Assistant Students Research Articles

Early Neurosurgical Education in the Era of Distance Learning: Incorporating Virtual Reality and Cadaveric Specimen Demonstrations

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool for neuroanatomy education of post-graduated medical trainees. However, its use in early training, such as of undergraduate, medical and physician assistant students, in neurosurgery has not been evaluated. We also have limited insight into how VR may be integrated with traditional teaching methods. MethodsWe created the first of its kind elective course on neuroanatomy for medical students incorporating lecture-style didactics, case-based VR activities and cadaveric dissections. The course ran entirely remotely with each student tuning into class with their own VR headset. We asked the students to self-report their level of confidence with the material and complete knowledge quizzes, which were compared in aggregate between pre- vs post-course, and pre- vs post- each session. Results66.6% of students rated teaching quality of the course as excellent, and 33.3% as satisfactory. Most students (77.7-88.8%) also described the course as having a positive impact on their training. On aggregate analysis, the cohort reported increased levels of confidence in their understanding of neuroanatomy (mean 2.75 vs 5.4, p=0.02), neurosurgical approaches (mean 1.25 vs 5.7, p<0.0001) and the use of VR in neurosurgery (mean 1.5 vs 6.1, p<0.0001). Objectively, the cohort also performed better on post-session assessments, a difference which was statistically significant at p<0.05, in all but the first assessment. ConclusionsIntegration of VR with traditional pedagogical tactics is well received by the learners and contributes to measurable learning outcomes. Our experience informs the future use of VR tools in medical education.

Designing and Developing a Mobile Academic Platform for University

Academic consultation is a consultation activity between academic supervisors and students in the study and helps solve problems that accept students. The goal is that students who can complete their studies according to their interests and abilities. The implementation of academic consultation is regulated by each study program / faculty / university. The current academic guidance process at Multimedia Nusantara University does not control the students being guided. In addition, the current process of distributing student assistance is done manually by the head and vice of the study program. They divide the average number of students by the number of lecturers. With the random number algorithm, pseudo random number generator will help the division of students with automatic divide. The pseudo random number generator algorithm was chosen because it has the advantage of providing initial value of the process that is produced quickly, simply and saves storage. The design of this online academic consultation application will assist in the academic monitoring process anytime and anywhere. This application developed using flutter and can be use by students and supervisor. The result from this research was application successfully developed and received a score of 88 % for UEQ Questionare, which is categorized as excellent.

The Relationship Between Foreign Language Anxiety and Self-Efficacy: A Study in Chinese College Students' English Learning

In the process of foreign language learning, learners will encounter various psychological phenomena, among which anxiety and self-efficacy are two psychological variables that have received much attention. Foreign language anxiety refers to the emotional states of tension, unease, and worry that learners experience during the process of learning a foreign language. This emotional state can have a negative impact on learners' learning outcomes. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's judgment of their ability to perform a specific task, directly affecting their behavioral motivation and level of effort. This study will analyze the impact of foreign language anxiety and self-efficacy on the effectiveness of foreign language learning among Chinese college students and emphasize the use of multidimensional analysis methods, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, to analyze and summarize previous literature. Foreign language anxiety and self-efficacy show a negative correlation and together influence the effectiveness of college students' foreign language learning. In China, the anxiety subjects of college students are ranked from high to low as follows: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This article will also summarize and analyze ways to improve foreign language anxiety and enhance self-efficacy from the perspectives of student self-regulation and teacher assistance.

Clinical Laboratory Science and Physician Assistant Students Interprofessional Education Event; Learning From Each Other

Clinical Laboratory Science and Physician Assistant Students Interprofessional Education Event; Learning From Each Other

Integration of Local Wisdom in the Implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Policy in The Biology Education Study Programs in Indonesia: Analysis and Evaluation

