Individual Achievement Research Articles

After Progress Perhaps Another Education is Possible: We Can Be Pagans for More Than One Day!

This paper attempts to bring together a series of ideas/concepts from the work of Isabelle Stengers, Didier Debaise, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Anna Tsing and others in order to apply them to the notion ‘after progress,’ which has some bearing on the theme of this special issue on degrowth. As Savransky and Lundy (2022) argue, ‘the notion of “progress” is arguably the defining idea of modernity’. Whilst this idea of progress has been the object of criticism, its prevalence is still pervasive. But what would living after progress or following a degrowth agenda look like, particularly within contexts of educational policy and practice? After progress perhaps another education is possible. The paper takes on board this suggestion, and rather than viewing education in schools and elsewhere in terms of its current concerns in the West with individual achievement, competition, and standards, we see it as promoting diversity, conviviality, working, thinking, agreeing and disagreeing in common.

MUNICIPAL ACTIVITY OF A RUSSIAN IMPERIAL DISTRICT CENTRE IN 1870–1914 (in terms of the town of Danilov, Yaroslavl Province)

The article is devoted to the study of the main directions of municipal activity of a Russian district town in 1870-1914. The study is carried out in terms of a uezd – district – centre of that time, namely the town of Danilov, Yaroslavl Province. The authors examine the state of the town budget, determine its financial capacity to solve everyday problems, establish the degree of burdening the said budget with non-municipal expenditures, the level of spending on socio-cultural needs and improvement of the town. Specific activities of Danilov town’s self-government bodies in the sphere of public charity, healthcare, epidemics prevention, public welfare, external improvement of the town are studied taking into account both achievements and unfulfilled initiatives with the latter due to the refusal to allocate funds. Problems in the development of the social sphere of the town’s government are identified in the paper. What the paper notes as conclusions is the fat of limitedness of financial capacity of Danilov town’s government; however, it was in a more favourable position in some respects than other municipalities in the province. This was mainly manifested in the small financial sums that went to the maintenance of government offices and police. The individual achievements of Danilov town’s council (the so-called local Duma) in their practical activities are revealed. However, the authors consider the general development of municipal activities in the period under study to be at an insufficiently high level, if not at an incipient one.

Study of the effectiveness of the criteria used to evaluate the work of specialists of a pharmaceutical company in an unfavorable epidemiological situation (using the example of the sales department)

Introduction. During the coronavirus pandemic, due to the current situation in the pharmaceutical sector of the economy, specialists from a number of departments of pharmaceutical companies were forced to switch completely or partially to remote work. This transformation has necessitated the need to adapt the employee performance assessment systems that have developed in organizations, including revising the list of indicators and criteria. However, to date there are no unified scientifically based methods for assessing the labor efficiency of specialists, based on the selection and measurement of criteria that take into account the characteristics of both the external and internal environment of the organizational structures of pharmaceutical organizations, including those forced to work in unfavorable epidemiological conditions. The proposed methodological approach based on the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) will allow the management of a pharmaceutical company to create a more balanced and flexible assessment system that stimulates both individual achievements and teamwork, as well as to form an intelligent analytical basis for making management decisions that bring the company closer to its organizational goals. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of the employee performance assessment system that has developed in a pharmaceutical company and to justify the effectiveness of using KPIs in an unfavorable epidemiological situation (using the example of the sales department). Material and methods. The evaluation study is based on primary data from reports of pharmaceutical companies and data from a survey of 20 sales employees in pharmaceutical companies using a developed questionnaire. Results. A system for evaluating the work of employees in the sales department of a pharmaceutical company based on KPIs is proposed using three table layouts that allow ratings to be translated into a 10-point scale out of 100 possible. The assessment is carried out according to two main criteria: 1) achievement of sales volume and 2) implementation of the plan for the target product, taking into account the quality of the employee’s work, confirmed by his immediate supervisor. This approach will create a more balanced and flexible assessment system in the organization, stimulating both individual achievements and teamwork. Conclusion. As part of the study, proposals were developed for the development of KPIs for the criteria for assessing the work of specialists of a pharmaceutical company in an unfavorable epidemiological situation.

Social relational notions of successful ageing: contesting dominant individualised conceptions of successful ageing by examining migrant intergenerational lived experiences.

