bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging technologies for learning in occupational safety and health: the experience of the videogame “Becoming safe”
Authors: Pietrafesa Emma , Bentivenga Rosina , Stabile Sara
Published: July 2021

In the paths for transversal skills and orientation (PCTO), italian students are considered like workers and therefore they must receive adequate information and training on occupational safety and health (OSH). These methods allow the students not to be excluded from the preventive measures of the health and safety at work by directing them towards self-protection.Today, this process can be supported through the use of digital tools such as videogames. The study describes a participative research and co-design work in 7 Italian high schools of agricultural, construction and manufacturing sectors, in order to co-create an educational tool (videogame) to promote OSH during the PCTO. The format could be a support for training and usable both in the classroom and in internship, according to the indications for the serious game’s design.The study applied qualitative and quantitative methods: survey (277 students), word cafés/focus groups (50 students), 10 semi-structured interviews and 3 WhatsApp groups (12 students) to facilitate the participation and the engagement of teachers, students and OSH experts. Learning by playing has always been an activity, technologies today make it easy and funny, while gaming can offer cognitive and operational elements suitable for recognizing and therefore preventing the occupational risks.
Students’ Behaviours in using Learning Resources in Higher Education: How do behaviours reflect success in Programming Education?
Authors: Mai Tai Tan , Crane Martin , Bezbradica Marija
Published: July 2021

Programming education traditionally has been an important part of Information Technology-related degrees but, more recently, it is also becoming essential in many STEM domains as well. Despite this, drop-out rates in programming courses in higher education institutions are considerable and cannot be ignored. At the same time, analysing learning behaviours has been reported to be an effective way to support the improvement of teaching and learning quality. This article aims to deliver an in-depth analysis of students’ learning behaviours when using course material items. We analyse an introductory programming course at a University in Dublin. The dataset is extracted from automatically logged learning data from a bespoke online learning system. The analysis makes use of the power of Principal Component Analysis and Random Matrix Theory to reduce dimensionality in, and to extract information from, the data, verifying the results with rigorous statistical tests. Overall, we found that all the students follow a common learning pattern in accessing all given learning items. However, there is a noticeable difference between higher and lower-performing cohorts of students when using practical and theoretical learning items. The high performing students have been consistently active in practice during the study progress. On the other hand, the students who failed the exam have more recorded activities in reading lecture notes and appear to become discouraged and unmotivated from the practical activities, especially in the later stage of the semester.
Combining experimentation and reflection techniques in behavioral competency development programs: A learning approach based on journaling and peer coaching
Authors: Cortellazzo Laura , Bonesso Sara , Gerli Fabrizio
Published: July 2021

Behiavioral competencies are key determinants of individual performance and literature has recently started to devote attention on those methodological approaches that can effectively promote their development. According to Dewey, individuals do not learn from experience, but they learn from reflecting on experience. In this paper, we draw on the Dewey’s idea and we investigate if reflective practices through journaling and peer coaching can improve the learning experience of individuals engaged in a competency development program. After introducing the prior research that emphasized the positive impact of these two reflective techniques, the paper illustrates how journaling and peer coaching has been introduced as a part of a competency development program. Preliminary insights from the empirical case show that self-directed learning requires a reflection process that helps individuals to better understand their current behavior, their progresses, and opportunities for change. Journaling was found especially useful to increase one’s self-awareness and self-confidence, whereas peer coaching allowed students create a social bond, share their experiences and receive a direct feedback from a peer. The paper also illustrates the limits of these reflective practices, discussing the interventions that can be implemented to maximize their learning benefits.
Engaging Physics Tutoring: A didactical toolbox for teaching assistants (TAs)
Authors: Bondar Vira , Nuber Jonas , Zeyen Manuel , Schiltz Guillaume , Dissertori Günther
Published: July 2021

