Student Reflections Research Articles

One Logical Lacuna

The effectiveness of place-based education in inspiring care for natural and local environments, improving academic performance, dispelling with artificial dichotomies, and grounding philosophic discourse is supported by research whose results have been published not only concerning elementary and alternative settings, but collegiate ones as well. However, very little if any reporting has been done on its effectiveness in formal logic. Given the foundational nature of logic and its tendency to fulfill general education requirements, this is unfortunate. Though I am persuaded it takes more than pedagogical magic wands to inspire self-driven student success, reflections on and examples of the actual constructions of a collegiate level introductory logic course that uses place-based curricula that also boasts some general statistical reassurance seems worth sharing. And, much to my own enjoyment, “sharing” provides me with an opportunity to describe a well-received extra credit opportunity involving a nationally recognized on campus tree tour.

Death Café conversations: evaluating the educational potential for university students in palliative care teaching.

Discussing death, particularly among future healthcare professionals, remains a challenge. The "Death Café" initiative offers a relaxed setting for such conversations, and this study investigates its educational potential for medical students. To assess the effectiveness of "Death Café" as an educational tool for medical students in palliative care, and to understand students' perceptions and reflections on death and end-of-life topics post-participation. An exploratory qualitative design was employed, analyzing reflections submitted by medical students following voluntary participation in a Death Café session. Medical students from a course on palliative care participated in the "Death Café," a structured yet informal discussion about death in a relaxed café setting. Subsequently, participants submitted written reflections on their experiences. These reflections were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, identifying emerging themes related to the students' perceptions of death, the event, and its impact on their future medical practice. Forty-two students attended the Death Café. Twenty-one reflections were collected from 29 medical students who participated. Most students found the "Death Café" environment conducive to open conversations about death. Key themes included recognizing the fragility of life, the role of medical professionals in end-of-life care, and the personal and professional growth derived from such reflections. The students also highlighted the transformative nature of the event, shifting from discussing death in general to pondering on their roles as future healthcare professionals. Positive feedback indicated the absence of negative comments about the activity, with suggestions provided for future iterations. The "Death Café" serves as an innovative pedagogical approach to medical education, particularly in palliative care teaching. It offers students a platform for sincere dialogue on death and reinforces the significance of integrating innovative methods in medical training. This initiative not only enriches personal understanding but also emphasizes the commitment to holistic patient care.

Reflections and Pattern Recognition in Problem Based Learning

Abstract—Problem based learning, being student-centered, has been widely used in education programs to enhance the learning process. Self-directed learning and critical thinking are major aspects of the pedagogy among several others. Reflections are generally used to capture the student's understanding during problem-solving. While problems can be designed and solved with supporting learning styles and strategies, computational thinking can aid in the process. Pattern recognition being one of the components of the model can assist in writing reflections. This work proposes to combine pattern recognition into reflection element. The designed case study model was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed on 37 student’s data. Descriptive and In vivo coding was used for round one, which was used to analyze the student reflections on the provided case study. Focus coding was used for round two to identify the evaluation parameters. The parameters were then used for the quantitative analysis. The work presents the themes and codes that were identified in the process. With pattern recognition in the reflections, students were able to relate to the principles studied in the past and arrive at better applicative thought process. Using pattern recognition promises to be an effective strategy to guide towards meaningful reflections. Keywords—Computational Thinking; Patterns; Pattern Recognition; Problem Based learning; Reflections.

Rethinking Teacher Education Quality Post-Covid-19: Comparative Student Reflections on Well-Being

Rethinking Teacher Education Quality Post-Covid-19: Comparative Student Reflections on Well-Being

Exploration of Student Reflections using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) as an Intervention Planning Framework

Exploration of Student Reflections using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) as an Intervention Planning Framework

Intergenerational Connections: US College Students’ Attitudes and Expectations Toward Older Adults and Aging in an Online Critical Community Engagement Project

We present a critically focused, semester-long community engagement project entitled Intergenerational Connections as a form of critical interpersonal and family communication pedagogy (CIFCP). The project utilized Zoom to connect small groups of undergraduate students in the US enrolled in a course on relational communication with older adults in a long-term care facility to dialogue about close relationships. We were interested in how dialogue across generations maintained or altered students’ attitudes and expectations about communicating with older adults and analyzed student reflections before, during, and after the dialogues using a turning point analysis. The study was framed using Social Identity Theory (SIT) to show how young adults may label older adults as an outgroup contributing to negative stereotypes. We discuss two turning points related to Perceptions of Aging and Developmental Changes and Understanding and Expectations of Relationships and identify practical implications of the project for universities and communities.

