Preparation Of Students Research Articles

PSYCHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF MATHEMATICS READINESS ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A RASCH MODEL APPROACH

This study examines the psychometric properties of a Mathematics Readiness Assessment Tool for elementary school students using Rasch analysis through the Winstep program. The analysis involved 214 students responding to 15 items. Results show strong psychometric characteristics with an item reliability of 0.95 and person reliability of 0.69. The instrument demonstrates good construct validity with INFIT and OUTFIT MNSQ values falling within the acceptable range (0.5-1.5). Analysis of unidimensionality showed satisfactory results with raw variance explained by measures at 26.8% and unexplained variance in the first contrast at 7.6%. Local independence assumption was met with residual correlations ranging from -0.22 to 0.20. Item difficulty ranges from -1.33 to 1.56 logits, indicating a good spread of item difficulties. The test information function shows optimal measurement precision for students of average ability levels, though less precise for extremely high or low abilities. Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis revealed some items requiring revision, particularly items 13-15. The instrument's Alpha Cronbach value of 0.73 indicates good internal consistency. Overall, the assessment tool demonstrates adequate psychometric properties for measuring mathematics readiness in elementary school students, though some improvements are recommended for optimal measurement across all ability levels.

Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives for Promoting Fieldwork Experiences in Private Practice

Limited private practice fieldwork opportunities exist in Canadian occupational therapy (OT) education programs, in comparison to public health opportunities. This gap must be addressed to ensure students have opportunities to gain experience in the private sector. There are limited qualitative studies in occupational therapy that identify strategies to encourage occupational therapists to offer placements in this area. This qualitative study explored the experiences and perspectives of occupational therapists working in private practice and their motivations and uncertainty to participate in occupational therapy student education. Strategies to best support fieldwork educators as well as opportunities to advance student preparation for private practice placements, were uncovered. Using purposive sampling, nine occupational therapists working in private practice with or without fieldwork educator experience, participated in semi-structured interviews. Phenomenology was used to analyze data and determine emergent themes. Four themes emerged that highlight key considerations for occupational therapists hosting students in private practice. Motivations and hesitations for hosting students were uncovered. Strategies which can be used to directly support private practice occupational therapists and facilitate student learning at the university level prior to fieldwork placements in this area, were revealed. It is imperative to understand occupational therapist’s perspectives when hosting students as well as hesitations for not hosting students in private practice. These findings contribute practical and viable approaches that can be utilized by education programs and the private sector, to ensure mutually beneficial partnerships.

Care of the Transgender Surgical Client: A Video Simulation for Baccalaureate Nursing Students.

Nursing curriculum lacks content addressing care of transgender (trans) individuals. Gender diversity in health care education must be enhanced to prevent discrimination and systemic biases. A shared session between pediatric and medical-surgical courses using an interactive video simulation facilitated student preparation to provide inclusive care for trans surgical clients. Considerations for recruiting a cisgender person vs. a trans person to portray the female-to-male trans client are discussed. Script development and filming of the three videos, including the expected student preparation and the interactive classroom session, is examined. The observed experiences of the student participants and their reactions to the session are described. Discrimination and systemic biases can be minimized when nursing students are exposed to curricula that address the needs of marginalized populations. Use of video simulation in the classroom setting should be considered a valid teaching strategy for more topics in nursing and general health care curriculum. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

Shifting trends in communicative English language teaching in Icelandic compulsory schools

This paper maps shifts in English language teaching in compulsory schools since curricular changes in 2007 and again in 2011/2013. The primary purpose of the current study is to examine the status of English language teaching from the perspective of active teachers. The secondary aim is to inform the development of teacher education programmes at the University of Iceland and improve English teacher preparation for those entering or working in the compulsory education system. When earlier surveys were conducted – a large-scale ministry survey in 2005/2006 and a smaller follow-up survey in 2007– teaching English was heavily influenced by the preparation of students for the final state exams, with a strong focus on reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. The National Curriculum Guide 2011/2013 introduced the fundamental pillars of education and competences as the base for teaching and assessment. Through a quantitative survey carried out in 2022, the researchers collected responses from 7th- and 10th-grade teachers about their access to, and usage of, teaching and learning materials, teaching practices, approaches to assessment, teachers’ professional development, and the use of English in the classroom. The response rate was 53% and a total of 156 teachers participated. The results show that traditional, textbook-based teaching methods are still prevalent, although oral communication skills receive increased emphasis. Cultural competences and learning skills need to receive substantial attention if they are to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum 2011/2013. The use of the target language (English) in the classrooms should increase, while the purposeful use of L1 Icelandic is still relevant in foreign language classrooms. Overall, communicative language teaching seems to be gaining ground.

