Research on Compatible Mode of Self-directed Learning and Cooperative Learning in Blended Teaching of Basic English Course

In the information age,blended teaching,no matter online or offline,has become the mainstream of college teaching reform.In this teaching model,self-directed learning and cooperative learning are the two main learning approaches.On the online teaching platform,students mainly learn knowledge-based content by self-directed learning,while practising their language skills by cooperative learning in flipped classroom activities.On one hand,it advocates student-centered strategy so as to improve students autonomous learning ability;on the other hand,teachers serve as a guide to organize the classroom activities;meanwhile,they give timely feedback to students in order to promote students’learning ability.In blended teaching model,this mutually compatible and reinforcing model of self-directed learning and cooperative learning is undoubtedly helpful to improve the teaching efficiency.

Relationship between self-directed learning readiness, learning attitude, and self-efficacy of nursing undergraduates

Objective: The purposes of this study were to analyze the influencing factors of self-directed learning readiness(SDLR) of nursing undergraduates and explore the impacts of learning attitude and self-efficacy on nursing undergraduates.Methods: A total of 500 nursing undergraduates were investigated in Tianjin, with the Chinese version of SDLR scale, learning attitude questionnaire of nursing college students, academic self-efficacy scale, and the general information questionnaire.Result: The score of SDLR was 149.99±15.73. Multiple stepwise regressions indicated that academic self-efficacy, learning attitude, attitudes to major of nursing, and level of learning difficulties were major influential factors and explained 48.1% of the variance in SDLR of nursing interns.Conclusions: The score of SDLR of nursing undergraduates is not promising. It is imperative to correct students' learning attitude, improve self-efficacy, and adopt appropriate teaching model to improve SDLR.

Effectiveness of the flipped classroom on the development of self-directed learning in nursing education:a meta-analysis

Objectives: To examine the best practice evidence of the effectiveness of the flipped classroom（FC） as a burgeoning teaching model on the development of self-directed learning in nursing education.Data sources: The relevant randomized controlled trial（RCT） and non-RCT comparative studies were searched from multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature（CINAHL）, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials（CENTRAL）, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database（VIP） from inception to June 2017.Review methods: The data were independently assessed and extracted for eligibility by two reviewers. The quality of included studies was assessed by another two reviewers using a standardized form and evaluated by using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. The self-directed learning scores（continuous outcomes） were analyzed by using the 95% confidence intervals（Cls） with the standard deviation average（SMD） or weighted mean difference（WMD）. The heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s I;statistic.Results: A total of 12 studies, which encompassed 1440 nursing students（intervention group = 685, control group = 755）, were eligible for inclusion in this review. Of 12 included studies, the quality level of one included study was A and of the others was B. The pooled effect size showed that compared with traditional teaching models, the FC could improve nursing students’ selfdirected learning skill, as measured by the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale（SDLRS）, Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education（SDLRSNE）, Self-Regulated Learning Scale（SRL）, Autonomous Learning Competencies scale（ALC）, and Competencies of Autonomous Learning of Nursing Students（CALNS）. Overall scores and subgroup analyses with the SRL were all in favor of the FC.Conclusions: The result of this meta-analysis indicated that FCs could improve the effect of self-directed learning in nursing education.Future studies with more RCTs using the same measurement tools are needed to draw more authoritative conclusions.

Self-directed learning readiness and nursing competency among undergraduate nursing students in Fujian province of China

Aims:We examined the relationship between self-directed learning readiness(SDLR)and nursing competency among undergraduate nursing students.Background:There is little evidence-based data related to the relationship between selfdirected learning(SDL)and nursing competency.Methods:A descriptive correlational design was used.We conducted convenience sampling of 519 undergraduate nursing students from three universities during their final period of clinical practice.We investigated SDL according to the SDLR scale for nursing education(Chinese translation version),and used the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses to evaluate nursing competency.Results:The mean SDLR score of the students was 148.55(standard deviation[SD]18.46),indicating intermediate and higher SDLR.The mean score for nursing competency was 142.31(SD30.39),indicating intermediate nursing competence.SDLR had a significant positive and strong relationship with nursing competency.Conclusion:SDLR is a predictor of nursing competency.

