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As traditional education systems struggle to keep up with technological advances, incorporating open science into Education 5.0 is critical to addressing student skills gaps. In this study, the MAICC model is introduced, a tool designed to foster complex thinking in higher education students through the evaluation of citizen science projects. It integrates research-based learning and service learning, and helps develop critical and reflective skills by applying them to reallife settings. To assess student engagement and skills development, a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis was used. Findings indicate that the MAICC model promotes complex thinking, enhances critical thinking through citizen science project evaluation, and features an emphasis on citizen science and educational technology. Discussion highlights citizen science's important role in education and suggests future research exploring its wider application across disciplines and contexts to enhance 21st century skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a shift towards online and blended learning; however, most students and faculty members still report more challenges in online courses regarding social interaction and engagement. This paper aimed to design an interactive blended course following Merrills' first principles of instruction model to develop students' social and emotional learning skills and engagement in higher education. A mixed‐method design, including questionnaires and interviews, was used with a sample population which consisted of 90 graduate students and divided into two groups, an experimental and a control group. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in‐terms of social–emotional learning skills and students' engagement due to the high perception of the experimental group. The findings also revealed that the most dominant social–emotional learning skills that appeared to be supported by applying these strategies from the students' point of view were self‐awareness and social awareness. The study also found that instructor presence, effective course design and appropriate use of technology significantly influenced students' engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The move away from transmission-based lecturing toward a more student-centred active learning approach is well evidenced in STEM higher education. However, the examination of active learning has generally remained confined to formal timetabled contexts, with assumptions made that students independently manage the transition between timetabled and non-timetabled learning. This paper introduces research findings from a mixed methods study that used an ecological approach when investigating student transitions between a formal lecture theatre and adjacent informal breakout space in a UK STEM university. Using quantitative occupancy monitoring data to analyse usage patterns of both spaces, in combination with qualitative ethnographic observations and field interviews, permitted a purposeful exploration of student engagement with transitions within and between the two learning spaces. The ecological approach aided the discovery of spatial, pedagogic and agentic transitions and tensions, which subsequently informed strategic modification of space across the institution to facilitate the adoption of active learning pedagogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubrics are an assessment framework commonly employed in higher education settings; however, students can engage with and perceive them to be used in a variety of ways and with varying degrees of success. The aim of this research project was to explore these perceptions, to better understand how rubrics might be used to support students more effectively to successful academic outcomes. Fourteen interviews were conducted over a period of fourteen months, and four themes were identified: rubric introductions; rubric content (including language and format); student rubric use and the role of rubrics in how work is assessed. Findings were considered from thematic perspectives of the student participants. Conclusions drawn focus on the quality of classroom discussion when rubrics are introduced, the practical application of rubrics as a writing or planning tool, the need for detail and clarity in language use and explicit links between feedback and rubrics. Overall, effective engagement with rubrics appears to reduce student anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastery‐based assignments typically provide students with multiple opportunities to improve their performance, but getting students to take advantage of these opportunities is difficult. We report on the implementation of a two‐part series of nudges designed to improve students' engagement with and performance on mastery‐based assignments in high‐enrollment, introductory undergraduate courses. Students received one or two email‐based nudges for each assignment, providing both decision information and decision assistance. Delivered via email by a digital coaching system that provides tailored support to students, we evaluated the effectiveness of viewing versus not viewing these personalized nudges across introductory courses in mathematics, computer science and engineering over five terms at our large, research‐intensive university. We used multilevel modelling with a sample of 30,693 assignment scores nested within 79 assignments and 5349 undergraduate students to explore the relationship between students' viewing the nudges and their scores while controlling for performance in other courses and students' baseline proclivities to read email from the coaching system. We find that viewing versus not viewing nudges is significantly related to improved outcomes. Viewing the first of the two‐part nudge series is associated with a 3% increase in scores on average. Importantly, we found a significant interaction with prior academic performance such that students with the lowest average academic performance across all courses are predicted to benefit the most—up to 9%—from nudging. Positive impacts are observed in most courses where nudges were implemented and are found to be most impactful for later versus earlier assignments within a term. We discuss the implications of these results for supporting students' decision‐making within mastery‐based assignment schemes and suggest future research for tailored nudges to support student success. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Nudges are known to be broadly effective, but heterogeneity is observed especially in education where the research base is relatively limited.Mastery‐based grading is an alternative approach to grading that, among other features, emphasizes learning through an explicit feedback cycle of struggle and revision without penalty.What this paper adds This study assesses the effectiveness of personalized nudges in the context of mastery‐based grading in undergraduate STEM courses.We examined the efficacy of viewing versus not viewing nudges in the real learning settings of three STEM courses enrolling more than 5000 students.We found the nudges to be effective overall, correlated with improvements of approximately 3% in students' assignment scores and most impactful for students with the lowest average academic performance.Implications for practice and/or policy Nudging by email or text message has a low overhead cost and yet may provide materially significant gains in students' assessment scores.Nudges can be effectively targeted to specific subsets of students and tailored based on students' prior and concurrent learning analytics