Critiques of the concept of successful ageing (SA) include attention to its foundation on an individualised western medical approach that emphasizes personal choice, agency, and lifestyle. This paper aims to examine how individual notions of SA can be linked to, and co-constituted by, relational and intergenerational notions of personhood within the broader socio-economic, familial, and cultural contexts of migration. Qualitative research was conducted in Australia (2020-2021) with 42 Vietnamese migrants using ethnographic interviews and participant observation. Data analysis applied inductive reasoning and intersectional analysis to investigate the notion of SA from the perspectives of research participants. Vietnamese migrants identified three dimensions of SA as significant: family fulfilment, individual achievements, and social engagement and protection. Family fulfilment is the most important; other dimensions are rendered meaningless without it. We found out that different generations interpreted SA in varying ways. Adult children prioritize personal success, self-independence, and longevity while grandparents place greater emphasis on the success of their adult children and maintenance of intergenerational relationships. Migrant understandings of SA are deeply influenced by the socio-cultural contexts of both their homeland and current residence. The emphasis on family in shaping SA reflects a social-relational understanding that contrasts with dominant individualistic models of SA. Given the social relational dimension of SA, further research should investigate how distinct migrant experiences of SA shape access to wellbeing in later life.

Degrees of Freedom: Rethinking Higher Education Credentials in South Africa

The shifting landscape of higher education and the labour market has necessitated re-evaluating conventional degree programmes, leading to an exploration of macro-credentialing as a link between university offerings and industry requirements. This paper examines the traditional dominance of the degree and the concurrent rise of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses, with the goal of developing credentials more closely aligned with the dynamic needs of the modern workforce. Traditionally, university degrees have been viewed as the bedrock of educational achievement and a prerequisite for professional success. However, rapid technological advancements and changing economic demands have exposed limitations in the degree model, particularly its often inflexible curriculum and lengthy completion time. Consequently, there is growing interest, especially within Private higher education, in macro-credentialing, which encompasses an array of non-degree awards that can be directly linked to specific skill sets and employment opportunities. Through qualitative analysis of partnership models across diverse industries and countries, this study identifies core elements contributing to the successful integration of macro-credentials into educational and professional spheres. These elements include co-creating curricula (between industry and the university), shared governance structures between educational and corporate entities, and robust assessment methodologies that validate learner competencies consistent with industry standards. Additionally, the study explores potential challenges and resistance within academia and industry, including credential recognition issues, balancing theoretical knowledge versus practical skills, and economic impacts on traditional degree pathways. It proposes strategic approaches to mitigate these challenges, emphasising the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and continuous evaluation. The incorporation of macro-credentialing via university (both public and private), TVET college and Community College - Business partnerships possesses considerable potential to tackle future student discipline trajectories, the dire unemployment of South African youth and the growing needs of upskilling via life-long learning. It demands continuous innovation in educational models to guarantee they promote individual career achievements and societal progress in an increasingly intricate global economy. This paradigm transition from the conventional degree to a more adaptable, competency-based credentialing structure signifies a crucial development in matching education and industry.

Unlocking the Potential of Nigerian Schools through Effective Parental Involvement

Education is a cornerstone of societal progress and individual achievement, necessitating the active engagement of various stakeholders, particularly parents. This study explores the role of parental involvement in enhancing the effectiveness of school administration in Nigeria with particular focus on Lagos District IV, Nigeria. This study employs a descriptive survey design, focusing on secondary schools in Lagos District IV, including Surulere, Mainland, and Apapa. Data were collected from 132 participants—students, teachers, school administrators, and parents—through structured questionnaires. The study investigates how parental ties affect academic performance, school discipline, and overall management effectiveness. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, revealing significant relationships between parental involvement and student outcomes, discipline, and school administration. The findings indicate that robust parental involvement positively influences student academic performance and school management. Schools that foster strong parental partnerships benefit from enhanced governance and improved student behavior. However, barriers such as socioeconomic challenges and communication gaps persist, underscoring the need for more inclusive engagement strategies. Recommendations include implementing structured parental engagement programs, enhancing government support, and addressing language and cultural barriers. In conclusion, this study highlights the transformative potential of parental involvement in Nigerian schools. Effective school administration and improved student outcomes are closely linked to active parental participation. Addressing existing barriers and fostering collaborative school environments are essential for maximizing the benefits of parental engagement.

Learning Family: Concept, Measurement and the Effect on Individuals' Behaviors.

