• Title/Summary/Keyword: proficiency levels

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Research Priorities in Light of Current Trends in Microsurgical Training: Revalidation, Simulation, Cross-Training, and Standardisation

  • Nicholas, Rebecca Spenser;Madada-Nyakauru, Rudo N.;Irri, Renu Anita;Myers, Simon Richard;Ghanem, Ali Mahmoud
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.41 no.3
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    • pp.218-224
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    • 2014
  • Plastic surgery training worldwide has seen a thorough restructuring over the past decade, with the introduction of formal training curricula and work-based assessment tools. Part of this process has been the introduction of revalidation and a greater use of simulation in training delivery. Simulation is an increasingly important tool for educators because it provides a way to reduce risks to both trainees and patients, whilst facilitating improved technical proficiency. Current microsurgery training interventions are often predicated on theories of skill acquisition and development that follow a 'practice makes perfect' model. Given the changing landscape of surgical training and advances in educational theories related to skill development, research is needed to assess the potential benefits of alternative models, particularly cross-training, a model now widely used in non-medical areas with significant benefits. Furthermore, with the proliferation of microsurgery training interventions and therefore diversity in length, cost, content and models used, appropriate standardisation will be an important factor to ensure that courses deliver consistent and effective training that achieves appropriate levels of competency. Key research requirements should be gathered and used in directing further research in these areas to achieve on-going improvement of microsurgery training.

Acquisition of English speech rhythm by Chinese learners of English at different English proficiency levels

  • Zhang, Jiaqi;Lee, Sook-hyang
    • Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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    • v.11 no.4
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    • pp.71-79
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    • 2019
  • This study aims to investigate the rhythmic patterns in the English speech produced by Chinese learners of English who learn English as a foreign language (EFL learners). Utilizing interval-based rhythm metrics, namely, VarcoC, VarcoV, nPVI-C, nPVI-V, and %V, the study compared the rhythmic differences in English speech between ten native speakers from the United States and forty Chinese EFL learners from mainland China. A sentence elicitation task consisting of thirty picture prompts and corresponding thirty stimuli sentences with at least five vocalic and four consonantal intervals was conducted. Statistical results reveal that both Chinese advanced learners and beginners had significantly lower degree of stress-timed in their English speech, indicating that the acquisition of the L2 speech rhythm was influenced by the learners' L1 rhythmic pattern. In addition, the results also show that the Chinese advanced learners had significantly higher degree of stress-timed in their English speech than beginners and showed no significant difference with native speakers in VarcoC and nPVI-C. These results indicate that the direction of L2 speech rhythm development was from more syllable-timed to more stress-timed.

Korean Speaker's Edge Tone Patterns of English Conjunctive Utterances (한국인 학습자의 영어 접속사 발화에 나타난 가장자리성조 패턴)

  • Lee, Joo-Kyeong
    • Speech Sciences
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    • v.12 no.4
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    • pp.141-152
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    • 2005
  • This paper shows the tonal patterns of English conjunctive utterances produced by Korean speakers of English, presenting that Korean speakers realize either the H - phrase tone or the H% boundary tone at the phrase-final part of the conjunctive utterances. Based on Pierrehumbert & Hirschberg's (1990) claim that either H- or H% tone indicates that a phrase is related to the following one, Korean speakers seem to produce the satisfactory patterns of edge tones in conjunctive sentences. In the experiment, we made up conjunctive sentences including both coordinate conjunctions such as and, but, or, and so and subordinate conjunctions like if, when and though. We varied the stimuli according to the existence of a comma and the lengths of connecting words and phrases. We also divided the subjects into two levels of English proficiency based on their English written test scores to see if Korean speakers' performance ability of edge tones is related with their general competence of English. Results show that Korean speakers produced 84% of the H- phrase tone in intermediate phrases and H-L% and L-H% boundary tones in intonational phrases. Also, coordinate and subordinate conjunctions show little difference in their tonal contours, and the existence of a comma or the lengths of connecting words and phrases do not affect Korean speakers' production of the H- phrasal tone and the H% boundary tone. This may suggest that pitch accents, rather than edge tones, should be put more focus on in teaching English intonation in Korea as much work has already shown that Korean speakers have serious problem with producing pitch accents in speaking English.

