Quasi-experimental Research Articles

The Use of Peer Tutoring-Based LKPD in Cooperative Learning to Improve Student Learning Outcomes in Elementary Schools

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using Peer Tutoring-based LKPD on the learning outcomes of grade V students of Elementary School 3 Gedong Aer, Bandar Lampung City in the 2023/2024 academic year. This study is a quantitative study using Quasi Experimental Design and Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. Data collection techniques in this study include interviews, observations, and tests of students' Indonesian language learning outcomes. The analysis techniques used are descriptive statistics and t-tests. Based on the results of the t-test on the increase in student learning outcomes 0.00 <0.005, and with an N-gain of 0.00, it meets the fairly effective category. So it can be concluded that Peer Tutoring-based LKPD can improve the Indonesian language learning outcomes of grade V students of Elementary School 3 Gedong Aer, Bandar Lampung City, so that students can be more active during learning by using Peer Tutoring-based LKPD on Indonesian language material, namely understanding Procedural Texts.

Prioritizing information over grammar: a behavioral investigation of information density and rhetorical discourse effects on EFL listening comprehension

This study investigated the impact of information density on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) listening comprehension, testing the hypothesis that listeners prioritize message understanding in information-rich discourse over grammar-focused analysis in rhetorical discourse. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 26 EFL college students, who listened to two audio passages: one information-rich and the other rhetorical. Behavioral measures, including listening comprehension scores and response times, revealed that participants demonstrated significantly higher comprehension accuracy (96% vs 44.3% accuracy) and faster processing times (37 min versus 41 min) when listening to the information-rich audio compared to the rhetorical audio (p < .005). Survey data further indicated that participants prioritized semantic content extraction over grammatical analysis, especially when engaging with the rhetorical passage. These findings support the hypothesis that listeners strategically adjust cognitive processing based on discourse information density, favoring meaning extraction in more informative contexts, with a decrease in grammatical parsing routines. The results highlight the role of information density in L2 listening comprehension and suggest that language learning materials should prioritize informative discourse to facilitate more efficient and effective processing.

Enhancing Grade 4 students’ mathematical problem-solving skills using manipulatives

Manipulatives enhance learners’ mathematical problem-solving skills by providing concrete tools to visualize and approach problems. This study investigated their effectiveness among Grade 4 learners at San Rafael Integrated School using a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, and a validated researcher-created questionnaire. The tests measured problem-solving performance before and after the intervention, while the questionnaire explored learners’ experiences with manipulatives. The study aimed to compare the initial problem-solving abilities of the experimental and control groups, analyze differences after the intervention, and evaluate learners’ feedback on using manipulatives. Pre-test results showed no significant difference between the groups, indicating similar starting points. Post-test results, however, demonstrated that the experimental group using manipulatives significantly outperformed the control group, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. The findings reveal the limitations of traditional teaching methods and underscore the value of manipulatives in improving mathematical problem-solving skills. Integrating manipulatives into regular instruction is recommended to better support learners in mastering essential mathematics concepts.

