Conceptual Understanding Research Articles

“My thinking has changed but beliefs have not”: Motivated reasoning in learning to teach abortion

ABSTRACT In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, social studies education has remained startlingly silent on the topic of abortion. In this design-based research study, we present a qualitative analysis of how preservice secondary social studies teachers made sense of evidence and how they learned about abortion in a mixed-reality teaching simulation built around pedagogies of practice on facilitating controversial issue discussions. Drawing on political psychology and motivated reasoning, we analyzed participants’ engagement with amicus briefs in Dobbs v. Jackson and their thinking about evidence and the issue itself. We found participants generally made sense of the documents in ways consistent with principles of motivated reasoning and the primacy of emotions in evidence evaluation. We analyze shifts in participants’ thinking and conceptual understanding about abortion as a result of their participation, including distinctions and connections drawn between thinking, believing, and learning. Our analysis suggests that even those with intransigent opinions can learn about abortion, that evidence and evidence evaluation are more complicated and nuanced than the literature often suggests, and that emotion plays an integral role in evaluation and argumentation. We conclude by arguing that abortion cannot remain in the proverbial shadows in social studies.

고교학점제에서 과학 선택 과목의 경향성 분석

Objectives This study investigated and analyzed the tendency of students to choose subjects and the tendency of chemical academic achievement according to science subject selection in the high school credit system. Methods For six months, from March to August 2020, 339 sophomores of S High School located in Gyeongnam were surveyed and analyzed for their perception of subject selection. Among them, a questionnaire was devel-oped to find out the perception of the content of chemistry subjects, and a questionnaire was conducted on 78 people who agreed to participate in the study. In order to analyze the tendency of chemical academic achievement according to science subject selection in the high school credit system, descriptive statistics, cross-analysis, and nonparametric tests were performed with the SPSS 28 program. Results Students selected many of the science elective subjects in the order of 'Chem-Phys-Bio,' 'Chem-Phys-Earth,' and 'Chem-Bio-Earth.' In the content and concept of the Chemistry I subject, students were found to have difficulty understanding concepts such as 'mole,' 'chemical reaction formula,' 'orbital,' etc., and the 'Chem-Phys-Earth' subject group was found to have the most difficulty in understanding the concept of 'mole.' In addition, in the comparison of achievement by elective subject group, the 'Chem-Phys-Bio' subject group showed the highest chemical academic achievement and the 'Chem-Phys-Earth' subject group showed the low-est achievement. Conclusions In the high school credit system, students chose the Science I course independently, but many stu-dents were found to have insufficient understanding of the basic concept of Chemistry I. Therefore, in terms of understanding the concept of chemistry, it is essential to design a teaching-learning process by level so that stu-dents can better understand the basic concept of Chemistry I in the high school credit system.

Defining “data” in conversations with students about the ethical use of learning analytics

In any conversation about the development of ethical standards for practice, it is vital that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the main concepts in order to reach agreement. In the context of higher education and learning analytics, while many conversations are underway, it is less clear that such a shared understanding exists around the concept of “data”. In order to understand this situation more fully we conducted a study to investigate students’ perceptions of the ethical and privacy considerations related to the data that universities collect and use about them for the purposes of learning analytics. In this paper, we focus specifically on the understandings students have of the types of data that can be collected about them within the educational environment. The outcomes showed that there was a diversity of understandings, but that five main data types emerged. In developing a better understanding of the ways students understand data, it can assist institutions to have more effective conversations with students about the ethical use of learning analytics.

The effect of 7E learning cycle enriched with computer animations on students conceptual understanding and overcoming misconceptions

The effect of 7E learning cycle enriched with computer animations on students conceptual understanding and overcoming misconceptions

Using Excel to Teach Agri-business and Financial Literacy Concepts to 4-H Youth

Teaching youth agribusiness subject matter and financial literacy through 4-H livestock projects is an important task. This article discusses using Excel as a record keeping tool to expand knowledge and comprehension of financial concepts and profitability in the beef industry. A description of the Excel record book contents and parent feedback is presented. Using the Excel record book expanded conversations about the beef industry and proved to be a favorable tool for increasing youth understanding of critical agribusiness concepts.

