Leslie Robinson

Saving face : managing rapport in a problem based learning group

This qualitative study investigated the complex social aspects of communication required for students to participate effectively in Problem-Based Learning and explored how these dynamics are managed. The longitudinal study of a group of first-year undergraduates examined interactions using Rapport Management as a framework to analyse communication with regard to the concepts of face, sociality rights and interactional goals. Problem-Based Learning requires students to engage in potentially face-threatening interactions as they discuss subjects of which they have little prior knowledge, placing them in situations that require negotiation using face-saving strategies in order to meet objectives to share their learning with others. The study described within this article focuses on the key role of the Problem-Based Learning chair and shows how failure by the chair to manage rapport effectively can influence the quality of group learning. The findings suggest that educators need to understand the complex interactional demands students have to face in undertaking Problem-Based Learning and support students to overcome these difficulties considering the three bases of rapport management.

Integrating research-informed teaching within an undergraduate level 4 (year 1) diagnostic radiography curriculum: a pilot study

This article discusses the piloting and evaluation of the Research-informed Teaching experience (RiTe) project. The aim of RiTe was to link teaching and learning with research within an undergraduate diagnostic radiography curriculum. A preliminary pilot study of RiTe was undertaken with a group of level 4 (year 1) volunteer BSc (Hons) diagnostic radiography students to evaluate their experiences. The students undertook a weeklong set of activities to facilitate their understanding of the effects of X-ray exposure factor settings on image quality and patient radiation dose. A mixed methods approach using a group interview with the students in conjunction with a student evaluation form was used to assess their experiences. Analysis of both sets of data revealed a positive student learning experience, although the student perception of the purpose of RiTe needed to be more explicit. RiTe has now become integrated into the level 4 curriculum. Further work is planned to better examine the student holistic experience of RiTe.

Listening to Students’ Views on NSS Data for Quality Enhancement

Abstract In the UK, the marketisation of Higher Education (HE) increasingly constructs students as ‘customers’ rather than ‘learners’. Prospective students are faced with an array of published material to enable them to compare and contrast the ‘products’ on offer from UK institutions, including the Government website, Unistats (http://unistats.direct.gov.uk), which provides at-a-glance information about each programme to help inform the choice of university. It can be argued that such marketisation constrains pedagogical aspects of HE provision and renders obscure the responsibilities required of each learner when considering the effectiveness of a programme of learning; raising challenges for managing the expectations of students. This paper examines the challenges to HE Institutions (HEIs) in ensuring that the provision they offer is evaluated and developed in more ways than simply as that of ‘product’. The challenges to be addressed are discussed and a good practice example of using National Student Survey (NSS) data for quality enhancement is detailed.

Constructive alignment of a research-informed teaching activity within an undergraduate diagnostic radiography curriculum: A reflection

AIM To evaluate the learning experience of a level 5 (year 2) student cohort within a research-informed teaching (RiT) activity and to map findings against learning outcomes and level descriptors using constructive alignment. METHOD An online questionnaire was used to explore the level 5 student experience of a Research-informed Teaching (RiT) activity. Responses were retrospectively mapped against Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) level descriptors for level 5 using constructive alignment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Thirty one out of 46 level 5 students completed the questionnaire (67% response rate). Analysis of the questionnaire supported the integration of this RiT activity within the curriculum in terms of learning and research skill development by students. However, it was identified that this activity could be revised further to better align with level 5 descriptors and incorporate additional higher level cognitive processes. CONCLUSION Learning outcomes for this RiT activity were constructively aligned with FHEQ level 5 descriptors. Recommendations are provided on how these could be further refined to ensure students undertake a more critical approach to the application of theory into practice. Discussion also considers how this process could be used to develop a similar RiT activity at level 6 (year 3).

The Delphi technique in radiography education research

OBJECTIVES To describe and review the Delphi technique as a tool for radiographers engaged in mixed-methods research whereby agreement is required on the proficiencies needed by educational programmes for pre- and post- registration radiographers. This is achieved through a description offering a brief history of the technique. Through a literature search, radiography education research using this technique is identified. A protocol for a research project using the technique is presented. Using this worked example, advantages and disadvantages of the method are explored including sampling of participants, sample size, number of rounds and methods of feedback. KEY FINDINGS There are limited examples of the use of the Delphi technique in radiography literature including considerations on how to select experts and panel size. CONCLUSION The Delphi technique is a suitable method for establishing collective agreement in the design of radiography educational interventions. Additional research is needed to deepen this evidence-based knowledge.