Enhancing Frailty Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults

Introduction: Frailty poses a significant concern among older adults residing in the community, impacting their health and quality of life. This study investigated the effectiveness of the FANS in addressing frailty and enhancing health-related quality of life. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 6-month FANS on frailty status and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling frail older adults, and to compare the effects on fall efficacy, pain intensity, daily activities, stages of physical activity and nutrition behavior change, and satisfaction following the intervention. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the FANS among frail older adults. The intervention, based on the Transtheoretical Model, was conducted in a mixed setting, combining in-person sessions held at a community care center and remote group care delivered through the LINE app. The experimental group (n=43) received the FANS intervention, while the control group (n=38) continued with standard health promotion activities provided at the same community care center. Intention-to-treat analysis evaluated the intervention's impact. Measurements were taken before the intervention and at the 3-month and 6-month marks to assess changes in frailty status, health-related quality of life, fall efficacy, pain intensity, and daily activities. Behavior change stages and satisfaction were monitored using the Fitness and Nutrition for Seniors Behavior Change Stages and Satisfaction Scale. Results: Within the experimental group, significant improvements were observed over time across multiple measures, indicating intra-group effects, including frailty, overall health-related quality of life, fall efficacy, pain intensity, and daily activities. Between-group effects demonstrated statistically significant differences in daily activities. Time and group effects showed statistically significant improvements in frailty at three months and six months post-intervention. Following the intervention, a substantial percentage of participants in the experimental group progressed in behavior change stages related to physical activity and diet, with 83.72% in the action and maintenance stages for physical activity behavior change and 81.40% in those for dietary behavior change. The overall satisfaction rating for the program was 9.25 ± 0.24. Conclusion: The FANS is a feasible and innovative community health promotion initiative tailored specifically for frail older adults residing in the community, particularly during a pandemic. This program has demonstrated significant improvements in frailty status, health-related quality of life, fall efficacy, pain intensity, and daily activities among community-dwelling frail older adults. Moreover, the program has facilitated notable advancements in behavior change stages, supporting community-dwelling frail older adults in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors effectively.

Effectiveness of a Social Cognitive Theory-based health education intervention on depression (SCODESS) among mothers of children with cancer in Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia-A quasi-experimental study.

Mothers caring for children with cancer often experience depression, affecting maternal and family well-being. Prior studies suggest that theory-based health education can significantly reduce this depression. This study aimed to develop, validate, implement, and evaluate the effects of a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-based health education intervention on depression (SCODESS), as well as cancer-related knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived stress, coping skills, and social support among mothers of children with cancer at University Hospitals in Klang Valley. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with mothers from two University Hospitals in Klang Valley, Selangor. The intervention group is Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HPKK UKM) and the control group is the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). A total of 95 participants were included (50 intervention, 45 control). The intervention comprised online health education videos delivered over one week, and the control group received a poster. Data were collected at baseline (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), and at two months post-intervention (T3). The effects of SCODESS intervention were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis. The baseline response rate was 60.53% with a 2.17% loss to follow-up at T2 and 7.60% at T3. The GEE analysis showed no significant effects of SCODESS intervention on depression scores at T2 (p = 0.909) and T3 (p = 0.622) compared to the control group at baseline. However, statistically significant increases were observed in cancer-related knowledge scores at T2 (β = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.21, 9.20, p = 0.002) and T3 (β = 1.18, 95%CI: 0.65, 1.70, p<0.001), and in the problem-focused coping scores at T2 (β = 2.50, 95% CI 0.42, 4.58, p-value = 0.018), and T3 (β = 2.42, 95% CI 0.13, 4.72, p-value = 0.038) in the intervention group compared to the control group at baseline. No significant intervention effects were observed on other outcomes. This study validated the applicability of SCT-based intervention on depression scores among mothers of children with cancer. The SCODESS intervention did not significantly reduce depression scores but significantly increased cancer-related knowledge and problem-focused coping scores. As a potential preventive strategy for depression, the content of the SCODESS intervention should be revisited, emphasizing cancer-related knowledge and problem-focused coping as crucial components. It is recommended that tailored interventions focusing on these areas be offered to every mother of children with cancer, whether they are in the ward, clinic, or daycare.

Effect of Menstrual Hygiene Module on awareness, perception, and practice of menstrual hygiene among visually challenged females in selected residential schools of Uttarakhand: A quasi-experimental study

