Posttest Scores Research Articles

The evolution of subjective cognition after meditation training in older people: a secondary analysis of the three-arm age-well randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Aging is associated with cognitive changes, even in the absence of brain pathology. This study aimed to determine if meditation training, by comparison to active and passive control groups, is linked to changes in the perception of cognitive functioning in older adults. One hundred thirty-four healthy older participants from the Age-Well Randomized Clinical Trial were included: 45 followed a meditation training, 45 a non-native language training and 44 had no intervention. Subjective cognition was assessed at baseline and following the 18-month intervention period. Perception of attentional efficiency was assessed using internal and external Attentional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) subscale scores. Perception of global cognitive capacities was measured via the total score of Cognitive Difficulties Scale (CDS). Deltas ([posttest minus pretest scores]/standard deviation at pretest) were calculated for the analyses. Generalized mixed effects models controlling for age, sex, education and baseline scores revealed that meditation training decreased the vulnerability score toward external distractors measured by the ASQ compared to non-native language training. However, no between-groups differences on ASQ internal or CDS total scores were observed. Results suggest a beneficial effect of meditation practice on perceived management of external distracting information in daily life. Meditation training may cultivate the ability to focus on specific information (e.g., breath) and ignore stimulation from other kinds of stimuli (e.g., noise).

Quizlet's Usefulness for Vocabulary Learning: Perceptions of High-Level and Low-Level Chinese College EFL Learners

This study investigates the perceived usefulness of Quizlet for vocabulary learning among Chinese college EFL learners and examines differences in perceptions between high-level and low-level learners based on their post-test scores. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a web-based survey to gather quantitative data from 95 students in Shandong province, China, after an 8-week intervention using Quizlet. The survey was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and focused on perceived usefulness. The findings reveal that overall, students hold a positive attitude towards Quizlet, with an overall mean score of 3.81 (SD = 0.64), indicating its perceived utility in enhancing vocabulary acquisition. Specifically, Quizlet was found to be particularly beneficial for improving both receptive (M=4.18, SD=0.70) and productive (M=4.17, SD=0.68) vocabulary knowledge. However, its perceived usefulness in improving broader language skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening was comparatively lower. An independent samples t-test indicated no significant difference in the overall perceived usefulness between high-level and low- level learners, though high-level learners perceived greater benefits in learning speed and productive vocabulary knowledge. These insights suggest that while Quizlet is a valuable tool for vocabulary learning, its integration should be complemented with other methods to address comprehensive language development. The study’s implications highlight the need for tailored instructional strategies to optimize digital tools like Quizlet across different proficiency levels in EFL contexts.

UNLOCKING SUCCESS: FOUR PHASE TECHNIQUES FOR PILING LARANG STUDENTS

Writing is a crucial life skill for success in classes, jobs, and community settings. Students write to learn in order to organize, investigate, and digest new information, as well as display their understanding (Klein et al., 2016). In general, the writing problems identified in this study through pre-test, interview, questionnaire, and observation were that students had difficulty producing a gramatically correct sentence, expressing their ideas logically, using appropriate words, producing cohesive and coherent text, and producing accurate spelling and punctuation. To solve those problems encountered by teachers in Binan City Senior High School, the researchers conducted a study on utilizing the four-phase technique to improve the writing skills of the students in Piling Larang Grade 12. This research employs a quasi-experimental research design utilizing the pretest and posttest to determine the effectiveness of the four-way phase technique to enhance the writing skills of the students in Grade 12 Piling Larang, and two sections were used for the comparison group and the experimental group with 30 students each. The noteworthy result of the inferential statistic of the research is that there is a significant difference between the posttest mean score of the experimental and comparison groups, which shows that there is a noteworthy increase in the mean score of the experimental group, proving that all theories in the literary reviews supported the result of this study. This research recommends that teachers may utilize the four-phase technique in improving their writing skills, and school administrators are encouraged to assist teachers in implementing the four-phase technique in writing. It encourages to hold seminars and workshops on this four-phase technique in writing, not only for senior high school teachers, and future researchers may identify and test other possible factors that can further define the effectiveness of the four-phase technique in improving the writing skills of students. KEYWORDS: Four phase technique, Writing Skills, Piling Larang, Quantitative Study

THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING MODEL USING KWL CHART ON STUDENT PROCESS SCIENCE SKILLS IN PHYSICS LEARNING AT SMA NEGERI 2 LUBUK PAKAM

This study aims to determine the effect of the Project Based Learning model on high school students’ science process skills. The type of research used is a quasi experimental research design with a two group pretest posttest design. The population used was students of class XI MIA SMA Negeri 2 Lubuk Pakam, totaling 2 classes. The research sample consisted of two classes, the class taken was XI MIA I as the experimental class and XI MIA III as the control class. The instrument used is a science process skills test in the form of an essay consisting of 10 questions that hav been declared valid by the validator. Based on the results of the study, the average pretest score for the experimental class was 20,68 and the pretest for the control class 18,85. The results of testing the hypothesis showed that a significant value of 0,411 > 0,05 otherwise is accepted or both classes have the same initial abilities. After applying the Project Based Learning model, the average posttest score of the experimental class was 77,68 and that of the control class was 64,71. The results of testing the hypothesis showed that a significant value of 0,00 < = 0,05, it is stated that is accepted, meaning that there is a significant influence of the Project Based Learning model on student’s science process skills.

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation on substance abuse proclivity in adolescent smokers

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to determine how CBT-based psychoeducation affects substance abuse proclivity in adolescent smokers. Materials and Methods The study is an experimental study model with pretest–posttest control group. As a result of the power analysis carried out for the sample of the study, the sample size was calculated to be 110 adolescent smokers at a significance level of 0.05, confidence interval of 95%, an effect size of 0.7, and power of population representation of 0.95. A Descriptive Characteristics Form and SAPS were used to collect the data. The experimental group received eight sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation. No educational program was applied to the control group. The data were analyzed using number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, dependent samples t-test and independent samples t-test. Results Substance abuse proclivity was determined in adolescents who smoked cigarettes in the experimental and control groups. The SAPS total score average of the individuals in the experimental group decreased after psychoeducation compared to before psychoeducation. The difference between the posttest SAPS total mean scores of the control and experimental groups was statistically significant. Conclusion CBT-based psychoeducation was found to be effective in reducing substance use proclivities in adolescent smokers.

Peningkatan Ketaggapan Warga Pesisir Terhadap Bencana Banjir Rob : Warga Tangguh Bencana

Introduction: Unexpectedly high sea water can cause flooding which can damage, threaten lives and endanger the community, especially residents who live close to the shoreline or coastline. Objective: increase the response capacity of coastal residents to tidal flood disasters. Method: conducting outreach and simulating tidal flood disasters. Results: The average posttest score reached 17.5 out of a maximum score of 20, indicating the success of counseling in increasing respondents' knowledge and preparedness. Conclusion: Increasing community understanding, as reflected in a high average posttest score, can make a significant contribution to increasing community preparedness and adaptation to the risk of tidal floods. Furthermore, efforts are needed to maintain this positive momentum through sustainable programs, collaboration with related parties, and strengthening community participation in mitigation efforts.

Pengaruh Metode Lattice Terhadap Hasil Belajar Operasi Perkalian Bilangan Cacah dengan Menggunakan Model PBL di Kelas IV Sekolah Dasar

This study aims to determine the effect of using the lattice method on the learning outcomes of multiplication operations of integers in class IV elementary school. This research is experimental research in the form of Quasi Exsperimental Type Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The sampling technique used cluster random sampling. In hypothesis testing, simple linear regression test, correlation analysis, and t test were used. Based on correlation analysis, the experimental class obtained rxy 0.825 which is categorized as very strong. The coefficient determination value obtained is 68.06%, so it can be interpreted that the use of the lattice method has an effect of 68.06% on the learning outcomes of multiplying small numbers in class IV. Through the t-test in the form of an independent t-test based on the posttest scores of the experimental and control classes, a tcount of 2.04613 was obtained with a ttable of 2.014 at a significance level of 0.05. When the tcount and ttable are compared, 2.04613> 2.014. This means that Ho is rejected, and Ha is accepted, so it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of using the lattice method with the PBL model on the learning outcomes of multiplication operations of small numbers in class IV elementary schools

