Proficient Students Research Articles

An experimental study of the effect of "error board reporting" as an instrument for improving student proficiency in the surgical setting during the COVID-19 pandemic

An experimental study of the effect of "error board reporting" as an instrument for improving student proficiency in the surgical setting during the COVID-19 pandemic

DIFFICULTIES OF TRANSLATING POLYSEMOUS LEXICAL ITEMS AND THE STRATEGIES ADOPTED: A CASE STUDY OF EFL LEARNERS AT SABER FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION – DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH - UNIVERSITY OF LAHIJ

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of the undergraduate students in translating three Arabic polysemous lexical items into English in different contexts. The research aimed to assess the student's proficiency in giving the meaning of polysemous words and measure their ability to select appropriate equivalents as well as the strategies adopted. The study involved thirty students from the Department of English, Saber Faculty of Science and Education. The participants carried out a translation test that contextualized three Arabic lexical polysemous lexical items (ضرب - حصر- تخفيف) within fifteen sentences. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a lack of knowledge among undergraduate students as they faced difficulties in constructing proper sentence patterns and a lack of competence in finding the exact English equivalents, resulting in challenges in selecting words that formed coherent English sentences and violating the sentence structure. Consequently, their production of correct English sentences was compromised. Furthermore, the study identified that the students relied on various language strategies, including L1 transfer, synonymy, avoidance, and paraphrasing, to facilitate their translation process. However, these strategies led to unsatisfactory English translations.

An Analysis of the Arabic Language Proficiency of Students in Mahārah Al-Istima’ at an Islamic Senior High School

An Analysis of the Arabic Language Proficiency of Students in Mahārah Al-Istima’ at an Islamic Senior High School

ASSESSING VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES (VLS) ACROSS DIVERSE PROFICIENCY LEVELS

This research paper explores the application of Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLS) between low level of proficiency students from faculty of Business Management and high level of proficiency students from faculty of Computer Science. This research paper employs quantitative approach where data were collected using purposive sampling from a sample of 71 participants representing various proficiency levels of English language in a public university in Melaka, Malaysia. To gauge learners’ awareness and application of VLS, a survey adapted from Alahmadi’s (2019) version of Schmitt’s (1997, 2000) Taxonomy of Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire (VLSQ) was administered to participants. Findings revealed that there are significant differences of VLS utilization among English language learners of various proficiency levels where students with high proficiency levels display better strategy awareness and application contrasted to the lower proficiency level of English language learners. Thus, from these results, it is pertinent for educators to modify vocabulary instructions and strategies to boost vocabulary attainment among different proficiency levels in English language learning settings.

Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Support for Autistic Students Through Individual Education Programs

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) underscored the importance of tailoring educational interventions to accommodate the diverse needs of autistic students in Nigeria. This study investigated the effectiveness of individual educational programs in meeting the needs of autistic students in Nigeria. The study surveyed autistic children, teachers, and parents in special schools in Ikeja, Apapa, and Kosofe Local Government Areas of Lagos State. It used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) in addressing the unique needs of autistic students in mainstream educational settings. The study analyzed academic performance metrics and social skills proficiency in autistic students. It also explored the experiences of teachers, parents, and autistic students through interviews and focus groups. Despite challenges like lack of resources and collaboration issues, teachers shared success stories and strategies. Parents praised positive efforts between home and school, while autistic students expressed improved learning experiences. The synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data provided a holistic evaluation of IEPs' effectiveness in promoting positive outcomes for autistic students. The findings contribute to the discourse on inclusive education, informing practices to refine IEP design and implementation. The study emphasizes providing meaningful educational support tailored to the diverse needs of autistic students in mainstream settings.

Peer Tutoring to Improve the Speaking Proficiency of Multiage EFL Students

Peer Tutoring to Improve the Speaking Proficiency of Multiage EFL Students

Factors Influencing of School Type, Parental Educational Background, Gender, and Age on the English Language Speaking Proficiency of Chinese College Students

English, as an international language of communication, plays a crucial role in the development of global economic exchanges. In China, where English serves as a second language, the improvement of college students' English language speaking proficiency faces numerous challenges due to the lack of authentic English communication environments. However, there has been a lack of in-depth research on the relationship between Chinese college students' English language speaking proficiency and factors such as school background. This study utilized multiple linear regression to analyze data from the 2021 China General Social Survey. It aimed to investigate the relationship between college students' English language speaking proficiency and various factors, including different types of high school experiences, parental educational backgrounds, gender differences, and age disparities. The findings revealed that college students who attended provincial-level and municipal-level key high schools demonstrated higher English language speaking proficiency. Additionally, paternal educational background had a more significant impact on the English language speaking proficiency of offspring compared to maternal educational background. Furthermore, female students exhibited higher English speaking proficiency levels than male students. Moreover, English speaking proficiency showed an inverted "U"-shaped trend with age, peaking at 22.5 years old. Based on the research results, recommendations were proposed to balance the educational resources of different types of high schools and to reform English teaching in universities. These suggestions aim to provide robust evidence for the formulation of educational policies to meet the growing demand for English learning in China.

