Student Perceptions Research Articles

Study of OSPE as a Method of Assessment in the Anatomy: Implementation and Attitude among MBBS students

Introduction: Competency-based medical education (CBME) emphasizes outcome-based learning evaluation and assessment. Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) is a valid, reliable, and objective tool suggested in the anatomy curriculum. OSPE modules were developed and implemented in anatomy for first-year MBBS Students, and the perception of first-year MBBS students about OSPE was studied. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 MBBS students of the 2021 admission year in the Department of Anatomy after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Feedback survey questionnaires were prepared and validated by the subject experts and MEU members to study students' perceptions of OSPE. Students' perceptions were noted on a 5-point Likert scale. Data was entered through Google Forms and analyzed. Results: 93.2% of students believed that OSPE made learning competencies easier for them. Only 13.7% of students felt that time devoted to OSPE assessment was inadequate. 79.6% of students were of the opinion that It made them confident in all aspects of addressed competencies. 88.6% of students felt that OSPE improved their ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of addressed competencies. 88.6% of students were of the view that OSPE is a satisfactory method of assessing their capabilities as a student. 83.7% of students ' opinion was that it would help them in learning the competencies of Anatomy. In the opinion of 93.2% of students, OSPE should be a regular method of assessment. 81.8% of students agreed that OSPE was a feasible exercise. Conclusions: The study concluded that implementing OSPE as a method of assessment in Anatomy for first-year MBBS Students is feasible and acceptable. 93 percent of students believe this method makes learning competencies easier for them. KEYWORDS: OSPE, Assessment, Anatomy, Perception, Competency, Curriculum.

The effect of different patient-based learning models on student perceptions of empathy, engagement, knowledge, and learning experience

Background Problem-based learning is used widely in pharmacy and medical programmes, incorporating realistic patient scenarios into regular teaching as a way of linking theory to practice. Routine case-based learning lessons ranges from real patient involvement, scripted patient scenarios, digital simulations (avatars) as well as through media such as Zoom. The existing literature has explored the extensive benefits of using patients in clinical education, but fewer studies have directly compared the efficacy of each model as learning tools. Aim To compare student perceptions of patient-based learning models to elicit student empathy, increase engagement, improve knowledge, and enrich learning experience. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to second-year pharmacy students in Swansea University to gather their perceptions on the nine different patient-based learning models in their routine teaching (SUMS RESC 2023-0011). Students were asked to rank their experience of the models explicitly against each other, based on the four pillars of (1) eliciting student empathy, (2) increasing engagement, (3) improving knowledge and (4) enriching the learning experience. Students were also asked to rate the significance of realism (i.e. knowing the patient demographics/having a visual representation of the patient) to their experience. Results Altogether, 31 student rankings of the nine learning models were weighted (9 = highest rank; 1 = lowest ranked). The data showed clear preferences for real-patient involvement over fictional cases, especially for eliciting empathy. Interestingly, scripted scenarios were rated highly for both engagement and learning experience only when avatars were involved, which suggests a role of animated visual representation of the patient in facilitating these outcomes. Conclusion Whilst it is useful to have multiple patient-based learning models, this study serves as a guide for educators in preparing case-based learning sessions for achieving the desired outcomes of any of the four pillars above.

A 3-D interactive microbiology laboratory via virtual reality for enhancing practical skills

Virtual Reality (VR) laboratories are a new pedagogical approach to support psychomotor skills development in undergraduate programmes to achieve practical competency. VR laboratories are successfully used to carry out virtual experiments in science courses and for clinical skills training in professional courses. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a VR-based microbiology laboratory on Head-Mounted Display (HMD) for undergraduate students. Student and faculty perceptions and expectations were collected to incorporate into the laboratory design. An interactive 3-dimensional VR laboratory with a 360° view was developed simulating our physical laboratory setup. The laboratory environment was created using Unity with the (created) necessary assets and 3D models. The virtual laboratory was designed to replicate the physical laboratory environment as suggested by the students and faculty. In this VR laboratory, six microbiology experiments on Gram staining, bacterial streaking, bacterial motility, catalase test, oxidase test and biochemical tests were placed on the virtual platform. First-year biomedical science students were recruited to evaluate the VR laboratory. Students’ perception of the virtual laboratory was positive and encouraging. About 70% of the students expressed they felt safe using the VR laboratory and that it was engaging. They felt that the VR laboratory provided an immersive learning experience. They appreciated that they could repeat each experiment multiple times without worrying about mistakes or mishaps. They could personalise their learning by concentrating on the specific experiments. Our in-house VR-based microbiology laboratory was later extended to other health professions programmes teaching microbiology.