Hands-on Learning Pedagogy in Teaching Concepts Relevant in the Analysis, Design, and Maintenance of Transportation Infrastructure Systems

Learning critical concepts that are centered on the analysis, design, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure systems poses a measure of difficulty for undergraduates in engineering. Therefore, hands-on learning pedagogy should be an excellent precursor to increase understanding of these concepts, since the pedagogy incorporates real-life experience in the delivery. This paper describes how a hands-on learning pedagogy called experiment-centric pedagogy (ECP) has been used to teach these concepts to undergraduate students at a historically Black university. The research questions are as follows: (1) How well can ECP improve students’ understanding of concepts essential to the analysis and design of transportation infrastructure systems? (2) How has the ECP facilitated the achievement of the learning objectives of these concepts? and (3) Does an ECP increase the engagement of undergraduate students in their transportation infrastructure engineering learning and lead to measurable lasting gains? To answer these research questions, ECP was implemented and assessed when used to teach the concepts of stress and strain utilized in the analysis of bridges and other transportation infrastructure, sound used in the development and design of noise barriers, moisture content in controlling compaction of highway infrastructure systems, and degradation of infrastructure systems exposed to various environmental settings. Assessment results from 92 undergraduates reveal an increase in students’ motivation and cognitive understanding of the relevant concepts, as well as learning gains and an improved success rate compared to the traditional method of teaching.

Serbian Version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ): Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation Study Among Primary Health Care Users.

As digital health services are increasingly developing and becoming more interactive in Serbia, a comprehensive instrument for measuring eHealth literacy (EHL) is needed. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and investigate the psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ); to evaluate EHL in the population of primary health care (PHC) users in Serbia; and to explore factors associated with their EHL. The validation study was conducted in 8 PHC centers in the territory of the Mačva district in Western Serbia. A stratified sampling method was used to obtain a representative sample. The Translation Integrity Procedure was followed to adapt the questionnaire to the Serbian language. The psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the eHLQ were analyzed through the examination of factorial structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine participant characteristics. Differences between groups were tested by the 2-tailed Students t test and ANOVA. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine factors related to EHL. A total of 475 PHC users were enrolled. The mean age was 51.0 (SD 17.3; range 19-94) years, and most participants were female (328/475, 69.1%). Confirmatory factor analysis validated the 7-factor structure of the questionnaire. Values for incremental fit index (0.96) and comparative fit index (0.95) were above the cutoff of ≥0.95. The root mean square error of approximation value of 0.05 was below the suggested value of ≤0.06. Cronbach α of the entire scale was 0.95, indicating excellent scale reliability, with Cronbach α ranging from 0.81 to 0.90 for domains. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.63 to 0.82, indicating moderate to good test-retest reliability. The highest EHL mean scores were obtained for the understanding of health concepts and language (mean 2.86, SD 0.32) and feel safe and in control (mean 2.89, SD 0.33) domains. Statistically significant differences (all P<.05) for all 7 eHLQ scores were observed for age, education, perceived material status, perceived health status, searching for health information on the internet, and occupation (except domain 4). In multivariable regression models, searching for health information on the internet and being aged younger than 65 years were associated with higher values of all domain scores except the domain feel safe and in control for variable age. This study demonstrates that the Serbian version of the eHLQ can be a useful tool in the measurement of EHL and in the planning of digital health interventions at the population and individual level due to its strong psychometric properties in the Serbian context.

Digital Drawing Innovation of Ornaments through Ibis Paint Application

The learning process of ornaments drawing in the Junior High School of Boyolali during the emergency period of the spread of Covid-19 was conducted online. This study follows Bord and Gall’s research and development (R&amp;D) method (1983). Data collection methods were carried out by participatory observation, in-depth interviews, closed questionnaires, and documentation, and data analysis was carried out with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The purpose of this study is to provide a foundation for students to appreciate art and use their imaginations as a trigger for their creativity. That is achievable, though, if educators provide learning in a captivating manner. One way to achieve this aim is by innovating learning media based on Android smartphones with tools like ornaments digital drawing using Ibis Paint application, which can be used by students online and offline to make them understand the subject easily. Learning media innovations can be conducted by exploring video tutorials, text, and images that are presented on a website for online and offline learning processes. The results of the test showed that the data of the material expert test are 99%, the media expert test are 98%, and the website expert test are 98%. These results conclude that innovation in learning media with material ornaments digital drawing is appropriate, relevant, and needed by students for their art appreciation and imagination expression in online and offline learning processes. The role of media in achieving learning objectives has been proven effective because students showed active behavior. Innovation in learning media simplifies the understanding of concepts through visualizations, graphics, animations, and other multimedia presentations. This helps students have a better comprehension of complex concepts. Keywords: learning media, digital drawing, ornaments

