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number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,030
Research on English writing skills has been a significant focus in the field of English language teaching and learning. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of writing skills in language acquisition, while also highlighting the challenges students face in developing these skills. This study takes a fresh perspective by investigating the level of apprehension in essay writing and identifying factors that negatively impact the English writing abilities of English-major students at a university in Ho Chi Minh City. A total of 135 third-year English-major students completed a questionnaire, and 10 students participated in semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the questionnaire data using SPSS. The findings revealed a relatively high level of essay writing apprehension among third-year English-major students. The study further identified various factors, including teachers, students, and the course itself, that contribute to this apprehension. The data from the semi-structured interviews provided additional insights to support these findings. Based on the study's outcomes, recommendations are offered to enhance the teaching and learning of writing skills.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 2,702
English-medium instruction (EMI) has been considered a key strategy in internationalizing the education system in many countries. Its popularity has brought both benefits and drawbacks to the learners. This study was aimed at investigating the positive and negative effects of EMI programs at a university in North Central Vietnam from students’ perspectives. The study involved 137 participants, who were studying in an English as medium instruction program in a university in Vietnam. An explanatory mixed-methods approach was used in data collection through a questionnaire and follow-up interviews. From the data analysis, it was found that EMI courses benefited their learners in terms of job opportunities, English language proficiency, and social skills. However, the results also indicated that EMI students faced many difficulties relating to teaching and learning methodology and psychological issues during their learning process. Different pedagogical implications are put forward to improve the quality of EMI programs in the Vietnamese context.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,035
The Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) is an important instrument to measure students’ approaches to learning. However, the construct validity of the measurement used is not always sufficiently evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity of ASSIST with 1155 Senior One students studying in 17 Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (MICSS). The Rasch model was employed, focusing on local independence, dimensionality and measurement invariance analyses. The results confirmed the three-factor structure of ASSIST and supported the unidimensionality of the three scales. There was also no evidence of a violation of the principle of local independence for all pairs of item residuals and negligible evidence of differential item functioning (DIF) on gender and course. These results indicate that ASSIST has good construct validity and can be used as a tool for measuring students’ approaches to learning. Using the Rasch model, measures are of an interval scale, and empirical evidence about the item clusters, dimensionality and measurement invariance can be determined. Additionally, issues pertaining to dimensionality, item dependency and non-equivalency across subgroups can be detected at an early stage of the instrument development to be addressed properly in the subsequent instrument administration.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,054
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, online education has emerged as a popular teaching method, supported by advancements in technology and communication. The development of computer technology and the widespread availability of internet connections have facilitated the transition from traditional classrooms to online platforms. However, both educational institutions and learners have encountered numerous challenges in the process of online education. Schools struggle to determine suitable technological setups, and collaboration among administrators, teachers, and students has proven ineffective. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research to identify an appropriate model for educational institutions. This study involves the participation of 12 instructors and 360 students from a university of pedagogy in Hanoi, with the objective of proposing a suitable online teaching tool and defining the roles of the participants. The research results suggest a model of an online learning space that utilizes Google Workspace tools, enabling the learning and working community to engage in online activities within a large, centrally managed environment. This teaching model offers easier access, a user-friendly experience, effectiveness, and simplicity in management and instruction for online education.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,019
Objective measurement of students’ reasoning competencies in science contexts is relevant in promoting educational reforms in science education. Over the years, progression-based assessments have been prompted by applying Rasch analysis in developing research instruments. Towards contributing to this reform, this study describes the development and validation of the Chemical Identity Thinking Instrument, which is anchored on a hypothesized progression of chemical identity thinking among premedical students. Item content validity indices were determined to inform item restructuring and revision. The research instrument was administered to 362 first-year to third-year pre-medical students from five higher education institutions in the Philippines. A scoring rubric was utilized to evaluate the accuracy of answers, the accuracy of explanations, and the type of explanations of students. Based on these parameters, the level of chemical identity thinking of the students was determined. By applying the Rasch rating scale model, evidence of reliability and construct validity was obtained. The applications of the instrument and the scoring rubric were discussed in the context of assessment and evaluation in pre-medical programs. The interpretation of changes in student abilities along the hypothesized levels of chemical identity thinking in all items was also described.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,822
