Semi-structured Student Interviews Research Articles

The impact of human cadaveric dissection on professional identity formation in medical students

BackgroundAs technology advances, some schools are moving away from human cadaveric dissection to teach anatomy, leading to concern regarding the possible loss of a professional identity building experience. This study explored the role of dissection in students’ professional identity formation.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted using survey methodology and semi-structured interviews of medical students at an American-style graduate-entry medical school in Singapore. The questionnaire adopted the conceptual framework of the Ring Theory of Personhood and the MacLeod-Clark Professional Identity Scale was used to measure professional identity, followed by semi-structured interviews of students using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsRespondents did not differ substantively from non-respondents by age, nationality, or ethnicity, and year of entering medical school, however, they were slightly more female dominant. The number of hours of hands-on participation in dissection showed no significant relationship (r2 = 0.010; p = 0.424) with professional identity formation measured by the MacLeod-Clark Professional Identity Scale. Despite the survey results, semi-structured interviews revealed rich and nuanced findings suggesting the influence of dissection in participants’ professional identity formation through deepening students’ appreciation of humanistic values and enhancing their notions of patients’ personhood. Notably, students without dissection experience did not express these sentiments and were orientated towards knowledge acquisition.ConclusionWhile our findings do not suggest that dissection strongly impacts students’ professional identity formation, students shared thought-provoking experiences which suggest some level of its contribution. Careful consideration of this phenomenon should be exercised prior to removing dissection in favour of technological alternatives.

A PRIDE-theory-based analysis of a positive learning environment in a Finnish vocational education and training (VET) institution

The aim of this study was to analyse Finnish students’ perceptions of a positive learning environment. Because of the reform of Finnish vocational education and training (VET) and the recent decrease of students’ well-being, it is important to study how students’ well-being and learning can be enhanced. This study applied the PRIDE theory to describe the positive learning environment. The acronym PRIDE is derived from these words: positive practices, relationship enhancement, individual attributes, dynamic leadership, and emotional well-being. The data was collected with semi-structured student interviews (N=12) from a northern Finnish VET institution. The interviews were analysed with a theory-based content analysis leaning on the PRIDE theory. The research provided important information of the positive learning environment from the students’ perspective, through which learning environments that support students’ well-being and learning can be designed and developed in VET. In addition, the study provided an example of how to use the PRIDE theory for analysing positive learning environments and education.

Lessons Learned from Low-Income, First-Generation, Technical, and Rural Students (LIFTRs) Who Participate in Education Abroad

Community college student data and stories provide a critical contribution to the narrative of inclusive education abroad. A deficit mindset perspective has precluded historically marginalized student populations’ education abroad stories being shared and heard broadly. The community college provides a setting in which accessible education abroad opportunities exist, and in which students with diverse identities participate in education abroad. This mixed-methods study brings forward unique lessons learned from one community college’s education abroad student enrollment data and student study abroad narratives. Findings show evidence that students who identify as LIFTRs (low-income, first-generation, technical, rural, or a combination of these four) are indeed likely to participate in education abroad opportunities. A retrospective education abroad survey and semi-structured student interviews collect and amplify LIFTR stories. Education abroad leaders and practitioners are called upon to embrace a capabilities approach to education abroad access and recognize that global learning is a requisite to all students’ higher education experience, regardless of personal backgrounds.

Collaborative Assessment in the Gross Anatomy Lab.

In 2018, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine incorporated two-stage examinations into the gross anatomy curriculum. Multiple studies have investigated two-stage examinations and have largely reported positive findings. Here, we used a mixed-methods approach to further investigate the feasibility and student perceptions of the two-stage examination in the context of a medical school curriculum that emphasizes longitudinal group-based learning and formative assessments. Three student cohorts were assessed with a formative two-stage examination at the end of their first-year anatomy experience. Data for the quantitative analysis included examination scores from the individual and group portions of the two-stage examination. For the qualitative stage of this project, we utilized a constructivist grounded theory methodology in which data, including both post-examination survey results and one-on-one semi-structured student interviews, were transcribed (interviews), coded, inductively and iteratively reviewed, and thematically interpreted. Survey and interview results revealed an overwhelmingly positive perception of the collaborative assessment experience. Student comments demonstrated educational value in the immediate feedback provided by this examination format and suggested that collaboration during the examination transformed the assessment into a learning experience. While two-stage examinations have the potential to positively transform an assessment into a learning experience, we also identified complex relationships between content knowledge and anxiety that may affect student perceptions. In addition, examination logistics (e.g., curricular timing) have the potential to negatively affect student perceptions, indicating that faculty should consider these factors when implementing collaborative assessments into their curriculum.

