Retail Quest: Student Perceptions of a Virtual Field Trip App

The world is changing so fast, and therefore education needs to adapt to the challenges of times. In order to update the content of school education in the Republic of Kazakhstan modern trends are going to be used. These trends contain pedagogical methods that can be used to preserve and even increase internal motivation, as active learning. Active learning method is an treatment where students participate or interact with the learning process, as opposed to passively taking in the information.The goal of this study is to identify the impact of active learning method on 10th grade students’ attitude towards mathematics of the students the second semester of the school year 2019-2020. More specifically, it attempted to determine and compare the attitude toward mathematics of students’ exposure to active learning and traditional teaching strategy. The Likert scale used to evaluate the attitude of students toward mathematics. Mean, Cronbach value, T-test were the statistical tools used in anatomizing and interpreting the research data. The discovering showed that the students in the active learning group had auspicious attitude than students in the conventional teaching group. According to the findings after research, we saw the direct relation between attitude and active learning. It is concluded that the students’ attitude toward mathematics was better by using active learning strategy. It is recommended that mathematics teacher should use active learning strategy in order to improve the attitude toward mathematics of the students.Keywords: attitude, mathematics, active learning

Open educational resources (OERs) are teaching, learning, and research resources that have been made available such that they can be used, shared, and modified freely. Motivated by recent OER development successes, an interdisciplinary team at a Sino-foreign Higher Education Institution in China, University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), have been engaged in the creation of a new virtual reality (VR) OER, initially aimed at students and educators in the institution's Civil Engineering department. The VR OER centres around the creation of a virtual field trip (VFT), capturing knowledge and experience not often available to students. This paper examines the background and motivations to the project, outlining the strategies and cooperation so far employed, and explores the progress and challenges encountered. Anticipated further challenges, and potential mitigation, as the project continues are also discussed.

The rise of the virtual field trip was unprecedent in 2020 and 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual field trips aim to replicate the learning outcomes and experiences of actual field trips, by providing a digital alternative to in-field courses. They provide valuable opportunities for those unable to visit the field and alternative learning experiences for those that can. However, understanding their efficacy in term of learning outcomes, the effectiveness of learning support offered, and cohort cohesion generally remains untested. Here we show how negative aspects of a virtual field trip both pre- and post-course are countered by positive outcomes in terms of breadth of learning outcomes and experience. As part of our analysis, we tested methods to mitigate barriers to inclusion and learning on a virtual field trip including internet connectivity and hardware access, use of printed workbooks, and limitations to interaction, support and cohort cohesion. Our results show that although negative perceptions, as evidenced through questionnaire responses, are dominant, with 71 %–88 % of respondents commenting on these aspects across both student and staff cohorts pre- and post-course; positive aspects of virtual field trips (43 %–57 %) also feature highly. Students show a positive shift in their perception of online teaching and learning over the course with positive comments moving from 19 % pre-course to 71 % post-course, whereas positive comments by staff are low pre- and post-course at 14 %. Printed workbooks, staff: student ratios and interaction are received positively. Overall, we find that negative perceptions of virtual field trips pre- and post-course exist, but that both students and staff identify positive elements including breadth of learning outcomes, particularly regarding data synthesis and analysis. We suggest ways to learn from these findings to design virtual field trips that deliver effectively in blended learning environments for the benefit of all.

The rise of the virtual field trip was unprecedent in 2020 and 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual field trips aim to replicate the learning outcomes and experiences of actual field trips, by providing a digital alternative to in-field courses. They provide valuable opportunities for those unable to visit the field and alternative learning experiences for those that can. However, understanding their efficacy in term of learning outcomes, the effectiveness of learning support offered, and cohort cohesion generally remains untested. Here we show how negative aspects of a virtual field trip both pre- and post-course are countered by positive outcomes in terms of breadth of learning outcomes and experience. As part of our analysis, we tested methods to mitigate barriers to inclusion and learning on a virtual field trip including internet connectivity and hardware access, use of printed workbooks, and limitations to interaction, support and cohort cohesion. Our results show that although negative perceptions, as evidenced through questionnaire responses, are dominant, with 71 %–88 % of respondents commenting on these aspects across both student and staff cohorts pre- and post-course; positive aspects of virtual field trips (43 %–57 %) also feature highly. Students show a positive shift in their perception of online teaching and learning over the course with positive comments moving from 19 % pre-course to 71 % post-course, whereas positive comments by staff are low pre- and post-course at 14 %. Printed workbooks, staff: student ratios and interaction are received positively. Overall, we find that negative perceptions of virtual field trips pre- and post-course exist, but that both students and staff identify positive elements including breadth of learning outcomes, particularly regarding data synthesis and analysis. We suggest ways to learn from these findings to design virtual field trips that deliver effectively in blended learning environments for the benefit of all.

