Significant Learning Experiences Research Articles

How Do Teachers Learn and Engage with Climate Change? An Examination of the <em>Shade Our Schools—Leaves Are Cool!</em> Citizen Science Program

Schools are the best venue for increasing climate literacy, and teachers are ideal channels to convey meaningful information to students. However, most teachers have not participated in significant learning experiences or training related to climate change. Informed and well-prepared teachers feel more confident to debate or talk about this subject. Participation in active research provides teachers with a sense of expertise that makes them more confident to teach this topic. By participating in the Shade our Schools—Leaves are Cool! citizen science project developed for the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Fairchild Challenge in South Florida, students and teachers conduct a series of experiments to explore how different plant species will fare under climate change scenarios. We surveyed 100+ elementary and middle school teachers during a period of three years to evaluate teacher knowledge gained over the duration of the annual Challenge and the impact of the project in schools. This project has been a successful experience for our participants to learn and engage with climate change–related topics and plant physiology.

대학생의 성찰일지 작성 및 공유에 관한 학습 경험과 교육적 효과

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore learning experiences and student performances of writing and sharing reflection journals of college students in a lecture-based class. For this purpose, this research analyzed the contents of the students' reflection journal documents in ‘Multicultural Society and Education’ class. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with five purposefully sampled students. First, the aspects of learning experience through analysis of the contents of the reflection journal were derived as follows: 1) in-depth thinking experience, 2) active learning experience, 3) significant learning experience, and 4) reflective learning experience. Second, the educational effects of writing reflection journals included 1) meta-cognition, 2) understanding one's opinions and arguments, 3) long-term memory, 4) effective writing skills, and 5) promoting change of challenging behavior. Third, the educational effects of sharing reflection journals included 1) intellectual stimulation, 2) development of learning strategies, 3) empathy and receptive Attitude, 4) expansion of perspectives on phenomena, and 5) engagement as an instructional designer. Based on the research results, theoretical and practical implications for college students' reflection journals were presented.

English Speaking Teaching Strategies Based on Natural Language Processing

The study of cognitive processes in English teaching methods from the perspective of HPM (History and Pedagogy of Mathematics) provides valuable insights into how students learn and understand the English language. Cognitive research in language learning focuses on the mental processes involved in acquiring, processing, and using language skills. By incorporating the principles of HPM, which examines the historical development and pedagogical approaches in mathematics education, researchers can draw parallels and apply similar methodologies to English language instruction. This paper constructed Bloom’s taxonomy Fuzzy Decision Support System (BTF-DSS). Bloom’s taxonomy provides information about the teacher’s understanding towards the teaching. Through BTF-DSS model offers teachers provides the knowledge and expertise for effective teaching with the fuzzy model. The BTF-DSS model uses the fuzzy logic decision support system for the appropriate significant teaching and learning experience. The simulation analysis of the BTF-DSS model expressed that the fuzzy model exhibits significant performance for the English teaching method in China through the HPM process.

Comparison of Flipped Classroom Versus Traditional Didactic Lectures among Medical Students: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract Background: Didactic lectures are one of the commonly used instructional methods used for curriculum delivery in medical colleges. These lectures have a limited scope for interactions. Flipped classroom constitutes both an instructional approach and a form of blended learning, designed to enhance student engagement and comprehension. This intentional shift to a learner-centric model allocates initial exposure to new subjects beyond traditional classroom settings, thus enabling classroom time to be dedicated to in-depth exploration of topics, fostering significant learning experiences. Hence, a study was conducted to compare the academic scores of students taught in the flipped method versus traditional classroom and to assess the perception of students regarding the flipped classroom. Methodology: One hundred students were divided into two Batches A and B of 50 students each. Topic one was taught, by the flipped classroom method for Batch A and by the traditional method for Batch B. Topic two was taught by flipped classroom for Batch B and Batch A had traditional class. A multiple-choice question test was done for all the batches at the end of the classes. Perception of students regarding flipped classrooms was assessed through a prevalidated questionnaire on a Likert scale. Results: The mean value of the academic scores of the tests conducted was higher after flipped classroom sessions compared to traditional teaching sessions with a significant P < 0.001. Analysis of the open-ended questions revealed that the flipped class had advantages of in terms of better student involvement. Conclusions: Flipped classroom can be an effective student-centered teaching strategy when properly planned and implemented for higher education. In medical colleges, it can be incorporated as one of the teaching–learning methodologies to teach must know topics.

