Incremental Beliefs,STEM Efficacy and STEM Interest Among First-Year Undergraduate Students

Journal of Science Education and Technology - Low retention rates of undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields are a persistent problem in the USA....     

Prior Work Experience and Academic Achievement Among First-Year MBA Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between students' prior work experience and subsequent success during the first year in an MBA program. We present a rationale for the use of work experience as a selection criterion (based on the training-readiness literature) but also present another argument (based on the career-stage literature) that counters the prevailing view about the appropriateness of this selection standard. Using data from a unique sample of 230 MBA students and controlling for such factors as the type of undergraduate program attended, undergraduate GPA, and total score on the Graduate Management Admission Test, prior work experience was found to account for only a small proportion of the variance in first-semester grades and was found to be unrelated to academic performance in the second semester. Taking these results and other existing empirical studies into account, there is little support for the view that previous work experience (as assessed by typical admission procedures) leads to higher levels of academic achievement. Implications for admissions policy, hiring companies, and those considering graduate study in business are discussed.     

Exploring MBA Students’ Preferences for Experiential Learning

In 1992, the writer presented a core MBA subject about strategic management which used experiential learning as the major educational strategy, at an Australian university. At the start and end of the subject, students were surveyed about their preferences for the applied/theoretical orientation and the lecturer/student locus for the subject. This paper's aim is to explore how those preferences changed and why, using quantitative and qualitative information provided by the students. Generally speaking, the subject was well received and matched students’ expectations and ideals on the two dimensions. Moreover, their preferences for experiential learning grew as their experience of it increased through the semester. The experiential methods of case analyses and role plays were especially useful in explaining these preferences. However, the students apparently consider their management development to be more multi‐faceted than the two dimensions would indicate, involving various structures and forms of involvement within a context that is realistic to them. Implications for team learning and learning about experiential learning are developed.     

Sexual Health Perceptions Among First-Year Students at a British University

Abstract

First-year undergraduate students in the United Kingdom undergo significant change in their lives as they embark upon their university experience. They may be exposed to various social and psychological factors that increase their risk of poor sexual health. Indeed, epidemiological data suggest that young people (including students) face sexual health inequalities compared to the general population. People’s perceptions are key to understanding their behavior. This study explores the sexual health perceptions of a group of first-year students at a British university. Sixteen heterosexual students were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed three content categories: (1) sexual freedom and exploration at university, (2) university environmental sexual risk factors, and (3) stigma as a barrier to sexual health. These risk factors can undermine sexual health outcomes in students in the long term and should, therefore, be considered in sexual health education programs for university students in the United Kingdom. It is argued that the incorporation of social and psychological factors into such programs will lead to more effective sexual health promotion in this high-risk population.     

应用型会计学本科专业实践教学改革

本科会计学专业实践教学需要进一步改革。文章从实践课程体系构建、仿真实验中心建设、建立稳定的产学研结合型的校外实习基地和实践教学考核办法等方面进行了探讨。     

Commerce Students’ Preferences in Teaching and Learning

The introduction of a large (950 students) new first year class was an opportunity to design and implement a programme on student‐centred learning, where lectures, tutorials, and other teaching activities emphasised student participation and were integrated to promote a good learning environment The programme is described here, together with the results of an evaluation by students at the end of the second trimester. Students responses indicate that a well structured course which integrates content and process results in high student participation and satisfaction. The findings also show that Socratic teaching methods are entirely feasible with very large classes, and result in high student participation.     

大学生学习倦怠问题与对策研究——以天津农学院为例

开展大学生学习倦怠问题研究有利于增强大学生的学习动力、促进大学生身心健康发展、深化学校的教育教学改革。本文通过对天津农学院本科生学习倦怠情况的调查,分析了当前大学生在学习中存在的主要问题,探讨了影响大学生学习的外部因素,结合实际提出了缓解大学生学习倦怠的对策。     

Self-Reported Sexual Functioning Concerns Among Undergraduate Students

Researchers who have studied sexual functioning concerns do not often focus their research on undergraduate populations, perhaps due to perceptions of universal sexual health among this population. The current study examined prevalence and type of sexual functioning concerns in a sample of 347 male and female undergraduate students. Sexual functioning concerns were identified by the sample and suggest a range of sexual concerns and experiences. Results indicated that although many undergraduate students do not meet established criteria for a sexual dysfunction, they may experience sexual problems.     

Psychosocial Factors That Predict the College Adjustment of First-Year Undergraduate Students: Implications for College Counselors

The authors describe psychosocial factors that predicted college adjustment of 1st-year undergraduate students on the basis of studies conducted in 2 universities of differing size, focus, and geographic location. Academic self-confidence, positive attitudes toward the university, and faculty and peer support significantly predicted more successful adjustment to college.     