data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching, and learning encounters in higher education have changed. Online teaching has become routine and a variety of virtual learning platforms are being explored. Within this article we, two higher dance education teachers and researchers, reflect on using TikTok in our work. Taking a duoethnographic approach, we explore engagement with TikTok in our contexts of teaching in higher education institutions in China and Norway. From our duoethnographic dialogue we discuss how TikTok offers an example of a posthuman educational encounter. From there, the idea of how a platform such as TikTok might be able to create a space and place for teaching and learning within a higher education setting is unpacked. Then a reflection on disciplinary specific contribution is given, asking: what can dance offer to the conversation about using a social media platform such as TikTok within higher education? Through reflecting on our pedagogical experiences and cultures, this article reveals that while queries surround the use of social media platforms such as TikTok in higher education, there are benefits in experimentation with such platforms. Specifically, there is value considering the interaction between the human and non-human aspects of teaching and learning in higher education settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's highly developed information and communication technology (ICT), information fusion technology has been widely used in many fields, including education system. This research focuses on how information fusion technology can be effectively integrated into Chinese teaching in middle schools to improve teaching quality and student learning. Through quantitative analysis of student and teacher simulation data, this paper explores in depth the impact of these technologies on student engagement, learning achievement, and teaching outcomes. It is found that the teaching mode using information fusion technology can significantly improve students' learning quality and teaching interaction. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to drive further development of educational technologies and teaching methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK cost-of-living increases from 2022 to 2023, referred to as the cost-of-living crisis, has had a sudden and unprecedented impact on students' ability to cope financially, leading many higher education students to take on work or increase their working or caring hours to make ends meet. Any increase in working commitments may impact on their ability to fulfil their study commitments. A survey of over 800 students enrolled on psychology online courses indicated that their studies were suffering as a result. Students reported on lower levels of engagement with study materials, an in-course reduction of the study commitments (withdrawing from a module), and potentially studying less modules than planned in the subsequent year. The impact of this unforeseen time-poverty was increased stress and study strategies which may compromise their achievement overall. The impacts to their current study plans may have longer term detrimental effects on the poorer students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarises the author's experience transitioning from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE) teaching in 2022-23. It identifies areas for concern in the author's setting and outlines the author's strategies for overcoming these obstacles, utilising their background in FE. In particular, this article explores common, engaging classroom activities and outlines why these activities require adapting for use in HE. Inspired by these classroom activities, this article presents a selection of interactive lecture activities promoting student engagement via formative assessment, adaptive teaching, and student ownership. It summarises how the activities have evolved over time and reflects on their use. Finally, the author reviews the success of the activities, discusses students' reactions to them, and outlines future plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a case study on the design of a first-year undergraduate statistics subject at La Trobe University, entitled Making Sense of Data, which is taken by students from various disciplines. To account for students' diverse educational backgrounds and chosen qualifications, this subject is designed such that all students complete core statistics concepts, while a third of the subject contains stream-specific content. This subject design provides students with a solid foundation in statistics, while addressing the demand for a flexible first-year statistics subject which is accessible and relevant for students enrolled in a variety of tertiary degrees. This structure allows for stream-specific lectures, computer lab material, assessments, and even statistical software programs to be used across different streams. The design also incorporates strategies for addressing statistics anxiety within the curriculum. In this paper, we present the outcomes of this subject design in terms of student performance, engagement and satisfaction. We also present iterative and reflective changes that have been made to the subject over time, in response to student and staff feedback, and discuss the impact these changes have had on student outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of synchronous and asynchronous online education on language learning in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the benefits of asynchronous learning for flexibility and independence. Topics include the challenges of conventional discussion boards in asynchronous learning, the introduction and features of the digital tool Flip to enhance student engagement, and the application of the Community of Inquiry framework to improve social, cognitive, and teaching.

The article explores the engagement experiences of Vietnamese TESOL doctoral students in Thailand, focusing on their academic and intercultural interactions in a non-Anglophone context. Topics include the complexities of student engagement using the 3As model (antecedents, actions, and accomplishments), the challenges of academic and intercultural communication in non-Western settings, and the implications for TESOL training programs and institutions.

With increasing calls for authentic assessment in higher education, the reference point for authenticity has been questioned. Typically, researchers define authenticity in relation to purposes of higher education, which are contested. Advancing the notion of educational authenticity rather than professional, societal, disciplinary, or developmental authenticity, we shift the reference point from outcomes to the process of meaningful student engagement. To illuminate features of educational authenticity in assessment, we surveyed students about their most interesting, engaging assessment and analysed 302 explanations why that assignment was so engaging. While many students cited real-world connections, consistent with most authentic assessment literature, more described having choice in some aspect of the assignment. We examined how choice, not typically a defining feature of authentic assessment, and real-world connection mattered to students and promoted meaningful engagement. Understanding and designing for educational authenticity can lead to various, valued outcomes highlighted in existing authentic assessment literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized and integrated findings from diverse research on the antecedents and moderators of student loyalty in the higher education sector. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, the research sought to understand the primary drivers of student loyalty and the potential cultural and contextual indicators that might influence these relationships. This meta-analysis analyzed 103 studies involving over 54,000 students from over 60 countries across five continents. The study identified key antecedents of student loyalty. Satisfaction had the most influence on loyalty, followed by student engagement and perceived value. We also detected significant cultural and contextual moderators. This research offers a holistic view of student loyalty, bridging gaps from conflicting findings in prior literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst efforts to fulfill the Chinese government's education guide for morality building and character cultivating, curriculum ideology and politics have emerged as key aspects in higher education pedagogy. English linguistics, a staple for junior English majors and often perceived as theoretical and challenging, represents an opportunity to align with national education directives. This study explores the integration of ideological and political education within the English major's curriculum, specifically within an English linguistics course. This paper details an empirical case study conducted in a local Jiangxi university in China, where an "ideological education + linguistics" teaching model was carefully crafted and implemented in the introductory linguistics session. Methodologies included classroom observation, post-lesson questionnaire and interview, revealing enhancements in student engagement, understanding of linguistic concepts, and scientific and logical reasoning. Additionally, noteworthy improvements in teaching methodologies were reported. The findings affirm the model's feasibility and effectiveness in reinforcing the curriculum ideology and politics in major disciplines, suggesting a beneficial tripartite impact on national educational goals, student learning, and teaching innovation. Research significance indicates that by applying their experiences, front-line teachers can act as researchers, enhancing the implementation of educational research; besides theoretical studies, micro case studies are essential to validate and complement educational research, thus contributing to the development of a comprehensive theoretical framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined the impact of co-teaching on students and lecturers, assessing its benefits and drawbacks, and suggesting ways to enhance collaborative learning. Methods: Fifty undergraduate student teachers participated in two sports sciences seminar courses jointly taught by two lecturers. Data was collected via student reflections; course evaluation feedback; word clouds; and teacher reflections. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: The findings indicate that the short intensive seminar course resulted in three parallel processes: emotional, students transitioning from negative feelings of chaos, frustration, and a sense of incompetence to positive feelings of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment; social, students learning to listen, request assistance, support, encourage, and collaborate; and cognitive, students learning to ask fruitful questions, plan experiments, summarize, and present. Nevertheless, the time and effort demands involved in the planning and management of such courses may constitute a significant barrier to the future implementation of this teaching method. In terms of course outcomes, no indications of higher quality were seen compared to traditional instruction. Discussion: Drawing on the symbolic interactionism theory, the study advocates for preparing students for inclusive and collaborative learning environments to improve academic engagement and success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study looks at multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in examinations and their effectiveness in testing higher-order cognition. While there are claims that MCQs can do this, we consider many assertions problematic because of the difficulty in interpreting what higher-order cognition consists of and whether or not assessment tasks genuinely lead to specific outcomes. We interviewed university teachers from different disciplines to explore the extent to which MCQs can assess higher-order cognition specified in Bloom's taxonomy. The study showed that study participants believed MCQs can test higher-order cognition but most likely only at levels of 'apply' and 'analyse'. Using MCQs was often driven by the practicality of assessing large classes and by a need for comparing students' performances. MCQs also had a powerful effect on curriculum due to the careful alignment between teaching and assessment, which makes changes to teaching difficult. These findings have implications for both teaching and how higher education is managed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postgraduate Taught study (PGT) students are often assumed to be confident and independent learners, and many possess a strong sense of professional identity and thus are perceived as not requiring support. This paper aims to address these perceptions. This paper presents a qualitative study of the experiences of PGT students at an Australian university who participated in a Transition In program that has been embedded in the curriculum. The primary aim was to explore the effectiveness of the Transition In program, which is the first step in a program-wide employability curriculum strategy. The findings of this study demonstrated that students' levels of confidence and engagement as well as their connection with their profession increased as a direct result of feeling supported. This paper highlights the importance of, and benefits gained by providing PGT students structured support to enable them to successfully transition into their program of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impact of gradeless assessment on student holistic development in higher education. By examining its influence on learning, motivation and engagement, the research addressed a gap in the literature and aligned with holistic education principles encompassing intellectual, emotional, social and physical well-being. Data from six students and four lecturers in focus groups informed the study, revealing that gradeless assessment could enhance student motivation, engagement, and learning by prioritizing feedback and growth. This highlighted how such an approach fosters deeper learning, risk-taking, innovation, ownership, reflection, collaboration, and creativity. The study proposed strategies for integrating gradeless assessment into current educational systems and practices, offering insights to improve educational practice and policy in higher education and support student learning outcomes and holistic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that Active Learning (AL) and Active Learning Spaces (ALSs) have the potential to improve student learning outcomes. In this study, the student experiences of AL and ALSs in four classes in mathematics and statistics at a Norwegian university are examined through classroom observations, surveys, and interviews. The student interviews are analysed using constant comparative method, which resulted in one main category and three sub-categories presenting what the students perceived to be significant factors that impacted their learning experiences in the ALSs and how these factors affected their motivation to engage with the subject. The main category is called Engagement and Comfort, and the three sub-categories are called Students' Varying Preferences, Student-student