Showing papers in "American Journal of Educational Research in 2013"

Factors Contributing to the Students Academic Performance: A Case Study of Islamia University Sub- Campus

Abstract: The present research study was design to investigate the factors affecting academic performance of graduate students of Islamia University of Bahawalpur Rahim Yar Khan Campus. The variables under consideration were the academic performance (student’s grades/marks) as a dependent variable and the gender, age, faculty of study, schooling, father/guardian social economic status, and residential area, medium of schooling; tuition trend, daily study hours and accommodation trend were independent variables. The data were collected from 100 students through separate structured questionnaire from different departments of Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan Campus using the simple random sampling technique. For analysis, linear regression model, correlation analysis, and descriptive analysis were used. The findings revealed that age, father/guardian social economic status and daily study hours significantly contribute the academic performance of graduate students. A linear model was also proposed that will be helpful to improve the academic performance of graduate students at University level.

Sources of Self-Efficacy Influencing Academic Performance of Engineering Students

Abstract: This study examined (a) the correlation of the four hypothesized sources of self-efficacy (mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, emotional arousal) with academic performance, and (b) the prediction of the main source of self-efficacy that affects academic performance. A 40-item survey measuring sources of mathematics self-efficacy was administered to 178 third-year engineering students. Academic performance, which includes mathematics module grades and cumulative grade point average (GPA) scores, were collated. The results of the present study showed that self-efficacy sources were correlated with mathematics achievement scores as well as cumulative GPA of electronics-related engineering diplomas. More importantly, mastery experience was found to be the main predictor for academic achievements of mathematics and related engineering modules. Finally, suggestions are offered to help curriculum developers in instructional design so as to improve students’ engineering academic performance.

Students’ Proficiency in English Language Relationship with Academic Performance in Science and Technical Education

Abstract: This is a descriptive research of a correlation type where 120 students were sampled from a college of education to find out the relationship between proficiency in English language and academic performance among students of science and technical education. Findings revealed that there is correlation between proficiency in English language and academic performance of students in science and technical education; students in technical education performed better than their counterpart in science education; students who passed English language performed better than those who failed both in science and technical education. Some recommendations were suggested at the end of the study.

The Study of Second Language Acquisition Under Socio-Cultural Theory

Abstract: Socio-Cultural Theory, based on Vygotskian thought, is a theory about the development of human cognitive and higher mental function. The theory specially emphasizes the integration of social, cultural and biological elements in learning processes and stresses the socio-cultural circumstances’ central role in human’s cognitive development. Second Language Acquisition is concerned with the process of how a new language other than the native language is acquired and how much this is affected by other disciplines, among which is Socio-Cultural Theory. This theory facilitates reflection on some of the problems on second language acquisition from a new perspective. In addition, this new perspective provides some pedagogical implications for foreign language teaching. This article makes attempts to elucidate Social-Cultural Theory’s constructs, its influence on second language acquisition and the pedagogical implications for foreign language teaching.

Novice Teachers' Challenges and Survival: Where do Malaysian ESL Teachers Stand?

Abstract: The transition from the teacher education institution to life in a real classroom has been characterized as a type of reality shock in which beginning teachers realize that the ideals they formed while training may not be appropriate for the realism they are faced with during their first year of teaching (1). Unfortunately, this concern is not fully addressed in schools in Malaysia as beginning teachers have the same responsibility as a teacher with many years of service. It is suggested that it is not until they have survived the initial shock of the first year that novices are able to begin to concentrate on the important areas of long-term planning, overall student goals, and individual students" needs (2). This article examines challenges that novice teachers in Malaysia face in their early experience of teaching through a review of significant literature. Based on recent studies from the literature, these challenges are discussed and future direction for research in this field is suggested.

Importance of Science Education to National Development and Problems Militating Against Its Development

Abstract: This paper focused on the review of science education in Nigeria, its importance to national development and problems militating against its development. The paper viewed insecurity and corruption as major problems of science education development in Nigeria. As way forward the paper suggested life imprisonment for any corrupt individuals; government should invest on agriculture to provide job for people and scholarship for science students among others.