The Effects of Blended Team-Based Learning on the Cross-Cultural Readiness of Tourism and Hospitality Students: A Mediation Study

ABSTRACT Blended team-based learning (BTBL) has become a popular pedagogical method in tourism and hospitality (T&H) education. However, its efficacy in developing industry competencies remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by applying Social Learning Theory to examine how BTBL constructs perceived enjoyment, individual learning, team effectiveness, and knowledge-sharing influence cross-cultural readiness (CR). This study employed correlation and regression analyses using SPSS Process Model 81 on data from 272 T&H university students enrolled in BTBL-based courses. This study provides novelty by confirming the relationship among the BTBL constructs and extending the model to determine the chain-mediation effects of BTBL in influencing CR. These imply that BTBL enhances learners’ competencies through social learning. As a pedagogical implication, this study recommends that T&H educators develop CR and related industry skills by implementing BTBL activities, which provide learners exposure to “real-world” scenarios and autonomy to discuss collaboratively and make critical decisions as a team.

Using MOOCs to organise problem-based learning in the professional training of IT students

Introduction. The digital transformation of education plays a key role in the formation of in-demand IT specialists. In modern conditions, the method of problem-oriented learning is actively being introduced into the educational process of higher education and contributes to the formation of professional, communicative and digital competencies of IT students.Aim. The present research aimed to validate the incorporation of massive open online course (MOOC) components in the organisation of problem-oriented training for IT students to enhance their professional competencies.Methodology and research methods. The study was conducted over two academic years, beginning in 2022, at Academician E. A. Buketov Karaganda University. A total of 24 teachers participated in the specialised training of IT students, along with 86 students participated. At the first stage, a model was developed to integrate MOOCs into the structure of a specialised IT discipline within the framework of a specialised IT discipline, utilising problem-oriented learning. Additionally, the baseline level of students’ readiness to engage with MOOC courses was assessed. At the second stage, the effectiveness of utilising MOOC courses for implementing problem-oriented learning in the study of IT disciplines was assessed. At the third stage, the results were summarised and conclusions were drawn.Results and scientific novelty. The approaches to the organisation of problem-based learning in the preparation of IT students were defined. The use of Coursera MOOCs as the most convenient platform for studying IT courses was justified. A model of MOOC integration into the structure of an academic discipline in the organisation of problem-oriented learning was developed and experimentally tested.Practical significance. The results of an empirical study of student involvement in the use of MOOCs in problem-based learning prove the functionality of Coursera MOOC courses and their positive impact on the learning process. The feasibility of utilising MOOCs for implementing problem-oriented training aimed at developing students’ professional IT competencies is well-supported.

ENGLISH-MEDIUM INSTRUCTION PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA: READABILITY OF SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS USED IN DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMME AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The use of English as a medium of instruction in the teaching of science and mathematics in the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in Malaysia is to increase students’ exposure to English in developing English proficiency to meet globalisation needs. One of the main issues in the implementation of DLP is student readiness to learn science in English. This study examines the readability of primary school science textbooks using Text Inspector to ascertain the difficulty level of the English used. One unit from Year 1 to Year 6 of science textbooks were analysed. The analysis used two features of the Text Inspector: Lexis: EVP and Scorecard. The findings indicate that the language used in science textbooks is beyond CEFR level B2, which suggests that the readability exceeds the primary students’ English proficiency, hence affecting their ability to comprehend the textbooks. In addition, the findings showed that the readability of the science textbooks does not differ much from Year 1 to Year 6. The study found that the readability of the science textbooks used in primary school is inappropriate; hence, proposes policy and pedagogical implications for teachers to support students learning of science in English.

Adults who learn online: Exploring the online learning readiness of nontraditional undergraduate students in a Ghanaian university

Despite the growing population of non-traditional (mature) students in online learning programmes in universities across the world, less is known about the online learning readiness of this unique category of students. Drawing on qualitative online survey with 128 non-traditional students enrolled in distance education programmes at the University of Ghana, this paper investigates their online learning readiness and solicits their perspectives on ways of improvement. The findings reveal that while mature students exhibit lower levels of online learning self-efficacy, they demonstrate a strong sense of self-directedness in their studies. Furthermore, poor internet infrastructure and network connectivity, a lack of social engagement in the online learning environment, and limited knowledge on digital tools impacted on students' online learning readiness. In response, students recommended enhanced technical support and training, improved peer and tutor interactions, increased student support services, and better management of work-life balance. The study recommends for universities to address these specific needs to optimize the online learning experience and outcomes for mature students.

