Learning Difficulties Research Articles

KRUSKAL WALLIS ANALYSIS TO FIND OUT THE IMPROVEMENT OF DESIGN THINKING SKILLS IN OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING MATERIALS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

Education legislation in Indonesia currently requires Informatics subjects, which is closely related to programming-based material. However, many students in Indonesia still have difficulty learning about programming material. One of them is due to the background of students about the ability to think in the process of solving a program code. Seeing the phenomenon of today's students who are active on social media, it is a good step if social media is used as a learning media platform. This study aims to analyze the improvement of design thinking skills by using educational content-based learning media. The research method used was R&D with the ADDIE media development model and One Group Pretest-Posttest as the research design. The results showed an increase after students were given treatment in the form of educational content based learning media. The Kruskal Wallis test results showed a significant difference between the upper class, middle class, and lower class. The N-Gain obtained in the upper class is 0.560, in the middle class is 0.505, and in the lower class is 0.303. The average value of the results of student responses to learning media is 96.59 percent with the category "Very Good".

Beliefs about Difficulties in Learning Chinese as a Foreign Language in a Public Sector University

Chinese language teaching in universities was introduced as part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative (CPEC) signed in 2013 for economic, entrepreneurial, and social reasons. Over a decade of introducing Chinese as a foreign language, Pakistani language learners invested in Chinese language for scholarships, higher education, jobs, and business purposes. However, many CFL learners were unable to acquire Chinese language and had low proficiency in the language. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the beliefs about difficulties that foreign language learners face about learning Chinese as a foreign language in a public sector university. For this purpose, quantitative research using BALLI questionnaire was conducted within a public sector university. The beliefs about language learning inventory (BALLI) questionnaire inquired about the general and specific language learning difficulties that students face while learning CFL. Data was collected using stratified sampling from two hundred undergraduate students who have completed CFL-I and CFL-II language courses at the university. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS. The findings of the study showed that learners considered Chinese as a difficult language to learn as compared to other foreign languages. Also, when inquired about the success of their spoken Chinese language in future, few of the participants believed that they would be able to succeed with Chinese language. Similarly, learners reported about the four language skills in Chinese and considered listening as easier than speaking. Additionally, the learners reported that reading and writing are equally difficult in acquiring Chinese.

The typical and atypical developing mind: a common model.

We present a theory of atypical development based on a developmental theory of the typical mind integrating developmental, cognitive, and psychometric theory and research. The paper comprises three parts. First, it outlines the theory of typical development. The theory postulates central cognitive mechanisms, such as relational integration, executive and inferential processes, and domain-specific processes underlying different environmental relations, such as visuospatial or quantitative relations. Cognitive development advances in cycles satisfying developmental priorities in mastering these systems, such as executive control from 2-6 years, inferential control from 7-11 years, and truth control from 12-18 years. Second, we discuss atypical development, showing how each neurodevelopmental disorder emerges from deficiencies in one or more of the processes comprising the architecture of the mind. Deficiencies in relational integration mechanisms, together with deficiencies in social understanding, yield autism spectrum disorder. Deficiencies in executive processes yield attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Deficiencies in symbolic representation yield specialized learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. Finally, we discuss clinical and educational implications, suggesting the importance of early diagnosis of malfunctioning in each of these dimensions and specific programs for their remediation.

Rehabilitate Defectology! Teaching Foundation Reading as Compensation

ABSTRACT Early years education begins with the rejection of the notion that children are deficient adults. But it has culminated in a deep and abiding concern for learning difficulties, particularly in the field of reading. The purpose of this paper is to reconcile the seeming contradiction between the former view, which appears to eschew the concept of deficits, and the latter, which appears to depend upon it. To do this, we re-examine the work of L.S. Vygotsky, whose career – conversely – began in the study of learning difficulties known as ‘defectology’ and culminated in a ‘pedology’, a systematic critique of the notion that early years are simply defective school children. Vygotsky took ‘defect’ as a general – in fact, universal – deficiency-in-itself, which then provokes different forms of social ‘compensation’, or deficiency-for-others. Negative compensations lead to what Adler called an inferiority complex – a ‘deficiency-for-myself’; positive ones, however, lead to the next zone of child development. By reconceptualizing Foundation Reading as different forms of compensation, we may learn much from this lost science. We may even be able to compensate for its defects.

