Research Projects

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Browsing Research Projects by Subject "Academic performance"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    An exploratory research on the benefits of a web-based cognitive training programme for higher education students.
    (2015) Weimann, Tanya
    Prior research has revealed that benefits of cognitive training include greater ability to carry out daily activities in adults (Willis et al: 2006), reduced risks of being involved in a motor vehicle accident (Ball et al: 2010) and improvements in academic performance (Merzerich et al: 1996; Holmes et al: 2009). The study explores whether a web-based cognitive training programme supported any improvement on the cognitive skills of higher education students. The quantitative research study was conducted with the use of a survey questionnaire on a group of third-year Travel and Tourism Management students after participating in the brain training over a 4-week period. Results showed positive cognitive outcomes being perceived by the respondents in the areas of working memory, attention, speed of processing and problem-solving skills. Respondents found a positive general result in their daily activities, such as overall improvement in their visual attention. Respondents indicated a small improvement in their memory skills such as being able to remember the content of a lecture more accurately. The results of the study also show that respondents found an improvement in their concentration in the classroom, their ability to react faster to questions and their ability to work faster with less errors. Problem-solving skills such as being able to calculate figures mentally also showed an improvement. It is recommended that further exploration on the ability of the mind to change in all phases of the life-cycle be pursued and further attention be given to present such a programme to higher education students as an added value to their studies and daily activities.
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    Exploring Methods to Minimise Procrastination in Higher Education
    (2016) Edwards, Candice
    The purpose of this article is to examine ways in which to alleviate procrastination by presenting students with possible solutions to minimise the effect of the problem and assessing which methods they deem most helpful. The ultimate aim is to provide students with options to help reduce the occurrence of procrastination has and its negative effect on academic performance. The quantitative research study was conducted by presenting a workshop on methods to alleviate procrastination to final year graphic design students and having them complete a questionnaire to determine the method perceived as most helpful. As part of the literature study the research examined reasons for procrastinating as well as the influence of self-efficacy and motivation to reduce the negative effects of procrastination. Results from the study indicate that there is no universal cause to procrastination as it deals with psychological and therefore individual issues meaning there is no universal ‘cure’. The good news however is that there are some aspects where educators can help to alleviate its symptoms such as giving clear instructions, starting assignments in class and offering additional guidance and skills development beyond the curriculum.
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    Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness on Academic Performance: A Qualitative Study on Tertiary Institution Students, using In-depth Interviews
    (The IIE, 2020) Kayiranga, Keza
    It has been noted that many students suffer from anxiety when facing difficult academic tasks (Dobson, 2012). High levels of anxiety therefore tend to alter the student’s psychological functioning to the extent that memory, attention, and concentration are affected (Franco, Manâs, Cangas & Gallego, 2010). Mindfulness training has been demonstrated to lessen the negative effects of anxiety on physical and psychological health, significantly reducing anxiety (Franco et al., 2010). Mindfulness has also been efficient in aiding the reduction of test anxiety amongst students (Altairi, 2014). The present study therefore aimed to explore whether Mindfulness has had an impact on the academic performance university students, particularly those who practice it. The study was designed as a qualitative study. Data for this study was collected through the usage of semi-structured interviews where each participants where asked a set of open-ended questions that enabled the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding on the topic. Findings from study suggests that mindfulness practice has been efficient in aiding the targeted students focus more, avoid self-judgement that leads to anxiety and obtain better time management skills. All participants believed they have seen improvement in their academic performance due to being in a better and calmer mental state, learning to organise themselves better and in essence doing their work early and gradually, avoiding to put pressure on themselves.