In this paper we present a project dedicated to the development of a didactical toolbox of material for teaching assistants (TAs) supervising exercise classes for non-physics majors at ETH Zurich.  With our materials we were able to support TAs in preparing high-quality exercise sessions for their class which go beyond direct instruction and activate students intellectually and emotionally. The materials are developed for 13 exercise sessions and are presented in the form of an eBook.  The materials were immediately used by several TAs in dedicated focus groups. The positive feedback of students and TAs suggests that our material helped to activate and engage the students, enhancing their learning - even in the challenging setting of online teaching.
A learner-centered approach to design a Computational Finance module in higher education
Authors: Perrotta Adamaria
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we describe our design of ACM30070 “Computational Finance”, a core module in the BSc in Financial Mathematics in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The over-arching purpose of this module is to help students to develop mathematical, statistical and coding skills, along with significant knowledge and critical thinking, that allows them to effectively construct, manipulate and visualize financial datasets and to build financial mathematical models. The use of computation and a FinTech software (FinCad Analytics) are pointed out as essential to facilitate sensemaking in computational finance. More broadly, we discuss the education-research based rationale behind the “learning by doing” and “flipped classroom” institutional models that we have chosen for ACM30070, and we show how the modern “inclusive” definition of computation has been embedded into the learning activities. An accurate description of the design principles and implementation is also presented. At the end of the paper, we briefly introduce a discipline-based education research that will follow from this module design.
Arts-therapy as innovative educational strategy for embodied narrative, lifelong learning and inclusion
Authors: Aleandri Gabriella , Battista Fernando
Published: July 2021

Art, artistic expression and arts-therapy can be an opportunity to the pedagogy need to develop effective, innovative and avant-garde visions and strategies on issues considered crucial for cohesion and inclusion, in particular regarding migration issue. Dance-movement-therapy is central to this project which is configured as art-based research in the educational / intercultural field. It is a political-pedagogical project starting within the school context to open up to the territory. The research question therefore aims to verify whether art-therapy can create inclusive and intercultural environments, integrate with autobiographical methods through embodied narratives and stimulate self-awareness and lifelong learning. Main aims are: analyzing ways of inclusion, making significant and transformative changes to growth processes, modifying prejudices and stereotypes. The research, moving within the theoretical and methodological framework of the research-intervention, followed a mixed method preserving its qualitative nature, following the phenomenological and hermeneutic approach and, at the same time, using a questionnaire (Pettigrew, Meertens, 1995), which characterized the quantitative part. Among the main results, the discovery of feeling directed towards new perspectives from which to look at the world, more aware and proactive, emerged. Results have strengthened the choice of adopting a such innovative integrated educational strategy for inclusion and lifelong learning.
Fostering Research and e-Learning-Communities’ Integration: a MOOC on the project DETECt.
Authors: Pireddu Roberta , Baetens Jan , Truyen Frederik
Published: July 2021

This paper provides an overview of the methodologies and infrastructures used to build a MOOC based on the European Union’s funded project DETECt. Despite the many advances in terms of course architecture and improvement of the learning tools, the question around the right methods and approaches to design humanities-oriented MOOCs is still very debated. This research project aims to open up the traditional implementation of e-learning environments, which are often based on the use of conventional educational approaches and tools, through the combination of a multi-layer, research-oriented learning platform and blended pedagogical approaches.
Cross-border Previous Learning Recognition: Enhancing Lifelong Learning and Social Inclusion
Authors: Cobos Rius Helena , Boumeggoti Driss , Fortó Areny Josep , Sabrià Bernadó Betlem
Published: July 2021

Regarded as a social advancement tool, Previous Learning Recognition (RPL) processes' development in cross-border regions should enable the transferring of qualified and Higher Education graduated workforce across territories. Within the project LLL-Transversalis, French universities have been establishing RPL assessement events with international participants (Spanish and Andorran) in order to build a cross-border RPL system in the Pyrenees region. This paper exposes the characteristiques of these unique RPL processes and the results obtained. So far, eleven events have been developed, accrediting students in the domains of Engineering, Tourism and Management. Jurys were compounded on average of 7 members from both academic and professional worlds and observers from Spain and Andorra were present. Feedback from international participants is highly positive. Due to the economic and social crisis caused by Covid-19, cross-border and national RPL could turn out to be an effective way to galvanize human capital growth in the following years, hence the value of this project's actions. Taking advantage of mobility restrictions caused by the sanitary crisis, the first online cross-border RPL events will take place later this year, setting a starting point for further research and innovation on these practices in Spain and Andorra with the help of French institutions.
Curriculum transformation to address the Sustainable Development Goals: A holistic approach for embedding gender in higher education
Authors: Pailman Whitney , De Groot Jiska
Published: July 2021

