Collaborative Support Research Articles

Exploring Private School Teachers’ Perceptions of Professional Development Sessions Through the Lens of Active Experimentation

The goal of this research study was to investigate the effects of D.A. Kolb’s active experimentation stage of experiential learning theory (ELT) on teacher professional development. This qualitative interpretive phenomenological study addressed the problem of teachers’ desires for effective professional learning experiences to improve student learning and instruction in the classroom. The research questions explored the perceptions of private school teachers regarding professional development sessions, specifically in the context of active experimentation. The study aimed to investigate the advantages of promoting a professional culture of continuous learning and teamwork among teachers through various methods such as lab classrooms, peer observation, professional learning communities, and peer coaching. The study adopts a descriptive approach utilizing focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews for data collection. Purposeful sampling was used to determine the sample and criterion sampling was used to select the participants. Biographic data was collected to provide background information about the participants involved. The biographic data allowed for stratification enabling the examination of various factors connected to the aim of the study. The study focused on understanding the benefits of providing teacher support through active experimentation during professional development sessions. Results showed that although teachers did not explicitly reference ELT when discussing effective strategies during professional development sessions, they referenced the value of hands-on, active participation in real-classroom stimulations during teacher professional development. The study’s findings also indicate a need for creating a consistent framework for professional development sessions that includes active learning, teacher collaboration, and continuous support in a culture anchored in trust.

Family quality of life and family-school collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic: perceptions of Swedish parents of adolescents with special educational needs

IntroductionCompared to other countries, Sweden did not introduce sudden lockdowns and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the country chose a less restrictive approach to managing the pandemic, such as staying at home with any symptoms of cold or COVID-19, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing. Preschools and compulsory schools remained open. In this context, limited evidence exists about how Swedish families of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) experienced collaboration with school professionals to support their children during the COVID-19, and how the pandemic affected parents’ perceptions of quality of their family life. The present study investigated parental perceptions of satisfaction with family-school collaboration and with family quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsTwenty-six parents of students with SEND who attended general lower secondary schools (grades 7-9) completed a survey using three measures: the demographic questionnaire, the Beach Center Family Quality of Life scale (FQOL), and the Family-School Collaboration scale – the adapted version of the original Beach Center Family-Professional Partnership Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations were used to analyse data.ResultsParents felt less satisfied with family-school collaboration related to child-oriented aspects; they were least satisfied with their emotional well-being aspect of family quality of life. Strong, significant and positive associations were found between family-school collaboration and disability-related support aspect of FQOL.DiscussionThe findings point to the importance of family-school partnerships in promoting students’ positive school achievements, and in enhancing FQOL. The findings have practical implications for professional development of pre- and in-service teachers within the existing curricula of teacher preparation programs. Implications for further research are discussed given the study’s small sample size and challenges in recruitment of participants.

FOSTERING HARMONIOUS SOCIETAL CONSTRUCTS THROUGH ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES

The paper underscores the profound impact of Islamic principles in promoting understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence within societal constructs. Drawing from various facets of Islamic teachings deeply rooted in the Qur'an and the Prophet's guidance, the study advocates for compassion, justice, and inclusivity in societal construction. The convergence of these principles serves as a beacon for fostering coexistence and justice, offering pathways to construct harmonious societies. Following an extensive exploration of inter-group relations in the region, the study proposes a set of recommendations to address challenges and cultivate lasting harmony. These recommendations encompass initiatives such as education and awareness programs to bridge gaps, community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, advocacy for inclusive governance, support for interfaith dialogue and collaboration, civic engagement and empowerment, enhanced security measures, collaboration with NGOs and international bodies, media sensitization campaigns, incorporation of Islamic perspectives into education and outreach, and continual research for adaptive strategies and effectiveness monitoring. The implementation of these recommendations is envisioned to create an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence, understanding, and shared prosperity within Nigeria, particularly Taraba State.

