Students In Classroom Activities Research Articles

TURKISH PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ INVOLVEMENT IN CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Measuring students’ interest and involvement in classroom activities at all stages of education, from pre-school to upper secondary school, provides a better understanding of learning processes that enable the acquisition of abilities specific to a certain field. The purpose of this cross-age study was to investigate primary school students’ involvement level in classroom activities. The sample consisted of 560 students studying in the first, second, third, and fourth grades at primary schools affiliated with a city in Turkey’s inner Aegean area. The data were collected through “The Demographic Information Form” and “Leuven Involvement Scale”. The research revealed that students in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in primary school had a moderate involvement level. It was found that there was a significant difference between the involvement levels of primary school students and the gender, course type, and professional experience of the teacher, but there was no significant difference between the grade levels of the students. It was recommended to use current methods and strategies to increase the level of involvement of students in classroom activities and to make arrangements to improve involvement in the learning environment. Keywords: behavioral engagement, cross-age study, level of involvement, primary school, primary student

EFL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING ACTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES IN TEACHING SPEAKING

Active learning has indicated its important role in learners’ speaking process and involved students in classroom activities. Therefore, there is a pressing need for implementing active learning techniques to engage students in speaking English. The research entitled “The EFL Teachers’ Perceptions about Implementing Active Learning Techniques in Teaching Speaking” was conducted to obtain two research aims, including (1) to find out teachers’ perceptions about implementing active learning techniques in their speaking classrooms; (2) to investigate the benefits and difficulties of implementing active learning techniques in teaching speaking. This is descriptive research using mix-methods. The participants were 56 teachers who are from two English language centers in Can Tho City responding to the questionnaire. Besides, semi-structured interviews were also administrated to investigate the benefits and difficulties teachers faced when implementing active learning techniques in teaching speaking. The findings show that teachers had positive perceptions of implementing active learning techniques in their speaking classrooms in the Mekong Delta and provided some valuable information for further topic-related research.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0024/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Pre-service Science Teachers’ Competence and Confidence in Scientific Inquiry

The quality of science learning has a very important role in science education. The quality of science learning is largely determined by the quality of science teachers. Inquiry-based science learning is becoming a model that must be developed today. In order for inquiry-based learning to be carried out properly, science teachers must have adequate inquiry competencies. Teachers must also have adequate confidence in conducting inquiry-based learning with students in the classroom. The objective of this study was to examine students’ competence and confidence in scientific inquiry. 42 pre-service science teachers were involved in this study. Data collected were analyzed using Rasch modeling. The results of data analysis show that mean of the Rasch score for students’ competence (1.76 Logits; SD = 1.20) is higher than the mean of the Rasch score for students’ confidence (1. 41 Logits; SD = 1.01). These results show that although students feel competent to do inquiry, they do not yet fully have the confidence to carry out inquiry learning with students in classroom activities. Implications for a science teacher and pre-service science education based on these results are discussed.

Taking the pulse of a classroom with a gamified audience response system

Background and objectiveThis paper presents an empirical study of a gamified mobile-based assessment approach that can be used to engage students and improve their educational performance. MethodA gamified audience response system called G-SIDRA was employed. Three gamification elements were used to motivate students in classroom activities: badges for achievements to increase engagement, points to indicate progression and performance in the subject and ranking for promoting competitiveness. A total of 90 medical students in a General and Descriptive Anatomy of the Locomotor System course were taught using G-SIDRA in the academic year 2019/2020. Smart bracelets were configured to collect heart rate measurements from 30 students with the aim of evaluating the impact of the gamification elements. The control group consisted of a sample of 110 students enrolled on the same course in the academic year 2016/2017 using non-gamified SIDRA. ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between multiple choice questions (MCQ) scores obtained by using SIDRA and G-SIDRA in the four experiments (U = 1.621,50, p < 0,01 for Exp1; U = 1.950,00, p < 0,01 for Exp2; U = 955,00, p < 0,01 for Exp3; U = 2.335,00, p < 0,01 for Exp4). In the students’ final exam grades, statistically significant differences between students that used G-SIDRA as opposed to SIDRA (T(157) = 3.992; p = 0.044) were obtained. Concerning gamification elements, statistically significantly differences were found in comparing the pulse increases after and before the badge event in the four experiments (U = 2.484,00, p = 0,038 for Exp1; U = 2.109,50, p = 0,046 for Exp2; U = 1.790,50, p = 0,025 for Exp3; U = 1.557,0, p = 0,048 for Exp4). However, there are not statistically significant differences between the pulse increases after and before the ranking event in the four experiments. In a 5-point Likert-type scale, the students expressed satisfaction with G-SIDRA (M = 4.552) and thought the system helped to better understand both theoretical and practical concepts (M = 4.092). Their global assessment of the G-SIDRA platform was 4.471. ConclusionsOf the three gamification elements used in the study, only badge has an effect on heart rate. Better student responses and academic performance were achieved when using G-SIDRA. Nevertheless, more research is required to evaluate the impact of the gamification elements on the motivation, engagement and performance of students. Physiological measures are promising approaches for gamification elements evaluation.

