Assessing higher education students' critical thinking with the PENCRISAL test - Portuguese short version: a psychometric study.

The development of critical thinking in higher education is fundamental, preparing students to think well, find explanations, make decisions and solve problems. Given the importance of its promotion, its assessment is crucial, since the two are inseparable. Moreover, the number of instruments that are validated to assess critical thinking in the Portuguese language and culture are scarce. We present the validation psychometric study of the PENCRISAL test (short version) to the Portuguese language, a critical thinking assessment test for higher education students, designed and validated in Spain (full and short version), which presents adequate reliability and validity psychometric characteristics to assess key-dimensions of critical thinking. A sample of 225 Portuguese higher education students from three universities (two public and one private) performed a reduced version of the PANCRISAL test. The results obtained allowed replicating the Spanish reduced version in Portugal (only changing one of the six items), and the confirmatory factorial analysis permits to identify two factors intercorrelated, legitimizing the combination of the six items in a global score. This short version can be used as a screening test, and its potential is pointed out to assess students critical thinking to support teaching and research in higher education.

Academic Expectations, Gender and Working Status: Comparing Two Cohorts of University Students / Expectativas Acadêmicas, Gênero e Situação Profissional: Comparando Duas Coortes de Estudantes Universitários

ABSTRACT The expansion of higher education is associated with the progressive diversification of student's profiles, such as the increasing number of older, working and female students. The transition to higher education poses challenges for students entering it, generating expectations that can impact academic adaptation. This study compared academic expectations by gender and work situation in two cohorts of first-year students from a Brazilian public university, involving 13,336 participants. The Brazilian Scale of Academic Expectations for First-Year University Students was administered. Non-working and female students had higher academic expectations in both cohorts. The findings provide subsidies to higher education institutions to develop support programs and policies targeting first-year students.

RESUMO A expansão da educação superior está associada à progressiva diversificação dos perfis discentes, tais como aumento do número de estudantes mais velhos, trabalhadores e mulheres. A transição para o ensino superior comporta desafios para os estudantes que nele ingressam, gerando expectativas que podem impactar a adaptação acadêmica. Este estudo comparou as expectativas acadêmicas por gênero e situação de trabalho em dois coortes de estudantes ingressantes em uma universidade pública brasileira, envolvendo 13.336 participantes. Utilizou-se a Escala Brasileira de Expectativas Acadêmicas para Estudantes Ingressantes na Educação Superior. Estudantes mulheres e não trabalhadores apresentaram maiores expectativas acadêmicas em ambas as coortes. Os resultados fornecem subsídios às instituições de ensino superior para desenvolvimento de programas de apoio e políticas voltadas aos estudantes ingressantes.

Teacher Training Effectiveness in Self-Regulation in Virtual Environments.

Higher education in the 21st century faces the challenge of changing the way in which knowledge is conveyed and how teachers and students interact in the teaching-learning process. The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has hastened the need to face up to this challenge and has furthered the need to approach the issue from the perspective of digitalisation. To achieve this, it is necessary to design training programmes geared towards teaching staff and which address both the use of technology and instructional design aimed at promoting the development of self-regulated learning (SRL) and automatic feedback systems. In this study, work was carried out with 23 teachers (8 inexperienced and 15 experienced teachers) in a training programme conducted through Moodle. The aims were: (1) to test whether there were any significant differences between the behaviour patterns of new teachers compared to experienced teachers, (2) to determine whether clusters of behaviour patterns corresponded to the type of teacher and (3) to ascertain whether the level of teacher satisfaction with the training activity in digital teaching will depend on the type of teacher. A quantitative as well as a qualitative design was applied. Differences were found in the behaviour patterns in the training activities for the development of rubrics and use of learning analytics systems in virtual learning environments. It was also found that the type of teacher did not correspond exactly to the behaviour cluster in the learning platform. In addition, no significant differences were found in the level of satisfaction between the two kinds of teacher. The main contribution this study makes is to provide a detailed description of the training stage as well as the materials required for its repetition. Further analytical studies are required on teacher perception of training programmes in digital teaching in order to provide personalised training proposals that lead to an effective use of teaching in digital environments.

Promoting Success and Persistence in Pandemic Times: An Experience With First-Year Students.

The transition and adaptation of students to higher education (HE) involve a wide range of challenges that justify some institutional practices promoting skills that enable students to increase their autonomy and to face the difficulties experienced. The requirements for this adaptation were particularly aggravated by the containment and sanitary conditions associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the aim of promoting academic success and preventing dropout in the first year, a support program was implemented for students enrolled in two courses in the area of education at a public university in northern Portugal during the first semester of 2020/2021. Three sessions of 50/60 min were implemented, namely, the first session focused on the verbalization of the demands, challenges, and difficulties of the transition, and the second and third sessions focused on the difficulties of academic adaptation and academic performance. Data from a dropout risk screening instrument and from the activities performed during sessions were analyzed. The main results point to student satisfaction with the content and the activities of the sessions and their usefulness. Students report not only high satisfaction levels with HE attendance, but also some emotional exhaustion due to academic activities. The continuity of the program is recommended with some improvements in its planning to ensure a more definitive version of the program in the next two years.

