Academic Curriculum Research Articles

Rethinking content design for Small 3cp Units

A new early childhood course at the University of New England (UNE) has been developed with a combination of 3cp and 6cp units. The 3cp units were developed with consideration to the UNE early childhood student cohort. Research on current early childhood students indicated that they are working full time alongside their studies in early childhood environments, and they can find the transition from TAFE to University difficult. The course was designed so that students started their degree with the 3cp units, with the aim to build their confidence and competence in academic skills, and include relevant and practical content that could be applied within their early childhood context. The purpose of this pecha kucha is to provide an example of practice in development of smaller credit point units across a whole course. The learning design team and early childhood team at UNE worked collaboratively on the new course design. As the early childhood team had a full-time teaching load while content development was also a priority, early childhood researchers were engaged to write content. We wanted to design the 3cp units with a consistent approach across the course and with a similar pedagogical flavour. Traditionally, we also noticed that when creating unit content and assessment, content writers often focused on the ‘hours’ model of developing to 150 hours per unit (for a 6cp unit). The challenge was to consider the right amount of content for 3cp units for our student audience. We needed to shift thinking from the ‘hours’ model to ensure that the development of 3cp content was led by the learning outcomes and assessment requirements, with content being scaffolded into this, also known as backwards design (Davis et al., 2021). McEwan et al. (2023) identify that in academic development and curriculum design, it is necessary to provide a balance between theory and practice. So, we developed a guidance note for staff who were writing content, and a corresponding template in which to develop the content. The guidance note encouraged staff to think differently from the hours model, and encouraged content writers to think practically about the various tasks they were asking students to complete. For example, we researched average reading speeds in online environments and how this may impact the length of time to read and comprehend topic notes. We also developed a consistent structure for content within the 3cp units that we thought would be reasonable. This was the starting point for content writers to develop content. The benefit of this is that most 3cp units have approximately the same amount of content and number of topics, aiming to create a consistent student experience. We are currently conducting research to determine the effectiveness of the 3cp units, and if they are targeted appropriately for students to help them transition from TAFE to University, and if they find the workload too much or too little. This research may also be relevant for the development of other short courses in higher education institutions.

Board Performance of Fisheries Graduates: Logistic Regression Analysis for Curriculum Enhancement

This study investigates the factors affecting the board performance of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) graduates in the fisheries technologists licensure exams in a specific region of the Philippines. The impetus for this research arose from observed variations in exam performance among graduates, prompting an examination of educational and institutional influences on success. The study used a purposive sampling technique to gather data from 138 respondents across State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) who took their first licensure exam from October 2018 to October 2023. A validated online survey questionnaire assessed academic performance, teaching methods, curriculum, faculty qualifications, library resources, laboratory facilities, and student characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between these independent variables and licensure exam performance. The findings of this study are of profound importance, as they reveal strong correlations between faculty qualifications and exam outcomes, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development. Moreover, the study identifies improved laboratory facilities and a robust curriculum as critical factors contributing to student success. These insights have the potential to significantly impact stakeholders, informing them about essential areas for intervention and improvement. Ultimately, they aim to elevate the educational experience and licensure performance of BSFi graduates, thus supporting their professional trajectories in the fisheries sector.

Resident Performance on the Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Training Examination After Implementation of a New Academic Curriculum

Resident Performance on the Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Training Examination After Implementation of a New Academic Curriculum

Beneficial Impacts of MSIB Internship Program on PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk for Students in Preparing Professional Skills

Internships are widely recognized as a vital component of higher education, providing students with practical experience and enhancing their employability. This research reviews existing literature to examine the impact of internships on the development of professional skills. This study employs a quantitative research method. The data in this study consists of responses regarding professional skills, social skills, and internship placements obtained through a questionnaire on Google Forms. The respondents in this study totaled 49 individuals who are participants of MSIB internship program in PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, which come from universities all over Indonesia, including the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, Airlangga University, Malang State University, Brawijaya University, and Bandung Institute of Technology. The data obtained was then analyzed descriptively with the help of the SPSS application. At the MSIB internship program in PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk 96.74% of students stated that they gained advantages regarding professional skill while attending the internships program, while 96.16% of students were satisfied with the learning process during the internship. The findings indicate that internships significantly improve various competencies essential for career success, including effective communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, stress tolerance, and decision-making. Internships also offer valuable insights into specific industries, clarify career goals, and provide opportunities for networking. Despite the overwhelmingly positive impact, areas such as leadership development and career relevance require further attention. The study suggests integrating structured internship programs into academic curricula, enhancing leadership opportunities, aligning placements with career aspirations, and providing training on soft skills. By implementing these recommendations, educational institutions and organizations can maximize the benefits of internships, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their professional careers.

