scholarly journals Promoting Engagement in a CS1 Course with Assessment for Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-111
Author(s):  
Simon Liénardy ◽  
Laurent Leduc ◽  
Benoit Donnet
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Assessment For Learning ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Performance Levels ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
The University

This practice report discusses the evolution of a CS1 Course taught at the University of Liège, Belgium. Over the last seven years several teaching activities have been thought to complement traditional theoretical courses and exercise sessions in order to promote students’ engagement. The result is aligned with (i) the principles of assessment for learning, which consists in leveraging the assessment to improve the students learning, and (ii) the concept of blended learning. This report describes the difficulties the students faced and what we implemented to assist our course evolution. We also present and discuss results showing that, despite a high drop-out rate, we managed to engage students to work on a regular basis and, in some cases, raise their performance levels.

scholarly journals The role of word frequencies in detecting unfamiliar terms and their effect on response quality

Psihologija ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Slavec ◽  
Vasja Vehovar
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
The Other ◽  
International Exchange ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Exchange Students ◽  
Text Corpora ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
The University

Research into cognitive aspects of survey response has indicated unfamiliar terms as one of the psycholinguistic determinants of question comprehensibility problems. In this paper the estimates of wording familiarity based on text corpora for the English and Slovenian languages were used to detect potentially incomprehensible wordings in two web survey questionnaires for international exchange students at the University of Ljubljana, one for incoming (English) and the other for outgoing students (Slovenian). Two versions of the questionnaire were developed for each language, one with low-frequency (complex) and the other with high-frequency (improved) wordings, and compared in a split-ballot experiment. The results show a lower drop-out rate and a decreased subjective perception of difficulty for the improved language versions.

scholarly journals Die gebruik van die sweedse skaal by die keuring van verpleegkunde studente aan die randse Afrikaanse Universiteit

Curationis ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 12 (3/4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annali Basson ◽  
Annatjie Botes
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
University Administration ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
Sliding Scale ◽  
The University ◽  
Successful Academic ◽  
Academic Results

Students applying to follow the B. Cur. degree at the Rand Afrikaans University are subjected to a selection process. In spite o f the selection process the drop-out rate is high. An attempt is being made to evaluate the present academic selection process. The amended Smeltzer method is used as a point o f departure to correlate with the model proposed by the University administration. The academic predictions are implemented on the Swedish formula and a cut-off point is obtained according to a sliding scale proposed fo r academic selection. With the abovementioned two methods it appears that the selected population has the most successful academic results if the cut-off point o f the amended Smeltzer method and the Swedish formula is 60 and 15 respectively.

Factors affecting student drop out from the university introductory physics course, including the anomaly of the Ontario double cohort

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 839-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Slavin
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Grade Inflation ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
First Year ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
University Physics ◽  
Physics Course ◽  
The University

The course drop-out rate is the fraction of students per year who drop a course after starting it. This statistic is important both as a measure of the difficulty or relevance of the course compared to others at a university, and as one indication of the success of measures taken to improve teaching. The drop-out rate of students from the first-year university physics course at Trent University increased from about 8% in the 1980s to over 20% in 1999, primarily under the same instructor, with the exception of the Ontario “double-cohort” years 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 when it plummeted to about 9% before rebounding in 2005–2006. A similar decrease in this rate for the double-cohort years has been observed at Brock University and the University of Guelph, and so was probably widespread. It is speculated that the main cause of the decrease for these two years was an improved work ethic of the double-cohort students. Possible causes of the steady increase in the drop-out rate from the 1980s to the present are discussed including high-school courses taken; gender balance; and grade inflation. The last of these combined with a dramatic increase in the percentage of high-school students continuing their education, appears to have resulted in weaker and less motivated students being admitted to university. Results are also given of a survey of recent first-year Trent University physics students for possible reasons for dropping out of the course: students who have not taken the final-year high-school physics course, do not live in residence, or do not work together on their assignments are much more likely to drop the course. PACS No.: 01.40.gb

scholarly journals Motivation and Second Language Acquisition

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 159-170
Author(s):  
Steve Buckledee
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
Competence Level ◽  
The University ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Clear Majority

A feature of Italian universities is the high student drop-out rate in nearly all degree courses. It is likely that among the causes of this phenomenon a significant factor is loss of motivation. This study represents the first stage of a longitudinal research project aimed at monitoring students’ motivation levels over a three-year period. At the beginning of the academic year 2008-2009 a questionnaire was administered to 150 newly enrolled students of English at the University of Cagliari in Italy. The closed-response items were designed to measure the respondents’ instrumental and intrinsic motivation. The responses were then considered in the light of the following variables: age, gender, level of competence in English and choice of degree course. The major finding was that a clear majority of respondents reported a considerably higher level of intrinsic than instrumental motivation, while the most significant variables were shown to be competence level and choice of degree.