Integrating ArcGIS Online and digital story mapping for active learning in systematic geography courses

ABSTRACT Amid the shift to virtual teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, educators across disciplines were faced with developing new teaching strategies for active learning and significant learning experiences. This paper discusses findings from a case study of integrating ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps for assignments and semester projects in systematic geography courses – health, population, and urban geography. The study assesses the process of incorporating the use of this technology into these upper-division undergraduate courses, with a mix of both geography and non-geography majors, and student perspectives on their learning of and engagement with this technology. With broader applications to different course, discipline, and education contexts, findings suggest increased student engagement, enhanced understanding of course topics and their practical applications, and an appreciation for the opportunity to learn within and work with geospatial technology.

Examining the Setting of Significant Learning Events during the Engineering School-to-Work Transition

The school-to-work transition is a critical time for engineers that involves rapid learning across multiple fronts, but relatively little is known about the setting (i.e., how, where, and with whom) of significant learning experiences during this time. The purpose of the study is to examine the setting of significant learning events for recent engineering graduates. We used a multi-case study in which 12 recent engineering graduates responded to weekly reflective journal prompts for the first twelve weeks of their transition from school to work. Participants described significant learning events through a series of open-ended questions. We used both deductive and inductive coding to identify the setting of the event in terms of how, where, and with whom engineers engaged in learning at work. The findings highlight the emergent, social nature of workplace learning and point to critical differences across school and work. To better prepare students for professional practice, engineering educators should consider how they might create learning environments that promote effective transfer of knowledge and skills.

Supplemental educational program to heighten the impact of research – an opportunity for OA imaging

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a supplementary educational program (“IMPACT”) centered on enabling participants to consider specifically and articulate explicitly the best path for and potential impact of their research. DesignParticipants (trainees) and faculty mentors were from all areas of biomedical research. The group worked longitudinally in small, rotating groups, through a process of developing a written statement (“Impact Statement”), an overview (“Impact Storyline”) and an oral presentation (“Impact Case”) of their work. ResultsOne hundred and eighty-seven Fellows enrolled in the program. Of the 179 (96%) Fellows who completed the program, 159 (89%) responded to a post-program survey; 94% indicated that IMPACT was a significant learning experience, 89% indicated that they were more able to identify the long-term potential of their research, 95% felt more able to talk about their work to diverse audiences. ConclusionThis voluntary educational program was appreciated by the participants and led to increased confidence in their ability to drive their science towards a clear impact and communicating that potential to others. This type of program may aid in redirecting some of the efforts and resources of imaging in OA from the large focus on technical developments to more direct biological and clinical questions which might be resolved with current technology.

Learning-centered lesson design and learning about teaching in a pre-service teacher education course

Designing lessons is a prominent means in pre-service teacher education for developing student teachers’ understanding of what good teaching involves and how to plan for such teaching. A new approach to teaching lesson design in a pre-service teacher education program has prompted research on what and how student teachers learn from this new approach to prepare them for teaching. This article reports on practitioner research that draws on principles derived from the body of scholarship dubbed the “science of learning”. An interpretive research approach was followed, and data was collected via semi-structured interviews that were juxtaposed with lessons that student teachers designed. The pattern that emerged from the analyzed data was that this new lesson design approach helped student teachers to develop a good understanding of the nature of learning; and that such understanding is important because teaching is ultimately about helping learners to learn. In addition, participants articulated that invoking the principles used forced them to be more metacognitive and intentional in designing the lessons. Thus, moving beyond teaching methods and classroom discipline to a focus on how to best guide and support the intended learning of specific learners. Participants were also of the view that the approach is suitable to use in varying contexts because it is not dependent on the availability of resources. The authors conclude that a lesson design approach that draws on the science of learning has much to offer student teachers towards becoming adaptive experts who are able to create significant learning experiences for learners. Additionally, pre-service teachers will benefit from an approach that is modelled by teacher educators, and which employs an iterative process that uses deliberate practice to work towards adaptive expertise.

Book Review: Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses

Book Review: <i>Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses</i>

Creating a Significant Learning Experience When Introducing Labor Relations to Students

Despite declines in private-sector union membership in the United States, labor relations remains an essential topic within the field of human resource management. However, most undergraduate students have little experience with labor unions, making it difficult to enhance learning by applying labor relations concepts to their prior experiences. The current lesson addresses this gap by teaching students about labor relations through the exploration of an authentic collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and an analysis of an actual work stoppage (i.e., strike or lockout). Students will learn about how different elements of the CBA influenced negotiations and factors that contributed to a work stoppage, leading to a basic understanding of how the human resource management decisions they make as managers can directly impact organizational outcomes. The lesson also serves as a tool for synthesizing content from throughout the semester in an undergraduate human resource management course.

