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- PublicationMetadata onlyExploring the potential of ChatGPT for finding engineering biomimetic solutions: A theoretical framework and practical insightsBiomimicry is an interdisciplinary field that aims to provide sustainable solutions to technical issues. However, learners often encounter challenges in the application of biomimicry due to the multidisciplinary requisites and abstract thinking skills required. Although multiple hands-on activities and teaching strategies have been explored, significant obstacles remain. Recently, generative artificial intelligent tools have become readily accessible to the general public, among which is ChatGPT. ChatGPT is known for generating detailed responses to user inquiries and has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing learning, although its specific application to biomimicry education has yet to be explored. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study seeks to evaluate the capabilities of ChatGPT in helping its users identify biomimetic solutions. It is found that the effectiveness of ChatGPT in biomimicry education significantly depends on the user’s ability to formulate knowledgeable and effective prompts. Although, a novice user can use ChatGPT to get a fundamental overview of the technical challenge and explore potential sources of bioinspiration. The study proposes a theoretical framework to guide users in the effective use of ChatGPT for biomimicry education and application. In addition, users are cautioned against ChatGPT responses and advised to employ it as a tool to complement their own knowledge gaps. The results from this study can offer insights for teachers and self-directed learners on the effective use of prompts in ChatGPT for biomimicry education. Future investigations will seek to validate this framework by evaluating users’ experiences and feedback on its application in creating prototypes.
4 - PublicationMetadata onlyLanguage change in a constructional network: The emergence of Mandarin [bi N hai N] comparative constructions(De Gruyter, 2024)
;Liu, Meili ;Cuyckens, HubertZhan, FangqiongThis paper explores the mechanisms of and motivations for two unconventional comparative constructions in Mandarin: [bi Ni hai Ni] and [bi Ni hai Nj]. They are unconventional in that the item expressing the dimension along which the comparison is made is a noun rather than an adjective. It is shown that [bi Ni hai Ni] emerges (i) by analogy with the conventional comparative construction [bi N hai A] and (ii) by inheriting the nominal feature from an existing construction [Adverb N], which is corroborated by a collexeme analysis. At a more schematic level, the extension A > N observed in [bi N hai A] > [bi Ni hai Ni] may have been modeled on the existing development from [Adverb A] to [Adverb N]. Analogical extension and inheritance also underlie the subsequent development from [bi Ni hai Ni] to [bi Ni hai Nj]. This study not only shows how language changes in a constructional network (including node creation and network reconfiguration), but also sheds light on the nature of horizontal links. It also demonstrates how a synchronically perceived relation between constructions may impact a later, similar language change.2 - PublicationOpen AccessA preliminary study on the development of pedagogical content knowledge among economics and primary social studies student teachers in Singapore(National Institute of Education (Singapore), 2014)
;Ng, Siew FongChan, Karen Oi KhumIn this preliminary study on the development of pedagogical content knowledge among student teachers in the National Institute of Education, Singapore, Economics and Primary Social Studies student teachers self-report their progress in their professional development upon exit of teacher training using a survey instrument adapted from Ho’s (2003) pedagogical content knowledge development model.
The purpose of this study is to use data on the student teachers’ perceived accumulation of pedagogical content knowledge to throw light on the effectiveness in the teaching areas of Economics and Primary Social Studies in order to better develop pedagogical content knowledge among student teachers.
3 - PublicationOpen AccessEconomic pragmatism and the ‘schooling’ of girls in Singapore(National Institute of Education (Singapore), 2015)Kho, Ee Moi
5 - PublicationMetadata onlyAn online resource for monitoring 24-hour activity in children and adolescents: Observational analysis(JMIR Publications, 2024)
;Loo, Benny Kai Guo ;Toh, Siao Hui ;Fadzlynn Fadzully ;Mohammad Ashik Zainuddin ;Muhammad Alif Abu Bakar ;Gao, Joanne Shumin ;Teo, Jing Chun ;Lim, Ethel Jie Kai ;Tan, Beron Wei Zhong; ;Chua, Terence Buan KiongTan, Kok HianBackground: The Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for children and adolescents was introduced to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and diet, to enhance metabolic health and prevent noncommunicable diseases. To support the dissemination and implementation of these recommendations, a user-friendly online resource was created to help children and adolescents adopt these behaviors in Singapore.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the acceptability of the online resource in the adoption of healthier lifestyle behaviors, and the change in the users’ behaviors with the use of this online resource.Methods:
Participants aged 7-17 years were required to log their activity levels of the past 7 days at the beginning and at the end of a 3-month period using the browser-based online resource, including information on the duration and frequency of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), length of sedentary behavior, duration and regularity of sleep, and food portions. User satisfaction, on the length, ease of use, and relevance of the online resource, was also recorded using a 10-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar test, were carried out at baseline and at the end of 3 months.Results:
A total of 46 participants were included for analysis. For physical activity, the number of days of MVPA increased from a median of 3 (IQR 2‐5) days to 4 (IQR 2‐5) days (P=.01). For sedentary behavior, the median daily average screen time decreased from 106 (IQR 60‐142.5) minutes to 90 (IQR 60‐185) minutes. For sleep, 10% (5/46) more participants met the recommended duration, and the number of days with regular sleep increased from a median of 6 (IQR 5‐7) days to 7 (IQR 5‐7) days (P=.03). For diet, there was a decrease in the portion of carbohydrates consumed from a median of 42% (IQR 30‐50) to 40% (IQR 30‐48.5; P=.03), and the number of days of water and unsweetened beverage consumption remained stable at a median of 5 days but with a higher IQR of 4‐7 days (P=.04). About 90% (39-41/46) of the participants reported that the online resource was relevant and easy to use, and the rating for user satisfaction remained favorable at a median of 8 with a higher IQR of 7‐9 (P=.005).Conclusions:
The findings support the development of a dedicated online resource to assist the implementation of healthy lifestyle behaviors based on the Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for children and adolescents. This resource received favorable ratings and its use showed the adoption of healthier behaviors, including increased physical activity and sleep, as well as decreased sedentary time and carbohydrate consumption, at the end of a 3-month period.3