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An analysis of the predisposition of learners of English focusing on motivation and learning strategies (동기와 전략으로 본 영어 학습자들의 성향 분석)

  • Lee, Il-Yeon
    • English Language & Literature Teaching
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    • v.8 no.2
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    • pp.151-176
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    • 2003
  • Motivation and learning strategies, some of the important factors affecting language learning, have mostly been studied with reference to their relationship in terms of proficiency. This study investigated motivation and learning strategies and their relationship in order to find the inward predisposition of learners. Data was collected from 200 university students in Taejon and Chungnam province, Korea language learning strategies were measured by the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning(SILL), and motivation by the Attitude / Motivation Test Battery(AMTB), with adaptations for Koreans. The detailed analysis of the data Indicated that Korean university students were more motivated to learn English for a practical goal than a formal one. They had a strong willingness to learn but showed 'the tendency of the new generation' of choosing the easiest and most convenient ways in studying English in terms of motivational intensity and strategy use. Findings imply that there have to be some changes and improvements in the deep-rooted classroom teaching methods. A systematic device is needed to induce students to be autonomous learners, providing them with a variety of activities suitable for their purposes and levels, as in opportunities of contacting native speakers, multi-media language labs, the Internet etc.

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Transcultural Self-efficacy and Educational Needs for Cultural Competence in Nursing of Korean Nurses (간호사의 문화간호 자기효능감과 문화간호역량 교육 요구)

  • Kim, Sun-Hee
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.43 no.1
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    • pp.102-113
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    • 2013
  • Purpose: This study was done to investigate the level of transcultural self-efficacy (TSE) and related factors and educational needs for cultural competence in nursing (CCN) of Korean hospital nurses. Methods: A self-assessment instrument was used to measure TSE and educational needs for CCN. Questionnaires were completed by 285 nurses working in four Korean hospitals. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Mean TSE score for all items was 4.54 and score for mean CCN educational needs, 5.77. Nurses with master's degrees or higher had significantly higher levels of TSE than nurses with bachelor's degrees. TSE positively correlated with English language proficiency, degrees of interest in multi-culture, degree of experience in caring for multi-cultural clients, and educational needs for CCN. The regression model explained 28% of TSE. Factors affecting TSE were degree of interest in multi-culture, degree of experience in caring for multi-cultural clients, and educational needs for CCN. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate a need for nurse educators to support nurses to strengthen TSE and provide educational program for TSE to provide nurses with strategies for raising interests in cultural diversity and successful experiences of cultural congruent care.

An Outcome-Based Approach in Medical Curriculum Development (성과중심교육과정 개발절차에 대한 고찰)

  • Ahn, Jae Hee;Yang, Eunbae B.
    • Korean Medical Education Review
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.9-18
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    • 2013
  • An outcome-based curriculum is perceived to be one alternative educational approach in medical education. Nonetheless, it is difficult for curriculum developers to convert from traditional curriculum to an outcome-based curriculum because research documenting its development process is rare. Therefore, this study aims to introduce the development process and method of outcome-based curriculum. For the purpose of this study, we used diverse data analyses, such as an existing literature search, development model analysis, and case analysis. We identified five phases from the analysis. First, the curriculum developers analyze the physician's job or a high performer in a medical situation. Second, curriculum developers extract outcomes and competencies through developing a curriculum, affinity diagraming, and critical incident interviews. Third, curriculum developers determine the proficiency levels of each outcome and competency evaluation methods. Fourth, curriculum developers conduct curriculum mapping with outcomes and competencies. Fifth, curriculum developers develop an educational system. Also, it is important to develop an assessment system for the curriculum implementation in the process of developing the outcome-based curriculum. An outcome-based curriculum influences all the people concerned with education in a medical school including the professors, students, and administrative staff members. Therefore, curriculum developers should consider not only performance assessment tools for the students but also assessment indicators for checking curriculum implementation and managing curriculum quality.

Effects of Lexical Aspect on the Interlanguage of Ibibio ESL Learners: Later than Sooner

  • Willie, Willie U.
    • Cross-Cultural Studies
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    • v.43
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    • pp.459-483
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    • 2016
  • The main objective of this paper is to test the major prediction of the Aspect Hypothesis on interlanguage narratives collected from 171 Ibibio ESL learners in a classroom setting using sets of picture stories. Aspect Hypothesis predicts that lexical aspectual classes of verbs would determine the pattern of acquisition and distribution of tense-aspect morphology at the very early stages of L2 acquisition of tense-aspect verbal morphology. That is, telic verbs would be marked with the past tense-aspect verbal morphology before atelic verbs in the interlanguage of ESL learners irrespective of their L1 background. The results of our data analyses show a significant effect from the lexical aspect on the acquisition and distribution of tense-aspect morphology with chi-square statistics of ($x^2=196.92$,df = 6, n = 1664, p = <.0001). However, the effect of the lexical aspect is shown to be more prominent among Ibibio ESL learners at higher levels of proficiency. This is contrary to the prediction regarding Aspect Hypothesis. The paper concludes that the influence of the lexical aspect on the pattern of acquisition and distribution of tense-aspect morphology may be universal but the actual point along the developmental pathway when such influence is obtainable is yet to be determined. This calls for more research into the pattern of the L2 acquisition of tense-aspect verbal morphology.

