Search Results (14)

Cultural diffusion and a paradigm shift from a “skill-based” approach to an “action-oriented” approach in language pedagogy transform the functions of an educator in a foreign language classroom. A language instructor accepts an intermediatory role in learners’ interactions with the environment, using language as a primary mediation tool. Thus, by being involved in varied social contexts and activities, a language educator mediates learning, communication, and sociocultural environments. This study relies on a structural analysis to investigate the mediating role of a language educator. It suggests that pedagogic mediation should be viewed as a specific form of language educators’ activity and described through three dimensions: mediating learning, mediating communication, and mediating sociocultural space. In the teaching and learning context, these dimensions manifest themselves as skills to adapt to the instructional and linguistic complexity of texts, manage interaction, facilitate communication in sensitive situations, etc. Drawing upon a phenomenological research design and qualitative methods, the study develops illustrative descriptors that can be used in a foreign language classroom to assess the patterns of social, instructional, and communicative behavior of educators. The developed descriptors allowed for exploring the self-perceptions of pre-service language teachers towards their abilities for pedagogic mediation in a foreign language classroom. The results of the study identified the learning gaps among novice language teachers that can be further addressed as learning objectives while designing a curriculum for professional training in language education. Full article

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a global issue that calls for novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Given the variety of genetic factors that determine resistance, multiplex methods hold promise in this area. We developed a novel method to covalently attach oligonucleotide probes to the wells of polystyrene plates using photoactivation with 4-azidotetrafluorobenzaldehyde. Then, it was used to develop the technique of microarrays in the wells. It consists of the following steps: activating polystyrene, hybridizing the probes with biotinylated target DNA, and developing the result using a streptavidin–peroxidase conjugate with colorimetric detection. The first microarray was designed to identify 11 different gene types and 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of clinically relevant ESBLs and carbapenemases, which confer Gram-negative bacteria resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The detection of bla genes in 65 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae demonstrated the high sensitivity and reproducibility of the technique. The highly reproducible spot staining of colorimetric microarrays allowed us to design a second microarray that was intended to quantify four different types of bla mRNAs in order to ascertain their expressions. The combination of reliable performance, high throughput in standard 96-well plates, and inexpensive colorimetric detection makes the microarrays suitable for routine clinical application and for the study of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Full article

Today, educational practices are modified in accordance with the demands of the industrial and economic environment. Further training programs have become an important part of university students learning. This article investigates strategies of collaborative learning and their effectiveness in improving learning outcomes. The authors prove that various forms of co-operative work such as problem-based learning, peer teaching and small group discussions are effective in training university students within further training programs in Special Translation. The study participants were students of the “Special Translation and Editing of Technical, Economic and Media Texts” further training program. The experiment was conducted within the module referred to as “The Translation of Culture Specific Realities”. The authors highlight the importance of comprehending cultural issues apart from extensive knowledge of translation techniques for specialists in translation, since intercultural misunderstanding can be a major obstacle in the way of effective communication. The conducted survey also revealed the importance of collaborative learning in increasing the motivation of the students to develop intercultural competencies and master communication strategies. Today, students are much more inquisitive than they were in the past because they are familiar with resources that make the learning process more interesting. Applying strategies of collaborative learning when students are working co-operatively in pairs or groups can significantly improve learning outcomes and boost motivation. Full article

The COVID-19 crisis has considerably changed the educational landscape and resulted in a scientific debate on the efficacy and prospects of online education. Recent research is focused on analyzing the psychological and instructional difficulties faced by both educators and learners during emergency remote teaching (ERT). However, a limited number of studies tends to present a holistic instructional framework that could benefit educators in situations of a similar educational crisis. This study aims at identifying psychological and pedagogical implications for instructional framework design in situations of abrupt transition to online learning. Employing a qualitative approach, this study is based on the dataset collected from 152 students obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social sciences. This dataset was analyzed and interpreted by means of descriptive statistics. The findings helped to identify students’ perceptions of ERT, core difficulties, and preferences which underlay the conceptualization of the instructional framework adjustable for ERT. The presented instructional considerations could contribute to the effective design of technology-assisted courses in the context of higher education. Full article