A learning society cannot be built without each family playing its role. The learning family integrates the modern education concept and the actual needs of family education. However, scholars are still exploring the concept, structure, and measuring tools of the learning family. Based on the bioecological system theory, this study explored the concept and characteristic dimension of the learning family and verified the effect of the learning family through cross-population samples. The results of this study showed that, first, the learning family involves a process of mutual influence on the part of family members, who view the enhancement of comprehensive literacy as their core goal and can continuously accumulate knowledge and improve skills from the internal and external environments of the family through learning support and learning involvement, thereby achieving common growth, the main structure of which includes four characterizing dimensions of learning involvement, learning effectiveness, learning support and continuous learning. Second, the developed learning family scale has good reliability and validity. Third, learning families have significant positive effects on individual creativity, innovative behavior, prosocial behavior, proactive behavior, work performance, academic achievement, and science literacy. This study not only deepens our understanding of the importance of family learning and family education but also contributes to exploring the influence mechanisms underlying learning families on individual psychology and behavior in the future.

Describing the Relationship Between Word Decoding, Oral Language, Phonemic Awareness, and the Orthographic Lexicon in the KTEA-3 and WIAT-4

Practitioners are encouraged to apply theories of reading development to psychoeducational test interpretation. Orthographic mapping provides an explanation of the acquisition of sight words. Although many test batteries provide tasks for practitioners to assess reading components associated with orthographic mapping, the relationship among components will vary across batteries and specific task demands that can impact their interpretation by practitioners. This study evaluated the effects of phonemic awareness and oral language skills on various indicators of orthographic mapping competence while controlling for word decoding skills in the standardization samples of the Kaufman Tests of Educational Achievement, 3rd Edition (KTEA-3) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-4). The WIAT-4 phonemic awareness subtest’s task demands and relationships between it and some measures of word reading conform to the phonemic proficiency hypothesis. We discuss implications for comprehensive psychoeducational assessment when evaluating student reading development.

Individual Values and Job Satisfaction as Work Engagement Predictors: Example from Croatia

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between work engagement, employees’ individual values, and job satisfaction. Specifically, it explores if job satisfaction and individual values can be considered as predictors of employees’ engagement at work. The empirical research was carried out in 2023, involving a sample of 277 Croatian employees. The research hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that job satisfaction is the most significant predictor of work engagement. The findings suggested that individual values influence employee work engagement, but not all values contribute equally. Among the ten observed individual values, universalism, power, benevolence, and achievement were confirmed as statistically significant predictors of work engagement. Research results suggested that management should prioritize job satisfaction to improve employee engagement. In their attempts to enhance work engagement, management should also pay attention to employees’ individual values since some have been confirmed as the determinant of work engagement.

Peer non-cognitive self-perception and school performance: estimates using the student friendship network at classroom level

This article investigates whether the individual academic performance is affected by peers’ self-perception about own personality and being valued in the classroom. The empirical estimations use a unique educational dataset that comes from a research institute of the Brazilian Ministry of Education (Fundação Joaquim Nabuco – FUNDAJ/ MEC, 2013), which provides crucial information for the proposed identification strategies. These strategies are based on: (i) the architecture of friendships network composed of heterogeneous reference groups within the classroom, (ii) the use of longitudinal evaluation of scholastic achievement, where all the students surveyed are submitted to a math test in the beginning and at the end of scholar year and (iii) the control of the network fixed effects. The results show students perform better when their friends demonstrate a positive self-perception of own personality and do not feel left behind in the classroom. Furthermore, when omitted variable bias is controlled for, the impact of peers’ socio emotional skills on individual achievement is even stronger.

Education and Professional Development of Youths at Risk Placed in Residential-type Social Service Centers

The maintenance of sustainable, upward development and well-being for society at the national level is a consequence of the achievements of individuals. Acquiring an educational degree and becoming established in a profession are of great importance for the success of every person in life. The set of new knowledge, skills and competences necessary to live in the 21st century is constantly increasing, and finding a job in the conditions of serious competition requires not only appropriate qualifications, but also constant upgrading and personal improvement. The new educational policies focus on improving the teacher-parent interaction to reveal the potential and capabilities of each student. Children placed in residential care lack parental support and have more difficulties in learning, training and finding suitable work than their peers guided by their families. The proposed article presents the results of a survey regarding the opinion of specialists in relation to the situation of minors residing in family-type accommodation centers in educational and professional aspects. The purpose of the research is to establish the current state of affairs in this matter and to highlight some significant obstacles that limit the educational and professional success of young people. Based on the obtained results, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were given as a starting point for taking targeted actions at the level of responsible persons, public organizations and institutions.