Monopolistic Behavior Analysis and Anti-Monopoly Strategy Research based on Cola Drinks Industry --Take the Comparative Analysis of Coca-Cola and Pepsi as an Example

This research explores monopolistic behavior and anti-monopoly strategies within the soft drinks industry, focusing on a comparative analysis of Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The study highlights how duopoly dynamics impact pricing and competitiveness in the market. It delves into historical competition between these industry giants, particularly during World War II, shedding light on Coca-Colas strategic dominance. The paper emphasizes the influence of brand promotion on pricing, revealing the potential for higher costs in the industry. Additionally, it underscores the significance of examining the effects of duopoly on cola drink prices for antitrust considerations. The research offers practical suggestions to address these challenges. Recommendations include fostering product innovation, building strong brands, establishing strategic partnerships, implementing pricing strategies, and emphasizing cost control. These measures aim to enhance overall industry pricing and competitiveness. Moreover, the study addresses the difficulties newcomers face entering the soft drinks industry and suggests policy incentives, collaborative efforts, engagement with industry associations, and regional focus as solutions to mitigate barriers to entry. Lastly, the research advocates for regulatory oversight, competition promotion, consumer education, price transparency, diversified supply chains, and support for collaboration and innovation to safeguard consumer interests. These measures aim to maintain a fair and diverse soft drinks market.

Cyber Opportunities: Fostering Women's Empowerment through E-Commerce in Afghanistan

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between women's empowerment and E-commerce, with a specific focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented in Afghanistan's post-conflict landscape. Globally, E-commerce has emerged as a transformative force, breaking down traditional barriers and providing avenues for women's active participation in economic activities. However, Afghanistan's socio-cultural context introduces nuanced challenges, including cultural norms, societal expectations, and limited access to technology. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study gathers insights from 100 Afghan women engaged in E-commerce activities. The findings reveal multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and address cultural barriers. Despite obstacles, the study underscores the resilience of women entrepreneurs in navigating the digital landscape. Education and digital literacy emerge as pivotal factors shaping women's participation, highlighting the necessity for tailored initiatives. The research culminates in key recommendations, advocating for clear national policies, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and digital literacy programs. Support for women entrepreneurship and collaboration with international partners are emphasized to create an inclusive and supportive environment for women in the digital economy. This research serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering actionable insights to empower Afghan women in E-commerce. By implementing the recommended strategies, Afghanistan can pave the way for sustainable development, economic growth, and the meaningful inclusion of women in the digital landscape.

Perspectives on funding structures, cross-cultural collaboration and institutional support needed to support the next generation of convergence climate scientists

Perspectives on funding structures, cross-cultural collaboration and institutional support needed to support the next generation of convergence climate scientists

Mental health provider and youth service users’ perspectives regarding implementation of a digital mental health platform for youth: A survey study

Background For youth and young adults (YYAs) with mental health concerns, digital mental health (dMH) can improve access to care and support collaboration with providers. Measurement-based care using a dMH platform may further optimize YYA outcomes by individualizing treatment approaches. Engaging service providers and YYA provides an opportunity to better understand how to mitigate implementation challenges. Aim Explore the experiences of mental health care providers and YYAs regarding the implementation of a dMH platform for YYAs accessing mental health care in multiple care settings. Methods Mental health care providers and YYA service users completed an electronic survey exploring their experiences and perceptions of implementing a dMH platform. Survey design, data analysis, and reporting were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results A total of 195 individuals (100 providers, 95 YYAs) responded. Of those, 48 providers and 79 YYAs reported using the platform at least once. Both groups identified several important factors supporting implementation including collaborative relationships between providers and YYAs, the ability to monitor mental health outcomes, and increased YYA engagement in care. The need for increased provider training and automatic reminders for YYAs to use the platform were common barriers. Each group perceived the other to be uninterested in using the platform, highlighting the importance of using all stakeholder views to inform implementation planning. Conclusions Successful implementation of dMH for care of YYA requires ongoing, user-informed training, integration into existing workflows, and alignment with YYA priorities for care. Future work exploring provider and youth perceptions of the others’ “buy-in” is needed to inform future implementation strategies.

The Living Well, Living Longer program: an integrated care strategy to improve the health of people living with severe mental illness.

