Search results

1 – 10 of over 102000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 February 2023

Tian Belawati, Daryono Daryono, Sugilar Sugilar and Udan Kusmawan

The paper reports a study that was intended to develop a self-assessment instrument to measure high school students' readiness for pursuing independent online learning.

1736

Abstract

Purpose

The paper reports a study that was intended to develop a self-assessment instrument to measure high school students' readiness for pursuing independent online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument was developed through the following steps: (1) developing the draft, (2) checking the instrument's face validity and (3) testing the instrument's validity, reliability and discriminant capacity using PLS analysis.

Findings

The study has developed a tool to self-assess high school students' readiness for independent online learning. The instrument consists of 36 statement items and is statistically proven to have good reliability, construct and indicator validity and a discriminating power.

Research limitations/implications

The instrument items were designed to fit the context of Indonesian high school students. However, only responses from high school students in rather urban areas were used to test the validity and reliability of the instrument. This could imply that the instrument is only accurate in urban settings.

Practical implications

As a result of the research, a tool to assess high school students' readiness for independent online learning has been created. To better prepare students for independent online learning endeavors, the school might use the results to enhance areas that need improvement.

Originality/value

The study succeeded in developing a contextualized self-assessment tool for measuring Indonesian students' independent online learning readiness.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1858-3431

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Belinda Luke and Kate Hogarth

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of short video tutorials in a post‐graduate accounting subject, as a means of helping students develop and enhance independent

3111

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of short video tutorials in a post‐graduate accounting subject, as a means of helping students develop and enhance independent learning skills.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, five short (approximately five to 10 minutes) video tutorials were introduced in an effort to shift the reliance for learning from the lecturer to the student. Data on students' usage of online video tutorials, and comments by students in university questionnaires were collated over three semesters from 2008 to 2009. Interviews with students were then conducted in late 2009 to more comprehensively evaluate the use and perceived benefits of video tutorials.

Findings

Findings reveal preliminary but positive outcomes in terms of both more efficient and effective teaching and learning.

Research limitations/implications

The shift towards more independent learning through the use of video tutorials has positive implications for educators, employers, and professional accounting bodies; each of whom has identified the need for this skill in accounting graduates.

Practical implications

The use of video tutorials has the potential for more rewarding teaching and more effective learning.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the use and benefits of video tutorials as a means of developing independent learning skills in accountancy students – addressing a key concern within the profession.

Details

Accounting Research Journal, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1030-9616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Ryoko Yamaguchi, Veronica Hankerson Madrigal, Cyntrica N. Eaton and Jamika D. Burge

There is a critical need to understand how to attract Black girls and other girls of color to the science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM+CS) field…

Abstract

Purpose

There is a critical need to understand how to attract Black girls and other girls of color to the science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM+CS) field. This study aims to look at the design and implementation of a CS learning ecosystem that supports girls of color in acquiring critical CS skills starting in middle school.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-method case study included 53 girls, between the ages of 11 and 13, in four US middle schools. Study methods included the analysis of a pre-program student survey, longitudinal interviews and focus groups, weekly observations and computing artifacts.

Findings

Program participants were interested in CS, were confident in their ability to learn CS, had prior coding and CS experience and had parents and teachers who encouraged them to learn CS. But some students showed dependent learning behaviors while engaging in CS activities. These included relying on instructors and being reticent to make mistakes–behaviors that limit learning. The CS learning ecosystem supported students as they shifted from applying dependent learning approaches to applying independent learning approaches. Instructors sustained a growth mindset and supported productive struggle as students learned CS skills.

Originality/value

A CS learning system supported equitable learning experiences and helped students develop independent learning behaviors that led to deeper engagement in CS.

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2012

Maria Pinto

The purpose of this paper is to discover Spanish history students' subjective perception of their information literacy (IL) status in order to find and suggest some academic and…

2202

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover Spanish history students' subjective perception of their information literacy (IL) status in order to find and suggest some academic and individual improvement actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The implementation of the IL‐HUMASS survey provides diagnostic data on two IL quantitative dimensions (belief in importance and skills self‐assessment) and a third qualitative dimension (learning habits) deployed along 26 variables, which are grouped into four categories (search, evaluation, processing, and communication‐dissemination of information).

Findings

The analysis confirms that variables related to information processing (above all schematising and abstracting information) show high scores of belief in importance and skills self‐assessment among students. By contrast, variables related to technological advances (above all the use of bibliographic reference managers) show the worst results. In sum, there is a lack of subjective digital literacy in a set of skills related to the technologies of search, processing and communication of information. Among the less valued skills, independent learning reaches an excessive priority. However, this is really just an isolated learning.

