Volume 9 Issue 2 (2020)
1

(How) Do Students Use Learning Outcomes? Results from a Small-Scale Project

pp. 80-89  |  Published Online: June 2020  |  DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2020.92.1

Andrew G Holmes

Abstract

Pre-specified, prescribed or intended Learning Outcomes have been in use throughout higher education programs for over two decades. There is an assumption amongst quality assurance bodies and university program approval and review processes that students engage with them. Yet, learning outcomes may constrain learning, they may not always be understood by learners and their relevance to learning has been questioned. There is anecdotal evidence from lecturers that some students do not understand them and do not use or refer to them. This paper reports on a small-scale research project investigating how university student’s use prescribed learning outcomes in their everyday learning and when producing assessed work. No clear differences were found between higher and lower achieving students, yet there were differences between first- and third-year students. Surprisingly, some were able to achieve highly without referring to the outcomes against which they were assessed.

Keywords: Learning outcomes, assessment, student achievement, education students, student achievement.

2

An Analysis of English for Specific Purposes among University Students

pp. 90-102  |  Published Online: June 2020  |  DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2020.92.2

Edita Bekteshi and Brikena Xhaferi

Abstract

The study gives an account of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) within the engineering field, students’ willingness to learn professional English vocabulary, and ESP issues related to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The study investigates students´ need to learn English through data analyzed in a descriptive and exploratory study, focusing on the students’ perceptions about ESP based on their English language level and ESP learning practices, and its integration within HEIs. A questionnaire was completed by 239 university students and 16 face-to-face interviews were held. The collected data were subjected to SPSS statistical analysis and the results were then analyzed and discussed. The study identified that university students can acquire professional vocabulary in English language classes, providing high levels of stimulus for future job opportunities in the engineering field. The highest priority for the students was learning ESP for employment purposes, with the primary focus being the enhancement of their communicative skills.

Keywords: Higher education, university, ESP, students.

3

Health Education and Movement-Related Activities in Youth Work: Estonian Youth Workers’ Opinions and Experiences

pp. 103-121  |  Published Online: June 2020  |  DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2020.92.3

Marelle Grünthal-Drell and Maarika Veigel

Abstract

Several research studies have revealed that Estonia’s youth are characterized by poor health indicators and decreasing levels of physical activity. Therefore it has become important to pay more attention to these topics within the context of youth work. Adult learner experiences, and their preparation and practice at university have a great deal of influence on their future choices. The aim of this research was to ascertain the importance of health education in the opinion of youth workers, including the importance of movement-related activities in youth work, and the readiness to communicate these topics to young people. The following research questions were formulated: (1) How do youth workers assess the development of skills related to health awareness and movement-related activities during their university studies?; (2) What is the role of, and what characterizes health education and movement-related activities in everyday youth work? Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with 15 Estonian youth worker specialists. The data was analyzed by means of inductive content analysis. The research results revealed that the acquisition of practical skills is very important for youth workers. It also became apparent that youth workers deal with health education on a daily basis. Movement-related activities are very often considered a priority by youth centers. It may be assumed that the preparation of students graduating from university is insufficient and that they feel insecure when starting work.

Keywords: Health education, movement-related activities, physical activity, youth work, young people.

4

Bullying of Students in Academic Institutions: A Qualitative Study

pp. 122-132  |  Published Online: June 2020  |  DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2020.92.4

Faieza Chowdhury

Abstract

Every student has the right to feel safe within their academic institution. However, many experience frequent bullying and undergo mental traumas, alienation and self-destructive behaviors. Bullying is largely an unreported and unaddressed issue in many academic institutions, which can result in long-lasting effects on students’ lives. A study conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), reported that 23% of school students in Bangladesh had been victims of bullying. This statistic clearly indicates that bullying is an alarming issue in Bangladesh which needs to be addressed urgently and properly. This qualitative study was conducted with 60 undergraduate students in order to explore their perceptions and experiences on bullying practices within the academic institutions of Bangladesh. Drawing on the findings of the study, a number of recommendations for the prevention and monitoring of bullying practices within the educational setting are suggested.

Keywords: Bullying, causes, consequences, recommendation, qualitative study.

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