as lifelong learners with good listening and speaking habits.

Teacher Trainers’ and Curriculum Development Experts’ Perspectives on Information Technologies Curriculum in Teacher Education

This mixed-method study had two purposes: (1) to explore the appropriateness of the learning outcomes of information technologies (IT) course curriculum in teacher education programs based on the opinions of curriculum development experts and (2) to evaluate the opinions of the academics about the adequacy of this curriculum. Curriculum development experts (n = 5) evaluated the learning outcomes of the IT course curriculum followed by the education faculties of 25 universities in Türkiye in terms of their qualitative relevance. We also obtained the opinions of 10 academics in these faculties for the evaluation of the IT course curriculum. To collect data, we used the “Qualitative Eligibility Form for Learning Outcomes” and “Evaluation Form for IT Curriculum”. We employed descriptive statistics in the analysis of quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The results showed that most of the learning outcomes in the IT course curriculum were not sufficient for the criteria of formal spelling conformity, necessity, and encouragement of higher-order thinking. The academics’ perspectives revealed that course sessions and practical learning activities in the IT curriculum were not sufficient. They suggested that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Web 2.0/3.0 tools, robotics, coding, and augmented/virtual reality should be integrated into the curriculum. The implications for IT curriculum in teacher education programs and recommendations for future research were also discussed.

Effect of a short compulsory course on teachers’ active learning practices

ABSTRACT We investigated the impact that teachers’ participation in a short compulsory course on active learning had on their teaching practice. The course was offered at all departments of a STEM faculty with a total of 516 participants. Evaluations showed that teachers especially appreciated collegial discussions and examples of teaching practices in the course. In a survey, 64% indicated the course had led them to implement active teaching. Comparing large-scale pre-course and post-course student surveys with up to 2389 individual responses revealed a significant increase in the number of courses with active learning. The course as a change strategy contains aspects of both middle-out and top-down approaches and organising the course at departments, enables movement from individual to structural level.

Penerapan Bela Negara di Era Revolusi Teknologi Pada Pembelajaran Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan

This article discusses the application of national defense in civic education learning in the midst of the technological revolution. This study uses a qualitative approach with the literature review method to collect and analyze various relevant literature sources. The results of the analysis show that information and communication technology (ICT) has made a significant contribution in improving the interactivity and accessibility of civic learning. However, the challenges faced include the potential erosion of national values by the influence of globalization and individualism reinforced by technology. Solutions to address these challenges include the development of relevant curricula, training for educators in the use of technology, and the implementation of practical and contextual learning activities. This research contributes to the development of more effective and relevant learning methods to the times, and emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology to strengthen the spirit of national defense and civic awareness among the younger generation.

Independent Study Practices in Higher Education Seen from the "Bourdieu" Approach

This study aims to analyze the practice of independent learning in tertiary institutions using the "Bourdieu" approach. This approach refers to social theory from Pierre Bourdieu who argues that social practice, including learning practice, is influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. The research method used is the library research method, which is research that utilizes library resources to obtain research data. And observation of independent learning practices. Data analysis was carried out using key concepts from Bourdieu's theory, such as cultural capital, social capital, and habitus. The results of the study show that independent learning practices in tertiary institutions are influenced by factors such as social background, cultural knowledge, and social networks. Students who have access to higher levels of cultural capital, such as prior education, family knowledge, and economic resources, tend to have better self-learning practices. The findings of this study also indicate that individual habitus plays an important role in self-learning practices. Students who are accustomed to active and independent learning practices early in their lives tend to continue these practices in Univesity.