English medium higher education in Hong Kong: linguistic challenges of local and non-local students

This research project involved a mixed-methods study investigating language-related challenges of first-year students at an English Medium Instruction (EMI) university in Hong Kong. The two-phased sequential study employed a questionnaire survey and semi-structured student interviews. The survey and interview findings indicate that first-year students face a number of language-related academic challenges during their first year at an EMI university in writing, reading, speaking, and listening, many of which appear to stem from lower levels of vocabulary knowledge in English, unfamiliarity with academic and technical terminology, and limited exposure to varieties of English. Additionally, the findings suggest that these challenges can vary significantly based on background and first language, relating specifically to three different demographic student groups: local Hong Kong Cantonese-speaking students, Putonghua-speaking mainland Chinese students, and non-Chinese speaking local and international students.

Wellbeing Amid Digital Risks: Implications of Digital Risks, Threats, and Scams on Users’ Wellbeing

This study investigates how users perceive their wellbeing amid the risks associated with digital media use in Norway. According to the literature, some of these risks include digital dependence, online privacy, scams, thefts, information misuse, and harassment. To expand knowledge on how these and other digital risks are construed by users, this study addresses the following research questions: What implications do digital risks have on users’ perceived sense of wellbeing? What are the solutions proposed by users to manage these risks? Methodologically, the inquiry is led through a qualitative approach comprising 17 semi-structured in-depth interviews of university students in Norway. The investigation centers on<strong> </strong>an interpretative phenomenological analysis. This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically evaluating the notion of digital wellbeing in the everyday choices of university students, thereby comprehending their safety concerns and how they manage online risks while exploring solutions to combat the risks of digital usage. The study adds value to the present literature on digital wellbeing by juxtaposing digital risks with the construct of wellbeing in digitalized societies.

Barriers and enablers to scholarship for post basic nursing students in clinical service.

Clinical scholarship is defined as an approach that enables evidence-based nursing and the development of best practices to meet the needs of clients efficiently and effectively. However, there are many barriers that impede its progress. This study aimed to identify the barriers and enablers to scholarship for post basic nursing students in clinical service areas. This multimethods study used a structured questionnaire followed by semi-structured individual interviews of post basic nursing students and their lecturers (nurse educators). The 81 students who completed the questionnaire indicated a lack of support or funding assistance and mentoring, as well as no mechanisms to reward or recognise scholarship as top barriers to clinical scholarship. Top enablers were noticed as reward mechanisms in place, more protected time and availability of role models and mentoring. Twelve respondents engaged in the qualitative phase and three categories emerged from the data, namely (1) resource dependent, (2) 'what's the use of research', (3) making a change. It has been shown that there is a need to adopt and promote a culture of clinical scholarship to ensure that the best available evidence is being utilised by nurses to effectively manage their patients; however, to support clinical scholarship, resources are needed.Contribution: This study highlighted the lack of funding and resources as being a major barrier to scholarship, together with an institutional culture that did not promote clinical scholarship. Providing protected time, mentoring and criteria for promotion and reward based on scholarship is viewed as enabling.

Exploring Pharmacy Student Experiences with Student Debt and Perspectives on Future Burnout and Loan Relief

ObjectivePharmacy students with substantial educational debt are at risk for excessive workloads, burnout, and clinical errors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, policies addressing economic hardships for all student debt borrowers included temporary suspension of monthly payments and 0% interest during the pause. This study aimed to understand student-level factors regarding student debt from the lived experiences of current pharmacy students and aimed to understand how current pharmacy students view temporary loan relief. MethodsWe used semi-structured interviews of pharmacy students across 4 years of progression in their pharmacy program to better understand student experiences with debt, different factors that may influence the impact of student debt on short-term and long-term outcomes for students, and student perspectives on debt relief policies and potential solutions. Our thematic analysis was grounded in existing evidence and a conceptual framework, while also allowing codes to emerge directly from the data. ResultsA total of 20 pharmacy students were interviewed with a median student debt of $77,000, with debt amounts ranging from $0 to $209,000. Students described what mediating factors influenced their experiences, the influence of student debt on clinician burnout, and other outcomes impacted by student debt. Six overarching themes emerged relevant to current students: student debt influences education and career decisions, debt is risky given the saturated pharmacy market, debt is an accepted burden, debt will inhibit starting a life, the COVID-19 loan relief is revealing, and early financial education is needed. ConclusionPharmacy students burdened with debt described a variety of different experiences and attitudes toward that debt and provided their perspectives on how student debt influences short-term education and career decisions. While students accept the trade-off of debt for their education as an inevitable burden, reported coping mechanisms and strategies shared suggest some solutions may be available to ameliorate this burden.