The Effects of Self-efficacy Beliefs and Metacognition on Academic Performance: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of Self-efficacy Beliefs and Metacognition on Academic Performance among high school students using a mixed method approach. A total of 2,138 form four (12 th grade) students participated in the study. The mixed-method study consisted of a quasi-experimental approach and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were collected from self efficacy questionnaire (SEQ), biology ability test (BAT), genetics problem solving test (GPST) and metacognitive prompting questionnaire (MPQ). Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (hierarchical linear regression and factorial ANOVA). Qualitative data were coded, categorized and reported thematically. Regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy was a strong predictor of academic performance. ANOVA analysis displayed statistically significant differences in metacognition in form of metacognitive prompts between groups. Gender effects were also noted with female students outperforming male students on the genetics problem solving test. Subsequent qualitative data suggested that highly efficacious students did better on the tests than less efficacious students. The metacognitive prompting experience provides a rich environment for the development of metacognitive strategies that can promote problem solving skills among high school students.

The Effects of Socioeconomic Characteristics of Students on Their Academic Achievement in Higher Education

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the socioeconomic status of higher education students on their academic achievement and the relationship between these determinants. The study is conducted on the 691 undergraduate senior students being trained at the University of Suleyman Demirel who were chosen by their Weighted Quantitative Composite scores in the Student Selection Examination. In the study, student' Student Selection Examination Weighted Quantitative Composite scores which were taken into account when they were - accepted for their departments and their average grade of the academic scores until their final year are used as the dependent variables. Average grade point of the academic scores is the overall mean scores that the students have until the beginning of the final year in their departments. As for the independent variables, parents' educational status, family income, the settlement where the family lives, the status of the fathers' workplace, number of siblings and the educational background of the student before the Student Selection Examination are taken into consideration in the study. Obtained data has been analyzed by using correlation, regression and two-way variable analysis methods. The results of the study indicate that the high school type from which the students have been graduated can be said as an essential predicator for the students' academic achievement. The variables related to the family are not strong predicators. That education institutions prior to the higher education also accept students with a national exam has increased the homogeneity of the higher education student profile.

Nigerian School Children and Mathematics Phobia: How the Mathematics Teacher Can Help

Abstract: This paper considered the importance of mathematics and why it is of utmost necessity that all Nigerian children acquire mathematical knowledge. It noted with dismay the general negative students’ attitude towards the subject and their consequent poor performance in it especially in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). It then looked at the attributes of a mathematics teacher that can bring about a change in the teaching and learning of mathematics and in the attitude of students towards the subject. It finally considered best practices for mathematics instruction, such practices that can stimulate and sustain students’ interest in mathematics learning.

Types and Causes of Students’ Disruptive Behavior in Classroom at Secondary Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract: Secondary school teachers have repeatedly ranked disruptive behaviour as one of the most serious hurdle in effective teaching learning process in the classroom. It has also been reported that the students in public schools feel insecure due to lack of effective disciplinary measures and probable for aggression and unpleasant situation. Teachers are often not well prepared to manage classrooms’ discipline. The present study aimed to investigate the types and causes of disruptive behaviour in classroom at secondary level. Teachers who were teaching in the secondary schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. Five hundred (500) teachers were taken as sample, using multi-stage random sampling method. A questionnaire was developed on five point Likert Scale and was distributed among the sampled teachers and collected their responses regarding the types and causes of students’ disruptive behaviour in classroom. Some of the types of disruptive behaviour were reported unanimously reported by most of the teacher however a significant deviation has been reported. It is recommended that the disruptive behaviour of students of secondary schools in Pakistan needs an extensive attention of educators, policy makers and the government to address this area for quality education in the country. For this purpose proper trainings may be arranged for administrators and teachers to equip them regarding disruptive behavior and classroom management.