"Graduates' Perspectives on AI Integration

This study aims to explore artificial intelligence's (AI) significance for graduating students and its impact on their future skills. Through a survey of Bachelor's and master’s students across diverse departments in Saudi Arabian public and private universities, we gathered 465 responses from 500 questionnaires distributed in various regions. Employing a 5-point Likert scale, the survey covered nine dimensions, including AI's influence on future skills, its integration into education, student preparedness, real-world exposure, exploration, ethical considerations, global perspectives, curricular adaptation, and communication and collaboration. To evaluate the research aim, we employed a one-sample t-test and correlation coefficients across different dimensions. This paper contributes by extensively examining the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on graduating students in Saudi Arabia. Through a robust survey methodology, it elucidates students' perceptions of AI's impact on their future skills and education. The findings accentuate the positive attitude towards AI, recognizing its potential to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability. Moreover, it highlights the importance of integrating AI into education to prepare students for evolving career opportunities in a technologically advanced society. Furthermore, they believe that AI can provide them with opportunities to gain real-world experience and exposure to AI-driven industries, which can enhance their learning and future career prospects. Students express a strong interest in exploring AI-related projects and activities to build their future skills, particularly in data analysis and interpretation, which are in high demand in the job market.

Leadership and management: exploring culture shock in clinical settings in Brunei Darussalam

Background/Aims For midwifery students, differences between the academic and clinical settings may cause culture shock, as a result of the dynamic and demanding nature of clinical practice. This study explored culture shock among midwifery students during clinical attachments in Brunei Darussalam, as they developed leadership and management skills. Methods Through written essays, 43 university students shared their perspectives on factors contributing to culture shock, challenges hindering clinical learning, and suggestions for how to enhance the learning experience. Their essays were analysed thematically. Results Culture shock resulted from a lack of familiarity with the clinical environment, role confusion related to leadership and poor communication and adaptability skills. The participants emphasised the importance of a gradual introduction to leadership, and advocated for more practical, hands-on learning. Conclusions Further research is needed to investigate additional strategies for improving students’ readiness in developing their leadership and managerial skills. Implications for practice Educators and clinical policymakers must collaborate to improve student preparation for clinical practice. Educators should address clinical challenges, while clinical policymakers should invest in training for staff to effectively mentor students.

Análisis estadístico de los factores sociales que influyen en el rendimiento académico en la Facultad de Empresas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico

Introduction: The academic preparedness of incoming students at the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus, has significantly declined, creating challenges in improving fundamental skills and academic outcomes. Objective: Identify social factors affecting students' development and performance. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive and inferential approach was used, examining variables such as residence, school type, and entry scores from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023. Results: Findings reveal that dependency status and prior education quality, whether from public or private schools, notably impact academic success. The study also highlights a consistent decline in academic performance over the past six years. Conclusions: The need for targeted interventions to address social disparities and improve student success is emphasized.

The Case for Peer Coaching in Undergraduate Leadership Education

The integration of leadership coaching in higher education has become increasingly prevalent, evolving from a specialized tool into a mainstream practice aimed at cultivating essential leadership skills in undergraduates. This paper explores the implementation of peer coaching interventions in undergraduate curricula, focusing on two models: The Coaching Trio Exercise and a Peer Coaching Groups (PCGs) class. These models promote self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—skills crucial for leadership in today’s dynamic workforce. The paper argues that peer coaching offers a scalable, compassionate approach to leadership development, fostering student growth by helping them achieve personal goals while learning to guide others. Peer coaching, distinguished from compliance-based academic and sports coaching, emphasizes co-creation and mutual learning, equipping students with teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation skills sought by modern employers. Through case studies of coaching exercises integrated into leadership courses, this paper highlights the potential of coaching to enhance leadership education and career readiness in undergraduate students, bridging critical gaps in leadership competency development.