English-Medium Instruction in Higher Education in Uzbekistan: Views on Effectiveness, Career Prospects and Challenges

Several higher educational institutions (HEI) have launched English-Medium programs in order to recruit foreign students and increase graduate qualification for better employability. The present study reports on the results of an online survey and semi-structured interviews of administrators, instructors and students towards the use of English as a medium of instruction in tertiary level in Uzbekistan, where Uzbek is the native language of the students and the pedagogical staff. The sample of the study consisted of 34 participants: 13 instructors, 15 students and 6 administrators at the universities of Uzbekistan. The results of the questionnaire and interviews show that implementing an EMI approach would attribute responsibility on the teaching staff and require very carefully designed curricula. The findings also suggest that EMI courses improve English proficiency, contribute to instructors’ professional development, career, and income and enhance students’ interaction with their international fellows. Such recommendations as motivating students, making classes more interesting and comfortable are made by both instructors and students pointing to the fact that English proficiency is crucial to the learning success of professional knowledge. EMI courses offer great opportunities to both students and instructors.

The Impact of a Virtual Environment for Intergenerational Learning

Few intergenerational programs have focused on virtual learning. This paper explores the impact that a virtual intergenerational learning program had on primary school students and older adults at a residential aged care home. This study reports on the findings from a single case study design involving interactions across two sites, consisting of primary school students (n = 41), teachers (n = 2), a principal (n = 1), plus elders (n = 9) and staff (n = 4) from an aged care home. Questionnaires were completed by all participants, except for the school principal. Observations of the program interactions were captured via video ethnography. Data were also evaluated from semi-structured interviews of students (n = 16), parents (n = 2), teachers (n = 2), a principal (n = 1), elders (n = 9) and staff (n = 5) from the aged care home. The findings reveal that intergenerational programs must pay close consideration to the planned activities, participant characteristics, learning environment, equipment, and facilitator interactions and skills, particularly in a virtual space. In addition, this study finds continued evidence for the success of virtual intergenerational practice programs to reduce social isolation and exclusion, especially when we practice social distancing.

Lived experiences of black women pursuing STEM in UK higher education

Black students and researchers in higher education (HE) face scarcity of relatable role models in STEM subjects. Black women are under-represented in STEM and their outlook is under-researched. We undertook this project to understand the perspectives and challenges of black women in STEM HE. This qualitative research identified themes from semi-structured interviews of self-identified black female students and academics in UK HE. Black women face challenges due to both sexism and racism in academia, and under-representation in STEM subjects leads to isolation. Role models, mentors and academic support networks can be a source of inspiration and facilitate career progression.

Self-regulated learning attributes of high-performing medical and dental students in teacher-centered culture.

Objective: To explore self-regulated learning strategies in a high-performing undergraduate medical and dental students. Study Design: Qualitative Case study. Setting: Medical and Dental students of Private Medical and Dental College in Karachi. Period: August 2021 to December 2021. Material & Methods: A qualitative case study using constructivist and pragmatic paradigm was done. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews of high-performing students. Thematic analysis was done using atlas ti-9 for organizing data. Microanalysis was use to collect data from high achievers in three sequential phases: Examination prepratory activities, During examination performance, and self-reflection, processes following examination. Results: It showed twenty codes under three themes, Examination prepration activities, performance, Examination attempting abilities and Reflective practices. Examination prepratory activities codes were memory strategies, organization of content, rehersals, eloboration, group discussions, imagery, goal setting,strategic planning, time management, Mindfulness, lesson plan and monitoring activities, learning plan, intrinsic motivation, meta-cognition, quality sleep, co-regulatory network, no procrastination. Process or performance codes identified were, self-control, self-confidence, presentation of content, Problem-solving abilities, self-instruction, time management during examination. Reflective practices codes identified were receptive to feedback, self-consequence, reflective attitude and vision. Conclusion: High- achievers have centain self-regulatory attibutes which enhance their learning experience and help then to excel. The attributes identified through the research after exploring self-regulatory attributes in high achievers can be utilized to improve abilities of all medical and dental students.