Energy and Environmental Impact on the Biosphere Energy Flow, Storage and Conversion in Human Civilization

Abstract: The present review describes the role of different energy regimes throughout the human history and their environmental impact. The appearance of Homo sapiens and the development of primitive human civilization can be narrated by different energy regimes throughout the centuries. Getting the energy that humans needed for their needs affected directly the environment in many different ways. Some energy sources have a greater impact than others. Energy is lost to the environment during any energy transformation, usually as heat. Environmental historian can describe human history, from the discovery of fire (the most important human invention) by the primitive man and the development in four different energy regimes over the last ten thousand years. The first two divisions, "gatherer-hunters" (1.5 million to 10,000) and "pre-industrial agriculture," cover many centuries until 1750. The third period deals with "an industrial world" up to 1950, and the fourth period covers the developments in the post industrial society, between 1950 and the 21st century. Energy usage divides periods of socio-ecological human history. In each period, human energy sources and consumption changed significantly, providing a point of no return. Until the 1700s, however, agriculture continued to rely on energy directly related to the sun and stored in organic systems. After 1750, humans developed new ways of thinking about nature, as well as new kinds of energy systems based on coal and the production of steam. New energy systems (petroleum, natural gas, hydroelectric) allowed a dramatic increase in human populations but at the same time polluted quite heavily damaging the environmental balance with nature. Those increases changed dramatically after 1950 and caused the doubling of the population and the multiple energy use for transport and electricity. Are nuclear energy and renewable energy sources the future prospects for a sustainable development in energy use by humans? Is the “Third Industrial Revolution” the future solution for global warming? These are hard questions with great implications on the future of the planet, its ecological balance and inevitably for the human civilization.

Prevalence and gender ratio of dyslexia in Greek adolescents and its association with parental history and brain injury

Abstract: Dyslexia is the most common and carefully studied of the learning disabilities in school-age children. It is characterized by a marked impairment in the development of reading skills, and affects a large number of people. The prevalence of dyslexia shows considerable cross-national variation. Additionally, a plethora of research studies have indicated that there are more boys than girls with reading difficulties. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and gender ratio of dyslexia in a sample of Greek adolescents and their siblings. 598 secondary school students (Mean age 13.33, SD = 1.49) who attended mainstream public schools participated in this study. The prevalence of dyslexia in this study was estimated at 5.52%, a finding consistent with the data from other countries with “pure” orthographies. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the prevalence of dyslexia between gender (7.6% male, 3.8% female), which means that boys were twice as likely to be identified as dyslexic than their female peers. Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed between dyslexics who had a parent suffering from dyslexia (15.1%), compared to normal readers (1.8%), but no differences were observed between the two groups as for the frequency of brain injuries. Overall, our findings are in accordance with the results of previous national studies indicating the universal existence and the biological basis of this developmental disability.

A Functional Grammar Approach to Analysing Asian Students' Writing

Abstract: This paper compares aspects of Singaporean and PRC students’ writing at the university level while enrolled in the freshman composition courses. These aspects involve instances of nominalization, theme, and use of modals (or their inappropriate usage) at various parts of the essays submitted by these students. These items are measured and reported in percentages as to gain greater insight to the depth of similarities and differences between the two sets of writing. In addition, the author is concerned that idiosyncractic usage of such anomaly in writing impedes comprehension when reading and is hardly audience-centred. It is noteworthy that the writing of Singaporean and Chinese students do produce various interesting similarities and differences, possibly attributable to their sociolinguistic and educational backgrounds. The implications of the results are analysed and discussed, with possible pedagogical solutions suggested in order to overcome difficulties of teaching separate students with different linguistic abilities.

Student Leadership Development and Orientation: Contributing Resources within the Liberal Arts

Abstract: Research in higher education on leadership development and attributes has primarily concentrated on students currently engaged in campus experiences and programs (e.g., student government, volunteerism) that emulate leadership positions and opportunities that carry over to societal equivalencies. Thus, students who are not active in leadership activities are rarely assessed regarding their leadership-related development, perspectives, or preferences. The central purpose of this study is to explore students" disposition regarding leadership etiquette, behavior, and method in the context of leadership process theory. Using the Leadership Attitudes and Beliefs Scale III(27), how students think about leadership, irrespective of their perceived experience in leadership-based activities or positions, will be examined within the context of contributing university resources.

Information Technology in Contemporary Education – Individuals’ Researches

Abstract: The development of computer technology is reflected in, among other things, the development of modern didactics. Current pedagogy and media education, as a fast developing discipline of general pedagogy, is a topic of a number of studies. Applying the modern multimedia aids at various stages and in various types of education is considered as an indispensable element of modern didactics, due to new opportunities the modern media offer. An interactive whiteboard is an example of such a modern teaching aid applied at present in education.