This study analyzes the implementation of the “Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM)” program in the Biology Education Study Program (BESP) on various campuses in Indonesia with a special focus on the integration of local wisdom. Data was collected from respondents in 44 study programs covering aspects such as campus status, accreditation, course repositioning, implementation of MBKM activities, and suggestions and recommendations for program improvement. The results of the analysis show that the majority of study programs at state campuses (75%) have repositioned the curriculum and implemented various forms of MBKM activities such as student exchanges (70.45%), internships/work practices (68.18%), and teaching assistance. The integration of local wisdom is emerging as an important aspect, with many study programs using local wisdom in academic activities and business product development, such as using traditional medicinal plants for health products. Key suggestions from respondents included the need for standardization of guidelines, financial assistance for students, periodic evaluations, and adjusting the curriculum to the needs of the times. Most study programs have ensured that MBKM activities follow the formulated Program Learning Outcomes (PLO), with 63.64% of study programs stating that they always ensure this suitability. However, there are still challenges in the process of recognizing MBKM activities into courses and integrating these activities into a thesis or final project, with 77.27% of study programs not carrying out this integration. The study concludes that although MBKM has been doing well, there is still room for improvement. There needs to be further efforts in terms of integrating local wisdom, financial support, and strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and local communities. Clear and standardized implementation of guidelines, as well as continuous evaluation, are essential to improve the effectiveness and benefits of the MBKM program.

Learning assistance for students with special needs at SLB Kirana Hati Bunda, Tamiajeng Village, Trawas District

The purpose of this community service is to help provide learning assistance to students at SLB Kirana Hati Bunda Tamiajeng Village. The service activities carried out at Kirana Hati Bunda SLB use a hands-on method. This activity was carried out well and smoothly. With this service activity, it provides a more enjoyable and effective learning experience and can provide additional support for students.

The Language Science Station at Planet Word: a language research and engagement laboratory at a language museum

Abstract The Language Science Station (LSS) is a research and engagement laboratory operating at the Planet Word museum in Washington, DC, representing a unique partnership between language researchers and a museum dedicated to language. The LSS invites Planet Word guests – ranging from local to international visitors – to participate in research studies and engage in educational activities with student language scientists from diverse academic backgrounds. In doing so, we broaden participation in the language sciences among both the researchers and the participant population. This paper outlines the goals, values, and structure of the LSS, highlighting our dual emphases on research and engagement. We focus on several aspects of the project. These include our novel multi-university researcher-museum partnership, the different considerations that we find are necessary for conducting research in a museum setting compared to the laboratory, and our training of researchers and student research assistants. The paper also provides reflections from students on their interactions with museum visitors. We share our experiences with the broader scholarly community in an effort to lower barriers for other behavioral scientists interested in combining research and engagement in public venues.

Impact of a diabetic retinal exam screening program on quality measure gaps at a family medicine practice

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy is a common complication in people with diabetes, and annual screening is recommended by the American Diabetes Association. This annual exam is also a Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set quality measure. Barriers such as lack of access to healthcare or cost of specialist visits may impact the number of patients who receive these exams. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe the impact of a diabetic retinal exam screening program at a rural family medicine center on the number of quality measure gaps resolved. Practice descriptionThis study occurred at a rural family medicine center in southwestern Pennsylvania with a medically underserved patient population. A pharmacist at the site holds board certifications in Advanced Diabetes Management and as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. This pharmacist manages diabetes through a collaborative practice agreement. Practice innovationA regional Medical Assistance plan provided a list of patients with a quality measure gap for an annual diabetic retinal exam and loaned a RetinaVue 700 Imager to take retinal photos. After screening eligible patients via phone, retinal exams were administered by student pharmacists and medical assistants to consenting patients over the course of 9 days. Images were then sent to an ophthalmologist to be interpreted. Evaluation methodsThe rate of quality measure gaps closed and satisfaction survey results are reported using descriptive statistics. ResultsA total of 61 patients were included in the analysis. This program closed quality measure gaps for 11 (18.0%) patients who were able to receive an in-office eye exam. ConclusionThis pilot project shows that offering in-office diabetic retinal exams may be an effective strategy to close quality measure gaps and provide access to screening among a medically underserved population.

Pre-Admission Standardized Tests and the Relationship with Anesthesiologist Assistant Student Performance: A Retrospective Analysis.

The Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) profession is gaining popularity, and as such, the number of applicants and the number of AA programs are also increasing. There is no published data on what makes a good AA student - multiple studies exist in this regard for anesthesiology residents and medical students. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) have shown to have some correlation with student success in other health professions. There is no data to suggest that they can indicate potential success or academic problems during AA school. As such, this study evaluated the impact of these standardized test scores and student success in both the preclinical and clinical curricula at the Emory AA program. A retrospective analysis of MCAT scores and GRE scores was performed. 2-tailed Pearson coefficients were calculated to see if there was a relationship between higher MCAT and GRE scores and performance in our program. 2- tailed Pearson coefficients showed a moderately strong correlation between MCAT scores and our AA program's science curriculum. There was a weak correlation as well between GRE scores here. The correlation dropped slightly for the MCAT and performance during our clinical curriculum, and a similar drop was noted for the GRE. Our study shows that the MCAT appears to more strongly correlated with better performance in both the science curriculum of our program and also with our clinical program. The study likely implies that the MCAT appears to be a better gauge as to how a student will do in an AA program in comparison to the GRE. Further studies are needed to understand how to appropriately admit students who will successfully complete the rigorous AA program curriculum both at Emory and beyond.

