Academic Independence Research Articles

Navigating transitions: Vietnamese students’ experiences and challenges in the first year of higher education

ABSTRACT This qualitative research delves into the intricate transitional experiences of Vietnamese students during their first year in higher education (HE). Grounded in the dynamically shifting socio-cultural landscape of Vietnam, the study captures the narratives of 15 students, emphasising the unique challenges faced by those from the Mekong Delta region. Utilising a robust analytical blend of sociocultural theory, transition theory, and constructivist grounded theory, the research surfaces seven poignant themes. These are: (1) ‘Cultural Dislocation’, capturing the tension between traditional values and modern, global influences; (2) the ‘Struggle with Academic Independence’ highlighting the challenges of autonomous learning; (3) the intricacies of navigating ‘Interpersonal Dynamics in Diversity’ in a multicultural academic environment; (4) the evident ‘Digital Divide’ accentuating the disparities in technological access and proficiency; (5) the delicate act of ‘Balancing Commitments’ between academic pursuits and deeply rooted familial responsibilities; and (6) the profound ‘Quest for Autonomy and Identity Formation’, signifying the transformative nature of HE as a space for profound self-discovery and personal growth. While offering specific insights into the Vietnamese context, the study resonates with global academic transitions, underscoring the urgent need for holistic educational approaches that address the diverse challenges and aspirations of contemporary students.

Advancing Self-Directed Learning in the Saudi EFL Higher Education: A Call to Further Action

This paper advocates the integration of self-directed learning (SDL) principles in Saudi EFL higher education. It emphasizes the vital role of SDL in promoting autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and crucial lifelong learning skills. It explores the potential impact of SDL within the unique framework of EFL education in Saudi Arabia, covering diverse aspects such as its integration with technology, relevance in higher education, and considerations of learner preparedness and pragmatic attitude. The aim is to empower Saudi EFL students to independently navigate their language acquisition journey. Through an extensive review of SDL literature, the paper highlights the significant advantages of integrating SDL into Saudi EFL curricula, positioning it as a transformative force that can equip students with the essential competencies required for academic success in a globally connected world. The paper concludes by thoroughly discussing the potential implications for educators and policymakers in Saudi EFL higher education, emphasizing the importance of fostering self-directed learning (SDL) as a fundamental strategy to promote academic independence and adequately prepare students for the evolving demands of a globalized society.

The Effect of Using Learning Management System Learning Media on Student Independence and Learning Outcomes

In the learning process, good student learning motivation is created by the use of engaging learning media. When students become motivated, it will enhance their independence in learning, which in turn will lead to better learning outcomes. This research aims to conduct a literature review to explore the influence of using Learning Management Systems (LMS) on students' independence and learning outcomes. Additionally, the study seeks to identify alternative LMS platforms besides Moodle, Edmodo, and Google Classroom, which are widely used among educators in Indonesia. The research employs the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, which aims to identify, assess, and interpret all evidence from previous studies to find solutions to existing problems. The data collected from this research indicate that e-learning using LMS has been proven to enhance students' academic achievement and learning independence. Apart from Edmodo, Moodle, and Google Classroom, there are many other LMS platforms that educators can explore, such as Canvas LMS, which is equally attractive as other LMS platforms

Managing English culture in semi-military academy

The efficient administration of English culture in semi-military academies becomes a substantial area to cover as long as these institutions remain major players in molding future leaders. This research looks at the difficulties, approaches, and results of maintaining English culture in the special setting of a semi-military institution. Language hurdles, cultural misinterpretations, and difficulties between academic independence and military discipline are only a few of the difficulties that are shown by the findings. To promote cultural diversity and strengthen institutional cohesiveness, cutting-edge tactics, including inclusive curriculum design, bilingual programs, and cultural competency training, have been recognized as crucial. The survey also emphasizes the perceived benefits of successful English cultural management, which include better performance in school, better interpersonal abilities, and a stronger feeling of community among students and staff. This study provides theoretical insights into the dynamic interactions between culture, education, and institutional identity by drawing on theories of cultural management, education, and organizational behavior. Moreover, it offers useful suggestions for teachers, administrators, and legislators who want to encourage inclusivity and diversity of culture in semi-military academies and other similar educational environments.

