Undergraduate Perceptions Research Articles

Perception of Undergraduate Students and Faculties Regarding Elective

Background: National medical commission of India introduced electives in the medical curriculum for M.B.B.S. batch 2019 while they completed 3rd phase part-I (before commencement of 3rd phase part-II). An elective module was introduced by NMC for universal implementation of this new concept in the Medical Colleges of India. Our college under the guidance of our Dean/Principal and MEU Co-ordinator implemented the ELECTIVES for students. This study has been done to observe the perception of medical undergraduates regarding electives and faculties who have been assigned to be the Internal preceptors. A cross-sectional survey was done to observe the effectiveness and importance of electives according to students and faculties. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the perceptions of undergraduate students and faculties regarding ELECTIVE programme and its effectiveness. Methodology: The study was conducted on 24 students of phase 3 part II (BATCH 2020) and 19 faculties of various departments involved as internal preceptors in elective programme of K.D. MEDICAL COLLEGE MATHURA. Questionnaire having both closed ended objective questions and open ended questions was used to assess the perspective of students and faculties with questions inter-related with respect to elective programme. Findings: 95.8% students and 100% internal preceptors (faculties) have suggested that an orientation/sensitization is the necessary prior to initiate the Electives, to achieve more learning from the concept. 87.5% students and 73.7% faculties have accepted that the goal of elective programme is being realized Conclusions: A positive perception was observed amongst students as well as amongst faculties as internal preceptors regarding elective programme. This observation thus suggests that elective has provided a good tool to learn of choice topics, but most of the study participants also agreed to the fact that an orientation/sensitisation programme is necessary for both students as well as faculties prior to the beginning of the elective. Also, elective is a good initiative to gain in depth knowledge of respective subjects and develop an interest in the respective field for higher studies.

Critical Peer Feedback for Oral Presentation at TEFL Tertiary Education: Comparison, Perception and Reflection

Critical peer feedback is regarded as an effective means to facilitate quality of peer feedback in TEFL class. In this study, a comparative study was conducted between two experimental classes (Nc1=31, Nc2=31) to study Chinese undergraduate perception and efficiency of critical peer feedback in oral presentation. By a mixed study, the 5-scale Likert questionnaires and semi-structured interviews (N=8) were implemented at the setting. The study finds that students have strong confidence that critical peer feedback can improve their quality of oral presentation and the quality of peer feedback. And the quality of oral presentation and quality of peer feedback are facilitated in this comparative study. However, the students still perceive that they are inefficient of the skills of oral presentation like eye contact, PPT design and language organization, and critical peer feedback like critical questions and rubrics. In addition, this implies that the skill training of oral presentation and critical peer feedback is the prerequisite for the novice users in TEFL class which can be facilitated by training, and critical peer feedback focuses on the critical content of peer feedback by critical thinking.

Influence of the covid-19 pandemic on the education and academic performance of university students

Purpose: Investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the higher education through the perception of Brazilian undergraduates. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1006 students of public and private universities. Data collection happened between September-December 2020 with an online questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics, use of anxiolytics/antidepressants and issues related to the course. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression (α = 5%). Results: Most students (68.7%) perceived an impact on their education and reported a high satisfaction with the course (62.2%). Age (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96 – 0.99), residing in the northern region of the country (OR= 1.26, 95%CI: 1.06 – 1.50), enrollment at a public university (OR= 1.28, 95%CI: 1.17 – 1.40) and lower satisfaction with the course (OR= 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04 – 1.23) were associated with the perception of impact. Regarding self-rated performance in the courses, 41.7% students reported a very low/low performance. A family income of up to two times the monthly minimum wage (OR= 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48 – 0.97), residing in the northeastern region of the country (OR= 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48 – 0.97) and lower satisfaction with the course (OR= 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23 – 0.53) were associated with this outcome. Conclusions: The pandemic negatively affected two thirds of undergraduates, especially the younger, from the northern region, public universities and those less satisfied with the course. Nearly forty percent of students rated their academic performance during the pandemic as very low/low, especially those with a low family income, from the northeastern region and those less satisfied with the course.