Application of Internet of Things intelligent image-positioning studio classroom in English teaching

The purpose is to minimize color overflow and color patch generation in intelligent images and promote the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) intelligent image-positioning studio classroom in English teaching. Here, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithm is introduced to extract and classify features for intelligent images. Then, the extracted features can position images in real-time. Afterward, the performance of the CNN algorithm is verified through training. Subsequently, two classes in senior high school are selected for experiments, and the influences of IoT intelligent image-positioning studio classroom on students’ performance in the experimental class and control class are analyzed and compared. The results show that the introduction of the CNN algorithm can optimize the intelligent image, accelerate the image classification, reduce color overflow, brighten edge color, and reduce color patches, facilitating intelligent image editing and dissemination. The feasibility analysis proves the effectiveness of the IoT intelligent image-positioning studio classroom, which is in line with students’ language learning rules and interests and can involve students in classroom activities and encourage self-learning. Meanwhile, interaction and cooperation can help students master learning strategies efficiently. The experimental class taught with the IoT intelligent positioning studio has made significant progress in academic performance, especially, in the post-test. In short, the CNN algorithm can promote IoT technologies and is feasible in English teaching.

Caste Microaggression: A Barrier to Lower Affective Filter and to Promote Inclusivityin the Classroom

This article explores the impact of caste microaggressions in classroom activitiesin the countries like Nepal. It focuses on the study of how caste microaggressions are barriers to lower affective filter and promote inclusivity in the classroom. This is a review article based on qualitative research in which the ideas are derived from different secondary sources and are arranged to support how lower-caste students are the victim of caste microaggressions in Nepali society. This article shows that the students of lower-caste families, especially the Dalits, are greatly victimized by discriminatory activities in the schools of rural areas of Nepal. To promote inclusivity and to encourage lower-caste children in learning activities, it is essential to avoid caste microaggression and to emotionally engage such students in classroom activities that have to be initiated by the teachers primarily.

Enhancing the engagement of large cohorts using live interactive polling and feedback

A novel two-way live communication process between teacher and students in large classes has been implemented using Web 2.0 polling platforms to enhance the engagement of students in classroom activities, and to allow the teacher to respond to students’ question in real time. The research question of this study was to explore and evaluate the two-way live communication between students and teachers, and among students, and how it enhances the engagement of students. To study this research question, modules from two different disciplines (electrical engineering and electronics, and psychology) have adopted the two-way live communication process. A mixed methodology, including online surveys, focus groups, and analysis of students’ responses, was followed to analyse in-depth the impact of the method on students’ engagement and learning. The study is supported by the review of the background from the literature. The outcomes of the study are discussed and compared with previous studies from the literature.