Examining lecturers’ questions and level of reflection during post-simulation debriefing in Malawi: A qualitative study

BackgroundSimulation-based education has recently been promoted among midwifery students in Malawi. Reflective debriefing is essential for a successful educative simulation. It is therefore crucial to explore debriefing practice, particularly when simulation-based education is novel. Therefore, the study aimed to explore practice of debriefing with focus on level of reflection in questions posed by lecturers and responses from midwifery students when learning postpartum haemorrhage MethodsThe study applied qualitative exploratory design. During debriefing of a simulation session on postpartum hemorrhage management, data were collected through audio recordings. Seven midwifery lecturers and 107 midwifery students from midwifery education program in Malawi participated in the study. Using Gibbs’s reflective cycle, data from the lecturers’ questions and midwifery students’ responses were analysed by rating stages of reflection. The reporting of the results follows Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. ResultsMost of lecturers’ questions and midwifery students’ responses were evaluative, 46% and 47%, respectively. The fewest questions and responses were conclusive, 4% and 2% respectively. Only 12% of the lecturers’ questions were analytic, while 16% of students’ responses were rated as analytic. ConclusionThe results revealed that debriefing provides a forum for students to reflect on their simulated experience. Though, more evaluative questions and responses were elicited from lecturers and students, respectively, than the rest of the stages in Gibbs’s reflective cycle. If debriefing in simulation-based education is going to pave the way for student reflection in Malawi, it is necessary to enhance debriefing practices through further training.

Revolutionising Role-Playing Games with ChatGPT

Digitalisation in education and its influence on teaching methods is the focus of this study, which examines the use of ChatGPT in a role-playing game used in the Cloud Computing Engineering Master’s programme at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of AI-based simulations on students’ learning experience. Based on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, ChatGPT was used to give students a deeper understanding of strategic decision-making processes in simulated business scenarios. The methodological approach included role-playing and qualitative content analysis of 20 student reflections. The findings suggest that ChatGPT enhances students’ engagement, critical thinking, and communication skills, in addition to contributing to the effective application of theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, simulations can contribute to the effective application of theoretical knowledge. The results underscore the significance of adaptive teaching approaches in promoting digital literacy and equipping learners for the digital workplace. The integration of AI into curricula and the need for ongoing innovation in higher education are also emphasised as a means of guaranteeing excellent, future-focused instruction. The findings highlight the potential of AI and ChatGPT in particular, as an innovative cuttingedge educational tool that can both enhance the learning experience and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education.

Profile of High School Students' Problem-Solving Skills and the Application of Problem-Based Learning: A Preliminary Study

This study's purpose is to obtain a profile of students' problem-solving skills and describe the achievement of implementing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in high schools. The profile of problem-solving skills was obtained by giving tests and questionnaires to 53 students, while the achievement of implementing the PBL model was obtained by interviewing six students and one chemistry teacher. The research data obtained is then described. The findings revealed that the students' problem-solving skills remained low, namely in the poor and very poor categories with a percentage of 67.93%. Meanwhile, students' problem-solving skills were in the enough category at 20.75%, in the good category at 11.32%, and in the very good category were not found. This study also demonstrates that the teacher's application of learning with the PBL has yet to lead to students achieving the problem-solving skill indicators that are measured. In addition, students' prior knowledge was found to have contributed to the achievement of these indicators. This study suggests adapting and modifying the PBL model's syntax based on all present constraints to develop a new learning model capable of appropriately training students' problem-solving skills by focusing on the side of students' prior knowledge, formulation hypothesis, and reflection activities in learning.