A Qualitative Study of the Experiences and Perceptions of Korean Undergraduates Regarding Two-Stage Examinations

Researchers have recognized collaborative problem-solving as a key competency for addressing sustainability challenges through creative and holistic approaches. Nevertheless, transforming traditional individual assessments into collaborative examinations to improve collaborative problem-solving is challenging. This study examines the experiences and perceptions of Korean undergraduates regarding two-stage examinations comprising individual and team components. Semi-structured interviews with nine students yielded results in eighteen subthemes categorized into four themes: process, positive aspects, negative aspects, and action items for support. Participants experienced a dynamic, collaborative problem-solving process through two-stage examinations; reported positive aspects, such as improved grades, learning opportunities, immediate feedback, and reduced test anxiety; and negative aspects, such as the burden of teamwork. As the first qualitative study of students’ perceptions of two-stage exams, this research explores transformative assessment practices that enhance collaborative problem-solving skills crucial for addressing global sustainability challenges. Furthermore, to promote collaborative assessments, this study discusses implications for educators planning to use two-stage examinations and offers suggestions for future research.

Perception of Undergraduates on Government Interventions in Environmental Issues in Southwest, Nigeria

This study examined the perception of undergraduates on government interventions in environmental issues in Southwest, Nigeria. This study further examined the differences in the perception of undergraduates on government interventions in environmental issues in Southwest, Nigeria based on gender and ownership of University. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all university undergraduates in Southwest, Nigeria. A sample of 1752 male and female Undergraduates in Federal, State and Private Universities were used for the study. Multistage sampling procedure was employed for the sample selection. Questionnaire on Perception of Undergraduates on Government Interventions in Environmental Issues {QPUGIEI) was used in this study. The validity of the instrument was ensured through face and content validity procedures and the reliability of the QPUGIEI was established using Cronbach Alpha method and the alpha value of 0.74 was obtained. The data generated for this study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics of frequency counts, mean and percentages were used to provide answers to the research question while inferential statistics of t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study showed that university undergraduates had favourable perception of government interventions in environmental issues in Southwest, Nigeria, there was a significant difference in the perception of male and female undergraduates towards government interventions in environmental issues, there was a significant difference in the perception of undergraduates towards government interventions in environmental issues based on the ownership of University. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that irrespective of the gender of undergraduates and ownership of the university government should intensify effort on environmental education programmes such that all undergraduates will have same favourable perception on government interventions in environmental issues.

Factors Influencing Occupational Perception of Agricultural Undergraduates towards Agriculture as a Profession

Factors Influencing Occupational Perception of Agricultural Undergraduates towards Agriculture as a Profession

Perception of Undergraduates on Government Interventions in Environmental Issues in Southwest, Nigeria

Perception of Undergraduates on Government Interventions in Environmental Issues in Southwest, Nigeria

The Perception of Malaysian Undergraduates towards Bilingualism and Multilingualism in Language Learning

Language is essential to human communication and identity. Individuals may have different language abilities in one or more languages. Bilingualism refers to the ability to use two languages proficiently, whereas multilingualism is characterised by the ability to use more than two languages. Cultural background, societal views, and personal experiences can significantly impact perceptions. Bilingualism and multilingualism may be viewed positively by some students while negatively by others. In today's globalised society, language diversity is growing, yet there is little research on students' perceptions of bilingualism and multilingualism in higher education in the Malaysian context. The study seeks to identify Malaysian undergraduates' perceptions towards bilingualism and multilingualism in language learning. Conducted among 51 undergraduate students at an engineering university in Malaysia, this quantitative study employed a survey-based approach. The result revealed positive perceptions of bilingualism and multilingualism in language learning influenced by the bilingual education system in Malaysia and globalisation. The present research has proved that students favour bilingualism and multilingualism, enhancing their motivation to acquire additional languages. This inclination stems from the belief that having proficiency in more than two languages confers a more excellent knowledge upon individuals.

A Glimpse into the Future: Examining University of Dhaka Undergraduates Perception of the Hospitality Industry for Future Career

The main objective of this study is to acknowledge the perceptions of undergraduates on pursuing a career in the Hospitality Industry. The service industry such as hospitality industry of Bangladesh is a significant sector contributing to the economic development and have seen flourishing prosperity in recent years. The success of hospitality industries and their prestigious brand image have encouraged youth generation specially undergraduates to pursue their future career in Hospitality industry. This study basically identifies twenty variables associated with the influencing factors that may instigate undergraduates to pursue the Hospitality industry as their career choice. By a systematic analysis of twenty independent variables result shows that, six variables are statistically arrived at 1% significant level that means have significant influence on undergraduates’ perception and another eight variables are estimated as 5% of significant level. This implies that ensuring high Salary, brand names of the company, Job security, diversified working opportunity, and proper replacement polices each of the variables is positively influencing undergraduate’s preference in career choice in hospitality industry. This study concludes with few practical implications that have been extracted in the light of empirical findings to influence undergraduates’ perceptions positively towards hospitality industry.

