Motivational Techniques Research Articles

Analyzing Teachers’ Strategies for Motivating Students in Classroom at Primary Level: Students’ Perspectives

The study was designed to analyze the teachers’ strategies for motivating students in classroom. The objectives of the study were; to find out the techniques of motivation for students learning achievement; to explore the students’ views about motivation; to evaluate the students’ views regarding teachers’ teaching style; to find out gender wise significance difference. The study was design for Bahawal Nagar district, so Bahawal Nagar were the population of the study. Stratified sampling technique was used to select sample. One hundred and thirty two (132) students were selected from selected schools in which 66 schools were male and 66 female. Self-constructed instrument on 4 point Likert scale was used to collect data. The major findings of the study were teachers motivate the students at primary level by adopting different techniques and strategies. The teachers’ behaviour, personality, teaching methodology and school environment are also factors affecting the students’ learning process. Immediate appreciation, rewards, punishment, reinforcement and encouragement play a vital role for motivating the students. It was also found that female teachers were used more motivational strategies to motivate the students in classroom as compared to male teachers.

Factitious Disorders

Factitious disorder (FD) is a psychiatric disorder in which patients deliberately perpetrate or lie about medical and/or psychiatric illness in themselves or others. Although it has been thought to be driven by the need to take the patient role, no body of research has clearly identified the underlying motivation, cause, or treatment for it. Illness deception, along with the similarity to other diagnostic categories, such as somatic symptom disorder, personality disorder, and malingering (which is not considered a mental illness but can be a focus of clinical attention), has hindered basic and clinical research into the nature and treatment of FD. Still, moving psychiatric treatment of FD forward can take advantage of tools already available to clinicians, including motivational interviewing techniques to facilitate empathic confrontation in the general hospital. Despite the lack of treatment studies, employing therapies known to be effective for borderline personality disorder, which is similar in many ways to FD, for FD patients willing to participate might be helpful. This review contains 4 figures, 6 tables and 27 references Key words: factitious disorder imposed on another, factitious disorder imposed on self, malingering, medically unexplained symptoms, Munchausen by proxy, Munchausen syndrome, pseudologia fantastica, somatic symptom disorders

Comparison of Patient Versus Trained Observer Assessments of Healthcare Providers' Use of Motivational Interviewing Techniques for Patients Experiencing Depression and Anxiety in the Dominican Republic.

In settings with limited mental health system capacity, integrated care and the improvement of patient-provider communication surrounding common mental disorders is critical to advancing treatment outcomes. We trained primary care providers in the Dominican Republic in motivational interviewing (MI) to improve communication with patients experiencing depression and anxiety. Providers were randomized to an intervention group, which received MI training, or a control group. To evaluate the training’s effectiveness, patients assessed their clinical encounters using the Motivational Interviewing Measure of Staff Interaction (MIMSI). Trained research assistants (RAs) rated a sub-set of those interactions using an adapted MIMSI instrument. Overall, patients (n = 36) perceived their interactions with providers (n = 10) very positively; however, the RAs’ ratings strongly indicated that providers’ application of MI behaviors was insufficient. Patients generally could not distinguish between intervention and control providers. Findings underscore the need to carefully consider optimal training delivery and cultural influences surrounding the implementation of MI mental health interventions in settings where directive communication is highly valued.

Brief Motivational Intervention to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health Service Uptake: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial in the Emergency Department