To better prepare a new generation of practitioners and thought leaders to meet the complex challenges highlighted in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), innovation is needed in the design and delivery of degree programmes. Gender inclusion and diversity are increasingly recognised as key tenets of Education for Sustainable Development. Energy access education in Africa provides an excellent context in which to explore ways of delivering  gender inclusive Masters programmes and the curriculum transformations needed to address the dual challenges of SDG7 (energy access) and SDG 5 (gender equality). This paper explores the evolving context of gender mainstreaming in energy access education at Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Africa, drawing on a desktop study and interviews with 8 African Universities in the Transforming Energy Access Learning Partnership (TEA-LP). The paper calls for the adoption of a more holistic approach to mainstreaming gender in energy access education at IHLs, encompassing curriculum content, teaching methods, learning environments and the broader institutional enabling environment.
Evaluating Learning for the Multiple Constituencies of Higher Education: A Call for Action, A Call for Research
Authors: DeBacker Diane , Dudek Jaclyn , Patelis Thanos , Kingston Neal
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the rapidly changing world of higher education and the need for different ways to identify learner outcomes and evaluate student learning. In recent years, higher education has experienced significant demographic shifts in student populations. These shifts were the result of numerous variables including the increasing cost of higher education, the demand from business and industry to get people into high-demand occupations faster, and the decreasing number of individuals choosing post-secondary education immediately following high school. The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the world with the pandemic caused by the coronavirus known as COVID-19. The pandemic accelerated the change that was already taking place in higher education. From how education was delivered to where it was delivered, higher education was forced to rapidly change a centuries-old model. This paper explores a tier one research university’s response to the changes in higher education by employing a proven process of mapping learning outcomes, assessing both new and prior learning using innovative technology, issuing microcredentials, and working with policymakers and employers to meet workforce demands. Keywords: Higher education1; Microcredentials2; Learning outcomes3 Mapping4; Assessment5.
Emotional training of online journalists via multimedia communicative projects linked to sustainable development
Authors: Larrondo Ureta Ainara , Pérez Dasilva Jesús Ángel , Meso Ayerdi Koldobika , Peña Fernández Simón
Published: July 2021

This paper describes an innovative pedagogic initiative for training Communication and Journalism university students. This initiative has been designed within the framework of a funded project financed. This has seeked to train future communicators in Transversal Competences (TC) via co-operative multimedia online journalism projects, focussed on subjects linked to the seventeen United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, to be accomplished by all member States by the year 2030 (Agenda 2030). As this paper concludes, online journalist work with SDG projects can be a useful teaching strategy in the classroom for promoting learning skills and results sustained by the development of students’ Emotional Intelligence (EI). In addition to contributing to the training of students in emotional competences, this innovative teaching initiative has led to develop other abilities related to EI, such as the capacity to work as part of a team.
Expectations and outcomes: How technologies drive virtual teaching
Authors: Kolomenskii Alexandre , Schuessler Hans , Rodriguez Carlos
Published: July 2021

We evaluate the effectiveness of using Zoom for learning Modern Physics topics in a large engineering physics class at a land-grant university in Texas. This virtual technology challenged both students and professors. By implementing different approaches: providing ahead of the lectures reading assignments, PowerPoint presentations, and pre-recorded videos, during the class administering attendance mini-quizzes, and afterward, the assigning on WebAssign homework, elements of an effective class setting were introduced. Passion and mutual understanding united students and teachers to be stronger than the Covid-19 pandemic and to endure the challenging teaching environment. We describe some features of the technologies and the learning expectations. The evaluation of outcomes was done in two ways: quantitatively, by statistical measures, and qualitatively, through an anonymous student survey and a university-wide teacher evaluation.
Tell me what you study and where you live! Exploring the role that these aspects play when choosing a university
Authors: Retamosa Marta , Millán Ángel , García Juan A.
Published: July 2021

Previous literature on students’ decisions and choices regarding universities contains a large number of factors that influence these process. This research focuses on two of these factors and its aim is twofold. First, it is analyses how prospective students’ study areas impact on the relative importance of different university selection criteria. Second, it examines whether the environment of residence (i.e., the size of the municipality) leads to differences in these criteria. The results obtained from a sample of 605 prospective university students who live in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha allowed us to conclude that there were significant differences in most of the selection criteria according to the field of study and the size of the municipality (i.e., five and six out of nine criteria, respectively). Some practical implications for the design of segmentation strategies and communication campaigns in the context of higher education institutions are presented in this work.
Partnerships and Pedagogy: Transforming the BA Online
Authors: Lloyd Clare , Herb Annika , Kilmister Michael , Coleborne Catharine
Published: July 2021