The undergraduate virtual grand teaching ward round: Perceptions from the subcontinent.

Background Grand ward rounds are an integral component of undergraduate medical education. Covid-19 prevented the conduct of conventional grand ward rounds (CWRs) prompting a 'virtual' grand ward round (VWR). With restrictions lifted should future grand ward rounds remain virtual? Undergraduate perceptions on the two formats were sought to explore the feasibility of the VWR as a teaching ward round for medical students. Methods Our study was done during April 2021 to April 2022. The weekly grand ward round was converted to a VWR during April-November 2021. Following lifting of restrictions, it was reverted to a CWR. All patients provided informed consent. A Zoom-based, secure, online platform was created with the use of smartphones to share audiovisuals and patient discussions. An online anonymised feedback survey was conducted for undergraduates during both VWR and CWR phases. Results The response rate was 71% (182/258). VWR was considered more advantageous than the CWR in terms of time efficiency (p=0.03), space restrictions (p=0.01), improved audibility (p=0.02) and better opportunity to engage in discussions (p=0.1). Most students (80%) felt that the VWR provides a more 'ideal' grand ward. Overall preference was towards VWR across safety (92%), efficacy (72%), communication (85%), information availability (84%) and training opportunity (73%). Again 80% of students preferred future ward rounds to be virtual. Conclusions VWR is an innovative approach. While not a substitute for bedside teaching it appears safer, efficient, thought/discussion-provoking and more satisfactory. Successful elements of the VWR can be adopted in future, to develop a more ideal undergraduate grand ward round.

Undergraduate Perceptions of Teaching Science Abroad as a Service-Learning Experience

Service-learning is a type of experiential education, contextualizing classroom knowledge into real-world experiences. In this study, we investigated a course with an integrated service-learning component of teaching science to children in Kenya to learn more about how participants perceived their experiences. Using surveys, we found that the undergraduates who participated in this service-learning experience felt that they were more connected to their academic major and gained new or strengthened relationships. This experience allowed students to gain new perspectives about their studies or the world, and make deeper connections between classroom knowledge and the real-world context.

Online Learning in Dental Education: Comparison of Perspectives of Lecturers and Undergraduate Students Between a Public and Private University: A Mixed-Method Study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the undergraduates' and lecturers' perspectives on the implementation of online learning and to compare perspectives between private and public universities. Materials and methods: The study followed a mixed-method design and involved dental undergraduates and lecturers from two study settings in Malaysia: International Medical University (IMU), a private university, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), a public university. All undergraduates and lecturers were invited to complete an online questionnaire with evaluative statements regarding three domains: handling, didactic benefit, motivation, and an overall assessment. The comparison of perception between the private and public universities was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out for undergraduates and lecturers. Each FGD consisted of six people. The audio-recorded conversations were transcribed verbatim. Results: Mean scores of perceptions regarding the domains, handling, and motivation were higher among undergraduates from public universities (p < 0.05), while there were no differences for the didactic domain. There was no difference in perception of any of the three domains between private and public university lecturers. Mean scores for perceptions on the optimal amount of online learning in the future domains were higher among undergraduates from a public university (p < 0.05), while lecturers' perceptions showed no difference. Thematic analysis of FGDs revealed that both groups from private and public universities felt that flexibility and a student-centered approach are the advantages of online learning. The inadequacy to cover the entire curriculum and lack of student engagement and interaction were highlighted as limitations. Conclusion: Regardless of the university background, the undergraduates and lecturers were able to adjust to the online learning environment, which mainly reflected a positive perspective on the implementation of online learning. There were modest differences in the perceptions of dental undergraduates between private and public universities, while the perception of the lecturers did not show any difference.