Métodos de estudo no ensino superior: construção e validação de um questionário / Study methods in higher education: the construction and validating a questionnaire / Métodos de estudio en ensenanza superior: creación y validación de un cuestionario

Face às exigências do processo de ensino-aprendizagem na universidade, a literatura mostra a importância de se identificar dimensões que melhor descrevam os métodos de estudo para explicar o rendimento acadêmico dos estudantes. Este artigo descreve a construção e os estudos preliminares de validação de um questionário de avaliação dos métodos de estudo e de aprendizagem de estudantes do Ensino Superior. Os estudantes foram abordados sobre suas condutas habituais de estudo, dentro e fora de sala de aula, nomeadamente aqueles que melhor explicam ou predizem seus níveis de rendimento acadêmico. Após a uma primeira sistematização do conteúdo das respostas dos estudantes um questionário com 45 itens foi aplicado em 132 estudantes de Portugal, abrangendo diferentes cursos em Ciências e Humanidades, maioritariamente do sexo feminino (81%), do 1º ano, com a idade mais frequente de 18 anos (37,9%). Os resultados da análise fatorial exploratória permitem identificar quatro dimensões: organização e planejamento do estudo (alfa=.76); persistência nas tarefas de estudo (alfa=.78); autoeficácia no estudo (alfa=.65) e participação ativa na sala de aula (alfa=.64). Estas dimensões refletem métodos de estudo que combinam aspectos cognitivos, motivacionais e atitudinais que algumas vezes, aparecem diferenciadas na investigação, podendo o estudante combinar ainda abordagens superficiais e profundas quando necessárias ao seu estudo. (AU)

Given the requirements of the teaching-learning process at the university, the literature highlights the importance of identifying dimensions that best describe study methods to explain students´ academic performance. This article presents the construction and preliminary studies of validation of a questionnaire assessing the study and learning methods of college students. Students were asked about their usual study behaviours, in and out of the classroom, especially those habits that best explain or predict their levels of academic performance. After a first systematization of the content of the students' answers in a questionnaire formed by 45 items, this was applied to a sample of 198 students in Brazil and 132 students in Portugal, covering different undergraduate courses in Sciences and Humanities domains. The data presented in this article refer to the Portuguese students characterized mainly by the female sex (81%), the first year (79%), with the most frequent age of 18 years (37.9%). The results of the exploratory factorial analysis allow to identify four dimensions: organization and planning of the study (alpha = .76); persistence in the tasks of study (alpha = .78); self-efficacy in the study (alpha = .65); and participation in the classroom (alpha = .64). These dimensions explicit study methods that combine cognitive, motivational and attitudinal aspects that sometimes appear differentiated in the investigation, being able the student to combine superficial and deep approaches when necessary for their study. (AU)

Dadas las exigencias del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la universidad, la literatura muestra la importancia de identificar las dimensiones que mejor describan los métodos de estudio para explicar el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. Este artículo describe la construcción y los estudios preliminares de validación de un cuestionario para evaluar los métodos de estudio y aprendizaje de los estudiantes en la educación superior. Se abordó a los estudiantes sobre sus conductas habituales de estudio, dentro y fuera del aula, es decir, aquellas que mejor explican o predicen sus niveles de rendimiento académico. Tras una primera sistematización del contenido de las respuestas de los alumnos en un cuestionario de 45 ítems, este se aplicó a 132 alumnos de Portugal, que cubrían diferentes cursos de Ciencias y Humanidades, en su mayoría mujeres (81%), de 1º año, de mayor edad. frecuente 18 años (37,9%). Los resultados del análisis factorial exploratorio permiten identificar cuatro dimensiones: organización y planificación del estudio (alfa=.76); persistencia en las tareas de estudio (alfa=.78); autoeficacia en el estudio (alfa=.65) y participación en el aula (alfa=.64). Estas dimensiones reflejan métodos de estudio que combinan aspectos cognitivos, motivacionales y actitudinales que en ocasiones aparecen diferenciados en la investigación, pudiendo el estudiante combinar también enfoques superficiales y profundos cuando sea necesario para su estudio. (AU)

Usefulness of Digital Game-Based Learning in Nursing and Occupational Therapy Degrees: A Comparative Study at the University of Burgos.