Identification of interprofessional education variables to support replicability and generalizability of scholarly outcomes

BackgroundInconsistent reporting of IPE study variables hampers replicability and generalizability of interprofessional education (IPE) research. PurposeThe purpose of this review was to develop an evidence-based list of IPE variables that allows researchers to account for variability in learning environments and outcomes across institutions. MethodA systematic database search was conducted, narrowing to 17 relevant IPE articles. IPE terms were identified in each article. A final list of variables was agreed upon and categorized using Fink's guide for significant learning experiences. ResultsForty-three variables were identified and classified into the four categories: identifying situation factors, identifying learning goals, formulating assessment procedures, and selecting effective learning activities. ConclusionsAn IPE variable list was developed for consistent activity reporting by educators and researchers. Implementation and subsequent refinement of these variables would assist in establishing a format for reporting of IPE scholarly work that better supports the advancement of interprofessional science.

La importancia de la participación familiar en la vida escolar de sus hijos en la ciudad de belágua-ma

ABSTRACT This article aims to analyze the importance of family participation in school. For this, this research was conducted with the managers of a school. The participation of the family in the educational process together with the school is of utmost importance, because by working together it will be possible to form critical and reflective citizens, endowed with possibilities and skills, so that in this way the school will be able to fulfill its basic and social formation. It is in the family that the first examples are followed in the course of their education and the role of the school facing the difficulties found in the family. Finally, the exchange of experiences with parents can result in a more significant learning experience for the student. This integration between family and school is a win-win process; the family can align the routine, monitor the child’s development and help them better. It is essential that the family and the school go hand in hand to promote a higher quality education for the intellectual and social growth of the student. The family is considered the first educational agency of the human being and is mainly responsible for the way in which the subject relates to the world.

The Power of a Camera: Fieldwork Experiences From Using Participatory Photovoice

Conducting primary data collection can be a fulfilling and interesting adventure producing significant learning experiences particularly for early career researchers. However, fieldwork can be marred with complex challenges and frustrations, especially if conducted in dynamic and politically sensitive environments and with highly vulnerable urban populations. This paper contributes to and advances academic scholarship on fieldwork experiences in the social sciences. Drawing from the first author’s doctoral fieldwork experiences, we share our reflections on the application of the photovoice method in researching street traders in Harare, Zimbabwe. We engage with different issues that researchers could consider in the application of photovoice, especially with dynamic and marginalized urban populations like street traders. These include dealing with and managing complex and multiple ethical dilemmas, dealing with the content-quality conundrum, exploring ‘missing’ photographs and handling ‘leftover’ photographs, handling conflictual council-street trader relations, building rapport, and ensuring participant commitment, joint interpretation, and co-construction of meaning and methodological benefits of using photovoice with street traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that reflects on the use of photovoice with street traders in Global South cities, and we hope that the insights presented here will be useful for future urban researchers working on similar topics.

Implementation of Formative Assessment in Engineering Education

Formative assessment is an assessment of student learning that aims to improve students' skills or understanding of certain course themes. Formative evaluations are often conducted in class, can be conducted anonymously, and are typically much more focused on certain abilities or knowledge. This article presents a comprehensive literature analysis on formative assessment in engineering education. As an integrated narrative review, this study's methodology included a systematic search, review, and writing of the literature in order to synthesize the important themes and conclusions of research in this field. The authors selected and reviewed the available literature using qualitative thematic criteria, focusing on the relationship between formative assessment and students' attitudes, FA and self-regulation skills, online formative evaluation, validity, reliability, and dishonesty of assessment, and engagement with critical learning processes. An increase in student involvement and centrality in the process as primary actors, as well as the building of a learning community, are among the cited benefits. According to the primary results, effective online formative assessment can generate a student- and assessment-centered emphasis through formative feedback and enhanced learner engagement with significant learning experiences. In the context of online formative assessment, it has been discovered that ongoing authentic assessment activities and interactive formative feedback are vital for overcoming validity and reliability concerns.

Enhancing management education: How do experiences outside the classroom matter?

We use principles of participatory action research (PAR) to investigate differences in learning by business students resulting from an experiential course in their curriculum. Our research is framed by Fink's (2013) learning framework classifying student learning into cognitive and behavioural dimensions. As part of PAR, the students participated in this type of action learning through engaging with a community, reflecting on their experiences and participating in the research process. Through a content analysis that explores student learning reflections through the lens of Fink's taxonomy, we explore learning that is linked to the development of humanistic management. We compare how course delivery methods impact the learning of the students and how this difference is manifested along the human dimension. We find that a field-based experiential learning course provides a different learning experience, richer in the humanistic perspective than a traditional on-campus lecture. As part of the PAR, students reflected on their significant learning experiences a year after their initial experiences and demonstrated learning along the human dimension that had lasted and influenced their career decisions. We contribute to the literature on experiential learning in the context of a business curriculum by expanding the importance of place-based learning as a way of learning humanistic principles. We find that over time, students reflect more on behavioural rather than cognitive experiences.