SimuVet: a preliminary study of the innovative development of a simulator for epidural anesthesia training in dogs.

Epidural anesthesia in dogs is a locoregional anesthesia technique used in veterinary medicine, becoming an important integrated application in the anesthetic protocol to provide safer and more effective analgesia to patients. For this, professionals must adhere to rigorous guidelines and possess technical skills. In this context, in veterinary education, the development of practical clinical skills represents a crucial aspect in the training of these professionals. However, traditional teaching methods have proven insufficient to ensure a consistent level of competence among recent graduates. The introduction of non-animal alternatives for educational purposes has contributed to the development of simulation-based teaching, an innovative and accessible field capable of enhancing pre-clinical proficiency in students and reducing the use of live animals and cadavers. Despite its application in various areas of veterinary education, there are no conclusive results regarding the development of accessible simulators capable of effectively enhancing training in epidural anesthesia in dogs. Therefore, this article represents a pioneering study aimed at sharing a method for creating SimuVet, a realistic simulator for training epidural anesthesia in dogs. The simulator was fully developed by veterinary researchers with limited experience in 3D printing and, after preliminary analysis, demonstrated excellent performance and ultrasonographic anatomy. Future work will focus on the formal validation of this simulator with the aim of improving the teaching and learning process for students and experts in performing epidural anesthesia in companion animals.

Investigating Teachers and Students’ Views on Debate Activities as a Tool to Improve English Speaking Skills: A Case of Rulindo District, Rwanda

This research is entitled ‘investigating teachers and students’ views on debate activities as a tool to improve English-speaking skills. Its main objective was to examine the role of debate activities in the English-speaking proficiency of lower-level secondary school students in Rulindo District. The study was guided by the theory of Vygotsky, titled Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). To achieve the current study’s objective, a technique of questionnaires that contains open-ended and closed-ended questions was used to gather needed information. The research design used was a descriptive research design with a mixed method of data interpretation. The target population was 598, including students, teachers, and school authorities. For the learners’ sampling technique, we purposefully chose all students who participated in debate activities who were equal to 57 students. In this regard, 72 respondents (4 school leaders, 11 teachers, and 57 students) were surveyed. Findings revealed different benefits of participating in debates, including but not limited to acquiring speaking skills, improving critical thinking skills, and enhancing teamwork skills and collaboration. In addition, some challenges are faced, such as anxiety, nervousness, and limited language proficiency. Some strategies to improve oral skills in English, as proposed by the surveyed respondents, include providing practice opportunities and offering constructive feedback. Students were recommended to give value to English, the medium of instruction, and the official language and make efforts to practice through different techniques to learn and improve their oral skills in English. Teachers were recommended to define clear learning objectives for debate activities in English learning and help students make real-world connections through debate.

Systematic Literature Review for Smart Learning In Programming Courses

Advancements in technology are currently expediting the learning process for students, prompting an investigation into the integration of technology into student education. This study explores the impact of technological evolution on education. E-learning, a method of education that delivers information to students through modern communication platforms such as computers, networks, and multimedia audio components, is being examined. Whether utilized remotely or in traditional classroom settings, this revolution has made the world increasingly dependent on electronic screens in an era marked by the convergence of media technologies, information, culture, and technology. This paper outlines the development of an e-learning system customized for mobile devices, aimed at improving learning within the university environment. With mobile phones now ubiquitous among students, e-learning has become a potent tool for advancing educational objectives. Furthermore, e-learning aids in elevating student proficiency levels. The research conducted involved implementing and evaluating an application, which produced satisfactory results. As this application becomes integrated into university curricula to support learning, it is anticipated to substantially enhance students’ learning processes and performance, as evidenced by survey results following its implementation.