Teaching in higher education in the 21st century is moving towards e-Learning or b-Learning teaching models. This situation has increased due to the SARS CoV-2 health crisis. Therefore, teaching-learning models must be based on the use of active methodologies that facilitate students' motivation to work in learning management systems (LMS). One of the most current resources is the digital game-based learning (DGBL) use, specifically in health sciences degrees (e.g., nursing). In this study, we worked with 225 third-year students of degrees in nursing (ND) and occupational therapy (OTD). The objectives were (1) to find out if there were significant differences between students who had worked with DGBL techniques vs. those who had not, and (2) to find out if there were significant differences depending on the type of degree (ND vs. OTD) regarding access to the LMS, learning outcomes and students' satisfaction with teachers' performance. A mixed-method research approach was applied. In the quantitative study, significant differences were found in the accesses to the LMS in favor of the groups that had worked with DGBL techniques. Significant differences were also found in ND students with respect to learning outcomes in the group that worked with DGBL. Regarding the results of the qualitative study, differences were found in the frequency of interaction and in the preference of DGBL activities depending on the type of degree. Further studies will investigate the possible causes of these differences.

University Dropout in Engineering: Motives and Student Trajectories.

BACKGROUND: Dropout in higher education is a concern for students, families, educational institutions, and society. Tertiary education is an important mechanism for empowering people and STEM courses are vital to countries' development. METHOD: The study combined quantitative and qualitative data. Step 1 was an analysis of personal and contextual variables in a comprehensive examination of dropout in a sample of 1,016 engineering students. In step 2 a short interview by telephone were conducted with 82 students who dropped out, identifying their reasons and their academic/professional situation. In step 3 in-depth interviews were conducted with six students in order to understand the dynamic process of their decisions to leave. RESULTS: The academic/professional situations of students who dropped out were quite varied, for example the same course or a different course at another institution, starting a job, not working or studying, or attending another level of professional training. There were three main reasons for dropping: vocational, learning process and achievement, and reconciling roles. CONCLUSIONS: Engineering student dropout is related to vocational and academic achievement. This should be considered in the implementation of programs to reduce the rate of dropout.

Persistence and Academic Expectations in Higher-Education Students.

BACKGROUND: The article focuses on the relationship between students' expectations and persistence in the context of higher education. It explores the role that high expectations play in increasing the probability of adult students' persistence, controlling for individual sociodemographic attributes, skills preparation, values, and commitments. METHOD: A multilevel logistic model was applied to data on 2,697 first-year students who were enrolled in 54 programmes at a Portuguese public university during 2015-2016. RESULTS: The findings suggest that high academic expectations are relevant to older students, since such expectations increase their likelihood of persistence. Being admitted to their first-choice programmes and differences in their study habits also contribute to increasing the probability of persistence. In the presence of such motivational and behavioural attributes, we did not find statistically significant differences according to students' socioeconomic background or gender. Our results also suggest that the relationship between prior academic achievement and persistence varies randomly across programmes. CONCLUSIONS: This institutional research study gives evidence towards the relevance of taking into account the level of programmes/courses in order to support interventions that effectively meet the students´ expectations and, thus, could increase the probability of persistence for all students entering HE.

Persistence and Academic Expectations in Higher-Education Students / Persistencia y Expectativas Académicas en Educación Superior

Background: The article focuses on the relationship between students’ expectations and persistence in the context of higher education. It explores the role that high expectations play in increasing the probability of adult students’ persistence, controlling for individual sociodemographic attributes, skills preparation, values, and commitments. Method: A multilevel logistic model was applied to data on 2,697 first-year students who were enrolled in 54 programmes at a Portuguese public university during 2015-2016. Results: The findings suggest that high academic expectations are relevant to older students, since such expectations increase their likelihood of persistence. Being admitted to their first-choice programmes and differences in their study habits also contribute to increasing the probability of persistence. In the presence of such motivational and behavioural attributes, we did not find statistically significant differences according to students’ socioeconomic background or gender. Our results also suggest that the relationship between prior academic achievement and persistence varies randomly across programmes. Conclusions: This institutional research study gives evidence towards the relevance of taking into account the level of programmes/courses in order to support interventions that effectively meet the students´ expectations and, thus, could increase the probability of persistence for all students entering HE. (AU)

Antecedentes: el artículo se centra en la relación entre expectativas y persistencia de los estudiantes en educación superior. Explora el papel que juegan las altas expectativas en el aumento de la persistencia, controlando los atributos sociodemográficos individuales, la preparación de habilidades, etc. Método: se aplicó un modelo logístico multinivel a los datos de 2.697 estudiantes de primer año que se matricularon en 54 programas en una universidad pública portuguesa durante 2015-2016. Resultados: las altas expectativas académicas son relevantes para estudiantes mayores, ya que aumentan su probabilidad de persistencia. Ser admitido en sus programas de primera elección y las diferencias en sus hábitos de estudio también contribuyen a aumentar la probabilidad de persistencia. En presencia de tales atributos motivacionales y de comportamiento, no encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas de acuerdo con los antecedentes socioeconómicos o el género de los estudiantes. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la relación entre el GPA de la escuela secundaria y la persistencia varía aleatoriamente entre programas. Conclusiones: la relevancia de tomar en cuenta el nivel de programas / cursos para apoyar intervenciones que satisfagan de manera efectiva las expectativas de los estudiantes y, por lo tanto, puedan incrementar la persistencia de los estudiantes que ingresan a la ES. (AU)