Application of self-directed teaching methods related to microlecture and flipped classroom in the teaching of obstetrics and gynecology in a non-directly affiliated hospital

With the rapid development of the technology of information network and the era of big data,information technology is now widely used in the field of education.Comprehensive popularity of mobile phones,computers,tablet computers and portable communication devices and WIFI also facilitate the widespread use of online learning,learning in free time,free learning and other modes.The emergence of microlecture follows the learning mode and trend of modern society,special for young medical students who are highly passionate in accepting new things and have a strong ability in using information technology.In this paper,the necessity and feasibility of self-directed teaching methods related to microlecture and flipped classroom in the teaching in a non-directly affiliated hospital.Using the advantages of the"microlecture and flipped classroom"teaching model,it is possible to improve the learning effect of medical students,construct high-quality online courses,and make quality teaching resources widely shared.

Impact on dietary intake of a self-directed, gender-tailored diabetes prevention program in men

AIMTo investigate changes in dietary intake following a 6-mo randomised controlled trial of the self-directed, gender-tailored type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Prevention Using LifeStyle Education (PULSE) program in men. METHODSMen aged 18-65 years, with a body mass index (BMI) 25-40 kg/m2, and at high risk for developing T2DM were recruited from the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. Eligible participants were randomised into one of two groups: (1) waitlist control; or (2) PULSE intervention. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and immediately post-program using the Australian Eating Survey food frequency questionnaire and diet quality measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). RESULTSOne hundred and one participants (n = 48, control; n = 53, intervention, mean age 52.3 ± 9.7 years, BMI of 32.6 ± 3.3 kg/m2) commenced the study. Following the active phase, differences between groups were observed for proportion of total energy consumed from healthful (core) foods (+7.6%EI, P < 0.001), energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (-7.6%EI, P < 0.001), sodium (-369 mg, P = 0.047), and diet quality (ARFS) (+4.3, P = 0.004), including sub-scales for fruit (+1.1, P = 0.03), meat (+0.9, P = 0.004) and non-meat protein (+0.5, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONThe PULSE prevention program’s nutrition messages led to significant improvements in dietary intake in men at risk of T2DM.

Impact of self-directed learning readiness and learning attitude on problem-solving ability among Chinese undergraduate nursing students

Objective: To explore the effects of self-directed learning readiness and learning attitude on problem-solving ability among Chinese undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A convenience sampling of 460 undergraduate nursing students was surveyed in Tianjin, China. Students who participated in the study completed a questionnaire that included social demographic questionnaire, Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale, Attitude to Learning Scale, and Social Problem-Solving Inventory. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to test the correlations among problem-solving ability, self-directed learning readiness, and learning attitude. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the mediating role of learning attitude. Results: The results showed that learning attitude (r=0.338, P<0.01) and self-directed learning readiness (r=0.493, P<0.01) were positively correlated with problem-solving ability. Learning attitude played a partial intermediary role between self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability (F=74.227, P<0.01). Conclusions: It is concluded that nursing educators should pay attention on students’ individual differences and take proper actions to inspire students’ self-directed learning readiness and learning attitude.

Self-directed learning readiness and social problem solving of nursing students in Macao

Objective The aims of this study were to describe nursing students′self-directed learning readiness and social problem solving and test their correlations in Macao.Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 140baccalaureate nursing students.A stratified random sampling was performed.The Self-directed Learning Readiness(SDLR)Scale and Chinese Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised(C-SPSI-R)were used.Results The response rate was 79.3%.Students possessed readiness for self-directed learning(mean 149.09±12.53,51.4%at high level,48.6%at low level).Regarding to social problem solving,the mean scores of each subscale were 9.35±3.25(Rational Problem Solving,RPS),10.26±3.23(Positive Problem Orientation,PPO),8.14±4.06(Negative Problem Orientation,NPO),5.67±4.44(Avoidance Style,AS),and 4.84±3.03(Impulsivity/Carelessness Style,ICS).SDLR was positively related to RPS and PPO,but was negatively related to AS.Conclusion Half of students possessed stronger readiness for self-directed learning.Students had a belief in the ability to solve problems,and adopted relevant strategies in solving problems.However,students still had negative and dysfunctional orientation and defective attempts in solving problems.Self-directed learning was positively related to positive and constructive orientation,but was negatively related to defective problem-solving pattern.Nurse educators should create educational climates for promoting student confidence and mutual responsibility for learning and their thinking process for problem solving.