Awareness and implementation confidence of free higher education program under UNIFAST among HEIs in Sulu, Philippines

Accessible higher education is a critical determinant of a nation's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. By investing in human capital through free tertiary education, countries can cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, attracting foreign investment, and remain to be competitive on the international stage. This quantitative study analyzed the perceptions of students (n=200) about the implementation of Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) in Sulu, Philippines. The students were purposively sampled from four (4) universities in the province. A standardized Likert-scale was used to elicit the perceptions of students based on three (3) implementation metric (i) institutions’ awareness of UNIFAST, (ii) application and disbursement process, and (iii) evaluation of UNIFAST outcomes. Findings indicated that the higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sulu often implemented the provisions of the law. Additionally, inferential analysis revealed that student’s demographic profile (i.e., gender, parental education attainment, family income) could influence their general evaluation of UNIFAST implementation. Notably, this could be attributed to their perception of the program as a substantial source of assistance in pursuing higher education. Likewise, the assessment of UNIFAST implementation by students may be influenced by emotional elements, such as feelings of relief and contentment. The program may receive higher ratings from students because of the emotional relief it offers, especially for individuals who are experiencing financial limitations. Future studies might consider developing a more rigorous analysis relating human emotions scaling up their overall evaluation of the UNIFAST program.

Application of the combined problem-based learning and case-based learning teaching in urinalysis course of diagnostics

Background Traditional lecture-based teaching is the most commonly used approach in Chinese medical curricula. Novel teaching methods that are more educationally effective and academically satisfactory are warranted. Problem-based Learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL) have been widely researched and utilized worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of combined PBL and CBL methods in second-year undergraduate students in the nephrology experiment module of the Medical Diagnostics course. Methods We enrolled 150 second-year clinical medicine students from the First Clinical College of Sun Yat-sen University. Participants were assigned to either the PBL or CBL combined group (92 students, two classes) or the traditional group (58 students, one class) for a Urine Analysis course. The learning effects were compared through a post-class quiz, and student evaluations and perceptions of PBL and CBL methods were gathered via an anonymous questionnaire. Results The combined PBL and CBL group outperformed the traditional lecture group, with significantly higher post-class quiz scores (P<0.001). Regarding acceptance and perception, 67.4% found PBL-CBL to be more acceptable, 78.3% believed it stimulated critical thinking, 82.6% agreed that it enhanced practicaleth abilities, and 83.7% believed it led to better learning outcomes. Regarding open feedback, 51.1% appreciated its clinical connection, 34.8% recognized its effectiveness, 32.6% found it novel and interesting, and 30.4% noted positive learning encouragement. Conclusion The PBL-CBL binding mode is a feasible and effective teaching mode, which can help improve both medical teaching quality and academic satisfaction of students.

Students attitudes on STACK content: A pilot study at the university of Trieste, Italy

Background: Online examinations are increasingly prevalent in educational settings, offering innovative assessment methods. Understanding student perceptions and experiences with such systems is essential for enhancing their effectiveness and acceptance in educational practice.Aims: This pilot study aimed to examine the impact of STACK-based online exams on various facets such as student comfort, perceived value for learning and exam preparation, preferences between pen-and-paper versus STACK formats, confidence in online math tests, readiness to adopt online assessment platforms, and overall perspectives on online evaluations.Method: An experimental within-subjects design and convenience sampling were used to involve 117 first-year biology students enrolled in a Probability and Statistics course, who were already familiar with the STACK system. Data were collected using pre- and post-exam online surveys featuring five-point Likert scale questions and an open-ended query.Results: The findings indicate that students felt more comfortable using the STACK system after the study and preferred it over traditional exams. Nevertheless, some students expressed uncertainty about using STACK content for final exams due to concerns about its effectiveness in evaluating critical thinking and potential technical difficulties. However, concerns regarding technical challenges decreased significantly post-exam, with no technical issues reported during the exam. Positive feedback highlighted STACK's benefits for formative assessment, easier learning, immediate feedback, and its practicality and innovation. Some students even suggested incorporating STACK into final exams for convenience and advocated for further investment in the STACK system, possibly with improved content. Conclusion: In summary, students preferred using STACK for exams, though concerns about technical glitches and the need to refine content for assessing critical thinking persist. Future efforts should focus on enhancing content quality, starting this summer.

