Search Results (142)

This paper presents the development, implementation, and outcomes of the ELEVATE-US-UP (Engaging Learners through Exploration of Visionary Academic Thought and Empowerment in UnderServed and UnderPrivileged communities) teaching methodology, an equity-centered, culturally responsive pedagogical framework designed to enhance student engagement, academic performance, and science identity among underrepresented learners. This framework was piloted at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC), a Hispanic- and minority-serving rural institution. ELEVATE-US-UP reimagines science education as a dynamic, inquiry-driven, and contextually grounded process that embeds visionary scientific themes, community relevance, trauma-informed mentoring, and authentic assessment into everyday instruction. Drawing from culturally sustaining pedagogy, experiential learning, and action teaching, the methodology positions students not as passive recipients of content but as knowledge-holders and civic actors. Implemented across upper-level environmental science courses, the method produced measurable gains: class attendance rose from 67% to 93%, average final grades improved significantly, and over two-thirds of students reported a stronger science identity and a newfound confidence in their academic potential. Qualitative feedback highlighted increased perceptions of classroom inclusivity, community relevance, and instructor support. By centering on cultural context, student voice, and place-based application, the ELEVATE-US-UP framework offers a replicable and scalable model for educational transformation in underserved regions. Full article

Science teachers continue to face decreased motivation, lower achievement levels, and decreased enrollment in post-secondary science programs. Teachers ask themselves this question: How do I motivate my students to achieve? Student-centered pedagogies, such as an in-depth pedagogy informed by Self-Determination Theory, can improve students’ motivation by addressing students’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competency, and relatedness. Problem-based learning presents students with relevant situations and actively engages them in developing plausible solutions to problems. Environmental sustainability encompasses issues concerning our ecological and social environments. Teachers can focus on these issues to develop authentic problem-based learning units that offer a student-relevant pathway to improve motivation and scientific literacy. We propose a pedagogical framework, drawing on Self-Determination Theory, to promote students’ motivation to engage keenly with environmental sustainability education through problem-based learning. This framework is designed for secondary science classrooms to inform science teachers’ pedagogical practice. Full article

This study presents the redesign of a career development course at a science and technology university in Taiwan aimed at enhancing student engagement and employability through blended and cooperative learning strategies grounded in constructivist and social constructivist learning theories. Using a qualitative, practitioner-led case study approach, data were collected from 94 students, including interviews with 16 participants, reflective logs, group worksheets, and classroom observations. Thematic analysis identified four key outcomes: (1) strengthened student–teacher interaction through collaborative group work, (2) enhanced self-efficacy via simulated interviews, (3) increased career motivation through real-world exposure, and (4) deeper reflection supported by digital tools. Findings suggest that integrating experiential, collaborative, and technology-enhanced pedagogies can promote meaningful engagement and transferable skill development in applied higher education. Full article

With the need to ensure equitable and inclusive computer science (CS) education for K-12 students, much effort has been devoted to promoting secondary CS teachers’ practices and pedagogies. However, there is a lack of focus on elementary teachers’ experiences, especially those of teachers of color. This study stands at the intersections of Black/African American teachers teaching at an elementary school with a majority of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students (Black/African Americans and Hispanic/Latinx). Using a basic qualitative approach with constant comparative analysis, this study revealed important insights regarding the professional growth manifested by six teachers of color over the course of computer science professional development and classroom implementation. Data analysis revealed five main themes reflecting the teachers’ growth: (1) Teachers reported positive outcomes including improved understanding, confidence, and intentions regarding CS integration as a result of attending PD; (2) Teachers demonstrated enhanced abilities to use a variety of tools and resources in CS teaching after PD; (3) Teachers discussed various pedagogies, including culturally and personally responsive pedagogical practices, and racial awareness to promote inclusive instruction in the classroom and used strategies to promote personal relevance more than the collective cultural values or beliefs in CS teaching specifically; (4) Teachers reported having ongoing reflections on how they can implement successful CS-integrated instruction with their enhanced knowledge and beliefs; (5) Positive student outcomes were both reported by the teachers and observed by the researchers as a result of teachers’ experimentation, which gave the teachers more confidence to enact CS teaching. Areas for improvement were also identified. This paper discussed the important implementations of fostering professional growth in teachers of color for broadening minoritized students’ participation in computing. Full article

In an era of increasing digital transformation in education, fostering students’ intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning (SDL) is essential, particularly in dynamic fields such as Computer Science Education (CSE). This study explores whether the co-creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs) as renewable assessments can enhance intrinsic motivation and support SDL among postgraduate students. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, social constructivism, and established SDL models, this research adopted a qualitative, phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with BEd Honours students who completed an OER co-creation project as part of their final assessment. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed five core themes: ownership and confidence, personal growth and SDL development, collaboration and connection, motivation and engagement, and challenges and problem solving. The findings suggest that, when students are given autonomy, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, they experience deeper engagement, stronger SDL skills, and a greater sense of academic agency. Informal peer interaction and scaffolded support further enhanced their learning. This study contributes to the growing evidence that open pedagogical practices, particularly renewable assessments, can transform academic culture by positioning students as active participants in knowledge creation and by promoting sustainable, student-centred learning. Full article