Universal Pre-Primary Education: A Comparative Study

Abstract: Pre-primary education has become popular strategy to protection drop-out from formal education of children all over the world. Early Childhood Development (ECD) and pre-primary education are widely recognized as having a significant impact on the performance of children in basic education programmes. Pre-primary education would ensure a smooth transition to the primary education and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Development of a child begins within the family and mostly depends on the parents. Educated parents are able to prepare their child for the smooth entry into formal education but no doubt uneducated parents are unable to do this. To apposite develop of a country education is crying need. So protection drop-out from formal education of child is most necessary for a nation. For this reason pre-primary education is especially important for a nation. In this article we have investigated the role of various governments such as India, Argentina, Nigeria, EU countries etc in pre-primary schooling. Our main objective in this paper is to study, analyze and compare the activities of the government of Bangladesh and NGOs in pre-primary sector with others mentioned above. This paper focuses on the importance of pre-primary schooling in Bangladesh with respect of others developed and underdeveloped countries.

Gender Differences in Acceptability and Usability of Computer Based Learning Package in Electrical and Electronics Technology in Nigeria

Abstract: Gender differences are one aspect of the overall cultural differences that exist between human beings. National/ethnic and gender differences constitute the socio-cultural factors that influence perceptions and behaviors. Gender differences found across a wide variety of disciplines apply equally well to emerging computer-based technologies. One of the new technological systems is the computer described as a device for the most effective communication and individual education. The success of technology-based instruction usage for learning is primarily due to its potential to integrate various types of media but gender inequality in learners’ perception of, attitude towards, and intention to use technology, belief, view, motives and motivation, and behavioural intention has created disparity in their acceptance and use of this new technologies. Therefore, this study investigates gender differences in acceptability and usability of a computer learning package for teaching thermionic emission in electrical and electronics technology. This study adopts a Causal comparative research design with the design and development of the learning package. 80 students in 200 Level and ND1 (First Year Students of National Diploma) of the department of Electrical and Electronics engineering and Technology in a University and Polytechnic in Ogun State formed the respondents for the study. 40 students are randomly selected from each school with the total number of 18 females and 62 males. The developed package and 43 questionnaire items were used as data collection tools. The designed and developed package was presented to each student for interaction and later the structured questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.89) was administered to the respondents for data collection. Two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were tested in the study. Data collected were analysed using T-test at 0.05 level of significance. The research findings revealed a non significant gender difference in both acceptability and usability of the FOSS-based package (df = 78; t = 1.620; P > 0.05 and df = 78; t = 0.668; P > 0.05 respectively). Based on the findings, it is concluded that there most likely will not be gender differences in the achievement of males and females using this computer based package. Consequently reducing the gender gap in science and technology.

Competing Dichotomies in Teaching Computer Programming to Beginner-Students

Abstract: The goal in teaching computer programming is to develop in students the capabilities required of a professional software developer. Beginner programmers suffer from a wide range of difficulties and deficits. Several studies suggest that undertaking computer programming for meeting a real industry application is still a challenge for many students even after studying for a year or two. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges in teaching computer programming to beginner-students and to initiate a dialog in the information and communication technology teaching community on how to teach and assess computer programming courses effectively. We undertake an extensive literature review to identify four major programming dichotomies in teaching computer programming: knowledge versus application, comprehension versus generation, procedural versus object oriented and functional versus imperative. Further, based on our teaching experience, we propose a practical approach to teaching computer programming to beginner-students. The paper discusses the implications to ICT teaching community and how teaching and assessments can be made effective to achieve the goal of making beginner programmer learn not only knowledge but also relevant application skills. We believe that the study would contribute to making ICT teaching more practical and effective in achieving their educational goals.

