Superior Academic Performance Research Articles

A comparative study on the effectiveness of online and in-class team-based learning on student performance and perceptions in virtual simulation experiments

BackgroundThe swift transition to online teaching in medical education has presented the challenge of replicating in-class engagement and interaction essential for active learning. Despite online team-based learning (TBL) offering potential solutions through structured cooperative activities, its efficacy in virtual simulation experiment courses remains scantily researched. This study investigates the effectiveness of online TBL for teaching virtual patient experiments in a basic medical laboratory course and contrasts it with traditional offline teaching in terms of student performance and perceptions.MethodsA comparative analysis involved 179 Year 3 medical students using online TBL, face-to-face TBL (FTF-TBL), and the flipped classroom (FC) approach. The learning outcomes were assessed based on experiment reports, IRAT scores, TRAT scores, and final exam performance. Students’ perceptions of both online and in-class TBL methodologies were also surveyed.ResultsBoth online and in-class TBL groups demonstrated comparable academic outcomes and surpassed the FC group in academic performance. Students displayed a marked preference for the TBL format (whether online or in-class), valuing its enhancement of learning interest and practical knowledge application. Nevertheless, refinements in discussion efficiency, platform convenience, and student-instructor interaction were indicated as potential areas of improvement in the online setting.ConclusionsOnline TBL, along with its in-class counterpart, showed superior academic performance and a more positive learning experience compared to the FC group. These findings underscore the potential of online TBL in adapting to modern pedagogical challenges and enriching medical education through virtual simulation experiments.

Evaluating face-to-face and online flipped learning on performance and satisfaction in marketing and communication students

The research evaluates the impact of face-to-face and online flipped learning (OFL) on the academic performance in students of single-degree (SD) and double-degree (DD), compared to that achieved in the traditional methodology. A descriptive, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with a sample of 223 university marketing and communication students. The study was conducted in three phases: before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results align with previous studies, which find that flipped learning (FL) face-to-face yields higher performance than traditional methodology. Like other studies, the highest scores in asynchronous activities were found for DD students. However, this study reveals that those adopting FL, both online and face-to-face, demonstrated superior academic performance compared to SD students using the traditional method in practical assessments. Notably, DD students who used OFL methodology outperformed their SD peers who used the traditional method in the overall subject score and in the synchronous and asynchronous activities. Furthermore, although modality did not influence the ratings of FL methodology; DD students who experienced this methodology online or face-to-face reported more positively on their attitudes, perceptions, interactions, academic results, and perceived satisfaction than SD students. These findings contribute to understanding of how the adoption of diverse learning methods and modalities influence the performance, attitudes, perceptions, interactions, results, and satisfaction of SD and DD students in the fields of marketing and communication. In conclusion, university business education institutions can enhance student performance and satisfaction by expanding DDs offerings and integrating active learning methods.

Impact of Study Skills on Accountancy Achievement

Despite its perceived difficulty, accountancy remains a popular choice for students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). However, poor student performance persists. This study explored the impact of study skills on accountancy achievement, focusing on second-year diploma students at the University of Johannesburg. Several factors hinder success, including students needing an accountancy background, the high school-HEI gap, and English language barriers. A literature review was conducted to investigate scholarly suggestions about general study skills and, in particular, for the study of Accountancy to succeed. The study adopted the quantitative research method to determine which study skills second-year accountancy students apply when learning and why they fail Accountancy examinations and formal class tests. A questionnaire focussing upon the various aspects of study skills used when studying Accountancy and, in general, was furnished to 800 students in their Second Year Diploma in Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus. Descriptive statistics in proportions, frequencies, means, standard deviations and t-tests were used to compare the differences between the two groups of these students. In addition, correlations between variables were used to analyse the quantitative data collected. Findings revealed significant correlations between solid study skills and superior academic performance. Based on this, the study recommends: Study skills courses: Equipping students with time management, note-taking, and test preparation skills, along with specific accountancy study techniques. Early intervention: Integrating comprehensive study skills training into First Year, ideally as a dedicated course. Enhanced teaching: Encouraging lecturers to dedicate time to teaching effective study methods alongside accountancy concepts. Institutional support: Implementing a university-wide study skills program to offer ongoing support. By addressing the challenges and prioritising adequate study skills training, HEIs can significantly improve accountancy students' success and academic performance.