An impact Study on the oral Proficiency of Students from tamil Medium Schools tutored in digital Language Laboratory

An impact Study on the oral Proficiency of Students from tamil Medium Schools tutored in digital Language Laboratory

Collaborative Learning Approach (CLA) in Improving Reading Proficiency

Studies show that Filipino learners are not demonstrating proficiency in reading. In the recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2023 results, Filipino students were found to be poor at reading proficiency. One potential strategy is collaborative learning. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of the Collaborative Learning Approach (CLA) on the reading proficiency of seventh-grade students. This study used a quasi-experimental design with two experimental and control groups. Using purposive sampling, two grade 7 sections of the research site were included in the study. There were 26 students in one section who were chosen to be part of the experimental group and 24 in the other section, constituting the control group, for 50 students. Each group was given a pretest and a post-test. Students in the experimental group employed the collaborative reading method, while the control group used the traditional method. The questionnaire was validated by experts and deemed reliable, scoring .70 on the Kuder-Richardson test. Mean scores and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding reading proficiency after the intervention of CLA with a p-value of 0.000. It was concluded that CLA significantly influences reading proficiency and can be recommended for use in the classroom. However, based on the PHIL-IRI criteria for reading proficiency, the students in the experimental group did not meet the minimum instructional or proficiency level requirements. It is therefore suggested that further research must be done to make conclusive evidence that CLA significantly influences reading proficiency and evaluate PHIL-IRI criteria for reading proficiency, considering that it is inconsistent with the independent t-test results showing a significant difference in the reading proficiency of the experimental group.

The Relationship Between Intercultural Sensitivity and Speaking Skills: Voices in Higher Education

This study aimed to assess the levels of intercultural sensitivity among students and to explore the potential correlation between intercultural sensitivity and the speaking proficiency of English department students in Indonesian institutions. To achieve these goals, a descriptive study design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Data collection involved a questionnaire and interviews, with 64 students participating as respondents. The questionnaire included 24 items from the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS), which were answered on a four-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms. To assess speaking ability, the researcher conducted interviews focused on language and cultural descriptions, which were evaluated using a custom rubric. The findings revealed that students exhibited high levels of intercultural sensitivity in terms of intercultural attentiveness, confidence, and engagement. Additionally, they showed moderate sensitivity in interaction enjoyment and respect for cultural differences. Statistical analysis indicated a correlation between intercultural sensitivity scores and students' perceived speaking proficiency. Future research could explore different aspects of intercultural sensitivity to observe students' practical behavior in cross-cultural interactions.

Factors in Students’ Errors in English Writing Proficiency

English is the sole medium of instruction in Namibian higher education institutions. The fact that more than 90% of Namibian students do not speak English as their home language has often been indicated as the cause of students’ poor performance in English. This study investigates the English proficiency of first-year education students at the University of Namibia's Khomasdal Campus with a focus on students’ written works. This study aims to identify and explain the factors that cause students’ poor writing proficiency in English. Based on qualitative research perspectives, the results show that Namibian students face a range of challenges regarding written communication.

Building a Strong Foundation in English with Phonics Method among the First Graders of Elementary School in Magelang

This study aims to assess the efficacy of the phonics method in improving the English language proficiency of Indonesian first-grade elementary school students. The core group of 32 participants consisted of fifteen female and seventeen male students in the observation and interview techniques used to collect data. The results of this study showed that the phonics method can help increase the vocabulary of early childhood students, as the students can pronounce the letters correctly and remember the sounds of the letters and words. The findings show that the phonics method strengthens their early understanding of English by assisting first-graders in building a solid foundation. The study's findings showed that there are differences in the learning outcomes of beginning reading in students who follow the use of audio-visual media and in students who do not use audio-visual. Phonic method helped students build a solid foundation in reading, which in turn strengthened their foundation for English language proficiency. This study emphasizes the importance of phonics as a powerful teaching tool for developing reading skills in the early stages of formal education.

MASTERY OF SPANISH MORPHOLOGY AND SYNTAX THROUGH E- LEARNING AMONG MALAYSIAN STUDENTS

This study explores the usage of e-learning via an interactive blog in assisting student’s morphology mastery and sentence construction in the Spanish language. Data presented in this study were gathered through 1) interviews with fifteen (15) students between 20 and 23 years old, who were registered in Spanish Communication Level 1 at Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia, 2) questionnaire involving 45 students about the effectiveness of the blog as an e-learning platform, and 3) analysis of writing activities and evaluations in the blog and the classroom. The data were analysed using the descriptive-qualitative approach and supported by quantitative data. The findings indicated that the blog was viewed positively as a learning platform that provided out-of-classroom opportunities to learn the Spanish language. The usage of the blog helped elevate students’ knowledge in mastering vocabulary, understanding the grammar system, and constructing grammatical sentences. The findings can guide Spanish language instructors in preparing suitable and attractive teaching and e-learning activities that contribute towards the understanding and proficiency of students learning Spanish as a foreign language.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFICACY OF U-DICTIONARY APP FOR IMPROVING STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY

The objective of this study is to assess how well the U-Dictionary app enhances the English vocabulary skills of 10th-grade students at SMK Al-Haromain. This research employs a Quasi-Experimental approach, which includes two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The participants in this research were students from class X TKJ assigned to the experimental group, while students from class X TBSM were assigned to the control group. The data collection tool consists of a Pre-test and Post-test, which includes a total of 20 valid multiple choice questions. The researcher utilized the independent sample t-test feature in the SPSS software to verify the accuracy of the hypothesis. The mean post-test value in the experimental class was 87.6, while in the control class it was 72.8, according to the results of the two-tailed independent sample t-test. It can be inferred that the utilization of the U-Dictionary app effectively enhances the vocabulary proficiency of 10th-grade students at SMK Al-Haromain Mayong.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Online Assessments and Their Parameters as Predictors of Academic Performance in Undergraduate Medical Education.

