Certificate Course Research Articles

Equitable teacher education in a virtual world: the promise of learning-oriented assessment

ABSTRACT This study reports teacher perceptions towards learning-oriented assessment (LOA) in an English language teaching certification course (Kompetanse for Kvalitet, KfK). The course was delivered online during emergency remote teaching caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Equitable practices in instruction and assessment aimed at collaboration, dialogue, group engagement, and active involvement based on LOA practices. Even though using assessment to promote learning has been gaining prominence, applying LOA in online learning has recently gained momentum. Thus, the study reports on how an online implementation of LOA is perceived by participants of a teacher education program concerning their learning. Data collection tools included a questionnaire (n = 132) and randomly sampled reflective writings (n = 23) submitted as part of the learner portfolio. Data were analyzed qualitatively through thematic analysis and quantitatively on SPSS using descriptive statistics and Factor Analysis with Varimax rotation. Findings indicated that LOA was perceived positively, offering opportunities to improve language and skills, link course content with teaching practice, and reflect on learning. Using LOA in post-COVID times empowered course participants to identify and monitor their progress and skills. The study has implications for teacher educators integrating LOA and technology in professional development to maintain equity and cultivate efficient learning.

Management Roles in Promoting Safety Awareness Among Teaching Staff in TVET Institutions

The recent government focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) underscores its pivotal role in developing a highly skilled workforce. TVET institutions primarily offer diploma and certificate courses in technical and vocational fields, which involve teaching and learning activities in workshops and laboratories. These settings pose inherent hazards which present risks to both students and staff. Therefore, ensuring safety awareness is essential to prevent industrial accidents. This quantitative cross-sectional study examines the impact of the management's roles in promoting safety awareness among teaching staff in selected Government TVET Institutions. The study focuses on three critical independent variables representing the management's duties: safety policy, safety and health committee functions, and safety training. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed to 119 teaching staff across four institutions in the central, northern, and east-coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia. The findings highlight the significant role of management in shaping safety awareness among teaching staff within Government TVET Institutions. Based on these results, it is recommended that institutions prioritize implementing robust safety policies, enhancing the effectiveness of safety and health committees, and investing in comprehensive safety training programs to further increase safety awareness levels among staff members.

CPR Memory and Skill Degradation Among Non-Allied Healthcare Professionals

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a lifesaving technique that is useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack, stroke, choking, or drowning, in which someone’s breathing and heartbeat have stopped.Under the guidelines put forth by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Organization (ECC), the American Red Cross and American Heart Association currently require that an individual’s CPR certification be renewed every two years. However, data has suggested that non-allied healthcare providers, such as school-based personnel, may require more regular training to maintain required CPR proficiency levels. Four hundred non-allied healthcare professionals from a school district in central Georgia were CPR-certified under the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Saver curriculum. Participants included 153 males and 247 females from elementary, middle, and high school settings. Participants included administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff. Two tenured college professors from the School of Health and Human Performance were responsible for teaching and certifying study participants. Each of these professors possessed a minimum of five years of CPR certification experience with the American Heart Association. Course sizes were limited to 12-15 participants. All CPR certification courses were implemented under standardized, controlled circumstances. Following the initial certification, twenty-five percent of participants were randomly selected to be reassessed at either three, six, nine, or twelve months, respectively, to determine memory and skill degradation rates and patterns. Degradation of declarative and procedural knowledge was observed during subsequent retest sessions at each of the three-, six-, nine-, and twelve-month marks. Scores depreciated approximately 10% each three-month retesting period, to 88%, 79%, 69%, and 57%, respectively. Data suggest that after six months, participants failed to meet the AHA standards for demonstrating acceptable declarative and procedural knowledge related to CPR implementation. Due to the observed degradation in both declarative and procedural knowledge, it is apparent that a more periodic training and recertification process in CPR is required for school-based personnel. A more consistent and periodic approach to preparing school-based first responders may prove beneficial in maintaining CPR proficiency rates, which very well could save lives.