To test the hypothesis that our motivational sexual health intervention (SexHealth) would increase health service uptake when compared with control. In a randomized controlled trial at a pediatric emergency department, sexually active adolescents received either the SexHealth intervention or printed materials (control). SexHealth, delivered by a health educator, was a tablet-based, interactive intervention that included motivational techniques to promote sexual health, condom skills training, and tailored service recommendations. We assessed feasibility (eg, intervention completion, recommendations discussed, intervention duration), acceptability (ie, proportion enrolled and rating intervention as satisfactory), and efficacy; secondary outcomes were sexual and care-seeking behaviors at 6months. The efficacy outcome was completion of ≥1 service at the index visit (ie, counseling, condoms, emergency contraception for immediate or future use, pregnancy/sexually transmitted infection/HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection treatment, and clinic referral). We enrolled 91 participants (intervention=44; control=47). The intervention demonstrated high feasibility: 98% completed the intervention; 98% of recommendations were discussed; duration was 24.6minutes, and acceptability: 87% of eligible adolescents enrolled and 93% rated the intervention as fairly to very satisfactory. Compared with controls, intervention participants were more likely to complete ≥1 service (98% vs 70%, P<.001) including HIV testing (33% vs 6%, P=.02) and emergency contraception (80% vs 0%, P=.01). There were no meaningful differences between arms in behaviors at follow-up. SexHealth was feasible to implement, acceptable to youth, and resulted in increased uptake of health services during the emergency department visit. Additional strategies may be needed to extend intervention effects over time. ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03341975.

Follow-up of the Cool Little Kids translational trial into middle childhood.

Public health advocates have highlighted internalising problems as a leading cause of global burden of disease. Internalising problems (anxiety/depression) affect up to 20% of school-age children and can impact peer relations, school engagement and later employment and mortality. This translational trial aimed to determine whether a selective/indicated parenting group programme to prevent internalising distress in shy/inhibited preschool children had sustained effects in middle childhood. Translational design aspects were a brief parent-report screening tool for child inhibition offered universally across the population via preschools in the year before school, followed by an invitation to parents of all inhibited children to attend the parenting programme at venues in their local community. Design of the study was a randomised controlled trial. The setting was 307 preschool services across eight socioeconomically diverse government areas in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were 545 parents of inhibited four-year-old children of which 456 (84%) were retained during middle childhood (age of seven to 10 years). Early intervention was the Cool Little Kids parenting group programme, and control was 'usual care' access to available support services in the community. Primary outcomes were child anxiety and depression symptoms (parent and child report) and DSM-IV anxiety disorders (assessor masked). Secondary outcomes were parenting practices and parent mental health. There was no significant difference in anxiety disorders between the intervention and control group during the three annual follow-ups of the cohort in middle childhood (2015 43% vs. 41%, 2016 40% vs. 36%, 2017 27% vs. 30%, respectively; p's > .05). There were also no significant differences in child anxiety or depression symptoms (by child or parent report), parenting practices or parent mental health, between the intervention and control group during middle childhood. However, a priori interaction tests suggested that for children with anxious parents, early intervention attenuated risk for middle childhood internalising problems. An issue for population translation is low levels of parent engagement in preventive interventions. Initial effects of the Cool Little Kids parenting group programme in reducing shy/inhibited preschool children's internalising distress at school entry dissipated over time, perhaps due to low engagement. Future translational research on early prevention of internalising problems could benefit from screening preschool children in the population at higher risk (combining temperamental inhibition and parent distress) and incorporating motivational techniques to facilitate family engagement. Trial registration ISRCTN30996662 http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN30996662.

A quality improvement project to improve the physical health of people with intellectual disability &amp; severe mental illness in a forensic inpatient ward

