Showing papers in "Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2017"

Quality Issues of Online Distance Learning

Abstract: Despite a rapid development of online tertiary education, it is clear that educators and students encounter certain barriers that affect the overall quality of distance learning. This paper aims to present the results of the survey conducted at the Ural State University of Economics and Ural Federal University (Yekaterinburg, Russia) on student-focused quality indicators: interaction and collaboration; instructional design and delivery; student assessment; student support services. Over 800 degree students (n = 830) involved in distance learning programs responded to a 26-question on-line survey to identify the areas that the university administrators, staff, and technicians can improve upon to ensure high quality of online distance education delivery. We found that although degree students overall positively evaluate their distance learning experiences; they face some learning challenges especially in regard to effective teaching practices and communication patterns. The findings support the prediction that the faculty plays crucial role in knowledge construction and can be of use for all tertiary sector stakeholders in exploring solutions to maximize the ICT potential in distance tertiary education.

The Effect of Leadership and Innovation on Differentiation Strategy and Company Performance

Abstract: This study examined the effect of leadership and innovation on differentiation strategy and company performance of hotels in Surabaya, Indonesia. The study used quantitative research methods and data was collected by distributing questionnaire to respondents having level of position from supervisor up to CEO within the organization. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, whereas hypotheses testing used SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) and Partial Least Square (PLS). The results showed that leadership affect the performance of hotels, either directly or indirectly through innovation and differentiation as an intervening variable. While leadership does not affect directly differentiation strategy, but it affects indirectly through innovation.

ICT in Teaching a Foreign Language in High School

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the importance of ICT usage in teaching foreign languages in universities and the development of practical recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of foreign language teaching using ICT. The paper summarizes the most effective types of ICT for the development of linguistic and communication competence of students: PowerPoint presentation, correspondence by e-mail, training programs on CD-ROM, internet resources in teaching of foreign languages. In the study the full description of the above mentioned types of ICT is given.

Nanotechnology Among Innovation, Health and Risks

Abstract: The role of nanotechnologies is increasingly important in our society; their use has marked the beginning of a new era, like the press and Internet. The implications in the near future are many and surprising, from energy to environment, from medicine to building sector, from engineering to transport and telecommunications. It is a scientific and technological challenge, which requires work coordination of projects and available resources. The eco-innovation is a theme in evolution, as a frontier of new materials, innovative production methods (Green Technologies) and purchasing (Green Procurement), innovations in the transportation of people and goods, the opportunities offered by ICT world. In addition we will consider also open questions about the effects of nanotechnology on human health and the environment and the multidisciplinary research work required for supporting regulatory actions.

Methodology of Flipped Classroom as a Learning Technology in Foreign Language Teaching

Abstract: The paper examines the potential of flipped classroom applying in foreign language teaching. The authors look back at the history of emerging of the method, analyse its advantages over other traditional approaches. Among the advantages it should be mentioned time extension between the teacher and the student; increase of responsibility and self-reliance of the latter; personified approach to each learner; teacher's capability to create authorized mini lectures, taking into account the peculiarities of vocationally-orientated teaching, as well as age peculiarities and other features of each learning group; possibility for each student to work according to his/her personal pace, using time more effectively relative to the students and the teacher; increasing creativity and critical thinking; potential for permanent data archiving; positive transformation of teacher/students’ role relations when a student becomes a protagonist and creator of his/her own knowledge, at the same time the teacher becomes the guide and councilor; advancement of the learner's motivation; improvement of the atmosphere in the classroom that becomes more friendly and comfortable; chance for better concentration in the classroom. The paper describes flipped classroom method in graphics and proposes some practical examples of its application.

The Complexity of Environmental Education: Teaching Ideas and Strategies from Teachers

Abstract: The research presented tries to understand and analyze the conceptions that the teachers keep from different levels of education (primary, secondary, and higher education), about the paradigm in which are placed in the treatment of Environmental Education (EE), as well as methodological strategies used and / or designed for practice. This work argues with the intention of detecting possible reductionism, determinism and fragmentation, in the conceptions of teachers. To do this quantitative techniques have been combined, by using a questionnaire, with qualitative techniques, through the interview in depth; which has allowed us to know and analyze the current situation of the participating teachers in their conceptions of EE, as well as methodological aspects used in its treatment. For this, it conducted an investigation of descriptive-interpretative type with 58 teaching participants, of different educational levels and they teach different subjects and / or disciplines. The results make visible that there is interest in a reflective view closer to the complex thought in the treatment of EE, however we check reductionism associated with the difficulties of their practice.

