Academic Expectations Research Articles

Industry Mentoring Program: Empowering External Degree Students for Career Success – Case Study from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

In today's interconnected world, open distance education has become widespread, granting students the flexibility and accessibility to pursue higher education through external degree programmes. Despite the increasing feasibility of delivering knowledge and skills online, a significant hurdle remains in ensuring that participants are adequately equipped for the demands of the professional world of work. Traditionally, exposure to industry standards and practical experiences is gained through activities like industry visits, guest talks, meetups, and workshops, which are often absent in online distance education programs due to their remote nature. This dearth of industry-preparedness and practical skills presents a formidable obstacle for graduates as they transition into the workforce. Thus, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations becomes imperative to enhance students' employability and career readiness, ultimately fostering their success in the workforce. This case study delves into the solution to this challenge through a meticulously crafted programme aimed at cultivating industry-ready graduates. Leveraging available technology, the program provides immersive experiences within the online learning environment. The paper details the Industry Mentoring Program (IMP), which employs technology to simulate real-world experiences, assesses stakeholder perceptions of the programme's value, and offers insights for future enhancements. This programme was conducted targeting the final year students of the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) External Degree programme of the University of Moratuwa. This study investigates the experiences and viewpoints of students taking part in the IMP using surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Four student cohorts who have undergone the programme have provided their feedback both quantitatively and qualitatively. Across all groups the student satisfaction was totally positive with over 80% of the participants indicating their satisfaction at 4 or 5 on a Lickert Scale of 5 indicating very satisfied. Students’ perception of their preparedness for the workforce after participating in the IMP also is extremely positive. The findings indicates that the IMP significantly improves the career opportunities of BIT students. Feedback obtained from other stakeholders such as potential employers, resource persons and administrators also validate the effectiveness of the programme. The feedback and suggestions are incorporated to enhance the programme. University has decided to incorporate this programme into the curriculum with the 2024 curriculum revision of this open distance degree programme of BIT.

The play’s the thing: reflections on the use of playwriting as creative practice within an education studies PhD

Purpose Expanding on Harris and Sinclair (2014, p. 5) claim that “the writing of a play is an act of inquiry”, this paper aims to consider the joyful entanglements, messiness and friction-led use of creative methods within the context of a PhD in education studies. Design/methodology/approach Amplifying the voices of both doctoral student and supervisor, the authors explain how the construction of a dramatic script informed the crafting of an alternative format thesis within which “the play’s the thing” (Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2). In responding to the influence of creativity in the lives of both the student and the supervisor, the paper uses creative and reflective writing as a method of inquiry to explore how practice and procedure are navigated in relation to non-standard theses submissions. Findings The authors find that academic expectancy continues to influence the structure, form and presentation of the PhD thesis and argue that enduring tensions surrounding the reverence of “tradition” impact the application and nature of creativity. Originality/value The piece aims to examine the multiple challenges faced but, importantly, highlights how the creative partnership between supervisor and student has forged changes in contemporary doctoral education in the awarding institution and the implications for future practice within doctoral education more broadly.

Increasing Slow Learner Reading Abilities Through Functional Reading : A Single-Case Study on An Elementary School Student

This study explored the effectiveness of teaching functional literacy to a 12-year-old slow learner in Indonesia. The participant struggles read words longer than two syllables and struggles to meet academic expectations. This research uses a qualitative approach with the single-subject design using the reversal method or the ABA research design. Data was collected through three phases: baseline, intervention, and evaluation phases. This study utilizes two sets of flashcards as instruments. The first set consists of pictorial cards displaying twelve common street signs, while the second set contains word cards with the matching names of the signs in Bahasa Indonesia. Each card is printed on a 13 cm by 7 cm flashcard. Over the intervention sessions, the participant demonstrated significant progress in functional reading skills. The data collected was then analyzed using visual analysis. The results indicates that slow learners benefit from frequent, concrete, and visually based learning abilities that aligns for their need for repetition. This study highlights the importance of functional literacy in enhancing independent living skills among slow learners, providing the students with the tool to better navigate their surroundings.