Using Simulations in Teaching Research Academic Writing Course

The article focuses on teaching research academic writing to undergraduates taking a Russian-American dual-degree program offered by Baikal International Business School and its partner University of Maryland Global Campus. As the American program is online, writing courses are mandatory. Being the final course in the writing module, research academic writing is challenging not only for students but also for the instructor. This makes the teacher look for new ways to improve the quality of teaching and to motivate undergraduates. The paper describes action research aiming at introducing simulation games in research academic writing course to engage students in classroom activities, vary practical assignments, and make classes more interactive. Using observation, student questionnaires and interviews, the author compares her class atmosphere and student involvement before and after the intervention. As a result of her research, the author comes to the conclusion that simulation activities, besides other advantages, can be successfully used for teaching academic writing since they increase motivation and student engagement creating a positive learning environment. Moreover, pair or group work can minimize difficulties, which helps to better understand the material. Furthermore, simulation activities have a practical value enabling students to develop skills and competences vital for future managers. Also the paper offers simulation activities developed for the course which are given in the appendices

An An EFL Textbook Evaluation for Grade Ten Used in Takhassus Alquran Vocational School Wonosobo

Textbooks of EFL have an essential role in language learning input for students in classroom activities. Unfortunately, selection and evaluation of EFL textbooks sometimes get a little attention and consideration in language teaching contexts. This study aims to evaluate an EFL selected textbook for grade ten students in Takhassus Alquran Vocational School Wonosobo based on Cunningsworth’s book criteria (1995). The book is Kurikulum 2013 Bahasa Inggris revised edition 2017. This is a qualitative method proposing content analysis. Hence, the results are descriptive qualitative forms. The study uncovers that Bahasa Inggris Kurikulum 2013 textbook fulfills the book criteria proposed by Cunningswoth. Particularly in terms of aims and approaches, design and organization, language contents, topics, methodology, practical consideration. Furthermore, the book needs to be developed in one main aspect, namely skills, particularly listening comprehension. Additionally, the book needs to improved vocabulary materials to faciliate vocational school students’ needs.

The level model of network interaction primary school students in classroom activities

The article considers the problem of organization and methodological support of the process of formation of skills of network joint activities in primary school students. The relevance of this research problem is due to the following contradictions:between the need for a practice-oriented and controlled focus on the process of forming in young schoolchildren the skills of safe and ethical interaction in the network, as a requirement of a modern digital society and the lack of pedagogical conditions for its implementation in educational institutions;between the high potential of network interaction in the formation of digital literacy elements of elementary schoolchildren and insufficient practical and theoretical research in this area;between the didactic opportunities of joint network activities in the process of training and education in elementary school and the insufficient development of pedagogical conditions for its implementation.The purpose of the study: the development and experimental testing of the level model of network interaction of primary school children in a distributed information and educational environment. This model is based on the principle of a phased increase in the degree of activity, independence and responsibility of subjects of joint network activities, which is implemented through specially designed educational and methodological support. The problem is highlighted due to the lack of research and the lack of specialized methodological support in the field of networking in elementary school.Materials and methods. The theoretical basis of the study is the analysis of research works in the field of Internet security for schoolchildren and the psychology of primary school children, a generalization of pedagogical experience in the use of distance and network technologies in classroom activities, an analysis of the regulatory documents of primary general education.Results. The approbation of the level model of network interaction of primary schoolchildren was carried out during the 2016–2017, 2017– 2018, 2018–2019 academic years on the basis of MAOU Gymnasium No. 9 of Krasnoyarsk and secondary school No. 11 of Abakan. The study covered 105 primary school students. A complete set of educational and methodological support for the network interaction of elementary schoolchildren in computer science lessons in a distributed information and educational environment has been developed and fully tested.Conclusion. The level model of network interaction of elementary schoolchildren described in the article can be used both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities in various subject areas in elementary school. This model includes four levels of network interaction formation: interaction independently from each other without feedback, interaction independently from each other with the need for mutual control, consistent interaction with observance of the order and correctness of the task, non-linear interaction. In accordance with the developed model of network interaction, a distributed informational and educational environment of elementary school was formed and filled up on the example of the subject field “informatics”, which ensures the implementation of various types of elementary school students network interaction in classroom activities. Research materials can be replicated in general education organizations at the initial stage, and also used to improve the skills of primary school teachers and computer scientists.