Design and Psychometric Properties of the Student Perception of Teacher Care Scale in University Students

Teacher care in the university setting is crucial for the academic, emotional, and social development of students, encompassing moral virtues such as compassion and professional competence. The students’ perception of teacher care directly relates to their well-being and active participation in learning. Despite the recognized importance of teacher care, there is a lack of adequate instruments to measure it, especially in specific cultural and educational contexts like Peru. The aim of this research is to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a scale measuring student perception of teacher care in the Peruvian university context, to provide a valid and reliable tool for future research and educational practices. An instrumental study was conducted with 910 university students aged between 18 and 50 years (M = 20.2, SD = 3.45). The Student Perception of Teacher Care Scale (SPTCS) was used, divided into five dimensions (Compassion, Competence, Confidentiality, Trust, and Awareness). Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the scale’s internal structure, along with reliability analyses and measurement invariance across genders. The EFA identified a four-factor structure reflecting the dimensions of Confidentiality and Trust, Competence, Awareness, and Compassion. The CFA confirmed this structure with good fit indices for four-factor models, which was then adjusted to a five-factor model, one of which is a second-order factor (χ2 = 720.727, df = 369, CFI = 0.951, TLI = 0.946, RMSEA = 0.046, and SRMR = 0.032). Internal reliability was high (α and ω > 0.9 for all factors). Measurement invariance was established across genders, allowing for valid comparisons between men and women. It is concluded that the Student Perception of Teacher Care Scale proves to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring teacher care in the Peruvian university context. The results emphasize the multidimensionality of teacher care and its significance for the educational environment and student experience. This study contributes to educational research and teaching practice, offering a means to assess and improve caring relationships in higher education.

Analysing the Impact of Generative AI in Arts Education: A Cross-Disciplinary Perspective of Educators and Students in Higher Education

Generative AI refers specifically to a class of Artificial Intelligence models that use existing data to create new content that reflects the underlying patterns of real-world data. This contribution presents a study that aims to show what the current perception of arts educators and students of arts education is with regard to generative Artificial Intelligence. It is a qualitative research study using focus groups as a data collection technique in order to obtain an overview of the participating subjects. The research design consists of two phases: (1) generation of illustrations from prompts by students, professionals and a generative AI tool; and (2) focus groups with students (N = 5) and educators (N = 5) of artistic education. In general, the perception of educators and students coincides in the usefulness of generative AI as a tool to support the generation of illustrations. However, they agree that the human factor cannot be replaced by generative AI. The results obtained allow us to conclude that generative AI can be used as a motivating educational strategy for arts education.

Perception and Self-Efficacy of Students in the Peer Mentoring Program (PRS)

Perception and Self-Efficacy of Students in the Peer Mentoring Program (PRS)

Perspectives of Students and Teachers Form Continuing Professional Development: Challenge And Obstacle

Continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers is crucial for enhancing their professional capabilities, particularly in pedagogical skills. Despite its importance, several barriers and challenges impede the effective development of the teaching profession. This study aims to investigate these obstacles through the perceptions of elementary school students and teachers, providing insights into the current state of CPD in education. A survey method was used to gather data from 150 participants, including students and teachers, to explore their perceptions of CPD. The survey focused on various aspects of CPD, including educational practices, learning processes, professional development activities, and supporting mechanisms. The findings revealed significant differences in perceptions between students and teachers across the examined aspects. Teachers predominantly prioritized the learning process in their professional development efforts. Major obstacles identified included a lack of motivation and insufficient intervention for practicing teachers. Additionally, a critical challenge for teachers was the deficiency of high-quality resources necessary to conduct effective research in learning methodologies. The disparity in perceptions between students and teachers highlights the need for more targeted CPD programs that address the specific needs of educators. Enhancing motivation and providing adequate support and resources are essential for overcoming these barriers. Addressing these challenges can lead to more effective teaching practices and ultimately improve the quality of education. This study underscores the importance of understanding the barriers and challenges to CPD from both students' and teachers' perspectives. By prioritizing the learning process and addressing motivational and resource-related issues, stakeholders can better support the professional development of teachers, leading to improved pedagogical outcomes.