Development and Pilot Validation of the DuMAND Checklist to Screen for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Associated Neurobehavioral Difficulties (DuMAND).

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) face a higher risk of neurobehavioral problems, yet an international consensus on screening, assessing, and managing these difficulties is lacking. This report introduces the term Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Associated Neurobehavioral Difficulties (DuMAND) to comprehensively cover the spectrum of neurobehavioral issues in DMD patients, including behavior, psychiatric disorders, and various cognitive, academic, and psychosocial deficits. To facilitate screening, the DuMAND Checklist, a 43-item tool with five subscales, was developed. DuMAND categories were derived through literature review, parent (48 mothers and 37 fathers), and expert (n = 28) input and feedback. The DuMAND Checklist subscales were developed iteratively, incorporating item selection, expert panel (n = 10) assessment for face validity, comprehensiveness, and a pilot validation study in a DMD sample (n = 20). DuMAND encompasses five categories: cognition and learning, social responsiveness, emotion regulation, externalizing behavior, and eating and sleeping. Preliminary validation of the DuMAND Checklist indicates acceptable-to-excellent internal consistency and construct validity. By introducing the DuMAND concept, this study seeks to inspire a consensus approach for screening, assessing, and managing neurobehavioral issues in DMD. Incorporating screening, using the DuMAND Checklist, in addition to medical follow-up will facilitate early intervention, addressing a critical gap in identification of neurobehavioral disorders in DMD. Future research is needed to further evaluate psychometric properties of the DuMAND Checklist and investigate the natural course of DuMAND. -This report introduces the term Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Associated Neurobehavioral Difficulties (DuMAND) to comprehensively cover the spectrum of neurobehavioral issues in DMD patients, including behavior, psychiatric disorders, and various cognitive, academic, and psychosocial deficits.-DuMAND encompasses five categories: cognition and learning, social responsiveness, emotion regulation, externalizing behavior, and eating and sleeping.-Preliminary validation of the DuMAND Checklist indicates acceptable-to-excellent internal consistency and construct validity.

Functional connectivity is linked to working memory differences in children with reading learning disability

Reading learning disability (RLD) is characterized by a specific difficulty in learning to read that is not better explained by an intellectual disability, lack of instruction, psychosocial adversity, or a neurological disorder. According to the domain-general hypothesis, a working memory deficit is the primary problem. Working memory in this population has recently been linked to altered resting-state functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and frontoparietal network (FPN) compared to that in typically developing individuals. The main purpose of the present study was to compare the within-network functional connectivity of the DMN, SN, FPN, and reading network in two groups of children with RLD: a group with lower-than-average working memory (LWM) and a group with average working memory (AWM). All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and data were analyzed from a network perspective using the network brain statistics framework. The results showed that the LWM group had significantly weaker connectivity in a network that involved brain regions in the DMN, SN, and FPN than the AWM group. Although there was no significant difference between groups in reading network in the present study, other studies have shown relationship of the connectivity of the angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobe with the phonological process of reading. The results suggest that although there are significant differences in functional connectivity in the associated networks between children with LWM and AWM, the distinctive cognitive profile has no specific effect on the reading network.

Developmental trajectories of second language learner classroom engagement: Do students’ task value beliefs and teacher emotional support matter?

