{"title":"Involving STEM Students in Critical Analysis Tasks on the Processes of Modifying Optical Properties of Materials","authors":"M. Bilad, Aris Doyan","doi":"10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1597","url":null,"abstract":"The present study aimed to train STEM students' critical analysis skills in the material modification process. The optical properties of the mixed polymer materials (polyvinyl alcohol, methylene blue dye, and trichloroacetic acid) were modified using gamma (?) radiation techniques. The fabrication process of polymer films blend irradiated with ? rays was carried out by the lecturer, including absorbance measurements. The task assigned to the STEM students was to critically analyze the optical characteristics of the irradiated polymer films. The method was divided into two sections: 1) the fabrication of ?-irradiated polymer films, which involved preparation, radiation, and absorbance measurement of the polymer film blend, and 2) the assessment of critical analysis skills in STEM students, which was based on a portfolio of critical analysis tasks. The results of the analysis showed changes in the physical properties and optical characteristics of the polymer film blend, including its potential application as ? radiation dosimetry. The results of the critical analysis task indicated that STEM students were able to complete the task effectively. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate the success of STEM students in conducting critical analysis of the optical characteristics of polymer films blends irradiated by ?-rays.","PeriodicalId":484117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education","volume":"34 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139007238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Problem-Based Learning in Remote Learning Scenario Utilizing Climate Change Virtual Reality Video in Mobile Application to Train Critical Thinking","authors":"Hassan Aliyu, Musah Ebikabowei, Aina Jacob Kola","doi":"10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1612","url":null,"abstract":"The imperative to address climate change in educational curricula stems from its profound implications for the sustainability of human life. A crucial aspect of this education is fostering critical thinking (CT) in students, as they form their perspectives on climate change. Traditional teaching approaches alone have proven inadequate in developing students' CT concerning this complex issue, particularly when learning remotely. To address this challenge, students must be actively engaged with the realities of climate change. In response to this need, the current study aimed to apply the problem-based learning (PBL) in remote learning scenario utilizing climate change virtual reality (VR) video in mobile application to train students’ CT skills. Utilizing a mixed method approach, the study involved 86 high school students, divided evenly between experimental and control groups, using a 'true experimental design' to quantify CT skill improvements. Complementing the quantitative data, the study also conducted semi-structured interviews with teachers participating in the interventions, providing valuable insights into their responses to the learning methods. The instruments used to measure students' CT skills were carefully validated for psychometric properties (validity and reliability). The study's overall findings indicate that the PBL approach integrated with climate change VR videos in mobile applications effectively enhances students' critical thinking skills, surpassing the outcomes of traditional teaching methods. Moreover, the feedback received from teachers who took part in the teaching interventions was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the efficacy of the learning approach. This research highlights the significance of implementing PBL and VR experiences to cultivate CT among students, particularly in the context of climate change education.","PeriodicalId":484117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education","volume":"7 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139008418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Utilizing Social Reality Videos in Mobile Apps to Enhance Electronic Learning: Examining the Influence on Cognitive Learning Outcomes Among Students","authors":"Rachid El Yazidi","doi":"10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1613","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1613","url":null,"abstract":"This research endeavors to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating electronic learning (e-learning) with social reality videos into a mobile application to enhance students' cognitive learning outcomes. The study adopts an experimental design, specifically a pretest-posttest control group design, involving two distinct groups: the experimental group exposed to e-learning featuring social reality videos, and the control group engaged in traditional face-to-face learning utilizing the expository method. Each group comprised twenty-eight students, and both groups underwent pre-tests and post-tests with identical tasks. The primary focus of this investigation is the assessment of cognitive learning outcomes among students, representing the educational impact of induced learning within each treatment group. Analysis of students' learning outcomes includes descriptive methods (such as the average learning outcomes and n-gain) and statistical procedures, including hypothesis testing to determine differences in achievement between the treatment groups, conducted at a significance level of 0.05. In summary, the findings of this study reveal that the integration of e-learning with social reality videos significantly enhances students' learning outcomes, surpassing the effectiveness of the expository method. Consequently, the researchers recommend the simultaneous incorporation of this innovative approach into conventional classroom lectures.","PeriodicalId":484117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education","volume":"44 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139008139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shafiee Yakob, Rosmawijah Jawawi, M. Shahrill, Jainatul Halida Jaidin
{"title":"The Effects of Flipped Classroom in English Language Communicative Skills","authors":"Shafiee Yakob, Rosmawijah Jawawi, M. Shahrill, Jainatul Halida Jaidin","doi":"10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1394","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1394","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the effectiveness of Flipped Classroom in teaching speaking skills for an English communicative class as well as the students’ perceptions of this approach towards their learning experience. In the flipped classroom, students watched the videos and read the provided documents outside the classroom. In class, which was done virtually, group discussions, debates, and role-plays were conducted based on the content that they had watched before the class. Both the pre-test and post-test were the instruments used to measure effectiveness, and all eight students were interviewed to identify their perceptions of Flipped Classroom. This research found that this instructional method was effective in teaching speaking skills, as there were improvements in the post-test in comparison with the pre-test, where only three students managed to score above 50% while the rest failed. This study also revealed that the flipped classroom was beneficial to students as it helped them improve their speaking skills. Despite the problems they faced in class, their speaking skills improved tremendously.","PeriodicalId":484117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education","volume":"92 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139008310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fernando Salvetti, Khaerul Rijal, Isaac Owusu-Darko, S. Prayogi
{"title":"Surmounting Obstacles in STEM Education: An In-depth Analysis of Literature Paving the Way for Proficient Pedagogy in STEM Learning","authors":"Fernando Salvetti, Khaerul Rijal, Isaac Owusu-Darko, S. Prayogi","doi":"10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1614","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36312/ijece.v2i2.1614","url":null,"abstract":"The modern educational system has recognized the significance of STEM as a vital component of students' preparation for a promising future. Consequently, there is a need for comprehensive research in STEM education, encompassing an understanding of its context, challenges, and strategies to overcome these obstacles. Ongoing research continues to focus on developing coherent studies in this area, particularly emphasizing effective STEM pedagogy, which has proven to positively impact students' learning outcomes. However, despite its potential, STEM education faces several challenges that could impede its progress. In the scope of this study, a thorough examination revealed at least six key challenges confronting, these challenges encompass: pedagogical challenges, curriculum-related issues, structural complexities, student apprehensions, assessment concerns, and the critical need for teacher support. These challenges, along with proposed solutions, are discussed in-depth in this article. It is worth noting that pedagogical challenges hold paramount importance, as teachers play a pivotal role in implementing successful STEM education in schools. As such, this article delves into various effective pedagogical aspects that can facilitate the advancement of STEM education and foster enhanced learning experiences for students. Several key aspects contribute to effective pedagogy in STEM education and learning, including: (a) cultivating an innovative learning environment that nurtures inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking; (b) utilizing a diverse range of authentic learning methods and relevant educational resources; (c) facilitating a collaborative learning environment that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing; (d) creating an inclusive learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs of students; and (e) encouraging continuous reflection on and improvement of teaching practices to optimize learning outcomes.","PeriodicalId":484117,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education","volume":"1 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139009864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}