Blending belonging

The disruption caused by the Covid pandemic to expectations of and assumptions surrounding already disputed concepts such as engagement and participation within the student journey throughout tertiary education remains wicked in its unruliness. As such, our ability as practitioners to anticipate and manage students’ (and our own) expectations in both physical and virtual learning spaces is dynamic and fragile. However, the in-between space created by the tension of the desire to nurture a new normal and avoid The Snapback (Bryant, 2021), gives rise not only to uncertainty, but scope to innovate for enhancement. This case study will share reflections on using an e-portfolio assessment to address and consolidate the mooted four foundations of belonging in HE (Wonkhe and Pearson, 2022); connection, inclusion, support, and autonomy. The paper will consider the implications of facilitating and promoting these dimensions in the context of supporting an ever-more heterogeneous student population within tertiary education, for whom recent experiences of formal, post-compulsory education may have been disjointed or interrupted. The e-portfolio (using Pebblepad) supports engagement within the case study university’s embedded Academic, Professional and Personal Development curriculum framework, which has been designed to support learners with diverse and rich prior experiences of learning and, using an academic literacies (Lea & Street, 2006) based ethos, facilitate the extrapolation of existing competences and confidence to the academic domain.

Resilience rewritten: Ann’s journey from adversity to entrepreneurship

Research methodology None. Case overview/synopsis The case study follows Ann’s journey towards entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges she faced and how early educational interventions influenced her life decisions. Despite numerous obstacles, Ann’s perseverance, bolstered by her family’s support and her passion, led to her successful reintegration into academia and the launch of an entrepreneurial venture in the UK. Her story highlights the dilemma of balancing educational attainment with entrepreneurial aspirations, especially for at-risk students. Ann’s experience prompts critical discussions about the intersection of education and entrepreneurship, the importance of experiential learning and the role of mentorship in realizing business ideas. The nurturing environment of her business school, through guest lectures and real-world success stories, played a significant role in shaping her academic and professional outlook. This case raises essential questions about the role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and integrating experiential learning within academic curricula. Ann’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination in overcoming systemic and entrepreneurial challenges, particularly for women facing similar struggles. Her story illuminates the multifaceted process of turning a personal experience into an entrepreneurial opportunity, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship and support networks in developing a viable business idea. Complexity academic level This case study is best suited to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in management and business-related courses that focus on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education. The case study is relevant in various business disciplines as it informs students of the process and challenges related to business start-ups and acquiring related capabilities. Instructors are encouraged to have students read the extensive reference list provided at the end to broaden their understanding and knowledge of entrepreneurship, including its processes, context and practices.

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION AS A PHASE OF TRANSITION AND DEVELOPMENT, PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS

This study investigates the psychological impacts faced by students during their academic studies. Based on an analysis of 21 students, the study examined their levels of stress, anxiety, and signs of depression. The results reveal a variety of emotional and mental issues faced by these students, including high levels of stress, severe anxiety, and moderate depression. This article discusses the possible causes of these impacts, such as the academic environment, social expectations, and curriculum demands. In addition, the collected data are examined to understand the negative effects and their implications for the well-being and mental health of students, finding significant results, with 62% of the sample presenting anxiety, 86% very high stress, and 14% severe depression, along with 38% of the sample presenting moderate depression.