Analysis of undergraduate chemistry students’ responses to substitution reaction mechanisms: a road to mastery

Abstract This study analyzed third-year undergraduate Chemistry major students’ drawings and written explanations of substitution reactions. Seventy (70) students were purposively selected for this study. The main data collection instrument was a diagnostic test and students’ responses were analyzed using deductive coding. The study aimed to unearth students’ conceptual understanding and difficulties on substitution reactions to provide significant insights into improving teaching strategies and learning outcomes. The findings revealed that: 1. Students were more familiar with SN2 reaction mechanisms and could answer questions on SN2 reaction mechanisms better than SN1 reaction mechanisms; 2. Students’ use of ‘chemical vocabulary’ did not translate into an understanding of electron movement and causal mechanistic explanation; 3. About 97 % of the students who gave a correct/partially correct description provided a description of what was happening in the reaction without any further explanation of why the reaction occurred; 4. Students had a slightly better understanding of drawing the correct mechanisms than providing accurate explanations. This study recommends that, in teaching organic reaction mechanisms, instructors should emphasize on electron-pushing formalisms and explain how and why reactions occur to encourage mechanistic thinking in students. Also, students should be given ample practice in organic reaction mechanisms to improve mastery.

FINANCIAL EDUCATION: AN APPROACH TO EVERYDAY LIFE

This highlights the importance of exploring different calculation strategies and promoting meaningful learning, as recommended by the National Curriculum Parameters (PCNs). Despite this, many students face difficulties at the end of elementary school, showing a lack of understanding of mathematical concepts and their practical applicability. The Financial Education proposal aims to fill this gap by stimulating skills such as mental calculation, estimation and analysis of the reasonableness of results. However, the constant change of context in the exercises can make it difficult for students to understand. We therefore propose the use of tasks that stimulate the production of meanings by the students, allowing for different solving strategies and promoting discussion in the classroom. In this way, Financial Education as a cross-cutting theme in the mathematics curriculum aims to prepare students to face real-world challenges, promoting a broader and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Exploring EFL instructors’ perceptions, conceptual awareness, and actual practices about gamification: an exploratory case study in a Turkish state university

Abstract This study explores Turkish Higher Education EFL instructors’ perceptions and awareness of ‘gamification’, along with their practices of integrating it into the classroom. Through in-depth interviews with 6 instructors, the research reveals accurate conceptual understanding and alignment between instructors’ knowledge and actual gamification practices. The findings highlight positive attitudes tow1ards gamification, supporting its application across education levels and language skills, despite potential time and curriculum constraints. The study suggests valuable insights for curriculum developers and educators regarding the applicability and effectiveness of gamification in L2 teaching.

Development science modules interactive of shared type to increase reading interest and concept understanding

This research and development aims to produce shared-type interactive e-modules on energy sub-materials and energy sources. The e-module development model uses ADDIE by integrating energy transformation materials, energy applications in living things, as well as energy source-forming compounds. In field trials, using a type of pre-experiment research with a one-group pretest-posttest design. This research was carried out at SMPIT Bakti Insani class VII with saturated sampling technique. The data collection technique uses essay questions to find out the results of understanding the concept and a likert scale questionnaire to find out the results of reading interest. The data analysis technique uses a paired T test with the aim of seeing the significance of the e-module to reading interest and concept understanding and the n gain test to see an increase in the value of reading interest and concept understanding. Based on theoretical feasibility tests by experts, an average of 40.4 with excellent categories and empirical feasibility tests by students were 63.75 with excellent categories. Based on the development and research, it can be concluded that 1) the shared type interactive science e-module product is feasible to use with an excellent category; 2) the shared type interactive science e-module affects the interest in reading and understanding concepts with a significance of 0.000; 3) the shared-type interactive science e-module is able to increase reading interest by 0.52 with medium category and increase understanding of concepts 0.81 with high category.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Team-Based Electrochemistry Module in a Large Undergraduate Class

