Educational Challenges Research Articles

Nurse Practitioners' Experiences of Transitioning to and Working in the Pioneering Nursing Role: An Interview Study.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in healthcare by providing person-centred and high-quality care. Their contributions encompass enhanced accessibility to healthcare and reduced hospital admissions and cost-effectiveness. They usually hold a master's degree in nursing, incorporating expanded clinical skills to manage patients in different settings and address both nursing and medical needs. Despite the global development of the role, its implementation varies, presenting challenges related to role clarity, regulation and acceptance by other healthcare professionals. To explore how nurses who are or have been employed as NPs describe their experiences of transitioning to and working in the NP role in Sweden. A qualitative interview study. This study explores the experiences of 15 NPs in Sweden, using a snowball sampling strategy and semi-structured interviews. The data were collected through interviews in April and May 2022 and analysed with inductive content analysis. The present study explores the experiences of NPs as they transition from experienced nurses to NPs, emphasising motivations, educational challenges, acceptance and autonomy. Transitioning into the NP role initially brought isolation that evolved into acceptance. They recognised their strength in integrating medical and nursing competencies for holistic care. Leadership was pivotal, with managerial support crucial for the successful implementation of the role. Autonomy-related challenges, such as prescription rights and dependency on physicians, underscored the need for a protected professional title and national guidelines. This study enriches the evolution of the NP role in Sweden, offering vital insights into the ongoing national-level dialogues on NP role development in Sweden. The paper's relevance extends globally by providing valuable perspectives on NPs practicalities and fostering international understanding and advancement. Standards for reporting qualitative research. Not applicable.

Exploring Complexities of Political Ecology in the Research and Practice of Environmental Education

Abstract This paper explores educational fallout from the realisation that the world system has planetary boundaries as limits that are real and that require different thinking and governance concerning how human beings ought to inhabit the planet. It will be difficult to have billions of people think about global concerns when they are focused on their own well-being. And so it comes to governance, locally, with bigger things in mind. Environmental education rhetoric has already begun to expand thinking to engage world systems as groundings for the politics that underpins decision-making above and beyond levels of theory/praxis. The educational challenge will be to lay out background theory and guidelines as we find ways to engage politically the problems amidst the power and control of the people that we elect as “leaders” at each level of educational and political systems. However, the challenge has been taken up and environmental education has created openings for exploring complexities of political ecology within environmental education.

Teacher Perceptions of Deep Learning Models for Special Need Students in Inclusive Vocational Schools: A Fuzzy Logic Analysis

This study investigated teacher perceptions of the Deep Learning model for students with special needs in a vocational school practicing inclusive education. Utilizing the fuzzy logic approach, data from teacher observations and surveys were processed. The research emphasized the critical role of Deep Learning model in addressing the challenges in inclusive education. Teacher insights are essential for enhancing the efficacy of the model in catering to the unique learning needs of special students. Understanding their perspectives contributes to the ongoing discourse on inclusive education, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers striving to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on inclusive education by shedding light on the practical implementation of the Deep Learning model for students with special needs in vocational education settings.

Interactive Audio-Visual Learning Media Through Articulate Storylines Containing Problem-Based Contextual Learning to Improve Students' HOTS and Scientific Attitudes

This study examines the development of interactive audio-visual learning media using Articulate Storylines with problem-based contextual learning to improve students' higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and scientific attitudes. Integrating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with audio-visual media aims to address the challenges of modern education by encouraging critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. The media design includes a login interface, learning materials on fluid dynamics, interactive quizzes, and evaluations. This study evaluates students' practicality, effectiveness, and scientific attitudes after using this media, with results showing moderate to high increases in HOTS. Validation tests show that this media is well-structured, engaging, and supports active learning, although the interactivity aspect can still be improved. N-Gain analysis shows that students improve their critical and analytical thinking skills per Bloom's Taxonomy and constructivist theory. These results indicate the potential of this media to enhance student learning outcomes.

“You really shouldn’t be here”: using social identity theory to explore under-represented ethnic minority (UREM) students experiences of belonging in a UK dental school

There is tacit acknowledgment that the psycho-social and educational challenges experienced by under-represented ethnic minorities in medical school are likely to be similar to those experienced by ethnic minorities in dental school. However, dental scholarship is not as expansive or comprehensive by comparison to confirm if this is the case. This paper addresses this research gap by presenting the findings of a small-scale exploratory study into the experiences of nine dental undergraduates from a variety of ethnic backgrounds studying at one UK dental school. A social identity theoretical framework was applied to the analysis of semi-structured interview data. The study reveals that dental school is a racialised educational space, where whiteness and white privilege are the norm and students from ethnic minority backgrounds occupy ‘out-group’ status through a process of depersonalisation and stereotyping. Their experiences reveal the existence of a climate of everyday racism perpetuated by students and faculty alike. This research calls on dental schools, and the dental profession more generally to address the lack of inclusivity as a pressing concern requiring immediate action.

EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF TRIBAL STUDENTS AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL IN ALIPURDUAR DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

India is home to over 84.4 million tribal people, or Adivasis, who represent some of the country's poorest communities, still reliant on traditional practices such as hunting, agriculture, and fishing, with distinct cultures, languages, and lifestyles. In West Bengal's Alipurduar District, over 80% of the population belongs to ethnic tribes. This study investigates the educational problems and needs of secondary-level tribal students in Alipurduar, focusing on gender differences. A survey of 60 students was conducted using the standardized "Educational Problems Questionnaire" and a self-developed "Educational Needs Questionnaire." The findings revealed that 51% of students face challenges in teaching methods, 54% in the social and educational environment, 56% in organizational and administrative issues, and 59% due to cultural and historical factors. Additionally, 48% of respondents expressed educational needs related to school education, 55% expressed societal support, and 44% expressed family involvement. These results underscore the importance of addressing the specific educational challenges faced by tribal students to promote equitable learning outcomes.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0710/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Study on the Current Challenges and Solutions in Adolescent Family Education

This paper examines the key challenges in adolescent family education, drawing from both domestic and international research. Through comparative and literature analysis, it explores the differences in family education approaches across various cultural and socioeconomic contexts, highlighting their profound impact on adolescent development. The findings reveal significant disparities in educational concepts, practices, and content, especially between urban and rural areas, as well as among families with varying parental education levels. To address these challenges, the paper proposes strategies to strengthen school-family collaboration, enhance parents' educational competencies, and improve the family education environment. These strategies aim to foster the holistic development of adolescents' physical and mental well-being. The study offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers in the field of adolescent education.

Tracing Some Challenges of Higher Education Historically in Nepal through Tribhuvan University

Tribhuvan University (TU) is the oldest and only central university in Nepal. It set a historical record in 2023 by convocating more than twelve thousand students at one time. Despite the presence of many regional and technical institutes and universities that contribute to Nepali society in higher education, Nepali students often prefer to study abroad after completing their school-level certificates. This trend has compelled Nepali university planners, educators, political parties, and governments to review the reasons for the brain drain among youth. The article aims to restore faith among Nepali citizens in the higher educational institutions available in the country, especially TU, and to encourage stakeholders to recognize the sensitivity of the issue so that brain drain can be reduced. To achieve this, the author selects various media writings on the higher education sector, websites, reports, and books on Gagne's psychological theory and the history of higher education in Nepal, adhering to qualitative research methods. The findings indicate that there is a need for correction and self-evaluation among TU authorities, Nepali political parties, and other stakeholders to contribute positively and help the university maintain its good image.

A Qualitative Examination of Instructor Experiences Regarding Pedagogical Challenges in Classical Guitar Education

This study investigates the pedagogical challenges faced by classical guitar instructors at Linyi University’s Music Department, with a focus on the integration of traditional Chinese musical elements into Western classical guitar education. Employing a qualitative research design, the study explores the lived experiences of 20 instructors through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Key findings reveal significant technical challenges, issues in repertoire selection, and difficulties in maintaining student engagement. The study also examines the strategies adopted by instructors, the influence of institutional support, and the impact of cultural factors on teaching practices. The results contribute to the broader discourse on cross-cultural music education and offer practical recommendations for instructors and institutions aiming to enhance classical guitar pedagogy in diverse cultural settings.

Exploration of Integrating English Courses with Professional Courses in Higher Vocational Colleges

With the acceleration of globalization and the increasing demand for high-quality technical and skilled personnel, the integration of English courses with professional courses in vocational colleges has become an important direction in educational reform. This paper explores the current state and challenges of vocational education, elucidates the importance of English courses in higher vocational education, and emphasizes the significance of curriculum integration in cultivating versatile talents. In the theoretical foundation section, the paper reviews language learning theories and vocational education theories, presents the basic concepts and framework of curriculum integration, and analyzes the theoretical basis for the collaborative development of language and professional education. In terms of practical pathways, the paper proposes specific implementation strategies such as curriculum design and content optimization, innovative teaching methods and approaches, teacher professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, and student evaluation and feedback mechanisms. The research indicates that systematic curriculum integration can significantly enhance the language skills and professional competencies of vocational students, promoting their overall development.