Experiences as a clinical teaching fellow: interviews with clinical teaching fellows in the West Midlands

BackgroundThe majority of junior doctors in the UK do not proceed directly into specialty training after completing mandatory foundation training but instead take a year out of training. A common post undertaken during a year out of training is a clinical teaching fellow (CTF) role which is used to provide undergraduate medical student teaching. There is only a small amount of literature available regarding CTF posts, and very little of this explores experiences or reasons for taking up such as post. An understanding of the reasons why doctors are choosing to work as CTFs and what their experiences are in post will contribute to how the role is further developed and utilised within the NHS. This study aimed to explore the experiences of CTFs employed in the West Midlands at NHS hospital Trusts.MethodsCTFs working in Trusts in the West Midlands region registered as students on the Education for Healthcare Professionals Post Graduate Certificate course at the University of Birmingham in August 2019 and 2020 who were enrolled in a longitudinal study were invited to take part in an individual interview asking about their experiences as CTFs.ResultsNine CTFs participated in an interview. Five main themes were identified which related to their experiences in post and plans for future careers. Participants reported choosing to undertake a CTF role due to wanting a break from clinical work and having previously enjoyed delivering teaching. Positive experiences in post included lifestyle related benefits and self-development opportunities. Challenges identified with the role included the impact of COVID-19 and volume of students.ConclusionThis is the first study to use interview methodology to explore experiences of CTFs, and has provided a valuable insight into the experiences of those in post in the West Midlands region. Understanding why doctors chose this job and what their experiences are could help to further develop and refine the role. To guarantee demands for teaching staff are met those employing CTFs should be aware of reasons why doctors apply for the post and ensure the post remains a desirable option.

Profile Characteristics of Fertilizer Dealers in Kerala, India

In India, about 75 percent of the population is dependent directly or indirectly on the agricultural and allied sectors. Around 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture development not only involves crop production but also, the development of its stakeholders viz., farmers, fertilizer dealers, extension workers, NGOs, etc. Effective transfer of technology from research to farmers through appropriate stakeholders is crucial for achieving desired results. Fertilizer dealers, as key stakeholders, play an essential role in ensuring farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs needed to enhance productivity on their farms. Several programs have been launched to enhance the capabilities of these agricultural advisors. One such initiative is the 'Certificate Course on Integrated Nutrient Management for Fertilizer Dealers’. Consequently, this study was focused to study the profile characteristics of fertilizer dealers. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study with a sample of 300 respondents covering 7 districts of Kerala. From the analysis, it was found that majority of respondents were under medium profile characteristics. In light of these findings, it is advisable to implement refresher training during the off-peak season. This training will enhance dealers' knowledge and skills, enabling them to provide more effective guidance and support to farmers.

IAS Education Department Webinars and Certificate Courses [Education News

IAS Education Department Webinars and Certificate Courses [Education News

A Study on Motivational Factors and the Constraints Faced by Distance Learners of ODL Certificate Course Tea Cultivation Technology

A Study on Motivational Factors and the Constraints Faced by Distance Learners of ODL Certificate Course Tea Cultivation Technology

Assessment of timber engineering needs and practices in Bhutan: A comprehensive study

A survey was conducted to explore the intensity of timber usage and evaluate the knowledge and experiences amongst working professional timber handlers in Bhutan. Subsequently, a need assessment survey was carried out to understand the need and demand for certification courses in timber engineering in the country. Despite having an abundant timber resource and massive usage, Bhutan still needs to gain expertise in timber engineering. This study involved 90 respondents from timber processing, construction and manufacturing sectors across 12 districts in the country. Twenty-one respondents are timber technocrats who have significantly contributed to timber associate infrastructure, while 61 are from the Wood-based Industries, specifically from the timber manufacturing sectors. The key findings from this survey observed several barriers to timber use that include limited knowledge amongst designers, clients and construction companies, alongside concerns about durability and fire resistance. As per the findings, these challenges could be addressed through a dedicated timber engineering course, an idea supported by participants, with 80% of manufacturing professionals and 55–60% of others. The respondents also highlighted the demand for timber testing facilities in the country. This research underscores the need for timber engineering expertise in Bhutan's construction industry.

“Not Just Limited to the Class Itself”

This study presents the account and analysis of an attempt to make the development of higher-level reflection skills an explicit learning outcome on a Trinity College London CertTESOL course. It analyses the effect that this attempt had on the depth of the written reflections of trainee teachers, and attempts to uncover their perceptions of their own development. Previous work has examined the effect of interventions to encourage the development of reflective skills in preservice state-school teacher education and in-service teacher training. However, it has not addressed such an intervention on a TESOL Certificate course. The present study draws on the relevant literature to design a process of reflection, and analyses its effectiveness. Qualitative analysis consists of deductive analysis of participants’ written reflections and inductive analysis of transcripts from semi-structured interviews. Findings show that trainees developed their reflective skills, could use their reflections to adapt their teaching, and were aware of their own development. It concludes that aspects of TESOL Certificate courses are conducive to the development of reflective skills, and suggests a procedure which can maximise the benefits of these aspects and a level of reflection appropriate as a learning aim of such a course.