University Dropout in Engineering: Motives and Student Trajectories / Abandono Universitario en Ingeniería: Motivos y Trayectorias de los Estudiantes

Background: Dropout in higher education is a concern for students, families, educational institutions, and society. Tertiary education is an important mechanism for empowering people and STEM courses are vital to countries’ development. Method: The study combined quantitative and qualitative data. Step 1 was an analysis of personal and contextual variables in a comprehensive examination of dropout in a sample of 1,016 engineering students. In step 2 a short interview by telephone were conducted with 82 students who dropped out, identifying their reasons and their academic/professional situation. In step 3 in-depth interviews were conducted with six students in order to understand the dynamic process of their decisions to leave. Results: The academic/professional situations of students who dropped out were quite varied, for example the same course or a different course at another institution, starting a job, not working or studying, or attending another level of professional training. There were three main reasons for dropping: vocational, learning process and achievement, and reconciling roles. Conclusions: Engineering student dropout is related to vocational and academic achievement. This should be considered in the implementation of programs to reduce the rate of dropout. (AU)

Antecedentes: la deserción en la educación superior es una preocupación para los estudiantes, las familias, las instituciones educativas y la sociedad. La educación terciaria es un mecanismo importante para el empoderamiento de las personas, y los cursos STEM son vitales para el desarrollo de los países. Método: estudio que combina datos cuantitativos y cualitativos. En el paso 1 analizamos variables personales y contextuales y la deserción de 1.016 estudiantes de ingeniería. En el paso 2 se realizó una breve entrevista telefónica a 82 estudiantes que desertaron, identifi cando sus motivos y situación académica/profesional. En el paso 3 se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a seis estudiantes para comprender el proceso dinámico de decisión de abandonar. Resultados: la situación académica/profesional de los estudiantes que desertaron es bastante diferente, por ejemplo cursar la misma o otra carrera en otra institución, empezar trabajando, no trabajar ni estudiar y cursar otro nivel de formación profesional. Los estudiantes informaron tres razones principales para la deserción: vocacional, proceso de aprendizaje y logro, y reconciliación de roles. Conclusiones: la deserción de los estudiantes de ingeniería está relacionada con el rendimiento académico y vocacional. Esto debe tenerse en cuenta en la implementación de programas para reducir la deserción. (AU)

¿Puede ser evaluado el pensamiento crítico de forma breve? / Pode o pensamento crítico ser avaliado de forma breve? / Can critical thinking be briefly assessed?

El objetivo de la investigación ha sido validar una versión breve de la prueba completa de pensamiento crítico (PC) PENCRISAL, en español y portugués. Aquí se presenta la primera. Esta versión breve consta de 2 factores, con 3 ítems cada uno. Un factor evalúa argumentación general, y el otro las formas de razonamiento más empleadas a diario. Además, ambos factores evalúan indirectamente la toma de decisiones y la solución de problemas, gracias a la naturaleza de los ítems, en los que se plantean problemas cotidianos que se deben resolver y, en ocasiones, hay que tomar decisiones. El análisis factorial confirmatorio nos ofrece índices de ajuste adecuados que avalan la estructura de la versión breve del test presentado. Los coeficientes de fiabilidad y validez son razonablemente robustos, lo que hace que esta prueba sirva a los objetivos de investigación establecidos (AU).

O objetivo do nosso estudo foi validar uma versão breve do Teste Completo de Pensamento Crítico (PC) PENCRISAL, em espanhol e português. Aqui apresentamos o primeiro. Esta versão resumida consiste em 2 fatores, com 3 itens cada. Um fator avalia a argumentação geral e o outro as formas de raciocínio mais utilizadas no dia a dia. Além disso, ambos os fatores avaliam indiretamente a tomada de decisão e a resolução de problemas, graças à natureza dos itens, nos quais se levantam problemas diários que devem ser resolvidos e para os quais, às vezes, devem ser tomadas decisões. A análise fatorial confirmatória nos oferece índices adequados de ajustamento que sustentam a estrutura da versão resumida do teste apresentado. Os coeficientes de confiabilidade e validade são razoavelmente robustos, o que faz com que este teste sirva para os objetivos de investigação declarados (AU).

The aim of our study was to validate a short version of the PENCRISAL complete critical thinking test, in Spanish and Portuguese. Here we present the first. This short version consists of 2 factors, with 3 items each. One factor assesses general argumentation, and the other the forms of reasoning most used on a daily basis. In addition, both factors indirectly evaluate decision-making and problem solving, thanks to the nature of the items, in which daily problems are raised that must be solved and for which decisions must sometimes be made. The confirmatory factor analysis offers us solid and consistent indices that support the structure of the short version of the test presented. The reliability and validity coefficients are reasonably robust, as to make this test serve very well for the stated objectives (AU).

