This paper discusses the strategy a learning assistance program (LAP) based on peer learning is f... more This paper discusses the strategy a learning assistance program (LAP) based on peer learning is following to create an evidence-based decision-making environment and quality assurance process. Often, the emphasis is in creating a useful database and integrating it to other existing databases in order to focus on summative decisions about a program’s or unit’s success, merit or worth; however, what happens if the database is being systematized for the first time from what are existing disparate and informal sources of data? More to the point, what happens to the ability to navigate the program through continuous improvement? Presented is a formative evaluation strategy based on Weick’s (1984) notion of ‘small wins’ that allows data-driven continuous improvement monitoring process to help determine program efforts and that, in the longer term once the database is completed, can lead to an additional source of summative evaluation data.
ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ This paper seeks to report the initial phase of a cross-institutional screenca... more ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ This paper seeks to report the initial phase of a cross-institutional screencasting project designed to provide digital, multimedia support for referencing skills. Use of screencasting software, with strong educational design, has the potential to reach all learners asynchronously, regardless of mode of study, and this paper focuses on the transferability of the principles and skills in this project to other contexts and institutions. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The referencing tutorial makes use of dual coding theory to provide an aligned visual and auditory learning experience and is discussed in reference to the current literature. The foundation of the project was collaboration between the academic libraries and lecturers in the field of academic learning skills. The pedagogical and technical design and challenges are discussed, with a view to incorporating feedback into further iterative development stages. Findings ‐ This paper finds that screencasting has been used to effectively support the development of referencing skills across a diverse student cohort, but recognises that further, in-depth analysis will be required to determine the impact of the project. It also provides an example of a low-cost project which could be replicated by other institutions to positively frame referencing within the context of broader academic writing. Originality/value ‐ The paper provides an overview of a short project to collaboratively develop a screencast and add value to existing referencing resources (which are predominantly text-based). The design approach situates referencing within an academic writing continuum seeking to explicitly provide a rationale for the mechanics of referencing, whilst also acknowledging the challenges presented by a rapidly changing information environment.
Fostering the skills required for students to access and utilise information in a manner consiste... more Fostering the skills required for students to access and utilise information in a manner consistent with the expectations of tertiary assessment has been the drive for collaboration between the Faculty Librarian and the Academic Learning Skills Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland. Mapping key areas of convergence in information literacy and academic skills has led to a model of
... Adrian Stagg, Australian Digital Futures Institute, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoo... more ... Adrian Stagg, Australian Digital Futures Institute, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia. ... for us therefore, to ensure that our technology-assisted support framework is used appropriately, rather than simply adopted for technology's sake (Hove and Corcoran ...
Background and Aim
As part of the process of nursing students becoming ‘work ready’ within futur... more Background and Aim
As part of the process of nursing students becoming ‘work ready’ within future health care teams, students need the skills to work collaboratively. In higher education, establishing group work assignments is a teaching method to develop group work skills. Not only is group work an important teaching method to develop effective group work skills but it is also used to activate deep learning. However, to date, there has been a lack of research on the impact of group work on student approaches to learning. This study aimed to examine the interrelationships between students, group work characteristics, and their approaches to learning.
Design and Participants
A survey design was used, before and after a targeted academic skills development intervention, which had a specific focus on the development of group work skills. The sample involved first year undergraduate nursing students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing programme at a regional university in Australia. A total of 92 students completed the pre-survey, and 102 students completed the post-survey.
Method
Data were collected using quantitative surveys.
Results
Metacognitive awareness was found to best predict a deep approach to learning. Young age and experiencing discomfort in group work were two predictors of a surface approach to learning.
Conclusion
Findings indicate that nurse educators should develop strategies that support students' metacognitive awareness in relation to group work, and also support those students who feel less comfortable in working with others.
This paper discusses the strategy a learning assistance program (LAP) based on peer learning is f... more This paper discusses the strategy a learning assistance program (LAP) based on peer learning is following to create an evidence-based decision-making environment and quality assurance process. Often, the emphasis is in creating a useful database and integrating it to other existing databases in order to focus on summative decisions about a program’s or unit’s success, merit or worth; however, what happens if the database is being systematized for the first time from what are existing disparate and informal sources of data? More to the point, what happens to the ability to navigate the program through continuous improvement? Presented is a formative evaluation strategy based on Weick’s (1984) notion of ‘small wins’ that allows data-driven continuous improvement monitoring process to help determine program efforts and that, in the longer term once the database is completed, can lead to an additional source of summative evaluation data.
ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ This paper seeks to report the initial phase of a cross-institutional screenca... more ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ This paper seeks to report the initial phase of a cross-institutional screencasting project designed to provide digital, multimedia support for referencing skills. Use of screencasting software, with strong educational design, has the potential to reach all learners asynchronously, regardless of mode of study, and this paper focuses on the transferability of the principles and skills in this project to other contexts and institutions. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The referencing tutorial makes use of dual coding theory to provide an aligned visual and auditory learning experience and is discussed in reference to the current literature. The foundation of the project was collaboration between the academic libraries and lecturers in the field of academic learning skills. The pedagogical and technical design and challenges are discussed, with a view to incorporating feedback into further iterative development stages. Findings ‐ This paper finds that screencasting has been used to effectively support the development of referencing skills across a diverse student cohort, but recognises that further, in-depth analysis will be required to determine the impact of the project. It also provides an example of a low-cost project which could be replicated by other institutions to positively frame referencing within the context of broader academic writing. Originality/value ‐ The paper provides an overview of a short project to collaboratively develop a screencast and add value to existing referencing resources (which are predominantly text-based). The design approach situates referencing within an academic writing continuum seeking to explicitly provide a rationale for the mechanics of referencing, whilst also acknowledging the challenges presented by a rapidly changing information environment.
Fostering the skills required for students to access and utilise information in a manner consiste... more Fostering the skills required for students to access and utilise information in a manner consistent with the expectations of tertiary assessment has been the drive for collaboration between the Faculty Librarian and the Academic Learning Skills Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland. Mapping key areas of convergence in information literacy and academic skills has led to a model of
... Adrian Stagg, Australian Digital Futures Institute, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoo... more ... Adrian Stagg, Australian Digital Futures Institute, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia. ... for us therefore, to ensure that our technology-assisted support framework is used appropriately, rather than simply adopted for technology's sake (Hove and Corcoran ...
Background and Aim
As part of the process of nursing students becoming ‘work ready’ within futur... more Background and Aim
As part of the process of nursing students becoming ‘work ready’ within future health care teams, students need the skills to work collaboratively. In higher education, establishing group work assignments is a teaching method to develop group work skills. Not only is group work an important teaching method to develop effective group work skills but it is also used to activate deep learning. However, to date, there has been a lack of research on the impact of group work on student approaches to learning. This study aimed to examine the interrelationships between students, group work characteristics, and their approaches to learning.
Design and Participants
A survey design was used, before and after a targeted academic skills development intervention, which had a specific focus on the development of group work skills. The sample involved first year undergraduate nursing students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing programme at a regional university in Australia. A total of 92 students completed the pre-survey, and 102 students completed the post-survey.
Method
Data were collected using quantitative surveys.
Results
Metacognitive awareness was found to best predict a deep approach to learning. Young age and experiencing discomfort in group work were two predictors of a surface approach to learning.
Conclusion
Findings indicate that nurse educators should develop strategies that support students' metacognitive awareness in relation to group work, and also support those students who feel less comfortable in working with others.
Uploads
As part of the process of nursing students becoming ‘work ready’ within future health care teams, students need the skills to work collaboratively. In higher education, establishing group work assignments is a teaching method to develop group work skills. Not only is group work an important teaching method to develop effective group work skills but it is also used to activate deep learning. However, to date, there has been a lack of research on the impact of group work on student approaches to learning. This study aimed to examine the interrelationships between students, group work characteristics, and their approaches to learning.
Design and Participants
A survey design was used, before and after a targeted academic skills development intervention, which had a specific focus on the development of group work skills. The sample involved first year undergraduate nursing students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing programme at a regional university in Australia. A total of 92 students completed the pre-survey, and 102 students completed the post-survey.
Method
Data were collected using quantitative surveys.
Results
Metacognitive awareness was found to best predict a deep approach to learning. Young age and experiencing discomfort in group work were two predictors of a surface approach to learning.
Conclusion
Findings indicate that nurse educators should develop strategies that support students' metacognitive awareness in relation to group work, and also support those students who feel less comfortable in working with others.
As part of the process of nursing students becoming ‘work ready’ within future health care teams, students need the skills to work collaboratively. In higher education, establishing group work assignments is a teaching method to develop group work skills. Not only is group work an important teaching method to develop effective group work skills but it is also used to activate deep learning. However, to date, there has been a lack of research on the impact of group work on student approaches to learning. This study aimed to examine the interrelationships between students, group work characteristics, and their approaches to learning.
Design and Participants
A survey design was used, before and after a targeted academic skills development intervention, which had a specific focus on the development of group work skills. The sample involved first year undergraduate nursing students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing programme at a regional university in Australia. A total of 92 students completed the pre-survey, and 102 students completed the post-survey.
Method
Data were collected using quantitative surveys.
Results
Metacognitive awareness was found to best predict a deep approach to learning. Young age and experiencing discomfort in group work were two predictors of a surface approach to learning.
Conclusion
Findings indicate that nurse educators should develop strategies that support students' metacognitive awareness in relation to group work, and also support those students who feel less comfortable in working with others.