Knowledge of agro input dealers about certificate course on pesticide management

Knowledge of agro input dealers about certificate course on pesticide management

Role of Emerging Technologies in Improving Procurement Efficiency and Effectiveness in Ghana

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the role of emerging technologies in improving procurement efficiency and effectiveness in Ghana. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The role of emerging technologies in improving procurement efficiency and effectiveness in Ghana has been transformative, driving significant advancements in the procurement landscape. The adoption of technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics has streamlined procurement processes, enhanced transparency, and fostered better decision-making. Emerging technologies have automated repetitive and time-consuming tasks, reducing manual errors and speeding up procurement cycles. AI and machine learning algorithms have enabled predictive analytics, allowing procurement professionals to forecast demand more accurately, optimize inventory levels, and negotiate better with suppliers based on data-driven insights. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technology Acceptance Model, Resource-Based View (RBV) & Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) may be used to anchor future studies on role of emerging technologies in improving procurement efficiency and effectiveness in Ghana. Organizations can benefit significantly by investing in training and development programs tailored to equip procurement professionals with the skills needed to leverage emerging technologies effectively. Hands-on workshops, certification courses, and mentorship programs focused on technology integration should be prioritized to bridge existing skill gaps and build a workforce capable of implementing and managing these advanced procurement tools. Governments and regulatory bodies play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of emerging technologies in procurement. Developing flexible regulatory frameworks that accommodate the unique characteristics and risks associated with these technologies, such as data privacy and cybersecurity concerns, is essential. Policymakers should also consider incentives such as tax credits, grants, and subsidies to encourage organizations to invest in technology upgrades and innovations that enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness.

Enhancing ultrasound education in obstetrics and gynecology in Germany: insights and innovations from postgraduate training

BackgroundUltrasound (US) has become integral to obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn), necessitating proficient training during residency. Despite its clinical importance, there is a perceived gap in the quality and structure of postgraduate ultrasound education in Germany.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among Ob/Gyn residents in Germany from October 2023 to March 2024, using the LimeSurvey platform. The survey, distributed via email, social media, and physical flyers, garnered 211 participants, with 115 completing all sections. The questionnaire covered demographic details, US training experiences, and the perceived importance of US in clinical practice.ResultsAlthough US was highly valued by respondents, with an average of 26.1% of their clinical activity devoted to it, there was significant dissatisfaction with the training quality. Key issues included inadequate supervision, the necessity of self-training, and low participation in certification courses. Despite 93.0% awareness of professional US organizations like the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM), engagement with structured training programs was minimal.DiscussionThe study highlights a critical need for standardized US training protocols and curricular reform in Ob/Gyn residencies in Germany. The discrepancy between the recognized importance of US and the quality of training indicates a pressing need for improvements. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive, structured educational reforms could significantly enhance the proficiency and confidence of future Ob/Gyn specialists, ultimately improving patient care.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF AGRO-INPUT DEALERS GAINED THROUGH CERTIFICATE COURSE ON INSECTICIDE MANAGEMENT

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and has a crucial role to play in the country's economic development. Agro-input dealers are an important mediator for transfer of technology among the farmer in rural area. Agro input dealers trained about insecticide management that significantly increased their knowledge. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge of Agro-input dealers gained through certificate course on insecticides management and to ascertain relationship between attributes of respondents and their knowledge gained through certificate course on insecticides management. The study was conducted in South Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone in which total 405 agro-input dealers was selected for the study who were participated in the certificate course in the year 2021-22 at different centres of certificate course like Junagadh, Amreli, Khapat, Targhadiya, Dhari and Kodinar. The study revealed that after the completion of the certificate course, majority of agro-input dealers were from medium to high level knowledge group and course can be significantly increase the knowledge of agro-input dealers about insecticide management. The positive and significant relationship like education, numbers of university visit, numbers of training received and use of university technological product, revealed that these all variables had pivotal contribution in increase in knowledge of agro-input dealers. In addition to this, those agro-input dealers had contacted university by any means they get knowledge about insect pest management and insecticide management. The young farmers had more enthusiastic to acquire the knowledge about insecticide management. The regular and effective technology transfer of nearby recommended technological know-how, regular training should be imparted to young, educated and university contact farmers. May they were as change agents in the future.