Living Well, Living Longer (The Program) is an integrated care strategy to improve the physical health of people living with severe mental illness within a public mental health service. The significant life expectancy gap experienced by this cohort is largely attributed to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and modifiable risk factors. The Program addresses this by guiding people through the four stages of screening, detection, treatment initiation, and ongoing management of coexisting chronic health conditions. The Program adopted an integrated care approach to ensure the provision of appropriate and coordinated care across hospital and primary care services. Key care pathways include a cardiometabolic health assessment clinic, shared care with general practitioners, oral health services partnership and employment of peer support workers, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and smoking cessation to provide targeted community support and interventions. There has been strong engagement with the care pathways introduced since The Program's inception in 2013 and evaluation is currently underway to consider the impact on cardiometabolic health outcomes for participants. Critical to The Program's effectiveness has been engagement with lived experience expertise, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strong executive support. However, significant challenges persist amid an Australian public health crisis characterised by reducing rates of free primary healthcare access for people living with severe mental illness and enduring communication challenges between primary and secondary health services. With the implementation of MyMedicare and the imminent Single Digital Patient Record across NSW Health, we stand at a critical juncture. It is imperative to establish robust systems to enhance care for this vulnerable population.

Collaborative Optimization Decision Support System for Biomass and Smart Energy Based on Virtual Power Plant

Abstract Energy is an important basic resource for the development of human society. This paper develops a decision support system for collaborative optimization of biomass energy and intelligence using biomass energy and smart energy management technology. Explain the various methods by which biomass can be transformed into usable energy for power plants. A smart energy management model is constructed using Internet of Things technology, and its performance prediction model is predicted using the gray prediction model. To study the optimal allocation of energy in the system constructed in this paper, the objective function and constraints are built using carbon capture technology, and the optimal allocation conditions of energy are calculated. After experimental analysis, it was found that in 2020, biomass energy power generation reached 29 million kilowatts, which was 020.1 million kilowatts higher than in 2015. The co-optimization strategy of biomass energy and smart energy constructed in this paper supports the energy utilization efficiency of the system to reach more than 60%. Compared to the traditional energy division system, the constructed system saves an annual cost of 52.71%. The payback period was shortened to 3.31 years, resulting in a net present value increase of 2.8991 million yuan. The energy synergy system’s power supply produces the least amount of carbon dioxide from an environmental perspective and has been stabilized at 50 kg.

Single Valued Neutrosophic Sets for Analysis Opinions of Customer in Waste Management

This study presents an analysis of consumer opinions on waste medicine management. The study explores consumers' concerns, preferences, and suggestions regarding correctly disposing unused or expired medications. The analysis shows the key points that emerged from consumer opinions, including environmental impact, public health and safety, accessibility and affordability, education and awareness, pharmaceutical industry responsibility, convenience and ease of disposal, privacy and confidentiality, community engagement, alternatives to disposal, extended producer responsibility, international collaboration, technology solutions, environmental stewardship, and government regulation and support. This study shows the importance of understanding consumer perspectives in developing effective waste medicine management strategies prioritizing environmental sustainability, public health, and consumer satisfaction. We used the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology to deal with these criteria. We gathered 15 criteria concerned with waste medicine management. We used the DEMATEL method to show the criteria weights and relationships between criteria. The DEMATEL method is integrated with the single-valued neutrosophic set to deal with uncertain data. The results show the environmental impact has the most significant weight.

Community resilience through partnership after the Great East Japan Earthquake: cooking classes by Iwate Co-op and a food company.