Structural Functionalism in Rural Primary Education: An Inquiry into the Alleviation of Digital Dilemmas

This paper thoroughly examines the educational challenges faced by China's rural primary schools in the modern digital context and suggests solutions based on the structural functionalism theory. The allocation of educational resources in rural primary schools is blatantly unequal under the dual structures of urban and rural areas, and the use of digital teaching also creates the dual issues of system imbalance and incomplete function. This paper, which is based on the structural functionalism theory, explains the challenges that digital education in rural primary schools faces, including a lack of resources, a shortage of skilled teachers, and an imperfect top-level educational design. In light of these challenges, the paper proposes some solutions, including enhancing the creation of digital education resources, enhancing teachers' capacity for digital teaching, creating and refining the digital management system for rural primary education, and fostering shared values to support the social identity of rural primary education digitization. In order to improve rural primary education in China, close the educational resource gap between urban and rural areas, advance educational equity, and raise the standard of rural primary education, this paper offers a theoretical and practical perspective on the digital transformation of rural primary schools.

Educational Construction in Ibn Khaldun's Philosophy: Literary Analysis and Contribution to Contemporary Islamic Education

This article aims to analyze the construction of education in Ibn Khaldun's philosophy and explore its contribution to contemporary Islamic education through a literature-based approach. Using library research methods, this study examines Ibn Khaldun's major work, Muqaddimah, along with various secondary literatures that discuss his philosophical views on education. The findings reveal that Ibn Khaldun views education as a gradual social process, emphasizing practical and moral learning, and the importance of critical, non-dogmatic education. This concept is relevant to the challenges of modern Islamic education, particularly in efforts to integrate intellectual and ethical education to build a generation that contributes to the advancement of civilization.

Aspek Epistemologi Inovasi dalam Manajemen Pendidikan Islam

This study examines the epistemological aspects of management innovation in the context of Islamic education. In an era of rapid technological development, Islamic educational institutions face challenges to remain relevant and effective. Innovation in educational management is key to facing this change. However, such innovation needs to be based on a strong epistemological understanding to ensure that the changes made are in line with the values ​​and goals of Islamic education. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The results show that the epistemological dimension plays an important role in shaping and directing Islamic educational management innovation. A deep understanding of the sources of knowledge, the process of acquiring knowledge, and the validity of knowledge in the context of Islam is the foundation for developing effective innovation strategies that are in accordance with Islamic principles. This study also offers recommendations for integrating Islamic epistemological perspectives into modern educational management practices.

Challenges of student-centered education in China: A Review

This review paper discussed the various challenges faced by Chinese universities in implementing student-centered education. Through an analysis of these challenges, this paper aimed to provide valuable insights for educational decision-makers, university administrators, and educational practitioners, helping them to address these issues systematically and fundamentally. This is not only a transformation of the educational model but also an exploration of cultivating innovative strategies who can adapt to future societal challenges, aiming to contribute to the development of Chinese educational system.

Pengaruh Perubahan Kurikulum Pendidikan Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa

This research aims to investigate the impact of curriculum changes on students' learning motivation at the secondary education level. The curriculum is a key element in the education system that can influence the learning process and student achievement. The data collection technique uses qualitative with a literature study approach. The data source used is a literature study, the data analysis technique used is a comparative study of the literature and identifying the impacts of main curriculum changes on student learning motivation, both positive and negative impacts. The research results show that curriculum changes can have varying impacts on student learning motivation. Positive impacts can occur when curriculum changes include refreshing learning materials, a more interactive teaching approach, clear educational goals, fair evaluation, and challenges that are appropriate to students' ability levels.

The importance of coding and translation between programming languages in sequential activities of pre-service teachers: an approach

AbstractIn the last two decades, computational thinking has gained wide relevance in international educational systems. The inclusion of this new type of thinking poses educational challenges with some underlying research questions that need to be answered to meet these challenges with quality. Thus, this study focuses on analyzing the difficulties that teachers in initial training experience have, when carrying out translation tasks of programming languages used by certain educational robots, in this case, the Cubetto. For this purpose, a specific learning sequence has been designed to work with different programming languages (Cubetto, Bee-Bot, Scratch) and natural language. The work of early childhood and elementary trainee teachers in these tasks has been analyzed using a descriptive approach. The main results are: (1) some of the difficulties encountered are clearly caused by the Cubetto hardware (regardless of the language to which it is translated) and (2) the designed learning sequence has enabled coding skills to be improved remarkably. We conclude that translation tasks between programming languages are necessary in initial teacher training to improve their ability programming and their computational thinking, and for them to be able to detect the disadvantages and benefits of educational robots in their transposition to the classroom.