Enhancing Vocabulary Acquisition through Gamification

This study investigates the effects of gamification on vocabulary acquisition and student motivation among 54 students enrolled in the Orientation Program at a higher education institution in Bahrain. The study compared traditional vocabulary instruction with a gamified approach using the Kahoot platform. Results revealed that the gamified group achieved significantly higher vocabulary gains, with a mean post-test score of 86 compared to 78 for the control group. Furthermore, 85% of participants in the gamified group found this method more effective for retention, and 92% preferred it over traditional worksheets. The findings indicate that gamification can considerably enhance vocabulary learning by making the process more engaging and effective. Nevertheless, to fully leverage its benefits, it is essential to overcome challenges such as technical issues and varying levels of student familiarity with the platform.

Increasing digital awareness of pre-service teachers (an experimental research)

With the 21st century, the skills expected from people have changed. Expectations in this process have also affected the concept of the ideal human profile. Creative thinking, critical thinking and digital skills can be counted among the skills expected from an ideal person in this period. This transformation manifests itself in many areas. There is no doubt that education systems that can adapt to digital transformation, especially in the field of education, will be the education systems of the future. In this process, it is essential to increase the awareness of teachers towards digital transformation. As a matter of fact, in this study, it was aimed to increase the awareness of pre-service teachers about digital transformation. The research utilized a single group pretest-posttest model from experimental designs. In this context, 30 randomly selected 3rd and 4th grade pre-service teachers studying in the Department of Classroom Education were included in the sample. Within the scope of the research, the awareness scale for digital transformation in education developed by Yurdakal (2024) was used. Alpha value of the scale consisting of 50 items and 3 dimensions is 0.957. Within the scope of the research, an 8-week curriculum was prepared first. The curriculum was applied to the sample for 8 weeks, 4 online and 4 face-to-face. Pre-test and post-test data were collected before and after the implementation. During the process, diaries were distributed to the sample and they were asked to write their thoughts about the whole process. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS 22 and dependent groups were analyzed with T test. The qualitative data obtained within the scope of the research were analyzed by content analysis and codes were obtained and themes were reached by bringing the related codes together. The themes were presented by supporting them with quotations. Looking at the results of the research; it was determined that the participants' awareness of digital transformation post-test (134.96) scores were significantly higher than the pre-test (99.56) scores. In this context, the training process on digital transformation awareness was successful.

The Influence of the Project Based Learning Model on Science Learning Outcomes in Class V Students at MIS Al Huda Langkat

This research aims to determine the science learning outcomes of students by applying the project based learning model in class V MIS AL Huda, Langkat. This type of research is quasi-experimental with a pretest and posttest control group design. The population of this study was all students in class V of MIS AL Huda, Langkat, totaling 30 students. The sampling technique used was probability sampling with a stage random sampling technique, namely 30 students were sampled as part of the population. The instrument used is a test sheet to measure student learning outcomes. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis with the independent sample test. Based on the results of the descriptive analysis, the average obtained for the two groups, in the control class before and after implementing the project based learning model, was a pretest score of 54.33 and a posttest score of 76.33. In the experimental class by applying the project based learning model, the pretest average was 43.33 and the posttest average was 71.33. Based on the results of the independent sample-test, it shows that the t test value with a sig value < a = 0.05 (0.000 < 0.05) indicates that H1 is accepted. The results of the research show that there is a significant difference between the experimental class (VA) applying the project based learning model and the control class (VB) on science learning outcomes for MIS AL Huda, Langkat students.