A pragmatic approach to teaching physician assistant students basic pain management.

Chronic pain is increasing in prevalence, with new cases now outnumbering those of diabetes, depression, or hypertension. Advanced practice providers have reported that their training in pain management inadequately prepared them to care for patients suffering from painful conditions. In response, the authors of this work developed a basic pain management conceptual framework to provide physician assistant (PA) students with the foundational knowledge necessary to manage and treat patients suffering from a wide variety of painful conditions. The devised framework activity includes categories of pain management such as conservative therapies, medications, injections, minimally invasive procedures, and moderately to highly invasive procedures. This framework can be incorporated into the existing PA educational curriculum and presented alongside a realistic pain patient case study. Furthermore, other health science educational programs, such as nurse practitioner or pharmacy programs, could adopt this framework to increase student knowledge in pain management.

Challenges Encountered by BSEd-Mathematics Students in the Implementation of Hybrid Learning in Gordon College

The study examines the challenges faced by Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in Mathematics students at Gordon College in implementing hybrid learning for the academic year 2022-2023. The research involved 73 students, primarily in their first year, and found that online students face difficulties with math symbol encoding, connectivity, time management, and financial constraints. Onsite students face learning gaps, commuting and access issues, and require additional financial support. The study found no significant difference in challenges based on profile-variables in online mode, but differences exist based on year level and municipality. Recommendations include enhanced technical support, online tool training, time and stress management programs, financial assistance for low-income students, and improved accessibility in onsite mode.

Teaching and Evaluating the Virtual Physical Exam in Telemedicine.

With the rapid adoption of telemedicine since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become imperative to teach and evaluate health professional trainees on skills important to conducting effective virtual visits. We developed a simulation-based workshop with (1) readings, (2) a lecture covering online communication and the virtual head and neck exam, (3) a telemedicine simulation with a standardized patient observed by faculty, (4) personalized feedback from faculty, and (5) a group debrief session. We created an evaluation rubric based on three of 20 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) telemedicine competencies to assess learner performance during the simulations. Students (medical and physician assistant students; n = 50), and internal medicine residents (n = 20) completed this workshop in 2023. At least 90% of trainees across the two groups were rated as approaching entrustment or entrustable in each competency. This workshop is an example of a scalable telemedicine curriculum that can be used to teach and evaluate learners in the virtual physical exam across the training continuum.

Measuring the Effect of an Ergonomic Lecture on the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Scores of Dental Assistant Students Using Inertial Sensor-Based Motion Capture-A Randomized Controlled Study.

Individuals working in the field of dentistry have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) owing to monotonous and one-sided physical exertion. Inertial measurement units (IMU) are increasingly shifting into focus for assessing postural risk at work. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ergonomic lecture and training intervention on postural risk and MSDs in dental assistant students using inertial sensor-based motion capture (MoCap). Eighteen female dental assistant students (age: 19.44 ± 6.83 years; height: 164.59 ± 5.32 cm; weight: 64.88 ± 16.52 kg; BMI: 19.70 ± 4.89 kg/m2), randomly divided into intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups, participated in the present study. The participants completed the Nordic Questionnaire on MSD prevalence, after which a 90 s MoCap with Xsens IMU was performed. A lecture on ergonomics was provided, followed by a five-week intervention for the intervention group. Follow-up assessments were performed, and 5- and 18-week follow-up MSD questionnaires were administered. Mixed analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed a significant difference in the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and part-scores of the upper arm and wrist. Despite a reduction in MSDs, no significant differences in the time of measurement and groups were detected after the five-week training intervention and the 18-week follow-up questionnaire. A targeted ergonomics lecture was effective for dental assistant students, and technologies such as IMU improved workplace ergonomics in dentists. Further studies with a longer measurement periods, follow-up, and larger sample sizes are recommended.

A Pilot Interprofessional Education Curriculum for Optimizing Mental Health in Chronic Pain Treatment and Understanding Interprofessional Practice.