Closely related mammalian species often have differences in chromosome number and morphology, but there is still a debate about how these differences relate to reproductive isolation. To study the role of chromosome rearrangements in speciation, we used the gray voles in the Alexandromys genus as a model. These voles have a high level of chromosome polymorphism and substantial karyotypic divergence. We investigated testis histology and meiotic chromosome behavior in the captive-bred colonies of Alexandromys maximowiczii, Alexandromys mujanensis, two chromosome races of Alexandromys evoronensis, and their interracial and interspecies hybrids, to explore the relationship between karyotypic differences and male hybrid sterility. We found that the seminiferous tubules of the males of the parental species and the interracial hybrids, which were simple heterozygotes for one or more chromosome rearrangements, contained germ cells at all stages of spermatogenesis, indicating their potential fertility. Their meiotic cells displayed orderly chromosome synapsis and recombination. In contrast, all interspecies male hybrids, which were complex heterozygotes for a series of chromosome rearrangements, showed signs of complete sterility. Their spermatogenesis was mainly arrested at the zygotene- or pachytene-like stages due to the formation of complex multivalent chains, which caused extended chromosome asynapsis. The asynapsis led to the silencing of unsynapsed chromatin. We suggest that chromosome asynapsis is the main cause of meiotic arrest and male sterility in the interspecies hybrids of East Asian voles. Full article

Flow-seq is a method that combines fluorescently activated cell sorting and next-generation sequencing to deduce a large amount of data about translation efficiency from a single experiment. Here, we constructed a library of fluorescent protein-based reporters preceded by a set of 648 natural 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) of Escherichia coli genes. Usually, Flow-seq libraries are constructed using uniform-length sequence elements, in contrast to natural situations, where functional elements are of heterogenous lengths. Here, we demonstrated that a 5′-UTR library of variable length could be created and analyzed with Flow-seq. In line with previous Flow-seq experiments with randomized 5′-UTRs, we observed the influence of an RNA secondary structure and Shine–Dalgarno sequences on translation efficiency; however, the variability of these parameters for natural 5′-UTRs in our library was smaller in comparison with randomized libraries. In line with this, we only observed a 30-fold difference in translation efficiency between the best and worst bins sorted with this factor. The results correlated with those obtained with ribosome profiling. Full article

Nowadays, the curriculum of higher education is mainly based on hard skills development, although soft skills are of critical importance for successful academic and professional performance. Consequently, the purpose of the article is to describe the possible methods of mastering the second-year students’ soft skills within the scope of a foreign language course, using interactive methods. The aim of the research was to elaborate on three types of interactive problem-based tasks and assessment criteria which allow us to monitor the progress of soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, leadership, time management and technology skills, and analytical and creative thinking. Both tasks and criteria were uploaded onto an online educational platform. The case study method, which was considered to be the main monitoring tool, turned out to be effective in the pedagogical experiment where the students collaborated both online and offline. The experiment demonstrated a positive trend in students’ soft skills improvement alongside their foreign language communication skills. Moreover, statistical analyses showed the effectiveness of the system created to master soft skills. The proposed system for digital monitoring of soft skills development can be useful for teaching personnel who want to make the educational process more interactive and productive for advancing students’ soft skills. Full article

Digital quantification based on counting of individual molecules is a promising approach for different biomedical applications due to its enhanced sensitivity. Here, we present a method for the digital detection of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) on silicon microchips based on the counting of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in DNA duplexes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biotin-labeled DNA is hybridized with capture oligonucleotide probes immobilized on the microchips. Then biotin is revealed by a streptavidin–GNP conjugate followed by the detection of GNPs. Sharp images of each nanoparticle allow the visualization of hybridization results on a single-molecule level. The technique was shown to provide highly sensitive quantification of both short oligonucleotide and long double-strand DNA sequences up to 800 bp. The lowest limit of detection of 0.04 pM was determined for short 19-mer oligonucleotide. The method’s applicability was demonstrated for the multiplex quantification of several β-lactamase genes responsible for the development of bacterial resistance against β-lactam antibiotics. Determination of nucleic acids is effective for both specific DNA in lysates and mRNA in transcripts. The method is also characterized by high selectivity for single-nucleotide polymorphism discrimination. The proposed principle of digital quantification is a perspective for studying the mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance and bacterial response to drugs. Full article

Vocabulary knowledge is a prerequisite for mastering any foreign language. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop English as a foreign language (EFL) vocabulary skills. Efficient ways to facilitate this process should be studied and analyzed. The present study aimed to investigate the role of the Discord application in teaching and learning EFL vocabulary. Discord is a free messenger with support for IP telephony and video conferencing, as well as the possibility to create public and private chats for exchanging text and voice messages. The study relied on pre-test and post-test design to get the necessary data of one experimental and one control group, 80 university students altogether. The results of the pre-test showed no significant difference between the two groups. The experimental group was taught with the help of the Discord application, while the control group was dealing with the traditional educational process, that is, 180 min every week in a classroom with a textbook and no electronic educational resources. Results of the t-test indicated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group on a researcher-made vocabulary post-test. A post-treatment speaking test was administered—the participants took part in speaking interviews where they were asked to give a short speech on one of the topics studied during the experimental training. The representatives of the experimental group managed to use more vocabulary items per person correctly (pronunciation, lexical combinability, etc.). The findings revealed that the suggested way of using the Discord application may positively influence the acquisition of EFL vocabulary and its further application in speaking. Hence, it is recommended that the Discord application be used as a tool in the EFL vocabulary teaching and learning process to reinforce in-class tasks and activities. Full article