The study explores students' perceptions of the effectiveness of PowerPoint used by their tutors for teaching and learning at a teacher education college in Bhutan. The study adopts the theory of social constructivism as the foundation for inquiry, employing an embedded mixed method design. A total of 250 students from all academic programs responded to the survey questionnaire. To gather qualitative data, four focus group discussions were conducted, with each group consisting of seven participants, selected through purposive sampling. The key findings indicate that PowerPoint is perceived as an effective teaching and learning tool when it is pedagogically wellconstructed, incorporating interactive student activities and group discussions. The study highlights the need for further enhancement and refinement of tutors' capacity in terms of PowerPoint design, creativity, and the use of interactive tools and features. The findings also underscore the importance of establishing a formal student feedback system to evaluate tutors' PowerPoint design, use of physical ambience, and teaching pedagogy for effective teaching and learning. The study recommends enhancing tutors' knowledge and skills in PowerPoint through professional development programs, as well as advocating for further research in this field.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,697
Online universities have been overgrown since the 1980s due to technological development. When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, traditional universities and colleges were forced to shift to online learning. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric of online university research from 1997 to 2021 based on retrieval of the Scopus database. The bibliometric analysis revealed the number of publications, the most prominent countries, authors, journal sources, and critical articles based on citations and the most relevant research topics. Since the first paper was published in 1997, annual publications in online university research have increased rapidly to 1.5 - 2 times every five years. The United States, Spain, and Korea are the top three countries regarding the number of Online university studies. However, it is the authors from Korea who have the most publications. These findings could provide information to researchers and practitioners to better understand Online universities in the experiential and digital era.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 959
Implementing a policy to enhance continuous training for professionals in the Cuban educational system has prompted a diagnostic assessment of the university model and, more specifically, the English language education program. One of the proposed solutions to graduate competent professionals in this language is to improve the English training process in higher education. A management study was conducted to accomplish this goal. This study focuses on the Language Centre of Pinar del Rio University. It aims to present the key aspects of the English training process management that have led to its improvement. The research employed theoretical methods such as historical-logical, analysis-synthesis, modelling, and empirical methods such as document analysis, observation, and group interviews. The study involved 135 students starting the policy, 21 English teachers from the language centre, and 20 from non-English subjects. The findings highlight the essential aspects of management that have contributed to improving English language education at the university.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 999
This study aimed to assess the level of understanding of critical literacy learning among 4th-grade teachers in Madiun City. The research was conducted at the Madiun City Education Office between March and July 2022, using a quantitative survey method. The study population comprised all 4thgrade teachers in elementary schools within the city, with a sample size of 108 teachers selected through simple random sampling using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistical techniques, including data editing, tabulation, analysis, and conclusion. Results indicated that the overall understanding of critical literacy learning among 4th-grade teachers in Madiun City was good, with the highest level of understanding found in the classification aspect and the lowest level of understanding found in the explaining aspect, categorized as very good and fair, respectively. To enhance the critical literacy understanding of 4th-grade teachers in Madiun City, collaboration among teachers, school principals, and the Madiun City Education Office is necessary.
number: /2023
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,479
The research was conducted to study the effects of Self-Instructional Materials (SIM) Volume I and II on student learning at Dagapela Middle Secondary School in line with the mandates of the Ministry of Education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Students ranging from pre-primary to class 10 participated in the study, and data was collected using survey questionnaires and interviews (N=53, with items rated at σ=0.7). The study followed a mixed method approach (Parallel Convergent Mixed Method) combining quantitative and qualitative data. The findings were integrated from both data analyses. The results indicate that secondary grade students were comfortable using SIM for their learning, while lower primary grade students experienced more challenges than opportunities due to the lack of guidance from teachers and support from parents. The study concludes that independent learning materials should be developed for secondary and upper-primary students, aligned with their learning abilities and resource materials. However, similar materials for lower primary students may be ineffective.