Identifying Culturally Relevant School Support Profiles and Links to Academic Functioning in Adolescents.

There is limited knowledge about patterns of adolescents' experiences of general teacher support and support for critical consciousness and cultural competence development in school settings, which are key experiences proposed to promote academic functioning. Furthermore, less is known about potential developmental and ethnic-racial differences in these patterns. Using a person-centered approach, this study examined culturally relevant school support profiles in a sample of sixth and ninth grade students (N = 717; 49.9% girls) from the U.S. Southwest. Participants were aged 10 to 18 years (M = 13.73; SD = 1.54) and were ethnoracially diverse (31.8% Hispanic/Latinx, 31.5% Multiethnic, 25.7% White, 7.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian American or Pacific Islander, 1.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1% Arab, Middle Eastern, or North African). Four culturally relevant school support profiles were identified: (1) low general, devoid cultural & critical support; (2) moderate general, moderate cultural, & devoid critical support; (3) high general, moderate cultural & critical support; and (4) high general, cultural, & critical support. Youth in the high general, cultural, & critical support profile had higher concurrent emotional and behavioral engagement. No significant differences were found between early (6th grade) and middle adolescent (9th grade) youth, pointing to the relevance and associations of the identified profiles across development. One significant difference emerged when comparing White and ethnoracially minoritized youth; among White youth, those in the high general, cultural, & critical support and high general, moderate cultural & critical support profiles had higher academic expectations than those in the low general, devoid cultural & critical support profile. The discussion focuses on characterizing heterogeneous and culturally relevant school support profiles, the associations between these profiles and indicators of academic functioning for ethnoracially diverse youth to advance developmental theory and the importance of promoting culturally relevant school support practices to foster developmental competencies among youth.

Design Project Classroom: Fostering Industry-Ready Industrial Designers through Academic-Industry Collaboration

As the demands of the job market continue to evolve, it becomes imperative for educational institutions to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies to thrive in their respective industries. This article explores the implementation of a design project classroom as an innovative approach to preparing students for the job market, specifically in industrial design. The research employs the method of participant observation combined with interviews to gain valuable insights from industry professionals and student participants. Collaboration with industries is integral to this research, where it enables students to engage directly with real-world design challenges and obtain expert guidance. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these partnerships, this project aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. The results of this study showcase several key elements that students need to master before graduating, identified through feedback from both students and mentoring companies. The findings underscore the significance of hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement in preparing students for successful careers as industrial designers. The positive feedback received from both students and industry partners affirms the effectiveness of this approach in grooming students and enhancing their readiness for the job market. This article contributes to the literature on design education, and the insights provided serve as a foundation for educators and institutions seeking to enhance their design programmes, ensuring that students are adequately equipped with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to enter the job market.

Study of the Academic Expectations of Bachelor Students for the Lecture Course in Didactics

The academic expectations of bachelor students regarding the didactics lecture course are a factor in the formation of motivated and creative teachers. The thesis is supported that if there is a correspondence between positive academic expectations of the students and the real learning process at the university, the students are motivated and participate actively. In this study an author's questionnaire about the academic expectations of students in the didactics lecture course is used. The analysis of various tools for assessing students' academic expectations showed that questionnaires structured by thematic areas are most often used. In the present study, the questionnaire is structured in three modules, corresponding to the three components in the system of expectations – cognitive, affective and conative. The current research has a practical orientation - the author's questionnaire should serve as an analysis of the students' academic expectations in the context of improving the lecture course on didactics.