Integrating the Whoop It Up Strategy with the AIR (Auditory, Intellectually, Repetition) Learning Model in Arabic Language Learning

This research comprehensively describes implementing the "Whoop it Up" strategy in Arabic language learning integrated with the AIR model (Auditory, Intellectually, Repetition) Learning Model in Arabic Language Learning at MTs Bilingual NU Pucang. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach through detailed observation and analysis, enhancing active student engagement, peer interaction, and reflection on the learning material. Within the AIR model, Arabic language learning goes beyond a passive process, involving students actively in language use, encouraging peer interaction, and fostering reflection on their understanding of the material. The combination of these two approaches offers diverse advantages. It can create a more engaging and interactive learning experience. At the same time, the AIR model provides additional structure and resources to support student understanding to create a dynamic learning environment, motivating students to participate actively and providing a holistic learning experience in comprehending and using the Arabic language. This research contributes valuable insights to develop innovative and effective teaching methods in the context of Arabic language learning.

Using Flashcard-Based Techniques to Improve Students’ Vocabulary Retention

The study aims to investigate how flashcard-based techniques are used to improve students’ vocabulary retention as well as the students’ perceptions and attitudes toward using flashcard-based techniques to improve vocabulary retention and the difficulties they faced during their learning process. The four-week study involved 18 students from an entire class at a language center. The data from vocabulary tests, questionnaires, student self-evaluation checklists, and students’ reflections were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The test results and student reflections demonstrate that flashcard-based techniques contributed significantly to the students’ vocabulary recall. The findings of the survey, together with student self-evaluation checklists and their comments, reveal that these students had favourable perceptions and positive attitudes toward their vocabulary retention as a result of the teacher’s use of flashcard-based techniques. A variety of challenges during the learning process faced by the participants also offer meaningful suggestions for both the learners and teachers to effectively facilitate the former’s vocabulary retention.

Editorial: Michael Turvey: The Most Influential Scholar in Motor Behavior in the Last 50 Years

It is difficult to estimate the impact that Michael Turvey (February 14th, 1941 – August 12th, 2023) had on the field of motor behavior. His research and thoughts influenced uncountable scholars over the last 50 years, and his kindness and dedication were examples to many. Through the reflections of esteemed colleagues and former students gathered in this Special Issue of the Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, we gain insights into the profound influence of Michael Turvey on motor behavior and beyond.

CONDUCTING COMMUNITY-BASED GERONTOLOGY PROJECTS IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASSROOMS: CAPSTONE CASE STUDIES

Abstract Collaborations between university-level students and community-based organizations have long shown to be mutually beneficial in that they can address pressing community needs, advance the mission of the organization, and enhance the learning of students. In this presentation, I describe project collaborations between a non-profit volunteer caregiving organization based in Ventura County (“Caregivers”) and Health Science undergraduate students (N = 76) enrolled in Capstone courses at California State University Channel Islands between 2022-2023. Projects were designed utilizing a community-based approach wherein the community partner (“Caregivers”) played an active and central role in determining project goals and outcomes. Four projects, each addressing and/or serving a specific need, were completed by different Capstone sections: (1) the creation of an online governance training program to educate high school and university students on the basics of leadership in nonprofits which serve older adults; (2) the creation of a series of videos to educate on and advocate for volunteer caregiving; (3) the analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data to evaluate the experiences and satisfaction levels of local volunteer caregivers and care recipients; and (4) the creation of a toolkit to be used by volunteer caregiving organizations implementing community meal delivery programs for older adults. In this presentation, I detail each project along with their major successes and challenges as assessed through personal observation, feedback provided by the community partner, and student reflections. I conclude with discussing best practices in implementing community-based projects in undergraduate settings and describe the value of such projects across all stakeholders.