Awareness and knowledge about Female Genital Schistosomiasis among European healthcare workers

Abstract Background Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is a gynaecological manifestation of persistent infection with Schistosoma haematobium, which can lead to severe consequences, such as miscarriage and infertility. It is estimated to affect 56 million women globally, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most migrants in Europe are female, often from SSA and therefore at risk of FGS, hence healthcare workers (HCWs) knowledge of FGS is essential for the provision of adequate care. This study aims to assess awareness and knowledge of FGS among European HCWs to inform strategies to improve the management of migrant health. Methods In June 2023 - January 2024 we conducted a cross-sectional online survey targeting medical doctors (MDs), nurses and midwives (NMs) working in fields of infectiology, gynaecology, urology, family, travel, internal or occupational medicine. The prevalence of FGS awareness and knowledge was estimated, Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with MDs’ awareness of FGS. Results Among 922 surveyed HCWs, 43.7% (CI95%: 39.6-47.9) of MDs and 12.0% (CI95%: 8.8-16.0) NMs have heard about FGS. FGS awareness among MDs was associated with work in clinics for migrants (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.33, CI95%: 1.10-1.59) and specialization, being lower for gynaecology (PR = 0.67; CI95%:0.51-0.88), and family medicine (PR = 0.42, CI95%:0.30-0.59). Among MDs, 7.1% (CI95%: 5.1- 9.5) had medium knowledge, while 25.3% (CI95%: 21.8-29.0) had low, and 67.6% (CI95%: 63.7-71.4) no knowledge on symptoms, complications or diagnostic tools for FGS. FGS knowledge was mostly acquired through academic curricula (34.7%), scientific literature (28.4%) and conferences (25.6%). Conclusions The study shows limited awareness of FGS among European MDs and NMs, and highlights that European HCWs may not be adequately prepared to deal with diseases that are gaining relevance on the European continent due to the global connectivity and the dynamic nature of our societies. Key messages • In Europe, the health specialities that are the first point of patient access to the health system show a low level of awareness and knowledge of Female Genital Schistosomiasis. • Rising knowledge of FGS among European HCWs through academic curricula and continuous medical education is important to ensure adequate diagnosis and management of disease in migrant populations.

Assessing Academic Perspectives on Infodemic Management and Health Security: A Needs-Based Approach

Abstract Background The information environment significantly impacts public health decisions, behaviors, and health security. Misinformation and disinformation can compromise health interventions and undermine public trust, and this phenomenon, known as the infodemic, is increasingly challenging to address and requires innovation and transformation of public health and education of the health workforce. This study aimed to assess the relevance of infodemic management (IM) to different academic fields and training needs to create a competent workforce. Methods As part of the US Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade, a mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate the curricula of all 31 faculties at the University of Belgrade. An online survey was distributed to faculty deans to assess the current educational framework and opinions on IM in various academic fields. This approach provided a multidimensional view of how IM is perceived and integrated across diverse disciplines. Results The survey received 33 responses from different departments at the University of Belgrade. Over 75% of participants identified misinformation as prevalent in their respective fields. More than half of the respondents believe that students are not sufficiently familiar with the concept of the infodemic and its potential consequences, only 9% believe these topics are well covered in the current curriculum, and over 90% agree that additional content on IM is required to update study programs, indicating a gap in our current educational approach. Conclusions Academic circles have acknowledged the issue of misinformation and its negative impact on public health. Current gaps in academic curricula indicate the critical necessity of integrating IM into educational programs. This innovative approach will provide future specialists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem. Key messages • Over 75% of surveyed professors identify misinformation and disinformation as prevalent in their professional fields, indicating a widespread impact. • Over half of professors feel academic programs do not sufficiently equip students to navigate the information ecosystem, with over 90% calling for additional infodemiology content.