Early-career and fellow gynecologic oncologists perceive underpreparedness for the business of medicine: A Society of gynecologic oncology survey study

ObjectiveThere is a research gap on the impact of payment, reimbursement, and academic productivity in career decision-making for early-career (EC) attendings in gynecologic oncology. We sought to assess gynecologic oncology fellows and EC attendings on their knowledge and perceptions regarding the business of medicine. MethodsAn anonymous survey was electronically disseminated to fellow and EC SGO members. Key themes were the business of medicine, productivity, and compensation/negotiation. A 5-point Likert scale was utilized; descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS. ResultsThere was a 29 % response rate: 82 fellows and 102 EC attendings. Most were white (n = 143, 78 %) and female (n = 138, 75 %.) Most fellows (n = 67, 82 %) were interested in, and most EC (n = 82, 82 %) were employed in, academic/non-private practice. Fellows and EC attendings reported insufficient education on RVUs (relative value units) and reimbursement (80 %, n = 66; 81 %, n = 83) and did not feel prepared for the business aspect of practice (80 %, n = 66; 73 %, n = 75). Over 40 % of fellows did not understand how RVUs relate to practice. Thirty-three percent of EC attendings did not understand RVU assignments; 29 % were satisfied with methods used to determine productivity, and 17 % did not understand their compensation. Over 60 % of fellows felt unprepared to negotiate clinical productivity expectations. For EC attendings, 47 % were uncomfortable negotiating clinical expectations, 32 % negotiating academic expectations, and 52 % negotiating compensation changes. Female EC felt less prepared than male EC regarding the business of medicine (p = 0.02), RVU assignments (p < 0.01), and compensation negotiations (p < 0.01). ConclusionMost gynecologic oncology fellows and early-career attendings do not feel prepared for the business of medicine. Women were less comfortable with these concepts than men. Formal education should be incorporated into career development curricula.

Like stepping into a spaceship

The Swedish teacher education has undergone numerous reforms and is currently heavily influenced by neo-liberal governance, which shapes the internal work for different kinds of teacher educators. The study focuses on how a group of adjunct lecturers within a regional university college, experienced their initial period in the profession of teacher education programs in Sweden. The study departs from Seeman’s theoretical framework. The findings indicate that adjuncts lecturers do not feel that their knowledge is being appreciated or valued within the organization. The adjuncts lecturers are driven by a desire to contribute relevant professional knowledge, teach, and serve as good role models for teacher students. From this, conflict arises—mainly due to a governance system which heavily emphasizes standards, documentation, and high academic expectations. In conclusion, the study reveals how the organization's demands may differ from what adjunct lecturers anticipate, potentially leading to various forms of work conditions and alienation.

Target Situation Analysis (TSA) To Examine The Expert Viewpoint About The Academic Writing Demands To Author A Research Thesis In Social Sciences: A Review Study In English For Academic Purposes

Target Situation Analysis (TSA) is used in this review study to investigate the expert opinion about the requirements for academic writing when producing a social science research thesis, specifically about English for Academic Purposes (EAP). According to Basturkmen (2010) and Dudley-Evans &amp; St. John (1998), task-specific assessment (TSA) entails determining the particular tasks, abilities, and language requirements of students in the intended academic setting. This article focuses on the expectations of examiners in EAP, important academic norms for thesis writing, and linguistic and rhetorical elements that can help ESL students overcome obstacles. In order to fulfill the demands of ESL students doing social science research, this TSA intends to inform effective instructional approaches and support systems by reviewing the body of existing literature. These writing requirements were assessed using a systematic literature review methodology and a qualitative design. Themes including thesis writing, the function of the social sciences, academic expectations, and the flow and structure of the thesis were identified through thematic analysis of scholarly guides and studies. Important findings show that writing with precision, consistency, and clarity is still quite difficult, especially for non-native speakers. In order to produce high-quality theses, social science researchers need certain abilities including critical thinking and good communication in addition to language[1] competency. The results underscore the necessity of customized assistance, including focused writing training, mentorship, and peer evaluation, in order to improve research thesis quality in Pakistan and foster scholarly distinction. Future studies should concentrate on efficient teaching strategies, the influence of language ability on the caliber of theses, and the creation of assessment instruments to help students even more. By addressing these unmet requirements for academic writing in Pakistan, researchers will be better equipped to do excellent work that makes a significant contribution to their areas.