Engaging students in the second language (L2) classroom is important, but sustaining and promoting L2 learner classroom engagement over time is even more crucial for the long-term acquisition of the target language. This study contributes to the L2 engagement literature by tracking L2 learner classroom engagement over the course of a semester and identifying personal and contextual factors that sustained their long-term engagement. Questionnaire data were collected over three time points during a semester from 389 EFL learners enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in English language program at a university in Vietnam. Results of latent growth curve modeling showed that the participants displayed both intraindividual growth and interindividual differences in the rate of growth in their classroom engagement over the semester. These interindividual differences in engagement growth were attributable mainly to the interest value that they attached to learning English in the respective classroom and the extent to which they perceived their teachers to be responsive to their emotions and learning difficulties. The findings are discussed in light of engagement and motivation theories in both educational psychology and psychology of second language learning and teaching. Implications are also offered to inform relevant classroom-based practices to enhance students’ long-term engagement in the L2 classroom.

Reduced inhibition control ability in children with ADHD due to coexisting learning disorders: an fNIRS study

IntroductionInhibition control, as the core component of executive function, might play a crucial role in the understanding of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorders (SLD). Inhibition control deficits have been observed in children with ADHD or SLD. This study sought to test in a multi-modal fashion (i.e., behavior and plus brain imaging) whether inhibition control abilities would be further deteriorated in the ADHD children due to the comorbidity of SLD.MethodA total number of 90 children (aged 6-12 years) were recruited, including 30 ADHD, 30 ADHD+SLD (children with the comorbidity of ADHD and SLD), and 30 typically developing (TD) children. For each participant, a 44-channel functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) equipment was first adopted to capture behavioral and cortical hemodynamic responses during a two-choice Oddball task (a relatively new inhibition control paradigm). Then, 50 metrics were extracted, including 6 behavioral metrics (i.e., OddballACC, baselineACC, totalACC, OddballRT, baselineRT, and totalRT) and 44 beta values in 44 channels based on general linear model. Finally, differences in those 50 metrics among the TD, ADHD, and ADHD+SLD children were analyzed.ResultsFindings showed that: (1) OddballACC (i.e., the response accuracy in deviant stimuli) is the most sensitive metric in identifying the differences between the ADHD and ADHD+SLD children; and (2) The ADHD+SLD children exhibited decreased behavioral response accuracy and brain activation level in some channels (e.g., channel CH35) than both the ADHD and TD children.DiscussionFindings seem to support that inhibition control abilities would be further decreased in the ADHD children due to the comorbidity of SLD.

Innovating Services for Justice-Involved Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: The In Reach Project

ABSTRACT Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term describing the range of neurocognitive, physical, behavioral, and learning difficulties resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals with FASD are at an increased risk, relative to those without FASD, for justice system involvement. To address this concern, the Willow Winds Support Network developed and implemented the In Reach project to provide FASD-specific services and supports to residents and staff of justice facilities in Alberta, Canada. Semi-structured interviews revealed facilitators of the project’s success, emerging outcomes, and the perceived need for FASD-specific services in justice facilities. Research, practice, and policy implications are discussed.

Identification of learning dificulties and factors causing learning difficulties in online lectures on basic biology concepts

This study aims to identifying learning difficulties from reviewing material and factors causing learning difficulties faced by Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teacher Education study program in online lectures basic concepts of biology. The research particiants were 80 third-semester in 2021/2022 academic year. The research method used quantitative. The data collection technique in this study is a survey technique. The research instrument is a questionnaires were made to collect student data regarding learning difficulties in basic concepts of biology and the factors that cause student learning difficulties. Questionnaires were given to students via a google form. The data analyzed by descriptive statistics and used as reference data to determine the learning difficulties faced by students in the form of subject matter, internal and external factors causing learning difficulties. The results showed: a) In online lectures on basic concepts of biology, the material that students consider the most difficult is genetics, b) Internal factors that cause learning difficulties are lack of preparation before lectures, too much memorization, lack of self-motivation, physical tiredness, and laziness to read the material, c) External factors that cause students’ learning difficulties in basic biology concepts lectures, namely lectures resources and materials, lecture facilities, lecture strategies, lecture environment, and lecture hours.