Use of High-Fidelity Simulation as an Adjunct to Basic Life Support Training To Promote Team-Based Resuscitation Skills: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.

Introduction The 2020 American Heart Association's (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) curriculum focuses on cardiac arrest resuscitation with one or two rescuers, providing only limited opportunities to develop higher-level skills such as leadership, communication, and debriefing. This mixed-methods pilot study evaluated whether supplementing the traditional Heartcode BLS course with a high-fidelity teamwork simulation session improved mastery of these higher-level skills. Methods Twenty-four first-year medical students completed the pilot training during sessions offered in February and May of 2023. The program included the traditional AHA Heartcode BLS course, which ranges from two to four hours, and includes both online and in-person skills components. This was followed by a 90-minute high-fidelity simulation session consisting of two simulated resuscitationsseparated by a student-led plus/delta debriefing. Facilitators then debriefed the entire activity. Students completed an anonymous online survey that used a 0-10 slider scale to attribute their perceived proficiency for specific skills to the initial BLS course or the teamwork simulations and provided qualitative feedback. Results Twenty-one students (87.5%) completed the follow-up survey. Students credited their proficiency in technical skills (e.g., "Chest Compressions") to both sessions equally, but proficiency in higher-level skills, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, was predominantly credited to the simulation. Additionally, students reported that the teamwork simulation promoted realism and increased self-efficacy. Conclusion Team-based resuscitation simulations using high-fidelity equipment augmented the AHA BLS course by promoting perceived competence in team dynamics domains and increasing students' self-efficacy for participating in real hospital-based resuscitations. Studies with larger sample sizes and objective data should be performed, and the use of similar resuscitation simulations or the development of a formal team-based BLS certification course should be considered.

Особливості використання документарних форм міжнародних розрахунків в Україні

The peculiarities of the use of documentary forms of international settlements by economic entities of Ukraine are analyzed, in particular, advantages and disadvantages, requirements for the use of documentary forms of international settlements, as well as the main directions of innovative approaches to improving their application. The prospects for the development of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine are outlined. The stages of decision-making regarding the use of a documentary letter of credit in the implementation of an export operation have been developed. This article analyzed the use of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine, which is an important and necessary factor in ensuring the effective and safe implementation of foreign economic activity, especially in conditions of increased volatility of the international environment. The advantage of documentary forms of international settlements is that they provide a high level of protection of the interests of the parties to the agreement. They allow you to avoid risks associated with non-payment of goods delivery, unreliable information about the condition and quality of goods, possible changes in prices or exchange rates and other potential problems. The use of documentary forms of international settlements also ensures trust between the parties by monitoring compliance with the terms of the agreement. However, using a documentary form of settlement can also be a complex and sometimes inconvenient process, as it requires some interaction with paper and compliance with certain procedures. In addition, this form of payment can be expensive due to commissions and other costs associated with banking transactions. Ukraine, as a state with a high level of involvement in international economic relations, actively uses documentary forms for international settlements. This is confirmed by the large number of banks offering this service and the growth of foreign trade volumes. Thus, the use of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine is beneficial and necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of foreign economic transactions. However, it requires some discipline and additional costs. In general, the issue of the use of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine requires attention and resolution by improving the legal framework, passing certification courses, improving the qualifications of specialists, and increasing the number of banks that provide services for the use of documentary forms of international settlements. This will help ensure the safety and efficiency of foreign economic activity of Ukrainian companies.

ASUU Strike in Nigerian Universities: Implications for Students in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

Abstract The strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has significant impact on different stakeholders. Hence, this study investigated the implication of ASUU strike on students in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, by examining the lifestyle of students during ASUU strike; its effects; and the coping strategies employed by the students during the strike. This study was conducted among undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Cross-sectional survey design was used and 132 undergraduates were sampled using convenience sampling. Primary data were collected through the questionnaire, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentage and frequency count. Results showed that more students engaged in actively participating in social media and praying for the strike to be over, relaxation, and learning of skills while gardening, getting a certification course or interim job were the least engaged by students during the ASUU strike. The results above indicated that boredom was the highest effect of ASUU on students’ lifestyle, followed by worry and by anxiety while mental issues was the least felt consequence of ASUU strike by students. The study also revealed that the students employed some coping mechanism such as praying for an end to the strike, social media usage, learning a skill and even sleeping to mitigate the implications of ASUU strike. The study then concluded that the disruption of academic activities during the ASUU strike made students engage in different lifestyles while overcoming its effects by using coping strategies.