World War I and World War II: Their Effects on the Islamic World and Afghanistan

The tremendous effects that World War I and World War II had on the Islamic world are investigated in this research, with a particular focus on Afghanistan. The aftermath of World War I resulted in the breakup of empires, most notably the Ottoman Empire, as well as the restructuring of political boundaries. The study aims to explore and analyze the far-reaching impacts of World War I and World War II on the Islamic world, with a particular focus on Afghanistan. The study seeks to examine how these global conflicts reshaped political, social, and economic dynamics in Muslim-majority regions, leading to the disintegration of empires, the rise of nationalism, and the realignment of power structures. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it shades light on a relatively unexplored facet of world history, namely the manner in which the Islamic world, and Afghanistan in particular, was impacted by the two World Wars. Specifically, it sheds light on the growth of nationalism, decolonization, and geopolitical competition, all of which played a role in shaping the position of Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East within the global system. This work employs the doctrinal research methodology along with descriptive, explanatory, and analytical research approaches. It is worth mentioning that this research study is entirely based on library sources. Most of the sources are reputable and trustworthy textbooks, scholarly published and unpublished journal articles, law reports, and online websites related to the research area. One of the main findings is Both World Wars accelerated the disintegration of Islamic empires, notably the Ottoman Empire, and paved the way for European colonial powers to carve out new territories in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Afghanistan’s strategic position made it vulnerable to foreign influence, particularly from Britain and Russia. After World War I, Afghanistan gained greater autonomy, but it became a battleground for influence between the Soviet Union and the West following World War II, especially during the Cold War. It is recommended that further research and documents are needed the Islamic world’s experience during both World Wars, which has often been overlooked in global history. Incorporating these perspectives into academic curricula could help reshape understanding of global conflicts from a non-Western perspective.

Professional development: a mixed methods study of Masters of Public Health alumni.

We examined the perceptions of the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree graduates regarding their personal competencies, job performance and professional development using a mixed method, explanatory sequential design. A cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire of the Haifa School of Public Health alumni who graduated between 2005 and 2022 was disseminated to 849 graduates between March and June 2022, from which 127 responded (response rate: 14.90%). This was followed by 24 in-depth interviews with alumni from the same sample (conducted between November 2022 and March 2023). The sample included 74.8% of females with a mean age of 40.7 years, 35% of alumni agreed that the MPH degree helped them attain a promotion in their present position (in rank or salary), and 63.8% felt that the degree helped them improve their job performance and contribute to their current workplace. Most (80.3%) alumni reported not changing jobs after graduation. The interview themes revealed that the MPH contributed to their personal and professional lives, provided them with a holistic view of public health and health systems, and improved their in-depth scientific skills. The main reported barriers to professional development included missing core competencies, low salaries, and a lack of information regarding suitable jobs. Surprisingly, an MPH was not a requirement for some public health sector jobs. Alumni reported that the MPH degree contributed to improving many graduates' careers and satisfaction levels and to build their leadership competencies in public health. There seems to be a lack of coordination between the academic curriculum and the jobs available for alumni, hindering better alumni professional development. Regular discussions, information sharing, and curriculum refinements between MPH program leaders and health sector leaders might help address many of the concerns of MPH degree graduates.

Forging academic excellence: crafting an open academic curriculum for European Urologists.

Forging academic excellence: crafting an open academic curriculum for European Urologists.

“Leaving no one behind”: digital empathy and inclusive media literacy education for young adults on the autism spectrum

The paper advocates for the necessity of inclusive media literacy education (MLE) and equal opportunities for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) 2008 and the Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education (SDG, 2030). It underscores the commitment to ‘leaving no one behind’, a core tenet of the SDGs, by focusing on developing digital empathy and inclusive MLE for young adults with ASD in the digital age. The study aims to empower young adults with ASD in Chennai, India, with media literacy and digital empathy through a one-day hands-on workshop and to assess the impact of this educational intervention on their understanding and application of media literacy in their daily lives. The paper employs a mixed-method approach that integrates experimental-qualitative research and the data is analysed using ‘qualitative reflexive’ thematic analysis. The study’s findings demonstrate significant improvements in the participants’ abilities to discern fake news, learn digital empathy and cybersecurity by engaging responsibly with digital media, and include MLE in their academic curriculum. The paper suggests that such educational interventions can enhance digital empathy and media literacy among young adults with ASD.

Six years of spreading BLSD skills in schools: empowering teachers as trainers.