Exploring the relationship between educational ICT resources, student engagement, and academic performance: A multilevel structural equation analysis based on PISA 2018 data

Increasing investment in educational ICT resources is a strategy adopted worldwide to improve student performance in the digital era. Nevertheless, whether the investment is effective and how to realize its positive effect remains unclear. To address these limitations, the dataset of PISA 2018 in five countries and regions with superior academic performance was used, and multilevel structural equation modelling was applied. The results indicated that, first, educational ICT resources are negatively associated with student academic performance. Second, educational ICT resources positively correlate with cognitive-motivational, curriculum-based engagement, and non-curricular engagement. School and home educational ICT resources exhibit strong associations with curriculum-based and cognitive-motivational engagement, respectively. Third, student engagement mediates the relationship between educational ICT resources and academic performance, and this mediating role is different at the school level and the student level. Last, the above relationships show heterogeneities across research countries and regions. Practical implications for governments, schools, and teachers were discussed.

Unlocking the Power of Schema Theory based Pre-Reading Activities: Enhancing Reading Comprehension at the Intermediate Level

The study evaluated the efficacy of schema theory-based pre-reading activities in enhancing intermediate-level reading comprehension. The study was conducted solely on first-year English students at GHSS Togh Bala Kohat. The study involved 60 first-year students, divided into two groups of 30 participants each. The study employed two groups, a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group underwent five English lessons utilizing schema theory-based brainstorming activities while the control group received traditional instruction. Pre- and post-tests were administered to students to evaluate their performance and assess the outcomes of schema theory-based pre-reading exercises. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS. The study revealed that incorporating schema theory-based pre-reading exercises in teaching resulted in superior academic performance of students compared to those who were not exposed to such activities. After a period of four months, retention tests were conducted once more. The findings indicated that Schema-based pre-reading exercises improved students’ performance.

Academic Performance and Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students in Case-Based Learning Compared to Other Teaching Strategies: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Case-based learning (CBL) is a teaching method centered on active student learning that can overcome the limitations of traditional teaching methods used in undergraduate medical education. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of CBL against other teaching methodologies in terms of academic performance and perceptions (intra-individual, interpeer and student–faculty) of undergraduate medical students. Literature searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to 28 April 2021. We included studies that quantitatively compared the academic performance and perception outcomes of CBL against other teaching methodologies in undergraduate medical students. The risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool and certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model and reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of a total of 4470 records, 41 studies comprising 7667 undergraduate medical students fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our systematic review. The CBL group was superior to the other teaching method groups in terms of academic performance measured by exam scores (SMD = 2.37, 95% CI 1.25–3.49, large effect, very low certainty) and interest and motivation (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI 0.13–1.44, moderate effect, very low certainty). Other academic performance or perception outcomes were not statistically different between CBL and other teaching methods when considering the pooled effect. Still, they were often superior in the CBL group for specific subgroups. CBL showed superior academic performance (especially compared to didactic lectures and tutorial-based teaching) and interest and motivation compared to other teaching methods used with undergraduate medical students. However, the certainty of evidence was very low and further studies are warranted before a stronger and more definitive conclusion can be drawn.

Purpose in life and academic performance: Grit mediation among Chinese college students

This study explored the mediating effect of grit (consistency of interest, perseverance of effort) on the association between purpose in life (meaningfulness, goal orientation, and beyond-the-self) and academic performance. Data were collected from 493 students from two universities in Hunan province, China (male = 21.5 %, female = 78.5%; mean age = 20.86 years, SD = 1.69 years). They completed the scales of purpose in life, grit, and academic performance. Following structural equation model analyses, the results showed that higher purpose in life (specifically goal orientation) associated with superior academic performance. Grit (specifically perseverance of effort) mediated the association between purpose in life (specifically goal orientation) and academic performance, increasing the likelihood of high academic achievment. Similarly, grit (specifically perseverance of effort) mediated the relationship between higher purpose in life (specifically beyond-the-self) and academic performance, also increasing the likelihood of high academic achieving. The findings highlight the importance of grit defined by perseverance of effort, goal orientation, as well as belief in beyond the personal self to college achievement in a long-term oriented culture.

