Conceptual Understanding Research Articles

Analysis of Students' Physics Conceptual Understanding using Five-Tier Multiple Choice Questions: the Newton's Law of Motion Context

Conceptual understanding is one of the physics learning objectives that can support students' thinking skills. Understanding of concepts in physics learning is very important for students, so that learning outcomes can be achieved maximally. This study aims to analyze the level of understanding of students' concepts on the topic of Newton's law of motion. This research is a descriptive research with quantitative approach. The research was at SMAN 4 Padang, SMAN 6 Padang, and SMAN 12 Padang West Sumatera. The total sample was 218 students. The five-tier multiple choice questions was used as a research instruments. Before the questions were used, the questions were tested first in different schools with the aim of knowing the validity, reliability, difficulty level, and distinguishing power of the items. After testing, 14 questions were obtained that could be used in this study. The results showed that 13.37% of students scienctific conception, 9.53% of almost scientific conception, 42.01% of students lack of confidence, 30.14% of students have misconceptions, 0.98% of students have no conception, and 3.96% of students have undefined. Based on these results, it can be concluded that students' conceptual understanding of Newton's law of motion material is still low.

Misconceptions of High School Students on Motion and Force Using the Force Concept Inventory (FCI)

This research aims to identify high school students' misconceptions regarding motion and force using the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) instrument. This study used a quantitative method with respondents of 108 students in class XI science. Misconception data was obtained using FCI in the form of multiple-choice questions. There are 30 questions with five options. The results showed that a total of 46 out of 108 students (19.44%) answered 8 to 11 questions correctly, 41 students (37.96%) answered 5 to 7 questions correctly and the other 21 students (42.59%) only answered 2 to 4 questions correctly. The conclusion is students had misconceptions about the concepts of motion and force, especially on topics such as kinematics, Newton's laws, the principle of superposition, and kinds of force. This research implies the importance of understanding students' misconceptions in developing physics curricula and learning strategies in high schools. It is hoped that the research results can provide information to teachers about students' conceptual understanding so that appropriate learning strategies can be developed to correct students' misconceptions in learning.

Analysis of Science Process Skills of Junior High School Students

Natural Sciences (IPA) emphasizes students' science process skills in every learning process. However, looking at the facts in the field when studying science, students still tend to memorize concepts, theories, and principles without understanding the discovery process. This has an impact on the ongoing learning process being uninteresting so that students become bored and ultimately causes students' understanding of science concepts to become low. This research aims to determine the quality of science process skills of class VII students at Kanda Middle School. The research method used is quantitative. The population is all class VII students at Kanda Middle School, totaling 46 people, while the sample in this study was 23 students taken by random sampling. The instruments used are performance that assesses practicum activities as well as interview guidelines used to gather information from science teachers. Data were analyzed using the percentage value formula. This research concludes that the science process skills of class VII Kanda State Middle School students have a percentage of 70.01% in the skilled category.

Improving Student Learning Outcomes by using Blog Media in Geography Subjects

Purpose of the study: This research aims to improve student learning outcomes by using blog media. The background of this research is that learning is still teacher-centered, more teachers only use the lecture method, and do not use learning media. Students are less enthusiastic when studying geography, they often fall asleep in class. This causes low student learning outcomes, so the method used to overcome this problem is to use blog media. Methodology: The method used in this research is Classroom Action Research with a sample of 34 class XI high school students. The instruments used were lesson plans, observation sheets, interview sheets and geography learning results tests. This research was conducted at Senior High School Nusantara. Main Findings: Theresearch results showed that student learning activities experienced significant changes and the average N-Gainin cycle I was 0.33 and increased to 0.52 in cycle II. Based on these results, it can be proven that the use of blog media is effective in improving geography learning outcomes Novelty/Originality of this study:In an effort to enrich the learning process, this research allows the use of blog media as an innovative tool. By integrating information and communication technology through blogs, it is hoped that it can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment. The focus of this research is not only on technological aspects, but also on the impact of using blog media on students understanding and involvement in understanding geographical concepts.

