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Aims: The aims of this paper are to (a) outline the design and implementation of an evidence‐based assertiveness communication workshop for Japanese nursing students; and (b) report on the evaluation of nursing students' satisfaction with the workshop using the Satisfaction with Assertiveness Communication Training Program Survey. Background: A body of research attests to the relationship between assertive communication and patient safety. This paper reports the design and evaluation of an assertiveness communication training programme designed to enhance students' ability to communicate safety in clinical practice. Design: A culturally appropriate and evidence‐based assertiveness communication workshop, informed by Gagne's instructional design principles, was implemented for third‐year nursing students in two Japanese higher educational institutions in December 2017. A descriptive study design was used to evaluate the workshop. Methods: Students' perceptions of the workshop were evaluated using the Satisfaction with Assertiveness Communication Training Program Survey, which includes ten items that are rated using a 5‐point Likert scale from strongly disagree [1] to strongly agree [5]. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) guidelines were used in the reporting of this study. Results: A total of 111 students from a population of 150 participated in the study giving a response rate of 74%. The overall mean satisfaction score was 4.12 indicating a high level of agreement with each of the survey items. With the exception of two items, the mean scores were above 4.0. "Confidence in using assertiveness communication skills" and "Utilising role‐plays to practice learnt skills" received mean scores of 3.71 and 3.90, respectively. Conclusion: Given the compelling research about the importance of assertive communication in health care, the results from this study support continuing investment in assertiveness communication training programmes for nursing students. Relevance to clinical practice: Assertive communication is an essential communication skill for safe nursing practice. Culturally appropriate assertiveness communication training programmes are of particular relevance in hierarchical healthcare contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Following over 30 years of conflicting research into how second language learners respond to word association tests this paper examines an alternative approach to analyse the data, individual profiling. In contrast to previous studies this paper argues that word association studies should be focusing on individuals, as opposed to attempting to create group norms. This paper demonstrates how such profiles can be created using data collected from a study of 50 low level Japanese college students. To exemplify this approach five profiles are compared. The results of this study suggest that learners should not be analysed as homogenous groups. The results also show that when confronted with words from different frequency ranges a learner’s response type remains constant. Implications for teaching, in terms of helping individual learners to identify more efficient ways to acquire words are discussed. Problems with the study are examined and areas for further research are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To test a modified team‐based learning approach on undergraduate learning outcomes in an acute‐care nursing course in Japan. Design: Mixed‐methods. Methods: Students worked on three simulated cases, engaged in pre‐class preparation, completed a quiz and engaged in group work. We collected data on team approach, critical‐thinking disposition and time spent in self‐learning at four time‐points: before the intervention and after each simulated case. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model, a Kruskal–Wallis test and a content analysis. Data sources: We recruited nursing students attending a mandatory course in acute‐care nursing at University A. Data were collected at four time‐points between April and July 2018. Data from 73 of 93 respondents were analysed. Results: Team approach, critical thinking and self‐learning all increased significantly across the time‐points. Four categories emerged from students' comments: 'achievement of teamwork', 'sense of learning efficacy', 'satisfaction with course approach' and 'issues related to course approach'. The modified team‐based learning approach led to improvements in team approach and critical‐thinking disposition across the course. Conclusion: Incorporating team‐based learning into the curriculum not only contributes to team building but is also effective as a teaching method to improve student learning. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: The intervention led to improvements in team approach and critical‐thinking disposition across the course. The educational intervention also led to more time for self‐learning. Future studies should include participants from various universities and evaluate the outcomes over a longer period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pre-post quasi-experiments in the social sciences can involve the use of mixed methods research approaches, we know little about how theoretical frameworks can best inform related design components. Furthermore, despite the increased globalization of mixed methods, we need further examples of how to apply such methods within specific countries to address contextual and cultural needs. This study from Japan examined the impact of promoting structure support by teachers (i.e., instructions, guidance, and feedback) on students' mastery goals, rather than on performance goals in an early childhood classroom. A theoretical model informed the development of pre- and post-test measures as well as the intervention activities. Results showed that teacher support of mastery goals had a positive influence on student achievement goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the durability of the effect of explicit and implicit instructions on beginning EFL learners' learning of the copula be. The study intends to examine whether or not the effect remains after the auxiliary be of the progressive is introduced. Three groups of 89 Japanese junior high school students participated in the quasi-experiment. One group was given explicit instruction on the rule of the copula be. Another group was given implicit instruction under which the participants memorized exemplars without focusing on the rule. The third group was not given any treatment on the target structure. After progress was measured with a pretest and two post-tests, the three groups were provided with the same form-focused instructions on the progressive. Then, three further post-tests were given to see if the instruction on the auxiliary be had any impact on the mastery of the copula be. Major findings were (1) explicit instruction had positive effects in the short term, while implicit instruction did not; (2) the effects of the former did not last, especially after presentation of the progressive. The findings indicate that instruction after explicit instruction must include some adjustments to retain its effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]