AFRICAN CONCEPT OF HAPPINESS IN THE LIGHT OF CHINUA ACHEBE’S THINGS FALL APART: A HERMENEUTICAL APPROACH

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, reflects a deeply relational and communal worldview. Happiness in African thought is not merely tied to individual fulfilment or material wealth, as often seen in Western perspectives, but is rooted in harmonious coexistence with others and the environment. For Africans, happiness arises from a balanced relationship with all forces in the hierarchy of beings, a notion which emphasizes interconnection and collective well-being. This contrasts with Western metaphysical views that tend to prioritize individual pleasure or material achievement. African happiness extends beyond this life, focusing on a state of blessedness in both life and the afterlife. Understanding this concept requires grasping the African notion of Being, which is seen as relational, where existence is defined by one’s connection to others. Achebe’s work exemplifies these ideas, showing how happiness is experienced through peaceful co-existence and the absence of egocentric attitudes. This study established the African philosophy of "Being-with," where happiness is an ontological experience derived from natural and collective existence, rather than self-centred pursuits.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0851/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Achievements of Ukrainian athletes at world championships in the period of independence

Annotation. The performances of Ukrainian athletes at World Championships during the period of Ukraine's independence can be characterized by certain criteria: the medal standings of the Ukrainian team, analysis of performances in athletics, individual achievements of athletes, and an assessment of the competitiveness of Ukrainian athletics on the world stage. The aim of this article is to analyze the performances of Ukrainian athletes at World Championships during the period of independence (1993–2023) and to assess their success and competitiveness on the global stage. The analysis of the individual achievements of Ukrainian athletes on the world stage demonstrates that over the course of the World Championships (1993 to 2023), many Ukrainian athletes have made significant contributions to the history of development of world athletics as well as to the history of Ukrainian athletics during the independence period. Research results reveal that competition in many forms of athletics is highly intense, particularly in running disciplines, especially long-distance running, where it is challenging for Ukrainian athletes to compete with athletes from other countries to reach the finals and contend for medals.

DEVELOPMENT OF PLASMA RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGIES AT THE GAS INSTITUTE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE AND THE GLOBAL SITUATION

A multi-faceted analysis of the development of the subject of plasma research and technologies was performed, the center of which is the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing raw materials. The competitive selection of scientific and technical (experimental) developments under the state order, the implementation of which will begin in 2024 at the expense of the state budget, objectively proved the relevance of the subject matter of the department of plasma processes and technologies. Indeed, immediately two of the total number of 25 competitive works are directly based on plasma technologies in the field of competence of the department. The in-depth history of the initiation at the world level of plasma research or the “fourth state of matter”, as it was called in the 19th century, is analyzed; the outstanding role of the Ukrainian scientist Ivan Pulyuy is shown in it (in addition to his already well-known X-ray research, which is similar in terms of experimental technique). Peculiarities of the early formation of the problem of gasification of hydrocarbon-containing raw materials (as the basis of modern plasma technologies of hydrogen production) are also analyzed on the basis of a comparison of publications from the early period of the existence of the former USSR and Germany. In order to return to historical justice, the most prominent role of the former director of the Gas Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Academician V.F. Kopytov in the establishment of the institute as a powerful scientific organization and a scientist who also actively supported the development of research into high-temperature processes and plasma technologies. Individual scientific achievements of employees of the department of plasma processes and technologies at various stages of its formation and development are analyzed. The directions of development of plasma technologies are classified according to the physical state of the plasma and areas of application; the developments of the institute are briefly presented according to the directions where they are carried out. Bibl. 77, Fig. 6.

Cumulative assessment system: design, approbation and application results

The article discusses the issues of developing and testing a cumulative system for evaluating individual achievements of university students, which is a special case of a point-rating assessment system widely used in Western countries. An analysis of the literature describing various aspects of the design and application of such assessment systems shows that, along with their obvious advantages, there are also a number of disadvantages. To eliminate them, the authors design a cumulative assessment system that allows taking into account the points received by the student for completing the current work in the semester not as a mandatory component of the final assessment of the discipline, but as an addition to the points received by the student during the exam/test. The points received by the student in the semester and on the exam/test are summed up and translated into traditional grades «excellent», «good», etc., while the total score may exceed the maximum established final score of 10 points. To apply the developed assessment system, the authors have compiled a table posted in the electronic information and learning environment of the university at the beginning of the semester with detailed explanations of the rules for awarding points for each unit of current work. On the day of the interim certification, the report card is supplemented with the points obtained on the exam. The total score is calculated, which is converted into a traditional score. Such a scheme of action ensures full transparency and objectivity of the assessment procedure. The article also presents the results of the approbation of the assessment methodology developed by the authors. The conducted pedagogical experiment shows that the use of a cumulative assessment system leads to a steady improvement in the quality of students' knowledge, in particular, the final total score in the experimental group exceeded that in the control group by 12,18 %.