Role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability among nursing students

Objective: Problem-solving should be a fundamental component of nursing education because It is a core ability for professional nurses. For more effective learning, nursing students must understand the relationship between self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among self-directed learning readiness, problemsolving ability, and academic self-efficacy among undergraduate nursing students.Methods: From November to December 2016, research was conducted among 500 nursing undergraduate students in Tianjin, China,using a self-directed learning readiness scale, an academic self-efficacy scale, a questionnaire related to problem-solving, and selfdesigned demographics. The response rate was 85.8%.Results: For Chinese nursing students, self-directed learning readiness and academic self-efficacy reached a medium-to-high level,while problem-solving abilities were at a low level. There were significant positive correlations among the students' self-directed learning readiness, academic self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability. Furthermore, academic self-efficacy demonstrated a mediating effect on the relationship between the students' self-directed learning readiness and problem-solving ability.Conclusions: To enhance students' problem-solving ability, nursing educators should pay more attention to the positive impact of self-directed learning readiness and self-efficacy in nursing students' education.

Nursing Students’ Readiness for Self-Directed Learning and Its Effect on Learning Outcome in South-West Nigeria

Self-directed learning (SDL) uses diverse learning resources to solve identified problems in learning. Nursing is a lifelong learning profession and SDL is a valuable skill to remain relevant and productive professionals. Nursing students are expected to embrace SDL and develop these skills. However, there has been no evidence of this innovative process in South-West Nigeria. This study seeks to evaluate nursing students’ readiness for SDL and its effect on learning outcome. This quasi-experimental study purposively utilized 229 nursing students as participants. Baseline (P1) data was collected using Gugliemino’s SDL readiness scale (SDLRS) and a validated-structured questionnaire. Participants had a pre-test to assess knowledge at P1 followed by 6 weeks interaction using SDL on selected topics in Medical-surgical nursing and the same test at post-intervention (P2). Using a 50-point scale, knowledge was categorized as good ≥ 25 and poor < 25 and SDLRS on a 290-point scale was categorized as below average 5 - 201, average 202 - 226 and above average 227 - 290. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test and linear regression analysis were used for analysis at p = 0.05. Nursing students’ SDLRS was average;mean = 203 ± 23.0. A significant difference exists between nursing students with good knowledge at P1 and P2. At P1, 39.2% had good knowledge, mean = 22.2 ± 6.3, and 90.1% at P2, mean = 30.6 ± 5.4, p < 0.05 also a significant relationship exist between SDLR and learning outcome at P2;p < 0.05. With the nursing students’ average SDL readiness level having a significant effect on learning outcome. Nursing training institutions should provide necessary resources to embrace SDL as a main-line teaching method to ensure competent life-long professionals.

Preliminary Study on the Seizure Trend of a MOM-THP with Self-directed Balls

This work continues the approach of one of our topics relating to a MOM-THP （metal on metal-total hip prostheses） with self-directed movement balls. Experiments revealed a certain seizure in some strain conditions. Laboratory trials for balls/plane Hertzian contacts have been restarted in order to determine seizure behaviour depending on the roughness of the flat area. The trials have been carried out in BSF （body simulated fluid） lubrication conditions, much closer to the real operating conditions up against the initial tests with distilled water. Seizure burdens to different loadings and contact surfaces roughness influence over the seizure burden have been determined. Even though the minimum value of the wear must be the same with the minimum value of the surfaces roughness, given the experimental conditions, it came out from the trials results on wear that the lowest level of wear is acquired at a certain value of roughness, not at the lowest level of roughness.