Introductory chemistry courses at the undergraduate level offer students a foundation in chemistry principles and an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills. These principles and skill sets are widely applicable across disciplines, and thus first year chemistry courses are a gateway for many programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While first-year chemistry courses are essential for STEM students, the resulting large-enrolment classes in universities can lead to challenges in implementing active learning and in helping students to reach the course learning outcomes. The evolving field of Chemistry Education Research (CER) offers data and insight for improving teaching and learning strategies at the undergraduate level. We propose and evaluate an electrochemistry team-based problem-solving module as an active learning component of a large, first-year, blended chemistry course. In this paper, we explore the process for developing the module and evaluate this learning approach through focus groups, a large class survey, and student experience interviews. Through a preliminary case study approach, our findings suggest the interactive module is useful for enhancing conceptual understanding and problem-solving in chemistry, and improving academic confidence in electrochemistry learning outcomes. Moreover, students valued their engagement with the team-based problem-solving modules as an opportunity to build community, learn collaboratively, and successfully approach relevant problems.

Risk and time preferences in individuals with lifestyle-related and non-lifestyle-related cardiovascular diseases: a pilot study

ObjectivesTo (1) pilot a study of behavioural characterisation based on risk and time preferences in clinically well-characterised individuals, (2) assess the distribution of preferences in this population and (3) explore...

A short review on deciphering Vyadhikshamatva: insights from HLA-B27-ankylosing spondylitis relation.

Various aspects of the concept of Vyadhikshamatva have been thoroughly explored, highlighting its profound significance in resisting disease manifestation, particularly in the context of Ankylosing spondylitis. Investigated the relationship between HLA-B27 and Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by examining current knowledge and hypotheses Furthermore, efforts were made to portray the influence of prakruti (constitution) and balam (strength) on disease manifestation and progression. Ayurvedic literature along with contemporary research works was analyzed for correlating various aspects like vyadhikshamatva,oja (The final essence of all body elements), and balam along with their influence on the defensive mechanism of the body. A thorough literature search was conducted to explore the strong association between HLA-B27 and AS by examining various hypotheses like the Arthritogenic peptide hypothesis, the Misfolding hypothesis, the Surface Homodimer hypothesis, and the β2 microglobulin hypothesis that attempts to explain the pathogenic role of HLA-B27 in AS. Alongside classical Ayurvedic texts, databases like PubMed and Scopus were searched using keywords such as Immunity, Ankylosing spondylitis, Vyadhikshamatva, HLA-B27, Balam, and Autoimmune disorder with the help of Boolean operators. The review highlighted the critical role of Vyadhikshamatva in disease prevention, particularly in influencing the manifestation of conditions like AS despite genetic predisposition (HLA-B27). Further, the understanding of the Ayurvedic concepts can clearly explain the conflict that has arisen in the determination of the positive HLAB27 gene in Ankylosing Spondylitis as a definite diagnosing criteria. This comprehensive understanding will uplift the need for personalized medicine in disease management. Further research must be needed to understand the interaction between genetic factors (HLAb27), individual constitution, and their vyadikshamatva.

The impact of instructional design on language acquisition in multilingual STEM classrooms

This conceptual review investigates the profound influence of instructional design on language acquisition within the dynamic context of multilingual STEM classrooms. In an era marked by the intersection of diverse linguistic backgrounds and the growing emphasis on STEM education, understanding how instructional strategies can facilitate language learning alongside scientific inquiry is imperative. This paper navigates through the intricate terrain of curriculum development to elucidate strategies to foster environments conducive to language acquisition and scientific exploration. The strategies for seamlessly integrating language objectives into STEM lessons are central to this exploration. The paper underscores the importance of deliberate planning to embed language proficiency goals within the framework of scientific concepts, thereby facilitating a holistic approach to learning. Furthermore, it illuminates the role of collaborative learning activities in nurturing language skills, emphasizing the synergy between peer interaction and linguistic development. Through collaborative endeavors, students engage in meaningful discourse, negotiating language use while collectively constructing scientific knowledge. Moreover, the review delves into the efficacy of scaffolded instruction as a cornerstone for supporting students' linguistic and cognitive development. By providing structured support tailored to learners' proficiency levels, scaffolded instruction scaffolds students' language acquisition journey while concurrently scaffolding their understanding of complex STEM concepts. This targeted approach not only cultivates language fluency but also fosters conceptual mastery, ensuring equitable access to STEM education for all students regardless of linguistic backgrounds. This conceptual review offers insights into the intricate interplay between instructional design and language acquisition within multilingual STEM classrooms. By delineating strategies for embedding language objectives, fostering collaborative learning, and implementing scaffolded instruction, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing educational practices that empower students to thrive linguistically and scientifically in the multicultural landscape of modern education. Keywords: Instructional Design, Language Acquisition, Multilingual, Stem Classrooms, Curriculum Development, Scaffolded Instruction.