There has been much written recently round the “digital revolution” of universities (Nascimento Cunha et al., 2020). Indeed, in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for universities to adapt and adopt new technological tools for teaching and learning, as both the global world we live in changed, and as students adapted to the continually evolving digital landscape. The BA Online is a new interdisciplinary online presence for the humanities and social sciences, and includes a focus on constructive alignment, innovative learning objects, and social learning. The semester-long courses were built as a supported social learning experience that is purposefully constructed with a narrative. This article reveals how the BA Online project was realised through the use of partnerships, particularly that of the university learning designers who worked very closely with both the online learning platform FutureLearn and academic staff in curriculum design and course transformation.
Creating a Virtual Leader Development Course Using the Design Thinking Process for Innovation
Authors: Hinck John , Davis Steven , Longmire Justin , Byrnes JB
Published: July 2021

This paper examines how a U.S. Air Force (USAF) faculty team reimagined and redesigned an in-person Leader Development Course (LDC) to a virtual version (vLDC). Using the Design Thinking Process for Innovation (DTPI) and action research methods, a new, virtual course was imagined, designed, tested, and improved over a six-cycle-process. Data was collected via multiple sources from 121 participants (19 faculty/staff and 102 students) and analyzed using manual coding and NVivo Software. Results are organized into 22 categories under four themes (general course design, student experience, instructor experience and faculty development, and technology experience) showing a progressive refinement with key lessons learned that led to the final creation of the new virtual course. Of the five key features in action research (actions matter, context-specific research, multiple cycles and phases, inclusion of people as research target, and reflections), participants reported that multiple cycles and reflections were most important in relation to the DTPI so that change could be enacted that reflected participant voices in the design process of the virtual course. The application of the DTPI using action research methods produced results and lessons learned in the design process that contribute to the theory and practice on developing and teaching in a virtual learning environment. The study fills a gap in the scholarly field and informs other institutions on the process, failures, and successes of course redesign to a virtual version.Keywords: design thinking process for innovation, action research, USAF, leader development
Fostering the resilience of graduate students
Authors: Jourdan-Ionescu Colette , Ionescu Serban , Julien-Gauthier Francine , Cantinotti Michael , Boulanger Sara-Jeanne , Kayiranga Dieudonné , St-Pierre Liette , Kimessoukié Omolomo Étienne , Rutembesa Eugène , Moudio Anne-Marie , Nkoum Benjamin Alexandre
Published: July 2021

This paper originates from research carried out by an international team of university professors interested in protective factors promoting the resilience of graduate students, in particular regarding the student-supervisor relationship. Following a literature review on the subject, the paper presents the resilience factors affecting the student and those relating to the supervisor. The main factors that appear to promote the resilience of graduate students are individual, family and environmental protective factors (as gender, temperament, cultural background, personal history of schooling, motivation, family support, being childless, wealth of the social support network, means offered by the supervisor and the university). For the supervisor, the main protective factors appear to be individual (experience, style and role assumed towards the student, support the student’s empowerment as his/her schooling progresses). The reciprocal adjustment throughout the studies between the supervisor and the student appears essential to promote their tuning for the resilience and the success in the graduate studies.
Entrepreneurship, Higher Education and R+D in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Urquidy Martin , Mungaray Alejandro , Fuentes Roberto
Published: July 2021

This research determines the impact of some higher education and R+D variables on different entrepreneurship outcomes in the states of Mexico during the period 2007-2017.  By applying panel data analysis tracking the Mexican states over time and specifying an entrepreneurship model, the research shows that these variables affect the entrepreneurial outcomes heterogeneously depending on the type of venture; in particular, higher education and R+D variables are not significant in explaining entrepreneurship in general but most of them are significant in explaining higher education and knowledge based entrepreneurship. These results harmonize with the perspectives suggesting the important role of the higher education and R+D system in supporting entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the results also underline the lack of relation of entrepreneurship with patents, posing questions on the degree of innovativeness of the ventures and the commercial use of inventions, the unequal distribution of higher education and R+D activities across states and the limited scope of the public policy efforts as to impact overall entrepreneurship.
Social Systems in Higher Education: Collectivities and Technology
Authors: Mazo Lucille B.
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the core concepts and views that underlie the theories of social systems as explained by four theorists. It critically assesses and analyzes the role of the higher education system within society, as well as the role of the educator within this social system as defined and articulated by Durkheim (1956), outlined and explained from a hierarchical perspective by Parsons (1951), identified as an integrative process by Bertalanffy (1968), and viewed as a web of relationships by Capra (1996). Major themes from each theorist are analyzed with respect to what role social systems play in higher education and how educators are affected by internal social subsystems and collectivities. An example is presented on how collectivities exist online and use technology to continue at a university during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On an Architectural Concept for Didactics in the Context of Constructive Alignment
Authors: Böttcher Axel , Thurner Veronika
Published: July 2021