Performance Analysis of Inclusive Learning Support System and Adaptive Curriculum Development on Academic Success and Independence of Students with Disabilities in Central Java

This study investigates the performance of inclusive learning support systems and adaptive curriculum development on the academic success and independence of students with disabilities in Central Java, Indonesia. A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected from 125 participants representing students, teachers, parents, and educational professionals involved in inclusive education programs. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) path modeling was utilized to analyze the data. The measurement model demonstrated strong reliability and validity, while the structural model revealed significant positive relationships between inclusive education strategies, academic success, and independence of students. Discriminant validity was established, and the estimated model demonstrated acceptable fit and predictive relevance. Regression results further supported the positive impact of inclusive learning support systems and adaptive curriculum development on the academic success and independence of students. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of inclusive education practices in promoting positive outcomes for students with disabilities and underscore the need for continued efforts to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of educational programs in Central Java.

The hallmarks of high-quality online tutoring: a higher ed MM-GT study

ABSTRACT Tutoring promotes student achievement, academic independence, and the reduction of anxiety. While ample studies support tutoring for enhancing student success, few address how to evaluate tutoring. This quandary led to research in building and testing a meta-model that identified the hallmarks of one-on-one high-quality online tutoring. Theoretical and data-driven models were constructed using a mixed method-grounded theory (MM-GT) design, and items were developed. Three latent variables emerged following exploratory-confirmatory factor analyses: tutor efficacy, student-centered, and instructional approach. The hallmarks of high-quality online tutoring were identified as: (a) Tutor efficacy of platform; (b) Use of multiple modalities; (c) Engagement evidenced as multiple back-and-forth utterances; (d) Appropriately paced interactions; (e) Use of open-ended inquiry; (f) Accessing and building on prior knowledge; (g) Support of student efforts and (h) Ensuring understanding through clarifying and/or checking-in with the tutee. Limitations of this study, implications for tutor management through quality checks, and further research studies are discussed.

A call to rethink the necessity of and challenges facing academic research organizations in the new era of drug innovation in China

The objectives of drug R&D in China have shifted toward innovation and globalization, highlighting the ecological imperative to involve innovative partner-like academic research organizations (AROs). AROs are led by academic institutions and, when compared to contract research organizations (CROs), their strengths lie in promoting academic excellence, knowledge sharing, independence, collaborative networks and industry partnerships. Our desk-based analysis shows that although the service scope of Chinese AROs is similar to that of AROs in the US, they lack experience in broad service provision for innovative drugs, institution-institutional platforms and industry partnerships. We make several suggestions about how to achieve the synergy of academic institutions and industry-based organizations in drug innovation by using a ARO-CRO hybrid service model.

Upaya Guru Dalam Menumbuhkan Kemandirian Belajar Siswa Di SD Negeri 1 Wonoboyo

In the context of student autonomous learning, one of the teacher`s efforts is to prioritize autonomy. This research aims to reveal the efforts of 4,444 teachers in encouraging student learning independence at SD Negeri 1 WONOBOYO. Specifically, this research aims to describe teachers' efforts to increase academic independence among students at SD Negeri 1 WONONOYO and students at SD Negeri 1 WONOBOYO. The approach used in this research is qualitative, with a descriptive type of research. Data collection was carried out using observation and interview techniques. Observation techniques are carried out on as many students as possible. To observe the learning independence of students in the upper class, 18 students were randomly selected, and interview techniques were carried out on 9 class teachers in the upper class. All data is then processed through qualitative data analysis steps, namely data reduction, data modeling (data visualization), drawing/verifying argument conclusions and percentages. Based on the results of data analysis, the following research conclusions can be drawn. First, teachers use many teaching methods. Second, teachers foster a sense of enjoyment in learning, including by playing, praising and giving prizes. Three teachers used learning resources using the environment, the internet and teaching materials available at school. The fourth group, totaling 4,444 teachers, promoted learning in the form of lectures, stories and questions and answers.