Online Team-Based Learning: perception of health undergraduates and influence of the student’s behavioral profile

Resumo Introdução: O Team-Based Learning (TBL) é uma metodologia ativa que tem se mostrado efetiva para a formação de profissionais de saúde. Em 2020, devido à pandemia da Covid-19, a aplicação do TBL migrou da modalidade presencial para online síncrona. Objetivos: Este estudo objetivou avaliar a percepção de graduandos de saúde sobre o TBL online e analisar se existe diferença de percepção dessa modalidade entre os grupos de estudantes com níveis distintos de exposição anterior às sessões presenciais e online do método, além de verificar se tal percepção pode ser afetada pelo perfil comportamental do estudante. Método: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal de caráter descritivo-exploratório, comparativo, relacional, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado nos cursos de graduação em Medicina e Enfermagem, entre setembro e dezembro de 2021. Aplicou-se, virtualmente, um questionário sobre os dados sociodemográficos, além dos instrumentos Avaliação da Percepção do Aluno-Team-Based Learning (APA-TBL) e Teste de Perfil Comportamental DISC. Resultados: Dos 241 estudantes participantes, houve predominância do sexo feminino (81%), na faixa etária de 20,8 a 24,4 anos, que já tinham frequentado mais de 10 sessões de TBL presencial (90%) e TBL online (53%). Das 24 questões do APA-TBL, 17 obtiveram índice igual ou superior a 75% na soma das respostas “concordo totalmente”/“concordo”, valores considerados como percepção positiva neste estudo. Os alunos com exposição a mais de 10 sessões do TBL online apresentaram uma percepção significativamente mais negativa em três das quatro dimensões do APA-TBL, quando comparados aos menos expostos. O grupo que havia participado de mais de 10 sessões de TBL presencial apresentou uma percepção significativamente mais negativa em apenas uma dimensão do instrumento, quando comparados aos menos expostos. O principal fator DISC encontrado entre os perfis comportamentais dos participantes foi a estabilidade (“S”). Não houve correlação entre o perfil comportamental do aluno e sua percepção sobre o método na versão online. Conclusões: Observou-se uma percepção favorável dos graduandos de saúde sobre o TBL online. A exposição anterior prolongada ao método, tanto no modo online, quanto presencial, impactou negativamente a percepção dos estudantes sobre o TBL online. Não foi evidenciada influência do perfil comportamental do estudante em sua percepção do método.

Early clinical exposure as an adjunct in learning anatomy among first-year medical undergraduates

Abstract Introduction : Early clinical exposure (ECE) is a new teaching method introduced in the first year of medical school to bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical subjects. The impact of ECE on learning anatomy has not been extensively studied. Objectives: To examine the perceptions of first-year medical undergraduates towards ECE in learning anatomy. Methods: 197 first-year MBBS students who attended 30 hours of ECE sessions were surveyed through a Google form with closed and open-ended questions. Categorical data was represented by frequency and percentage, and continuous variables by mean ± SD. Results: 94.6% of the respondents agreed that ECE was an interesting method of learning anatomy compared to traditional lectures, while 5.4% disagreed. 95.1% of students agreed that ECE motivated them to read more on the topics covered, while 4.9% felt ECE showed no impact on their motivation to study. Students strongly believed that ECE helped them understand the topics taught in Anatomy better (36.5%, n=72), retain information (35.5%, n=70), correlate with clinical scenarios (48.2%, n=95) 95.6% students opined that the frequency of ECE sessions should be increased and incorporated along with regular lectures in Anatomy. Conclusion: ECE sessions were well appreciated and accepted by students. ECE helps in understanding concepts in anatomy better, makes correlation with clinical aspects easier, and retaining information learned through ECE sessions is possible. ECE may serve as a great tool in imparting quality medical education.

The Perception of UTAR Ed &amp; El Undergraduates on the Impacts of Facebook in Enhancing their ESL Writing Skills

The advancement of information, communications, and technology (ICT) has made social media an indispensable tool for language learning, especially second language learning. This study aims to analyze the perception of undergraduates on the positive impacts of social media particularly Facebook by utilizing Facebook in improving ESL writing skills. Using TAM as the theoretical lens, this quantitative-method research involved questionnaire survey. The sample consisted of 50 undergraduates. The questionnaires were distributed in a Google form to the 30 English Education undergraduates. By doing this, the researcher was able to gather and analyse their perception on the impacts of Facebook in enhancing ESL writing skills. Results of the analysis showed that the perception of participants towards the usage of Facebook that significantly influenced their ESL writing skills. The positive impacts of Facebook concerning ESL writing skills were also depicted via the statistical analysis. The findings provide an insight to stakeholders in suggesting ways to encourage the use of Facebook in language learning specifically writing skills. Similar research can be done in the future by involving a larger number of participants from different private higher education institutions.