Vision disability ranks among the top 10 disabilities in people under 18 and older. Their needs are often neglected, placing them at potential risk for a wide array of problems. The right to dignified menstrual hygiene is often violated. This study aimed to assess the effect of the Menstrual Hygiene Module (MHM) on the awareness, perception, and practice of menstrual hygiene among visually challenged females in selected residential schools of Uttarakhand. A two-group pretest and posttest study was conducted among 75 visually challenged females in both the experimental and control groups, who experienced menstruation and had not attained menopause through a total enumerative sampling technique. Participants were assessed for awareness, perception, and practices for menstrual hygiene using a self-structured questionnaire followed by administration of the MHM to participants in the experimental group. The module comprised health teaching, tactile diagrams on the female reproductive system taken from As We Grow Up: A Tactile Book on Menstrual Hygiene Management, published by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (UN organization), prototypes of menstrual products, and three-dimensional (3D) models on the female reproductive system. The intervention was followed by a posttest. The mean age of participants in the experimental and control groups was found to be 14.05 ± 2.27 and 14.48 ± 2.39 years, respectively. In the experimental group, the mean awareness score increased from 7.41 ± 1.11 to 7.92 ± 1.07 (paired t-value: 6.40), whereas the perception score increased from 22.168 ± 2.35 to 32.088 ± 2.75 (paired t-value: 33.33), tested at the .05 level of significance. The majority of the practices remain unchanged even after the intervention such as a way of recognizing the onset of menstruation in both the groups. The study concluded that there is a great need for empowering visually challenged females to achieve dignified menstrual hygiene. The module developed as part of the study can be further used to dispel information on menstrual hygiene among visually challenged females in different areas.

The Effect of Providing Information About Ca Cerviks via Whatsapp Autoreply on the Interest of Women of Childbearing Age to Conduct IVA Screening at the Bandar Health Center in 2024

The high prevalence of cancer in Indonesia needs to be observed with preventive measures and early detection through Visual Examination of Acetic Acid/IVA test. The low interest of women of childbearing age to do IVA Screening is one of the health problems. Many media have been used by the government and researchers before to socialize cervical cancer prevention to the public. In the digital era, the internet is one of the dominant information media, the most accessed is WhatsApp (95.9%). Researchers use the Whatsapp autoreply feature to provide information about Ca Cervix which can be accessed 24/7. The use of this technology is expected to be useful so that users are motivated to conduct IVA screening. The study used a quasi experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design model. The data were analyzed using the non-parametric statistical test Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test to compare the differences between the pre-test and the post-test and the Mann Whitney U Test to compare the differences between the control group and the experimental group. In the control group, the results of the wilcoxon test pre-test post-test knowledge context showed a-Symp 0.227, at the input information a-Symp 0.916, in the process of providing information a-Symp 0.083 and at Interest a-Symp 0.317, the value was &gt;0.05 Ho was rejected, there was no difference in the pre-test post-test of the control group. In the experimental group, the results of the wilcoxon test pre-test post-test in the context of knowledge, showed a-Symp 0.000, at the input of a-Symp information 0.000, in the process of providing information a-Symp 0.000 and in the interest of a-Symp 0.000, the value &lt;0.05 Ho was accepted, there was a difference in the pre-test post-test of the experimental group. The results of the Mann Whitney U Test showed that A-Symp was 0.000&lt; 0.05 There was a difference in the control group and there was an increase in the experimental group that was given the treatment. The interest of women of childbearing age to do IVA screening can increase after being given information about Ca Cerviks and IVA Test through whatsapp autoreply.

The Effect Of Using The Fishbowl Strategy Toward Students' Speaking Ability

The Fishbowl teaching strategy has been investigated for its impact on enhancing students' speaking proficiency in secondary education. Despite regular engagement in English through day-to-day interactions, students often find English instruction monotonous and uninspired, primarily due to the reliance on traditional pedagogical approaches. In response, this study aimed to collect empirical data on the efficacy of the Fishbowl strategy in a classroom setting. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the research population comprised second-grade students from SMAN 06 Bengkulu Utara, focusing specifically on their speaking abilities as influenced by the Fishbowl method. The sample population consisted of 68 students, classified into two distinct groups: the experimental group, which experienced the Fishbowl intervention, and the control group, which did not. A comparative analysis of average pre-test and post-test speaking scores was conducted using SPSS software to assess the intervention's effectiveness. The statistical significance of the results was evaluated with the t-test formula. Findings indicated a significant difference in speaking abilities between students instructed through the Fishbowl strategy and those in the control group, with the experimental group achieving a t-test score of 70.00, demonstrating pronounced improvements in their speaking competencies. The implementation of the Fishbowl strategy was noted to be not only compelling but also inspiring, fostering a more engaging and productive learning environment.