Physician Assistant Students' Perspective on Ultrasound as an Educational Technology.

The use of ultrasound as an educational technology in medical education to teach basic sciences, including anatomy and physical examination techniques, has become common. Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of using ultrasound to teach anatomy and physical examination skills; however, this has not been studied in physician assistant (PA) students. This qualitative phenomenological research used 5 semi-structured interviews of first semester PA students to obtain a deeper understanding of students' perspectives. Dominant coding categories were identified through open coding, and thematic analysis was completed to identify emerging themes of participants' perspectives. Overall, the students positively perceived this use of ultrasound. Four themes emerged regarding PA students' perspectives of ultrasound as an educational technology within their Clinical Anatomy and History and Physical Examination classes: solidifying the curriculum, desiring more, looking ahead, and burden of curriculum. This study supports the use of ultrasound as an educational technology to solidify prior learning; however, steps to ensure student commitment to the technology should be taken. Careful consideration for curricular sequencing and allocation of time should be utilized by programs attempting to integrate ultrasound in this manner. Hands-on experiences, rather than faculty demonstrations, and clinical correlation should be utilized whenever possible.

Primary School Teachers and Students’ Opinions of the First-Grade Mathematics Curriculum in a Turkish Context

This research was carried out to determine the opinions of teachers and students in-depth regarding the primary-school first-grade mathematics curriculum in a Turkish context. This study was designed in accordance with a mixed research method to achieve this goal and to examine the situation that emerged during the implementation of a curriculum. The data collection tools were the “Mathematics Curriculum Evaluation Scale,” semi-structured teacher and student interviews, and an observation form. The thoughts of teachers and students regarding the primary school mathematics curriculum were determined in-depth, and the situations that emerged during the implementation of the program were examined. The research population comprised first-grade teachers working in primary schools in central districts of Turkey. Descriptive statistics and content analyses were used for the data analysis. Based on the results, it was concluded that the general structure and objective of the mathematics curriculum were sufficient.

The transformation of a student-led health clinic in rural Australia from a face-to-face service to a telehealth model: Evaluation of student and client experiences during a COVID 19 driven transition

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the rapid transition of many face-to-face health services to alternate modes of service delivery. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits, challenges and perceived quality of a telehealth service delivery model from the perspective of clients and students. Further, students’ perceptions relating to the quality of the educational experience were also explored. Methods: The study was set in a student-led interprofessional health and wellness clinic in rural Queensland, Australia. A qualitative case study design was used, including semi-structured student interviews and client open-response survey data. Participants were nursing and allied health students who completed a student-led interprofessional clinic placement and adults with low to rising risk of chronic disease who attended the clinic for telehealth delivered services. Results: Themes identified following analysis included: new or adapted skills needed for success; challenges, limitations and the need for resources, training and support; quality interprofessional education experiences can be achieved in telehealth; coming away with a new set of skills; the important role of the client for success; and benefits and disadvantages of telehealth for clients. Conclusions: The findings support that telehealth-based service-learning models are a feasible way to deliver health and wellness services from the perspective of students and clients and provide students with important skills for rural health service delivery.

Improving Online Discussion Boards

Asynchronous online discussion boards are a primary tool for instructors to cultivate social and cognitive presence in an online classroom. This article investigates the undergraduate student experience with remote learning during COVID-19 with the intent to examine the purpose and structure of online discussion boards. Researchers used semi-structured student interviews and student course evaluations to analyze learner perceptions of online class discussions. Though the goals of discussion boards are to provide a space for learner to learner interaction and to enhance critical thinking skills, discussion boards often fall short of these intended outcomes due to discussions feeling repetitive and artificial. Findings indicate that long-held traditional practices can be improved with different strategies; students value opportunities to ask questions and have choice. Reimagining the structure of online discussion boards can increase engagement and deepen learning.

Blended Tutorials: Blended Synchronous Learning in Mathematics

A blended tutorial is a single learning event which gives students the opportunity of attending face-to-face or online. This article reports the findings of a scholarship of teaching and learning project conducted at The Open University, and considers the barriers and opportunities to using blended tutorials to support distance learning. Two pilot blended tutorials were carried out on the honours mathematics module M337 Complex Analysis, and the results of the evaluation are presented. Using qualitative data from practitioner reflections, lesson observations and semi-structured student interviews, this project uses thematic analysis to identify barriers and opportunities to using blended tutorials. Particular emphasis is given to the unique challenges in learning mathematics, and in the distance learning context of The Open University. The report concludes with recommendations for the design of blended tutorials, and recommendations for future research.