Instructor perceptions of active learning in higher education in Oman and students' commitment to the approach

PurposeCreating active learning opportunities requires building a learning culture in which the instructor plays the role of a facilitator, leaving the ultimate responsibility of learning to the student. The question, however, is whether this is happening in practice. This study aims to answer this question through instructors' perceptions of active learning in a higher education institution in Oman.Design/methodology/approachThe study participants were 85 instructors working for a private university in Oman. Data were collected by surveying these instructors' perceptions of active learning practice indicators, such as active teaching strategies and student educational practices. This was followed by interviewing a random sample of the same instructors (N = 10) to obtain a deeper understanding of their implementation of the active learning approach.FindingsData collected through the survey revealed that the shift from passive to active learning in higher education in Oman created a discrepancy between instructors' willingness to practice active learning and learners' unpreparedness to become autonomous learners. The follow-up interview findings confirmed this point, revealing instructors' negative perceptions of student participation and engagement in out-of-class activities.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to investigate the application of active learning in a higher education institution in Oman from the perspective of instructors.

‘SAGA’: a method to support the practice of critical action learning

ABSTRACT Critical Action Learning (CAL) is undertaken with an awareness of the persistent tension in organisations between the desire to learn and defences against learning. Attempts to learn in organisations are inevitably bound up with the specific emotional and political context that organisations create, as well as the impact that this has on the outcomes of learning. A key question that arises for CAL practitioners therefore is: what methods or approaches can be used to engage directly with underlying emotions and established power relations? In this paper, one answer to this question is provided. The ‘SAGA’ (Situation, Assumptions, Gut feelings /Emotion, Actions) method is explained and discussed. This model has been designed to engage with emotions and power relations as an integral aspect of action learning. Four examples of SAGA in practice are presented. It is argued that the method offers action learning practitioners an effective approach to CAL, as well as supporting the ongoing process of rethinking and developing it.

Virtual Laboratory and Self-Efficacy in Optimizing Problem-Solving Skills: A Case in Applied Chemistry Learning in Vocational College

Virtual Laboratory and Self-Efficacy in Optimizing Problem-Solving Skills: A Case in Applied Chemistry Learning in Vocational College

Practices of active learning in public universities in Ethiopia: student and faculty perceptions

ABSTRACT As it encourages students to solve problems on their own and guides them throughout the process, the importance of active learning has gained popularity in a growing body of scholarly literature. However, there is a paucity of research on the practice and challenges of active learning in public universities in Ethiopia. This study seeks to examine the attitudes of faculty members and students toward the practices of active learning. Data for the study were collected from randomly selected 1597 participants (404 faculty members and 1193 undergraduate students) in eight public universities. The findings revealed that most of the respondents perceived active learning positively. However, the practice of active learning was found to be low where lecture was the most frequently reported method of instruction. Faculty participants have identified factors that hinder their use of active learning methods. The study has practical implications and contributes to the literature on practices and challenges of active learning strategies in public universities.

Positioned as a burden: Analyzing the participation of multilingual students of color in undergraduate mathematics courses that use groupwork

More college mathematics classrooms are adopting active learning practices like groupwork. These practices typically foreground vocal communication and interpersonal interactions, both of which are mediated by language. Given that undergraduate classrooms in the U.S. are also becoming more racially and linguistically diverse, this study focuses on multilingual students of color, whose learning experiences have often been overlooked. Specifically, this study aims to learn more about the relationship between groupwork and equity in classrooms with linguistic diversity. Using positioning theory, this study analyzes the learning narratives of 26 multilingual students of color about their experiences working with peers in groups. Findings demonstrate that while multilingual students described enacting a range of different positional identities during groupwork, they were more likely to report being positioned by others in deficit ways. Results highlight how the positional identities perceived to be available to students were often constrained by normative classroom Discourses about language, participation, and mathematics.

Making the ‘short game’ a ‘long game’: Promoting clothing longevity in the use phase