The Impact of Art-Based Interventions on Emotional Regulation in Chinese Children with Autism: A Drawing Therapy Approach.

The study of effective measures to improve emotional regulation and social responsiveness in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is of significant importance for the adaptation of this group of children. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a 6-month drawing therapy program on preschool-aged children with ASD. It employed a quasi-experimental design with two groups: an experimental group participating in drawing therapy and a control group receiving no intervention. Emotional regulation was assessed using pre-test and post-test measures on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). The results indicated a significant improvement in social responsiveness in the experimental group post-intervention, as evidenced by paired and independent sample t-tests, indicating statistically significant differences between pre- and post-testing scores in the experimental group, as well as between the experimental and control groups. This study concludes that art therapy can significantly enhance the emotional-social responsiveness of children with ASD, highlighting its potential for practical application in therapeutic settings. The findings suggest the necessity of incorporating drawing-based therapeutic strategies into intervention programs for children with ASD, offering meaningful opportunities to enhance their social skills and overall quality of life.

Effectiveness of Simulation with a Standardized Patient on Knowledge Acquisition, Knowledge Retention, and Self-Efficacy Among Moroccan Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Simulation is a crucial component in the training of healthcare professionals, offering a safe environment for practical learning without posing risks to patients. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of simulation with a standardized patient on the acquisition and retention of knowledge, as well as on the self-efficacy of nursing students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted with 120 nursing students, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (60) received training through simulation with a standardized patient, supplemented by a lecture-based course. The control group (60) received only the same lecture-based course. A pre-test was conducted to assess students’ baseline knowledge and self-efficacy before any intervention. Student performance was then assessed with a post-test immediately after the training to measure knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy and a post-test three months after the intervention to measure long-term knowledge retention. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the intervention and control groups in terms of knowledge acquisition (14.92 vs. 13.32; p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.99), self-efficacy (33.02 vs. 31.05; p &lt; 0.001; d = 1.03) and knowledge retention three months after training (12.4 vs. 10.6; p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.94). Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the effectiveness of simulation in knowledge acquisition and retention, as well as in the self-efficacy of nursing students. These findings support the integration of this method into training programs to strengthen the skills of future healthcare professionals.

Effects of open-skill exercise on executive functions in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe research on the intervention of open-skill exercise on the executive functions of children and adolescents still requires quantitative synthesis, and there is inconsistency in the effects of intervention by strategic and interceptive skills, which are sub-divided from open-skill exercise. Therefore, this study systematically explores the aforementioned issues and examines the potential moderating factors in the effects of open-skill exercise intervention on executive functions.MethodsComputer searches of the CNKI, WOS, PubMed, ScienceDirect and SPORTDiscus databases were conducted. Two researchers independently screened the articles and extracted data, and used the bias risk assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Network and the Methodological Index for Non- Randomized Studies (MINORS) scale to assess included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs (QEDs). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 software.ResultsA total of 16 articles and 17 studies were included, comprising 11 RCTs and 6 QEDs. The participants were 1,298 children and adolescents aged 5 to 16. Open skill exercises have significant intervention effects (p &amp;lt; 0.01) on inhibitory control (SMD = −0.627, 95%CI = −0.890 to −0.363), working memory (SMD = −0.517, 95%CI = −0.768 to −0.266), and cognitive flexibility (SMD = −0.652, 95%CI = −1.085 to −0.219). The effects of strategic skill exercises are higher than those of interceptive skills, particularly in the dimension of inhibitory control (SMD = −0.707, 95%CI = −0.819 to −0.594, p &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, moderate-intensity and higher-frequency exercises overall have a more positive effect on promoting executive functions (p &amp;lt; 0.05); interventions of 6 to 10 weeks are more effective for working memory (p &amp;lt; 0.05), while 30-min sessions are the most effective for working memory (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and sessions lasting 75 to 120 min are the most effective for cognitive flexibility (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Open-skill exercise has a more positive impact on inhibitory control in the 5–9 age group and on working memory in the 10–16 age group (p &amp;lt; 0.05); open-skill exercise, especially, has a more positive intervention effect on inhibitory control in the Eastern group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Both Egger linear regression analyses and literature sensitivity analyses suggested that the Meta-analysis results were stable and reliable.ConclusionOpen-skill exercise has a positive intervention effect on executive functioning in children and adolescents, and strategic skill exercise interventions are more effective. In addition, the quantitative elements of exercise (intensity, frequency, and duration per session) and demographic factors (age and ethnicity) play a potential moderating role in this context. Based on this, it is recommended that children and adolescents choose more strategic open-skill exercises according to their actual situation and select appropriate quantitative exercise factors to maximize the enhancement of their executive functions.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, CRD42025636714.