Communication, and Teachers' Communication. Students' motivation was looked at through an Approach-Avoidance Theory lens. Crucial to the student experiences was that some students felt deeply uncomfortable in the ALSs, which prevented them from engaging and benefitting from the ALSs. This research highlights how students' comfort in the ALSs is essential to ensure their engagement and suggests many aspects that can support students' comfort. Future research and professional development programmes built upon the reflections here can be used to support improved educational quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the challenge of introducing cooperative entrepreneurship as an option for university business students, as recommended by the Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP) adopted in the European Union (EU). This aim is linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which calls for efforts to ensure quality education for all. Our study jointly addresses both entrepreneurship and the need for high-quality education among the university students we are analysing. The use of success stories in cooperative entrepreneurship is based on a Best Practice Learning (BPL) methodology. The students under analysis are categorized into two areas of knowledge, law and economics, depending on whether the main content of their studies focuses on aspects of law or on purely economic aspects. The results show an increased interest in cooperative entrepreneurship in all participants after the application of BPL, and a high level of satisfaction with the activities carried out as part of this experience. However, differences were found between economics and law students, with the former having more knowledge about the concept of entrepreneurship. On the other hand, the latter group shows a greater awareness of the importance of cooperativism. The results of this study can provide the basis for new initiatives at the university level, aimed at the promotion of cooperative entrepreneurship in line with its key role in the SEAP and the SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though higher education scholars have long known that undergraduate student engagement is associated with student persistence, they have yet to fully unravel its character and how it evolves over time. We argue that this is in part due to the individualistic, static ways engagement is measured even though scholars recognize it as a fundamentally relational concept. In our theoretical exploration, we draw on existing thinking about engagement in higher education and fit it to a social network paradigm that is well suited to conceptualizing and measuring relational, multidimensional, and dynamic phenomena such as student engagement. We conclude with suggestions for research and practice to further explore the longitudinal character of student engagement and how network analysis may be employed to explore the roles of engagement in persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a large number of university students have been required to adapt to e-learning. E-learning engagement, a key indicator of academic success, is thus a great concern of educational partitioners and researchers. Although previous studies have identified various determinants of e-learning engagement, there is a paucity of research that examines the associations between university students' personalities and their engagement in e-learning. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the personality-engagement relationship are still poorly understood. The present study used the five-factor model of personality as the main theoretical framework to explore how students with different personality traits engaged in e-learning. Additionally, it examined whether achievement emotions and adaptability mediated the personality-engagement relationship in the e-learning context. A sample of 1004 students enrolled at Guizhou University participated in an online survey to collect data for the study. Employing structural equation modeling, the findings unveiled several significant results: (1) extroversion, agreeableness, openness to new experiences, and conscientiousness exhibited positive associations with e-learning engagement, (2) neuroticism demonstrated a negative relationship with e-learning engagement, (3) the mediating effect of enjoyment as an achievement emotion was observed between personality traits (excluding neuroticism) and e-learning engagement, (4) adaptability played a mediating role in the relationship between personality traits (excluding conscientiousness and neuroticism) and e-learning engagement, and (5) the negative achievement emotion of anxiety did not operate as a mediator between personality traits and e-learning engagement. This study enriches the understanding of the relationship between personality and engagement in the emerging field of e-learning. Moreover, it offers a fresh perspective on how to investigate mechanisms underlying the relationship between personality and engagement in the e-learning context. The findings could provide a basis for instructors who wish to deploy emotional and adaptability interventions to increase university students' engagement in e-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The flipped classroom (FC) method allows students to first familiarize themselves with educational material independently, and then apply and deepen their understanding through active learning activities during subsequent sessions. Although this approach has been extensively applied in various fields, little is known about its implementation in basic veterinary subjects. This study explores the implementation of FC in veterinary biochemistry; physiology; and anatomy, with pre-class material primarily provided in video format and in-class sessions dedicated to quizzes and interactive activities. The findings reveal robust student engagement. A survey conducted after the first semester revealed that students generally perceived the pre-class material and quizzes favorably, with a significant majority supporting the FC approach. However, by the second semester, preferences evolved, as more students favored traditional lectures over FC, bringing up issues about the pros and cons of FC implementation. Feedback on FC highlighted enhanced comprehension and self-management as key benefits while also highlighting the challenge of time constraints. This study indicates that the adoption of the FC approach can be positively embraced in basic veterinary subjects if it avoids an excessive workload on students. In conclusion, this study suggests that FC can be successfully integrated into basic veterinary education, maintaining a balance that prevents overwhelming students with excessive workloads. Flipped classroom (FC) is a teaching method where traditional learning roles are inverted. Students are provided with material in advance and are expected to study the content prior to in-class sessions. These sessions are subsequently utilized to clarify doubts and examine in greater depth the previously acquired knowledge. Despite the widespread nature of its approach in health education, its application in basic veterinary subjects remains poorly described. This study explores the implementation of the FC approach in veterinary physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and embryology. Pre-class material was mainly provided in video format, and class sessions facilitated quizzes and interactive activities aimed to reinforce understanding. The findings indicate a high level of student involvement and effective class preparation, as evidenced by over 84% of students participating in FC in-class sessions and