Интеграция предметных и педагогических компетенций непрерывного профессионального развития в структуре профессиональной компетентности: методологические основания

В статье описаны компетенции непрерывного профессионального развития (НПР), их место в структуре профессионально-педагогической компетентности. Согласно разработанной методологии, профессиональная подготовка будущих педагогов осуществляется на основе интеграции предметных, педагогических и НПР-компетенций. Создаваемая образовательная среда способствует управлению профессионально-ориентированным развитием обучающихся и выпускников. Обосновано назначение компетенций НПР как ресурсов и инструментов улучшения качества функциональной профессиональной подготовки будущих педагогов. Применяемый в исследовании комплекс теоретических и практических методов позволил установить назначение компетенций НПР, которые отражают внутреннюю природу личности педагога и являются базовыми для предметных и педагогических компетенций. Показано, что компетенции НПР, являясь интеграторами профессиональных и предметных компетенций, направлены на укрепление в профессии начинающих педагогов и устойчивое продвижение в ней. Определена рамка компетенций, актуальных для обучающихся и выпускников направления «Педагогические науки», выстроенная на принципах студентоцентрированности, компетентностного обучения, практико-прикладной направленности подготовки. Уточнены направления обновления образовательных программ, реализуемых в образовательной среде Северо-Казахстанского университета имени М. Козыбаева и Карагандинского университета имени академика Е.А. Букетова как ресурсов формирования компетенций НПР в условиях академической самостоятельности вуза.

Analisis Karakter Kedisiplinan Peserta Didik TK Islam Roudlotus Salamah dalam Pengimplementasian Kurikulum Merdeka

Character education has been initiated by the government and has become mainstream at various levels of education. In the curriculum scheme, the implementation of the project to strengthen the profile of Pancasila students is contained in the formulation of Minister of Education and Culture Decree No.56/M/2022 concerning Guidelines for Implementing Curriculum in the Context of Learning Recovery which states that the Curriculum Structure at the PAUD and Primary and Secondary Education levels consists of intracurricular learning activities and projects strengthening the profile of Pancasila students. This research aims to: 1) Define the character of discipline. 2) To find out the application of the independent learning curriculum to the disciplined character of students. 3) To determine the supporting and inhibiting factors in improving the disciplined character of students through the independent learning policy. This research uses a type of descriptive research with a qualitative approach, in accordance with the aim of this research, namely to analyze the Disciplinary Character of Roudlotus Salamah Islamic Kindergarten Students in Gresik Regency in Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum. Qualitative methods attempt to understand, explain and interpret the meaning of an interaction event involving human behavior in a particular situation according to the researcher's own perspective. The concept of Independent Learning is part of returning the national education system to the supremacy of law, in particular ensuring academic independence and instilling basic skills in curriculum teaching and is closely related to its influence in disciplinary character education when used as a provision for the importance of developing discipline and encouraging the development of character values.

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING: TECHNIQUES FOR INCREASING STUDENT ACADEMIC INDEPENDENCE IN THESIS COMPLETION

Insufficient independence leads to reduced encouragement and individual drive when it comes to accomplishing goals and resolving issues. This is particularly crucial for students who bear the sole responsibility of completing their thesis. Hence, they must possess the autonomy to tackle and solve it. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of motivational interviewing as a technique to enhance academic independence among final-semester students who are working on their thesis. The research employed an experimental approach, utilizing a design known as non-equivalent control group design. The participants of the study consisted of both an experimental group (N=7) and a control group (N=7). The intervention involved five group counselling sessions. The results of the hypothesis test, conducted using the Mann Whitney U test, revealed that the Asymp.sig (2-tailed) value was 0.002, which is less than 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that the motivational interviewing technique effectively enhances academic independence. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the increase in independence is accompanied by the emergence of intrinsic motivation, which serves as the primary driving force for students to complete their thesis.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL BASIS OF IMPLEMENTING THE PRINCIPLES OF ACADEMIC INDEPENDENCE TO THE MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

In the article, one of the theoretical and methodological bases of introducing the principles of academic independence is the importance of expressing students' opinions, expressing their concepts in a consistent form, making comments, asking questions, and cooperating with other students in the process of learning on their own time. In addition, the article provides information on the importance of improvement and changes in students' processes of collaborating with other students on their knowledge and learning, expressing their thoughts and opinions to others. The article provides instructions for putting into practice the theoretical-methodological foundations of the principles of academic independence and presents the methods and methods used to increase the learning processes with students and develop their own thoughts and opinions. These include interacting with students, developing feedback using manuals and articles, evaluating and improving the methods they use in their learning processes, defining their own learning framework, and learning in their own time. There are practical methods, such as using a record of one's thoughts about learning objectives and outcomes.

