Assessing the psychometric properties of the intrinsic motivation inventory in blended learning environments

This study investigates the validity and reliability of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) in the context of blended learning. In the digital age, the fusion of online components with traditional classroom instruction has become integral to modern pedagogy, giving rise to blended learning—a flexible approach accommodating diverse learning needs. In such multifaceted environments, intrinsic motivation emerges as pivotal for sustaining student engagement, bridging the gap between in-person and online learning components. Utilizing a quasi-experimental quantitative research design, the research focuses on first-year university students enrolled in a blended learning economics course. Thorough statistical analysis affirms the IMI's effectiveness in accurately measuring intrinsic motivation levels within the diverse framework of blended learning. The findings not only validate the IMI as a tool for assessing intrinsic motivation but also underscore its importance for educators. Understanding students' intrinsic motivation is essential for tailoring instructional strategies, identifying at-risk students, and proactively preventing potential dropouts in blended learning environments. The validation of the IMI enhances the accuracy of assessments, interventions, and program evaluations, ultimately contributing to the improvement of education quality for students engaged in the integrated format of traditional and online instruction

Saudi faculty online assessment experience: Evidence from the COVID-19 era

E-learning has taken the lead over face-to-face instruction in higher education as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift forced faculty members to adapt to new roles and responsibilities to design and apply online instruction and assessments that require specific skills. This research aims to examine faculty experiences with online assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU). We used the quantitative study method to analyze faculty experience with online assessment practices during the pandemic using a structured questionnaire composed of 24 items to assess five main areas: faculty awareness, faculty satisfaction, challenges, best practices and suggestions for improvement. This study included one hundred and fifty-five faculty members between September and December 2020. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Findings demonstrated high faculty awareness and satisfaction with IAU online assessment practices.  However, they expressed they were challenged by their need to receive more faculty development programs on using online assessment and accurately assessing learning outcomes. Moreover, participants pointed out several best practices such as investing in learning management system tools for assessment and student feedback provision. Finally, the primary recommendation for enhancing online assessments was to provide faculty access to professional development training programmes. This study provides a reference for future research on student-centered online learning and assessment practices, accreditation of online assessment practices and strategies for assessing and compensating for learning loss during the pandemic

Exploring the multifaceted roles of English for specific purposes practitioners within the transformative paradigm in higher education

This academic article, utilizing an analytical literature review, aimed to explore the multifaceted roles of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) practitioners. It was found that there were five key roles responsible by the practitioners: (1) teaching; (2) course designing and material providing; (3) researching; (4) collaborating; and (5) evaluating. Performing the teaching role, practitioners facilitate learning, integrate subject-specific content, and foster authentic communication. As course designers and material providers, ESP practitioners adopt language-centered, skills-centered, and learning-centered approaches, as well as the cyclical process of needs analysis, ensuring relevance and authenticity in their courses. ESP practitioners, in their role as researchers, actively participate in action research to develop their professional identities within the ESP context. Collaboration with subject teachers and colleagues also emerges as a crucial aspect, ranging from cooperation to team-teaching, with associated challenges. Lastly, ESP practitioners serve as evaluators, assessing teaching methods, materials, and student learning outcomes, emphasizing fair and constructive evaluation aligned with academic and professional achievements. The discussion highlights the dynamic and comprehensive nature of ESP practitioners' responsibilities, requiring ongoing adaptation and improvement in response to the evolving demands of ESP instruction. Moreover, clear national educational and language policies of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) countries should be emphasized to succeed in their ESP education

Overcoming cultural and language barriers: Explore the experiences of Lao students at universities of education in Vietnam

This study investigates the cultural and language barriers faced by Lao students at Vietnamese universities of education and proposes solutions for enhancing their academic and social integration. We analyzed the experiences of 624 Lao students across eight major universities in Vietnam through online surveys and in-depth interviews employing a mixed-methods approach. This study revealed that Lao students face significant language and cultural challenges that manifest in difficulties with Vietnamese language proficiency and adaptation to the academic culture in Vietnam. Despite these challenges, support from the Vietnamese student and teacher communities plays a crucial role in their adaptation process. The research underscores the need for enhanced teaching methodologies and the development of robust support systems for international students highlighting the pivotal role of language and cultural support in improving the educational experiences of Lao students. Addressing the language and cultural barriers faced by Lao students is essential for fostering their successful integration and participation in the Vietnamese educational system. Enhanced language support and culturally sensitive pedagogical strategies are recommended to enhance the academic success and social integration of these students, thereby contributing to a more inclusive educational environment

Diagnostics of primary school teachers’ creative potential in Kazakhstan

A teacher's creative potential (CP) is recognised as an integrative personality trait that includes the ability to develop innovative teaching ideas, find practical solutions to non-standard teaching tasks, select the most effective methods for engaging in creative pedagogical activities and contribute to the development of students' creativity. The purpose of the study is to identify the primary school teachers’ level of CP and to explore barriers to its development. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data collected by means of a survey and interviews with primary school teachers.  The literature review has shown that teachers may foster their students' creativity if they have the necessary CP, ample knowledge, resources and tools, apply creativity-development techniques and create an environment that encourages creative collaboration. The survey's results showed that across all age groups and qualification levels, primary teachers' CP development was at a medium level. The interviews revealed the conditions and barriers to CP development such as psycho-emotional and educational factors and resources. The study findings will contribute to further comprehension and improvement of teachers’ CP development in higher and vocational education

Understanding student's intention to pursue a career: Implications for the accounting profession