AimsReview physical health risk factors of service users Co-produce personalised care plans for service users Improve health knowledge and confidence in self-management of health problems Support reduction in risk by improving physical activity levels and supporting healthy dietary choices.BackgroundPeople with intellectual disability have poorer physical health outcomes than those without intellectual disability; there is higher prevalence of obesity, constipation and diabetes in this group of the population, and consistent evidence of premature mortality. Excess mortality in persons with severe mental illness has also been established.Empowering patients to take an active role in their care, is good practice and encouraged as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.Quality Improvement methodology was used to design and deliver a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) intervention, on a forensic mental health ward for persons with intellectual disability, to improve physical health in this patient group.MethodCardiovascular risk was assessed for 13 patients on a low secure forensic mental health ward. Measures of weight, BMI, blood pressure, resting heart rate, smoking status &amp; status regarding prescription of psychotropic medications were collected.Together with individual comorbidities and activity levels, a personalised care plan was co-produced by MDT members and patients. Motivational interviewing techniques were adapted to support patients to set personal goals.Education sessions were designed in 'easy-read' format and delivered by MDT members in a group format. Focus groups were held with service users and with staff members to explore barriers to change. Based on these, specific ideas to increase physical activity and support healthy dietary changes were introduced.The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) questionnaire was modified and used to assess confidence and knowledge in preventing or reducing health problems, and maintaining changes.ResultCardiovascular risk and activity levels were assessed for 13 inpatients. 85% of patients had a BMI in the overweight or obese range. 62% were regular cigarette smokers. 92% were prescribed psychotropic medications. On review of 2 months of opportunities for activity, all patients were categorised as 'inactive'. Patients engaged to varying degrees to co-produce personalised care plans and to engage in group education and physical activity. Of these patients, all showed improvement in measures of Patient Activation and activity level.ConclusionAn individualised approach is required in exploring physical health problems, considering modifiable risk factors and addressing barriers to change. Co-production, and active participation of MDT members in role-modelling 'healthy habits' was positively reported by patients to facilitate self-management.

Acceptability, feasibility, and impact of a pilot tuberculosis literacy and treatment counselling intervention: a mixed methods study

BackgroundThere is a need for innovative strategies to improve TB testing uptake and patient retention along the continuum of TB care early-on in treatment without burdening under-resourced health systems. We used a mixed methods approach to develop and pilot test a tuberculosis literacy and counselling intervention at an urban clinic in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to improve TB testing uptake and retention in tuberculosis care.MethodsWe engaged in discussions with clinic staff to plan and develop the intervention, which was delivered by senior social work students who received one-week training. The intervention included: 1) group health talks with all patients attending the primary clinic; and 2) individual counselling sessions, using motivational interviewing techniques, with newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients. We compared social work students’ tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices before and after their training. We assessed the change in number of tuberculosis diagnostic tests performed after implementation via an interrupted time series analysis with a quasi-Poisson regression model. We compared pre- and post-intervention probabilities of treatment initiation and completion using regression analyses, adjusting for potential baseline confounders. We conducted focus groups with the students, as well as brief surveys and one-on-one interviews with patients, to assess acceptability, feasibility, and implementation.ResultsDuring the study period, 1226 individuals received tuberculosis diagnostic testing and 163 patients started tuberculosis treatment, of whom 84 (51.5%) received individual counselling. The number of diagnostic tuberculosis tests performed increased by 1.36 (95%CI 1.23–1.58) times post-intervention, adjusting for background calendar trend. Probabilities of TB treatment initiation and treatment completion increased by 10.1% (95%CI 1.5–21.3%) and 4.4% (95%CI -7.3-16.0%), respectively. Patients found the counselling sessions alleviated anxiety and increased treatment self-efficacy. Social work students felt the clinic staff were collaborative and highly supportive of the intervention, and that it improved patient engagement and adherence.ConclusionsEngaging clinic staff in the development of an intervention ensures buy-in and collaboration. Education and counselling before and early-on in tuberculosis treatment can increase tuberculosis testing and treatment uptake. Training junior social workers can enable task-shifting in under-resourced settings, while addressing important service gaps in tuberculosis care.

USING NURSETUNE SONG AS A MOTIVATIONAL AND COGNITIVE TECHNIQUE IN SCIENCE TEACHING

The purpose of the study was to determine the significant difference between the pretest performance and posttest performance of the Control group and Experimental Group after the use of nursetune song as a motivational and cognitive technique in teaching science. The sample consisted of 261 grade IV students which were divided into two groups; the first group was exposed to nursetune songs while the other group served as the control group. Researchers assessed the level of nursetune songs in terms of self-reflection and benefits using a five – point Likert type of survey questionnaire. The findings supported the hypothesis that by singing the Nursetune science-content songs which in turn contribute to the learners to remember the lesson and building concepts because of the repetitive nature. A pre-test and post-test was administered to measure the science content knowledge acquired during the use of nursetune songs. Results indicate that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean score in the post-test of control and experimental group. This suggests that the performance in the post-test of the pupils in the experimental group is significantly better than the control group. Further, the outcome of the post-test proves that using nursetune songs in teaching topics related to matter produces a greater improvement in the performance of the learners and it is superior to the traditional teaching technique. The need to incorporate the use of science-content songs in lesson planning is recommended in teaching lessons for the learners having a below average performance.

