Developing of an instrument for assessing students’ data analysis skills in the undergraduate physics laboratory

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (11) ◽  
pp. 1205-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haim Eshach ◽  
Ida Kukliansky
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Introductory Physics ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Physics Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Report ◽  
Analysis Instrument ◽  
Physics Laboratories

This paper describes the development and field test of the Laboratory Data Analysis Instrument (LDAI), aimed at diagnosing first-year students’ understanding of data analysis procedures. The design of this student-centered instrument is based on difficulties related to students’ data analysis skills required in an introductory physics laboratory. Difficulties were determined from previous literature, observations in laboratory classes, and interviews with students. The LDAI is single-context based, consisting of 30 multiple-choice and true/false questions embedded in a real laboratory report from a real laboratory. It was validated by seven experts: three physics professors, one science education lecturer, and three experienced laboratory instructors. Administration to 77 participants resulted in a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.702. The LDAI is a promising step toward having a valid and reliable diagnostic instrument that can be used by laboratory instructors in undergraduate physics laboratories.

scholarly journals Characterization of Data Analysis in the Physics Laboratory Among Pre-service Physics Teachers

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Ida Kukliansky
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Introductory Physics ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Physics Teachers ◽  
Physics Laboratory ◽  
Laboratory Courses ◽  
Analysis Instrument ◽  
Efficient Learning

Establishing the connection between the scientific experiment and theory may pose quite a challenge for learners. Analyzing and interpreting data, they collect in the experiments, helps to bridge the gap between the experiment's results and the theoretical world. The present research examines the barriers pre-service physics teachers confront with when dealing with data analysis tasks in the introductory physics laboratory. Identifying pre-service physics teachers' misconceptions is very important because the future teachers can transfer them to their students. The novelty of this research is not only in identifying the physics teacher's trainee's misconceptions analyzing data in the introductory physics laboratory, but also in explaining the reasons for them. 25 pre-service physics teachers who had undergone several laboratory courses participated in this study. For examining their knowledge level and identifying their difficulties in data analysis, the Laboratory Data Analysis Instrument (LDAI) was used. The results revealed that the participants evidenced a sixty-nine percent overall average of correct answers. The various misconceptions the pre-service physics teachers encountered in each of the instrument objectives are identified and discussed. Dealing with multiple representations and the use of intuitive rules can explain some of the difficulties. The identification of the data analysis difficulties can be employed by educators attempting to construct more efficient learning environments.

scholarly journals The swarm intelligence algorithms and their application for the educational data analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
Y. Yu. Dyulicheva
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Swarm Intelligence ◽  
Learning Objects ◽  
Ant Algorithm ◽  
First Year ◽  
Optimal Learning ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Learning Content ◽  
Learning Path ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

The purpose of the paper is the investigation of the modern approaches and prospects for the application of swarm intelligence algorithms for educational data analysis, as well as the possibility of using of ant algorithm modifications for organizing educational content in adaptive systems for conducting project seminars.Materials and methods. The review of the modern articles on the educational data analysis based on swarm intelligence algorithms is provided; the approaches to solving problem of the optimal learning path construction (optimal organization of the learning objects) based on the algorithm and its modifications taking into account the students’ performance in the process of the optimal learning path construction are investigated; the application of particle swarm optimization and its modification based on Roccio algorithm for the reduction of curse dimension in the problem of the auto classifying questions; the application of ant algorithm, bee colony algorithm and bat algorithm for recommender system construction are studied; the prediction of students’ performance based on particle swarm optimization is researched in the article. The modification of ant algorithm for optimal organization of learning objects at projects seminars is proposed.Results. The modern approaches based on swarm intelligence algorithms to problem solving in educational data analysis are investigated. The various approaches to pheromones updating (their evaporation) when building the optimal learning path based on students’ performance data and search of group with “similar" students are studied; the abilities of the hybrid swarm intelligence algorithms for recommendation construction are investigated.Based on the modification of ant algorithm, the approach to the learning content organization at project seminars with individual preferences and students’ level of basic knowledge is proposed. The python classes are developed: the class for statistical data processing; the classfor modifica -tion of ant algorithm, taking into account the current level of knowledge and interest of student in studying a specific topic at the project seminar; the class for optimal sequence of the project seminars ’ topics for students. The developed classes allow creating the adaptive system that helps first year students with a choice of topics of project seminars.Conclusion. According to the results of the study, we can conclude about the effectiveness of swarm intelligence algorithms usage to solve a wide range of tasks connected with learning content and students’ data analysis in the e-learning systems and perspectives to hybrid approaches development based on swarm intelligence algorithms for realizing the adaptive learning systems on the paradigm of “demand learning".The results can be used to automate the organization of learning content during project seminars for the first-year students, when it is important to understand the basic level of knowledge and students’ interest in learning new technologies.