Subjects in the Blended Learning Model Design. Theoretical-Methodological elements

Abstract: Curriculum design at different levels explains the intentions of an educational project in its particular context. The subjects design is specified in micro planning, and orients didactics around the questions of the teaching and learning process in the classroom. This research was conducted in order to determine theoretical-methodological elements for the design of courses following the blended learning model. As point of departure, two questions were considered: How others do it? And what do we count on to be able to perform subjects based on this model? The method used was based on the case study, from a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were also used such as surveys, interviews, and documentary analysis. Results are specified in a proposal that integrates three dimensions: intentions and principles, scope and development, and assessment.

The Game as an Early Childhood Learning Resource for Intercultural Education

Abstract: Early childhood education is a stage with its own identity, where children acquire a series of lessons that will contribute to their overall development. For these learnings to be significant, it is necessary to have a series of materials and tools that complement the methodology that par excellence is used in this stage: The game. The game is the main methodology used throughout the whole children's education, as it is a formation channel intrinsic to the child. Through games and toys, children will be able to experiment, discover, know the whole world around him in a natural way, while being a flattering place to promote intercultural matters. The child learns by playing, the game is a feature in his constitution, therefore, it is necessary to have all the material resources that contribute to their training in the physical, social and emotional level.

The use of New Technologies as a Tool for the Promotion of Health Education

Abstract: New technologies in today's knowledge society and information technologies (ICT) have become a sign of progress, improvement and quality that determine our lives and have an essential role in health education as it relates to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms of disease. This article will explore some of the technological advances in the field of health. They have greatly contributed to some very significant changes in the configuration of standard health services. We analyze some of the major benefits and savings achieved through the use of technologies in the area of health, like increased efficiency and quality of patient care, reduced administrative and operational costs, improved primary health care and optimized access to health care. In addition, we present some of the drawbacks to the use of new technologies in the field of health as found in the literature, such as the risk of misdiagnosis due to possible software errors, and therefore the issue of ethical responsibility.

Differences in Happiness and Coping with Stress in Secondary Education Students

Abstract: The objective of this study was to describe the coping strategies adopted by adolescents in different situations of stress that occur in their daily-to-day lives, and their perception of happiness. To go about this, first- and four-year students of Spanish compulsory Secondary Education (ESO in Spanish), who went to different Secondary Schools, were evaluated. The study sample was formed by 1,402 students (711 males and 691 females) aged 11-18 years. The results showed differences for gender and year of studies in the strategies they adopted to cope with stress. Happiness reduced as age increased. The coping strategies that address others and unproductive coping strategies influenced happiness, while productive coping strategies did not.

Teacher Training in the Use of ICT for Inclusion: Differences between Early Childhood and Primary Education ☆

Abstract: The Spanish education system considers the principle of educational equity and inclusion as a way of ensuring equal opportunities for students, serving as a compensatory approach that addresses personal, cultural, economic and social inequalities. Moreover, the impact of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has led to changes in the teaching-learning process, taking into account the principles of universal design and accessibility; this plays a key role in moving towards methodologies that enable improvements in educational quality. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the perceptions that prospective Early Childhood and primary teachers have about using ICT for inclusion in the ordinary classroom. An ad-hoc questionnaire was administered to a sample of fourth-year students reading undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Catholic University of Murcia (n=231). Results demonstrated positive attitudes by university students towards the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs using these types of learning resources. However, significant differences were observed in the “Professional teacher development in ICT” dimension depending on the degree programme (Early Childhood or Primary), with more favourable assessments reported by the first group. This has helped identify the teachers’ attitudes and teaching needs in the field of ICT in order to improve training by making curriculum changes and by adapting the teaching-learning process to higher education students.

The Use of Video Annotation Tools in Teacher Training

Abstract: Video is a tool used for teacher reflection and teacher training. Hence video analysis supports the reflection and enhance of one's own teaching. There are scientific studies that evidence the use of video for reflection. However, there is little research on video- annotation tool in teacher education. The purpose of this paper is to determine how many scientific studies research the use of video annotations tools in teacher training. Thus, we review different papers of national and international databases. We compare and contrast studies of video annotation tools over time and articles indexing in databases. Findings indicate the evolution of the number of studies in this research area observable in the five last years. Finally, it is necessary to encourage scientific community to inquiry in this research field.