E-LKPD Based on Socio-Scientific Issues: A Means of Developing Science Literacy and Critical Thinking In The Era Of The Independent Curriculum

Against the background of the limitations of learning media in facilitating the learning needs of students, as well as the importance of critical thinking skills and science literacy in facing global challenges. The independent curriculum is an approach designed to meet the learning needs of students flexibly, but still requires the active role of teachers in conveying essential concepts, so the development of SSI-based e-LKPD is expected to be an effective learning innovation to develop students' critical thinking skills and science literacy. The purpose of the study is to measure the effectiveness of SSI-based e-LKPD on environmental pollution materials on students' science literacy and critical thinking. The use of the liveworksheet application is used for interactive learning media. This type of research is quasi-experimental design with the one group pretest-posttest design method. The research was conducted in grade VIII of junior high school in Tanggamus district with a total of 128 students. Data analysis uses n-gain test and t-test. The results of the analysis obtained an n-gain of 33 in the control class and 53 in the experimental class. This value is in the range of 40-55 with the category of less effective. Furthermore, the results of the t-test showed a significant difference between the control and experimental classes (p&lt;0.05); reject H0, thus that SSI-based e-LKPD is effective in improving critical thinking skills and science literacy of junior high school students.

Effectiveness of a Developed Video Lesson On Kitchen Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia for TLE 8 Cookery Students

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a developed video lesson compared to traditional teaching methods in conveying TLE8-Cookery concepts to Grade 8 students at Gacub Atad S. Iligan Tribal National High School and Esperanza Integrated School. Using a quasi-experimental design, students were divided into two groups – one taught using a traditional approach, the other using a crafted video lesson. The video was developed following ADDIE Model and evaluated on content, instructional, and technical quality using the DepEd Learning Resource Management Department Section (LRMDS) tool. Results showed high ratings for the video’s content alignment, instructional clarity, and technical quality, especially its clear audio-visual elements. Moreover, students taught through the video lesson demonstrated significantly greater improvement in post-test scores compared to those taught traditionally, underscoring the video’s potential to enhance comprehension and retention in cookery concepts. The study recommends that the Department of Education and school leaders incorporate video lessons as effective tools to support technical subjects and consider training teachers in creating instructional videos. Future studies could extend this research to analyze the long-term impact and engagement benefits of video lessons.