While open educational resources (OER) have gained popularity, nearly three quarters of faculty are not aware they are available for use. However, when used, they are well received and do not negatively impact quality of learning. OER can be used within a variety of platforms, including software that aims to be more interactive and engage students in active learning and assessment. One such platform is Top Hat, which was used by the authors of this study to develop a textbook for an introductory exercise science course. We assessed student’s perceptions of Top Hat and barriers to use for reading their textbook and for class assessments over the course of two years. A total of 486 students were registered for this course. Although two thirds of students had previous experience with Top Hat and half of those used the textbook feature, students (n = 39, 38%) were apprehensive about reading their textbook online via Top Hat. However, these feelings resolved as students became comfortable with the platform’s features. Nearly 80% of students have sometimes or never acquired their textbooks before the start of the semester, despite 96% who expressed the importance of having their materials accessible online and available on or before the first day of the course. This indicated that students understood the importance of having their materials for the start of the semester, however they perceived the barriers of purchasing books to be greater. Therefore, using OER and Top Hat removed student learning barriers and had potential to increase course participation and success.

Faculty motivations to use active learning among pharmacy educators

Although the relationship between student motivation, self-perception, and achievement in science education is well established, there is still a lack of focused studies on these aspects at the lower secondary level, particularly in private school settings where student demographics and learning environments may pose unique challenges. The purpose of this study is to: (1) assess lower secondary students' motivation and self-concept in scientific learning; and (2), using correlational analysis and qualitative feedback, determine ways to improve these aspects. Using a quantitative descriptive survey design, this study assessed 60 grade 7-9 students from a private lower secondary school. The Students’ Motivation Toward Science Learning (SMTSL) and adapted Chemistry Self-Concept Inventory (CSCI) measured motivation and self-concept, respectively. Data analysis included mean scores for both variables and Spearman’s rank correlation (accounting for Liker-scale ordinality and non-normal distributions). A moderate-high level of motivation (Active learning strategies [ALS]=4.0-4.1 highest, Performance Goal [PG]=2.8-3.1 lowest) and self-concept (Positive Perception of Science Self Concept [PSSC]=3.8-3.9 highest, Mathematic Self-Concept [MSC]=2.9-3.2 lowest) with moderate positive correlation (r = 0.572, p < 0.001) underscores that self-concept and motivation are interrelated, suggests interventions should simultaneously promote active learning (to enhance ALS) while addressing mathematical confidence (to improve MSC). These findings suggest that teachers can boost engagement through active learning and confidence-building strategies, while school and policymakers should design targete interventions to support students with low scientific confidence and high performance pressure.

It is the teacher’s responsibility in paying serious attention on highlighting the 21st century way of learning in transforming the education system, focusing on equipping students with communication skills, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. This 21st century learning requires suitable teaching aids to achieve the learning objectives. Online game-based learning is considered as one of the new methods, which is capable of raising sudents' engagement and active learning. This study aimed to obtain the pre-university students' perception on the usage of Kahoot! in enhancing their engagement and active learning in the Biology classroom. In addition, this study also aimed to identify the dominant factors that encourage students to engage in learning and facilitating sessions in order to enhance students' active learning. A quantitative research methodology using survey was implemented in this study. A total of 100 students from pre-university colleges at the northern Malaysia were involved as the sample of this study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 to obtain descriptive analysis as well as inferential analysis. The findings indicated that the students believed that Kahoot! can attract them to participate in learning sessions and enhance the students' active learning. Students also agreed that the dominant factors that it motivates them to engage in learning and facilitate sessions, as there is a good interaction and communication between partners and teachers. Hence the findings of this study are expected to encourage teachers especially in pre-university level to integrate the usage of online game approaches such as Kahoot! in Biology subjects to enhance the students' engagement and active learning. This is in line with the needs of the current pedagogy that further stimulates the atmosphere of active learning in the classroom leading towards the revolution industry 4.0 and the 21st century learning.

This study aims to investigate how EFL teachers decide on and adapt teaching strategies for young learners in ELT classrooms and explore strategies teachers use to encourage independent language learning. The research was conducted as a case study in an academic English course in Batam and involved three experienced EFL teachers. Data collection methods included observation checklists, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of lesson plans. Descriptive analysis was applied to observation checklists and document reviews, while thematic analysis was used for interview data. The findings underscore the importance of flexible teaching methods that emphasize student engagement and align instructional activities with learning goals. They highlight the necessity of customizing teaching strategies to students' backgrounds and interests and efficiently utilizing classroom resources to promote active learning and enhance educational outcomes in EFL contexts, thereby fostering autonomous learning among students. In conclusion, effective EFL teaching involves integrating student engagement, active learning strategies, customized teaching approaches, and adequate classroom resources. The implications stress the importance of a holistic approach to EFL learning that prioritizes student engagement, active and independent learning, effective technology use, and continuous professional development for EFL teachers

Therapists’ active learning increases treatment fidelity, but research is needed on supervisory strategies to engage therapists in active learning. This study used sequential analysis to examine consultant behaviors associated with increased and decreased probability of eliciting therapists’ active learning. The study included 162 consultation sessions from 27 community therapists implementing Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up. Consultants’ client discussion, information provision, and modeling were associated with reduced likelihood of active learning. Consultants’ questions, engagement in active learning strategies, use of video, and silence were associated with greater likelihood of therapist active learning. These findings inform supervisors’ attempts to encourage active learning.

