Using GA-optimal learning teams and extensive reading to improve medical university students' English language skills and their appreciation of humane values
by Ya-huei Wang; Hung-Chang Liao
International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management (IJTPM), Vol. 14, No. 3, 2014

Abstract: This study is an investigation of the use of an order-based Genetic Algorithm (GA) to divide students into GA-optimal learning teams based on their English listening, speaking and reading competencies, and of whether taking part in such teams improves students' English language competencies, which in turn improves their understanding of medical humanities and the meaning in life scale. A quasi-experimental design was used to verify the feasibility of the proposed GA-optimal learning teams: two learning groups (an experimental group of 33 students in a GA-optimal team learning environment and a control group of 30 students in a conventional team learning environment) underwent a 16-week extensive literature reading. The research results showed that those students in the GA-optimal team learning environment for extensive reading achieved higher scores on English language competencies and a better understanding of medical humanities and the meaning in life scale.

Online publication date: Tue, 28-Oct-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management (IJTPM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com