With the urgent need for clinicians capable of responding to the opioid crisis, an interprofessional education (IPE) pilot curriculum was launched to assess trainee self-efficacy in managing chronic pain and mental health conditions, and attitudes toward interprofessional practice among resident physicians, family nurse practitioners (FNP), and physician assistant (PA) students. This study involved the implementation of a pilot curriculum consisting of five interactive IPE sessions. All invited trainees across two academic institutions were asked to complete the assessments. Self-efficacy in managing chronic pain and mental health was measured at baseline and following IPE training using a researcher-developed tool, while attitudes toward interprofessional practice were measured with the Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams scale. Resident physicians were compared to FNP/PA students to examine differences between groups and within groups over time. The final analysis involved 25 trainees who attended at least one IPE training session and completed pre-session and post-session surveys. The total pre-session survey and post-session survey response rate was 37.5% (n=36). Self-efficacy in chronic pain management improved among the resident physician (mean=3.85 ±0.40) and FNP/PA groups (mean=3.84±0.46) (p=0.05 and p=0.001), respectively. Self-efficacy in mental health management was not significantly improved among resident physicians (mean=3.41±0.49, p=0.48), but improved among FNP/PA students (mean=3.46±0.31, p<0.001). There was no difference in attitudes toward interprofessional practice. While IPE training did not result in attitudinal changes toward interprofessional practice, it shows potential for improving self-efficacy in managing chronic pain and mental health, particularly among FNP/PA trainees. This study was limited by a small sample size of trainees included in the finalanalysis.

Causes of School Dropout among Public Secondary School Students in Ifakara Town Council, Tanzania

This study aimed at exploring causes of students' dropout in public secondary schools in Ifakara Town Council, Morogoro. The study employed a mixed approach. The study involved 128 participants including 1 DEO, 7 heads of school, and 120 dropout students. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that low economic status of the respondents’ family was the leading cause of school dropout in the study area; the parents failed to meet school expenses and support their children education. Also, students missed school to do home responsibilities like taking care of their young siblings while the parents were working. Parents’ low level of education made them to have low income and not to value the education of their children. Children from single parent families had challenges with their school requirements being met which led to some dropping out of school. Major recommendation was that, Tanzanian government, NGOs and other educational stakeholders should provide more assistance for poor students who cannot afford to pay for educational materials by creating special program from government in co-operation with the Ministry responsible for education.

The Synergy of Cadaver-Based and Virtual Education: Comparing Learning Outcomes in a Physician Assistant Clinical Anatomy Course

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all educational content at Tufts University School of Medicine was transformed to virtual formats, including anatomy dissection labs. This study compares face-to-face cadaveric to virtual anatomy instruction and quantifies the utility of cadaver-based laboratory. Methods In 2019, Physician Assistant students completed traditional Clinical Anatomy I and Clinical Anatomy II courses with content delivered via face-to-face lectures, cadaveric-based anatomy laboratories, and case-based workshops. In 2020, students took a traditional Clinical Anatomy I course and a virtual Clinical Anatomy II course (hybrid curriculum). Virtual anatomy course content was delivered via Zoom-based lectures, anatomy laboratories using virtual 3D anatomical models and cadaveric dissection images, and Zoom case-based workshops. In Fall 2020, the traditional and hybrid cohorts were asked to complete surveys to evaluate the utility of the pedagogical approaches used during their respective courses. Examinations were compared to evaluate the impact of pedagogical approaches on learning. Results Students who experienced the virtual format scored significantly higher on the extremities examination and final grade (P = .006; P = .03) than did students with the traditional experience. Thirty-one hybrid (63% response rate) and 31 traditional students (62% response rate) completed their surveys. The traditional cohort agreed/strongly agreed their cadaver-based laboratory experience contributed to the development of their professionalism (82.1%). Most (71%) of the hybrid students agree/strongly agree that a cadaveric laboratory experience will lead to longer retention of anatomy and give them an appreciation of anatomical variation (93.1%), but 68% also felt some structures visualized with virtual tools would not be possible in a cadaver. Discussion Cadaver-based laboratories play an important role and are valued by students for anatomy learning, professional development, and understanding anatomical variation. Our data indicate that adding virtual components to cadaver-based laboratories offers a synergistic learning experience.