The severity of emotional burnout syndrome among regional journalists

INTRODUCTION. The relevance of the topic is justified by the attention of society to the mental health of journalists in connection with the tense geopolitical situation: in 2022, UNESCO released a policy document “Safety of Journalists Covering Traumatic and Suffering Events”. The purpose of this study is to identify symptoms of emotional burnout syndrome in young journalists of the Penza region and correlate them with job satisfaction indicators in the editorial office.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The leading method was an anonymous survey of regional journalists (based on the media of the Penza region) aged 20–30 years using psychological methods for diagnosing the level of emotional burnout syndrome and job satisfaction.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. In editorial offices, there is a priority of collective work over individual achievements: this is showed by high indicators on the scale of reduction of personal achievements. However, orientation towards collective work increases self-satisfaction. Compared with those subjects who had high indicators of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, the severity of BS in the group of subjects with reduction of personal achievements is almost two times lower.CONCLUSION. It is possible to talk about a fairly high level of loyalty of Penza journalists to their editorial office – about 65 %. However, the rest of the young journalists do not receive moral or material support to the required extent. The diagnostic data obtained can be used in media psychology classes for journalism students and for developing trainings.

The Spiritual Journey of Chinese Americans Viewed from the Cultural Connotation of The Joy Luck Club

Chinese-American writers who live in both Chinese and American cultures are the most sensitive to cultural conflict and integration. Amy Tan is one of those writers who probe deeply into the relationship between the Chinese and American cultures. The Joy Luck Club, a novel that tells stories of four Chinese mothers and their American-born daughters, has caused a great sensation inside and outside the United States and made Tan a famous writer. From the perspective of intercultural communication, Cultural conflicts between four couples of mother and daughter, between husbands and wives arising from the difference in cultural background are looked into from the angles of Chinese obedience to parents and American independence and democracy, Chinese women’s submissiveness and American women’s independence, Chinese family’s honor and American individual achievement, Chinese high-context culture and American low- context culture, Chinese superstition and American science. The causes of the conflicts are also discussed in the aspects of Chinese culture and American culture. Chinese mothers are deeply influenced by the concept of "Three Obedience and Four Virtues", "Resign oneself to Adversity", Etc. However, American daughters are born in the culture that emphasizes "Individualism, Equality, Independence and Freedom." In this thesis, it is also put forward that despite the conflicts, mutual compatibility of two cultures is unavoidable and an inescapable tendency, which reflects the development from the clash to the coexistence of the two cultures in the context of globalization.

Experiences of Using a Digital Guidance and Assessment Tool (the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing Application) During Clinical Practice in a Nursing Home: Focus Group Study Among Nursing Students.

Nursing students' learning during clinical practice is largely influenced by the quality of the guidance they receive from their nurse preceptors. Students that have attended placement in nursing home settings have called for more time with nurse preceptors and an opportunity for more help from the nurses for reflection and developing critical thinking skills. To strengthen students' guidance and assessment and enhance students' learning in the practice setting, it has also been recommended to improve the collaboration between faculties and nurse preceptors. This study explores first-year nursing students' experiences of using the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP-N) application in 4 nursing homes in Norway. TOPP-N was developed to support guidance and assessment in clinical practice in nursing education. Four focus groups were conducted with 19 nursing students from 2 university campuses in Norway. The data collection and directed content analysis were based on DeLone and McLean's information system success model. Some participants had difficulties learning to use the TOPP-N tool, particularly those who had not attended the 1-hour digital course. Furthermore, participants remarked that the content of the TOPP-N guidance module could be better adjusted to the current clinical placement, level of education, and individual achievements to be more usable. Despite this, most participants liked the TOPP-N application's concept. Using the TOPP-N mobile app for guidance and assessment was found to be very flexible. The frequency and ways of using the application varied among the participants. Most participants perceived that the use of TOPP-N facilitated awareness of learning objectives and enabled continuous reflection and feedback from nurse preceptors. However, the findings indicate that the TOPP-N application's perceived usefulness was highly dependent on the preparedness and use of the app among nurse preceptors (or absence thereof). This study offers information about critical success factors perceived by nursing students related to the use of the TOPP-N application. To develop similar learning management systems that are usable and efficient, developers should focus on personalizing the content, clarifying procedures for use, and enhancing the training and motivation of users, that is, students, nurse preceptors, and educators.