This scoping review explores the integration of sustainability into design education within Taiwanese higher education institutions. Taiwan has implemented education reforms and national sustainability policies, yet their integration into creative disciplines like design remains limited. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, this study systematically identified and analyzed sixteen peer-reviewed articles published over the past decade. Thematic analysis and co-occurrence keyword mapping using VOSviewer were used to examine how sustainability is reflected in design curricula. The findings reveal that, while sustainability is frequently addressed in project-based learning and material experimentation, its incorporation remains inconsistent and largely peripheral. Cluster analysis of the literature indicates that national sustainability policies and education initiatives are primarily concentrated in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and general education, with minimal connection to design departments. Design pedagogy in Taiwan emphasizes creativity, iteration, and localized engagement, yet these practices are rarely aligned with policy frameworks or systemic curricular strategies. Barriers include fragmented frameworks and the absence of interdisciplinary collaboration. Despite these limitations, the review identifies promising entry points—mainly through pedagogical innovation and community-based initiatives. This study concludes by calling for policy-aligned, curriculum-integrated approaches to strengthen the role of design in advancing Taiwan’s sustainable education agenda. Full article

When education in STEM, social science, and the humanities are disconnected from each other and from place, it is inauthentic and nonresponsive to the lived experiences of people and communities. In rural spaces, the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) Nexus, a framework for problem solving and decision-making around these central resources, is salient because of the concentration of FEW resource production and extraction present. Storying the FEW Nexus is an interdisciplinary pedagogical framework that is theoretically rooted in a critical pedagogy of place and socio-ecological systems. Storying the FEW Nexus brings together these two related but distinct frameworks, calling attention to the need for relevant, place-based, and rural-focused narratives within STEM instruction. Developed for K-12 learners in rural places, Storying the FEW Nexus positions STEM knowledge and skills as resources that, alongside local narratives, are vital to the sustainability and viability of communities with unique and intertwined environmental justice histories and current realities. The FEW Nexus is leveraged to support rural learners in developing sustainable solutions to local socio-ecological systems issues. In this conceptual paper, we review the literature base supporting this integrated approach, describe the framework within the context of these aims, and make suggestions for researchers and practitioners. Full article

Game-Based Approaches (GBAs) to teaching and learning in physical education and sport pedagogy, such as Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), were initially developed in response to secondary school physical education (PE) students’ difficulties in applying this technique within context. The early noughties experienced a significant body of work highlighting the benefits of adopting GBAs such as TGfU across physical education and sport pedagogy contexts. A theme residing in much of this work was understanding TGfU through the lens of social constructivism to the point whereby it seemed this was the only lens through which to consider how learning might happen through TGfU and/or related approaches. However, the exclusive alignment between TGfU and social constructivism is not heavily research-informed and/or evidence-supported, and it seems timely to question if other learning theories from cognitive science might help researchers and practitioners understand the benefits of applying a TGfU approach in teaching and coaching. We specifically approach this topic by appreciating Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and how pedagogical concepts associated with CLT might help develop a new understanding of how TGfU could support learning. Full article

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates how the flipped classroom model—considered as a neurocognitive training environment—affects cognitive–motor integration and brain-mediated motor skill performance in university students, providing scientific evidence for optimizing higher-education physical education pedagogy (a course related to physical literacy and the cultivation of physical and mental health, rather than a training program for professional physical education teachers). Methods: In order to compare the effects of flipped classroom and traditional teaching on the motor skill performance of university students, this study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA rules, whereby studies were screened according to specific inclusion criteria and data were extracted, assessed for quality, and then meta-analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model in improving motor skill performance. Results: A total of 12 original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the study. The meta-analysis results indicated that the flipped classroom model significantly outperformed traditional teaching methods in improving university students’ motor skill scores (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.64–1.79, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed significant effects in both general major students and sports science major students, with no significant difference between studies conducted in China and those conducted in non-China regions. Conclusions: The flipped classroom model demonstrates significant advantages over traditional PE teaching methods in improving motor skill performance. It enhances students’ skill acquisition and classroom engagement, showing promising potential for future implementation in university PE programs. Further research should explore the model’s applicability across different sports and student populations, as well as its long-term impact on skill retention and postgraduation sports participation. Full article