Predictors of stress, anxiety, depression, study engagement and academic performance in physiotherapy students, including a subgroup receiving a mindfulness training program

Introduction: Student wellbeing is a growing concern for physiotherapy and other health professional students, with potential impacts on academic success, patient care and future personal wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of future stress, anxiety, depression, study engagement and academic performance in physiotherapy students, including a subgroup who undertook a mindfulness training program. Methods: Predictors of outcome were obtained from a prospective cohort study involving 83 penultimate-year physiotherapy students, who could volunteer to participate in a 6-week mindfulness training program during semester (n = 17) or complete outcome measures without mindfulness training (n = 66). Baseline predictors of outcome were obtained at the start of Semester 1: age, gender, trait mindfulness, study engagement, training (mindfulness training or no training), stress, anxiety and depression. Outcomes were measured at the end of Semester 1 (study engagement, stress, anxiety, depression, grade point average) and at the end of the course (grade point average). Multiple regression was used to determine the ability of baseline characteristics to predict outcomes. Results: Psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) increased across the full study cohort between the start and end of the semester as exams approached (p < .05). Completion of mindfulness training was significantly associated with better academic performance and lower levels of depression at follow-up. Female gender, lower baseline depression scores and higher study engagement were also significant predictors of superior academic performance, while older age and higher trait mindfulness predicted greater study engagement at end of semester (p < .05). Conclusions: Potentially modifiable factors (study engagement, depression and mindfulness training) were associated with future wellbeing and academic success in physiotherapy students. Further research is warranted to explore interventions to address these outcomes in randomised controlled trials.

Medical education across three colleges of medicine: perspectives of medical students

AimThis study aimed to explore and evaluate various components of the medical education process (lectures, labs, small-group discussions, clinical rotations, and undergraduate research) in three colleges of medicine in Jordan. MethodsThis cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 849 undergraduate students from three main medical colleges in Jordan. Statically valid responses were considered for 684 students. The participants were from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Yarmouk University, and the University of Jordan. ResultsThe distribution of students according to their admission status was 276 (40%) regular, 266 (38.9%) parallel, and 142 (20.8%) international programs. Personal interest and self-initiation were the major motives for studying medicine in 66.1%. Regarding the frequency of attending classes, University of Jordan students reported the highest rate of regular classes' attendance (93%). The study also reported that lecture notes and textbooks were the main sources of learning for medical students. The study also reported superior academic performance of students in the regular program compared to students in the parallel and international programs. Participants of the study criticized the medical curricula in the three colleges mentioned above because of the lack of active research programs. Most of the students (40%–56%) also complained that the lectures within the modules were not well-integrated, and they felt that the academic environment was moderate (48–59%). In addition, most students in the clinical phase complained of overcrowding in hospital wards during clinical rotation. ConclusionsBased on students' feedback, multiple aspects of the medical education process require substantial reform to meet the expectations of medical students in Jordan.

Effects of self-efficacy and learning environment on Hong Kong undergraduate students’ academic performance in online learning

PurposeThis paper aims to illustrate the importance of the quality of Online Learning Physical Environment (OLPE) and Online Learning Self-efficacy (OLSE) in predicting academic performance in online learning, which was the primary mode of teaching during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Policy recommendations were made based on the findings from a psychological perspective.Design/methodology/approachResponses from 104 Hong Kong undergraduate students were collected through a questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression, simple linear regression, and Pearson correlation.FindingsDespite the fact that OLSE showed no significant direct effect on academic performance in online learning, OLSE was positively correlated with and predictive of OLPE, while OLPE was positively correlated with and predictive of online learning performance. The findings indicated that undergraduate students from low-income families tended to have less superior academic performance, which was associated with poorer OLPE and OLSE.Originality/valueThe findings suggested that in order to alleviate learning inequality in online learning, policy makers may allocate funding to enhance OLPE and OLSE of undergraduate students from low-income families.

THE INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN PERCEIVED SELF-EFFICACY AND SELF-ASSESSMENT SKILLS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS IN STUDENTS

Self-assessment in the school environment can be defined as the students’ ability to make valuable judgements about their own academic performance, either by reference to the teacher’s educational goals, previous academic results, or the academic performance of other colleagues. The formation of such self-assessment skills is strongly influenced by a number of internal and external psycho-pedagogical factors, including chronological age, motivation for learning, level of cognitive development, perceived self-efficacy, the teacher's teaching style, the social status of the student's family, their group affiliation, etc. Starting from this point, the purpose of the present research was the analysis of the students’ degree of awareness of the role of perceived self-efficacy in the formation of objective didactic self-evaluation skills. The research sample consisted of 108 students, currently attending the Psycho-Pedagogy and Methodology Study Program courses at the University of Oradea and Emanuel University of Oradea, Romania. The research methodology was targeted at requesting these students to self-assess their performance in a subject of the afore-stated study program, respectively administering a scale for measuring personal self-efficacy. The results showed that most of the students tended to either evaluate themselves objectively or under-evaluate themselves, against the backdrop of a high level of perceived self-efficacy, respectively of superior academic performance. Keywords: academic performance, didactic self-evaluation skills, perceived self-efficacy, self-image, teaching career