Expectativas de sucesso profissional de ingressantes na educação superior: estudo comparativo / Expectations of professional success of first-year university students: a comparative study / Expectativas de éxito profesional de ingresantes en la educación superior: estudio comparativo

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as expectativas de sucesso profissional de estudantes ingressantes na educação superior, considerando gênero, modalidade de ingresso na universidade (sistema universal ou de cotas) e tipo de estudante (trabalhador ou não). Participaram do estudo 6.913 estudantes de uma universidade pública federal brasileira. Utilizou-se a Escala Brasileira de Expectativas Acadêmicas de Estudantes Ingressantes na Educação Superior que avalia sete fatores: Formação Acadêmica de Qualidade, Compromisso Social e Acadêmico, Ampliação das Relações Interpessoais, Oportunidade de Internacionalização e Intercâmbio, Perspectiva de Sucesso Profissional, Preocupação com a Autoimagem e Desenvolvimento de Competências Transversais. Para este estudo foram considerados os dados relativos ao fator Perspectiva de Sucesso Profissional. Os resultados revelam uma maior expectativa de sucesso profissional para mulheres e estudantes não trabalhadores e podem subsidiar instituições de ensino superior a criarem estratégias e serviços que contribuam para o futuro profissional dos estudantes considerando os distintos perfis discentes. (AU)

This study aimed to investigate the expectations of professional success of first-year university students, considering gender, mode of entry into the university (universal or quota system) and type of student (worker or not). A total of 6,913 students from a Brazilian federal public university participated in the study. The Brazilian Scale of Academic Expectations for First-Year University Students was used, which evaluates seven factors: Quality Academic Development, Social and Academic Commitment, Broadening of Interpersonal Relationships, Opportunity for Student Exchange and Internationalization, Expectation of Professional Success, Concern with Self-image, and Development of Transversal Competences. For this study, we considered the data related to the Expectation of Professional Success factor. The results revealed a higher expectation of professional success among female and non-working students, which can support higher education institutions in the creation of strategies and services that contribute to the professional future of students considering the different student profiles. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las expectativas de éxito profesional de estudiantes ingresantes en la educación superior, considerando género, modalidad de ingreso en la universidad (sistema universal o de cuotas) y tipo de estudiante (trabajador o no). Participaron 6.913 estudiantes de una universidad pública federal brasileña. Se utilizó la Escala Brasileña de Expectativas Académicas de Estudiantes Ingresantes en la Educación Superior, dicha escala evalúa siete factores: Formación Académica de Calidad, Compromiso Social y Académico, Ampliación de las Relaciones Interpersonales, Oportunidad de Internacionalización e Intercambio, Perspectiva de Éxito Profesional, Preocupación con la Autoimagen y Desarrollo de Competencias Transversales. Para este estudio se consideraron los datos relativos al factor Perspectiva de Éxito Profesional. Los resultados demuestran una mayor expectativa de éxito profesional para mujeres y estudiantes no trabajadores. Estos resultados pueden auxiliar instituciones de enseñanza superior con la creación de estrategias y servicios que contribuyan al futuro profesional de los estudiantes considerando los distintos perfiles discentes. (AU)

Validity studies of the scale of positive and negative perceptions about alcohol effects.

OBJECTIVE To describe the process of elaboration and validation of the Scale of Perceptions about Alcohol Consumption in Higher Education Students in a Portuguese sample, considering the relationship between alcohol use rates and students' perceptions about the effects of this consumption. METHODS The validation study included 531 Portuguese college freshmen who answered the instrument, which is composed of five items that express positive perceptions and five items that express negative perceptions about the effects of alcohol consumption. RESULTS Evidence of content validity, internal structure and external variables were obtained. The results of the factor analysis confirm the distribution of positive and negative perceptions by two different factors according to the theoretical model. Adequate internal consistency indexes were obtained for each dimension. The data obtained showed expected correlations between the perceptions and consumption behaviors of the students, indicating evidence of criterion validity of the scale. Moreover, the study showed that different consumption patterns between men and women, with higher alcohol consumption in the students' households and restaurants or cafés by male students, in addition to the similarity in the consumption pattern between the two genders in parties and bars or nightclubs. CONCLUSION The data obtained show the validity of the instrument. In the discussion, the article presents considerations about the responsibility of higher education institutions in the prevention and reduction in consumption rates among their students.

Development of chitosan/Spirulina sp. blend films as biosorbents for Cr6+ and Pb2+ removal.