Medical education in psychosocial disciplines in times of the COVID-19 pandemic - first experiences

In specialties that heavily rely on communication skills such as psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine, teaching in times of the COVID-19 pandemic is especially challenging. In this overview, educators and course directors report their experiences in eteaching and share their innovative solutions. We present a collection of methods that relate to teaching and assessment as well as student activation. A range of helpful tools for teaching were compiled. This includes instructional videos with simulated patients, structured homework to document a mental status examination, structured hand-offs, and practical examinations in video format. Motivational techniques include podcasts with interviews with clinicians and patients and teaching with the use of cinematic material. Switching to online formats creates opportunities and advantages for the advancement of time- and location-independent learning. A fast conversion in this direction might also pose some disadvantages. A direct patient-student interaction is critical for engaging with transference, countertransference and situational aspects for teaching in psychosocial disciplines. Empirical studies of the effectiveness of these newly developed formats and faculty development for digital teaching are necessary.

Resource Document Calls for Improved Residency Training on SUDs

Resource Document Calls for Improved Residency Training on SUDs

MANAJEMEN PENINGKATAN MUTU SARANA DAN PRASARANA PENDIDIKAN DI MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH WAHID HASYIM BADEGAN PONOROGO

According to Permendiknas No. 13 of 2007 concerning the competencies of principals, it was stated that a principal/madrasah must have five competencies namely personality competence, managerial competence, entrepreneurial competence, supervision competency and social competence. A madrasah head as a manager is required to be able to have managerial readiness in managing eight national education standards, one of which is the standard of educational infrastructure. Based on the survey, the condition of educational infrastructure in Madrasah Tsanawiyah Wahid Hasyim Badegan Ponorogo has decreased even in the last ten years which has decreased the number of students and student achievement. But since the 2017/2018 school year with the existence of a new madrasah head, the quality of infrastructure has improved. The madrasah head develops more managerial competencies in improving the quality of infrastructure in his madrasah. So that it succeeded in increasing student achievement such as the champion of the drumb band competition in Ponorogo Regency, had a computer laboratory that could be used for the Computer Based National Examination (UNBK) for 9th grade students, had a two storey building for teacher's room, madrasah head room, and classrooms.&#x0D; His study aims to explain the managerial competence of madrasa principals in improving the quality of educational infrastructure in Madrasah Tsanawiyah Wahid Hasyim Badegan Ponorogo in terms of management functions which include planning, organizing, implementing and controlling. &#x0D; Data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The validity of the data is measured by lengthening observations, perseverance of observations, triangulation, discussions with peers and checking. Data analysis through data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. &#x0D; The results showed the headmaster of madrasa did four things for the management of improving the quality of educational infrastructure. First, planning to carry out the program (1) madrasa head with the foundation and the committee set the goal of improving the quality and quantity of madrasas by improving the quality of educational infrastructure (2) meetings involving foundations, committees, teachers, employees to determine the priority scale of Sarpras in the form of procurement of complete drumband equipment, the addition of music band instruments, the addition of habsyi equipment, the creation of computer laboratories and the construction of buildings for the teacher's room, madrasah headroom, and classrooms, (3) recruiting new teachers who are willing to not work in other institutions. Second, organizing (1) division of labor according to ability based on the meeting of leaders with all deputy head of madrasa, (2) grouping work into three divisions: procurement of computers, building construction, computer laboratories, (3) determination of relations between parts of the organization, through hierarchy authority restrictions. Division members to the division coordinator, then to wakasarpras then to the headmaster of the madrasa, (4) coordination of all divisions. Through regular meetings every Saturday, communication is immediately interrupted by teaching, and communication with mobile phones. Third, implementation by (1) moving all personnel to carry out the task according to the target, using motivational techniques in the form of reward and punishment, (2) calling the problematic teacher or employee to the madrasah headroom to be directed, (3) providing a modest incentive to the task implementer. Fourth, control by conducting (1) setting building standards based on Ministry of Education Regulation No. 33 of 2008, set a two-semester Sarpras realization tarjet, (2) performance appraisal through matching reality with the standards according to standards such as achievements and achievements, two-story building being built, computer laboratories materialized so that UNBK class IX can be used, (3) making corrections and find a way out by increasing fundraising for building improvements.