Differences in Health-Related Physical Fitness and Academic School Performance in Male Middle-School Students in Qatar: A Preliminary Study

This study examined the differences in the level of physical fitness and academic performance among male middle-school children based on different body status categories. A total of 69 male children [age: 12.4 ± 0.7 years; body mass: 58.5 ± 7.2 kg; height: 1.62 ± 0.09 m; and body mass index (BMI): 22.4 ± 3.3 kg/m2] participated and were divided into BMI age-adjusted groups (i.e., lowest, middle, and highest BMI). Height, mass, BMI, stork test of static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint as an indicator for speed, hand-grip strength test, agility T-half test, medicine ball throw (MBT), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) were assessed. School records were retrieved for grade point averages (GPA) of mathematics, science, and Arabic. We found significant group differences regarding anthropometric (height: = 0.24, mass: = 0.33, and BMI: = 0.66), physical (sprint 10 m: = 0.26), and academic (mathematics: = 0.19 and science: = 0.15) performance parameters. The largest difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the lowest and highest group for the 10 m sprint. All pairwise differences were between the lowest and highest BMI group or the lowest and middle BMI group. No relevant (r > 0.5) correlation between parameters of different dimensions (e.g., anthropometric vs. physical performance parameters) was found. In conclusion, the highest BMI group exhibited similar physical and academic performances than the lowest group. Thus, these data emphasize the importance and appropriateness to engage young Qatari schoolchildren in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.

HISTORICAL SELECTION: Rosenberg MB. Simulation technology in anesthesiology. Anesth Prog. 2000;47(1):8-11.

HISTORICAL SELECTION: Rosenberg MB. Simulation technology in anesthesiology. Anesth Prog. 2000;47(1):8-11.

Relationship between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players in Qatar State.

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.

Asynchronous Assistance: A Social Network Analysis of Influencing Peer Interactions in PeerWise

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;This mixed methods, investigative case study explored student patterns of use within the online PeerWise platform to identify the most influencing activities and to build a model capable of predicting performance based on these influencing activities. Peerwise is designed to facilitate student peer-to-peer engagement through creating, answering and ranking multiple choice questions; this study sought to understand the relationship between student engagement in Peerwise and learning performance. To address the research question, various usage metrics were explored, visualized and modelled, using social network analysis with Gephi, Tableau and Python. These findings were subsequently analyzed in light of the qualitative survey data gathered. The most significant activity metrics were evaluated leading to rich data visualisations and identified the activities that influenced academic performance in this study. The alignment of the key qualitative and quantitative findings converged on answering questions as having the greatest positive impact on learner performance. Furthermore, from a quantitative perspective the Average Comment Length and Average Explanation Length correlated positively with superior academic performance. Qualitatively, the motivating nature of PeerWise community also engaged learners. The key limitation of the size of the data set within the investigative case study suggests further research, with additional student cohorts as part of an action research paradigm, to broaden these findings.&lt;/p&gt;

Undergraduates Interested in STEM Research Are Better Students than Their Peers

In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), undergraduate research experiences provide students with invaluable opportunities to improve scientific skills. However, less is known about its impact on higher-order thinking skills. Therefore, we sought to determine if engagement in undergraduate research would improve academic performance in students engaged in research compared to those that were not. To accomplish this, biology majors were enrolled in courses that taught research methodology and techniques. Results indicated that students who were selected for the research program outperformed their peers in their other classes during the research program, based on t-test statistics. However, these students had also outperformed their peers during the previous fall semester, prior to receiving additional instruction. Furthermore, students who merely applied for inclusion in the program had significantly higher grades than students who did not apply. In addition, writing samples from research and non-research students were significantly different. Taken together, these data suggest that while undergraduate research may indeed enhance a student’s academic performance and interest in science, a student’s personal interest and drive for research may themselves indicate superior academic performance. Further, science departments aiming to offer research early in their curricula may benefit from such a self-selection strategy, especially in cases where there are limited resources available for undergraduate research.