UNDERGRADUATES’ PERCEPTION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE COURSE-NARRATIVES ON CHALLENGES AND INITIATIVES AT TECHNICAL ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY

Community service is an important co-curricular course which is offered to university students in many countries to develop critical thinking skills, awareness, empathy and soft-skills like management and communication. How such as course is able to instill in students the desired traits requires more study. This study aims to investigate the perception of undergraduates participating in community service course, the challenges that they have to face and their initiatives as mitigation strategies in achieving the goals of community service. Data for this study is elicited via a simple mix-method approach that combines elements of quantitative and qualitative research. The 68 undergraduates who served as purposive samples were enrolled in a 14-week co-curricular course called community service and were surveyed, interviewed and physically observed as they undertook the assigned tasks. All the community service groups were able to plan and execute four main projects. The study found five types of main challenges that the students have to face namely i. sourcing for funds and financial support, ii. logistics and manpower, iii. group dynamics, communication and cooperation, iv. time management and v. task planning and distribution. Initiatives and mitigation strategies undertaken by the students are having more specific meeting and discussion, exploring all possible options, appointing capable group leader who knows roles well and referring to and consulting lecturers. These insights from this study are useful for tertiary level curriculum planners to further enhance the effectiveness of such experiential learning course to further actualize the potential of the university students.

Perception of Undergraduates in the Field of Periodontology.

The dentistry specialty known as periodontology focuses on problems with the tissues that support and surround teeth. A thorough understanding of basic sciences and health care is necessary for periodontology. To ensure that the dentition has adequate form, function, esthetics, and comfort, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the relationship between periodontal tissues and how it relates to other branches of dentistry, such as restorative dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and implants. The periodontal ligament is a soft tissue between the alveolar bone and teeth. Since the alveolar bone is the foundation for successful dental treatment, proceeding with subsequent dental procedures, including restorative dentistry, implants, and prosthetic uses, is only possible with sufficient bone support. The current review article aims to assess the perception of undergraduate students regarding periodontics and its range of practice. It also gives a general overview of the field of periodontology by outlining current practices, exploring how students perceive this branch's range of courses, and emphasizing more recent and sophisticated developments.

Undergraduate Perceptions of Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities and Impact on Social Skills Development

This research explores the perceptions of undergraduates at a Sino-foreign cooperative university in terms of extracurricular activities (ECAs) and co-curricular activities (CCAs) and their impact on social skills development. Few studies relate engagement in ECAs and CCAs with social skills development, and much less in the context of transnational and/or Sino-foreign higher education. This case study adopts an overarching exploratory research paradigm mobilizing quantitative and qualitative data collection in a concurrent mixed-methods approach. This study proposes an original conceptual framework for curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities in the context of a Sino-foreign higher education, such as the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Suggestions for students to develop social skills through participation in ECAs and CCAs and suggestions for university staff to improve the offer and quality of ECAs and CCAs are investigated. Results of this study provide insights of relevance for both students and staff in the context of Sino-foreign higher education.

327 The undergraduate perception's on cardiopulmonary resuscitation effectiveness by virtual and by standard training

327 The undergraduate perception's on cardiopulmonary resuscitation effectiveness by virtual and by standard training

Practice-Based Teacher Education Benefits Graduate Trainees and Their Students Through Inclusive and Active Teaching Methods

The next generations of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workers are being trained in college and university classrooms by a workforce of instructors who learn pedagogical practice largely on the job. While inclusive instructional practices and their impacts are increasingly well-studied, this training is difficult to instill within the professional development that most STEM professors receive before teaching their students. The Science Teaching Experience Program for Upcoming PhDs (STEP-UP) at the University of Washington was built to prepare future professors for inclusive excellence by guiding them through the literature in education research and providing them a space to practice active and inclusive teaching techniques. This study of STEP-UP uses a design-based approach to understand graduate trainee and undergraduate perceptions of the most salient aspects and outcomes of the program. Our study found that trainees used opportunities to practice inclusive teaching methods with a cohort of their peers, and crucially that these methods were evident in trainee-taught courses through multiple lines of evidence. STEP-UP-trained instructors used inclusive teaching strategies that helped students to feel socioemotionally supported. This study offers a model program that fosters inclusion and equity in undergraduate STEM classrooms through improving teaching professional development for graduate students.