generally achieving satisfactory scores on quizzes. A survey conducted at the end of the first semester shows that a high proportion of students positively valued pre-class material (>90%), quizzes (82%), and the FC approach (66%). However, by the end of the second semester, traditional lectures were preferred by more students than FC (45% and 25%, respectively), while 30% of the students mentioned having no preference between the two methods. Analysis of open-ended responses underscored positive facets of the FC approach, including self-organization, enhanced understanding, and availability of pre-class material. However, it also emphasized challenges associated with FC, such as the significant time and effort required. In conclusion, this study suggests that the FC approach can be well received in integrated basic veterinary subjects if it does not imply an excessive student workload, underscoring the potential benefits of a blended teaching approach that combines elements of both traditional and FC methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employability development has become a central concern of higher education, with many students attending university to enhance their employability and career development. Universities offer a range of curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular employability-building activities, including work-integrated learning, mentoring and career counselling. However, participation in these activities, barriers to engagement and their impact on employability are unclear. This paper examines student engagement in diverse employability-building activities, barriers impeding participation and their perspectives on how activities develop aspects of employability. The methodological approach encompassed an online survey of recent bachelor graduates (n = 324) from two Australian universities and focus groups to further explore participants' experiences (n = 11). Findings showed relatively low participation rates in most activities, with the greatest engagement in external paid employment and work-related activities (e.g., internship). These activities were also perceived as the most useful for developing a sense of professional self, networks and securing work. Barriers to participation included work/study commitments, financial/health pressures and lack of confidence and awareness, somewhat varying by graduates' background characteristics. Benefits from activities varied by their type, along with students' personal characteristics. Findings highlight the importance of embedding employability-building activities in the curriculum and signal potential ways to increase engagement in diverse cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nSummaryVirtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment where scenes and objects appear to be real, immersing the user in their surroundings. This systematic review aims to explore the benefits and challenges of VR and AR in higher education and to identify the trends and issues regarding courses and teaching methods in which VR and AR are integrated. 95 articles from the past 7 years were reviewed to gather comprehensive insights. According to findings, VR and AR in higher education have been used most frequently in medical courses, while simulations have been predominantly implemented as teaching strategies in VR and AR. The most common types of research methods have been experimental and survey studies. The findings indicate that, while VR/AR has promising potential in higher education, certain challenges such as understanding how and when virtual and augmented reality can be most effective must be addressed before widespread adoption in higher education.What is already known about this topic Virtual and augmented reality-based learning modes, in terms of motivation and engagement, may attract and motivate learners to learn and boost their confidence.Virtual and augmented realities are not widely used in education due to limitations such as required technologies, cost, etc.Virtual and augmented reality-based learning modes, in terms of motivation and engagement, may attract and motivate learners to learn and boost their confidence.Virtual and augmented realities are not widely used in education due to limitations such as required technologies, cost, etc.What this paper adds Virtual and augmented realities in higher education have been implemented mostly in medical courses. These courses include medicine, biology, surgery, and nursing.In terms of interaction and collaborative learning, the teaching strategies used with virtual and augmented realities do not provide an interactive environment and opportunity for collaborative learning for students, contrary to expectations.Simulations have been used mostly in virtual and augmented reality research in higher education. Simulations are explained as scenario-based learning in some research, and students were expected to complete some tasks based on the scenario.Virtual and augmented realities in higher education have been implemented mostly in medical courses. These courses include medicine, biology, surgery, and nursing.In terms of interaction and collaborative learning, the teaching strategies used with virtual and augmented realities do not provide an interactive environment and opportunity for collaborative learning for students, contrary to expectations.Simulations have been used mostly in virtual and augmented reality research in higher education. Simulations are explained as scenario-based learning in some research, and students were expected to complete some tasks based on the scenario.Implications for practice and/or policy It is crucial to identify how and when learning with virtual and augmented realities is effective.Virtual and augmented realities in higher education have both advantages and disadvantages in the context of technology-enhanced learning, and its use is up to the learning designers.It is crucial to identify how and when learning with virtual and augmented realities is effective.Virtual and augmented realities in higher education have both advantages and disadvantages in the context of technology-enhanced learning, and its use is up to the learning designers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explored the perspectives of Vietnamese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers on the implementation of competency-based assessment (CBA) within the higher education context. Amidst the global shift towards competency-based education, this research aimed to understand how instructors in Vietnam navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by CBA, focusing on its impact on teaching practices and student learning. The objective of this study was to examine the adaptations and responses of EFL teachers to the implementation of CBA, identifying how these adaptations influence teaching effectiveness and student learning experiences. Employing semi-structured interviews with 10 EFL teachers from two institutions, the study was grounded in constructivist and social constructivist theoretical frameworks, facilitating a nuanced exploration of the participants' experiences. The findings revealed several key themes: significant challenges in transitioning to CBA, including adapting to new methodologies and a lack of resources; the transformative potential of CBA for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes; the need for targeted professional development to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation skills; and the role of CBA in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, student autonomy, and inclusivity. Additionally, the study highlighted the complexities of providing