Empowering prospective teachers’ scientific and digital literacy through exploring-resuming integrated criticizing (ERIC) in biology classroom

Prospective Science teachers need well-developed science and digital literacy to help the process of thinking, learning, communicating, working together, and working with their creativity. Unfortunately, various studies show that students' abilities regarding these two types of literacy still need to improve, especially in first-year students. This study aims to (1) analyze the potential impact of the ERIC learning model with the lesson study-based TPACK framework on science and digital literacy and (2) analyze the contribution of lesson study implementation during ERIC learning to the professional development of educators. This study used a concurrent mixed method. In-depth analysis through lesson study was conducted during the implementation of the ERIC learning model in a quasi-experimental setting. The collected data was then analyzed using the ANCOVA test to reveal the difference in mean scores between the experimental and control classes. At the same time, the results of learning observations and reflection on the lesson study phase were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that the ERIC learning model with the TPACK framework had a significant effect on scientific and digital literacy. In addition, implementing lesson study enables educators to become more aware of students' learning difficulties and needs and, therefore, develop deeper knowledge about learning requirements

Implementation of Formative Assessment ‘for’ Learning: A Review

Background: Assessment is fundamental to medical education, driving student learning and ensuring that key objectives are met. Formative assessment, in particular, serves as both an instructional strategy and an assessment tool, aiding in the consolidation of learning. Objective: The objective of this narrative review was to examine the implementation of formative assessment in medical education, with a focus on its role in fostering deep learning, enhancing learning outcomes, and preparing students for real-world clinical challenges. Methods: This narrative review synthesized existing evidence on formative assessment in medical education. The authors employed a systematic approach to identify relevant literature using search strings such as "formative assessment in medical education" and "assessment for learning." Databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were studies examining formative assessment practices in medical education, while exclusion criteria included studies focusing solely on summative assessment or unrelated to medical education. Results: The findings highlighted the effectiveness of formative assessment in promoting deep learning, providing feedback, and addressing learning difficulties. Bloom's concept of mastery learning underscored the importance of diagnosing learning difficulties through formative evaluations. Consistent low scores on assessments were attributed to various factors, which were effectively addressed through weekly formative assessments. The review emphasized the need for formative assessment in medical education, balanced with summative assessment, while acknowledging challenges related to faculty training, resource limitations, and cultural emphasis on summative assessment. Conclusion: Balanced implementation of formative and summative assessments in medical education enhances learning outcomes, promotes intrinsic motivation, and ensures that future healthcare professionals are well-prepared, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.

Online learning, perceived difficulty and the role of feedback in COVID-19 times

ABSTRACT The closure of higher education institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a sudden and unexpected transition from face-to-face to online teaching and learning. This paper draws on data from a broader study focusing on higher education students’ perceptions and experiences of online learning during the first lockdown in 2020. In total, 2,718 students from different Portuguese institutions participated in the study. Findings indicate that students who felt they had been provided with more feedback reported less difficulty in online teaching and learning. Students reported more perceived difficulty than perceived feedback in online teaching and learning. Findings point to the importance of feedback in fostering self-regulation of learning, thereby helping students better adapt to online teaching and learning.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical phenotypes, polymorphism of life-course manifestations, and therapeutic strategies

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder that manifests in childhood and persists into adulthood. The prevalence of ADHD (USA/worldwide) in children and adolescents is 9.5/5.29 %, in adults — 4.4/2.5 %. The disorder has strong genetic correlations with numerous mental disorders and neurological diseases, in particular with post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction to cannabis, cocaine, recurrent and bipolar affective disorders, behavioral disorders, which is the biological basis of its clinical polymorbidity. Symptoms of ADHD overlap with other clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders (symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders, speech disorders, movement disorders, dyslexia, cognitive impairment), forming a polymorphic spectrum of pervasive developmental variants. Psychostimulants have been the standard of ADHD treatment for over 50 years. In 2002, atomoxetine became the first nonstimulant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ADHD, first in children and later in adult patients. Stimulant and nonstimulant medications have been shown to be effective in different phenotypes of ADHD (comorbidity with other mental and neurological disorders). In case of comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety, tics, atomoxetine has an advantage over stimulants and, together with alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonists, can be recommended as the first drug. The presence of comorbid anxiety disorder or recurrent depression does not impact the efficacy and side effects of atomoxetine. Thus, atomoxetine is an effective drug and not only improves the symptoms of ADHD, but also plays a certain role in the treatment of patients with comorbid depression and anxiety.