Facilitating hotdesking in a hybrid campus environment: lessons from the hotdesking experiences of doctoral students in a US public university

PurposeUniversity faculty, researchers and graduate students are increasingly working out of hotdesks, nonterritorial workspaces available on a “first come first served” basis and cleared of all work and personal possessions at the end of every work session. The aim of this study of the hotdesking experiences of doctoral students in a US public university facility is to identify the themes and coping behaviors associated with hotdesking and examine their implications for campus workspace design and policymaking.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses multiple methods – direct and participant observation of flex workspaces in the study site, semi-structured interviews of doctoral students hotdesking in the study site and archival research of public institutional data.FindingsStudy participants work early or late to secure suitable hotdesks, perform important tasks in locations other than the study site, incur co-working space and home office costs, etc. to cope with the themes of uncertainty, lack of control and lack of workspace continuity associated with hotdesking. Workspace reservation systems, storage lockers and workspaces for diverse tasks can improve the on-campus hotdesking experience. Off-campus support such as financial support for setting up and maintaining a home office, subscription to co-working spaces, etc. can facilitate productivity and foster a sense of connection in hotdesk users.Originality/valueThis study contributes evidence that hotdesking doctoral students operate in a hybrid work environment composed of on- and off-campus locations. This study provides original insight that hotdesk users need on- and off-campus workspace support to experience productivity, connection and well-being in a hybrid campus work environment.

Exploring the Intersectional Development of Computer Science Identities in Young Latinas

Background: There has been a dearth of research on intersectional identities in STEM, including the fields of computing and engineering. In computing education research, much work has been done on broadening participation, but there has been little investigation into how the field of computer science (CS) presents opportunities for students with strong intersectional identities. This study explores the strengths and connections among the unique identities and the symbiotic relationships that elementary Latina students hold in CS identity attainment. Purpose: The aim of this article is to better understand how predominantly low-income, multilingual Latina students experience identity development through the lens of diverse group membership. We examine how young Latinas, through their participation in a yearlong culturally and linguistically responsive CS curriculum, leverage their intersecting identities to rewrite the formula of what a computer scientist is and can be, leaving space to include and invite other strong identities as well. Research Design: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used that analyzed data from predominantly low-income, multilingual Latinas in upper elementary grades, including pre- and post-CS identity surveys (N = 50) delivered before and after implementation of the curriculum, and eight individual semi-structured student interviews. Findings: We found that Latina students developed significantly stronger identification with the field of CS from the beginning to the end of the school year with regard to their experiences with CS, perception of themselves as computer scientists, family support for CS and school, and friend support for CS and school. Interviews revealed that perception of their CS ability greatly influenced identification with CS and that girls’ self-perceptions stemmed from their school, cultural, and home learning environments. Conclusion: Our results highlight the wealth of resources that Latinas bring to the classroom through their home- and community-based assets, which are characterized by intersecting group membership. Students did not report on the intersection between language and CS identity development, which warrants further investigation.

Corruption in Higher Education

The research is aimed at studying the opinion of university students on corruption in higher education. Researchers give ambiguous assessments of the nature of corruption in higher education, therefore, the purpose of the work is to determine the nature of corruption, the causes of its reproduction, as well as factors that, according to students, can reduce its level based on the study of students’ opinions on corruption in higher education. The methodological basis of the research was the works of leading foreign and Russian scientists. The study was conducted using general scientific methods, such as system analysis, questionnaires, generalization and systematization, and comparisons. The results of student survey (N=400) and 12 individual semi-structured interviews of students of the Ural State University of Economics and St. Petersburg State University collected in 2021 constitute an empirical base. It was found that the majority of university students have a superficial understanding of the essence of corruption and tend to tolerate it. The majority of students did not participate in corruption relations, but a third of respondents consider it as a means suitable for solving private problems. According to the students, the factors that have the greatest impact on the reproduction of corruption relations at university are the low level of remuneration of teachers, the low moral level of teachers and staff, as well as the lack of proper administrative control. The greatest impact on reducing corruption in higher education, in the opinion of the students, are the factors of increasing responsibility for corruption offenses, raising teachers’ salaries and strengthening administrative control at the university.