Analysis of the use of ICT through Music Interactive Games as Educational Strategy

Abstract: Information and communication technologies have been quickly introduced in all professional and leisure environments. Nonetheless, this process has been slower in educational spheres. ICT contribute and will contribute even further to the renewal of teaching by bringing innovation and creativity. For this reason, we have conducted an investigation in order to ascertain whether through a methodology based on the use of new technologies (ICT) musical knowledge and consequently academic performance of a group of students from 3rd year can be improved. To achieve this goal, two groups of students were selected: one was experimental, who received encouragement (22 learners) and the other group that was controlled (24 students), who worked in Music classroom in a traditional way. The results show that musical learning through the use of ICT improved in 100% of the parameters analysed. For this reason, it is concluded that it is essential that teachers must seek new teaching methods and strategies to achieve a greater effectiveness of their action as a teacher, and these techniques should be undoubtedly closely linked with the introduction of ICT in the classroom.

Information and Communication Technologies Impact on Family Relationship

Abstract: ICT have influenced and modified economic, politic, social and cultural structures. The purpose of the study applied to sample of Medellin City is exploring how the use of ICT haven affected the family. ICT have enabled to a large flow of information that reinforces the nuclear family, but also have caused a detriment in their communication processes and family life. As a conclusion, It is pertinent to encourage further researches to evaluate the ICTs’ impact in the relation processes from a qualitative approach and through longitudinal studies, and exploring how new technologies have redefined the concepts of family life in modern societies.

Strategies for Teaching and Dissemination of Artistic Heritage by Promoting Critical and Creative Thinking Among Future Primary Education Teachers

Abstract: The historical and artistic heritage of Spain is varied and has a great cultural wealth; however, it is necessary to know this heritage in advance before taking any action for enjoyment, preservation or protection. The importance of this knowledge is introduced in the curriculum of different educational school levels, which features in a prominent place. It is fundamental that future teachers first know the historical heritage of their surroundings to subsequently design strategies for teaching and dissemination in primary schools. Thus, future teachers’ initial training must be fully based on a solid knowledge of their subject, mastering a variety of techniques and developing critical and creative thinking. The teaching of social sciences provides several opportunities to enhance and develop these intellectual skills such as analysis and synthesis, critical thinking, comparing and deducing, managing information and teamwork. These skills will become apparent through the design of different teaching strategies whose ultimate goal is that students in education degrees develop abilities to think and devise new and creative ideas through historical and artistic heritage.

Key Challenges of On-Line Education in Multi-Cultural Context

Abstract: In meeting the ever-growing educational needs of culturally diverse student populations, universities and colleges still seek to maintain high quality standards, both for in situ and online education. Despite the latter's reportedly high effectiveness potential, online degree courses tend to have low students’ persistence and satisfaction rates. In this pape,r we examine the role that students’ and instructors’ national cultures play in the way individuals learn at a distance. We argue that students’ individual culture dimensions may prove influential in achieving overall learning outcomes. The key complexities for students involve understanding the instructor's role in a socio-constructivist approach, adapting online collaborative learning and acquiring academic skills. These can become crucial barriers to effective online learning. No less a challenge is presented by online distance education for instructors. Academic institutions’ managements have high expectations in terms of utilizing up-to-date teaching techniques, enhancing competitive edge and maximizing cost-effectiveness. Thus, the teaching staff is expected to play an increasingly essential role in the new environment. We conclude that instructors have to develop strategies to motivate, support and counsel students with the aim of facilitating the students’ on-line learning experience. This implies that teaching staff have to acquire new skills and competences vital for multicultural online education. Robert Kennedy College, whose experience is reflected in this paper, shares much of the issues of other institutions aiming to utilize distance online learning, but has the advantage that it was set up from the start as an online institution

Acculturation and Psychological Adjustment of Foreign Students (the Experience of Elabuga Institute of Kazan Federal University)

Abstract: The whole world is experiencing the process of globalization which major tendency is intercultural mixing and student exchange. A great number of students from Central Asia come to attend Russian universities. They subsequently face the problem of cultural shock in their new environments. The current study presents a research on acculturation experiences of foreign students in Elabuga Institute of Kazan Federal University. The study aims at defining the environmental stressors in their first year of study and elaboration of effective techniques of managing acculturative stress. The results of the paper show that the majority of students have to cope with cultural shock to this or that extent during their first year of study. It is concluded that University on the whole and teachers in particular come first among the factors soothing acculturative stress in foreign students, by providing constant significant support and guidance over their culturally different students. Properly organized learning and teaching and as well inclusion of foreign students into social activities of the Institute enhance their psychological adjustment. The research contributes to theoretical understanding of acculturative stress and practical implications for teachers who work with foreign students.