Generic competences for end-of-degree projects in teacher education: students’ and university teachers’ perceptions

The aim of this study is to analyse the perception of students and university teachers on the level of importance of generic competences when devising the End-of-Degree Project in Teacher Education, as well as on the amount of training the students receive regarding these competences. It also looks for possible differences between both groups and both ratings. An online survey was applied to a sample of 52 university teachers and 199 fourth year and graduate students of Primary/Preschool Teacher Degree courses. Participants were asked to rate 33 generic competences of an instrumental, interpersonal and systemic nature. It was found that the students thought they had received less training regarding many of the competences, as compared to the perception of university teachers. In addition, importance score was significantly higher than those related to training for both students and university teachers. These results highlight the need to explicitly address and assess the development of generic competences across all subjects in ways that meet the students’ needs.

Exploring Students’ Perception of Quizizz as a Learning Media in Higher Education

The use of game in education has been evidenced to improve students’ engagement in learning. However, much research shows that the use of game in learning is only effective for high school students, while its use for students of higher education is limited. Research on game in education has predominantly been occupied by Kahoot! while Quizizz has received less analysis. This research aims to explore student perception of Quizizz as a learning media and the related obstacles experienced in a library science study program of State Islamic University of North Sumatera in Indonesia. The research uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, such as survey and focused group discussion, with a sample of 272 undergraduate students. The study found that the use of games in learning actively increased student engagement and led to a significant improvement in independence and self-control in learning. During the learning activity students maintain that they gain their self-confidence while enjoying the game. The research suggests that to increase learning achievement, educators should use various teaching strategies that encourage students’ active mental and physical engagement. Additionally, it is expected that this learning experience and content will enhance students' retentive memory.

Perception of Students on the Implementation of Indonesian Language Learning Model Based on Environment and Disaster Mitigation

Perception of Students on the Implementation of Indonesian Language Learning Model Based on Environment and Disaster Mitigation

Perceptions of Students and School Workers on Nurturing Programs in Selected Adventist Secondary Schools in Tanzania

Perceptions of Students and School Workers on Nurturing Programs in Selected Adventist Secondary Schools in Tanzania

Hematology/oncology fellowship programs’ instagram presence.

9047 Background: Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, applicants and programs have transitioned to virtual platforms as a surrogate for in-person visits. Social media provides insight into trainees’ experiences, wellness, medical education, and life outside the hospital. Instagram has been reported as the preferred platform and a majority of applicants note that social media content could change their perception of a program.1 Due to the emergence of social media in fellowship recruitment, no studies have analyzed the relationship between Instagram content and hematology/oncology fellowship programs’ perception. Methods: The American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database was used to identify and categorize programs as either community-based (CB), community-based academic affiliated (CBAA), university-based (UB), military, and other. For programs with Instagram pages created prior to 2023, the posts from 2022 were subjectively classified into one of two categorizes, either “Medical Education” or “Fellow Life” based on the emphasis of the caption and image. “Medical Education” encompassed posts that promote education as well as academic accomplishments of trainees and faculty. “Fellow Life” included posts emphasizing culture, wellbeing, camaraderie, and social activities. Post from 2023 were analyzed for Instagram accounts created after 2022. The first image was used for posts containing multiple images. This was exempt from IRB review by Pennsylvania State University. Results: There are 183 accredited hematology/oncology fellowships programs; 60% (n=110) UB, 28% (n=52) CBAA, 9% (n=16) CB, 2% (n=4) others, and 0.5% (n=1) military. Of the 183 programs, 33 Instagram pages representing 18% of programs were identified (binomial test, p<0.0001), consisting of 70% (n=23) UB, 24% (n=8) CBAA, and 6% (n=2) CB. UB programs were significantly more likely to have an Instagram (Fisher’s exact test p<0.0001). Posts highlighting “Fellow Life” were significantly more frequent than those emphasizing “Medical Education” (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p = 0.001) (interquartile range: 65% (50-84%) vs. 36% (17-50%)). Conclusions: Despite the implementation of virtual interviews, an overwhelming majority of hematology/oncology fellowship programs do not have an Instagram page. Those with Instagram emphasize extracurricular wellbeing and culture, which is likely valuable to applicants. In this digital age, Instagram is not just a platform; it is a catalyst for connection, engagement, and decision-making in the hematology/oncology recruitment landscape. We advocate for a strategic embrace of Instagram, a balanced content mix highlighting academic and cultural facets, as a key recruitment strategy, reflecting the unique ethos of each program. Reference: 1. Oliver MG, Kelly K: Student Perceptions and Use of Social Media as Residency Program Information. Fam Med 54:380–383, 2022.