Development and Validation the Mobile Toolbox (MTB) Spelling Test

BackgroundSpelling assessments can provide a valuable marker of cognitive change in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and play an important role in ADRD research. However, most commercial assessments are not well-suited to the needs of researchers or participants; they are expensive and often require face-to-face administration by a trained examiner. To help overcome these barriers and foster progress in ADRD research, the National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded Mobile Toolbox (MTB) offers a library of cognitive measures that can be self-administered remotely on a participant’s own smartphone, including a brand-new Spelling test.ObjectiveThe goal of this paper is to describe the design, piloting, calibration, and validation of the MTB Spelling test.DesignWe describe a pilot study, calibration study, and three validation studies, all of which use a cross-sectional design.SettingThe pilot study, calibration study, and validation studies 2 and 3 were conducted remotely, while validation study 1 was conducted in the lab.ParticipantsParticipants for all of the studies were recruited from the general population by a thirdparty market research firm and the samples were stratified by age, gender, race, ethnicity, and education to represent the U.S. population. The pilot sample included 1,950 participants and the calibration study included 1335 participants over the age of 8. Validation study 1 included 92 participants ages 20 to 84, validation study 2 included 1021 participants ages 18 to 90, and validation study 3 included 168 participants ages 28 to 87.MeasurementsParticipants in each of the studies completed the MTB Spelling test. Participants in validation studies 1 and 2 completed measures from the NIH Toolbox including Oral Reading Recognition as a measure of convergent validity, and Visual Reasoning and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning as measures of divergent validity. As an additional measure of convergent validity, participants in study 1 also completed the Spelling subtest from the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 4th Edition.ResultsThe MTB Spelling test demonstrated evidence of internal consistency (r=.79 to.83) convergent validity (r=.56 to.81, p<.01), discriminant validity (r =.23 to.36, p <.01), test-retest reliability (ICC=.63), and correlations with normal cognitive aging (r = −.06 to −.04, p >.01).ConclusionFindings suggest the MTB Spelling test is a reliable and valid measure of English spelling abilities in general population samples, and has potential in ADRD research.

Investigating The Impact of Communication Apprehension on Learning Public Speaking of English Major Students

Being able to stand in front of a crowd and speak in front of an audience is important for improving the academic achievement of individuals in the present as well as support for future career development. McCroskey and Richmond (1987) assert that the ability to speak in public is important for persuasion and effective communication because it allows people to confidently convey their ideas, engage an audience, and express themselves clearly. However, Horwitz et al. (1991) define linguistic CA as the feelings of discomfort or uncomfortable experienced by foreign language learners. Learning a foreign language can be stressful for many students, especially when they are in the classroom. This study aimed to investigate the impact of communication apprehension (CA) on the learning of public speaking skills among English major students at Nam Can Tho University. A quantitative data collection method was used to address three key research questions: (1) How does communication apprehension affect the learning of public speaking skills? (2) What are the common causes of communication apprehension among English major students? (3) What are the possible methods to reduce communication apprehension and improve public speaking skills? The study utilizes a questionnaire including 47 questions to identify common causes of communication apprehension (CA) to explore potential strategies to deal with CA in public speaking. The Reliability Analysis on 50 items of these clusters showed that the reliability coefficient of the questionnaire could be acceptable for all parts. The sample consisted of 135 university students enrolled in English Studies major in 4 different classes. They averaged around 18 to 22 years of age with 29,6 percent being males, and 70,4 percent being female. The result showed that the preparation skills significantly impact the result of public speaking. Besides, based on the questionnaire result, factors like inappropriate self-expectations, fear of evaluation, excessive focus on the topic, and fear of the audience's reactions have no effect or minor effect on their public speaking. The findings of this research help the students improve their public speaking skills and inform the development of effective interventions to enhance their communication competence.