One size doesn’t fit all: how different types of learning motivations influence engineering undergraduate students’ success outcomes

BackgroundMotivation is the inherent belief to guide students learning goals and behaviors to make continuous efforts and strengthen learning outcomes. Previous research reported the positive impacts of learning motivation on student success, but there have been limited efforts in systematically and structurally studying different types of motivations and their impacts on students’ success in engineering education. The current study contributes to the literature by systematically examining two important types of motivations and their influences on undergraduate engineering students in a theoretically grounded manner while using an advanced analytical approach.MethodsThe current study conducted a cross-sectional survey with undergraduate engineering students (n = 514) from 18 different schools across nine U.S. states. The survey assessed students’ self-report scores on six types of motivations to study developed based on formative research and the current literature and then collected students’ self-reported learning outcomes, current GPA, university satisfaction, engineering program satisfaction, and individual demographic factors. The data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling.ResultsThe results showed that motivations related to family, personality, and academic expectations were consistently positively associated with all measured students’ success outcomes; motivations related to educators were associated with all four outcomes but student GPA; motivations related to course contents were associated with learning outcomes and student GPA; and motivations related to peers did not predict any of the four measured students’ success outcomes.DiscussionWe explain some of the unexpected results with further literature that examines engineering culture and ecology. We also make recommendations related to cognitive training, tailored engineering education, peer culture interventions, and family orientation programs.

Employability Skills Requirements in the Professional Services Sector: An In-depth Analysis of Graduates

In today’s competitive job market, the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations has become increasingly evident, highlighting the urgency of identifying the key employability skills required by graduates. This study evaluates the essential employability skills of graduates in the professional services sector. Using a descriptive research design, a questionnaire was administered to 282 respondents in the Philippines. The sample size was determined using Slovin's formula and a stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis involved frequency percentage distribution, weighted mean, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings reveal a significant proportion of respondents as team leaders, holding bachelor’s degrees, and working in professional services firms with more than 151 employees. Effective communication skills emerged as the foremost requirement, complemented by leadership skills that foster enthusiasm and commitment within organizations. Notably, disparities in employability skills were found when respondents were categorized based on organizations’ sizes. Concurrently, respondents reported challenges in articulating well-defined career objectives and demonstrating adaptability. These findings underscore the imperative for higher institutions to emphasize curricula that enhance graduates’ employability skills, particularly in communication, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Universities should tailor their academic programs to strengthen these crucial skills, benefiting both graduates and the professional services industry. Furthermore, continuous professional development and industry-academic partnerships are recommended to keep curricula aligned with evolving industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the dynamic job market.

Graduate socialization and anxiety: insights via hierarchical regression analysis and beyond

ABSTRACT This study addressed the gap in understanding how demographic characteristics, academic factors, and emotional well-being interact to influence the socialization of graduate students. Data collection involved a total amount of 1054 newly enrolled postgraduate students gathering demographic information and utilizing validated scales to measure components of academic socialization and anxiety levels. Statistical analyses including correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and non-parametric tests, were employed to explore the relationships and influences of the variables. Results of the study indicated that demographic factors exerted a significant influence on students’ perceptions of faculty support and the departmental environment. Further, academic factors seemed to be more influential in shaping anxiety levels than demographic factors. Also, the doctoral students reported higher levels of academic and social expectations and lower level of anxiety than did the master counterparts. The study explores the complexity of graduate student socialization and the importance of a multitude of factors in promoting the students’ well-being and academic achievement. The study further suggests that targeted interventions could enhance the graduate students’ overall experience and success through a supportive environment that addresses the multifaceted needs of graduate students.

Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Western Indonesian Students in Javan Higher Education Institutions: A Phenomenological Exploration

This qualitative research embarks on an exploratory journey into the lived experiences of a specific group of students—young minds from western Indonesia who are embarking on an academic journey in the dynamic ecosystem of higher education institutions in Java. In the literature synthesis, it is clear that while the experiences of international students have been studied extensively, the experiences of certain subgroups within a country remain relatively unexplored. This phenomenological exploration of the life experiences of West Indonesian students in Javanese institutions not only enriches academic discourse but also informs practical strategies for enhancing the educational journey of these students. The study identified several major challenges faced by these students, including language barriers, misunderstanding of culture and social norms, variations in academic expectations, adaptation to local cuisine, and the formation of social networks. While these challenges were formidable, the narratives of these students also reveal their resilience and capacity for personal growth. These findings offer valuable insights that go beyond academia. Recommendations include establishing a standardized and accessible cultural orientation program, fostering a network of peer support, and recognizing the need for academic guidance tailored to the unique challenges facing Western Indonesian students. This research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural adaptation and personal growth but also has practical implications for policymakers and educational institutions.

The perception and association between depression and academic stress among female undergraduate nursing students: a cross-sectional study.

Academic demands and stressors put nursing students at increasing risk of depression. The aims of the study examine the perceived level of depression and academic stress and investigate the association between these variables among nursing students in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Data was collected using depression subscale from DASS-21 scale and the Academic Stress Inventory scale. A total of 237 students participated in the study. Nursing students perceived normal to mild levels of depression. Students perceived moderate levels of academic stress in all subscales, except for time management and test stress which were high. All academic stress subscales had a positive statistically significant correlation with depression. The regression model explains 49.0% of the variance in the depression scale and indicated that the main significant predictor of depression is studying in group stress, followed by self-inflected stress, study year, and sleep problem. The mean score of depression for first year students was significantly different than students in other study years. Nurse educators should facilitate group formation and teach students about time-management, problem-solving, negotiation, and coping strategies to deal with academic expectations and demanding situations. Understanding the causes, limiting the exposure to negative influences, and seeking support as needed are important. To enhance the quality of sleep, students should maintain a consistent sleep schedule, while avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime. Future research should focus on a longitudinal study and other variables such as quality of life, satisfaction with the quality of teaching, and support from others.

Working the Paradox with Dorothy Smith

In this reflective account, I revisit my geopolitical location, earlier life and career, and academic journey using the ideas of feminist theorist Dorothy Smith as an interpretive frame. Her theorizing and methodology have been transformative, particularly in relation to gaining insight into a paradox. In order to undertake community-engaged research, poorly recognized by traditional academic expectations of scholarship, I had to find a way to survive within the very institution that devalued this approach. Smith’s conceptual contributions, particularly her regard for women as subjects (not objects) and experts of their lives, encouraged me to undertake this reflection. And her theorizing of how women’s local everyday experiences are connected to complex relations of ruling have brought me new insights. While I had no direct connection with Smith, I experience her passions and ideas as a form of feminist solidarity.

Teaching Math to Latinx Students with Learning Disabilities: An Exploration of Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences

ABSTRACT Effective mathematics education for Latinx students with learning disabilities (LD) necessitates teachers who uphold high academic expectations, facilitate access to rigorous math curricula, and champion inclusive and meaningful student participation. This study delves into teachers’ perspectives on instructing Latinx students with LD, including those identified as emergent bilinguals. Interviews were conducted with both general and special education math teachers who instruct Latinx students with LD from 3rd to 8th grades. Key findings from the study revealed a nuanced positioning of Latinx students with LD by teachers: (1) they are perceived as having potential for mathematical competence, (2) they are seen as reliant on external support, and (3) they often internalize a self-view of being less competent in math. Despite these mixed perceptions, teachers highlighted strategies to bolster the learning experience for these students, including promoting active class participation, demystifying complex math concepts, and, occasionally, modifying the curriculum. A recurring theme that was also noted was the occasional underestimation of the mathematical abilities of Latinx students with LD by educators, despite their expressed intention to support their learning journey.