In the wake of the massive digitalization in education brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, a vast variety of didactic concepts, methods, activities, tools and technologies came into use and are now widely discussed. However, a lack of clarity is observable, as to how these different concepts, activities and tools integrate into a big picture, when to use what, and which aspects have to be considered and addressed to create solutions that work effectively towards achieving specific learning and teaching objectives. To systematically structure this vast variety of didactic concepts, activities and tools, we introduce an architectural concept for didactics in the context of constructive alignment. We achieve this via an abstraction process, which clusters the existing didactic concepts, activities and tools, and specifies interrelations between the identified clusters. On this basis, it is possible to quickly adapt our model by subtractive customization, thus focusing on what is really needed within a specific teaching and learning situation.
Evaluation Systems in Online Environments
Authors: Alegre Ines , Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina
Published: July 2021

One of the biggest challenges of online teaching is student evaluation. With the students not being physically present, assessing their level of knowledge on a subject presents different challenges than those tradionally encountered in face-to-face teaching. In this paper we present an overview of different evaluation systems and reflect about its advantages and disadvantages when applying them in online environments.The most common evaluation systems: multiple-choice quizzes, open question exams, essays, projects and oral exams, are ranked depending on several criteria. Criteria include items that any professor should take into consideration such as easiness of design and preparation or difficulty of student cheating. The advantages and downsides of each evaluation system are presented and several mechanisms to mitigate the disatvanges of each method are proposed.This paper is  helpful to professors and teachers, specially in the current situation where the Covid-19 pandemic has moved most high-education teaching online.
Board game for the engineering students to promote interest in city infrastructure courses
Authors: Kokina Kristina , Mezule Linda , Borodinecs Anatolijs
Published: July 2021

Learning is a complex process that includes self-motivation, self-control and self-discipline. The efficiency of learning depends on the motivation of students and overall atmosphere in the classroom. At the same time, promotion of interest to communicate out of the classroom is of the same importance. Furthermore, if students find an interest in a specific professional field during the out-of-classroom activities, the study process in engineering sciences becomes easier and more enjoyable.To promote the interest in engineering studies at Riga Technical University study programme Heat, Gas and Water Technology, workshops at the infrastructure units of the related industry representatives, summer workshops in the sports, seminar and recreation centre, as well as basketball and table tennis competition between teachers and students are organized on a regular basis. Through the thematic games, teachers find the motivation to upgrade the quality of the study process and students gain more information on the topic and ability to achieve higher results. The proposed board game for the out-of-classroom activities is a successful method to facilitate the communication between lecturers and students in practice. At the same time, the game contains control questions that allow to stimulate and promote the knowledge level of the students.
Fashion Design for Sustainability. A transformative challenge across the European fashion education system.
Authors: D'Itria Erminia , Vacca Federica
Published: July 2021

Today, we are witnessing the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and is still having, on social, economic and cultural life worldwide. In particular, the educational dimension has seen the regular operating of schools altered, with an indeterminate closure of educational institutions, as well as the impossibility to perform face-to-face lectures, and their transposition to digital platforms (Sà et Serpa, 2020). These difficult conditions can be a moment of opportunity to accelerate a process of digital transformation that was beginning to shift in higher education institutions (HEIs).  HEIs are using digital transformation strategies to refine how they work, to digitalize their existing operations while designing new digital models, to create entirely new digital models or to fully digitize their current ones (Rodrigues 2017). In the European fashion education system this can result in addressing the transformative challenges that are nurturing the discussion on the future of HEIs (Moja, 2008; Sterling, 2011; Fletcher and Williams, 2013). Therefore, digital innovation becomes the means by which implementing a positive transformation of the sector on key issues that will permeate our daily lives and that can no longer be postponed. Among the pivotal topics there is sustainability which today is slowly trying to establish itself (Wolff, 2020).   Trough the analysis of best practices, this paper will decode current behaviors in Fashion Design for Sustainability (FDfS) throughout the European fashion education system.
Effectiveness of Automatic Formative Assessment for learning Mathematics in Higher Education
Authors: Barana Alice , Marchisio Marina , Sacchet Matteo
Published: July 2021