To increase the population's ability to handle emergencies, life-saving maneuvers should be universally acquired as an automatic skill starting from school through frequent and practical retraining. Teachers could be ideal multipliers, but it is necessary to design pathways that train and motivate them, since Basic Life Support and Defibrillation (BLSD) skills are not part of their academic curricula. This study explores innovative training solutions and facilitating factors to enhance BLSD education in schools by focusing on the training and motivation of teachers. In the 1st year, an in-service training program for teachers was provided and assessed in a lower middle school in central Italy. The study compared the skills of a group of students trained by teachers with those trained by certified instructors, immediately after the course and 6 months later. Both the procedural skills and the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were evaluated, through a hands-on simulation. Over the next 5 years, the project was expanded to three more schools, and a field study was conducted where researchers monitored the teachers in their classroom work, supporting them in resolving critical issues. Quantitative assessments showed significant differences in student abilities immediately after the course, which diminished after 6 months. Qualitative evaluations indicated that teachers, initially reluctant, gained confidence and effectively taught BLSD skills. Over 5 academic years, the project expanded to additional schools, training 5,661 students in life-saving maneuvers with a ratio of 1 teacher for every 111 trained students, over the whole period of time. Sustainability factors included regular retraining of teachers, continually updated and free didactic materials and equipment, internal coordinators, allowing teachers the freedom to structure a customized course schedule in terms of timing and delivery methods. The study highlights the effectiveness of trained teachers as BLSD knowledge multipliers. Standardizing teacher training, including follow-up retraining, is crucial, but flexibility in student training is beneficial, allowing adaptation to the specific needs of schools. Future research should focus on the long-term sustainability of chain training in larger areas, identifying strategies to overcome organizational and motivational barriers.

Smart next-gen drying solution: A study of design, development and performance evaluation of IoT-enabled IR-assisted refractance window dryer

Refractance window drying is a technique that has great potential to dry commodities, with better quality at an affordable cost. However, there is still a lack of awareness regarding its use and implementation in academic curricula as well as in industry. This study aims to design and develop a low-cost and effective Internet of Things (IoT) enabled Infrared (IR) assisted refractance window dryer. The effect of different flexible materials used as membranes with the same thickness was also investigated. Then, experiments were conducted on papaya pulp to study the performance of the developed dryer. The drying time (reduced moisture content up to 4%) was observed for the papaya pulp sample by employing Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), White Polyethylene Terephthalate (W-PET) and Transparent polyethylene terephthalate (T-PET) material as a membrane were 300, 330, 360, 330, and 300 min respectively. After thoroughly testing membrane materials properties, it is concluded that the T-PET membrane has superior thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. After an exhaustive examination of the marketplace scrutiny, the payback period was found to be 0.55 years.

Partnership Quality, Student’s Satisfaction, and Loyalty: A Study at Higher Education Legal Entities in Indonesia

Abstract Partnership among higher education institutions serves as the central element for sustainable development. The quality of their partnerships is highly necessary for higher education development, specifically in academic infrastructure, curriculum design, pedagogical practices, and financial frameworks. This progression is expected to enhance students’ satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, this study explores the effects of partnerships among higher education institutions with legal entities on students’ satisfaction and loyalty. Accordingly, this research adopted a quantitative descriptive and regressive survey approach. The research population consisted of students from a university with a legal entity. At the same time, the sample was taken through purposive sampling with the criteria of having interacted or received services from the university’s partner with a legal entity. Data were garnered through questionnaires, which have been declared valid and reliable. The collected data were analyzed using the structural equation model technique through Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares with SmartPLS 3 application. The research results indicate the following: (1) partnership quality (PQ) directly influences student satisfaction (SS), (2) SS directly affects student loyalty (SL), (3) PQ of higher education institutions with legal entity presents no effects on SL, and (4) PQ indirectly affects SL through SS.

Student Suicide in India: An Analysis of Newspaper Articles(2019-2023).

Student suicide is one significant public health concern across the world, including India. In recent years, the surge in suicide cases has further worried mental health professionals and policymakers. The current study analysed the reported student suicide cases published in four leading Indian newspapers. Based on the analysis of newspaper reports published between 2019 and 2023, the study detected a total of 491 suicidal deaths of students. The result revealed that academic reasons (academic dissatisfaction, academic stress and academic failure), institutional reasons (bullying, caste discrimination, ragging, harassment and toxic institutional culture), mental health issues (depression, psychological stress and anxiety), financial crisis and online gaming are the most commonly reported reasons behind student suicides. The majority of suicide victims were within the age range of 16-21 years. The highest number of suicide cases are reported from Kota, a city often referred to as the coaching capital of India. The study highlights considering changes in the academic curriculum to make academic programs less stressful for students. More importantly, policies should ensure that the academic campuses are free from harassment, bullying or similar aggressive experiences. Furthermore, emphasising students' mental health should be the education system's biggest priority.