Can there be responsible AI without AI liability? Incentivizing generative AI safety through ex-post tort liability under the EU AI liability directive

Abstract In Europe, the governance discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has been predominantly centred on the AI Act, with a proliferation of books, certification courses, and discussions emerging even before its adoption. This narrow focus has overshadowed other crucial regulatory interventions that promise to fundamentally shape AI. This article highlights the proposed EU AI liability directive (AILD), the first attempt to harmonize general tort law in response to AI-related threats, addressing critical issues such as evidence discovery and causal links. As AI risks proliferate, this article argues for the necessity of a responsive system to adequately address AI harms as they arise. AI safety and responsible AI, central themes in current regulatory discussions, must be prioritized, with ex-post liability in tort playing a crucial role in achieving these objectives. This is particularly pertinent as AI systems become more autonomous and unpredictable, rendering the ex-ante risk assessments mandated by the AI Act insufficient. The AILD’s focus on fault and its limited scope is also inadequate. The proposed easing of the burden of proof for victims of AI, through enhanced discovery rules and presumptions of causal links, is insufficient in a context where Large Language Models exhibit unpredictable behaviours and humans increasingly rely on autonomous agents for complex tasks. Moreover, the AILD’s reliance on the concept of risk, inherited from the AI Act, is misplaced, as tort liability intervenes after the risk has materialized. However, the inherent risks in AI systems could justify EU harmonization of AI torts in the direction of strict liability. Bridging the liability gap will enhance AI safety and responsibility, better protect individuals from AI harms, and ensure that tort law remains a vital regulatory tool.

Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurses and Students’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Nursing Education in Bhutan

Abstract Background: In Bhutan, the Health School started in 1972 providing a 2-year certificate course for community health workers, assistant nurses and assistant technicians. In 1982, the Diploma course for nurses commenced and was assisted by the RAK College of Nursing Faculty, New Delhi, India, in formalising the curriculum and also carried out the evaluation of the first batch of nursing students. Objective: The study assesses the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of nurse educators (NEs), clinical nurses and students undergoing the Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery training towards nursing education in Bhutan. Methods: The methodology was a quantitative study using a self-administered questionnaire. The first section had demographic data, and the second had questions on KAP. The participants were NEs, students and clinical nurses. The study was done in the nursing institute, the national hospital and the district hospitals. The instrument, i.e. questionnaire, had a five-point Likert scale from ‘excellent, good, fair, poor, to very poor’ Results: In the results, students rated the KAP of NEs and clinical nurses as ‘good’. On the contrary, the attitude of students towards ‘gaining knowledge from the clinical area’ and their ‘eagerness to learn nursing’ are rated ‘fair’ Conclusion: The KAP provides a detailed view of the status of nursing education, and the data obtained from the study provide strong baseline information for nursing education in the future.

Growth, Opportunities and Challenges of E Learning Model in Higher Education and Professional Certification

The currently available database on scholastic pursuits is both outdated and inadequate. Incomplete coverage, excessive gaps, etc., plague the gathering and sharing of educational data. More and more schools and students are taking advantage of the exciting new possibilities made possible by the rise of e-learning as a direct result of the current environmental shift. Through reviewing a wide range of studies, theses, research, and papers published by a variety of writers in India and elsewhere, the researcher here is making an effort to glean any and all relevant information for the study. Literature can help guide the formation of research questions. Both primary and secondary sources of information are considered during the discovery process. In order to derive the research of e-learning platforms in pedagogy and professional certifications, secondary data should be gathered from many websites. Primary sources include both educators (professors and teachers) and learners (students). The material was examined and hence the following findings were produced from the study. Today’s e-learning approaches in higher education can be traced back to the original remote learning techniques. There are numerous causes for the expansion of the upper education and professional certification courses of e-learning industry, both from the institutions’ and students’ viewpoints. The researcher hopes to achieve all of the study’s aims and learn as much as possible about the topic by analysing the data gathered.

2187: Introduction of programmatic assessment in a medical physics certification course

2187: Introduction of programmatic assessment in a medical physics certification course