The health emergency due to COVID-19 has highlighted the need of new and flexible digital methodologies for learning and teaching Mathematics, which can support the individual student’s needs and help shape education. In this paper, we propose to use Automatic Formative Assessment (AFA) activities designed according to an innovative model, framed on the theories of formative assessment and feedback. The model includes: availability of the activities and multiple attempts; algorithmic questions; open mathematical answers; contextualized tasks; immediate and interactive feedback. We analyzed an experience using AFA in a blended module in Mathematics for 96 first-year students in Biotechnology. We collected data from the platform on grades and attempts of AFA activities and cross-checked them with the final exam grades. The results show that the feedback gained from AFA helped students improve their performance and supported them in the exam preparation. In light of these results, we can conclude that similar activities can be an effective solution to support students’ self-study during and after the pandemic.
Towards a transdisciplinary approach in the training of teachers: Creating procedures in learning and teaching in higher education
Authors: Saura-Mas Sandra , Blanco-Romero Asunción , Barrera Jaume
Published: July 2021

For decades we have been immersed in a constant change in our society, registered together with an increase in its degree of complexity. This greatly affects the currently prevailing educational axioms, making them obsolete, which implies, according to our hypothesis, the need for a process of revision and innovation of existing models. Our proposal starts from a bibliographic review of some existing proposals in innovation, to create a new pedagogical model based on polyhedral and transdisciplinary methodologies. At the same time, we offer a case study in a core subject of the first teacher training course at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. After the practical application of our transdisciplinary methodological theories, it has been possible to successfully collect evidence of a balanced interaction between disciplinary areas by students. The application of the innovations can become a frame of reference for higher education institutions interested in following this very important process of adaptation to social reality.
Considerations when using an Automatic Grading System within Computer Science Modules
Authors: Thompson Amy , Mooney Aidan , Noone Mark , Hegarty-Kelly Emlyn
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of automatic grading systems, with a focus on their uses within Computer Science. Automatic grading systems have seen a rise in popularity in recent years with publications concerning automatic grading systems usually linked to a specific system. This paper will discuss the factors that need to be considered when using automatic grading, regardless of which system is being used, and will make recommendations for each factor. This discussion is based on the authors' experience of using an automatic grading system in a CS1 environment. From the research conducted, many elements should be considered when using these systems. These include how the code will be tested, the need for plagiarism checks and how marks are awarded. The findings of this study suggest there is a lack of defined standards when using these systems. This analysis of the considerations provides valuable insight into how these systems should be used and what the standards should be built on.
Verification of the measuring properties and content validity of a computer based MST test for the estimation of mathematics skills in Grade 10
Authors: Botta Emanuela
Published: July 2021

The research is aimed at the construction of a multi-level adaptive test (MST), for the evaluation of the mathematical skills of Italian students of Grade 10, and was carried out in collaboration with Invalsi for a PhD study of "La Sapienza" University of Rome. The research started from the definition of the construct to be measured, taking into account both national and international references. A specific item bank was then built. The test was administered to a sample of 4132 students. The experiment confirmed the advantages of an MST model. Interesting results emerged by comparing the adaptive part of the main paths with a linear tests consisting of the same number of items and administered to a sample of pre-test students and comparing the MST test with a simulated linear test, built on the same item bank and with the same numer of item of MST test.
Applying Physical Education Methods to Skills Teaching of Law Students
Authors: Sluijs Jasper P. , Gilissen Herman Kasper , Van Look Karin
Published: July 2021

We study to what extent the “constraints-led approach” (CLA) in physical education can also be applied to skills teaching for law students. In the CLA athletes are challenged to finding their own movement solutions in a dynamic setting rather than responding to verbal cues in a fixed environment. Similarly, we experimented with the implicit acquisition of policy analysis skills in law students in preparation for pro bono client work in so-called law clinics. Although the project was cut short due to Covid-19 circumstances, preliminary outcomes suggest students feel better equipped to working with clients. We provisionally conclude that CLA skills teaching has the potential to improve skill acquisition in clinical legal education.
The effect of an online active learning-based course on approaches to teaching
Authors: Kushnazarov Mansurbek , Luo Crystal Jing , Lai Nicole Kwan Yee
Published: July 2021