A PERSPECTIVE INTO THE FUTURE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RISING INTEREST IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION. OPPORTUNITIES AND ETHICAL CHALLENGES

: The paper aims to provide an image of the future of teaching and learning in the context of artificial intelligence transforming various industries, including sports, education, and construction. Its place in education is a frequently discussed topic. While some argue that artificial intelligence will revolutionize education, others worry that it will take over to the harm of educators and students. Though robotics in the classroom is still a ways off, artificial intelligence is finding its way into the classroom. AI has the power to improve teaching and learning methods, solve some of the largest issues facing education today, and hasten the achievement of inclusive and equitable quality education. In addition to delivering artificial intelligence courses, EdTech businesses are increasingly using eLearning solutions to personalize learning experiences, pinpoint knowledge gaps, and give focused feedback. Also, AI-driven education is upending conventional teaching methods and influencing how this field will use technology in the future. With the use of complex algorithms and massive data sets, artificial intelligence solutions for education may provide a lot of advantages, yet as with the use of artificial intelligence in any context, there are significant ethical considerations which are a hot topic of discussion in the technology world and beyond, and the majority of university degree programs are including courses on AI ethics in their curricula. Therefore, the paper presents the benefits of AI in the classroom, such as engagement and assistance for students, assessment and evaluation, and individualized learning but also about the difficulties and worries associated with AI in education, including prejudice and privacy issues, as well as the moral issues raised by AI-powered learning. It also discusses the possible effects on the educational system and how students are trained for the workforce of the future as potential applications of AI in education are explored.

Audiovisual Books Have Better Effects Than Teacher-assisted Model in Second Language Acquisition for Preschool Children

This study explores the impact of audiovisual books on second language acquisition in preschool children, addressing challenges related to bilingual teacher availability and high-quality resources in Chinese kindergartens. A comparative analysis between teacher-assisted and instructional audiovisual book methods was conducted in a teaching experiment involving 30 students from a kindergarten in Shenyang, China, who share similar educational backgrounds. The students were divided into two groups, and both groups underwent a pretest and posttest to assess their performance. The findings revealed that audiovisual books were more effective, resulting in significant improvements in letter acquisition for the experimental group. The literature review emphasizes the motivational and convenient aspects of audio-visual books. In the current context of limited teacher resources and the increasing prevalence of electronic devices, audiovisual books offer significant convenience and assistance for educators, parents, and students. This study supports the enhancement of language acquisition in young learners, positioning them for future academic success.

Penyuluhan Bahaya Anemia Pada Remaja Di SMK Kesehatan Fania Salsabila

Anemia is a condition where the blood hemoglobin level is less than the threshold. Physiologically, anemia occurs when there is a lack of hemoglobin to transport oxygen to the tissues. Anemia is one of the most common health problems found in teenage girls. Anemia in teenagers can have a negative impact on the health and future of teenagers. Objective: to increase the knowledge of Fania Salsabila Health Vocational School students regarding the meaning, causes, types, symptoms, preventing and treating anemia. Method: lecture and using animated video media as well as question and answer with a total of 20 participants, class XII Nursing Assistant students at the Fania Salsabila Health Vocational School. Conclusion: counseling about the dangers of anemia in adolescents was received well and smoothly, students actively asked questions and were interested in the topic presented. Suggestion: schools are expected to continue the program of providing blood supplement tablets in collaboration with the health service as an effort to prevent anemia in adolescents. Key words: Anemia; Counseling; Adolescence

Role of Digital Literacy in Shaping the Socialization of University Students

The objectives of the study were to explore the current landscape of digital literacy among university students; to identify the role of digital literacy on socialization dynamics within university students. This study collected quantitative data from 300 students through a questionnaire. The analysis found that majority of the respondents agreed that digital literacy assists students in developing social skills and etiquette, digital literacy positively impacts their social interaction manners, digital literacy has significant impact on communication skills, digital tools influence their social interactions. They had also agreed that digital literacy influences their perception of social norms, digital literacy facilitates and integrates different cultures, norms, and practices, access to digital technology can bridge up social interaction gaps among students, digital literacy can empower students to participate more actively in civic engagement, digital literacy promotes critical thinking among students. They had also agreed that digital literacy has made people more connected, digital literacy platforms influenced their values or attitudes toward social issues, digital literacy education emphasizes ethical considerations during socialization, empathy can be cultivated and practiced in online interactions, similar to face-to-face interactions, digital literacy tools can help to convey empathy and emotional nuances effectively. They had also agreed that digital literacy promotes understanding and respect among university students and digital literacy skills enhance students’ adaptability in social settings.