scholarly journals Transforming the Learning Environment of Undergraduate Physics Laboratories to Enhance Physics Inquiry Processes

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory P. Thomas ◽  
Al Meldrum ◽  
John Beamish
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Early Years ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Physics Laboratory ◽  
Physics Classes ◽  
Mixed Method Design ◽  
Physics Laboratories ◽  
First Time ◽  
Academic Year

Concerns persist regarding the lack of promotion of students’ scientific inquiry processes in undergraduate physics laboratories. The consensus in the literature is that, especially in the early years of undergraduate physics programs, students’ laboratory work is characterized by recipe type, step-by-step instructions for activities where the aim is often confirmation of an already well-established physics principle or concept. In response to evidence reflecting these concerns at their university, the authors successfully secured funding for this study. A mixed-method design was employed. In the 2011/2012 academic year baseline data were collected. A quantitative survey, the Undergraduate Physics Laboratory Learning Environment Scale (UPLLES) was developed, validated, and used to explore students’ perceptions of their physics laboratory environments. Analysis of data from the UPLLES and from interviews confirmed the concerns evident in the literature and in a previous evaluation of laboratories undertaken in 2002. To address these concerns the activities that students were to perform in the laboratory section of the course/s were re/designed to engage students in more inquiry oriented thinking and activity. In Fall 2012, the newly developed laboratory activities and tutorials, were implemented for the first time in PHYS124; a first year course. These changes were accompanied by structured training of teaching assistants and changes to the structure of the evaluation of students’ laboratory performance. At the end of that term the UPLLES was administered (n = 266) and interviews with students conducted (n = 16) to explore their perceptions of their laboratory environments. Statistically significant differences (p<.001) between the students in the PHYS 124 classes of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 across all dimensions were found. Effect sizes of 0.82 to 1.3, between the views of students in the first semester physics classes of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, were also calculated suggesting positive changes in the laboratory inquiry orientation. In their interviews, students confirmed and detailed these positive changes while still noting areas for future improvement.

scholarly journals Utilising computer based learning to complement class teaching of gross anatomy

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudi Klein ◽  
Puspha Sinnayah ◽  
Kate Kelly ◽  
Maxwell Winchester ◽  
Gayathri Rajaraman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Method ◽  
Gross Anatomy ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
First Year ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Block Model ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Computer Based Learning ◽  
Teaching Context

This study examines the use of three computer programs designed for the study of gross anatomy; An@tomedia Online, AnatomyTV, and Thieme, as in-class learning support programs within the newly adopted “Block model” of teaching delivery at Victoria University. Victoria University is the first and only Australian university to have introduced a block model of education. With the introduction of ‘The Block Teaching Model’ the focus of the use of in-class time towards meaningful and active learning has become paramount. We used these programs as in-class student-centered inquiry based learning activity. The aim of this research was to investigate how the use of these programs impact on student engagement and student experience in their study of gross anatomy which is now offered in a time-compressed block teaching method. An opinion-based survey using the Qualtrics software was conducted at the end of each anatomy unit teaching block of semester 1 in 2019. The survey was distributed to all students enrolled in the unit. Results indicate that all programs used were viewed as making a positive contribution to student learning. The use of An@tomedia Online was particularly helpful in assisting first-year students studying gross anatomy with the interpretation of laboratory-based prosected cadaveric material within the new teaching context.

scholarly journals TEACHING ENGLISH VOCABULARY TO THE FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS MAJORING IN ORIENTAL PHILOLOGY

2019 ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
Olha Drahinda
Keyword(s):  
Lesson Plan ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
First Year ◽  
European Language ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Approach To Teaching

The publication presents a detailed lesson plan on the topic “Every Generation is the Product of their Times” within “General course of Western European language” for the first-year students majoring in Oriental Philology. The lesson is aimed at enhancing English vocabulary on the topic, improving listening, speaking, and writing skills as well as at developing critical thinking in the first-year students majoring in Oriental philology. All the activities developed by the teacher meet the basic principles of communicative, student-centered approach to teaching foreign languages.

