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.

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.

Understanding the effects of structured self-assessment in directed,self-regulated simulation-based training of mastoidectomy:A mixed methods study

Objective:Self-directed training represents a challenge in simulation-based training as low cognitive effort can occur when learners overrate their own level of performance.This study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of a structured self-assessment intervention during simulation-based training of mastoidectomy.Methods:A prospective,educational cohort study of a novice training program consisting of directed,self-regulated learning with distributed practice(5x3 procedures)in a virtual reality temporal bone simulator.The intervention consisted of structured self-assessment after each procedure using a rating form supported by small videos.Semi-structured telephone interviews upon completion of training were conducted with 13 out of 15 participants.Interviews were analysed using directed content analysis and triangulated with quantitative data on secondary task reaction time for cognitive load estimation and participants’self-assessment scores.Results:Six major themes were identified in the interviews:goal-directed behaviour,use of learning supports for scaffolding of the training,cognitive engagement,motivation from self-assessment,selfassessment bias,and feedback on self-assessment(validation).Participants seemed to self-regulate their learning by forming individual sub-goals and strategies within the overall goal of the procedure.They scaffolded their learning through the available learning supports.Finally,structured self-assessment was reported to increase the participants’cognitive engagement,which was further supported by a quantitative increase in cognitive load.Conclusions:Structured self-assessment in simulation-based surgical training of mastoidectomy seems to promote cognitive engagement and motivation in the learning task and to facilitate self-regulated learning.

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

An Investigation on Telecommunication Staff＇s Acceptance of E-Learning Technology

As the information on telecommunication products updates rapidly, using E-learning in staff training becomes an edge for company operation. However, previous studies showed that staff＇s attitude toward E-learning significantly affected the outcomes of training. The purpose of this study is to investigate the acceptance of E-learning in a telecommunication company. The researchers adopted the technology acceptance model （TAM） and diffusion of innovation theory to evaluate the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on E-learning, in addition to employees＇ self-directed learning motivation, attitude toward computers, and organizational influence. We randomly chose 571 employees of the telecommunication entrepreneur at the Taichung office in Taiwan to participate in this survey. The result showed that employees＇ background factors such as age, job position, marital status, education level and the scale of job unit had the significant impact on behavioral intention to use E-learning. Employees＇ self-directed learning, attitude toward computers, and organizational influence respectively also had positive effects on perceived usefulness of E-learning and perceived ease of use of E-learning. Furthermore, employees＇ perceived usefulness of E-learning and perceived ease of use of E-learning also had a positive effect on behavioral intention to use E-learning systems.

Promoting Iranian EFL Teachers＇ Attitudes Toward Self-Assessment Through Using Computer Technology

The application of technology in language classrooms has recently become commonplace. However, a very important set of variables, such as the teacher＇s attitudes toward the effective uses of computers in the classroom and SA （self-assessment）--on the part of the students--have been overlooked in EFL （English as a foreign language） classrooms. The goals of this study are defining teacher beliefs, discussing the relationship between teachers＇ beliefs about the application of SA and integration of computer technology, reviewing teachers＇ beliefs and computer knowledge, elaborating teachers＇ beliefs and computer technology training. To this end, a total number of 68 EFL teachers participated in this study. Participants of the experimental group included the teachers who had already been trained how to use and apply computer in their teaching, and the participants of the experimental group included the teachers who were teaching in traditional learning and teaching environments with the least access to and employ of computer. Comparing the participants in the experimental and control groups＇ attitude questionnaire showed that Iranian EFL teachers＇ positive attitudes toward SA will improve if they are engaged in computer supported learning and teaching environments

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.

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.

Scaffolding Students’ Self-Assessment of Their English Essays with Annotated Samples: A Mixed-Methods Study

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of rubric-referenced student self-assessment(SSA)on students’English essay writing by employing a two-group pre-post-quasi-experimental research design.The method was tested on 54 students at a Chinese university.During a 17-week experiment,the experimental group(EG)received the rubric and annotated samples,while the comparison group(CG)received only the rubric in self-assessment.Data sources included students’scores in the pre-test and post-test and interviews.Quantitative findings indicated that the EG made significantly stronger progress than the CG in the post-test.Interview results suggested that annotation-based rubric-referenced SSA can help students understand the task requirements,initiate their self-regulatory behaviors,and improve their self-assessment confidence,although students still wanted to receive assistance from teachers partly due to the Confucian-heritage culture settings in China.The findings are discussed in terms of the design features of sample annotations within the framework of self-regulated learning(SRL),as well as the implications of using this method in the classroom.

Construction, Specification and Validation of a New Framework of Vocabulary Learning Processes

This paper demonstrates a new framework of vocabulary learning processes（VLPs） with fill/ justification of involved learning steps, in response to inefficient self-directed vocabulary learning（SDVL） of college students in China's Mainland. Based on the review of established frameworks for second language acquisition and vocabulary learning, a more systematic and comprehensive framework of VLPs is constructed with six new VLPs explored and specified sequentially in a cycle. It aims to help initiate learners＇ mental efforts in a rational way and thereby achieve learners＇ long-term word retention and good word transfer. Besides, the newly-designed VLPs are embodied in authentic learning material for learners＇ self-study of vocabulary in particular domains. The efficacy of the material is also tested in an empirical study for the purpose of validating the effectiveness of these VLPs.

The Use of Portfolio Assessment in College English Teaching

Faced with the problem of how to evaluate students' learning properly,many teachers begin to search for alternative assessments.Interest is growing in meaningful assessment and the use of portfolio assessment has become a good choice to improve both teaching and learning.In the article,the major principles and the approaches of portfolio assessment are explained.By analysing the benefits and limitations of portfolio assessment,the article concludes that despite the issues,portfolio assessment can contribute to the enhancement of students' learning and the improvement of teaching.

APPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH ON SRL INTO ENGLISH CLASSROOM PRACTICES

This article reviews briefly the historical changes in educational psychology in the past 30 years that have made self-regulated learning (SRL) a contemporary popular topic in research and a focus in classroom practices. It also describes how to practise SRL in student-centered English classrooms in three areas: strategic reading and writing, task engagement, and self-assessment. Encompassing various aspects of academic learning, SRL must appeal to language researchers and English teachers who seek to understand how students become adept and independent in their language acquisition and who seek to provide effective interventions in TEFL.