The integration of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is transforming education the health sciences. This study evaluated the applicability of ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4o in endodontics, focusing on their reliability and repeatability in responding to practitioner-level questions. Thirty closed-clinical questions, based on international guidelines, were each submitted thirty times to both models, generating a total of 1800 responses. These responses were evaluated by endodontic experts using a 3-point Likert scale. ChatGPT-4 achieved a reliability score of 52.67%, while ChatGPT-4o slightly outperformed it with 55.22%. Notably, ChatGPT-4o demonstrated greater response consistency, showing superior repeatability metrics such as Gwet’s AC1 and percentage agreement. While both models show promise in supporting learning, ChatGPT-4o may provide more consistent and pedagogically coherent feedback, particularly in contexts where response dependability is essential. From an educational standpoint, the findings support ChatGPT’s potential as a complementary tool for guided study or formative assessment in dentistry. However, due to moderate reliability, unsupervised use in specialized or clinically relevant contexts is not recommended. These insights are valuable for educators and instructional designers seeking to integrate AI into digital pedagogy. Further research should examine the performance of LLMs across diverse disciplines and formats to better define their role in AI-enhanced education. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is applied at a pace that challenges the verification of its suitability to the domains of application. This situation arises from the proliferation of AI development being conducted from a data science point of view rather than a software engineering approach. The situation leads to the question of whether software development course curricula are addressing the necessary educational needs for graduates to respond to the challenges of applying AI development in emerging domains. The challenge has two parts: the first is the use of AI in developing software systems, and the second is the development of AI systems. By looking at the first part of this challenge, we propose a pedagogy for introducing AI tools in software engineering education and structuring a methodology for AI application development to establish software engineering principles. This article is exploratory. We reviewed the existing literature to identify the commonalities of approaches to select a required set of topics, course outcomes, and structure for a curriculum on AI in software development. Full article

In the field of music education, the incorporation of technology originally designed for professionals presents both significant opportunities and challenges. These technologies, although advanced and powerful, are often not adapted to meet the specific needs of the educational environment. Therefore, this study details the design and implementation process of a system consisting of a hardware device called “Play Box” and associated software “Imaginary Play Box”. The design sciences research methodology (DSRM) specifically adapted to software development was used to structure the project. The three phases shown in this study ranged from the conception of an initial prototype to the realisation of working software. During the design phase, a questionnaire was developed to evaluate various aspects of the software, such as the visual interface, the programming of components, and the sound interactivity provided by the Play Box. The technique of panels of experts in music pedagogy and programming in MAX-MSP was used to obtain critical feedback. This expert evaluation was crucial to iterate and polish the process of iteration and refining the software, culminating in a beta version optimised for the creation of electroacoustic music for music education. Full article

The integration of technology into physical education (PE) has grown significantly in recent years, aiming to enhance student engagement, learning outcomes, and long-term adherence to physical activity. This study aims to critically examine the impact of technology-enhanced pedagogy in PE by reviewing the latest research on digital tools used in teaching and learning. Specifically, it explores how these technologies affect student engagement, knowledge retention, motor skill development, and self-regulated learning. Additionally, it seeks to identify potential barriers and strategies for optimizing their implementation in PE curricula. This study conducts a literature review, applying thematic analysis to categorize findings into key areas such as wearable technology, gamification, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence in physical education. Focused on the literature published between 2010 and 2025, it was conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Finally, 151 articles were selected involving data extraction and qualitative synthesis of findings. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed empirical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that investigated the application of technology in PE. The findings suggest that integrating technology into PE enhances motivation, engagement, motor skills, tactical understanding, and cognitive learning. However, issues such as digital inequality, lack of teacher training, and ethical concerns regarding student data collection pose significant challenges to widespread adoption. Also, this review identifies critical gaps and ethical considerations in the use of technology in PE, offering practical recommendations for its effective integration. Technology-enhanced pedagogy in PE offers numerous advantages, but its success depends on proper implementation, adequate teacher training, and equitable access to resources. However, this study is limited by the variability of methodologies across the reviewed studies, which may impact the generalizability of the findings. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on health sciences education, and impacted clinical training, teaching methodologies, and institutional practices. Within the higher education literature during the height of the pandemic, several research studies focused on the impact of the pandemic on the students, but not on health sciences educators. Our study used thematic analysis to analyze the higher education literature from the CHELD v2 database to learn about the perspectives of health sciences educators. Out of 738 articles in the CHELD v2 database, we identified 14 articles that were focused on the perspectives of health sciences educators. The resulting thematic categories related to faculty development, student assessment, clinical education techniques, and insights into the pivot to online teaching. While our study contributes to the health sciences education literature by identifying themes from global health sciences educators’ perspectives, this study also paves the way to better understand institutional and student perspectives in a more inclusive way for the health sciences. Full article

Degree awarding gaps highlight the inequitable outcomes of higher education (HE) for racially minoritized students in the UK. This ongoing issue has been described as a “wicked problem”, directly related to structural racism, or policies and practices that continually disadvantage racialized students. Movements to decolonize the curriculum bring hope and the tools to rebuild more socially-just institutions and societies. However, it is sometimes questioned whether the field of science, with its guise of objectivity, needs decolonizing, or what that process involves. We argue that student partnerships are central to building decolonized science curricula that are critical, anti-racist and will evoke social change. In this study, conducted with life sciences students in a UK HE institution, we share critical reflections captured through a mixed methods approach to address how we create an education that is through and for social justice. Education through social justice aims to create equitable learning environments by addressing how structures and curricula invite, engage and support racially minoritized students to be partners in the learning journey. Whereas education for social justice is about co-creating curricula, teaching practices and principles that lead to change makers and fostering more socially-just societies. Our research indicates that an education that is both through and for social justice requires co-creation where traditional power hierarchies are dismantled, and mattering is emphasized. Partnerships and curricula must be centered in anti-racist practices, with a structured and intentional approach to developing critical thinking skills for continual reflection, self-development and actions to promote inclusion and equity in life sciences and society. Full article