Intellectual freedom and teaching performance assessment in Australia

The requirement for Australian initial teacher education (ITE) providers to administer a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) highlights a tension between policymaking directives and academic independence. It has raised fears of entrenching simplistic notions of measurement and evidence into a professional field distinguished by its complex relationship with intellectual and academic labour. Drawing on focus group data and reflections of academics co-designing an Australian TPA, this study considers how intellectual labour intertwines with its operational field, wherein co-construction of knowledge, critical thinking, and reflection define both academic and teachers’ work. Our analysis explains how education academics, as principle-designers of an assessment instrument, might also negotiate the intellectual premise of a TPA within their own ITE programs. We find that Australia’s initial TPA policy framework has been mediated with ITE academics. This offers opportunities for building knowledge to understand more precisely the TPA in its contexts, including admissible evidence to measure classroom-readiness.

Heads in the Clouds? Measuring Universities’ Migration to Public Clouds: Implications for Privacy & Academic Freedom

With the emergence of remote education and work in universities due to COVID-19, the 'zoomification' of higher education, i.e., the migration of universities to the clouds, reached the public discourse. Ongoing discussions reason about how this shift will take control over students' data away from universities, and may ultimately harm the privacy of researchers and students alike. However, there has been no comprehensive measurement of universities' use of public clouds and reliance on Software-as-a-Service offerings to assess how far this migration has already progressed. We perform a longitudinal study of the migration to public clouds among universities in the U.S. and Europe, as well as institutions listed in the Times Higher Education (THE) Top100 between January 2015 and October 2022. We find that cloud adoption differs between countries, with one cluster (Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland) showing a limited move to clouds, while the other (U.S., U.K., the Netherlands, THE Top100) frequently outsources universities' core functions and services---starting long before the COVID-19 pandemic. We attribute this clustering to several socio-economic factors in the respective countries, including the general culture of higher education and the administrative paradigm taken towards running universities. We then analyze and interpret our results, finding that the implications reach beyond individuals' privacy towards questions of academic independence and integrity.

TRANSITION TO AUTONOMOUS MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN UZBEKISTAN – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The paper looks at the reforms in higher education of Republic of Uzbekistan. In particular what measures have been taken to award a greater degree of academic and financial independence to move from centralized to autonomous management of HEIs. There are number of law and regulations have been put in place to support this change. The concept of corporate governance in higher education must be studied and implemented to ensure effective management of HEIs with the aim to improve and develop academic quality and strategic development.

A Study on the Experiences of Higher Education Good Governance in European and North America Countries; Some Lessons Gained for Higher Education in Iran

Higher education, in order to achieve its strategic goals in society, requires governance understanding in a sustainable trend so that it can correctly define and outline its mission and step towards it firmly. Research knowledge and experiences of the advanced countries in this field may certainly contain some considerable and –sometimes - valuable lessons gained in policies for higher education systems in other countries, especially for Iranian higher education system suffering from some ineffective traditional procedures and avoiding up-to-date governance methods. In this article, by applying the research method of document analysis and using the purposeful sampling method, the identification and qualitative analysis of good governance experiences in higher education of three selected countries - including Germany, England and Canada - has been addressed in the four measures of quality affairs, academic independence and financial management. Data gatherings were done by searching contents of universities’ websites, published articles, essays, reports, governmental and academic manuscripts. Data was qualitatively analyzed at two levels of open and axial coding. From the study and analysis of the experiences of good governance in higher education of selected countries, in the dimension of quality measures, including evaluation and quality assurance in the context of agreed frameworks, multiple use of the evaluation system, validation and quality assurance, transparency and accountability, and improvement were identified as the logic of evaluation and quality assurance of higher education. Systematic synergetic management and planning, and network management based on scientific reference were experiences that were represented in the dimension of university management and planning. Morover, in the financial planning measures, experiences such as contingency budgeting based on scientific indicators, and diversity of support in providing financial resources were identified. In the end, the article, by enumerating the findings obtained from its research in the experiences of the governance of the selected countries, has recommended to all the policy makers and officials of the country's higher education to study and review them as lessons that can be learned for awareness and to create a well-considered platform in order to use them effectively, in the framework of appropriate and updated action plans in the field of governance of higher education.