Research limitations/implications

The help of classrooms and libraries as learning tools would improve these results. Policy makers and instructors need to improve their role in the learning process by means of more extensive planning processes and the promotion of specific courses, above all on skills related to the technologies of information search, processing and communication. The concept of independent learning needs to be clarified and enhanced.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study that approaches IL from a triple perspective.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2008

Mary Bambacas, Gavin Sanderson, Vicki Feast and Song Yang

This paper reports on a preliminary investigation into the instructional preferences of students from Confucian‐heritage backgrounds studying in a transnational Master of Business…

Abstract

This paper reports on a preliminary investigation into the instructional preferences of students from Confucian‐heritage backgrounds studying in a transnational Master of Business Administration (MBA) program of an Australian university. This is part of a long‐term undertaking to ensure that teaching and learning arrangements in the MBA program are improved. The teaching and learning environment of the program is characterised by an intensive teaching regime which utilises a mixed mode of face‐to‐face and online delivery which promotes independent and collaborative learning. The aim of the investigation was to provide lecturers with an understanding of the students’ instructional preferences so that, where possible and appropriate, they can better assist the students to meet the learning objectives of the MBA program. Questionnaire data was collected from students studying the MBA in English (EMBA) in both Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as students studying the MBA in Chinese (CMBA) in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. The findings demonstrate that whilst students ranked teacher‐directed, face‐to‐face instructional delivery highly, some students also indicated that an independent, online learning environment had advantages even though it was their least‐preferred approach to learning. These findings provide lecturers with insights into their students as learners and this is particularly useful in terms of informing planning processes for how to best assist students to work productively and successfully in the face‐to‐face and online teaching and learning environment.

Details

Journal of International Education in Business, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-469X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2002

Penny Dale

Describes the development, introduction, use and evaluation of a series of worksheets designed for library staff at Bournemouth University. The reasons for the development of the…

Abstract

Describes the development, introduction, use and evaluation of a series of worksheets designed for library staff at Bournemouth University. The reasons for the development of the worksheets, designed to be a part of a range of training and development opportunities, are described in this paper. Their value as a self‐directed learning tool is considered and the question posed as to whether such materials can assist the process of encouraging self‐directed learning. The paper considers the usefulness of such materials and the cost in terms of initial and ongoing development.

Details

Library Management, vol. 23 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Daniel F.O. Onah, Elaine L.L. Pang, Jane E. Sinclair and James Uhomoibhi

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have received wide publicity and many institutions have invested considerable effort in developing, promoting and delivering such courses…

Abstract

Purpose

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have received wide publicity and many institutions have invested considerable effort in developing, promoting and delivering such courses. However, there are still many unresolved questions relating to MOOCs and their effectiveness in a blended-learning context. One of the major recurring issues raised in both academic literature and in the press about MOOCs is the consistently high dropout rate of MOOC learners.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we applied mixed methods as an exploratory case study, which prioritised the quantitative and qualitative approaches for the data collection processes. The data were collected using a MOOC Online Self-regulated Learning Questionnaire (MOSLQ) adapted and created from an existing measuring instrument. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22) tool to conduct descriptive analysis. The qualitative results obtained from the transcribed focus group interviews in this study revealed the various behavioural patterns of how undergraduate students self-directed their learning. This focus group interview was conducted to reveal the various ways students organised and strategised their learning patterns in order to derive satisfaction in their distinctive learning behaviours and encourage motivation within their study approaches. Quantitative data collected online included a 30 items survey of which 17 respondents completed the survey items in the blended-learning study. The online course survey included 19 items of which data were gathered from 11 respondents.

Findings

Across the data, it is noticeable and clear that time management and goal setting were among the dimensions that are highly rated close to high level among SRL skills investigated in this study. We found that goal setting and task strategies predicted much better attainment of individuals controlling personal course goals, while help seeking was associated with lower goal attainment among majority of the participants.

Research limitations/implications

The study also identified several challenges. For example, there were some challenges in learners completing the survey questions even when several reminders were sent out forth nightly. At this preliminary stage, learners participated as lurkers without engaging fully with other non-academic and academic interactive activities such as surveys, in course quizzes and forums. Most of the participants in this course said they enrolled to know more about the new trend MOOC, to make friends, to have fun and so on. Although, these are some of their intentions for participating, some of the participants at some points contributed to discussion forums.

Practical implications

Our platform currently allows learners to direct their learning within the course and also allow the choice of content prerequisite in order to recommend resources necessary for their learning. This study indicates the necessity to support SRL skills and directing development of self-determination skills among the participants. This study when applied to a larger sample will demonstrate effective measurement on areas of reliability and validity as results from this small sample has indicated some high SRL skill levels for individual learners within the research.

Social implications

However, the success of any e-learning or MOOC platform should consider the following best practices and objectives: the learners' entire learning experience, the strategies used in developing the course content, the planning of the course delivery and the methods of delivery. Therefore, all e-learning platforms should be designed with a primary focus on the way students learn to improve their own learning skills and help them regulate their own independent learning habits. In another related study, the success of any e-learning course implementation should be carefully considered with regards to the course's underlying pedagogy and how learners engage with the content.