建设学习型会计专业技术队伍之我见

通过对建设学习型会计专业技术队伍必要性进行理论方面的探讨,分析企业建设学习型会计专业技术队伍的方法、途径,并且结合实际工作进行论述和提出建议。力求理论与实践相结合,探索企业如何建设学习型会计专业技术队伍的思路。     

Problems and Preferences for Source of Help Among United Arab Emirates University Students

This study examined common problems experienced by Emirati college students and their help-seeking preferences. A Problem Checklist was used to collect data from 450 participants. Factor analysis of the Checklist revealed three reliable factors (personal-interpersonal problems, mood problems, and academic problems). Results indicated that Emirati college students regarded 21 problems of the 34 as minor. The remaining thirteen were perceived as moderate. Women reported experiencing personal-interpersonal and mood problems more than men. The majority of participants preferred self-reliance in dealing with problems, or sought help from family or friends. Advisors and faculty members were consulted more than counselors for academic-related problems. Findings are discussed within the context of the UAE culture.     

Building an Undergraduate STEM Team Using Team-Based Learning Leading to the Production of a Storyboard Appropriate for Elementary Students

A unique undergraduate team that spans five different engineering disciplines, chemistry, biology, and mathematics was formed. The team was formed to promote cross-disciplinary learning, to improve retention, and to prepare the students for the kind of problems they will face in their careers. This paper describes the variety of activities used over 2 years to tie the team together, as well as afford opportunities to develop team-building skills. The activities described highlight the critical elements of a faculty leader whose own work is interdisciplinary, correct balance of disciplines in the team, and sufficient time for team development. The use of external feedback was essential for all activities. Clearly defined goals and hard deadlines were critical for the completion of individual activities, as well as developing a healthy team environment. Although the student cohort has learned from the activities, more time is needed to assess whether the students have become a fully efficient team. Furthermore, an additional cohort would be needed to assess whether the approach was able to assist with student’s interest in STEM and their desire to help other people.     

Correction to: Incremental Beliefs,STEM Efficacy and STEM Interest among First-Year Undergraduate Students

Journal of Science Education and Technology - The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the article title. The word “Students” was inadvertently deleted.     

本科生参与的师生团队制本科毕业论文指导方式

针对目前本科毕业论文存在的创新性不高、学术价值低、写作水平不高和写作不够规范等问题,提出了有本科生参与的师生团队制的本科毕业论文指导方式,详细分析了该方法在本科毕业论文中所起的重要作用,并给出该方法如何具体实施。     

Modes of Observing Behaviour Among Undergraduate Science Education Students

This study was based on the nature of the processes of science and the cognitive‐affective variables that often seem to influence the validity of scientific explanations. The perceptual behaviours of individual observers were chosen among the variables of affect, and using attentive responses as its construct, four modes of observing behaviours were theoretically identified. The purpose of the study was to estimate the proportions of science students using each of the identified modes and subsequently examine their performances on four cognitive variables. Thirty‐two freshmen and sophomore science education students of Hiroshima University were individually requested to observe a system, comprising a burning candle in a limited supply of air, over water, and write explanations for their observations. Each student had three observation sessions of the same system. Results indicate that 43.75% of the students used the fastest mode of Short Stimulation Time/Short Response Time (SST/SRT), but had the lowest mean score of 1‐64 on the cognitive variables 1 to 4. There was also a significant difference between the mean scores of all subjects using Long Response Time (LRT) and those using Short Response Time (SRT), t(30)>2#lb042, p<#lb05. With these results, an integrative approach to the teaching of science was suggested to encourage students in the use of reflective thinking behaviours.     

Wellness Among Undergraduate Students on Academic Probation: Implications for College Counselors

This study examined levels of wellness among 403 undergraduate students on academic probation. Total wellness, 5 secondary categories of wellness, and 17 third–level categories of wellness are reported within this article. In addition, this study offers norm–group comparisons and demographic influences of wellness in regard to undergraduate students on academic probation. The results indicate that individuals on academic probation achieved higher levels of wellness in several areas of wellness than did the norm–group population.     

The Role of Community College First-Year Experience Programs in Promoting Transfer Among Latino Male Students

ABSTRACT

A qualitative case study approach was used to examine Latino male students and First-Year Experience (FYE) programs aimed at promoting student transfer. Two FYE programs at two community colleges in California were studied: Bridgetown Community College and Portlake Community College (pseudonyms). Study participants included four groups: Latino male FYE students, Latino male FYE alumni, FYE counselors, and FYE coordinators. Data collection strategies included semi-structured interviews, site observations, and document analysis. Analysis of data involved both deductive and inductive approaches, and resulted in identification of four findings critical to the success of FYE programs and their work with Latino males: (a) the need to support help-seeking behaviors, (b) the need to address the “long journey” to transfer, (c) the need to support students’ work burden and financial constraints, and (d) the need to incorporate approachable and culturally responsive practices. Overall, the study offers insights into how community colleges might strengthen transfer support for Latino males through FYE programs.     

开放教育学生外语学习焦虑对比研究

该调查以长沙电大英语专业78名成人在职学生为对象，研究他们在远程开放教育外语学习中存在的焦虑。结果表明，被试学员普遍存在焦虑；在外语学习焦虑的各个方面，英语本科和专科学员存在不同程度的差异。章还分别就本、专科学生不同差异作了描述性统计分析，并就其结果对于教学上的启示进行了讨论。