Medical conferences and medical practice

Medical conferences and medical practice

Position Paper: Escaping Academic Cloudification to Preserve Academic Freedom

Especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of cloud-based tools and solutions - lead by the ‘Zoomification’ of education, has picked up attention in the EdTech and privacy communities. In this paper, we take a look at the progressing use of cloud-based educational tools, often controlled by only a handful of major corporations. We analyse how this ‘cloudification’ impacts academics’ and students’ privacy and how it influences the handling of privacy by universities and higher education institutions. Furthermore, we take a critical perspective on how this cloudification may not only threaten users’ privacy, but ultimately may also compromise core values like academic freedom: the dependency relationships between universities and corporations could impact curricula, while also threatening what research can be conducted. Finally, we take a perspective on universities’ cloudification in different western regions to identify policy mechanisms and recommendations that can enable universities to preserve their academic independence, without compromising on digitalization and functionality.

Proposed Procedures for Developing Managerial Performance of the Faculties of Al-Azhar University in The Light of Strategic Flexibility Approach

Objectives: The study aimed to present proposed procedures for developing the managerial performance of Al-Azhar University faculties in light of strategic flexibility approach (strategic sensitivity, clarity of vision, core capabilities, selection of strategic goals, joint responsibility, and responsiveness) by recognizing the degree of the importance of practicing its dimensions from the faculty members viewpoint, and calculating the statistically significant differences among the sample members about the degree of importance of their practice, attributed to the study variables (scientific degree - college nature - college headquarters or branch).
 Methods: The study used the descriptive method, and a questionnaire consisting of (36) items, which was applied to a sample of (587) faculty members at the university to collect data.
 Results: The study concluded with the agreement of the sample members on the importance of practicing the dimensions of strategic flexibility for the development of managerial performance at Al-Azhar University faculties with a degree of “very important” and with a mean of (4.44), there are no statistically significant differences at the level (0.05) attributed to the study variables (scientific degree- the college nature- The college headquarters or branch), and the study presented proposed procedures to develop the institutional performance at Al-Azhar University.
 Conclusions: The study recommended the importance of adopting the proposed procedures to develop managerial performance through the application of the dimensions of strategic flexibility at Al-Azhar University and in other Egyptian universities, due to the similarity of structures and systems in these universities, and the importance of the university’s administrative, financial and academic independence so that it is able to adapt to various variables, and to attract qualified scientific and administrative staff.

PENGARUH POTENSI AKADEMIK, EFIKASI DIRI DAN KEMANDIRIAN BELAJAR TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA

This type of research was ex-post facto research. The population in this study were all students of class XI of SMK Negeri 2 Makassar while the sample in this study were XI TKJ 1 and XI TKJ 2, totaling 65 students. The sampling technique used cluster random sampling. Data analysis techniques using questionnaires and tests. Data analysis techniques used descriptive statiscal analysis and inferential statistic analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that (1) Partially, the academic potential variable significantly influences the learning outcomes of students of class XI SMK Negeri 2 Makassar of 17.6%. (2) Partially self-efficacy variables significantly influence the mathematics learning outcomes of class XI students of SMK Negeri 2 Makassar by 43.4%. (3) Partially the learning independence variable has a significant effect on the learning outcomes of Grade XI students of SMK Negeri 2 Makassar by 78.8%. (4) Simultaneously the variables of academic potential, self-efficacy and learning independence significantly influence the learning outcomes of students of class XI in SMK Negeri 2 Makassar with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.817 which means that the academic potential, self-efficacy and learning independence gave an effect of 81.7% on the mathematics learning outcomes of students of class XI of SMK Negeri 2 Makassar and the remaining 18.3% is influenced by other factors