The quality of teacher training research postgraduate (RPg) students receive is highly likely to determine the quality of teaching and learning they will provide when they are given teaching duties. Designing and developing such a teaching development course is considerably challenging, particularly if it is fully online. Owing to its focus on student learning, we integrated group learning, case-based learning and technology-enhanced learning approaches of active learning into an online Professional Development (PD) course at a university in Hong Kong. The course intended to enhance RPg students’ student-focused teaching approaches which, in turn, would help their students demonstrate high academic performance and achieve learning objectives. We relied on the concept of teaching approaches to build the theoretical foundation of this study and used Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI) to test the effectiveness of the PD course in improving the RPg students’ teaching quality. The quantitative analysis of the survey conducted showed that there was a significant increase in both Conceptual Change/Student Focused (CCSF) and Information Transmission/Teacher Focused approaches to teaching among the RPg students. The results provided opportunities to make informed decisions for further enhancement of the course design and start a new potential dialogue in studies of teaching approaches.
Reducing the Individual, Institutional and Societal Harms from Student Drug Use.
Authors: Dick Samantha , Dillon Brian , Vasiliou Vasilis S. , Davoren Martin P. , Dockray Samantha , Heavin Ciara , Linehan Conor , Byrne Michael
Published: July 2021

Drug use among higher education students can cause harm to the individual, their institution, and the wider society. Academic performance, physical and mental health, institutional reputation, crime and unemployment can all be impacted by student drug use. Tackling this is a challenge, and is often compounded by limited student health and counselling capacity and the student’s reluctance or unwillingness to seek support. Digital brief interventions have shown promise in reducing harm from substance use, and provide an opportunity to meet students where they are, delivering always-on, confidential support and intervention. However, limited interventions for drug use are available for students, and many struggle with engagement and retention. Our team have developed a novel brief intervention, using best practices in digital intervention development, and behavioural change to overcome some of these challenges. We describe the development of our intervention and discuss how implementation could result in tangible benefits to the individual, institution, and society.
Insights into academic feasibility at the KIT: a mixed-methods exploration of the department of mechanical engineering
Authors: Langemeyer Ines , Schlindwein Nadja
Published: July 2021

As part of their accreditation procedure, universities have to ensure academic feasibility of their study courses. Against that backdrop, student’s workload and study conditions are focused as indicators of quality. However, this prioritization of formal criteria is defined by the module handbooks rather than by the students themselves. Therefore, a mixed-methods-analysis at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was conducted to shed light on these issues: How can individual expectations and requirements of students towards the academic learning settings be incorporated into quality assessment? Which opportunities of individual development for students exist in the academic setting and do they differ with regard to different departments at the KIT? The data of surveys completed by 324 students of the department of mechanical engineering and 242 students of the department of economics and management at the KIT are the basis of our analysis. The empirical analysis via chi-square-test and Mann-Whitney-U-Test indicates significant distinctions between students of both departments at the KIT concerning their experiences with research and inquiry and their motives for enrolling to university courses. Further analyses via interviews are planned to reveal the complex chains of reasons for this research results such as considerations of course characteristics and cultural condition.
Therapeutic communication skills in palliative care nursing education: an exploratory study using a role-playing tool
Authors: Laranjeira Carlos , Querido Ana , Afonso Catarina
Published: July 2021

This study aim to explore the experiences of nursing final-year students on the care of the person in a palliative situation and their family using the role-playing technique. Qualitative, descriptive research developed in October 2020 with 30 third-year nursing students from a palliative care nursing course, in Portugal. Individual debriefing reflections and thematic analysis of the information were conducted. Two main themes emerged: 1) facilitators; and 2) barriers of role-playing in a simulated palliative care context. We concluded that type of simulation allows students to deal with complex palliative care situations from an individual and realistic perspective.
Novel implementation of experiential learning in health and wellbeing in a university setting
Authors: Heffernan Maria , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Bermingham Amy , Neville Ross , Dervan Nicola , Corish Clare , Murrin Celine , Mullins Brian
Published: July 2021

Healthy UCD is a health promotion initiative in University College Dublin (UCD) which aims to create a sustainable healthy campus for all members of the UCD community. In recent years, Healthy UCD has worked with staff from across the university to provide opportunities for experiential learning to UCD students in areas related to health and wellbeing. The initiative currently has involvement in three modules: 1) Practice Placement – a core MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics module where students plan and implement a university-wide Healthy Eating Week, 2) Event Management – a core module undertaken by second-year BSc Sport & Exercise Management students, and 3) Student Health & Wellbeing – an undergraduate elective module which challenges students to reflect on issues which affect their own health and wellbeing and that of those around them and then develop a student-focused Healthy UCD campaign. This paper will outline how experiential learning is implemented in these modules, how students are assessed, and the perceptions of students who complete these modules.
Measuring the Internet Skills of Gen Z Students in Higher Education: Validation of the Internet Skills Scale in University Settings
Authors: Miliou Ourania , Angeli Charoula
Published: July 2021