Enseñanza híbrida y transformación digital en la educación: integración de tecnología y metodología

The research explores the integration of technology and methodology in hybrid teaching at the University of Guayaquil, evaluating the perceptions of students and the strategies employed. The objective is to analyze the implementation of this educational approach that combines in-person instruction and online learning experiences. A quantitative approach was adopted, collecting data through self-administered surveys from a sample of 350 students. A structured questionnaire was used to address aspects such as student perception, technological tools, teaching strategies, and overall satisfaction. Students had a positive perception about the integration of technology and methodology. The use of online learning platforms, videoconferencing tools, and multimedia resources was reported. Teachers employed active strategies, highlighting project-based and collaborative learning. The research supports the effective implementation of hybrid teaching at the University of Guayaquil, highlighting the importance of adequately integrating technology and methodology. Challenges were identified such as the digital divide, teacher training, instructional design, and the development of digital competencies.

How Student and Faculty Perceptions Differ on the Stressors that Medical Students Face.

Medical education is notorious for the stress that students face as they strive to succeed both academically and clinically. This stress has been linked to declining academic performance and worsening mental health. To combat these negative outcomes, it is essential for medical school faculty and administration to address common stressors among medical students. No studies have addressed whether medical school faculty and students perceive stressors similarly, however. In this two-part study, data collected from medical students in 2021 to 2022 to identify their most significant sources of stress were used to create a survey that queries the frequency and intensity of these stressors. This survey was distributed to medical students and faculty at the same institution. The responses between students and faculty were compared and student data also were analyzed by academic year to observe changes in perception that accompany progression through the medical curriculum. The results showed that faculty overestimated the impact of certain stressors on medical students (eg, in-house examinations, US Medical Licensing Examination Steps 1 and 2 examinations, and patient interactions). In addition, preclinical students were more concerned with finding extracurricular activities, missing opportunities, and performing research compared with clinical students. This study demonstrated that although faculty anticipated most medical student stressors, there are significant gaps that still need to be addressed to better reduce and respond to the stress experienced by medical students.

Evaluating Cami AI Across SMAR Stages: Students’ Achievement and Perceptions in EFL Writing Instruction

This research evaluates the impact of Cami AI integration across SAMR stages (Cami AI-SAMR) in EFL writing instruction. By examining student achievement and perceptions, it explores how AI technology redefines language learning and teaching in diverse educational settings. Through a mixed-method approach with an explanatory sequential research design, this study investigates the quantitative effects of Cami AI-SAMR implementation on student performance and gauges the qualitative responses of 126 EFL university students to its effectiveness and perceptions. The findings show that Cami AI-SAMR implementation impacted significantly EFL students’ writing achievement. Then, the majority of students also had positive perceptions due to the Cami AI’s efficacy in supporting EFL writing learning. These findings provide valuable insights into the transformative potential of Cami AI technology in enhancing EFL pedagogy through the SAMR framework, addressing the diverse needs of students, and reshaping the language education landscape. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on AI integration in education and offers recommendations for optimizing AI-powered EFL instruction for better learning outcomes and experiences.

Perception of Students to Nursing Courses and It's Relation to Their Academic Engagement

Perception of Students to Nursing Courses and It's Relation to Their Academic Engagement

Nursing student perception of monkey pox virus at the technical health institute of imbaba

Nursing student perception of monkey pox virus at the technical health institute of imbaba