Efficacy of Systematic Desensitization Therapy on Academic Boredom among Adolescents in Edo State Secondary Schools

Abstract An individual experiences boredom when an activity is neither entertaining nor conducive. Academic boredom and its negative influences include dissatisfaction and low arousal in school activities, depression, high school dropout, lack of academic goal orientation, abusive behaviours as well as poor academic performances among students. The study sought to investigate the efficacy of Systematic desensitization on academic boredom among students in Edo State Secondary Schools. The research used quasi experimental design adopting the pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group experiment. The population for the study consisted of One thousand, five hundred and eighty-two (I,582) SS2 students from Seven (7) public schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample for the study was made up of two intact classes comprising of 91 (Ninety-one) SS2 students. The instruments used for the study is Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS), developed by Farmer and Sunberg, adapted from Obisanya with a test retest reliability co-efficient of 0.792. The findings of this study showed that Systematic desensitization was effective in reducing academic boredom. It was also more effective than the control group (non-attention). It is therefore recommended that reciprocal inhibition can be used to desensitize the students by counsellors. In the classroom, the teacher should note individual differences, engage students in classroom activities, use real life situations and also make learning interesting.

College English Reading Instruction in North China Electric Power University: The Production-Driven Approach

Production-oriented approach may provide us with a brand new perspective to our current college English reading instruction. Under this approach, teaching reforms need to be initiated in respects of teaching objectives, teaching materials, teaching methods and assessment. Instructors are required to design appropriate output tasks to stimulate learners&amp;rsquo; motivation in reading. In addition, a wide variety of teaching activities need to be designed to fully involve students in classroom activities and ensure the completion of output tasks. The teaching materials should not only be aimed at improving students&amp;rsquo; language knowledge, but also is conducive to students&amp;rsquo; cross-cultural competence. Finally, immediate assessing and delayed assessing should be employed to guarantee the best possible learning results.

Acercándonos al dibujo a través de un proyecto audiovisual / Approaching the drawing through an audiovisual project

Es bien conocido la apuesta de la educación por la innovación y unas metodologías de aprendizaje que vayan más allá de los recursos tradicionales utilizados dentro de las aulas. El uso de nuevas tecnologías, la incorporación de sonido, imagen y movimiento, crea un nuevo recurso metodológico que permite la integración y participación del alumnado en las actividades de clase. En este trabajo se analizan las ventajas e inconvenientes encontrados durante la ejecución de un proyecto audiovisual en la asignatura “Las Artes Plásticas y Cultura Audiovisual en Educación Primaria” en la Universidad de Jaén, en el que a través de la incorporación de las herramientas digitales más actuales y la disposición de los alumnos en grupos de trabajo se ha logrado fomentar el trabajo cooperativo y el interés de unos estudiantes saturados, en muchas ocasiones, por los trabajos teóricos y las clases magistrales.

If It's Not Worth Saying in English, It's Not Worth Saying at All

As a Teacher's Assistant at university and a sponsor of student-teachers, I have learnt that teacher education programs do include discussions and activities around diversity and social justice. What remains untapped are teachers' abilities to recognize their own prejudices. This paper starts as an autobiographical piece. It tracks my teaching experience in a multicultural school where nearly 40% of the student population is identified as English as a Second Language. It shows that language can be a factor more prevalent in triggering discrimination than skin colour and that all five senses can prompt prejudice. For example, speaking Cantonese or Mandarin even in the hallways has become unacceptable for some staff members. The second half of my paper makes recommendations on how new teachers can address their own hidden prejudices by involving their students in classroom activities and community projects that focus on social justice.

Reflections on the Implementation of Competence Based Curriculum in Tanzanian Secondary Schools