Children's and adolescents' perspectives on living with advanced cancer: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

The quality of life (QOL) experiences of children and adolescents living with advanced cancer have been under-explored. Enhancing QOL for this population is a dominant goal of their healthcare yet, there has been little research identifying aspects that impact their QOL. The purpose of this meta-synthesis was to identify themes of QOL informed from the voices of children and adolescents living with advanced cancer. This meta-synthesis utilized meta-ethnography to synthesize data from individual studies in order to develop new conceptual understanding of what is important to children and adolescents about their lives when living with advanced cancer. Our analysis identified themes of QOL relevant to children and adolescents with advanced cancer: (1) feeling supported and wanting to support others; (2) re-establishing normal; (3) suffering and emotional distress; (4) new perspectives; (5) maintaining autonomy; and (6) awareness of time. These themes differed from more traditional dimensions of QOL often applied to children and adolescents with cancer. This research is novel as its developed themes originated from the direct voices and expressed perspectives of children and adolescents living with advanced cancer. This is a significant initial step toward both understanding QOL in this specific context and the measurement of QOL for this population.

Young Children’s Self-Regulated Learning Benefited from a Metacognition-Driven Science Education Intervention for Early Childhood Teachers

The two goals of this study are to examine the impact of an early childhood teacher’s metacognition-driven, place-based science teaching professional development (PD) intervention and to explore the association between science teaching and environment quality and children’s self-regulated learning. A total of 110 children (Mage = 60 months) and 20 teachers from preschools and kindergartens in rural regions of Idaho, U.S., participated in this mixed-methods study between August 2022 and May 2023. Children’s and teachers’ pre-test and post-test data were collected using validated observation tools, surveys, and reflection journals. The results from repeated measures ANOVA and linear mixed regression show that there were statistically significant increases in children’s self-regulated learning scores and teachers’ science teaching efficacy and metacognitive knowledge, but not metacognitive regulation skill scores post-PD. Thematic analysis revealed evidence about children’s learning interests and inquiry skills, and that science activities supported children’s learning in other subjects and developmental domains (e.g., literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional skills). Our results indicate the potential for supporting young children’s self-regulated learning by training teachers to implement a developmentally appropriate, hands-on science curriculum that focuses on reflective thinking and a holistic understanding of science concepts and process skills.

Humanistic Thought and Education for Sustainable Development

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an education concept, central to what is globally understood as quality education and endorsed by the United Nations as a key enabler of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ESD has been around for more than three decades and has sparked its own academic discourse and field of research. Yet, ESD is not fully embedded in all education systems and within societies. Although stakeholders from academia and practice are engaged in addressing ESD since its inclusion in Agenda 21 in 1992, there has been a struggle to develop a shared conceptual understanding. The discussion in theory and practice is still underway, with researchers grappling in depth with the understanding of ESD, its thematic width, concrete implementation, and tangible outcomes. Following the current quest by UNESCO to reconsider existing ways of knowing and to question where knowledge comes from and how we add to it, the authors of this article examined a sample of ESD literature on whether epistemic foundations of ESD including its role as a program within UNESCO are considered in the discourse. They concentrate in their review on humanist approaches as an important perspective for UNESCO. The results point to a gap in the current literature. The authors also show that, if ESD was grounded in humanistic thought, it could pose a barrier for certain worldviews to engage with or implement ESD. Therefore, ESD’s foundations require further examination. This paper is a first step in drawing attention to the need to make ESD’s foundations more explicit.

Virtual Soil Science Laboratory Sessions: Delivery and Student Perceptions

Laboratory classes effectively enhance student understanding and appreciation of course concepts. With course delivery suddenly shifted into the online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, four laboratory exercises in each of two introductory-level soil science courses were converted into virtual sessions delivered in the form of student-accessible videos. Each laboratory video included a pre-lab discussion, demonstrations of a process or experiment, prompts to answer questions and record data, and/or explanation of relevant calculations. The online link to the video was provided in a laboratory guide which doubled as the report document that students submitted online. Semester-end surveys (n=130) reveal that at least 97% of students agreed or strongly agreed that virtual labs successfully demonstrated key processes and at least 96% thought that the virtual labs enhanced student understanding of soil science concepts. Over 90% of students considered the virtual labs as successful substitutes for hands-on exercises in COVID19-affected semesters. The absence of instructors who could immediately address questions and classmates to discuss results were the two main challenges. Students liked the ability to review the video if things were unclear the first time. While it has its limitations, virtual lab sessions were perceived as successful substitutes to in-person laboratory activities.