Family migration and well-being of Chinese migrant workers’ children

This article aims to explore the effects of parental migration on the well-being of children and how to adjust social cognitive well-being through the interrelations among family relations and social cognitive well-being indicators using structural equation modelling. Two modified social cognitive well-being models were tested in 1682 Chinese migrant workers' children to examine the pathways among social cognitive well-being and family relation characteristics. The modified models are based on the social cognitive well-being model and the characteristics of Chinese migrant workers' children. The results show that caregiver-child communication frequency, caregiver-child regulation, caregiver-child conflicts, caregiver-child trust and communication, and coactivity positively impact children’s social cognitive well-being. In contrast, caregiver-child alienation negatively influences children’s social cognitive factors through caregiver-child trust and communication. Additionally, this research revealed that family-related characteristics (caregiver-child regulation, caregiver-child coactivities, caregiver-child communication frequency, caregiver-child alienation, caregiver-child conflicts, and caregiver-child trust and communication) are interconnected with social cognitive well-being indicators (academic satisfaction, outcome expectations, goal progress, lifelong satisfaction, environmental support, positive affect, negative affect, and self-efficacy). This suggests that family migration and relationships with caregiver(s) can significantly affect the well-being of migrant workers' children.

The Law of Nature and Nurture and Its Impact on Education

The debate between nature and nurture is a long-standing and highly deliberated concept in fields ranging from psychology to education. This research therefore sought to determine the effects of nature and nurture on academic performance, learning approaches, behaviours, and educational expectations among students within the context of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research design where data was collected from 240 students and 60 teachers from three local government areas using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and independent sample t-tests were used to analyze data. In this context, both direct genetic effects and indirect environmental influences on the investigated educational outcomes were identified. However, the level of using environmental factors including socioeconomic status, family, teaching approaches and resources was higher with significantly more frequency. The correlation analyses and t-tests also corroborated these findings, suggesting a connection between environment and academic performance, learning styles, behavioural patterns and educational achievements. The study adds to the current body of knowledge on the nature-nurture debate within the context of the education system in Nigeria. The findings underscore the role of socioeconomic status in children’s achievement and readiness to learn, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities in education and support for their aspirations. In the same respect, the study emphasizes the importance of a bio-psychosocial model that considers both genetic predeterminations and environmental conditions to explain educational processes and performance.

Young children with intellectual disabilities and their mathematical attainments: Do parents' attitudes toward mathematics, home numeracy, and literacy practices matter?

This study explored potential factors of numeracy acquisition in young children with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Those factors are determined to assess parents' academic expectations and home practices that they use with their children daily. The sample consisted of 187 Greek-speaking couples, comprising a total number of 374 parents. All of them had a child with mild IDs aged between 4 and 7 years old. Since Greece is placed among European countries with the lowest median disposable income it is significant to assess the potential effects of each family's socioeconomic status. We employed structural equation modeling to identify potential factors affecting a child's with IDs numeracy outcomes. Analysis of moments structures (AMOS) revealed that there is a good fit for the suggested second-order structural equation model. Results are discussed regarding their practical implications.

Do you have AI dependency? The roles of academic self-efficacy, academic stress, and performance expectations on problematic AI usage behavior

Although previous studies have highlighted the problematic artificial intelligence (AI) usage behaviors in educational contexts, such as overreliance on AI, no study has explored the antecedents and potential consequences that contribute to this problem. Therefore, this study investigates the causes and consequences of AI dependency using ChatGPT as an example. Using the Interaction of the Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model, this study explores the internal associations between academic self-efficacy, academic stress, performance expectations, and AI dependency. It also identifies the negative consequences of AI dependency. Analysis of data from 300 university students revealed that the relationship between academic self-efficacy and AI dependency was mediated by academic stress and performance expectations. The top five negative effects of AI dependency include increased laziness, the spread of misinformation, a lower level of creativity, and reduced critical and independent thinking. The findings provide explanations and solutions to mitigate the negative effects of AI dependency.