Experiential Learning in Engineering Education: A Book Review

"Experiential Learning in Engineering Education" by Alan L. Steele offers an in-depth exploration of experiential learning (EL) within engineering education, uniquely enriched by global research, case studies, and the author’s extensive experience and theoretical grounding. Steele’s work stands out for its comprehensive coverage of EL applications, addressing the evolving landscape of post-pandemic education and emphasizing the expansive nature of EL. The book is invaluable for faculties, educators, and researchers, providing practical strategies, insights, and a solid theoretical foundation. Its eleven chapters are grounded in educational theories like Kolb's Cycle and reflective practice, and are enriched by Steele's extensive experience in education and practical application. The book particularly stands out for its incorporation of evident-based EL strategies, including innovative laboratory methods, flipped classrooms and best practices from cross-disciplines. However, it could benefit from a more balanced chapter depth, a broader narrative perspective, clearer guidance on student reflection, and addressing the implications of AI tools in assessments. Future editions should aim for a more equitable exploration across chapters, inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives, and enhanced visual content. By addressing these areas, the book has the potential to solidify its position as a pivotal resource in engineering education, shaping future generations of engineering educators.

MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM BASED LEARNING BAGI SISWA SMA NEGERI 13 PEKANBARU DENGAN KONSEP SERVICE LEARNING

This service aims to find out how the application of the problem-based learning model and its influence on increasing student learning motivation economic in public senior high school 13 Pekanbaru The dedication method is Service Learning using the Experimental Learning model, which is carried out in direct service, namely where students are directly involved in activities accompanied by supervisors. The stages are Pre-Implementation, implementation, and Post-Implementation. The results of the dedication were that at the Pre-Implementation stage, it was found that during a survey at schools, there were still students who were less than optimal in their learning motivation, and teachers still used conventional learning models. In the Implementation stage, the results at this stage are using the problem-based learning learning model to increase learning motivation. In the Post-Implementation Stage, the assessment and reflection of students and teachers in the application of the problem-based learning model are good.

Using Design Thinking to Solve Real-World Problems

This paper presents an innovative pedagogical model that incorporates components of team-based learning, problem-based learning, and design thinking in the context of a community-engaged applied learning experience. Students participating in this project build 21st century skills needed to be successful in their future educational and career pursuits. Undergraduate sociology and master's level social work students partnered with community organizations to solve a real-world problem for that organization. They were coached through the process by their instructors. Before participating in the project, students reflected on what they hoped to get out of the experience. After completion, they reflected on the process and what they learned. Analyzing student reflection papers, we found three themes: excitement and fears, challenges and opportunities, and personal and professional growth. We conclude by describing how instructors can incorporate aspects of this model into their own classroom, and the importance of teamwork skills, design thinking skills, and meaningful community engagement.

Status quo of sustainable development goals localisation in Zimbabwean universities: Students perspectives and reflections

This study examines the perceptions of students about SDG localization in Zimbabwean universities. The study uses a mixed methods research design. The results reveal that students perceive the SDGs as significant in university curricula. Only 39 % confirm satisfactory or high coverage of SDGs content in their curricula. SDGs familiarity varies per discipline. Various challenges inhibit the localization of SDGs in universities. Lack of resources is the key factor. The study concludes that universities in Zimbabwe have not yet localized the SDGs to an 'acceptable or better' level. The study highlights the possibility of improving the pace of SDGs localization.

Just Another Patient? Student Reflections on Providing Mental Health Care to Transgender and Gender Expansive People During Simulated Encounters.

This study analyzed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) students' reflections following a virtual simulated encounter with a patient who identified as transgender or gender expansive (TGE). To reduce mental health disparities, PMHNP students must be prepared to deliver affirming care. Engaging in and reflecting on simulated encounters with standardized patients can improve PMHNP students' affirming care competency. A thematic analysis process was used to analyze student reflections during simulation debriefings. Five themes emerged: application of affirming care principles, recognizing minority stressors, treating all patients the same, desire to learn more, and valuing authentic practice. PMHNP students' reflections on the experience of providing care to a standardized patient who identified as TGE support the use of virtual simulations to prepare future providers to deliver affirming, person-centered care.