effective, individualized feedback within CBA frameworks. The discussion underscores the importance of these findings in informing the development of more effective competency-based educational strategies and highlights recommendations for enhancing teacher training and assessment design to better support competency development. These insights contribute to the discourse on competency-based language education, suggesting implications for policy, practice, and future research. By highlighting the specific challenges and strategies employed by Vietnamese EFL teachers, this study offers valuable perspectives for instructors, policymakers, and researchers aiming to advance the implementation of competency-based assessment in language education globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how lecturers and university students used WhatsApp as an academic tool. The study employed an ANT methodological and analytical framework to investigate WhatsApp as an academic tool in a university set-up in post COVID-19 era. Participants were selected from one state university. The snowball purposive sampling approach was used to select twenty students and five lecturers who provided some deep insight into how WhatsApp was used in academic activities. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, following actors on the WhatsApp platform and document analysis. Findings revealed that WhatsApp was used in various ways to build students' networks of learning. The study concluded that lecturers could leverage the WhatsApp platform to enhance students' academic engagement by expanding the networks of learning to enable students to acquire and share knowledge. Therefore, the study recommends the wider use of WhatsApp to enhance academic performance among students by focusing on a community of learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the transformative potential of place-based community organizing as a theory and practice of progressive social change and as a critical approach to the social purpose of community engagement in Higher Education Institutions. The aim is to expose power asymmetries and civic renewal "from below" through a focus on community engaged learning, specifically community organizing on the curriculum for geography undergraduates. The empirical focus is an English university, but the issues and observations are widespread. Around the world, students are coping with disruptions following a global pandemic, austerity, and loss of trust in local democracy – participating in climate emergency and racial justice movements. This paper advances community organising and community engaged learning as a mutually co-constitutive challenge to conventional notions of the student as a passive consumer of recruitment, learning, and individualised notions of civic responsibility. Methods of community organising are based on the theory that if you want change, you need power: change ultimately traces a motivational journey from anger to agitation and action. Empirical vignettes explore the transformative role of emotionally stirring "political theatre" and direct action, while exposing tensions that arise due to the transitory status of students in place and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review systematically analyses publications and articles up to mid-2023 related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of HE, specifically identifying pressures that students are experiencing. The aim of the review was to identify insights into the tensions faced by students in HE following their experiences of educational interruptions due to COVID-19. Additionally, this review explored the literature relating to the personal, professional, academic and societal pressures experienced by HE students. Student engagement, sense of belonging, alienation and resilience in a post-pandemic context was also examined. Results suggest that the effects of COVID-19 have increased pressure on HE students in multifaceted and interconnecting ways. Post-pandemic, students' mental health and wellbeing is significantly reducing resilience. Issues facing the cohort of students currently at school will filter on into HE if not actioned. Therefore, Government and HEIs need to address the macro, meso and micro after effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To do this, further focussed research is needed into post-pandemic HEI support systems and practical pedagogical strategies. HEIs could examine the effects of stress and anxiety resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and could apply conceptual tools and educational theories to influence future strategies to increase students' resilience, engagement, sense of belonging and thus academic resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with diverse learning needs are becoming more prevalent in higher education institutions. There has been a substantial rise in the number of adult learners with ADHD (American College Health Association, 2021). To ensure the support and achievement of neurodiverse learners, especially higher education students with ADHD, higher education faculty should implement strategies within their courses to support all learners. One framework frequently utilized in K-12 settings is Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL provides access to content by focusing strategies on engagement, various means of displaying content, and supporting learners in demonstrating their learning in a way that best supports their learning needs (CAST, 2018). Specific UDL strategies that would have a positive impact on learners with ADHD are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the interconnected role of belonging in higher education, examining how a lack of belonging at various levels students, faculty, staff, and institutions affects educational outcomes. It highlights that addressing these issues through a systems view, which integrates and coordinates efforts to foster belonging across all levels, is crucial for long-term success. It argues that belonging underpins educational success, influencing student engagement and retention.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on students' learning experiences and perceptions through a master's-level course. The study specifically focused on student engagement, comfort with GenAI and ethical considerations. Design/methodology/approach: The study used an action research methodology employing qualitative data collection methods, including pre- and post-course surveys, reflective assignments, class discussions and a questionnaire. The AI-Ideas, Connections, Extensions (ICE) Framework, combining the ICE Model and AI paradigms, is used to assess students' cognitive engagement with GenAI. Findings: The study revealed that incorporating GenAI in a master's-level instructional design course increased students' comfort with GenAI and their understanding of its ethical implications. The AI-ICE Framework demonstrated most students were at the initial engagement level, with growing awareness of GenAI's limitations and ethical issues. Course reflections highlighted themes of improved teaching strategies, personal growth and the practical challenges of integrating GenAI responsibly. Research limitations/implications: The small sample size poses challenges to the analytical power of the findings, potentially limiting the breadth and applicability of conclusions. This constraint may affect the generalizability of the results, as the participants may not fully represent the broader population of interest. The researchers are mindful of these limitations and suggest caution in interpreting the findings, acknowledging that they may offer more exploratory insights than definitive conclusions. Future research endeavors should aim to recruit a larger cohort to validate and expand upon the initial observations, ensuring a more robust understanding. Originality/value: The study is original in its integration of GenAI into a master's-level instructional design course, assessing both the practical and ethical implications of its use in education. By utilizing the AI-ICE Framework to evaluate students' cognitive engagement and employing action research methodology, the study provides insights into how GenAI influences learning experiences and perceptions. This approach bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and the real-world application of GenAI, offering actionable strategies for its responsible use in educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore teachers' perceptions of student engagement in English as a second language (ESL) classrooms in university. Several studies have been conducted on teachers' perceptions of student engagement globally. However, there is a dearth of such research in Pakistani context. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 teachers teaching English to undergraduate students of semesters II and IV in public-sector universities of Lahore. The findings revealed that students from both prior Urdu and English medium of instruction (MOI) engage differently in an ESL classroom. However, students from prior Urdu MOI face more challenges in engaging in the ESL classroom. It is recommended that teachers should devise different strategies to engage students of both Urdu and English MOI to help them reach a level of autonomy where they can use English language in appropriate contexts in the best possible way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-credential programs are still in their early stages in many countries, presenting challenges for both service providers and learners. The implementation of digital infrastructure and connectivity is crucial for promoting micro-credentials in higher education. These programs offer a flexible learning environment for students, professionals, and industry leaders to upgrade their skills. Micro-credentials have become particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing opportunities for lifelong learning and addressing the needs of diverse learners. This special issue of the International Journal of Educational Management explores various aspects of micro-credentials, including framework, policies, infrastructure, learners' engagement, training, employability, digital skills, competitiveness, and sustainability. The collection of papers in this issue examines the impact of micro-credentials on employability, factors hindering their implementation, students' attitudes towards them, learner intentions towards massive open online courses (MOOCs), and the learning experience of Malaysian young adults. The findings and policy recommendations from these studies can inform the development and integration of micro-credential programs in higher education. [Extracted from the article]

Remote, online learning provides opportunities for flexible, accessible, and personalised education, regardless of geographical boundaries. This study mode also promises to democratise education, making it more adaptable to individual learning styles. However, transitioning to this digital paradigm also brings challenges, including issues related to students' mental health and motivation and communication barriers. Integrating social robots into this evolving educational landscape presents an effective approach to enhancing student support and engagement. In this article, we focus on the potential of social robots in higher education, identifying a significant gap in the educational technology landscape that could be filled by open-source learning robots tailored to university students' needs. To bridge this gap, we introduce the Robotic Study Companion (RSC), a customisable, open-source social robot developed with cost-effective off-the-shelf parts. Designed to provide an interactive and multimodal learning experience, the RSC aims to enhance student engagement and success in their studies. This paper documents the development of the RSC, from establishing literature-based requirements to detailing the design process and build instructions. As an open development platform, the RSC offers a solution to current educational challenges and lays the groundwork for personalised, interactive, and affordable AI-enabled robotic companions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this narrative inquiry is to better understand why students in higher education are motivated to get involved in student government. We analyzed the responses of ten current student government leaders at public regional comprehensive institutions in the United States. The analysis is guided by Astin's theory of student involvement and the social change model of leadership development. The study finds that many leaders did not initially plan to engage in student government, emphasizing the impact of past civic involvement, current student engagement, and peer invitations on their subsequent student government participation. Implications call for institutions to deepen their understanding of enrolled students and provide accessible avenues for leadership development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study focuses on the unique role of insight and Trait Emotional Intelligence in the realm of art education in China. Insight, traditionally associated with clinical outcomes such as mastering symptoms, developing adaptive behaviors, and enhancing quality of life, is newly contextualized in this study within the framework of art education. The expansion of insight research into areas like Social Psychology reflects its relevance beyond clinical settings, particularly in educational environments where creativity and emotional intelligence are pivotal. Aim: In Chinese art education, insight is crucial not just for personal growth but also for professional development, integrating the understanding of emotions, culture, and artistic expression. This study explores how Trait Emotional Intelligence fosters insight and engagement in art students, underscoring its transformative impact on their educational and professional journey in the art world. Methods: Using a sample of Chinese art education students at University level (N = 881), that answered a quantitative self-report questionnaire, statistical procedures are applied to test the relationships between Trait Emotional Intelligence, Insight orientation, and students' academic engagement. Results: In the structural model, the path from Trait Emotional Intelligence to Insight Orientation was significant, indicating a positive relationship. Students' Engagement was significantly predicted by Insight Orientation and Trait Emotional Intelligence. Implications: This finding corroborates theoretical assertions that individuals with higher emotional intelligence are more inclined to have enhanced insight. The findings of the present study extend beyond the field of Art education, allowing us to provide a broad spectrum of social implications for Higher Education institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online student engagement refers to the level of students' involvement and effort in online learning activities. Individuals with self-regulation skills actively and constructively set their goals and strategies based on their own knowledge, independent of environmental influences. However, research exploring the relationship between self-regulation and student engagement in online learning environments is limited. This