A proposed Educational Strategy for Developing Technical Education at AL-Asmarrya Islamic University in Libya

The study aims to propose an educational strategy for reforming and developing technical education at Al-Asmarrya Islamic University, in Libya. The study used the Developmental Descriptive Approach, and data was collected through a questionnaire consisted of (30) items to measure the axes of technical education, (6) of them addressed the curriculum, while (7) items covered teaching staff, (7) for university administration, and (10) items concerned with financial capabilities and equipment. The study population consisted of all faculty members at Al-Asmarrya Islamic University, numbering (998), and a random sample estimated at (342) faculty members was chosen in intentional manner from four colleges, which are: (Engineering College, the College of Marine Resources, the College of Information Technology, and the College of Public Health & Nursing). The study found out the following results: The degree of expectation of the members of the study sample was (high), and the teaching staffs field came first, followed by the field of university administration, then financial capabilities and achievements, and finally the field of academic curriculum. In the light of this, an educational strategy was proposed to reform and develop technical education at Al-Asmarrya Islamic University in Libya. The study recommended for adoption by this University.

From Science to Therapy: The Shaping of German Psychology Through Student Preferences

In 2020, a new record was set: For the first time in history, more than 100.000 students of psychology were officially enrolled in Germany. This remarkable number is the outcome of a long-term transformation of the whole academic landscape in Europe as well as dynamics that are specific to the German context. As these recent changes have not yet been properly discussed outside the German-speaking world, this paper provides a contextual analysis of the factors that have contributed to the current state of discipline, including legal regulations and economic conditions, academic curricula, and students’ preferences. It is argued that the growth of the discipline was primarily an effect of psychology becoming the primary route to psychotherapeutic practice in Germany after World War II. Even though representatives of the discipline repeatedly voiced concern about the one-sided interest of their students, German academic psychology has benefited from the steady increase in demand for clinical training, especially among female students, on many levels. In late 2020, a new law came into force which redefined the requirements for the qualification of psychotherapists. Although this legal reform was introduced only very recently, it is already becoming apparent that this change will have a profound impact on the discipline. As the tensions between basic research and applied branches increase, cracks are appearing in the foundations of the whole discipline, forcing it to make tough choices about its future development.

Service-Learning and Project-Based Learning Methodologies in Higher Music Education: a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION. Recent research highlights the potential of multidimensional and holistic learning in educational transforation, the provision of social services from the university and development of professional identity. This article aims to analyse the relationship between the Service-Learning and Project-Based Learning methodologies in higher music education and the acquisition of transversal competences. METHOD. A review of 29 articles on both methodologies in higher music education, published between 2012 and 2022, was conducted. The articles were selected from WoS, Scopus, and ERIC databases. Four categories were explored: (1) Social interaction, (2) personal growth, (3) academic learning, and (4) challenges related to the implementation and contextualization of the methodologies. RESULTS. Results show that, in the context of higher music education, both methodologies have a potentially positive impact on the development of transversal competencies in students. The review shows benefits in social aspects such as the development of civic responsibility and communication skills among peers and teachers; academic aspects such as adaptation to complex learning environments, mutually beneficial goals and shared authority; and personal development aspects such as flexibility, solidarity and respect. The review also shows that reflective practice contributes to developing students’ openness to constructive criticism, which is perceived as a positive contribution to learning. CONCLUSIONS. The methodologies studied can foster students’ personal growth, the mitigation of their biases in the classroom and the reflective and conscious appreciation of their own learning. To be taken into account are the challenges related to the complexity of adjusting the projects to the academic curriculum and community needs, as well as the large amount of time and effort required for the process. Finally, further research using different search terms and criteria is encouraged to achieve a broader understanding of how music initiatives can be designed and implemented through these methodologies, the projection they can have, and how research is conducted in this field.