Case Studying Educational Research: A Way of Looking at Reality

Abstract: This study has investigated the use of case studies, applied by Master´s students in Educational Sciences. Given the increasing use of case study in educational research, key aspects of its construction were analysed, including literature review, methodological choices, data collection and analysis, the researcher´s positioning and the applicability of the results. The research was predominantly qualitative and category-based, having as sample 42 Master´s dissertations, including single and multiple case studies, from students attending a Portuguese university. The results show that mixed methodology, qualitative and quantitative, is predominant. However, not all students connect theory to their empirical study, nor do they look for the common and the particular. Even though students reveal awareness of the multidimensionality of social phenomena and the researcher´s role, only a minority adds alternative perspectives and control mechanisms, so as to safeguard methodological rigour. Often, it lacks the researcher’s reflexivity, usually implicated in the context research. In addition, the research report does not always present an appealing writing, capable of attracting the reader's attention and enabling forms of generalization, by approximation to similar contexts. Finally, the study shows Master´s students need more training, to strengthen their knowledge of methodological approaches. University courses, about empirical research in education, should prepare students to design and conduct their research project, in order to achieve a new way of looking at educational reality.

Game as a Main Strategy in Language Education

Abstract: This article is dedicated to a problem in language education – using game as a basic strategy in learning process of all age learners. The author describes main features of game as a learning method and its advantages in comparison with traditional methods. Game sustains student motivation and interest and makes education effective and pleasant. In the paper a short presentation of Suggestopedia is given, an efficient method created by Bulgarian scientist Dr G. Lozanov (1926-2012), which is based on game. In the article some terms used in language education are also discussed.

Performance on a Food Health Assessment Using Emoticons with Pre-Literacy-Aged Children

Abstract: In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that 3-year-old children at a pre-literacy age can correctly identify healthy and unhealthy foods if they are paired with emoticons to convey this information. Using a multiple baseline single case design, 6 boys were shown pairs of cards depicting one healthy and one unhealthy food, across many trials. Children were asked to point to the healthy food on half the trials and to point to the food that was not healthy on the other half of trials. On half the trials, the foods depicted were familiar to the child; on the other half of trials, the foods were not familiar. A happy face emoticon was displayed on all cards depicting a healthy food; a sad face emoticon was displayed on all cards depicting an unhealthy food. If a child did not score 100% on each trial in baseline, then he was given a lesson to teach him how to relate emoticons with health and tested again in a post- baseline phase. The results showed that four of six children scored 100% on this assessment in baseline. The two remaining children scored 100% in the post-baseline phase. These results show that pre-literacy-aged children can readily match concepts of health (healthy, not healthy) to emotional correlates of health (healthy-good, not healthy-not good). At present, these are the first results to show that literacy is not an absolute requirement for children to identify the healthfulness of foods, and could lead to possible early interventions that could be easily incorporated into a preschool curriculum for children as young as 3-years of age.

Nurturing Graduate Attributes through a First Year Student Experience Which Promotes the Formation of Effective Learning Communities

Abstract: Many students enter university with naive epistemological beliefs and study approaches incompatible with the goals of higher education or the display of attributes such as critical or creative thinking. This study examines whether a first year experience can promote the formation of effective learning communities, which in turn can provide a mechanism for nurturing a range of graduate attributes. The curriculum encompasses initiatives to assimilate students into the university, prompts the adaptation of appropriate university study behaviour, and contains a general education component to broaden the student experience. The impact of the first year experience was examined by collecting quantitative data which measured students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of assimilation, adaptation of study behaviour, the impact of the broadening component, and the nurturing of attributes. The data were analysed with structural equation modelling. A model in which the curriculum elements impacted on the development of graduate attributes showed a good fit to the data. Effective learning communities played a key role both in assimilation into the university community and the adoption of appropriate study behaviours.

Citation Practices in Selected Science and Humanities Dissertations: Implications for Teaching

Abstract: The citation feature provides justification for arguments and demonstrates the novelty of one’s position in research writing. It shows how a piece of research arises out of, and is grounded in the current state of disciplinary knowledge. As such, research supervisors encourage the candidates under their guidance to make citations especially when writing literature reviews and discussion sections of their dissertations. This requirement plunges many a student in confusion on how to go about this integral undertaking without written citation norms in their disciplines. The question that emerges is: On which benchmarks should dissertation writers base their citations when writing dissertations in their disciplines? Put in other words, on which benchmarks should research supervisors base their judgement on the quality of citations in their students’ dissertations? The aim of this paper therefore is to uncover citation practices in selected Humanities and Science dissertations from Kenyan public universities. The paper analyses the citation types and reporting verbs of choice employed in Humanities dissertations and compares them with those in the Science dissertations. Consequently, the paper proposes a set of citation norms that can inform the writing of the Humanities and Sciences dissertation and suggests a genre-based approach for raising students’ consciousness to the citation norms during the drafting stage of their dissertations.