Evaluation of Measured Resting Metabolic Rate for Dietary Prescription in Ageing Adults with Overweight and Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease.

The primary objective of this study was to compare weight changes in two groups of ageing Irish adults with overweight and adiposity-based chronic disease: participants who had dietary energy requirements prescribed on the base of measured RMR and participants whose RMR was estimated by a prediction equation. Fifty-four Caucasian adults (male n = 25; female n = 29, age 57.5 ± 6.3 years, weight 90.3 ± 15.1 kg, height 171.5 ± 9.5 cm, BMI 30.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a dietary intervention with energy prescription based on either measured RMR or estimated RMR. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry after an overnight fast and predicted values were determined by the Mifflin et al. (1990) prediction equation. All participants received individual nutritional counselling, motivational interviewing and educational material. Anthropometric variables, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipid profile were assessed over 12 weeks. Body weight at week 12 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for both groups following dietary interventions, mRMR: −4.2%; eRMR: −3.2% of initial body weight. There was no significant difference in weight loss between groups. Overall, 20.8% mRMR and 17.4% of eRMR participants experienced clinically meaningful (i.e., ≥5% of initial weight) weight reduction. Weight reduction in adults aged ≥50 years over the short term (12 weeks) favoured a reduction in blood pressure, triglycerides and glucose, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. This research indicates that employing a reduced-calorie diet using indirect calorimetry to determine energy needs when improving weight outcomes in adults (>50 years) with overweight and adiposity-based chronic disease is equal to employing a reduced-calorie diet based on the Mifflin et al. (1990) prediction equation. A reduced-energy diet based on mRMR or eRMR facilitates clinically meaningful weight reduction in adults (≥50 years) over the short term (12 weeks) and favours a reduction in blood pressure, triglycerides and glucose, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Moreover, the addition of motivational interviewing and behaviour change techniques that support and encourage small behaviour changes is effective in short-term weight management.

On the continuity of rehabilitation and meeting the patients’ needs: Online psychosocial treatment during the COVID-19 outbreak

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our model of face-to-face psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation format. To adapt to the current situation, as professionals, we have decided to transform the format into a virtual one that will offer the continuity of rehabilitation and therapy. Two clinical psychologists held online sessions and a special chat created in the IM messenger where patients could safely interact with each other.ObjectivesThis pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of online sessions in a sample of outpatients engaged in rehabilitation programs.MethodsData from 50 patients (F20-F25, aged from 25 to 45) treated with a new online psychosocial program, including i. psychoeducation, ii. learning skills of the behavior under the circumstances of isolation, iii. training skills of effective communication and emotional regulation, and assessed for depression, anxiety, hopelessness, hostility (BDI, STAI, BHS, BDHI), and self-esteem, were analyzed for this study. Motivational enhancement techniques were also used to engage the patients in this new treatment format.ResultsAccording to the preliminary data, we point out a statistically meaningful reduction in depression (p=0,003), anxiety (p=0,001), and hostility (р=0,001); self-esteem, evaluated with the Dembo-Rubinstein method, was improved (p=0,002); the T Wilcoxon criterion used for rating the magnitude.ConclusionsOur results indicate that establishing a new online psychosocial program over the last few months positions us to respond effectively to such a new challenge and suggest that rehabilitative programs targeting patients’ needs may continue in this time of uncertainty.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