Comparing reflection levels between facilitator-led and student-led debriefing in simulation training for paramedic students

BackgroundSimulation in healthcare attempts to create relevant representations of patient encounters. It provides experiential learning, bridging typical classroom activities and clinical practice. This study aims to investigate whether the principle of Peer-Assisted Learning can be used in simulation by letting simulation-experienced paramedic students prepare, deliver, and debrief their own simulations, with minimal faculty assistance. This could be a way to support student learning by being involved in teaching, and it might at the same time optimise the cost-effectiveness of simulation-based training.MethodsThis observational non-inferiority study compared reflection levels between facilitator-led and student-led simulation and debriefing, between scenario types, and compared the number of turns in which students are involved in both settings. Third-year Bachelor in Paramedic Science students’ debriefings were filmed and transcribed. The degree of reflection in students’ statements was rated according to a modified version of Fleck’s analytical framework of reflection levels, assigning scores from lowest (R0 description) to highest (R4 critical reflection). Facilitator-led and student-led debriefings were compared using chi-square tests. Scenarios were also analysed according to type (paediatric emergencies and complex assessments) regardless of who led the simulation.ResultsTen facilitator-led and 12 student-led debriefings were analysed. Students gave 682 (49%) contributions in the facilitator-led debriefings, and 702 (51%) contributions in student-led debriefings. Comparison of reflection levels between facilitator-led and student-led debriefings was respectively: R0-level 32.7% vs 33.8%, R1-level 44.0% vs 44.3%, R2-level 14.7% vs 17.1%, R3-level 0.1% vs 1.3%, and R4-level 0.1% vs 0.1%. There were no statistically significant differences in reflection levels between facilitator-led and student-led debriefings (p = 0.178). Comparing the reflection levels between the scenarios on “paediatric emergencies” and “complex assessments”, the results were respectively: R0-level 35.4% vs. 31.7%-level, R1-level 45.3% vs. 43.3%-level, R2-level 13.4% vs. 17.8%, R3-level 0.5% vs. 0.9%, and R4-level 0.0% vs. 0.3%. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.010). No significant differences in engagement were found between debriefings led by a student or a facilitator, when measuring the number of turns in the conversations.ConclusionsFacilitator-led and student-led debriefings resulted in equivalent reflection levels amongst students. Student-led simulation is potentially a cost-effective supplement to regular simulation within a healthcare degree program. Since complex scenarios provided higher reflection levels than paediatric, scenario design might influence reflection levels.

A qualitative study to explore student learning and development of interprofessional collaboration during an online interprofessional education intervention

Interprofessional education (IPE) during undergraduate education and training has been found to improve collaboration between health care students. This supports interprofessional working in clinical practice to enhance patient safety and care delivery.Undergraduate students from pharmacy and medical programmes worked online in pairs to review notes of hospital patients due to be discharged. Students were tasked to complete a discharge letter and undertake an online consultation with a simulated patient prior to discharge. Online interactions were recorded and assessed using a validated tool to measure interprofessional professionalism. Students undertook this intervention in different pairings with different patient cases for three iterations after receiving feedback and undertaking a reflective exercise.The aim was to investigate the student learning and development that could be used to inform intervention optimisation and scale-up.Qualitative data were collected from different sources. Method triangulation was employed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the student learning and development. Data was collected from written feedback provided by the assessment team, student reflections on their performance, and from semi-structured interviews conducted with the student pairs and one to one with the assessment team. Content and thematic analysis was used to analyse these data and the Kirkpatrick/Barr evaluation model provided a framework to organise the themes.Eighteen students (nine from each professional programme) completed the study and a total of 27 IPE sessions were conducted. The assessment team completed 54 assessment tools and 31 student reflections were received (from a maximum of 36). Students were interviewed in their interprofessional pairs to yield nine interview transcripts and one interview was conducted with the assessment team.Students reported and were observed to improve in interprofessional collaboration over the three iterations following feedback and rehearsal opportunities. Longitudinal observation and assessment of student interprofessional working in changing teams provided the opportunity to capture the influence of interdependence on student performance and assessment of competence.