The modern world requires engineering specialists with excellent hard skills as well as soft skills that contribute to better communication, creativity, and self-realisation of a person. The authors discovered that modern educational standards are starting to focus on soft skills development, proposing requirements for educational programs that contain competencies covering soft skills. To fulfil such needs, there is the productive method of foreign language teaching that implies interactive technologies and masters foreign language communicative competence and soft skills at once. Therefore, the study aimed at developing a technology of soft skills development in engineering foreign language education using the productive method and checking its effectiveness. The authors designed a questionnaire and investigated engineering students’ opinions on a need to develop soft skills, which revealed high relevance of the topic, and the possibility of their development while studying a foreign language, which proved the productive method’s prospects. Based on findings received and literature analysed, we implemented case studies, problem-based learning, and essay writing in the technology and designed assessment criteria. Testing of the technology was performed by a pedagogical experiment, where qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. To critically analyse the results, we used Cronbach’s alpha, which revealed good reliability of the questionnaire, and t-test showed high efficiency of the technology that improved students’ soft skills. Full article

Strong communication skills, in varied professional settings, have become an absolute necessity for young professionals. Therefore, university educators are challenged to provide novice specialists with the effective foreign language training that could bring the real professional world into the classroom. This study suggests an innovative method for teaching communication skills to students, through the use of real-life scenarios, drawn from the professional context. The core objective of the research was to define whether the scenario-based instruction could effectively enhance the development of professional communication skills of students in the context of university foreign language training. The data were collected through active observation and critical incidents technique, analyzed and summarized by means of descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicate the efficacy of scenario-based communication training in higher education. However, scenario-based instruction requires careful assessment of learners’ needs and expectations, thoughtful selection and design of teaching materials, and the development of an active learning environment. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected higher education systems in Russia and all over the world, forcing to transform curriculum into an online format, which is a challenge for all the educational process participants. The current study discusses the implementation of online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the Russian higher education context and investigates the challenges experienced by university teachers during this period to define their readiness for online education. To address the above-mentioned issues, a study was conducted in Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. A variety of methods of scientific and pedagogical research were used including systematic structural analysis, synthesis, work with research papers, the generalization of experience and experimental work, observation, surveys, etc., with 87 university teachers asked to respond to several sets of questions describing their online teaching experience after the launch of online education amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the participants’ answers helped to identify the following main challenges experienced by university teachers: computer literacy level, the university electronic environment and support, academic staff readiness and students’ readiness for online learning, the last two being the most important hindering the implementation of the efficient online education process. It was also underlined by most respondents that methodological work of a teacher in a digital educational environment differs from conventional teaching methods. Thus, psychological, technological, methodological support and teachers’ professional development programs are of vital importance to minimize the negative impact of the rapid changes of the educational process and to ensure efficient online education. Full article

Information and communication technologies transform modern education into a more available learning matrix. One of the unexplored aspects of open education is the constant communicative interaction within the student group by using social media. The aim of the study was to determine principal functions of student-led communication in the educational process, the method for assessing its strong points and the disadvantages disrupting traditional learning. For the primary study of the phenomenon, we used methods that made it possible to propose approaches to further analysis. Netnography is the main research method defining the essence and characteristics of the student-led peer-communication. In our research, we applied data visualization, analytical and quantitative methods and developed a set of quantitative indicators that can be used to assess various aspects of student communication in chats. The elaborated visual model can serve as a simple tool for diagnosing group communication processes. We revealed that online group chats perform a support function in learning. They provide constant informational resource on educational and organizational issues and create emotional comfort. Identified features serve to define shortcomings (e.g., lack of students’ readiness to freely exchange answers to assignments) and significant factors (e.g., underutilized opportunities for self-organization) that exist in the modern system of higher education. Full article

The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between the students’ involvement and their progress within the online component of the blended learning model during the theoretical and practical courses. The authors have applied data mining Moodle from learning portfolios of 1500 students (N = 1500). Comparative analysis of the courses under review showed significant differences in the behavior of the same students. For the theoretical course students spent less time than for a practice-oriented one. Students’ progress in the form of points and demand for non-binding elements of the course differed significantly in favor of the practical course. Based on the data obtained, the authors concluded that an important parameter that influences the behavior of students and their educational progress in general is precisely the focus on practice. Thus, the predominance of the online component in blended learning is appropriate for practical courses. Within the theoretical and general education courses, the predominance of face-to-face learning can positively affect the educational process and results of learning. Full article