Empowering Hearing-Impaired Learners for Digital Citizenship: A Thai MOOC-Based Design Thinking Approach

In today's technology-driven world, digital citizenship is vital in fostering responsible technology use and essential skills for learning, problem-solving, and community participation. However, a significant focus emerges within digital citizenship—empowering individuals with disabilities. This research addresses this crucial area by spearheading the creation of a specialized Thai Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) meticulously designed for hearing-impaired learners. The core objective is to equip these individuals with indispensable digital citizenship skills for seamless integration and active engagement in digital environments. The study progresses through three key phases. Phase 1 involves crafting the MOOC course to meet the needs of hearing-impaired individuals. Phase 2 develops a course on the Thai MOOC platform, using the MOOC-based Design Thinking Model and universal design learning principles. Phase 3 assesses 20 hearing-impaired learners in the "Utilizing Online Media as Digital Citizenship Course." The research reveals two significant outcomes, highlighting the course's impact. First, an evaluation of digital media quality and learning activities was conducted by five experts with 15 to 30 years of experience in the field, the result was an impressive performance rating of 4.56 on a 5-point Likert scale, indicating the course's high suitability for hearing-impaired learners. Such findings validate the precise alignment of the course with its intended objectives. Second, the outcomes of learning achievement tests on the Thai MOOC platform involving 20 high school hearing-impaired learners revealed that 15 learners scored above 70 (passing), representing 75%. The average post-test score was higher than the pre-test, with an average score of 72.05 points. These results demonstrate the course's effectiveness in improving learning outcomes and meeting predetermined criteria, while also indicating that adopting the MOOC-based Design Thinking model has led to the creation of high-quality media that delivers tangible results for hearing-impaired individuals. This research contributes to the eLearning field by addressing the specific needs of hearing-impaired individuals in digital citizenship education through tailored online learning courses designed to bridge existing gaps.

Evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning methods among MBBS students’ in medical institutions for medical education: An educational interventional study

Abstract Background: The closure of educational institutions due to COVID-19 conditions created a situation where contact between students and teachers became almost impossible. It imposed a potential need for adopting alternative learning methods. Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out an evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning methods planned among MBBS students. Materials and Methods: An educational interventional study was carried out, including two equipotent academic potential groups of all students of phase 3 part one. Two groups were created (Group A – Synchronous and Group B – Asynchronous) and taught five sessions for each group with asynchronous and synchronous e-learning styles, and perceptions of students regarding learning style were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and paired t-test and independent t-test were used to compare responses. A descriptive analysis of responses received for perceptions of both learning on a 5-point Likert was carried out. Results: Despite the asynchronous group having a higher pretest mean score (33.63 ± 12.03) compared to the synchronous group (25.20 ± 10.1), the post-test mean scores revealed greater improvement in the synchronous group (82.21 ± 12.2) compared to the asynchronous group (81.08 ± 13.32). The study revealed statistically significant higher posttest scores (P < 0.001) in both groups. Asynchronous e-learning was slightly preferable for phase 3 students compared to synchronous e-learning based on the perception given by students. Conclusion: Online methods and teaching implemented with the right planning will definitively serve as an alternative in situations like COVID-19. Although these methods cannot replace face-to-face learning, they help develop students’ interest in new learning styles and prepare them for adverse learning conditions.

PHYSICS EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY (PhET) SIMULATION AS AID IN INSTRUCTION IN LEARNING CHEMISTRY: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the inclusion of Physics Educational Technology (PhET) Simulations as an aid in instruction in learning chemistry to the Grade 10 learners at Sinobong National High School, a public secondary school in Agusan del Sur. A quantitative study involving pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed to validate the proposed hypotheses. There were 80 participants randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. The instruments used for data collection were a validated 50-item pre-test/post-test adapted from the Grade 10 Teachers’ Guide unified test in the K to 12 science curricula used by the secondary schools. In addition, the mean score and t-test statistical analysis were used to analyze the given data. The results showed a substantial difference between the experimental and control groups' post-test scores. The data support the claim that PhET Simulation significantly influences students' academic attainment compared to a traditional teaching strategy. The researcher suggested that teachers should involve Phet Simulation in their classroom instructions and learning process, and administrators should provide more professional development, workshops, and training to abreast the technological advancement of Phet in chemistry learning. KEYWORDS: MAED, Teaching Science, PhET Simulation, traditional teaching strategy, academic attainment

Development and Evaluation of a GeoGebra-Assisted Instructional Tool in Teaching the Key Concepts of Circles for Grade 10 Mathematics