Background and objectives Considering the increasing utilization of online educational tools in medical education, it is essential to evaluate the reliability and validity of online assessments to accurately assess student proficiency and predict academic success. This study investigated the predictive efficacy of different online assessment methods in comparison to standard offline methods within the medical educational setting. Methods This study utilized a mixed-methods crossover design, involving 125 first-year medical students who were randomly assigned to either online or traditional examinations. The students then crossed over to the other type of assessment. The assessments consisted of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), viva voce, objective structured clinical examinations, and written theory examinations. Quantitative data on results, finishing times, and academic metrics were analyzed, along with qualitative data from student interviews exploring perceptions of each format. Results The online MCQs had the highest average scores and a moderately positive correlation with performance on the theory examination (r=0.326). Regression models indicated that online and offline MCQs were moderate positive predictors of theoretical marks (R2=0.106 and 0.107, respectively). Qualitative responses emphasized advantages such as flexibility and accessibility for online examinations but also concerns regarding technological challenges, interaction, and integrity compared to traditional formats. Conclusions Online MCQ assessments showed promise as indicators of medical student academic performance. However, additional online forms require improvement to match conventional assessments reliably. As medical education involves digital technologies, cautious implementation of online evaluations substantiated by further research is needed to preserve educational quality standards.

The Effectiveness of Direct Instructional Strategy on Speaking Skills Of 7th Grade At SMP Tri Dharma Palembang

This study was conducted to assess the English speaking proficiency of students. The students' English speaking achievement was abysmal. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) the extent of improvement in speaking skills with and without the use of the direct instructional strategy, and (2) whether there was a notable improvement in the speaking skills of students who received the direct instructional strategy compared to those who did not. This study employed quasi-experimental research methodology. A total of 16 students were selected as a sample, with 16 students assigned to the experimental class and another 16 students assigned to the control class. The data were gathered by the administration of an oral examination. The data were analysed using both paired sample t-tests and independent sample t-tests. Through data analysis, it was determined that there was a notable surge in pupils' proficiency in oral communication. The paired sample t-test yielded a t-test statistic of -28.428 and a significance value of 0.00, which was less than the predetermined significance level of α (0.05). This demonstrates an enhancement in students' oral communication abilities. Furthermore, the results of the independent sample t-test indicate that the calculated t-test value (-13.075) and the corresponding p-value (0.00) were both below the predetermined significance level (α) of 0.05. The results indicate a substantial disparity in the average speaking abilities of pupils who received teaching through the direct instruction technique compared to those who did not get such instruction.

Learning Materials Utilizing Sustainability Pedagogy in Grade 8 Ecology

Science education in the Philippines is anchored on the United Nations (UN) goals on sustainability education, as provided in K to 12 Science Curriculum, which envisions learners to be environmentally literate, critical problem solvers, and responsible stewards of nature. However, K to 12 implementations in the Philippines faced several challenges that resulted in student’s poor awareness and knowledge about Philippine wildlife and conservation, as well as low proficiency in science. In order to enhance the proficiency and competence of students in ecology, learning materials utilising sustainability pedagogy were developed. A Descriptive-developmental research method was used to evaluate the developed learning materials (DLMs) and describe the experiences of students in the DLMs. A Four-Point Likert Scale technique was employed to evaluate the DLMs. structured journaling and thematic analysis were used to determine the experiences of students in using the DLMs in ecology. The experts’ evaluation showed that the five DLMs utilising sustainability pedagogy in grade 8 ecology passed the criteria of DepEd (Department of Education) as stipulated in the Learning Resources Management and Development System (LRMDS). Introduced features, sustainability-themed, issue-based, contextualised, and reflective likewise obtained very satisfactory result. Students found the DLMs interesting, comprehensible, promote awareness, relevant to the community’s environmental issues, and helped them to express their opinions. The study recommended that the valid and modified DLMs utilising sustainability pedagogy may be used by biology teachers in their lessons, can still be improved and further contextualised as well as used in other topics in ecology and environmental science.