Help Build up Self-directed Learners in Reading Class-- An Evaluation between Two Pedagogic Approaches： Medium and Mediation

This paper evaluates the two pedagogic views, medium and mediation through practices in EFL reading class. The superiority of mediation view to medium view is accessed in that mediation can allow for the making of self-directed learner which focuses on learner-centered basis as against teacher-centered basic proposed by medium. In addition, the role of teacher and learner should be more mutually constructive in the making of self-directed learner. But it is also necessary for the teacher to design series of tasks to facilitate and inspire the process, and help students develop certain strategies for better problem solving and decision making.

On the Trail of Self-Directed Online Learners

Purpose We describe a series of more than a dozen studies on self-directed online learning spanning over a decade.Design/Approach/Methods We incorporated surveys,interviews,focus groups,and content analyses into these research studies,which initially targeted the goals,motivations,and challenges of learners using open educational resources and OpenCourseWare and then focused on learning from massive open online courses(MOOCs).This research accelerated after creating a database of over 3,000 MOOC instructors,through which we explored cultural sensitivity and personalization practices in MOOCs as well as instructional design considerations and challenges,MOOC instructor professional development and career development,instructor motivation and engagement,and student and instructor perceptions of self-directed learning.Findings This study reveals that self-directed online learners(SDOLs)seek learning environments offering freedom,choice,control,and a sense of autonomy and that both learners and instructors have intrinsic motivation for engaging in open online learning environments.Originality/Value Based on this research with both MOOC instructors and MOOC learners,we offer instructional design guidelines to address SDOLs’needs and assist in efforts to foster a new generation of SDOLs.

Psychological Capital and Self-directed Learning Abilities of Graduate School Candidates

In China,about 4.74 million Chinese have signed up for the 2023 national exam for postgraduate enrollment.More and more students will pursue a graduate school education.It’s important to note that the self-directed learning abilities of the students is crucial in the postgraduate entrance exam.Therefore,the study seeks to identify the level of the self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital of the postgraduate school candidates to identify whether there is a significant correlation between the candidates’self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital.

Psychological Capital and Self-directed Learning Abilities of Graduate School Candidates

In China,about 4.74 million Chinese have signed up for the 2023 national exam for postgraduate enrollment.More and more students will pursue a graduate school education.It’s important to note that the self-directed learning abilities of the students is crucial in the postgraduate entrance exam.Therefore,the study seeks to identify the level of the self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital of the postgraduate school candidates to identify whether there is a significant correlation between the candidates’self-directed learning abilities and psychological capital.

自我导向学习理论结合翻转课堂对《妇产科学》教学过程中SRSSDL评分及理论成绩的影响

目的观察自我导向学习理论结合翻转课堂对《妇产科学》教学过程中自我导向学习评定量表(SRSSDL)评分及理论成绩的影响。方法选取124名昆明医科大学临床医学专业本科班学生作为研究对象,依据随机数表法将其分为2组,对照组62名学生施以常规教学模式开展教学,研究组62名学生施以自我导向学习理论结合翻转课堂开展教学。比较2组SRSSDL评分、理论成绩、实践技能考核结果以及教学质量满意度。结果研究组SRSSDL量表各维度评分及总分明显高于对照组(P<0.05);研究组理论知识方面、病例分析方面、总分均明显高于对照组(P<0.05);研究组4部触诊法方面、骨盆测量方面、双合诊方面、病史采集方面考核结果均明显优于对照组(P<0.05);研究组教学模式、师生关系、学习能力、学习兴趣、学习态度等诸方面满意度明显高对照组(P<0.05)。结论自我导向学习理论结合翻转课堂对《妇产科学》教学过程中SRSSDL评分、理论成绩、实践技能考核结果、教学质量满意度等改善产生极为有利的直接促进作用。

Influence of dominance rank and affiliation relationships on selfdirected behavior in female Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)