Families with a Disabled Member: Impact and Family Education

Abstract: This article debates whether the quality of life of the families is depleted or improved due to the presence of a member with a disability. A theoretical review is carried out of the impact on the family caused by the birth of a child with a disability, the detrimental effects of the disability and the positive effects of the empowerment offered by the family intervention programs. When the family includes a member with a disability, time and effort must be dedicated to them as they normally have greater requirements for care. The repercussion of this is putting the needs of the parents and siblings to one side, creating a specific profile for these families. They show issues such as imbalance in the family system, unawareness of aspects of health and education, negative feelings, need for adaptation, etc., for which they require support programs. With the family intervention, they are able to improve their awareness of problems, acquire efficient education strategies, initiate new friendships, improve conflict resolution, etc. In consequence, rather than focusing on the disadvantages, these families can achieve a series of highly developed skills such as communication, self-esteem, sense of humour, resilience. It is the own potential of these families that must be strengthened, not only to improve the quality of family life, but also for the benefits to extend to the community.

Defining Childbirth Fear And Anxiety Levels In Pregnant Women

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the childbirth fear and anxiety levels of the pregnant women. This descriptive research was carried out with 184 pregnant women who complied with the specified criteria and agreed to participate in the study in Trabzon, Turkey. The data was collected using the ‘Wijma Delivery Expectance / Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ-A) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). In the analysis of the data, percentage distribution, mean, standard deviation, t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Spearman Correlation Analysis were used. 72.8% of the women were multiparous, 27.2% primiparous and their average age was 29.12 ± 5.68. Of those surveyed, 40.8% were found out to have severe anxiety levels, while 48.9% had severe-clinical levels of childbirth fear experience. A significant positive correlation was determined between the W-DEQ-A average score 63.83 ± 20.13 and the BAI average score 22.66 ± 13.68 (r = 0.484; p = 0.000

Motivational Factors and Effects Associated with Physical-sport Practice in Undergraduate Students

Abstract: Current high level of physical inactivity in undergraduate students is due to reasons that can be classified into external barriers such as time, lack of social support or internal barriers such as apathy toward physical activity. These obstacles may vary depending on the cultural and social context, age and gender of students. The purpose of this study was to identify the specific motivational factors and effects associated with physical-sport practice in undergraduate students, a literature review was developed, focusing on motivational student's perceptions and effects, and identifying research gaps for further researches. The lifestyle-related health and active behavior of an undergraduate student is complex, since it depends on motivational factors for physical practice as extrinsic factors (disease prevention, fitness) and intrinsic factors (pleasure, wellness, stress management), highlighting in students the motivation to achieve their goals, enjoyment or pleasure in practicing an activity. Among the results, students who participate in physical-sport practice are more physically active, so it is important to develop and encourage current programs to maximize their retention, stimulate self-motivation, feelings of autonomy, self-confidence and relatedness and work team.

Working with Emotions in the Classroom: Future Teachers’ Attitudes and Education

Abstract: This paper discusses the results of a qualitative study aimed at analysing the attitudes of education students towards emotional education and the training that they receive in this area. The 122 participants were enrolled in the first year of the Teacher Training Degree in Primary Education at the University of Alicante (Spain). The study focused on their views about the relevance of emotional education in their initial teacher training, as well as their willingness to work with emotions in the future. The results suggest that pre-service teachers have favourable attitudes towards dealing with emotions in the classroom. They also recognised the importance of teachers’ training in developing pupils’ emotional competence. Additionally, they argued that their university lecturers provided them with various strategies to promote pupils’ learning about how to deal with emotions. However, they considered that this training was sparse and too theoretical. The proposals made by the participants notably included that it is essential to rely on emotional education from the earliest stages of the education system, and especially in teacher training programmes.