A Systematic Review of Goal Setting Interventions to Improve Sports Performance

"ABSTRACT. Introduction. Goal setting theory (Locke &amp; Latham, 1990) was initially developed for the field of organizational psychology, and since then it was used as a motivational technique in a variety of areas, including sports performance. Considering the multiple factors influencing sports performance and the fact that goal setting has become an increasingly popular subject, we consider it appropriate to summarize the recent results regarding this topic. Objective. The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on goal setting interventions to enhance sports performance. Methods. A comprehensive literature search of Scopus, ScienceDirect, Directory of Open Access Journals, ERIC, Social Sciences Citation Index, Science Citation Index, and APA PsycArticles databases was conducted in October 2020 and included journal articles published since 2000. Results. A total of 1520 results were identified, of which 27 studies met eligibility criteria and were fully reviewed. Conclusions. This systematic review highlights that goal setting is an effective behavior modification procedure that can improve athletes’ performance. Discussions focus on practical implications and future research directions."

Improving Indonesian EFL Learners’ Motivation Through Computer Assisted Learning (CALL)

It has been argued that technology can improve learners’ motivation. Furthermore, technology integration has been regarded one of motivational strategies or techniques to improve learners’ positive attitudes. In this regard, one of motivational strategies that can be given to learners is incorporating CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) to EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms. Therefore, the present research analysed the effects of CALL on a group of Indonesian EFL learners’ motivation. In order to obtain the results, the present research conducted a quasi-experimental study toward 40 college students. In addition, a set of questionnaires adapted from Taguchi, Magid, & Papi (2009) as well as semi-structured interviews were used as research instruments. In addition, English tests will be given to the respondents to see the effects of CALL on the improvement of learners’ achievements. The results of present study suggest the positive effects of CALL on learners’ motivation. In addition, learners’ achievement also improved after being intervened with CALL. Nevertheless, the use of CALL needs to be supported by teachers who are capable enough to provide suitable materials that suit learners’ need. Thus, it seems important for teachers to be provided with prior sufficient training on how to use CALL effectively.

The Effect of Educational Follow-Up with the Motivational Interview Technique on Self-Efficacy and Drug Adherence in Cancer Patients Using Oral Chemotherapy Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to determine the effect of educational follow-up with the motivational interview technique on drug adherence and self-efficacy in patients with cancer using at least one oral chemotherapy drug. A total of 80 patients with cancer were randomly allocated to the intervention group or the control group. Educational follow-up with the motivational interview technique was applied to the patients with phone calls during weeks 1, 3, 6, and 9. Patients in the intervention and control groups were evaluated during both the first interview and at week 12 using a questionnaire, the medication adherence self-efficacy scale (MASES), and oral chemotherapy adherence scale (OCAS). At the end of the study, the level of drug adherence and self-efficacy of patients who received educational follow-up with the motivational interview technique by phone call increased significantly (P < .001). Additionally, the level of drug self-efficacy of patients increased (P < .001). This study emphasizes treatment compliance problems of patients with cancer using oral chemotherapy. Designed with communication techniques that will be added to our counseling process, interventions can allow nurses to use their time effectively.

MRNA SARS-CoV-2 Immunization Confers Robust Antibody Response in Occupational Healthcare Workers and Fosters Workplace Safety.

mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Immunization Confers Robust Antibody Response in Occupational Healthcare Workers and Fosters Workplace Safety.

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES REGARDING ATTITUDES TOWARDS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN THE MILITARY

This paper starts from the premise that, although the problems of intergenerational relations in contemporary organisations are numerous, many of them can be improved if military leaders know the way of communication to which subordinates respond positively and the motivation techniques that best suit different generations. Regardless of the formal organisation, continuing vocational training activities in the military system have a greater impact and are more effective if they allow the people involved to have flexible approaches and if they combine face-to-face training with the widespread use of information technology and communication.

