University of Greenwich Journals and Working Papers
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Development and analysis of a Numbas diagnostic tool for use in a mathematics refresher program
Full text linkWe describe the development and analysis of an online diagnostic tool implemented in the Numbas e-learning system and used in an Australian university mathematics refresher program. Following the rapid transition to online delivery of the refresher program caused by COVID-19, the diagnostic instruments and methods used within the pre-pandemic, in-person, version of the program were lost. In 2022, we undertook to revive them in a way that would honour their original diagnostic purpose but offer a more sophisticated approach utilising the Numbas diagnostic exam type. Improvement of the tool after its initial deployment has involved the use of Rasch-based item analysis and recursive refinement of the knowledge map underlying the items
Embracing mindful reading: leveraging technology to soothe sensory stress
Full text linkIn an increasingly digitized world, technological advancements have transformed information consumption, introducing sensory stress. This review explores mindful reading as a strategy to alleviate this stress and enhance digital reading experiences by integrating technology and mindfulness practices. Mindful reading involves deliberate engagement, derived from mindfulness techniques, offering improved concentration and emotional regulation. Tools like Reader View and digital annotation features can help to reduce sensory strain and enhance readability. Educators play a vital role in supporting mindful reading by providing tailored resources for navigating digital formats and fostering reflective learning approaches. This review calls for further research on this topic to build our understanding of how to create a balanced coexistence between technology and human well-being in reading
Towards practical learning using air quality monitors
Full text linkIn this study, we explore the use of a low-cost air quality monitor as an experiment within a first year undergraduate statistics setting. The aim is to enhance student engagement and to provide a basis for both individual and group assessments. A pilot, during the summer months of June-September 2023, involved 52 volunteer students who collected indoor and outdoor air quality data. The students shared their data and analytical insights. “Fun/enjoyment” was frequently mentioned in student feedback, suggesting this practical approach may improve student engagement
Engaging students via interactive lecture activities inspired by common classroom practice
Full text linkThis article summarises the author’s experience transitioning from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE) teaching in 2022-23. It identifies areas for concern in the author’s setting and outlines the author’s strategies for overcoming these obstacles, utilising their background in FE. In particular, this article explores common, engaging classroom activities and outlines why these activities require adapting for use in HE. Inspired by these classroom activities, this article presents a selection of interactive lecture activities promoting student engagement via formative assessment, adaptive teaching, and student ownership. It summarises how the activities have evolved over time and reflects on their use. Finally, the author reviews the success of the activities, discusses students’ reactions to them, and outlines future plans
Mastering the transition: induction activities for Chinese students to facilitate adaption to the UK learning environment
Full text linkStudent induction, a key element of transition to university, is of great importance because it marks the initial face-to-face interaction between students and university staff and their introduction to learning in higher education. In the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics at the University of Greenwich, a tailored induction approach is used for incoming Chinese Direct Entry (CDE) students. The goal of this induction is to familiarise CDE students with the United Kingdom (UK) learning environment to counter the academic culture shock which international students can experience. CDE induction begins with sessions which explain UK teaching, learning and assessment approaches, followed by an introduction to the university’s library resources. Students then collaborate in small groups, applying the techniques and knowledge they have gained to analyse case studies. This immediate engagement with student-centred learning jumpstarts independent study skills, collaboration and friendships among CDE students
Re-thinking housing inspection and regulation: using 360 technology as a new approach in environmental health practice training
Full text linkFront-line professions such as environmental health require practitioners to demonstrate competence in practice-based skills typically gained only through on-the-job experience. However, practice opportunities have been more scarce, owing mainly to austerity but also to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, so necessitating novel approaches to teaching and learning. 360 technology has recently emerged as a possible solution, but its potential for use in an environmental health setting, such as housing inspection and regulation, is virtually unknown.This study involved the use of a 360-degree camera to record a simulated walkthrough and mock inspection of a two-storey house. These ‘photospheres’ were demonstrated to under- and postgraduate students, who were then surveyed online to explore their attitudes towards the use of this technology as a training method. Analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed four self-reported themes: experience of housing regulation and enforcement practice and training; experiences of 360 technology in housing inspection practice and enforcement; attitudes towards using 360 technology versus traditional photograph and filming methods for experiential learning, training and practice purposes; and attitudes towards the application of 360 technology for experiential learning and training purposes in housing inspection enforcement and regulation.The results indicated that students found this a helpful and flexible tool, particularly valuing its immersive nature, both for initial training and continuing professional development (CPD) in housing inspections and interventions. It has wider applicability to other frontline professional practices and requires further development to help shape new forms of training
Applied Data Analysis: A Problem-based Learning Approach
Full text linkThis paper examines the transition of a conventional multivariate statistics module to a problem-based learning module, first implemented in 2021. The primary objective was to enhance students’ problem-solving skills, bridging the gap between mathematical concepts and real-world applications. The approach was implemented to instil a deeper understanding of real-world data analysis, emphasising the interpretation of domain specific problems in mathematical terms and the production of reports for industrial stakeholders.Findings indicate that the integration of problem-based methods not only improved students’ comprehension of statistical techniques but also fostered a more profound appreciation for their practical utility in diverse professional contexts. The problem-solving cycle, a central component of the approach, guided students in critically analysing complex challenges and formulating data driven solutions. Furthermore, this study emphasises the potential for replicating the industrial study group experience within an undergraduate teaching environment.Adopting a problem-based learning approach in the teaching of data analysis empowers students to apply their analytical skills effectively to real-world scenarios, strengthening their capacity to communicate insights and solutions to industrial stakeholders. The study underscores the value of aligning educational practices with the demands of data-driven industries, providing students with a competitive advantage in future research and the job market. The study is descriptive and reflective in nature
Rethinking assessment? Research into the affective impact of higher education grading
Full text linkAssessment plays a central role in learning in higher education (HE), but often the impact of grading assessment on student motivation, behaviour and wellbeing is insufficiently considered in policy and practice. With the growing concern in the HE sector about student mental health, a consideration of the affective dimension of grading is timely.The discussion in this paper on the affective dimension of grading is based on research conducted during the pandemic on the ‘no-detriment’ implementation of pass/fail assessment at the University of the Arts London (UAL). Qualitative research was undertaken with first-and second-year undergraduate students in the fields of creative arts, design and communication to investigate the effects of the switch from letter grading to pass/fail and student views on grading more generally. Our findings suggest that grading affects student stress, anxiety, learner identity, motivation, student self-expression, creativity, and peer relationships.In the light of our findings, we bring together discourses about assessment, grading and student wellbeing to consider the longer-term implications for assessment practices in a post-pandemic world
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