The Rate of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Albanian Children Aged 5-10 and the Prevailing Learning Difficulties Encountered by Children Suspected of DCD and Typically Developing Children of this Age Group

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is generally defined as a condition that affects movement and coordination. In children aged 5-10 years, DCD can significantly impact various aspects of their lives, including academic performance and learning. DCD may be accompanied and connected with difficulties in cognitive skills, resulting in learning challenges, particularly evident in school subjects such as arithmetic, language, or overall literacy, in this way affecting and reducing academic performance and learning outcomes. The instrument used to collect the data of the study was a questionnaire addressed to parents in order to: identify the rate of children with suspect DCD within the age group of 5-10 and see where our country stands in comparison to other studies carried out in other countries; identify the learning difficulties of typically developing children and children with an indication of/ suspect DCD; see any significant differences between typical children and DCD suspect children as related to school settings and learning difficulties. After the statistical processing of the collected and filtered data it is identified that the total percentage of suspect DCD children is 9.3%, ranging from 2.3% - 21.1% at 12 different cities in Albania, and it is slightly higher in boys, 10% in boys vs. 8.6% in girls. Moreover, the results show that 'suspect DCD' children encounter most of the learning difficulties. Whereas, regarding the total number of our subjects we identified that children of this age group tend to take slightly more time to complete school tasks; they do not seem to like changes in daily routine/ environment; they also have difficulty understanding reading passages and tend to respond by repeating questions. Received: 14 February 2024 / Accepted: 24 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Improving Workshop Learning Outcomes With Practical Learning Methods

This study aims to determine the results of the implementation of learning by teachers, to determine student activities obtained when students take part in the learning process, and to determine students' cognitive learning outcomes. One of the workshops learning in SLTP consists of culinary which some students have difficulty in learning. For this reason, it is necessary to choose the right teaching method to facilitate students learning. Practical learning is one of the alternatives that can improve student learning outcomes. The research method carried out by PTK with two research cycles, each cycle consists of 4 (four) stages, namely planning, action, observation, and reflection, while the data collection technique is giving pre-tests and post-tests consisting of three questions. The results showed that practicum learning can improve the learning outcomes of culinary crafts on the subject of cold and hot drinks in class VIII UPT SMP Negeri 1 Palang. This is evidenced by the initial test before the action was taken, which was an average of 64, cycle I obtained an average score of 71.39, in this case reaching 77.78% and cycle II obtained an average score of 83 in other words reaching 97.22%. So, in the actions of cycle I and cycle II there was an increase of 20.56%. So that PTK is declared successful and complete.

Strategies and interventions employed by teachers in supporting students with mathematics learning difficulties in Kenya

ABSTRACT Adequate mathematical skills are essential for successful outcomes in education and in the future workplace. However, mathematical learning difficulties (MLD) are a common occurrence that affects up to about eight percent of children in a typical classroom. Effective teacher practices are important in enhancing mathematical learning outcomes for learners with MLD. This exploratory case study examined perceptions and expereinces of four mathematics teachers in supporting learners with MLD at a secondary school in Kenya. Research questions sought to determine teacher perceptions about their learners with MLD, considerations teachers made in planning for learners with MLD, and support strategies that were used to remediate learners with MLD. Four major themes are highlighted: Teacher perception of learners with MLD; teacher considerations in planning for learners with MLD; instructional strategies used by teachers to support learners with MLD; and challenges experienced by teachers in supporting learners with MLD. Recommendations are presented.