Identifying Ethical Challenges in the Marketing Mix: Experiential Exercise Themes and Variations

To be effective ethical business leaders, students need experience identifying ethical dilemmas. Textbooks provide models and guidelines to categorize ethical challenges, yet students need practice applying these tools in the real world. The exercise described in this study is designed to do just that by helping students learn to identify ethical challenges in marketing. Using the marketing mix as a framework, this scavenger hunt-like exercise provides significant learning experiences by emphasizing teamwork, out of classroom learning, and meeting students where they are with technology. The exercise may be used at either an undergraduate or graduate level in business ethics classes. Learning themes tapped in this exercise can be realized in the on-site classroom or the virtual classroom. Further variations on these themes conclude the article.

Catalyzing Conversations: Critical Thinking Skills to Win the Battle for Truth in the Post-Truth Era

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is uniquely poised to address one of the greatest challenges in the “post-truth” era through catalyzing conversations that promote the effective development of critical thinking skills necessary for identifying and avoiding conspiracy theories. An interdisciplinary team of scientists, science communicators, public health nurses and educators has designed case studies, modules and activities that are curriculum-based for use in kindergarten to grade 12 classes to promote vaccine safety. Two serendipitous outcomes from this Building Resistance to Vaccine Misinformation program included: i) significant learning experiences for everyone in our team about the other disciplines, and ii) that the research assistants articulated their own emerging professional identities. Once this program receives ethics approval, we will work with education programs to beta-test the case studies, modules and activities then assess the impacts of this program through pre and post experience questionnaires and journaling.

Korean university students’ significant learning experiences and associated generic skills: A qualitative essay review

The purpose of the present study was to explore significant learning experiences of Korean university students and examine associated generic skills. The study implemented a document analysis approach to investigate essays collected from 33 students in a 4-year university in Seoul, South Korea. A total of 102 excerpts were coded, forming 14 sub-themes which were categorized into five themes that describe students’ significant learning experiences. The five themes are interacting with others, learning by oneself and about oneself, realizing applicability to real-life, venturing into advanced learning, and experiencing a respectful learning atmosphere. Also, 18 generic skills were identified which were categorized into four clusters, namely comprehensive thinking skills, information utilization skills, interpersonal skills, and personal attributes. The results of the present study provide the groundwork for understanding students’ perceptions of significant learning experiences and associated generic skills.

Enhancing Mathematics Learning by Integrating Growth Mindset Principles in Ninth-Grade Supplementary Materials

This paper determined the supplementary materials in ninth-grade mathematics which may be enhanced to integrate growth mindset principles to improve students’ procedural fluency and foster their growth mindset in mathematics. This study employed a descriptive-developmental method by administering a quasi-experimental design and mixed-method research approach to determine the research questions. The respondents in this study were the 60 ninth-grade students at a state secondary high school in the Philippines. The study implemented the validated researcher-made procedural fluency test and growth mindset questionnaire in determining students’ performance in procedural fluency and mindset in mathematics, respectively. Thematic analysis was employed to investigate students’ responses in Focus Group Discussions (FGD), informal interviews and learning journals in scrutinising the learning experiences and mindsets of the students. Findings displayed that the supplementary materials which can be developed in incorporating growth mindset principles were motivational activities, reflection activities, and instructional videos. Utilising the developed supplementary materials elevates students’ procedural fluency. It influences students to shift from fixed mindsets to growth mindsets in mathematics by providing them with significant learning experiences that help students enhance a growth mindset. Furthermore, the implementation group performed better than the comparison group, particularly with developing growth mindsets. The study results are limited to the participants encompassing; similar research employing the developed supplementary materials to other learning areas with a larger sample is recommended for more generalisable results.

Incorporating Fink’s Integrated Model to Developing Writing Courses in College

To strengthen the teaching quality of writing courses and students’ active learning, a writing course design based on Fink’s integrated model is presented. With the analysis of situational factors, the proposed course highlights the interactive integration of learning goals, feedback and assessment, and teaching and learning activities. The four primary activities in such a course are discussed in detail. The results can not only develop students’ writing skills in a holistic way, but also provide them with significant learning experience.