This study investigated issues surrounding the implementation of competence based curriculum in Tanzanian secondary schools. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the teachers’ understanding of the objectives of competence based curriculum; to investigate the teachers’ abilities in preparing competence based lesson plans; to examine whether or not teachers involved students in classroom activities; and to find out whether or not teachers practiced formative students’ assessments as per the requirements of competence based curriculum. The respondents included 186 teachers who were randomly selected from 13 secondary schools found in Mbeya region of Tanzania. The data were collected through interview schedules, observation schedules, and review of documents. The collected data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings indicated that the majority (86%) of the interviewed teachers did not have the proper understanding of the objectives of competence based curriculum. In addition, the majority (78%) of the reviewed lesson plans did not reflect the qualities of a competence based lesson plan. Moreover, the involvement of students in classroom activities by the teachers who were observed was, in overall, very low. Lastly, teachers practiced formative students’ assessments in less than 50% of the observed classroom sessions. In view of these findings, it seemed that the implementation of competence based curriculum in the selected schools was ineffective. In view of these findings, it is recommended that regular training for in-service teachers should be conducted in order to enable them acquire up-to-date teaching skills as required by the changes introduced in the school curricula.

Adapting diagrams from physics textbooks: a way to improve the autonomy of blind students

We devise and test a set of tactile symbols to represent elements frequently used in mechanics diagrams, such as vectors, ropes, pulleys, blocks and surfaces, that can be used to adapt drawings of physics situations in textbooks for blind students. We also investigate how figures are described for blind students in classroom activities and exams, by interviewing three blind students using the oral history method. The symbols were tested at a specialized school for the blind. Our results indicate that, with training, blind students become familiar with the symbols and can identify them in a problem without the need for a spoken description. This educational product can help blind students to achieve the same conditions of autonomy as sighted ones when studying physics.

Qu’est-ce qui influence la participation en classe d’étudiants en enseignement de l’éducation physique et à la santé et en kinésiologie ?

&#x0D; Engaging university students in classroom activities represents a growing challenge for university teachers. This questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,021 physical education and kinesiology undergraduate students. It aimed to improve our understanding of the links between verbal participation, and sociodemographic, context, interaction, and motivation variables. The multivariate analysis show that verbal participation is better understood if the factorial solution combines in a specific manner some motivation, interaction, environment and personal variables. The results presented remind us that teachers can only exert a partial control on students’ engagement if they influence their perceptions on the learning situation and on their own interaction behaviors. This original study also shows how teachers’ behaviors influence in greater ways students’ classroom verbal participation.

Activating Student Engagement Through Drama-Based Instruction

Drama for Schools (DFS) is an arts integration professional development program that trains teachers to use drama-based instruction techniques. The DFS strategies aim to connect student learning to their lived experiences in a manner consistent with authentic instruction principles. The focus of this mixed-methods study was on the relationship between increase in authentic instruction, level of student engagement, and articulation by teachers regarding the participation of their middle school students in classroom activities. Pre-post measures indicate that student engagement increased as a result of drama-based instruction strategies. These lesson plan measures also demonstrated how teachers changed their articulation of student engagement. Discussion focuses on how the relationship between the DFS program structure, participants’ pedagogy, and student outcomes fit into, and challenge, the overall critical pedagogical framework of the program.

Learning Chemistry in a Metacognitive Environment

Thinking about one's own thinking and of how one learns and solves problems is described as metacognition. The important dimensions of metacognition are knowledge of one's own thinking as one plans, monitors, and evaluates academic tasks. This paper presents a qualitative study on metacognition, on how academic tasks in Chemistry are designed and structured in a constructivist environment that promotes students' metacognitive behaviors and meaningful learning of Chemistry. Sample metacognitive profiles of two cases (low and high metacognitive index), generated from analyses of various qualitative data are also presented. As a conclusion, the paper reiterates a research finding which indicates that prolonged engagement of students in classroom activities designed in a constructivist environment gives ample opportunities for students to demonstrate their overt planning, monitoring and evaluation behaviors. Purposely asking students to answer metacognitive questions afforded them the opportunity to reflect on their thinking, thus fostering their metacognition.

Language and content in bilingual education

This article suggests that there is a tendency to argue for or against bilingual education in terms of productivity (student attainment expressed as test scores), and that productivity is discussed in terms of division of time, curriculum and speakers. Although this orientation has produced some valuable macro-level accounts, it does not address the need for close-up interaction data showing how language(s) are used by teachers and students in classroom activities. It is argued that such data is vital for understanding language and curriculum content learning in specific local contexts, which in turn can be fed into wider discussions on pedagogy and policy in bilingual education.