CLICKER SYSTEMS AS A SMART TECHNOLOGY-BASED TOOL FOR TEACHING ENGLISH TO MASTER’S STUDENTS MAJORING IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This study experimentally verifies how the ESP learning environment supported by the use of clickers influences learners’ academic motivation, academic self-efficacy, cognitive reflection, speed of decision making, functioning of a dominant brain type, and performance in learning English for specific purposes. This research relies on mixed methods and focuses on clickers like Kahoot and Socrative. The entry and outcome data were obtained through Rasch’s measurement model that was used to measure academic motivation, Byrne and Matotti-designed academic confidence measurement techniques used to measure academic self-efficacy, Frederick’s methodology for diagnosing cognitive reflection and decision making, a comprehensive ESP test consisting of the listening, reading, speaking and writing sections and Attitude/motivation test battery to measure shifts in the functioning of the students’ dominant brain type used to perform them. Those measurements were considered as dependent variables for this study. At the post-experimental stage, both a focus-group semi-structured interview and numerical and qualitative data analyses were carried out to validate the statistical significance of the experiment outcomes. Furthermore, a two-way ANOVA was used to define the dependence of the above-mentioned variables on the use of clickers. The data processing procedure relied on the application of free Two-Way ANOVA Statistics Software (Calculator) for non-commercial (academic) use. The responses of the focus group participants were processed under the guidelines for focus group research. This study found that integration of clicker systems as a type of smart technology into teaching English for Specific Purposes to Master’s Degree students majoring in Public Administration (in civil protection) is effective, as it triggers the students’ desire to learn, creates a relaxed environment, develops students’ cognitive sphere, and enhances students’ academic performance. Additionally, the results of the experiment suggest that due to clickers, language learning turns into a challenging experience allowing students to consolidate their knowledge and master their skills in information search and processing. The paper states that this teaching approach is student-centered, which reduces the teacher’s dominance and gives way to the student’s autonomy.

Optimizing the Context of Support to Improve Outcomes of Internet-Based Self-help in Individuals With Depressive Symptoms: Protocol for a Randomized Factorial Trial

BackgroundInternet-based self-help interventions for individuals with depressive symptoms, in which the main component is often a web-based self-help program, have been shown to be efficacious in many controlled trials. However, there are also trials on self-help programs showing no significant effect when delivered in routine care, and some studies report high dropout and low adherence rates. Research suggests that these findings do not emerge primarily due to the specific content of a self-help program. It seems more important how a program is embedded in the context of human and automated support before and during the use of a self-help program.ObjectiveThis study aims to better understand the effects of 4 supportive contextual factors on outcomes of and adherence to a web-based self-help program for depressive symptoms. In a factorial experiment, 2 of 4 supportive factors, for which there is evidence for their role on outcomes and adherence, are realized during the intervention—personal guidance and automated email reminders. The other 2 factors are realized before the intervention—a diagnostic interview and a preintervention module aimed at increasing the motivation to use the program with motivational interviewing techniques.MethodsThe study is a full factorial randomized trial. Adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire–9 score: 5-14) are recruited from the community through the internet and conventional media. All participants receive access to a web-based self-help program based on problem-solving therapy. They are randomized across 4 experimental factors, each reflecting the presence versus absence of a supportive factor (guidance, automated reminders, diagnostic interview, preintervention module) resulting in a 16-condition balanced factorial design. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms at 10 weeks post assessment. Secondary outcomes include adherence to the program, anxiety, stress, health-related quality of life, possible negative effects, and treatment satisfaction. Potential moderators and mediators (eg, treatment expectancy, problem-solving skills, working alliance with the study team) will also be investigated.ResultsEthical approval was received on January 20, 2020. The study was initiated in February 2020, and 240 participants have been enrolled in the study as of November 1, 2020. Recruitment for a total of 255 participants is ongoing. Data collection is expected to be completed by May 2021.ConclusionsA better understanding of relevant supportive factors in the dissemination of web-based interventions is necessary to improve outcomes of and adherence to web-based self-help programs. This study may inform health care systems and guide decisions to optimize the implementation context of web-based self-help programs for depressive symptoms.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04318236; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04318236International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/21207