Integrating deep transformer and temporal convolutional networks for SMEs revenue and employment growth prediction

Although the accurate potential for growth prediction is very important for Government grants and contributions programs to better support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), it is a challenging task due to the data heterogeneity (both structured data and free text data bilingual in English and French), the class imbalance issue, and the difficulties in efficient feature learning. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel BERT-TCN model for portfolio predictions in government funding programs, with the following key contributions. First, we describe the application of a novel architecture to a prediction task involving sequential, structured, partially quantitative input data and free text input data. Specifically, our novel model predicts the growth of firms receiving government funding for innovation. Our model also deals with class imbalance in the data and the difficulties in efficient feature learning. Our model integrates a Transformer model, i.e., BERT, for text modeling with a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) for sequential prediction. Second, we also developed various performance evaluation criteria in Section 4.3, allowing comprehensive assessments of the proposed approach from both the machine learning perspective and funding program-specific perspective. Third, the importance of features (both text and numerical features) is quantified and evaluated, allowing insights into how different features contribute to the prediction and explainability of the proposed model. The proposed approach is trained and tested on a large dataset from a rich database, demonstrating that the proposed approach can greatly help individual human experts improve their results.

Access to Psychiatric and Education Services During Incarceration in the United States.

Individuals with psychiatric disorders are incarcerated at disproportionately high rates and often have low educational attainment. Access to psychiatric and education services within prisons has been described as inadequate, but recent data are lacking. The authors sought to assess the association of psychiatric disorders with both educational attainment before incarceration and access to psychiatric and education services during incarceration. Data were from the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, a national survey of adults incarcerated in U.S. state and federal prisons (N=24,848). Multinomial regression was used to identify associations of educational attainment before incarceration with psychiatric disorders and sociodemographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations of psychiatric disorders with access to psychiatric and education services during incarceration and with sociodemographic factors. Before incarceration, 57.3% of survey respondents had less than a high school diploma. Across four education and psychiatric services, only 8.4%-44.8% of respondents reported participating in these services during incarceration, despite 57.3% reporting a psychiatric or learning disorder. Psychiatric disorders were associated with lower educational attainment before incarceration and lower access to education services during incarceration. Psychiatric disorders were associated with higher odds of access to psychiatric services during incarceration. Men had lower educational attainment before incarceration and lower odds of accessing psychiatric and education services during incarceration. Incarcerated people had a high need for psychiatric and education services. Individuals with psychiatric disorders had lower odds of participating in education services during incarceration, highlighting the need for policies and services that increase participation.

Teachers’ role model behavior and the quality of the student–teacher relationship as prerequisites for students’ attitudes toward peers with learning difficulties

IntroductionThe introduction of inclusive education in primary schools has raised many questions about the impact of teachers’ role model behavior on the social participation of students with learning difficulties. Based on the “theory of social referencing,” this study examines whether students’ attitudes toward peers with learning difficulties are predicted by perceptions of their teachers’ role model behavior and the quality of the student–teacher relationship in the classroom.MethodsA questionnaire was completed by N = 753 primary school students regarding their perceptions of the student–teacher relationship, their attitudes toward peers with learning difficulties, and their perceptions of teacher behavior toward students with learning difficulties.ResultsThe results of a structural equation model indicate that students’ attitudes toward peers with learning difficulties can be explained significantly by their perceptions of teacher behavior and their perceptions of the quality of the student–teacher relationship in the classroom. The effect of students’ perceptions of teacher behavior on their attitudes toward peers with learning difficulties is mediated by their perceptions of the student– teacher relationship. Thus, students focus more on teacher behavior when they perceive a positive student–teacher relationship.DiscussionOur findings emphasize the importance of teachers’ role model behavior in inclusive classrooms and offer opportunities to enhance the social participation of students with learning difficulties in inclusive primary school education.