On the Activity of Students in Mathematics Lessons the Effect of the Pygmalion Effect

The application of mathematical sciences has a great role in the development of society. Mathematical education is a necessary and important part of general education. Therefore, strengthening the mathematical preparation of students is considered the most important task facing secondary schools. Mathematics is taught in a wide range of programs at every level of education in secondary schools. However, it is not perceived in the same way by all students. While some students find mathematics easy to understand, others find it very difficult. There are several reasons for this: poor mastery of mathematical concepts from primary classes, genetic influences, student's lack of independent work, concepts becoming more complex from class to class, age level, environment. We must keep in mind that it is impossible to succeed in life without understanding mathematics. Therefore, it is necessary to look for the cause of difficulties and try to eliminate them. The purpose of the research is to study the impact of the Pygmalion effect on students' performance in mathematics lessons in secondary schools. Using the Pygmalion effect directs students with a poor understanding of mathematics to positive thinking and creates interest in learning mathematics. Many empirical studies also support the predictions of the Pygmalion effect, but it has been found that its effect sizes can vary from low to moderate. As a result of the research, we concluded that applying the Pygmalion effect in teaching mathematics is one of the best ways to achieve success. The research will be useful for mathematics teachers and parents as well as a contribution to the relevant literature.

IMPROVING THE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL TRAINING OF STUDENTS PLAYING TABLE TENNIS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA)

The study of the content and organization of physical education in higher education institutions indicates the possibilities of improving and enhancing the quality of the educational discipline "Physical Education". The main objective of physical education in a higher education institution (HEI) is to strengthen students' health, increase their interest in physical education and the formation of a need for physical education, reduce the impact of negative factors affecting the physical and psycho-emotional state of students. At the same time, there are prerequisites for further improvement of the educational process, improving the physical condition of students, increasing motivation for physical education. The presented article considers the issues of increasing the effectiveness of table tennis classes in a non-core university (using the PRC as an example), substantiates the use of technical training for students involved in table tennis, analyzes the results of studies on the effectiveness of the developed methodology for improving movements to improve the level of technical preparedness of students.

Readiness of undergraduate medical students to health research and factors influencing it in a medical college – A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Developing, maintaining, and sustaining undergraduate medical students’ research involvement will enable future healthcare practitioners to practice more appropriate evidence-based clinical medicine. This study aim to assess the readiness for health research and factors promoting it among Undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Puducherry over 3 months (August–October 2023). Systematic random sampling was applied to recruit 360 study participants. A validated pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on sociodemographic, readiness, participation, attitude, perceived motivational factors, and barriers toward health research. Data were entered in MS EXCEL 2019 and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v16.0. The quantitative variables were represented in mean and qualitative variables in proportion. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the factors influencing readiness to health research among undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students. Results: A total of 360 participants with a mean age of 20.7 ± 0.64 were recruited, demonstrating a nearly equal gender distribution (male 48.3% and female 51.7%). Approximately 76.4% scored ≥60% in their recent university examinations, and 86.7% resided in hostels. While 11.4% reported prior participation in health research, 32.5% expressed readiness to participate, influenced by factors such as the competency-based medical education (CBME) approach and academic performance (P = 0.043). Major barriers identified included lack of funding (88.8%), lack of time (80.3%), and mentorship (52.9%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher examination grades significantly increased readiness to research (aOR: 1.936, P = 0.027) and also participation for health research (aOR: 3.366, P = 0.029), while non-CBME participants showed lower odds of participation (aOR: 0.321, P = 0.006). Conclusion: Medical institutes should implement structured mentorship programs, require research courses as part of the curriculum, and provide sufficient funding for student-led projects. Addressing these strategies within the institutes could foster a research-oriented culture, thus ultimately improve quality patient care and broader medical knowledge.

Distance Learning and Media Strategy Design Use of Distance Learning Media for Christian Religious Education for the Needs of Providing Alternative Classes for Christian Religious Education by Distance for Elementary School Students in Indonesia

This study highlights the importance of implementing learning strategies in Christian Religious Education and Character Education in elementary schools in Indonesia, particularly in the context of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main issues addressed are limited technology access and the readiness of teachers and students to use online learning applications. The aim of the study is to identify effective learning strategies that can enhance students' understanding and performance in this subject. A qualitative research method with a case study approach was employed, involving interviews with teachers, observations of online classes, and curriculum document analysis. The study results indicate that blended learning strategies, combining online and offline instruction, are more effective than traditional approaches alone. Teachers who successfully integrate technology innovatively can create interactive and engaging learning environments. The conclusion of this study is that adapting learning strategies to pandemic conditions and providing adequate technological infrastructure support can facilitate a more efficient and effective teaching and learning process. This study recommends increasing technology training for teachers and ensuring equitable internet access to support the success of remote learning.