“Thanks for Letting Us All Share Your Mammogram Experience Virtually”: Developing a Web-Based Hub for Breast Cancer Screening

Background The decision around whether to attend breast cancer screening can often involve making sense of confusing and contradictory information on its risks and benefits. The Word of Mouth Mammogram e-Network (WoMMeN) project was established to create a Web-based resource to support decision making regarding breast cancer screening. This paper presents data from our user-centered approach in engaging stakeholders (both health professionals and service users) in the design of this Web-based resource. Our novel approach involved creating a user design group within Facebook to allow them access to ongoing discussion between researchers, radiographers, and existing and potential service users. Objective This study had two objectives. The first was to examine the utility of an online user design group for generating insight for the creation of Web-based health resources. We sought to explore the advantages and limitations of this approach. The second objective was to analyze what women want from a Web-based resource for breast cancer screening. Methods We recruited a user design group on Facebook and conducted a survey within the group, asking questions about design considerations for a Web-based breast cancer screening hub. Although the membership of the Facebook group varied over time, there were 71 members in the Facebook group at the end point of analysis. We next conducted a framework analysis on 70 threads from Facebook and a thematic analysis on the 23 survey responses. We focused additionally on how the themes were discussed by the different stakeholders within the context of the design group. Results Two major themes were found across both the Facebook discussion and the survey data: (1) the power of information and (2) the hub as a place for communication and support. Information was considered as empowering but also recognized as threatening. Communication and the sharing of experiences were deemed important, but there was also recognition of potential miscommunication within online discussion. Health professionals and service users expressed the same broad concerns, but there were subtle differences in their opinions. Importantly, the themes were triangulated between the Facebook discussions and the survey data, supporting the validity of an online user design group. Conclusions Online user design groups afford a useful method for understanding stakeholder needs. In contrast to focus groups, they afford access to users from diverse geographical locations and traverse time constraints, allowing more follow-ups to responses. The use of Facebook provides a familiar and naturalistic setting for discussion. Although we acknowledge the limitations in the sample, this approach has allowed us to understand the views of stakeholders in the user-centered design of the WoMMeN hub for breast cancer screening.

Is digital health technology empowering patients

This brief commentary explores how Web 2.0 technology is leading to a new kind of digital health technology. It considers what this might mean for the patient–practitioner encounter; whether practitioners are signed up to the notion of shared decision-making, and whether patients feel empowered and confident to make decisions about their care

Age difference and face-saving in an inter-generational problem-based learning group

This study used grounded theory methodology to investigate whether learning in a problem-based learning (PBL) group was influenced by student demographic diversity. Data comprised observations, in the form of video footage, of one first-year PBL group carried out over the period of an academic year, along with student interviews. Using the concepts of ‘face’ and face-threatening acts to critically explore student interactions, it appeared that inter-generational issues could reflect and create positions of power. At interview, all individuals constructed themselves as similar to or different from others in the group first and foremost by age, suggesting this is a primary concern for students. The data also highlighted many occasions, linked to generational difference, where students failed to share knowledge and experiences or to engage critically in deep exploratory learning. This finding has not been reported previously in the PBL literature.

The Use of Digital Health Technology and Social Media to Support Breast Screening

‘Digital health’ is an overarching concept that currently lacks theoretical definition and common terminology. For instance, this broad and emerging field includes all of the following terms within its lexicon: mHealth, Wireless Health, Health 2.0, eHealth, e-Patient(s), Healthcare IT/Health IT, Big Data, Health Data, Cloud Computing, Quantified Self, Wearable Computing, Gamification, and Telehealth/Telemedicine [1]. However, whilst a definition is difficult to provide, in this overview it is considered that digital health is the use of digital media to transform the way healthcare provision is conceived and delivered. We consider it does this through three basic features.