A TRACER STUDY OF PHD IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION GRADUATES: RECOMMENDATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE PROGRAM

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of a PhD in Educational Administration program at a State University in Western Philippines through a tracer study, offering insights into the graduates’ demographic and academic profiles, career alignment, and recommendations for improvement. The study employed a descriptive research design, collecting data from 19 non-randomly selected graduates based on availability. Data were gathered using an instrument based on guidelines from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, with additional elements drawn from previous tracer studies. Analytical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, and arithmetic means were used to describe the findings. Results highlight that the PhD in Educational Administration program effectively serves mid-career professionals, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping them meet evolving leadership demands in educational administration. Graduates reported that the program equipped them with the necessary skills to excel in their current roles. However, they suggested several areas for improvement, including enhancing the program's accessibility and inclusivity. These recommendations are crucial to ensuring the program remains relevant, especially in preparing leaders capable of addressing modern challenges in education. This research provides new insights into the strategic role of tracer studies in shaping the future of educational leadership programs. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by proposing a continuous curriculum review, which ensures the program evolves alongside educational leadership trends. The study also underscores the importance of equipping faculty with current insights to strengthen the program's ability to prepare leaders for a dynamic educational landscape.

The Impact of AI on Personalized Learning and Educational Analytics

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized personalized learning and educational analytics, presenting new opportunities and challenges for adaptive education. This paper explores the impact of AI-driven technologies in creating personalized learning environments by examining how adaptive algorithms and data analytics shape educational experiences. The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of AI in enhancing learner engagement and outcomes through tailored instructional methods. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this research gathers quantitative data from learning management systems to analyze engagement metrics, while qualitative insights are derived from interviews with educators and students. The findings indicate that AI-driven personalized learning significantly improves both student motivation and academic performance by adapting content to individual learning needs. Moreover, educational analytics enabled by AI offer educators critical insights into student progress, enabling proactive intervention and support. However, the study also highlights concerns regarding data privacy and the potential over-reliance on AI technologies in educational settings. These findings suggest that while AI holds transformative potential, a balanced approach is necessary to integrate technology with traditional teaching methods to ensure optimal educational outcomes. The study concludes that AI can serve as a powerful tool in enhancing personalized learning and educational analytics, provided that ethical considerations and data security are prioritized.

The DSAIL-GeJuSTA Data Science Education Workshop: Designing a Data Science Curriculum for the African Continent

The DSAIL-GeJuSTA Data Science Education Workshop was a joint initiative by the Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAIL) and Gender Justice in STEM Research in Africa (GeJUSTA). GeJUSTA is a programme funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that is working towards increasing the representation of women in STEM. The workshop was held on 9 November 2023, during the 7th DeKUT International Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (STI&E) at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT). The conference ran from 8-10 November 2023. The event successfully convened 31 participants. The composition of the attendees was diverse, ranging from data-science educators, industry participants using data science, researchers who use data science and students in a myriad of courses, including engineering and pharmacy. The primary focus of the workshop was to have a discussion with the attendees and share practices around designing data-science curriculum, strategies for achieving gender equity in data-science education, addressing new technological challenges in education and fostering multidisciplinary approaches to data-science education. This report encapsulates the collective vision of the workshop participants, whose contributions have set the stage for progressive strides in data-science education.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DA FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA PARA PROFESSORES NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA

This study addresses continuing education for teachers, which is highlighted as an essential process for improving knowledge. Continuing education for teachers is currently seen as a process for improving knowledge, involving actions directed at professionals who educate, teach, learn, research, and evaluate. This study aimed to discuss continuing education for teachers within educational policies in Brazil, emphasizing its importance and analyzing the current Brazilian educational context. The methodology was based on bibliographic research, using Google Scholar as the main source. The results make it clear that this review article can intensify the reflection on the importance of continuing education in Brazil, exposing its relevance for a deeper understanding of the educational reality and the teaching-learning process. Continuing education appears as a decisive tool, supporting the work of teachers and driving the evolution of teaching and learning. It is known that the teacher is not a finished product, but a subject in constant transformation, requiring continuous improvement to face the challenges of modern education. Therefore, each teacher must be an eternal learner, breaking with stagnant traditions and embracing a journey of continuous innovation, as only in this way will we be able to transform the Brazilian educational scenario, propelling it towards new spheres of excellence and relevance.