Chitosan film, Spirulina sp. film and its blend were developed as biosorbents to remove Cr6+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The kinetic study and the pH effect on biosorption efficiency were evaluated to comprehend the interactions between the ions and biosorbents. The characterization analyses pointed out that occurred interaction between both biomaterials, which resulted in structural alterations through the blend. The Spirulina sp. film exhibited the highest biosorption capacities for Cr6+ (43.2 mg g-1) and Pb2+ (35.6 mg g-1) ions, however, its physical integrity was not kept in acid medium. The blend film showed results slightly lower (35.8 mg g-1 for Cr6+ and 31.6 mg g-1 for Pb2+), but its physical integrity remained intact in all assays. Chitosan film presented the lower biosorption capacities (15.4 mg g-1 for Cr6+ and 20.9 mg g-1 for Pb2+). Elovich and pseudo-second order models were the most suitable to express the kinetic behaviors for Cr6+ and Pb2+, respectively. Therefore, chitosan/Spirulina sp. blend could be a green alternative for Cr6+ and Pb2+ removal, because this biosorbent showed high biosorption capacity obtained from Spirulina sp. and great physical integrity obtained of chitosan.

Validity studies of the scale of positive and negative perceptions about alcohol effects / Estudos de validade da escala de percepções positivas e negativas sobre efeitos do álcool

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the process of elaboration and validation of the Scale of Perceptions about Alcohol Consumption in Higher Education Students in a Portuguese sample, considering the relationship between alcohol use rates and students' perceptions about the effects of this consumption. METHODS The validation study included 531 Portuguese college freshmen who answered the instrument, which is composed of five items that express positive perceptions and five items that express negative perceptions about the effects of alcohol consumption. RESULTS Evidence of content validity, internal structure and external variables were obtained. The results of the factor analysis confirm the distribution of positive and negative perceptions by two different factors according to the theoretical model. Adequate internal consistency indexes were obtained for each dimension. The data obtained showed expected correlations between the perceptions and consumption behaviors of the students, indicating evidence of criterion validity of the scale. Moreover, the study showed that different consumption patterns between men and women, with higher alcohol consumption in the students' households and restaurants or cafés by male students, in addition to the similarity in the consumption pattern between the two genders in parties and bars or nightclubs. CONCLUSION The data obtained show the validity of the instrument. In the discussion, the article presents considerations about the responsibility of higher education institutions in the prevention and reduction in consumption rates among their students.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Considerando a relação entre as taxas de uso de álcool e as percepções dos estudantes sobre os efeitos desse consumo, descrever o processo de elaboração e validação da Escala de Percepções sobre o Consumo de Álcool em Estudantes do Ensino Superior em uma amostra portuguesa. MÉTODOS Participaram do estudo de validade 531 estudantes portugueses do primeiro ano do ensino superior que responderam ao instrumento, composto por cinco itens que expressam percepções positivas e cinco itens que expressam percepções negativas sobre os efeitos do consumo de álcool. RESULTADOS Evidências de validade de conteúdo, de estrutura interna e baseadas em variáveis externas foram obtidas. Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmam a distribuição das percepções positivas e negativas por dois fatores diferenciados em acordo com o modelo teórico de partida. Índices adequados de consistência interna foram obtidos para cada dimensão. Os dados obtidos mostraram correlações esperadas entre as percepções e os comportamentos de consumo dos estudantes, indicando evidências de validade de critério da escala. Em acréscimo, o estudo indicou haver padrões de consumo diferenciados entre os sexos, registando-se maior consumo de álcool nas residências e nos restaurantes ou cafés por parte dos homens, além de similaridade entre os dois sexos no padrão de consumo em festas e bares ou discotecas. CONCLUSÃO Os dados obtidos evidenciam a validade do instrumento. Na discussão dos dados, o artigo apresenta considerações sobre a responsabilidade das instituições de ensino superior na prevenção e redução das taxas de consumo entre a sua população estudantil.

Evidence of criterion validity for the causal attribution scale / Evidências de validade de critério para a escala de atribuições de causalidade / Evidencias de validez de criterio para la escala de atribuciones de causalidad

This paper reports the study of evidence of the validity of concurrent criterion to the Causal Attributions Assessment Scale for Basic Education (EAVAT-EF). The factors Causes for Success and Causes for Failure constitute the scale. Participated in this study 927 students (3rd to 9th grades, M age = 11.59, SD = 1.98), mostly girls (53.9%), being 147 retained students. The results indicated the predisposition of Elementary School students to indicate the factor Causes for Success. The girls and non-repeating students scored higher on both EAVAT-EF factors. The Middle School students and the retained students by the criterion of school grade had a higher average in the factor Causes for Failure. As a discussion, we point to teaching-learning particularities between education levels, the possible impacts on causal attributions due to the interaction between the variables gender and repetition, as well as the interference of the disapproved criteria in students' attributions.