This study aims to predict accounting students' inclination toward a career in accounting in Indonesia by integrating the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The research relies on primary data obtained through an online, closed-ended questionnaire. We employ Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for the analysis, utilizing statistical tools like SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0 software. Findings from the survey conducted among final-year accounting students in three Indonesian tertiary institutions reveal that self-efficacy impacts the behavioral intention to pursue an accounting career, mediated by outcome expectations, subjective norms, and attitudes. The study identifies both direct and indirect influences of self-efficacy on the behavioral intention. The study innovatively combines the TRA and SCCT models, utilizing a questionnaire to assess the effects of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community on graduates opting for accounting careers within the TRA and SCCT frameworks. Based on the results, integrated career choices must be considered when choosing a career in accounting or other professions. Intervention in an accounting course will help increase the final-year accounting student’s understanding of the accounting profession, including relevant work experience and professional accounting membership

Examining the measurement invariance of the satisfaction with life scale across different age groups

Measurement invariance allows for the comparison and interpretation of scores obtained from the same scales at different times. In this respect, the purpose of this research is to examine the measurement invariance of the satisfaction with life scale applied to different age groups. The study employs the survey model, a type of quantitative research. The purposive sampling method was used in the research. This method is one of the non-random sampling types. This method collected data from 120 individuals under the age of 25 and 120 individuals over the age of 60 who resided in Ankara. The collected data were divided into two groups according to age: young and old. Measurement invariance was examined in four separate stages by performing Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis. These are configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance. The data were examined to determine the configural, metric, and scalar invariance across different age groups by using multiple group confirmatory factor analysis. As a result, configural (χ²/df=0.84;p>0.05), metric (χ²/df=1.26; p>0.01), scalar (χ²/df=1.38;p>0.05), and strict (χ²/df=1.43;p>0.05) invariance are provided that the satisfaction with life scale has invariance properties for two different age levels. This research's application of the satisfaction with life scale scores to various age groups demonstrates measurement invariance and yields results with a similar structure

Organizing activities for students of chemistry pedagogy to research according to the CDIO approach in Vietnam

A comprehensive educational framework is provided by the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) which is particularly relevant to engineering and applied sciences. This paper investigates the application of the CDIO approach in the field of chemistry pedagogy in Vietnam   focusing on its adaptability to the current educational demands and its potential to enhance the competency of future teachers. The CDIO approach develops training curricula and output standards based on input from teachers, students, alumni and recruitment firms.   This study uses the CDIO approach  extensively with professional knowledge, social awareness and creative tendencies.  The study involved a survey of 240 chemistry teachers and 242 students from various universities across Vietnam. Data were collected through online surveys using Google Forms and processed using SPSS software for statistical analysis. The research analyzed the alignment of practical teaching activities with CDIO standards and developed a framework for experimental practice competency. Findings indicated a robust implementation of the CDIO approach in chemistry pedagogy. In laboratory safety, experimental planning, execution and competence were high. The study shows that the CDIO strategy enhances professional competence and practical abilities in Vietnamese chemistry pedagogy students. It promotes collaboration and personal growth to meet changing educational needs. The CDIO approach could transform chemistry pedagogy in Vietnam suggesting science education reforms and capacity building

Exploring high school students’ attitudes towards digital game-based learning: A perspective from Indonesia

Students’ attitudes towards Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) in developing countries such as Indonesia are rarely investigated despite the fact that digital games are being used in secondary education increasingly. This research aims to explore students’ attitudes towards DGBL in chemistry. We used a quantitative study method using a self-reported survey questionnaire. The study included 480 high school students (203 males and 277 females) from various public and private high schools in Indonesia. The present study employed a cross-sectional survey design to collect data in July and August 2023. The DGBL attitude scale was adapted to evaluate students’ attitudes. The questionnaire comprised 22 items assessing students’ attitudes towards digital game-based learning. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as t-tests and a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). As a result, students expressed a slightly positive attitude towards digital games in chemistry learning particularly for learning opportunities. The results also showed that there was a significant gap in students’ attitudes with regard to gender and the daily duration of smartphone use. However, there was no significant gap regarding students’ attitudes towards digital game-based learning. The findings provide valuable insights for game designers and teachers to design and implement educational games that meet student needs and expectations in order to improve learning outcomes. The results are also useful for educators and educational researchers on how demographic factors influence students’ DGBL attitudes in chemistry education in developing countries such as Indonesia

Examining the e-learning attitudes of Indonesian students during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 epidemic has impacted higher education institutions across the country by switching traditional teaching practices to online learning. The attitudes of students towards e-learning are essential to research in order to determine the extent to which successful implementation of online learning. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the attitudes of Indonesian students towards e-learning throughout the pandemic. The study adopted a quantitative research approach through a survey questionnaire. The attitude of students was evaluated using the attitude scale towards e-learning. The questionnaire comprised 20 items assessing students’ attitudes towards remote learning. A questionnaire was distributed to 342 (255 female and 87 male) undergraduate students who took online courses at an Indonesian state university. The statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used in the present study. The results suggested that students’ e-learning attitudes tend to be neutral. The t-test and ANOVA indicated that there was no statistically significant gap in students’ attitudes with respect to gender, daily internet usage time or level of COVID-19. Meanwhile, age, study year and personal computer ownership exerted a statistically significant impact on e-learning attitudes. Teachers can better prepare for the adoption of online learning during COVID-19 and beyond by using the valuable insights provided by the findings