Driven and influenced by learning theory and information technology, the form of the classroom environment in higher education is constantly changing. While traditional lecture classrooms focus on efficient learning modes and economical space layouts, active learning classrooms focus more on active learning psychology and adaptive space perception. Although existing studies have explored the development of educational and technological domains in the classroom, a comparative study of these two classroom environments and students’ learning perceptions has not been conducted. Hence, using a questionnaire, this study collected subjective perception reports from 316 students in traditional lecture classrooms versus active learning classrooms. By analyzing Likert scales of student satisfaction in two classroom environments, the study found the following: learning support dimensions in both classroom environments required improvements; space and furniture perception, physical and decorative environment are critical factors in improving students’ perceptions in the lecture classroom; space perception is the critical factor in enhancing students’ perception in the active learning classroom. These findings can serve as good references and useful insights for future classroom design and optimization to build enriched and inclusive learning environments to help students gain a more positive perception of learning.

While traditional, teacher-centered teaching has been a staple of college teaching, active learning has gained popularity. This article describes mock trials, a form of active learning. We utilize a quasi-experimental design to assess the effects of student participation in mock trials on their self-perceived learning and their actual learning of class materials. Based on pre- and post-trial surveys of 288 students, we analyze student views about their learning. Our results demonstrate that participation in mock trials not only increases students’ perceptions of learning but also increases their familiarity with the criminal procedural rules used in different countries. While our study is housed within the context of a comparative criminal justice class, our approach can easily be adjusted to other criminal justice classes, including those focused on the court system or criminal procedure.

Existing meta-analyses have shown that active learning strategies are effective in improving students’ learning performance. However, their implementation may vary across school levels. This study investigated differences among elementary, middle, and high school teachers in the use of teaching strategies, including those that promote active learning and pedagogical beliefs. We also explored differences in the relationships between beliefs about teaching and learning, teaching experience, and teaching strategies for active learning across school levels. An online survey was conducted with 550 in-service elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Participants completed a questionnaire that measured their teaching strategies, beliefs about teaching and learning, and teaching experience. The results revealed differences in the frequency of use of six teaching strategies, including those that promoted active learning. Elementary school teachers used teaching strategies that promoted active learning most frequently, followed by middle and high school teachers. There were no differences in teachers’ beliefs about teaching and learning across school levels. Multigroup structural equation modeling indicated no differences in the influence of beliefs about teaching and learning on active learning teaching strategies among school levels, except that the traditional conception was negatively associated with the implementation of active learning in middle school. Constructivist beliefs were positively associated with active learning strategies across all levels, whereas teaching experience was negatively associated with teaching strategies that promoted student output at the higher school level. These findings have implications for the implementation of active learning, particularly at higher school levels.

This study aimed at identifying the impact of using some active learning (AL)strategies in a Curricula and Teaching Methods Course on the learning motivation level and the development of Critical Thinking Skills among the Faculty of Arts at Al-Zaytoonah University (ZUJ) students. The study subjects were (61) male and female students selected from the Curricula and Teaching Methods Course of the Faculty of Arts at ZUJ. The study adopted the quasi-experimental approach. To answer the two questions of the study, the Learning Motivation Scale consisting of (35) paragraphs, and the Critical Thinking Skills Test consisting of (34) paragraphs were constructed. The study results revealed that there are significant differences between the means of the scores of the students of the Curricula and Teaching Methods course between the experimental group and the control group on the Learning Motivation Scale and the Critical Thinking Skills Test that can be attributed to using AL strategies. Therefore, the researcher recommended the use of learning outcomes related to learning motivation and critical thinking skills.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent technological advancements have given rise to the use of active, interactive, and innovative learning strategies in Higher Education in India that help in promoting collaborative learning. The aim of introducing flipped classroom strategy using some active learning strategies is to evaluate its effectiveness in use and academic performance, develop managerial, problem solving, creativity, and innovative skills in students, the need of the hour in the present situation where 80% of the engineering graduates are unemployable (aspiring minds report, 2019) and to arouse interest in the management courses which are given little emphasis by engineering students in their undergraduate program and which is affecting their placement because of the backlogs in Management courses. This strategy is used for the Management Science course, which is a common paper for all the engineering branches of III/IV B.Tech students. The results showed that the students were highly engaged in learning; interest was aroused in the subject, and there was drastic progress in academic performance, as well as improved problem-solving, creativity, managerial, and innovative skills.