scholarly journals CURRICULUM OF MASTERS OF MEDICINE: CHANGES IN THE DESIGN OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

2019 ◽  
pp. 220-239
Author(s):  
Olena Stechenko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
General Structure ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Simultaneous Reduction ◽  
Pedagogical Design ◽  
Medical University

Pedagogical design of the educational process is the main lever of improvement of specialist`s training in higher education. Special attention in this aspect should be paid to the curriculum of specialty, which defines the main vectors of the educational trajectory for education applicants, and provides opportunities for the implementation of the educational program`s competency-building tasks. The main differences between the curriculum of masters of medicine and the previous version - curriculum of specialists training in “General Medicine” are analyzed in the article. The main features of the structure of curricula for the physicians’ training in Poland are based on the example of the Warsaw Medical University and Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University. On the basis of comparison and analysis conducted, the following changes in the design of masters of medicine curriculum in higher educational institutions (HEI) of Ukraine are predicted in accordance with the main trends in the European Higher Education Area. Increase of the classroom learning load in the general structure of credits up to 55% due to its growth at 2-5 courses is possible with the further design of curricula for physicians’ training. An increase in the number of class hours of production practice in the curriculum for the 4th year of studying – up to 82, for the 5th year – up to 102 hours without making changes in the number of credits is expedient. The volume of the lecture load is optimal to allocate from the largest one on the 1st year to the smallest – on 4th-5th years, with the simultaneous reduction of its quota in the structure of classroom hours. Taking into account the introduction of a united state qualification exam (USQE), increase in the number of credits for natural sciences up to 30% and simultaneous reduction in the number of credits for humanities (up to 2-3%) and to some degree – credits for professionally oriented disciplines (to 65-67%) can provide additional benefits to the design of curricula. The requirements of the higher education standard should be taken into account for adapting to the training of first-year students and improving of their training for both stages of external evaluation in the form of USQE, provided that a student-centered environment with better conditions is created.

THE APPLICATION OF AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDENT MOTIVATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 403
Author(s):  
Eugenijus Macerauskas ◽  
Andzej Lucun ◽  
Antoni Kozic ◽  
Simonas Urbonas
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiment ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Student Motivation ◽  
First Year ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Experiment System ◽  
Physics Laboratory ◽  
Physics Experiment

The article analyses the application of automatically controlled physics laboratory experiment using information technology to enhance students’ motivation and interdisciplinary communication. The paper reveals how the application of interdisciplinary methods promotes students’ interest in studies, enhances the learning process and the quality of the students’ learning results from the very beginning of learning process. It was practically justified that during the fundamental science laboratory experiments, the first-year students realistically assess their future career prospects. Students become aware of the perspective of the further studies because they work with equipment designed by higher courses students. As a practical illustration of the authors and students of physics experiment designed automated equipment. The experiment system realized combines mechatronics, electronics, and programming technical areas corresponding to students' professional specialization. The system of physics laboratory experiment, has attracted particular interest students and the author conviction increased student motivation to learn. 

scholarly journals A Classroom Research Skills Development Emphasizing Data Analysis and Result of SSRU Students by RBL

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Chaiwat Waree
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Classroom Research ◽  
Average Score ◽  
First Year ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Two Sides ◽  
Academic Year

The purpose of the study is the learning using research as a base. To strengthen the skills of classroom research Emphasizing Data Analysis and Result and to study the development of research skills in the class Emphasizing Data Analysis and Result of SSRU’ Students by learning using research base. The target group are students in the 2nd semester academic year 2557, 159 the sample used to select specific (Purposive Sampling) by researchers as an instructor in the course of the first year students at two and three majors in Thailand, English, Mathematics. The instruments used in the trial, including lesson plans. A pretest-posttest and evaluation of the 25 items and analysis of the data by the percentage of grades and research skills in the classroom and t-test and qualitative data are carried out. The study found that students who meet the grade from C + to 130 percent 81.76 with students who do not pass the threshold from 29 percent to 18.24 overview of the skills an overview of the rating process skills, research and the two sides are the highest average score was 12.50, the deviation was 0.72 posttest scores higher than the previous value t = 33.97 significant level statistically .05 students with the skills to do research on learning and research. The overall satisfaction level of an average value is 4.46 and a standard deviation of 0.68.

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