Effects of Pair/Group Work on English Vocabulary Acquisition (짝/모둠 활동이 영어 어휘 습득에 미치는 영향)

  • Jang, Yong-Seon
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.15 no.7
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    • pp.629-642
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    • 2015
  • The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of pair/group work on the improvement of receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. One hundred and twelve university students participated in the study and they were divided into three groups. Pair work group(n=42) performed three vocabulary activities in pairs as extra-class works, and Individual work group(n=38) did them alone. On the other hand, Group work group(n=32) did the activities in groups consisting of four or five people during the class. Data were collected from one pretest and two posttest scores. The results showed that collaborative group work was conducive to the growth of both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. In contrast, pair groups who do not work collaboratively gained least vocabulary knowledge among three groups. From collaborative group work, participants in higher proficiency levels made greater vocabulary gains than those at lower levels. Based on these results, pedagogical implications are discussed.

A Study on Development of Advanced Emergency care Instructor Qualification Course (전문응급처치 강사자격 교육과정 개발에 관한 연구)

  • Yu, Sun-Gyu
    • The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.5-28
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    • 2003
  • The purpose of this study which was conducted by framing of standardized advanced emergency care instructor qualification course outline and training competent instructor Course development based on following educational principle and it would be expected more improved aspect. Advanced Emergency care Instructor Qualification Course Development (1) based on advanced emergency care instructor job analysis and paramedic job description. (2) Learning of emergency care instructor qualification course is continuous. It is important to begin at the learner's level of knowledge and to relate new learning to information the learner needs. (3) Learning of emergency care instructor qualification course is purposeful and must make sense to the learner. Progress in learning must make sense to the learner. Progress in learning must be constantly appraised through feedback. The purpose of learning BLS information and skills must be kept in sharp focus. (4) Learning involves as many senses as possible. The more stimulating a learner activity is to the senses, the longer the information will be retained. Conservative figures indicate that 75% of what is heard is for-gotten after 2 days. It has been said that learners remember (5) Learning activities must be appropriate for the emergency situation through the PBL educational method. In BLS lecture skill learning, the greatest proportion of class time should be spent in manikin practice, using performance sheets as a learning tool or guide. (6) Learning must be stimulating. Instructors can motivate learners by helping them achieve higher levels of proficiency and encouraging other levels of course completion, such as instructor and instructor trainer. (7) Learning is affected by the physical and social environment. The physical environment should be conducive to both the kind of learning taking place and the activities used for learning. Advanced emergency care instructor qualification course organized educational psychology, educational methodology I,II,III, educational material making skill, lecture & conversational skill, BLS theory & pratice lecture skill, minic lecture designed PBL module. test of minic lecture & pratice lecture skill. Advanced emergency care instructor qualification course continued to active instructor training and motivated to active EMS system.

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Life Satisfaction and Consumer Satisfaction of Resident Foreigners in Korea (국내거주외국인의 생활만족도와 소비생활만족도에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Hyun-Joo;Rha, Jong-Youn
    • Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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    • v.46 no.10
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    • pp.133-146
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    • 2008
  • This study investgates the factors influencing the levels of consumer satisfaction and life satisfaction of resident foreigners in Korea. The data were collected through a structured self-administered survey and 545 foreigners who lived in Korea for more than 3 months, with age over 20 participated as respondents. A research framework was formulated based on the resource constraint hypothesis and the study investigated the impact of information resource(human, media and internet information source) and consumer resource(monthly income, language ability and consumer proficiency) on the levels of consumer satisfaction and life satisfaction. The results from data analysis can be summarized as follows; First, analysis of consumer problems of resident foreigners in Korea indicated that resident foreigners recognize a burden for residence cost, food expense and education fee. Most of resident foreigners in Korea are found to use small local shops most often indicating they may experience adverse market environment due to resource constraint such as language or psychological barrier, and most of the respondents answered that the most often used payment method was cash. Furthermore, resident foreigners in Korea responded that lack of language service, lack of information provision, inability to use certain goods and services are the common cause of consumer dissatisfaction, as well as price and quality problems. Second, the level of consumer satisfaction (2.96 in 4.0) is higher than the level of life satisfaction (2.63 in 4.0). Third, the level of life satisfaction is significantly influenced by Korean language ability and the level of consumer satisfaction. The level of consumer satisfaction is by the media information source usage and consumer claim experience. Fourth, the level of consumer satisfaction is found to be the variable with the strongest causal relationship with the level of life satisfaction.