TEACHING SPEAKING BY USING 'ELSA AI' TO THE EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS OF SMP NEGERI 42 PALEMBANG

This study investigates the effectiveness of the ELSA Speak application in enhancing English speaking skills among eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 42 Palembang. Employing a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design (one-group pre-test and post-test design), the research involved 34 students. The instruments used included a pre-test, treatment, and post-test. The results indicate that using ELSA Speak effectively improves English pronunciation skills compared to traditional learning methods. The average pre-test score of the students was 64.9118, which increased to 85.5882 in the post-test, showing an improvement of 31.82%. Hypothesis testing revealed a significance value of 0.000, indicating a significant effect of using ELSA Speak on students' performance improvement. The Cohen's Kappa value of 0.809 demonstrates excellent inter-rater reliability, which positively supports the validity of the obtained results. Future research should examine the long-term effects of ELSA Speak on fluency and confidence, compare it with other language learning tools, and involve larger, more diverse samples for broader insights.

Virtual labs in life sciences education: A case study of grade 10 learners in selected South African rural schools

This study investigated the effectiveness of virtual reality lab activities in enhancing grade 10 learners’ understanding of life sciences concepts and science process skills. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with a control group using traditional teaching methods and an experimental group using virtual reality lab activities. The results showed significant improvements in the experimental group’s understanding of life sciences concepts and science process skills, including making observations, interpretation, measurement, recording data, and planning an investigation. The virtual reality lab activities were found to be effective in enhancing learners’ understanding and skills, with significant differences observed between the control and experimental groups. The study’s findings suggest that virtual reality lab activities can be a valuable tool for teaching life sciences and promoting science process skills and have implications for the integration of technology in science education.

The effectiveness of telehealth in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice of eclampsia prevention among preeclampsia mothers

Despite numerous media efforts to inform the public, the understanding, attitudes, and practices for preventing eclampsia have not significantly improved, and maternal deaths due to eclampsia remain alarmingly high. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic factors related to this issue and to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding eclampsia prevention among mothers experiencing preeclampsia. A quasi-experimental design with a control group was implemented to study the effects of telehealth tools on mothers with preeclampsia. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, resulting in a sample size of 104 mothers, which was calculated using the G*Power tool. The key variables in this study included telehealth tools, socio-demographics, knowledge and attitudes, and practices for preventing preeclampsia. Data were collected before and after the intervention. The analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis: the independent t-test used Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the paired t-test (dependent t-test) used the Wilcoxon test, and the multivariate analysis used logistic regression. Our study results indicate that a mother's history of preeclampsia and her number of pregnancies (parity) significantly influenced eclampsia prevention practices. Additionally, knowledge, attitudes, and methods of prevention showed notable changes before and after the telehealth intervention, with all p-values being less than 0.05. The effects of parity on eclampsia prevention practices, as well as the role of telehealth in shaping knowledge and attitudes toward eclampsia prevention and management, were examined in relation to parity and education level. The support systems and advocacy efforts used by health officers can be integrated to improve telehealth services and encourage collaborative research involving multiple health experts.

Effect of a home-based physical rehabilitation program via virtual reality on the functional outcomes of frail older adults: a quasi-experimental study

Given the rapid aging of the population in Egypt, efforts to slow down or prevent frailty. Virtual reality technology constitutes a promising rehabilitation strategy, but its effect on frailty in older adults remains inconclusive. A non-equivalent control pre, post, and follow-up test design was used with a sample of 70 prefrail or frail older adults. In 3 urbans affiliated to Dakahlia governorate, tools of data collection; Mini-Cog, Structured Interview Schedule, Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe of the Frailty Indicator (FI), Short Physical Performance Battery, and Falls Efficacy Scale. For each group, a significant improvement in frailty, physical performance, and falls from each measurement period to immediately after (p < 0.001), and within the 30-days study period while those in the control group were relatively stable over time and sometime worsen. The baseline characteristics and assessment results were similar between groups. We observed significant improvements in the intervention group in terms of frailty criteria, standing balance, gait speed, chair stand, and fear of fall. No improvements were observed in the control group, we anticipate a decrease in frailty index, and increase in standing balance, reinforcing the proven benefits of the exercise in this vulnerable population.

A Study of the Impact of the Teachings of the Quran on the Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Resilience of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients in Iran.