Student Performance in a Principle of Microeconomics Course under Hybrid and Face-to-Face Delivery

Abstract: Designing a hybrid course entails the challenge of choosing learning activities for each of the face-to-face and online environments--and sequencing and coordinating the activities across the two environments--to promote student attainment of the course’s learning objectives. This paper presents a study comparing student performance in an undergraduate Principles of Microeconomics course taught by the same instructor under hybrid (n = 51) and face-to-face (n = 24) delivery. The percentage of hybrid students completing the course (71%) was not significantly different (chi-square = .61, p = .433) than that (79%) of the face-to-face students. A regression analysis controlling for student GPA indicated that, for students completing the course, the composite test score was, on average, an estimated 4.8 percentage points lower (p = .025, one-tailed) under hybrid delivery than under face-to-face delivery. Student GPA had a strong positive ceteris paribus impact (p = .000, one-tailed) on the composite test score. The finding of a lower level of student learning under hybrid relative to face-to-face delivery is attributed to inattentiveness to pedagogical principles in designing the hybrid course. The study serves as a caution to colleges and universities initiating or expanding their hybrid course offerings in the absence of faculty training or quality control checks. The paper closes with suggestions for further research.

Effectiveness of Task-Based Instructional Materials in Developing Writing Skills of BS Fisheries Freshmen

Abstract: The study generally aimed to enhance the writing skills of the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries freshman students enrolled in English 102 (Writing in the Discipline) at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)-Institute of Fisheries (IF). Specifically, it aimed to: 1) determine the writing competency level of the students; 2) identify the learning strategies frequently used by the students; 3) develop task-based instructional materials based on the writing competency level of the students and their frequency of use of learning strategies; 4) determine the effectiveness of the task-based instructional materials in enhancing the writing performance of the students; and 5) determine the relationship between the effectiveness of the task-based instructional materials and the frequency of use of learning strategies. The first year BSF students had low level of competence in writing four types of texts (explanation of a process, recount, essay and paraphrase) and in nine writing skill areas (sentence unity, ability to carry out the task with minimal support, sentence emphasis, paragraph coherence, paragraph unity, paragraph emphasis, accuracy, sentence structure, and language features). The students’ frequency of use of learning strategies was “Medium” or “Sometimes Used” for both direct and indirect strategies. The use of the task-based instructional materials significantly increased the posttest scores of the students in paragraph unity, paragraph coherence, paragraph emphasis, methods of beginning and ending compositions and mechanics. Frequency of use of learning strategies is significantly and positively related with the pretest and posttest scores of the students. Based on the findings, the task-based instructional materials are recommended for use in order to improve students’ writing skills particularly to students who frequently use their learning strategies. Likewise, the development of task-based instructional materials is encouraged in other subjects or disciplines.

A Microsoft Learning Content Development System (LCDS) Based Learning Package for Electrical and Electronics Technology-Issues on Acceptability and Usability in Nigeria

Abstract: This study reported the use of a Free Open Source Software (FOSS), the Microsoft Learning Content Development System (Ms LCDS) to design and develop a learning package in electrical and electronic technology for teaching thermionic emission and investigated the acceptability and usability of the learning package. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. 80 students of electrical and electronics engineering and technology were randomly selected from two higher institutions in the country. A structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.89 was used for data collection. Six research questions were raised and data collected was analysed using mean, standard deviation and Multiple Regression at 0.05 level of significance. The research findings revealed high acceptability and usability levels of the learning package (Mean=5.14 and Mean=3.35 respectively). A significant joint effect of self-efficacy, attitude and subjective satisfaction was revealed on acceptability (F (3, 76) =9.458; p<0.05) while a significant joint effect of perceived enjoyment, self-efficacy, attitude and subjective satisfaction was revealed on usability (F (4, 75) =9.418; p<0.05). Based on the findings, it is recommended amongst other things that computer assisted materials or packages be developed for topics that may need some extra support to teach.