Community consultation in a regional hospital in the Republic of Benin to co-develop the PUMA randomised trial

A range of methods can be used for Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI). The Benin Hub of the National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery organised a CEI consultation to assess, with patients and nursing staff, the level of understanding of the key concepts, their acceptability, their appreciation of the timeline and expected outcomes of a new randomised controlled trial, which aims to improve outcomes for anaemic patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Impact of health insurance education program on health care professional students: An interventional study.

In the complex landscape of health care, the relationship between medical practice and health insurance is increasingly crucial for effective care delivery. This paper emphasises the importance of integrating health insurance education into medical training, focusing on its impact on patient outcomes, health care accessibility, and system sustainability. It posits that health care providers with a comprehensive understanding of health insurance can offer more informed, efficient care by adeptly navigating coverage complexities. The study utilised a pretest-post-test design with a yearlong health insurance education curriculum at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Student participants from various medical programmes self-assessed their knowledge and comfort across 13 health insurance topics before and after the intervention. The curriculum included workshops and a capstone project, emphasising real-life patient insurance challenges. Results show statistically significant improvements in 13 participants' understanding of health insurance concepts, highlighting the curriculum's effectiveness. The findings advocate for the inclusion of health insurance education in medical curricula. Such knowledge is vital in systems with diverse insurance models, like the United States, where understanding insurance intricacies is key to patient care. The study's limitations, such as a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, suggest the need for further research with more participants and objective measures. In conclusion, incorporating health insurance education into medical training is essential for preparing health care professionals to navigate insurance complexities, make informed treatment decisions, and guide patients effectively. This approach fosters well-rounded professionals capable of managing both medical and financial aspects of patient care, leading to more equitable and efficient health care delivery. Future research should explore the long-term effects of this education on clinical practice and patient outcomes, particularly its impact on health care costs and patient satisfaction.

Conceptualising the identity of Third Culture Adults (TCAs) in the GCC: implications for labour markets and organisations

ABSTRACT Although some studies have explored the phenomenon of Third Cultures, including TCKs and ATCKs, there is seemingly a category of identities that have not been clearly accounted for. Third Culture Adults (TCAs) have a distinct socio-psychological identity that emanates partly from migrants choosing a host nation as a long-term residence for themselves and their offspring. This paper espouses the concept of TCAs as a discrete identity that results from events and experiences among long-term settlers and provides the basis for future discourse and research to enable a more precise understanding of the TCA concept and its implications for labour markets.

The Influence of Fieldtrip as a Practical Skill Acquisition Technique in Biology Education

Field trips are integral to biology education, providing students with hands-on experiences that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. This study explores the impact of field trips on practical skill acquisition among biology students in Colleges of Education in Anambra State, Nigeria. Grounded in Piaget's developmental theory, the research examines how field trips enhance observational skills, critical thinking abilities, and environmental stewardship. Surveys conducted with 330 second-year biology education students reveal that field trips positively influence students' ability to recall facts, understand concepts, and excel in practicals. However, challenges such as financial constraints, large class sizes, and teacher commitment hinder the effectiveness of field trips. Strategies like subsidizing trip costs and encouraging small group activities are recommended to optimize field trip experiences. The study revealed several key findings regarding the role and challenges of field trips in biology education. Respondents highlighted that engaging in field activities aids students in recalling facts, learning through observation, and developing a deep understanding of concepts. These activities also help students improve their ability to evaluate scientific inquiries and excel in practical aspects of their education, indicating a positive influence of field trips on practical skill acquisition. The findings underscore the significance of field trips in biology education and advocate for greater institutional support to make these excursions more accessible and impactful for students.

Exploring the effect of directive and reflective feedback on elementary school students’ scientific conceptual understanding, epistemological beliefs, and inquiry performance in online inquiry activities

Exploring the effect of directive and reflective feedback on elementary school students’ scientific conceptual understanding, epistemological beliefs, and inquiry performance in online inquiry activities

What do International City Networks Contribute to Global Governance? Towards a Better Conceptual and Empirical Assessment

ABSTRACT This article systematically assesses international city networks (ICNs) and their contribution to global governance. Research in urban studies has frequently emphasised the growing number and activities of ICNs in global politics, particularly environmental politics. However, systematic and comparative assessments of their main characteristics and how they contribute to global governance in different issue areas remain rare. To advance our conceptual, empirical, and comparative understanding of these networks, we review existing approaches and analyse a sample of 30 ICNs concerning three categories, namely their structures, aims, and activities. The results show that ICNs assemble diverse actors, closely collaborate with international organisations, and are dedicated to the implementation, but also the change of global norms in several issue areas of global governance. At the same time, the results suggest that more empirical data and comparative analyses of ICNs are necessary to advance our conceptual understanding of ICNs and their relevance in global governance.