Exploration of virtual reality as a tool for simulating leadership and teamwork situations among university students

In the current educational context, virtual reality emerges as a revolutionary tool. By immersing students in immersive simulated environments, it facilitates deep understanding of abstract concepts and practical application of knowledge. The present study seeks to analyze the application of virtual reality as a tool to improve leadership and teamwork skills among university students through a literature review. A literature review of existing literature on the topic of virtual reality and its application in higher education was carried out, focusing specifically on studies that address the simulation of leadership and teamwork situations. Relevant research that provided insight into the benefits and challenges of VR in this context was selected and reviewed. The results of the literature review revealed a variety of studies that support the potential of virtual reality to improve the leadership and teamwork skills of university students. Virtual reality has been found to provide immersive experiences, safe environments, and immediate feedback that promote the development of these skills. However, challenges such as assessing the impact and accessibility of the technology have also been identified.

Implementation of sustainability principles in landscape architecture education: an examination of faculty attitudes and course syllabi

Purpose This study aims to investigate the integration of education for sustainable development (ESD) into landscape architecture (LA) programs in North American universities to understand its benefits and challenges and provide insights into the implementation of sustainability principles, pedagogies and teaching methods. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed survey data from 128 LA faculty members from 85 Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture member schools. The survey assessed the implementation of sustainability principles, pedagogies, teaching benefits and challenges to integrating sustainability into their courses. To complement the survey data, 62 LA course syllabi were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify the topics covered, learning objectives and learning activities. Findings The study revealed that LA programs incorporate sustainability topics in various courses using project-based and interdisciplinary learning approaches. Integrating ESD into LA curricula promotes sustainability literacy, improved understanding of sustainability concepts and the development of sustainability skills. The study also found positive correlations between teaching methods, the enhancement of sustainability literacy and the development of design and planning skills. Originality/value This research examined the effects of teaching methods on student learning outcomes and the challenges instructors faced, providing practical insights into the integration of ESD in LA education. It offers recommendations to enhance the ESD knowledge of future LA practitioners, considering the inclusion of ESD as a core value of the standard by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

Volleyball Players' Performance During Competition and Its Relation to The Coach's Familiarity with The Pedagogical Requirements of Training

The study outlines the necessary training requirements for a coach to achieve athletic excellence in players. These factors include the coach's scientific knowledge, such as their understanding of scientific concepts related to modern coaching and assessment methods, knowledge of fundamentals and training methods, ability to instill personal qualities in players, and knowledge of teaching and learning methods. Additionally, the coach's personal qualities in relation to the players are important, including their behavior, ability to develop a spirit of competition, socialization, and team spirit, and understanding of the educational aspects of coaching. Finally, the coach's application of scientific knowledge in training is crucial, including mastery of the training load, game plans, and the organizational aspects of matches. Furthermore, the coach's understanding of the selection criteria is recognized as a crucial element in enhancing player performance.

An Assessment of the Active Learning Worksheets in an Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology Course

Anatomy &amp; Physiology I is a demanding gateway science course for community college students. It is particularly challenging for underrepresented Hispanic students who must navigate course content, language barriers, and work-related time constraints. This paper introduces a new active learning strategy to promote meaningful learning and conceptual understanding of Anatomy &amp; Physiology, enhancing students' academic success. The teaching strategy incorporates enhanced lecture presentations and discussions. It also includes periodic pauses for students to engage in active learning activities aligned with learning outcomes. These activities spark student interest and provide immediate feedback on their understanding of challenging topics. The study indicates that the pass rate, mainly grades of C+ and above (a requirement in all nursing courses), was consistently higher for active learning participants than those who attended traditional lectures. This evidence suggests that an active learning environment boosts academic performance among our ethnically diverse students.