The Effectiveness of Research Based Learning among Master degree Student for Health Promotion and Preventable Disease, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Abstract: This is a post intervention assessment aimed at evaluating Research Based Learning (RBL) among Masters Degree students in Health Promotion at the Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The strategies were designed to all students searching interesting research from journals related to the disease for presentation of an assignment, they were to read, analyze, synthesise, present and discuss in the classroom. The sample included 32 second tear master degree students. Data were collected by using a questionnaire, focus group discussions and in depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis was ysed for qualitative data. The study found that scores of all aspects of the Thai Qualification framework for Higher Education (TQF) were at high levels, such as cognitive skills (4.18; range 1-5), knowledge skills (4.27), ethical skills (4.25), social skills (4.30), communication skills, arithmetic, using figures and graphs (3.92). The satisfaction (4.17), in addition to general learning (4.28) as well as further development (3.70), and recommend to continue to apply RBL to next class. In conclusion, after implementing RBL integrated into Health Promotion and Preventable Disease among 32 master degree students in Public Health, the study found that all skills of learning of the TQF had a high level score. Transfer of these methods to the next class and other subjects should be important and beneficial.

Educational Process in Electronic Information-educational Environment

Abstract: New educational standards of higher education in Russian Federation expand the frames of educational institution towards the formation of electronic information-educational environment (EIEE). Along with internal resources of educational institution, public web-services and educational resources, created by intellectual work of pedagogical community, becomes an effective mechanism in the development of e-learning environment. Teacher obtains additional opportunities for creative approach to organization of educational process, for organization of educational collaboration, for involving students in the process of EIEE development. Teacher can transform students’ learning activities from reproductive form into productive, personalized form. Organization of this kind of educational activities helps to develop professional competences of modern professionals. The paper discusses some of the approaches to educational process in EIEE of students of bachelor program 09.03.03 Applied Informatics in Kazan (Volga) Federal University.

The Influence of Game-based Programming Education on the Algorithmic Thinking☆

Abstract: Applied informatics engineering students of the undergraduate course Programming I get acquainted with the basic programming knowledge (structured programming) in C. Our earlier personal experiences in Higher Education showed that the majority of the students can not acquire the algorithmic thinking by following the traditional teaching process and they do not have too much chance to pass it. Our starting hypothesis was that the group where the students followed the game oriented exercises would achieve better results in the papers. After the semester we collected the paper results by groups and we tried to analyze whether this method was helpful or not for the students. The traditional way to teach programming for applied informatics engineering students was not so successful than the game-based examples. The students were more motivated to write game programs and more students could pass the test. It means by same learning material and test exercises the student who learned programming in game-based method could get more than one mark better paper results and pass the test in higher percent.

Self-regulation as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Anxiety and Academic Examination Performance

Abstract: The research addresses the problem of psychological predictors of academic success. It had the task to scrutinize the relationships of self-regulation, anxiety, and the final examination results on the sample of Russian schoolchildren (N=231). To diagnose regulatory features we used the Morosanova's Self-Regulation Profile Questionnaire (SRPLQM) measuring the students’ level of learning activity self-regulation and different regulatory aspects related to achieving academic objectives. To estimate anxiety level the Russian adaptation of Spilberger's Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) was used. Unified State Exam scores in mathematics and the native language (Russian) had been also collected. Correlation, regression and mediator analysis of individual data made it possible to construct the model revealing a partial mediator effect of the conscious self-regulation in the relationships between the test anxiety and examination success. The study results provide for the main conclusion that the conscious self-regulation acts as a mediator of students’ anxiety influence on exam results. The higher the level of conscious self-regulation, the lower the anxiety level and the better exam results.

Using Active Methodologies: The StudentśView

Abstract: The transition from a teaching-centered model of education to a learning-centered one involves a great “cultural change” for the University as educational institution. Among the fundamental pillars of this change is the so-called “methodological renewal”. This study shows students’ opinions on three issues: whether students have received specific training in active methodologies; whether professors consider the use of active methodologies in their teaching; and finally whether professors take the opinion of their students into account in planning the teaching-learning methodologies for their instruction. We believe that these actions are necessary and that they contribute to improving teaching quality. The sample for this study is composed of 2472 students from different areas and levels of instruction at the University of Granada. The research was based on a quantitative perspective, using a questionnaire as the survey instrument. Among the main opinions extracted, we highlight that most students are very satisfied with the education received from their professors. The professors do not, however, consider students’ opinion when planning the course material, an action professors should take based on the methodological renewal involved in using active methodologies.