Este artigo reporta o estudo de evidências de validade de critério concorrente da Escala de Avaliação das Atribuições de Causalidade para Alunos do Ensino Fundamental (EAVAT-EF), constituída pelos fatores Causas para o Sucesso e Causas para o Fracasso. Responderam à escala 927 alunos (do terceiro ao nono ano; Midade = 11,59; DP = 1,98), em maioria meninas (53,9%), sendo 147 repetentes. Os resultados indicaram a predisposição dos alunos do ensino fundamental I a indicar o fator Causas para o Sucesso. As médias das meninas e dos alunos não repetentes sobressaíram nos dois fatores da EAVAT-EF. Examinou-se que os alunos do ensino fundamental II e reprovados por ano escolar obtiveram pontuações mais elevadas no fator Causas para o Fracasso. São discutidas particularidades do ensino-aprendizagem entre os níveis de ensino, os possíveis impactos nas atribuições causais devido à interação entre as variáveis sexo e repetência, bem como a interferência dos critérios de reprovação nas crenças atribucionais.

Este artículo reporta el estudio de evidencias de validez de criterio concurrente de la Escala de Evaluación de las Atribuciones de Causalidad para Alumnos de la Educación Básica (EAVAT-EF) - factores Causas para el Éxito (CE) y Causas para el Fracaso (CF). Participaron 927 alumnos del primer y segundo ciclo de la enseñanza fundamental (3º al 9º año, Medad = 11,59, DP = 1,98) - mayoría niñas (53,9%), siendo 147 alumnos repitentes. Se identificó la predisposición del primer ciclo a indicar las CE. Las niñas y los alumnos sin historial de repetición se sobresalieron en la EAVAT-EF. Los alumnos del segundo ciclo y reprobados por año escolar, han sido mejores en las CF. Se discuten las particularidades de la enseñanza-aprendizaje entre los ciclos, los posibles impactos en las atribuciones causales debido a la interacción entre las variables sexo y repetencia, y la interferencia de los criterios de reprobación en las creencias atribucionales.

A latent profile analysis of first-year university students' academic expectations / Un análisis de perfil latente de las expectativas académicas de estudiantes universitarios de primer curso

Academic expectations are an important variable in the explanation of adaptation and academic success in higher education. This paper uses latent profile analysis as a person-centered statistical approach to classify students into groups of similar types of expectations for higher education, at the beginning of the first year in university. Participants were 2,478 first-year Portuguese students. Based on the scores of seven dimensions of expectations, we identified six classes of students. Most students (84%) presented moderate levels of expectations, while 8% and 4%, respectively, reported very high and low expectations. One class represented a group of students (4%) with high expectations for the quality of education and for political engagement and citizenship and lower expectations for social interaction and attending to social pressures. Male and older students showed more positive expectations. Students from privileged family backgrounds are more likely to present higher expectations for political engagement and citizenship experiences, and lower expectations for social interaction and leisure and attending to social pressures

Las expectativas académicas son una variable importante en la explicación de la adaptación de los estudiantes de primer año y su éxito académico. Este trabajo utiliza el análisis de perfil latente como estrategia estadística centrada en la persona para clasificar a los estudiantes en grupos de expectativas similares en relación con la educación superior, al comienzo del primer año en la universidad. Participaron 2.478 estudiantes portugueses de primer año. Basándonos en las puntuaciones de las siete dimensiones de las expectativas, identificamos seis tipos de estudiantes. La mayoría de los estudiantes (84%) presentaron niveles moderados de expectativas, mientras que el 8% y el 4% presentaron expectativas muy altas y bajas, respectivamente. Una clase incluyó al 4% de los estudiantes, con altas expectativas en relación a la calidad de la educación y para el compromiso político y la ciudadanía y menores expectativas en cuanto a interacción social y atención a las presiones sociales. Varones e estudiantes mayores presentan expectativas más positivas. Estudiantes de familias más privilegiadas presenten mayores expectativas hacia el compromiso político y de experiencias de ciudadanía, así como menores expectativas de interacción social y de ocio y de atención a las presiones sociales

Contributions of Positive Psychology in Self-Regulated Learning: A Study With Brazilian Undergraduate Students.

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is an important factor for academic success. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between constructs typical of positive psychology (PP; self-esteem, self-efficacy, affects, life satisfaction, optimism, and hope) and SRL while indicating the explained variance of these constructs in an SRL model. The study comprised 1,046 undergraduate students from 63 public higher education institutions from all demographic regions of Brazil. Significant correlations (p < 0.01) were found between SRL and all PP variables. Moderate correlations were found with self-efficacy and positive affects. The linear regression analysis indicated that one model explains 41.9% of the variance in SRL. The data are discussed based on the potential of PP and SRL interventions to improve academic performance and student adaptation to higher education environments.