Abstract Internet technologies have infiltrated higher education institutions around the world. At the same time, the latest generation of students, the so-called Generation Z (Gen Z), are entering higher education. Gen Z is the first generation born in an Internet-connected world, and digital devices are a seamless part of its life. As a result, Gen Z students have already been engaged with informal digital learning via internet-based technologies outside of formalized education settings. However, previous research has shown that their engagement with these technologies is limited and might not sufficiently cover the knowledge and skills needed to perform internet activities effectively in higher education. Additionally, their familiarity with digital devices and tools varies. Consequently, there is a need for higher education institutions to close the skills gap by applying assessment processes that will assist them in forming policies and training resources for undergraduate students. To achieve the above, research efforts need to focus on developing theoretically informed and valid instruments that measure internet skills. This study has contributed to the validation of a self-assessment questionnaire, the Internet Skills Scale, that can be used in university settings. The questionnaire measures five types of internet skills: operational, information-navigation, social, creative, and critical. The results presented herein provide directions for future research in the field. Keywords: Internet Skills; Internet Skills Scale; Validation; Generation Z; Higher Education
Style features in the programming process which can help indicate plagiarism
Authors: Meier Heidi , Lepp Marina
Published: July 2021

In the new situation, where more and more final programming assignments are performed outside the classroom, it is necessary to pay more attention to the possibilities of understanding whether a student has created the solution on their own. To do this, it is possible to use a programming environment that logs user actions. One such environment is Thonny, which also allows the programming process to be replayed. The aim of this study is to identify style features of different learners, based on solution logs of introductory programming courses, and to explore how permanent these features are and can these indicate whether learners have solved the tasks without external aids. It can be said that non-programming style features, like the order of writing brackets or quotation marks, are more permanent and can be used to detect plagiarism. However, programming style features, such as the use of variable names or increment, are very variable between courses, and students participating in introductory courses do not have an established style. They are greatly influenced by the style features of teaching materials and solutions of sample tasks. Therefore, programming style features cannot be used to automatically check if a student has solved a task on their own.
Human capital depreciation and job tasks
Authors: Walter Sonja , Lee Jeong-Dong
Published: July 2021

This research aims to investigate the link between human capital depreciation and job tasks, with an emphasis on potential differences between education levels. We estimate an extended Mincer equation based on Neumann and Weiss’s (1995) model using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel. The results show that human capital gained from higher education levels depreciates at a faster rate than other human capital. Moreover, the productivity-enhancing value of education diminishes faster in jobs with a high share of non-routine analytical, non-routine manual, and routine cognitive tasks. These jobs are characterized by more frequent changes in core-skill or technology-skill requirements. The key implication of this research is that education should focus on equipping workers with more general skills in all education levels. With ongoing technological advances, work environments, and with it, skill demands will change, increasing the importance to provide educational and lifelong learning policies to counteract the depreciation of skills. The study contributes by incorporating a task perspective based on the classification used in works on job polarization. This allows a comparison with studies on job obsolescence due to labor-replacing technologies and enables combined education and labor market policies to address the challenges imposed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Case Study in Project Management: A Vehicle for Business Curriculum Integration
Authors: Jaiswal-Dale Ameeta , Owens Jr. Ernest L. , Bensen Abby
Published: July 2021

This case can be team-taught to combine the different elements of business education taught by individual faculty within a course in Project Management, as a partial, half credit module within a business curriculum. This case study is written to address the feedback from prospective employers that the fresh recruits are reticent and need a long period of “internship / training/ mentoring” before they are ready to be a part of the company’s internal team. The case depicting a real company undergoing substantial changes provides the students with opportunities to gain the analytical skills developed in the study of various business disciplines, while providing the opportunity for discussion and illustration of real-life scenarios, constraints, and roadblocks. Moreover, students practice team development and process efficiencies. Instructors will teach how marketing, sales, and procurement functions impact the accounting and finance components of the project so the project scope is managed within the resources, schedule, and budget.