Public Policies, Nursing Role and Health Programs Against Gender Violence. Comparative Study Spain - Brazil

Abstract: Introduction: Gender violence is a serious public health problem and human rights, both in the Brazilian and Spanish society, so that public policies of these countries have the responsibility to eradicate this problem. Objective: To compare policies on gender violence between Spain and Brazil as well as their influence on nursing care to the abused women. Results: public policies that both countries have made since the 70s until today, under the influence of the International Conferences of the United Nations, notably from Beijing are exposed. Among the policies developed in these countries currently stands in Spain Organic Law 1/2004 and Brazil Maria da Penha Law. Public policies are translated in both countries in specific programs on women's health, who have also evolved since the 70s, from contemplating women exclusively in their gravid-puerperal cycle glimpsing in their overall health throughout the life cycle. These programs provide care to women in situations of gender violence through action protocols that emphasize the importance of identifying the problem in primary care, multidisciplinary actions among health professionals and coordination of the various institutions of protection of women to violence. Conclusions: As a consequence of global conferences and conventions on women and human rights, there have been policies in Spain and Brazil focused on gender equality and prevention of violence against women that have resulted in significant advances for the whole society, but they have not yet reached their goals. Women Health Programs start considering women as a subject of citizenship and rights. This evolution occurs in Spain after the influence of international conventions and conferences. However, Brazil is pioneering programs to include comprehensive women's health and reproductive health concepts, even before gouging importance internationally. These programs include violence against women as a field of action from the performance of health professionals in general and nursing in particular, establishing different protocols.

Review of Android and iOS Tablet Apps in Spanish to Improve Reading and Writing skills of Children with Dyslexia

Abstract: Through this article we want to shed light on the Apps in Spanish for children with dyslexia. We also present research on developing literacy using fifteen tablet applications selected for working on literacy and mathematics in children with dyslexia. We have used an ad-hoc instrument that analyses the main elements of the apps, their pedagogical approach, game resources and approach to dyslexia. The fifteen apps selected are in Spanish and are recommended by dyslexia experts. The results that we emphasize are that no application has a global approach; most apps consider only reading fluency or automated word recognition, the two are not integrated in the set of activities.

Facebook Use in University Students: Exposure and Reinforcement Search

Abstract: Social networking sites have impacted usual ways of relating, leading to new interaction scenarios. We focus attention on Facebook, which is the most widespread social platform (3 out of four global internet users participate in it), whose potential lies in the possibility of sharing information, tastes, feelings and experiences. The main goal of this research is to assess the use of Facebook and its relationship with the following variables: (a) personality traits (introversion, extroversion) and self-esteem (self-concept, self-worth); (b) use and abuse of mobile phone. The research involved 410 college students between 18 and 40 years (M = 22.38, SD = 4.53). Of the total, 69.3% were women and 30.7% were men. Self-report measures were used to evaluate the variables of interest: Questionnaire of Exposure and Reinforcement through Facebook (QERF) and Scale of Smartphone Dependency and Addition (EDAS). Results showed that high-extroversion and high-self-esteem participants obtained higher scores on the degree of exposure and reward in Facebook. Moreover, those participants who present high rates of anxiety when they stop using mobile phone, and high device interference in their lives, they scored higher on the QERF. In relation to gender, different pattern of using Facebook between men and women was found. Finally, significant differences in accordance with age were found, being the younger ones who scored higher in reinforcement and exposure of their personal life through this social networking site.

Development of Socio-emotional Skills through Cooperative Learning in a University Environment

Abstract: This paper presents the results obtained on the socio-emotional variables arising from a cooperative learning project conducted in the university classroom. The idea of using this type of methodology comes mainly from the experience of university lecturers with regard to the routine difficulties encountered by students in groupwork sessions. For this research project, a Likert scale questionnaire was used on a sample of 103 undergraduates reading degrees in Pre-School Education and Primary Education, in order to evaluate a possible improvement in the students’ acquisition of socio-emotional skills. Once the research was completed in a cooperative learning classroom, the results reflected greater empathy and assertiveness among group members, as well as greater cohesion and confidence in reaching agreements and accepting views which differ from their own. Therefore, we can establish a positive relationship between the use of a cooperative methodology and an improvement in the socio-emotional skills of university students