Construção de um questionário transcultural de motivos de abandono do ensino superior / Development of a transcultural questionnaire of motives for higher education dropout / Construcción de un cuestionario transcultural de motivos de abandono de la enseñanza superior

O abandono no Ensino Superior é um tema relevante pela sua incidência e consequências negativas no estudante, família, instituição e sociedade em geral. Procurando conhecer os motivos da intenção de abandono, investigadores do Brasil, Espanha e Portugal convergiram na construção de um questionário de avaliação transcultural. Atendendo à multidimensionalidade das causas de abandono, o questionário abarca seis dimensões: Social, Acadêmica, Professores, Saúde e Bem-estar, Institucional e Financeira. A análise fatorial, com amostras autônomas de estudantes do 1º ano do Brasil, Espanha e Portugal, mostrou uma distribuição adequada dos itens nas seis dimensões, com alguma discrepância na dimensão Professores na amostra do Brasil. Os índices de consistência interna atingiram níveis adequados nas seis dimensões (valores entre 0,74 e 0,91). Futuros desenvolvimentos devem testar a dimensionalidade do questionário e a sua invariância nos três países, incluindo já variáveis psicológicas e académicas para análise da validade de critério. (AU)

The dropout in higher education assumes relevant percentages, with negative consequences for the students, family, institution and society in general. In order to know the reasons for the dropout intention, researchers from Brazil, Spain and Portugal converged on the construction of a transcultural questionnaire. Face the multidimensional nature of dropout causes, the questionnaire assesses six dimensions: Social, Academic, Faculty, Health and Wellbeing, Institutional, and Financial. The factorial analysis, with autonomous samples of first-year students from Brazil, Spain and Portugal, showed an adequate distribution of the items by the six dimensions, with some difficulties in Faculty dimension in Brazilian sample. The internal consistency of items reached adequate levels in those six dimensions (values range from .74 to .91). Future developments should test the dimensionality of the questionnaire and its invariance in all three countries, including other psychological and academic variables for criterion validity analysis. (AU)

El abandono en la enseñanza superior es un tema relevante por su incidencia y por sus consecuencias negativas a nivel personal, familiar, institucional y social. En búsqueda de conocer las razones de intención de abandono, investigadores de Brasil, España y Portugal participaron en la construcción de un cuestionario de evaluación transcultural. Dicho instrumento, de naturaleza multidimensional, se organiza en seis dimensiones: Social, Académica, Profesorado, Salud y Bienestar, Institucional y Financiera. El análisis factorial, con muestras independientes de los estudiantes del primer año de Brasil, España y Portugal, mostró una distribución adecuada de los ítems en las seis dimensiones, con alguna discrepancia en la dimensión Profesorado en la muestra brasileña. Los índices de consistencia interna alcanzaron niveles adecuados (valores entre .74 y .91), si bien que se debe realizar nuevos estudios para probar la dimensionalidad del cuestionario y su invariancia en los tres países, incluyendo las variables psicológicas y académicas para analizar la validez de criterio. (AU)

Factors that determine the persistence and dropout of university students / Factores determinantes de la permanencia y abandono de los estudiantes universitarios

BACKGROUND: The increase of students in higher education means a more heterogeneous student body, complicating the identification of the variables that influence students' decisions to stay in or drop out of university. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of these variables on students' decisions by establishing specific groups of students based on performance. METHOD: A study was carried out with 2,970 first-year university students from Portugal, using the decision tree technique. RESULTS: Academic performance is confirmed as a determining variable in the decision to remain or drop out, allowing us to establish three groups (high, medium and low achievement), in which different types of variables act as mediators: sex, type of course (licenciatura [BA] or mestrado integrado), the fact of studying at the students' first-choice university or the mother's educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Without neglecting the weight of academic achievement as a priority variable, we must consider these secondary variables in the configuration of student groups in order to plan support policies to avoid higher-risk students dropping out

ANTECEDENTES: el aumento de estudiantes en la educación superior supuso una mayor heterogeneidad del alumnado, complicando la identificación de las variables que influyen en la decisión de los estudiantes de permanecer o abandonar los estudios. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la influencia de algunas variables en tal decisión estableciendo grupos específicos de estudiantes en función del rendimiento. MÉTODO: se ha realizado un estudio con 2.970 alumnos universitarios de primer año de Portugal recurriendo a la técnica de los árboles de decisión. RESULTADOS: el rendimiento académico se corrobora como variable determinante en la decisión de permanencia o abandono, permitiendo establecer tres grupos (alto, medio y bajo rendimiento), en los cuales actúan como mediadoras de forma diferencial otro tipo de variables como: el sexo, el tipo de estudios realizados (licenciatura o mestrado integrado), el hecho de cursar estudios en la universidad elegida como primera opción o el nivel de estudios de la madre. CONCLUSIONES: sin restar peso al rendimiento académico como variable prioritaria, debemos de considerar estas variables secundarias en la configuración de grupos de estudiantes de cara a planificar políticas de apoyo para evitar el abandono de los estudiantes en situación de mayor riesgo