Quick Analysis of The Applied Teaching Factory in The Independent Learning Curriculum Towards the Readliness of Enterpreneurship

The intense competition in the food and beverage sector has led to increased consumptive behavior, which supports the economy. This presents a promising business opportunity for graduates of SMK Tata Culinary through Teaching Factory (TEFA) learning. This study aims to analyze the factors supporting and hindering TEFA's implementation, test its effectiveness, and describe the work readiness of students in Culinary Vocational High Schools in East Java. Using a mixed-method approach, the study sampled 6 schools from Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Ngawi, Lumajang, Tulungagung, and Magetan, with 50 culinary students from each school. Data collection included interviews, observations, and questionnaires, focusing on preparing students for entrepreneurship. Data were analyzed using one-factor ANOVA with SPSS 22. The results showed that student involvement in TEFA activities provided contextual experiences, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In conclusion, TEFA's application in Vocational High Schools under the Independent Curriculum fosters creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering significant benefits for startups, business innovation, and job creation.

Reflections on Building an Artificial Intelligence Bot to Prepare Students to Engage in Strategic Conversations During Foresight Fieldwork

ABSTRACTThis paper is primarily based on experientially derived insights about building a bot with artificial intelligence (AI)–in this case, chat generative pre‐trained transformer (ChatGPT)–to prepare students to engage in strategic conversations during foresight fieldwork. The motivation of the exploratory process outlined in this paper is the pedagogical concern of sending students into the field sufficiently prepared to meet the expectations of external stakeholders. The authors explore a in‐class prompt engineering exercise to create a “chief operating bot” (COB) to simulate a C‐suite executive. The student‐faculty team input hand‐selected, industry‐specific, company‐generated documentation, and, after asking ChatGPT to “roleplay” the COO, the student queries this COB in an exploratory fashion embedded in a contained, consequence‐free learning environment. The audience for this paper is faculty responsible for overseeing student engagement experiences like fieldwork, as well as department heads and school deans looking to promote new tools and advance novel applications of AI in their units. The authors explore ways to enhance student readiness for scenario fieldwork based on an exercise drawn from van der Heijden's clairvoyant question, which we refer to colloquially as the “crystal ball thought experiment.” The authors, upon reflection, conclude that the COB can valuably supplement–but not fully replace–face‐to‐face interactions with a COO. Broadly, leveraging AI to create interactive tools like COBs has the potential to transform business education by bridging academic preparation with real‐world demands, enhancing student readiness, advancing AI‐assisted curricula, and contributing to strategic planning and regional development.

The Perceived Benefits of Internationalization of On-The-Job Training in the Hospitality Management Program of Philippine College Foundation

This study investigates the perceived benefits of the internationalization of On-the-Job Training (OJT) among Hospitality Management students at the Philippine College Foundation in Valencia City for the school year 2023-2024. The findings address three specific questions regarding the level of internationalization in OJT, the perceived benefits of this internationalization, and the relationship between the level of internationalization and perceived benefits. The analysis reveals that students rated all sub-variables of internationalization—cultural competence, professional skills, career readiness, language skills, and networking opportunities—very positively, indicating a strong consensus on the significant enhancement of their competencies through OJT experiences. In terms of perceived benefits, students expressed strong agreement on areas such as global perspective, cultural competence, and enhanced skills, with a robust overall perception of the positive impact of internationalization on their skills and professional readiness. However, networking opportunities received a more moderate acknowledgment. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between the level of internationalization in OJT and the perceived benefits experienced by students, with all correlations exhibiting high statistical significance. These findings underscore the essential role of internationalization in enhancing the educational experiences and professional readiness of students in the hospitality field.

Analisis Persepsi Pengguna Media Sosial Tentang Pembelajaran Online dan Offline Sebagai Kajian Desain Pembelajaran Blended yang Efektif dan Berkualitas

This research was conducted with the aim of examining the perception of twitter or X users about online and offline learning as a basis for considering blended learning design. The research was carried out using the Atlas.ti rocky thematic analysis approach. The stages of thematic analysis are data collection, category construction, sorting categories and data, naming categories, and finding meaning in each stage of analysis. The results of the study show that there are four groups of perceptions among students regarding the learning method they want: (1) students who prefer online learning, (2) students who prefer face-to-face learning, (3) students who are neutral, and (4) students who want a combination of online and face-to-face learning. Some of the factors that affect this perception include physical, psychological, and convenience factors offered by each learning method. This study also found a tendency to change perceptions among students. In order for online learning to provide optimal results, several important conditions are needed, namely guaranteed learning quality, student readiness to participate in learning independently and responsibly, and adequate online learning facility support