Transparency Animations: Trusted Research Environments, Data Linkage and Synthetic Data

BackgroundWith funding from HDR UK, Research Data Scotland (RDS) commissioned award-winning production company Media Co-op to create three short graphic animations targeted at both researchers and members of the public, building on our existing text-based content by introducing educational resources in a new format. These videos highlight three topics that have generated substantial interest among RDS users: Trusted Research Environments, data linkage and synthetic data. IntroductionFounded in 2021, RDS’s brand values centre on providing clarity, encouraging simplicity and building public trust. These values closely align with the aims of the HDR UK Transparency Standards, particularly around transparent application processes and criteria (Standard 2) and consideration for target audiences (Standard 4). MethodsRDS worked with creative agency Media Co-op to develop the animations with input from both subject matter experts and members of the public. Data experts were consulted throughout the project to ensure information accuracy. Two rounds of feedback from the Scotland Talks Data public panel, run jointly by RDS and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR), were also incorporated with the aim of ensuring appropriate and accessible language. ResultsThe resulting animations explain complex topics in layperson terms to aid comprehension. Each video also has a corresponding British Sign Language (BSL) version to aid wider accessibility. We anticipate that these videos will ensure both researchers and the public can glean a clearer understanding of these intricate concepts. ConclusionsBy applying a Creative Commons Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 license to all three videos, we intend for all partner organisations across the UK to be able to reuse or share these videos with their respective audiences. The more organisations share these videos, the more we will build a collective understanding of these complex topics. The final animations can be viewed on the RDS YouTube channel: How is data kept secure? What is data linkage? What is synthetic data? To honour our commitment to creating accessible content, BSL versions of all three animations are also available: How is data kept secure? (BSL) What is data linkage? (BSL) What is synthetic data? (BSL)

Experimental Open Air Burning of Vegetation Enhances Organic Matter Chemical Heterogeneity Compared to Laboratory Burns.

Wildfires produce solid residuals that have unique chemical and physical properties compared to unburned materials, which influence their cycling and fate in the natural environment. Visual burn severity assessment is used to evaluate post-fire alterations to the landscape in field-based studies, yet muffle furnace methods are commonly used in laboratory studies to assess molecular scale alterations along a temperature continuum. Here, we examined solid and leachable organic matter characteristics from chars visually characterized as low burn severity that were created either on an open air burn table or from low-temperature muffle furnace burns. We assessed how the different combustion conditions influence solid and dissolved organic matter chemistries and explored the potential influence of these results on the environmental fate and reactivity. Notably, muffle furnace chars produced less leachable carbon and nitrogen than open air chars across land cover types. Organic matter produced from muffle furnace burns was more homogeneous than open air chars. This work highlights chemical heterogeneities that exist within a single burn severity category, potentially influencing our conceptual understanding of pyrogenic organic matter cycling in the natural environment, including transport and processing in watersheds. Therefore, we suggest that open air burn studies are needed to further advance our understanding of pyrogenic organic matter's environmental reactivity and fate.

Equity principles: Using social theory for more effective social transformation in agricultural research for development