study aimed to examine this relationship within online learning environments. The research utilized survey, causal-comparative, and correlational research models to address its questions. Participants included 660 bachelor's degree students, and data was collected using an online student engagement scale and an online self-regulation skills scale. The findings indicated that both online self-regulation skills and online student engagement were at moderate levels. The study found that online student engagement did not significantly differ by gender. However, university students aged 25 and over had significantly higher online engagement than other age groups. Additionally, fourth-year university students exhibited significantly higher online involvement than students in other grade levels, and students from numeric fields demonstrated significantly higher online engagement compared to those from other fields. In terms of online self-regulation, there were no significant differences by age and grade level. Nevertheless, female students exhibited significantly higher self-regulation skills than male students, and students from numeric fields had significantly higher self-regulation skills than those from other fields. Moreover, the study found a significantly positive moderate correlation between online student engagement and online self-regulation skills. The findings also revealed that online self-regulation skills could explain 40.4% of the variance in online student engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigated the effectiveness and dynamics of peer feedback in online and offline learning environments, focusing on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' affective engagement and its impact on learning outcomes. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, the research divided participants into groups that studied through Zoom and traditional classrooms over 12 weeks, analyzing their engagement with peer feedback. Data were gathered from Likert-scale and open-ended questionnaires, along with performance scores on key tasks, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, linear regressions, and thematic analysis. The findings indicated that students valued peer feedback in both settings, with online learners showing higher engagement levels. However, this engagement did not translate into improved writing skills, highlighting the need for further research into other factors that could enhance EFL writing proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social justice discourse in higher education has been increasing in recent years, the scope of which has broadened to include systemic, institutional, and grassroots levels. Exploring and creating new approaches to education is one means of creating socially just education at the grassroots level. The student voice for social justice (SVSJ) pedagogical method is one pedagogy that adopts Nancy Fraser's framework of (re)distribution, recognition, and representation and applies it to a higher education (HE) context. At the centre of SVSJ is student voice and active participation, whereby students become co-creators and co-developers of course content and dissemination across disciplines. Developing new pedagogies is only the first step in a long process of exploration, implementation, reflection, and revision. Working with students toward a socially just education model demands reflective practices from individual lecturers and professional group dialogue. Through such reflective practices, students' cultural, educational, and personality differences, student voice challenges, the role of humility, assessment, and different modes of teaching (face-to-face vs online) were identified as being areas of consideration that need rethinking and reworking to enhance teaching and learning through socially just pedagogy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive psychology offers a scientific window onto understanding and enhancing the welfare and growth of university communities, and as well as improving academic performance. This holistic approach is on the rise, yet most research is conducted in Western countries. This situation prevails despite the fact that two-thirds of the world's population live in Asia. This review collated and synthesised published work on applications of positive psychology in higher education conducted in Asia, to describe the current status, explore conceptual perspectives and identify knowledge gaps. A total of 147 articles (157 experimental studies), published since 2000, were included. These were descriptive explorations (12.1%), quantifying associations between positive psychology constructs (62.4%), interventions (19.7%), and psychometric evaluations (5.7%). Key topics were academic leadership, organisational commitment, student engagement and foreign language learning. The thematic framework centered on 'Optimal Functioning', with 'Personal Resources One Can Draw On' and 'How One Interacts With The World' as direct influencing factors, and 'Environment' as an indirect factor. Across the Asian region, positive psychology's major contribution is to identify what types of personal resources are associated with optimal functioning in higher education, but there is little high-quality evidence for intervention benefits, nor a deep understanding of how those resources can be effectively deployed to achieve well-being. As part of the third-wave positive psychology movement, scholars in Asia can play a greater leading role in re-evaluating traditional Western concepts to account for the socio-cultural context in which students and staff are embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the factors influencing student engagement in asynchronous online classes, focusing on the roles of instructor presence, communication strategies, and demographic profiles. Data were collected from 385 college students employing moderated mediation with parallel mediators. The results revealed significant direct effects of instructor presence and communication strategies on student engagement, highlighting the pivotal role of these factors in shaping the online learning experience. Specifically, stronger instructor presence and effective communication strategies corresponded to higher levels of student engagement, emphasizing the importance of fostering supportive interactions and facilitating meaningful communication in virtual classrooms. Mediation analyses further clear the pathways through which these factors influence student engagement. Perceived instructional support emerged as a robust mediator between instructor presence and engagement, underscoring the significance of establishing a supportive learning environment. Additionally, technology self-efficacy played a modest yet significant role in mediating the impact of instructor presence and communication strategies on student engagement, highlighting the importance of students’ confidence in utilizing technology for academic purposes. While moderation analyses did not reveal significant effects of demographic profiles on the relationships between key variables, the findings underscore the universality of effective teaching practices in fostering student engagement across diverse student populations. These findings have important implications for online teaching practices and educational policies, emphasizing the need to prioritize strategies that enhance instructor support, foster effective communication, and promote technological proficiency among students. By addressing these factors, educators and institutions can optimize the online learning experience and promote meaningful engagement among students in asynchronous online classes.