As the most significant portion of a garment’s ecological footprint stems from its use, clothing users play a pivotal role in extending the clothing lifespan by way of their wear, care and repair habits. Despite the fashion industry’s slow progress towards sustainability, clothing users have autonomy to shape their practice, which holds promise for reducing environmental impacts. There is a need to explore more critically various practices such as wear, care and repair habits that contribute to longevity within the consumer’s sphere of influence. Likewise, there is a need to transform educational perspectives in the field of sustainable consumption, as increased knowledge alone has been found insufficient to drive behavioural change. This study investigates the impact of short-term behavioural modification challenges (the ‘short game’) on users’ long-term consumption behaviour (the ‘long game’). Through a case study involving young female university students, this study characterizes the implementation of a lifestyle change towards sustainable clothing use practice and highlights its effects on long-term behaviour. This case illustrates an educational intervention that employed cognitive (head), affective (heart) and practical (hands) learning activities to advance specific competencies associated with sustainable consumption in the context of clothing use behaviours. The study provides a window into the logistical challenges, emotional longings and social pressures that young consumers must invariably reconcile to remain motivated and persist in the ‘long game’ of clothing longevity. By focusing learners’ attention on clothing use behaviours and providing some supportive conditions, young consumers can make meaningful and lasting changes to their practice.

Desain Layout Ruang Kelas dengan Pendekatan Ergonomis Human-Centered Approach

The classroom is a room that functions as a place for theoretical, practical learning activities that do not require special equipment and practice with special tools that are easy to provide. One practice with special tools that is easy to provide is learning Information and Computer Technology (ICT) using a laptop. Not all schools have an ICT practice room. ICT practical activities are carried out in the classroom. Therefore, it is necessary to create guidelines for designing classroom layouts as modifications to classrooms that will be used as ICT practical learning spaces. The method used in designing classroom layouts is an ergonomics approach, namely the Human-Centered Approach. Classroom design using an ergonomics approach is carried out by placing humans at the center of the design or the Human Centered Approach. The design of the classroom layout as an ICT learning space is carried out by adapting to the requirements set out in the Regulations of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology which contain classroom requirements and are combined with ergonomic principles. Class layout design begins with creating an initial layout, then a configuration layout and simulating teacher mobility in the configured class layout. The class layout design was made using Microsoft Visio software and the teacher mobility simulation was carried out using Promodel software. From this research, results were obtained in the form of 2 (two) alternative classroom layout designs as ICT learning spaces.

Reflections of transformative active learning experiences (TALEs) in higher education from early career construction management professionals

Higher education today is challenged to improve the learning experience in response to increased demands from, students, parents, and employers. Active learning and High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs) have been shown as promising approaches. However, success using these strategies is not guaranteed. Incorporating the concept of Moments—impactful and meaningful events that change one’s perspective (C. Heath and D. Health 2017)—can be a way to increase chances of success. Referred to as Transformative Active Learning Experiences (TALEs), these are peak learning experiences that combine active learning, elements of HIPs, and moments. This paper explores peak learning experiences gathered through focus groups from 33 construction management alumni located in the Southeast United States who graduated within the last ten years. Outcomes point toward specific, impactful learning experiences including hands-on/active learning, group/teamwork, and work experiences. These were particularly impactful because they provided learners with new insight about what they were learning and the connection to their future profession, opportunities to be appropriately challenged, and the chance to build deep connections with classmates, faculty, professionals, and others. This research provides higher education greater understanding about key elements that can be used to enhance the student experience and promote lifelong, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences.

Perception of Students Towards Active Learning in HEIs of Oman and Its Impact on Academic Performance

This study delves into the perception and impact of Active Learning (AL) practices among students in Omani Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The study is conducted based on three primary objectives: 1. Assessing the prevalence of AL implementation in Omani HEIs. 2. Understanding students' perception of AL practices in Omani HEIs. 3. Evaluating the impact of AL on students' academic performance Employing a survey methodology, the study gathered data from 110 students enrolled in the Faculty of Business Studies at Arab Open University, Oman. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Amos version software. The findings reveal that AL implementation in Omani HEIs is moderate. Students hold a favorable perception of AL, with 'Engagement of Students' emerging as the most positively perceived aspect. Notably, AL positively influences students' academic performance, with 'Engagement of Students' identified as the most significant predictor of performance. Interestingly, male students exhibited a stronger perception of AL and experienced greater performance benefits compared to their female counterparts. Considering these findings, the study recommends that HEIs in Oman actively promote the use of AL to enhance student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. Specifically, HEIs should prioritize developing and implementing AL strategies that foster active engagement among students.