Originality/value

There are many e-learning platforms in existence globally, but little has been mentioned about the development of a MOOC platform in general that could allow independent learning and also adequately demonstrating the components and features used in these MOOC designs. This research's implication is to aid instructional designers to apply best practices in the development of an online course. The best approach in designing a good course is to consider the learners and how they could engage with the course resources independently and develop the ability to self-direct their learning. One of the main goals of e-learning platforms is primarily based on developing learning resources that would be suitable for linear course structure as directed by the course developer or instructor.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2023

Yao Tong and Zehui Zhan

The purpose of this study is to set up an evaluation model to predict massive open online courses (MOOC) learning performance by analyzing MOOC learners’ online learning

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to set up an evaluation model to predict massive open online courses (MOOC) learning performance by analyzing MOOC learners’ online learning behaviors, and comparing three algorithms – multiple linear regression (MLR), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and classification and regression tree (CART).

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review and analysis of data correlation in the original database, a framework of online learning behavior indicators containing 26 behaviors was constructed. The degree of correlation with the final learning performance was analyzed based on learners’ system interaction behavior, resource interaction behavior, social interaction behavior and independent learning behavior. A total of 12 behaviors highly correlated to learning performance were extracted as major indicators, and the MLR method, MLP method and CART method were used as typical algorithms to evaluate learners’ MOOC learning performance.

Findings

The behavioral indicator framework constructed in this study can effectively analyze learners’ learning, and the evaluation model constructed using the MLP method (89.91%) and CART method (90.29%) can better achieve the prediction of MOOC learners’ learning performance than using MLR method (83.64%).

Originality/value

This study explores the patterns and characteristics among different learning behaviors and constructs an effective prediction model for MOOC learners’ learning performance, which can help teachers understand learners’ learning status, locate learners with learning difficulties promptly and provide targeted instructional interventions at the right time to improve teaching quality.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2018

Aleša Saša Sitar, Marko Pahor and Miha Škerlavaj

This study, which consists of two parts, investigates the influence of structure on the learning of individuals in organizational settings. This second paper (Part II) builds on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study, which consists of two parts, investigates the influence of structure on the learning of individuals in organizational settings. This second paper (Part II) builds on the conceptual paper (Part I) and explores the relationships between three structural dimensions of individual work – formalization, specialization and standardization – on employee learning behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis was used to test the proposed relationships. Data were gathered in a large multinational corporation; 90 employees from 12 units participated in the research.

Findings

The results offer support for some of the proposed hypotheses, showing that employee learning behavior varies depending on how activities are structured. Employees perceiving their work to be less structured, with lower formalization, standardization and specialization, rely on external sources of knowledge and experience double-loop learning, whereas employees with a more structured work are inclined to an individual learning style. Structure thus determines learning.

Research limitations/implications

Because this exploratory study used a single-company research setting, the use of multiple companies from different industries and additional measures of learning behavior are proposed to increase generalizability. A quasi-experimental research design would add to causality claims.

Practical implications

Implications for broader organization design practice to stimulate learning are proposed. Managers should be aware of the distinct impacts different structures have on learning behavior.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion on the relationship between structure and the learning of individuals at work.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2012

Freeman K.H. Chan and Alfred Lee

This paper aims to present the design of a new service in a self‐access language centre of a university in Hong Kong. A language action literacy program is being designed to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design of a new service in a self‐access language centre of a university in Hong Kong. A language action literacy program is being designed to promote independent learning and to support undergraduates in developing preferred qualities, including what the Kano Model would classify as excitement qualities.

Design/methodology/approach

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is the decision support tool for selecting the literacy program contents to echo the Voice of Customer (VOC). The QFD exercises undertaken include: a telephone survey with 12 employers rating the importance of customer requirements; the program designers selecting program contents that match the customer requirements; determining the relationship between the customer requirements and the program contents; calculating the importance weighting of program contents; and determining the correlation between the program contents. The categorization of qualities by the Kano model is followed when discussing customer satisfaction.

Findings

Independent learning was rated as the most important of 20 customer requirements, and excitement qualities such as Critical thinking, Innovation, Creativity were rated as important. The QFD exercises led to the recommendations that seven types of literacy (e.g. Critical literacy, Activism & advocacy) and functional grammar should be prioritized as main program contents for empowering undergraduates to make an impact on a community or profession.

Research limitations/implications

Since the sample size of the importance survey was small, the new program would have to be evaluated by larger‐scale surveys after piloting.

Originality/value

A review of literature found no report on QFD‐based design of self‐access language centre services; this study is likely the first of its kind.

1 – 10 of over 102000