Closed-loop digital meditation for neurocognitive and behavioral development in adolescents with childhood neglect

Adverse childhood experiences are linked to poor attentive behaviors during adolescence, as well as increased risk for mental health disorders in adults. However, no study has yet tested targeted interventions to optimize neurocognitive processes in this population. Here, we investigated closed-loop digital interventions in a double-blind randomized controlled study in adolescents with childhood neglect, and evaluated the outcomes using multimodal assessments of neuroimaging, cognitive, behavioral, and academic evaluations. In the primary neuroimaging results, we demonstrate that a closed-loop digital meditation intervention can strengthen functional connectivity of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in the cingulo-opercular network, which is critically developing during the adolescent period. Second, this intervention enhanced sustained attention and interference-resolution abilities, and also reduced behavioral hyperactivity at a 1-year follow-up. Superior academic performance was additionally observed in adolescents who underwent the digital meditation intervention. Finally, changes in dACC functional connectivity significantly correlated with improvements in sustained attention, hyperactivity, and academic performance. This first study demonstrates that closed-loop digital meditation practice can facilitate development of important aspects of neurocognition and real-life behaviors in adolescents with early childhood neglect.

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants Among US High School Students to Help Study: Results From a National Survey

Objective: Mixed findings exist regarding extent and efficacy of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) for study enhancement (SE). This national study of US high school seniors examined NMUPS for SE and addressed risk/benefit questions: To what extent are students reporting NMUPS specifically for SE, and do these individuals demonstrate fewer problem behaviors and superior academic performance? Method: Total of 15 098 US students surveyed (2009-2015) and divided into 4 subgroups: (1) no past-year NMUPS (nonusers), (2) past-year NMUPS to help study (NMUPS-SE only), (3) past-year NMUPS for study/nonstudy motives (NMUPS-SE+ other), and (4) past-year NMUPS for nonstudy motives (NMUPS-nonSE only). Student characteristics (eg, grade point average [GPA]) and substance-related problems (eg, binge drinking) compared between subgroups. Results: Among students who reported past-year NMUPS (n = 781), 7.4% reported NMUPS-SE only, 40.9% NMUPS-SE+ other, and 51.7% NMUPS-nonSE only. Odds of binge drinking, cigarette smoking, marijuana, and opioid nonmedical use significantly higher among all NMUPS subgroups. GPAs significantly lower among subgroups reporting NMUPS nonstudy motives; did not differ between NMUPS-SE only and nonusers. Conclusions: 7% of US high school seniors engaged in NMUPS for SE only (0.4% total population). Findings indicate greater substance-related problems without superior academic performance among NMUPS-SE subgroups.

Gifted underachievement: The causes of gifted underachievement, and interventions to reverse this pattern

Giftedness is generally seen as the basis of superior academic performance. Therefore, the spectre of the gifted underachiever leaves educators scratching their heads. Despite being widely observed—a Victorian inquiry found that up to 50 per cent of gifted students do not perform at the level of which they are capable—the underlying causes of gifted underachievement are not well understood. In this article, I integrate evidence collected from interviews and from a literature review to devise a schematic for understanding gifted underachievement. I argue that giftedness is distinct from the ability to achieve. Instead, the development of gifts into talents is a continuous process, which can only occur if certain intrapersonal and environmental catalysts are present. With this understanding, I evaluate interventions schools use to reverse this trend, and analyse why certain elements of the interventions are particularly effective. I find motivation, the influence of peers and self-esteem to be particularly important catalysts. Following this, I make several recommendations as to how we can optimise learning environments to ensure these catalysts are present.

Beyond the Big Five: The mediating role of goal orientation in the relationship between core self-evaluations and academic performance

In this paper, we investigate the impact of core self-evaluations on academic performance. We also test several hypotheses that describe a potential mediating effect of three types of goal orientation on the above relationship. The model developed in this paper is statistically tested on a sample of 307 college students. The results indicate that students who perceive themselves as competent, capable and worthy of success (i.e. demonstrating positive core self-evaluations) achieve superior academic performance. Furthermore, the avoid performance type of goal orientation partially mediates the relationship between core self-evaluations and academic performance. Prove performance goal orientation is associated with better academic performance, but is not influenced by core self-evaluations. Learning goal orientation, which is characteristic of individuals exhibiting an intrinsic desire to improve their competence, does not have a significant impact on academic performance. The main contribution of this study lies in showing the positive impact of high core self-evaluations on academic performance and investigating the mechanism through which this relationship develops, namely the mediating effects of goal orientation.