This study developed and evaluated a GeoGebra-assisted instructional tool in teaching key concepts of circles to Grade 10 students. The development of the instructional tool followed the ADDIE model and was assessed by evaluators based on its instructional, content, and technical quality. The evaluations indicated that the tool is of excellent quality. A quasi-experimental approach was then employed to measure the tool’s effectiveness in improving the performance of students. The study involved two heterogeneous Grade 10 sections from Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS). Effectiveness was determined by comparing the pretest and posttest scores of control and experimental groups using an Independent t-Test. The results revealed that the GeoGebra-assisted instructional tool significantly improved students' understanding of key concepts of circle. Based on these findings, it is recommended that other mathematics teachers adopt this tool to enhance student learning. Additionally, further exploration of GeoGebra's features is encouraged.

Efektivitas Norm-Referenced Assessment (PAN) dalam Meningkatkan Pemahaman Mata Pelajaran dan Motivasi Siswa: Studi Kasus di SDN 03/III Sungai Deras

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of testing based on norms at SDN 03/III Sungai Deras involving 19 grade V students. The research sample was 19 students in grade V at SDN 03/III Sungai Deras. Data were collected through written tests and motivational questionnaires, then analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Results showed a significant increase in the average written test score from 65 to 78 post-intervention, with a corresponding decrease in standard deviation indicating improved consistency. Similarly, the motivation questionnaire revealed an increase in average scores from 3.2 to 4.1 post-intervention, with improved consistency in motivation levels. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between pre-test and post-test scores (t = 5.80, p < 0.05). Discussion underscores the positive impact of norm-referenced assessment on enhancing subject understanding and student motivation, emphasizing its relevance in fostering a competitive yet supportive learning.

Relationship of psychological capital, transformational leadership, and internal communication to work engagement in organizations

Organization A, which represents the country in the oil and gas industry and is tasked with managing oil and gas activities in Indonesia to ensure national energy security, requires employees with high work engagement. This requires enthusiasm, dedication, and perseverance to contribute fully to their work. However, human resource management surveys and several phenomena analyzed show that work engagement in Organization A is low. This research consists of two studies: a research study and an intervention study. This research aims to analyze the relationship between psychological capital (individual internal factors), transformational leadership (individual external factors), and internal communication (organizational factors) on work engagement using a sample of 267 employees of Organization A. Using a quantitative design supported by qualitative data, and found that individual psychological capital, transformational leadership style, and internal communication in the organization significantly predicted work engagement. Among these factors, internal communication predicted work engagement beyond psychological capital and transformational leadership. An intervention study involving 23 participants was designed to determine the effectiveness of an internal communication strategy training program in increasing work engagement. Results from the intervention study showed significant improvements in participants' pre-test and post-test scores, indicating the effectiveness of the program in increasing work engagement.

Peer creation and sharing of mnemonics in collaborative documents for pathology education: a pilot study

BackgroundMnemonic techniques are memory aids that could help improve memory encoding, storage, and retrieval. Using the brain's natural propensity for pattern recognition and association, new information is associated with something familiar, such as an image, a structure, or a pattern. This should be particularly useful for learning complex medical information. Collaborative documents have the potential to revolutionize online learning because they could increase the creativity, productivity, and efficiency of learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of combining peer creation and sharing of mnemonics with collaborative online documents to improve pathology education.MethodsWe carried out a prospective, quasi-experimental, pretest–posttest pilot study. The intervention group was trained to create and share mnemonics in collaborative documents for pathological cases, based on histopathological slides. The control group compared analog and digital microscopy.ResultsBoth groups consisted of 41 students and did not reveal demographic differences. Performance evaluations did not reveal significant differences between the groups' pretest and posttest scores. Our pilot study revealed several pitfalls, especially in instructional design, time on task, and digital literacy, that could have masked possible learning benefits.ConclusionsThere is a gap in evidence-based research, both on mnemonics and on CD in pathology didactics. Even though, the combination of peer creation and sharing of mnemonics is very promising from a cognitive neurobiological standpoint, and collaborative documents have great potential to promote the digital transformation of medical education and increase cooperation, creativity, productivity, and efficiency of learning. However, the incorporation of such innovative techniques requires meticulous instructional design by teachers and additional time for students to become familiar with new learning methods and the application of new digital tools to promote also digital literacy. Future studies should also take into account validated high-stakes testing for more reliable pre-posttest results, a larger cohort of students, and anticipate technical difficulties regarding new digital tools.