Self-directed behavior(SDB) is characterized as an indicator of anxiety, frustration and stress in nonhuman primates. In this study, we collected self-directed behavior data from one group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques(Macaca thibetana) at Mt. Huangshan, China(September 2012–May 2013) using a combination of behavioral sampling methods including focal animal sampling, behavioral sampling, continuous sampling and instantaneous sampling. Our results showed that females engaged in significantly higher rates of self-directed behavior when they were in proximity to dominant individuals compared to subordinate ones. Conflict losers significantly increased their SDB rates after agonistic episodes, indicating that SDB might also serve as an index of anxiety in M. thibetana. We further found that females significantly increased their SDB rates when focal individual was proximity to weakly affiliation relationship higher rank members than to strongly affiliation relationship higher rank members. If conflicts were not reconciled, the postconflict SDB rates of losers were higher when they stayed with strongly affiliation opponents; if conflicts were reconciled, victims of strongly affiliation relationships opponents engaged in more SDB rates before reconciliation than after reconciliation, while victims of moderately affiliation relationships opponents did not engaged in more SDB rates before reconciliation than after reconciliation. We conclude that both of dominance rank and affiliation relationships might both influence the SDB rates of female Tibetan macaques significantly, suggesting that SDB is not only an index of anxiety in Tibetan macaques, but also can provide a new insight into evaluation of social relationships between individuals.

Efficacies of Different Methods of Teaching Transcultural Nursing Practice in China

Purpose： This study assessed the effectiveness of three teaching methods for developing cultural competency based upon Leininger＇s theoretical framework with nursing students in China： case studies, traditional didactic learning, and self-directed learning. These methods were used in tran- scultural nursing teaching practices to identify the method that resulted in the greatest improve- ments in the nursing student＇s understanding and clinical application of transcultural nursing. Methods： The Transcultural Nursing Questionnaire（TNQ） was used for pre-and post-test comparisons of all participants in four areas of cultural knowledge and the Evaluation of Transcultural Nursing Competency（ETNC） was applied via role-play to evaluate the cultural competency of 120 of the 305 participants from three general hospitals in the PuDong New District, Shanghai, China. Individual transcultural nursing courses that focused on case study, traditional didactic or self-di- rected methods persisted for four months in three hospitals. Results： Statistical analyses of the cognitive scores of the participants in the transcultural nursing courses revealed a significant difference（P〈0.01） between scores collected before and after the teaching with the three methods. Comparisons of the three hospitals revealed that the scores for transcultural nursing cognition and simulating service assessment were significantly different（P〈0.01） for the case study nursing students. The scores of the students who were taught with the traditional didactic and self-directed methods were not significantly different across the three hospitals（P〉0.05）. Conclusion： The results revealed that the case study, traditional didactic and self-directed method effectively improved the transcultural nursing cognitive levels of the nursing students. The case study method appeared to be the most effective approach based upon the TNQ pre-and post-tests and the ETNC cultural competency scores.

外语课堂教学与学生自主学习的策略探究

笔者探讨了现代外语教学理论指导下的外语课堂教学的目的与功能、自主学习的有关概念以及两者之间的相互关联。传统的课堂教学方式应该改革,课堂教学应该为培养学生的自主学习能力服务,应该与学生的课外学习结合起来,以实现外语学习效率的提高和学生自主学习能力的实现。

The Influence of the Learning Environment on Learner Autonomy： A Comparative Study of Polish and Yemeni EFL Undergraduate Learners

The goal of autonomous language learning is to create an atmosphere where learners take charge of their own learning. Creating this atmosphere encounters various challenges which are partially context-specific. Influenced by the learning environment, learnners of different educational contexts vary in their degree of autonomy. The present study examines the impact of the learning environment on learner autonomy at higher education. The study focuses on the differences between Polish and Yemeni EFL （English as a Foreign Language） learners with respect to their autonomy in language learning. A questionnaire was distributed to a total of 140 （59 Polish and 81 Yemeni） undergraduate learners. The questionnaire was coded into seven categories： beliefs and attitudes, planning, management, self-regulation, sources and materials, in-class responsibility, and out-of-class responsibility. Data were analysed quantitatively via SPSS （Statistical Product and Service Solutions）. Independent Sample t-Test is used to investigate the differences between Polish and Yemein learners and Pearson Correlation is used to perform correlational analysis among the seven categories. The results show significant differences between Polish and Yemeni learners in some of the categories as well as a significant correlation among other categories