Computing education competence in higher education: challenges for teachers

Abstract: This paper presents positions and reflections about integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s) to teaching practice in higher education and teaching-learning digital environments. The main issues discussed deal with the education a teacher must receive in order to achieve an ICT pedagogical integration in virtual or non-virtual environments, andto designlearning activities that contribute to knowledge building and application for problem solving froma transdisciplinaryapproach.

Determination of Students' Beliefs is one of the Aspects of Competence Oriented System of Mathematics Teachers' Methodical Preparation

Abstract: The article analyzes the results of determination of students’ – future math teachers’ beliefs about the state of their preparation for future professional activities. The measurement and qualitative analysis of students' beliefs concerning their future profession is an important pedagogical problem. The measurement analysis of Ukrainian students’ value beliefs (future Mathematics teachers) with the help of the methods proposed in the TEDS- M project are compared with the results of analogical investigations in Russia. The beliefs about the nature of mathematics; beliefs about learning mathematics and students’ mathematics abilities; students' beliefs about their preparedness level to professional activity were compared. Also “problem zones” for Ukrainian students' value beliefs were reviled.

Impact of Self-Efficacy Beliefs on Short- and Long-Term Academic Improvements for Underperforming Medical Students

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of an innovative remediation program, based on promoting self-efficacy, a construct of self-regulation theory, which was developed to provide sustainable improvements in academic and clinical performance of underperforming medical students. Eighteen medical (eight 4th and ten 5th year) students participated in the remediation program. Interventions were multi-faceted and composed of a wide range of group activities. The efficacy of the intervention was evaluated using mixed-method approach consisting of interviews, questionnaire and quantitative analysis of OSCE outcomes (pre and post intervention). The in-depth interviews were used to explore the short- and long-term causal effects of the remediation program on improved performance. Students demonstrated significant improvements across 3 of the 5 domains measured in OSCE performance (management, diagnosis and communication). There was a 44% improvement in number of stations passed by participants post-remediation (95% CI = -52.25 to -35.64; r = 0.82). Large effect sizes were obtained, indicating the substantive significance of the results. Self-efficacy beliefs were markedly increased post-intervention with the total score increasing from 33.52 (SD=4.9) points pre-remediation to 45.71 (SD=5.1) points post-remediation (95% CI = -14.52 to -9.83; p<0.001; r = 0.77). Subsequent qualitative data suggested that beyond summative exam results, gains were translated to the clinical context with enhanced confidence and self–belief, enabling perceived improved performance in the workplace. Multi-dimensional, group orientated remediation, which emphasises self-efficacy beliefs, may enhance outcomes for students in both high stakes assessment and in the clinical context, thus allowing translational and longitudinal benefits.

The Quality of Mathematical Education in the Context of Semiotics

Abstract: The content of mathematics education takes on a specific form of existence in a variety of shells – verbal and non-verbal, which are created with the help of sign and symbol means of a different nature. The language is the main means. In teaching signs and symbols perform a substitutional, cognitive, and communicative function; build up an informational basis of students’ learning activities. In mastering learning contents signs and symbols are the subject of study, and an instrument of knowledge. Operating sign and symbolic means is a necessary component of students’ learning activities, which is directly related to semiosis in students’ training activities and enrichment of the conceptual structures possessed and acquired by the students. Mastering different means of fixing the training material contents and every kind of sign and symbolic activity, namely – substitution, coding (decoding), schematization, and modeling is the basis of the information culture and a prerequisite for the development of each student’s personality. The selection and use of sign and symbol means should be made on the basis of the analysis of conflicts between the logical and visual. Such conflicts may have not only an objective, historically conditioned character. Most often they are generated by subjective factors – the advent of the students’ misunderstanding of the contents of the material and the negative attitudes to the possibility to understand the content, inability to place content in different sign and symbolic shell, the presence of adhesions (but not a dialectical unity) of content and form which were formed in the prior learning students’ experience, etc. Adequate conditions for the training and development of all students in the course of mathematics acquisition are created through a comprehensive, systematic and activity approaches to the use of verbal and non-verbal sign and symbol means. Thus, the new goal in teaching mathematics is the ensuring of the two processes unity: the formation of subject knowledge, skills and abilities, on the one hand, and the experience of independent sign and symbolic activities of students, on the other hand.