The Effect of Different Planning Conditions versus Explicit Grammar Instruction on Young EFL Learners’ Oral Production of a Picture Promoted Task and Grammar Gain

This study examined the effects of three task conditions on young EFL learners’ oral performance of a picture prompted task and their grammatical knowledge gain. To this end, 34 EFL learners were randomly assigned into three experimental groups, namely online planning, pre-planning, and explicit instruction, and one control group. Pictures were employed as prompts to implement the tasks in all groups. A Grammatical Judgment Test was used to compare students’ knowledge of simple present passive structure before and after the treatment. Learners’ oral task performance was measured in terms of Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency (CAF). The findings demonstrated significant differences among groups as for CAF measures. However, no significant differences were spotted in GJT posttest scores. The paper calls for the incorporation of diverse prompt-based planning conditions in task-oriented teaching practices in order to target learners' higher levels of oral competence.

Inter-rater reliability among healthcare professionals in assessing postoperative wound photos for the presence or absence of surgical wound dehiscence: A Pretest - Posttest study

BackgroundSurgical wound dehiscence (SWD) has various definitions, which complicates accurate and uniform diagnosis. To address this, the World Union Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) presented a consensus based definition and classification for SWD (2018). AimThis quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study investigates the inter-rater reliability among healthcare professionals (HCP) and wound care professionals (WCP) when assessing wound photos on the presence or absence of SWD before and after training on the WUWHS-definition. MethodsWound expert teams compiled a set of twenty photos (SWD+: nineteen, SWD−: one), and a video training. Subsequently, 262 healthcare professionals received the pretest link to assess wound photos. After completion, participants received the posttest link, including a (video) training on the WUWHS-definition, and reassessment of fourteen photos (SWD+: thirteen, SWD−: one). Primary outcomes1) pretest-posttest inter-rater-reliability among participants in assessing photos in congruence with the WUWHS-definition 2) the impact of training on assessment scores. Secondary outcome: familiarity with the WUWHS-definition. ResultsOne hundred thirty-one participants (65 HCPs, 66 WCPs) completed both tests. The posttest inter-rater reliability among participants for correctly identifying SWD was increased from 67.6 % to 76.2 %, reaching statistical significance (p-value: 0.001; 95 % Confidence Interval [1.8–2.2]).Sub-analyses per photo showed improved SWD posttest scores in thirteen photos, while statistical significance was reached in seven photos.Thirty-three percent of participants knew the WUWHS-definition. ConclusionThe inter-rater reliability among participants increases after training on the WUWHS-definition. The definition provides diagnostic criteria for accurate SWD diagnosis. Widespread use of the definition may improve uniformity in care for patients with SWD.

The impact of yoga on successful aging based on the selection, optimization, and compensation model in elderly women: A quasi-experimental study.

To investigate the impact of yoga on successful aging based on the selection, optimization, and compensation model in elderly women. Quasi-experimental study. Seniors' meeting points and parks and clubs for the old age pensioners of the ministry of education, ministry of healthcare, and the oil corporation in Shiraz, Iran. 68 elderly women within the age range of 60-86 years were divided into a yoga and a control group. The subjects in both groups were asked to complete the selection, optimization, and compensation model questionnaire before and after the intervention. Successful aging was measured using the selection, optimization, and compensation questionnaire. The yoga training program was implemented in 1-h sessions twice a week for eight weeks. After eight weeks of yoga training, the results showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest successful aging total scores of the yoga group (P=.005). However, the difference between the yoga and control groups' posttest mean total scores was not significant (P=.601). Based on the results, it seems that yoga training can improve successful aging. Thus, yoga is recommended as an inexpensive and entertaining method.