CONTEXTAgricultural innovations and their applications are increasingly recognized as crucial mechanisms for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Actors in agricultural research for development (AR4D) frequently use Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) frameworks to comprehend the ecosystems within which innovations are developed and scaled. Given the SDGs' emphasis on social outcomes, a reflection on social diversity, power, and the integration of social theory into AIS and AR4D tools is crucial for addressing the nuances of social objectives. OBJECTIVEThis research critically evaluates AIS frameworks and AR4D tools through applying social theory to enhance social outcomes. We offer practical application through the development of “Equity Principles for Social Transformation (EPs).” These EPs are designed to guide AR4D organizations in innovation and scaling efforts that effectively achieve meaningful social outcomes. Through this approach, we aim to enrich the conceptual understanding of equity within AIS and provide practical strategies for implementing these insights, thus empowering AR4D actors to be more effective. METHODSWe start by selecting key social theories to analyze global power imbalances and local social exclusion within AIS frameworks and AR4D tools. Using these theories, we examine three case studies to uncover gaps in their approach to social dimensions. We categorize these gaps through thematic analysis and formulate EPs informed by social theories and a practical understanding of AR4D tools. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSEquity analysis of each case study reveals gaps in understanding social implications within upstream and downstream research efforts. These gaps include insufficient addressing of power dynamics and agency recognition, lack of comprehensive guidance on critical social components, oversight of cultural and institutional norms, exacerbation of social inequities, and the case studies' limitations in flexibility for addressing social inclusion effectively. Additionally, there is a notable lack of clear operational guidelines for applying the frameworks in diverse contexts, including the challenge of translating conceptual levels into local action. Seven EPs were developed: recognize AR4D power dynamics; define goals, anti-goals, and for whom; build global “horizontal” partnerships; acknowledge social differences among innovation users and non-users; innovate and curate innovation appropriately; assess impact and reflect; and develop systems capacity. SIGNIFICANCEThe EPs connect innovation systems with positive social change. They help AR4D professionals consider and evaluate the impact of innovation. The EPs provide an additional framework that enables AR4D practitioners to prioritize user needs from the beginning, challenge biases, and more effectively achieve the social objectives outlined in the SDGs.

Memory strategies focused on english vocabulary learning: A case study in a public high school in Loja City

The research " Memory Strategies Focused on English Vocabulary Learning: A Case Study in a Public High School in Loja City" aimed to determine the effectiveness of memory strategies focused on English vocabulary learning among students of a public high school in Loja City. This study examined how various memory strategies promote vocabulary acquisition and retention, as well as opportunities for students’ practice in real contexts. It also investigated the adaptability of memory strategies to individual student needs and their efficacy for learners with diverse language proficiency levels or specific learning requirements. This study involved implementing four memory strategies, such as creating mental linkages, applying images and sound, reviewing well, and employing action, within the classroom setting over 12 weeks. Data collection methods included pre and post-assessments, student surveys, and classroom observations. Preliminary findings suggest that the use of specific memory strategies positively influences vocabulary retention and fosters a deeper understanding of language concepts. Finally, this research showed that memory strategies motivated vocabulary learning improvement and provided insights into improving language learning experiences for high school students.

Comprehensive analysis of college students' autonomous fitness behavior-a narrative review.

Although the physical health of college students is increasingly receiving attention, their autonomous fitness behavior has not been thoroughly investigated. This narrative review conducted a comprehensive literature search through databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), reviewing studies published up to December 2023. We explored the constructs of autonomy, fitness behavior, and agency, and discussed their integration within the autonomous fitness model. Our findings indicate a lack of comprehensive studies exploring the multifaceted factors influencing autonomous fitness behaviors. Future research should strive to deepen conceptual understanding and further explore the complex dynamics of the transition from autonomy to persistence, employing technological and interdisciplinary methodological perspectives to enhance understanding and promote sustainable fitness habits.

The effect of a Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach and reasoning ability on students' conceptual and procedural understanding

This research aimed to test the conceptual understanding and procedural understanding of mathematics in groups of students who have high reasoning abilities and low reasoning abilities by following the RME approach and lecture method. This research used a 2X2 factorial quasi-experimental design with the independent variables being the RME approach and the lecture method. Data collection was carried out using tests of reasoning ability, conceptual understanding, and procedural understanding instruments. The pretest and posttest data were analyzed using the MANCOVA test. Based on the results of the research there is a significant difference in the conceptual understanding and procedural understanding of mathematics in groups of students who have high reasoning abilities and low reasoning abilities by following the RME approach and lecture method. Based on the results of this research, it was concluded that using the RME approach and high reasoning abilities can improve the conceptual understanding and procedural understanding of mathematics for class VII students. This research implies that the RME approach can be used as a way to improve students' conceptual understanding and procedural understanding of mathematics. Keywords: Conceptual understanding; mathematics; procedural understanding; reasoning ability; RME approach.