Entwicklung und Evaluation einer internetbasierten begleiteten Selbsthilfe-Intervention zur Bewältigung von Albträumen

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Böckermann ◽  
Annika Gieselmann ◽  
Marjolijn Sorbi ◽  
Reinhard Pietrowsky
Keyword(s):  
Drop Out ◽  
Drop Out Rate

Hintergrund: Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Entwicklung eines internetbasierten begleiteten Selbsthilfetrainings (Albtraumcoach) zur Bewältigung von Albträumen, das innerhalb zweier Pilotstudien auf seine Durchführbarkeit und Anwendbarkeit getestet wurde. Methoden: Innerhalb eines neunstufigen Modells wird die Entwicklung der Intervention beschrieben. Dabei wird neben der wissenschaftlichen Evidenz, die die Basis für die Intervention bildet, auf technische, ethische, datenschutzrechtliche und weitere spezifische Maßnahmen innerhalb der Interventionsentwicklung eingegangen. In zwei Pilotstudien evaluierten zudem 10 Personen mit schlechten Träumen in der Vergangenheit die Durchführbarkeit (Studie 1) und 12 Personen mit wiederkehrenden Albträumen die Anwendbarkeit sowie den Nutzen der Intervention (Studie 2). Abhängige Variablen waren die Qualität der einzelnen Sitzungen, die Zufriedenheit mit der Intervention sowie Albtraumfrequenz, Albtraumbelastung, Schlafqualität und Depressivität. Ergebnisse und Diskussion: Die Durchführbarkeit und Anwendbarkeit des Trainings wurden positiv beurteilt. Während die Drop-out-Rate verhältnismäßig hoch war, ergaben sich erste, zurückhaltend zu beurteilende, Hinweise für einen Nutzen der Intervention.

Ohrakupunktur in der Therapie alkohol- und substanzbezogener Störungen – eine Übersicht

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kunz ◽  
Michael Schulz ◽  
Gabriele Syrbe ◽  
Martin Driessen
Keyword(s):  
Drop Out ◽  
Randomisierte Kontrollierte Studien ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
Kontrollierte Studien ◽  
Methodische Qualität

<B>Fragestellung:</B> Lässt die wissenschaftliche Datenlage positive Behandlungseffekte durch Ohrakupunktur in der Entzugsbehandlung von Alkohol- und Opiatabhängigen erwarten? </P><P> <B>Methodik:</B> Die im Rahmen der Recherche gefundenen Studien bezogen sich auf den Entzug von Alkohol (sechs) und von Kokain und Opiaten (acht). Die Studien wurden auf ihre methodische Qualität hin überprüft. </P><P> <B>Ergebnisse:</B> Es konnten 14 randomisierte kontrollierte Studien (RCT) zu Ohrakupunktur in der Behandlung von Alkohol- und Opiatabhängigkeit identifiziert werden. Dabei weisen die meisten Studien methodische Mängel auf. Ein Vergleich der Studien ist aufgrund unterschiedlicher Paradigmen kaum möglich, die Drop Out Rate liegt häufig über 20%. </P><P> <B>Schlussfolgerung:</B> Insgesamt reicht die verfügbare wissenschaftliche Datenlage nicht aus, um eine positive Wirkung der Akupunktur bei substanzbezogenen Störungen als gesichert anzunehmen.

Effectiveness of Classification Measures in Predicting Achievement in the Israel Defence Forces - Fitness Instruction Trainers Courses as a Case Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 145-172
Author(s):  
Yair Galily ◽  
Orly Kayam ◽  
Michael Bar-Eli
Keyword(s):  
Training System ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Drop Out Rate ◽  
Army Service ◽  
Israeli Army ◽  
Israel Defense Forces

Abstract Human resources are the most crucial element in the selection of suitable fitness instruction trainers (FIT) and the results of the screening process impact greatly on the entire physical training system in the Israeli army, both in the short-term and the long-term (potential officers, young officers and developing and veteran officers). The aim of the current study is to examine the effectiveness, validity and reliability of the screening process for acceptance to the female fitness instructors training course in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The screening process aims to identify those that are most suitable from a large pool of candidates, in order to ensure the highest possible level of candidates and the lowest possible drop-out rate from the training course and subsequent army service. The paper examines the reliability of the classification exam currently administered in the course and its validity in predicting those candidates who will succeed in the course and in their assignments afterwards. The sample is based on a data analysis of nine screening dates over three years (three each year). The evaluation of validity is based on the relationship between the course entrance exam grades (administered a year before enlistment), exam grades at the beginning of the course and additional data relating to success in the field.

scholarly journals Potential Virus Involvement in Alzheimer’s Disease: Results from a Phase IIa Trial Evaluating Apovir, an Antiviral Drug Combination

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Nina Lindblom ◽  
Lars Lindquist ◽  
Jacob Westman ◽  
Mikael Åström ◽  
Roger Bullock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Drug Combination ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Large Drop ◽  
Drop Out Rate

Background: Accumulating data suggest infectious agents are involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The two primary aims of this trial were to assess safety and efficacy of an antiviral drug combination on AD progression. Objective: The trial evaluated whether Apovir, a combination of two antiviral agents, pleconaril (active on enteroviruses) and ribavirin (active on several viruses), could slow AD progression. Methods: Sixty-nine patients 60–85 years were treated with Apovir or placebo for 9 months and followed until 12 months after end of treatment. Cognitive tests, safety, biomarkers, drug plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations were assessed. Results: The tolerability of Apovir was compromised as demonstrated by the large drop-out rate and increased frequency and severity of adverse events. The primary endpoint, demonstrating a difference in change from baseline to 9 months between groups in ADAS-cog total score, was not met (p = 0.1809). However, there were observations indicating potential effects on both ADAS-cog and CDR-SB but these effects need to be verified. Also, there was a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β in Apovir at 9 months (p = 0.0330) but no change in placebo. Conclusion: This was the first randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial exploring antiviral treatment on AD progression. The trial is considered inconclusive due to the large drop-out rate. New trials are needed to verify if the indications of effect observed can be confirmed and which component(s) in Apovir contributed to such effects. Pleconaril alone may be studied to improve the tolerability and to verify if enterovirus is involved in the disease process.

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