Nurses have been exposed to great tension in the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to investigate the impact of the teachings of the Quran on the stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. This is a quasi-experimental study on 70 nurses at Larestan and Gerash hospitals. The intervention was implemented in ten 30-min online and offline sessions through mobile phone-based applications. The standard resilience scale and DASS-21 were completed by the two study groups immediately before and one month after the intervention. The posttest total stress mean scores of the experimental and the control group were 5.77 ± 4.67 and 17.71 ± 3.22, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups after the intervention (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between the experimental and the control group' posttest total resilience mean scores (71.17 ± 15.16 and 36.05 ± 0.5, respectively). Accordingly, educational programs based on the teachings of the Quran are recommended as an effective way to improve resilience and decrease anxiety in nurses.

Effect of social skills in cooperative learning on preschoolers' achievement in English language activities in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The study investigated the effect of social skills in cooperative learning on preschoolers’ achievement in English language activities in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Constructivism theory. Utilising a quasi-experimental research design with a non-equivalent control group pre-test and post-test design, the study collected data through questionnaires for teachers and observation of preschool children. The target population for the study was 411 public preschool headteachers, 508 teachers and 24000 preschoolers. From the preschools, 24 headteachers and 110 preschool teachers were sampled using purposive sampling. The researcher sampled 462 PP2 learners from all preschools. The researcher pre-tested instruments in five preschools, which were excluded from the final sample. Research instruments were developed under guidance from the University of Nairobi's Department of Educational, Communication, Technology and Pedagogical Studies to ensure validity. Reliability was assessed using the test-retest method and Cronbach's Alpha, and a reliability coefficient of 0, 72 was obtained. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were examined using a thematic approach. Key findings include the positive impact of learning components such as the social skills of an individual. The study concludes that the cooperative learning approach, encompassing social skills, positively affects pre-primary schoolchildren’s achievement in English language activities. The government, the Ministry of Education, and curriculum developers should develop a curriculum design that will focus on cooperative learning strategies and integrate social skill-building exercises. A longitudinal Study on the Long-Term Impact of Cooperative Learning should be designed to investigate the long-term effect of cooperative learning approaches on the English language.

The Effect of PDEODE and PQ4R Strategies on The Development of Reflective Thinking and Self-Efficacy in Mathematics among Ninth-Grade Female Students in Palestine

This study investigates the effect of PDEODE and PQ4R strategies on the development of reflective thinking and self-efficacy in mathematics among ninth grade female students in Palestine. PDEODE and PQ4R are two educational strategies based on constructivist theory, each consisting of six sequential steps; the steps of the PDEODE strategy are: Prediction, Discuss, Explain, Observe, Discuss, Explain, while the steps of the PQ4R strategy are: Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, Review. The experimental approach was used in a quasi-experimental design based on the application of pre-post measurement. The sample of the study consisted of (96) ninth grade students. It was intentionally chosen from the students of Al-Mughraqa Preparatory Girls School, and the sample was divided into three groups. The first experimental group studied using PDEODE strategy, the second experimental group studied using PQ4R strategy, and the third control group studied using the usual method. The study materials and tools included the teacher's guide, the reflective thinking test, and the self-efficacy scale. The results of the study are as follows: There are statistically significant differences at the level of significance ( = 0.05) between the mean scores of the students of the three experimental groups and the control group of the ninth grade in the reflective thinking test and the self-efficacy scale in mathematics in favor of the two experimental groups. The study showed that the size of the effect of the two strategies was large, and that there is a statistically significant positive correlation at the level of significance ( = 0.05) between the degrees of reflective thinking and self-efficacy in mathematics among female students of the two experimental groups of the ninth grade in Palestine. The study recommended training mathematics teachers to use PDEODE and PQ4R strategies in teaching mathematics for all grades. Keywords: PDEODE strategy, PQ4R strategy, reflective thinking, self-efficacy, mathematics.