This case study aimed to demonstrate how cooking class activities held in collaboration with the Ajinomoto Foundation (TAF) and a consumer cooperative after the Great East Japan Earthquake contributed to the resilience of the affected community. With reference to the logic model, evaluation indicators for the case study were established. We focused on the Iwate Seikatsu Kyodo Kumiai (Iwate Co-op). We organized 120 continuation cases out of the eight-and-a-half-year activity records of the project owned by TAF (April 2012 to March 2020). The Iwate Co-op was one of the 120 continuing cases and had special features, including awareness that its members were responsible for the community. The collaboration revealed three effects. First, owing to the encounter and collaboration with TAF, the cooking class was continuously conducted even after TAF withdrew from the disaster-affected areas. Second, the Iwate Co-op trained some of its members as food support staff to run the cooking class independently and was actively involved in obtaining the necessary budget for the operation, consequently leading to the independent activation of member activities. Third, they developed a cooking class project in inland areas other than disaster-stricken areas, assuming that they could incorporate the project into their existing activities, as food problems affected people beyond disaster victims. The collaborative food support project of the Iwate Co-op and TAF contributed to the resilience of the affected people and communities by strengthening bonds and solidarity among residents and organizations. The key to success was the fusion of a traditional sense of independence in the co-op with TAF's mission and technical know-how. The partnership between the Iwate Co-op and TAF allowed the former to aim toward developing food support activities in the affected areas, accelerating the resilience of the community in the Iwate Prefecture.

The impact of online interprofessional learning on family health education to prepare collaborative-ready health professionals: A mixed-method study.

Interprofessional education (IPE) is an experience that occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to improve the quality of health services. One of the IPE teaching strategies is to use an online approach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community needs effective health education to prevent disease transmission. This study aims to assess the attitudinal changes toward IPE among health students in Indonesia after attending an online course during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a mixed-method study design with a concurrent approach. It was conducted in 2021 at a health profession education school of a University in Indonesia. An online project-based interprofessional learning in family health education was conducted. The quantitative analysis was carried out using pre- and post-tests with The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) survey. Meanwhile, the qualitative methods used the phenomenological approach to Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and student reflective essays. The qualitative data were coded using thematic content analysis. The paired samples t-test was used if the data were normally distributed, or the Wilcoxon test if the data had abnormal distribution. The students' attitudes regarding team and collaboration; professional identity; roles and responsibility improved significantly from pre- to post-test (<0.001). The participants perceived that all four interprofessional core competencies were achieved in their learning. They also mentioned their experiences regarding factors contributing to the success of the online course. The family health education project gave the participants more insight into professionalism and patient-centered care. Online IPE courses can increase student readiness in collaborative practice and support students' learning to achieve interprofessional core competencies. The students feel the benefit of family health education for their profession.

Workforce agility: a systematic literature review and research agenda.

The definition and operationalization of workforce agility, initially associated with multitasking abilities, have evolved to encompass aspects of adaptability, proactivity, and resilience, which are now widely accepted. However, some authors have expanded this concept by adding elements such as intelligence, collaboration, and social support, leading to confusion and disagreement on how to consistently measure workforce agility. Furthermore, the literature emphasizes the importance of workforce agility in achieving business goals and adopting innovative management models, yet it provides limited structured guidance for future research. This study uses Scopus and Web of Science as the primary databases. The search was not limited to a specific period but included articles up to 2024, with an initial sample of 176 articles. After a screening process based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 74 articles were included in the thematic analysis and data synthesis. Workforce agility has been positioned as an independent, mediating, moderating, and dependent variable in various studies. Most studies examine workforce agility at the individual level, with only about 10 studies exploring this aspect at the organizational level. However, no research has specifically explored workforce agility at the team level to date. The primary objective of workforce agility research is to expand and connect theories with diverse methodological approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. As a result, theoretical foundations and inter-variable relationships are established to identify recommendations for future research. More than 25 fundamental theories have been identified and categorized into nine groups. These nine groups were then reformulated into four general theories: Organizational and Management Theory, Communication and Social Interaction Theory, Behavioral and Learning Theory, and Economic Theory. Based on previous research, several recommendations for future research have been outlined, including conducting longitudinal studies, integrating mixed methods, considering the global cultural context, expanding research samples, developing conceptual models, exploring mediating and moderating variables, developing workforce agility theories, creating efficient evaluation methods, and implementing multilevel models.

THE STUDY OF XI JINPING'S IMPORTANT DISCOURSES ON YOUTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AND THE PATH OF PRACTICE

Based on Xi Jinping's important statements, speeches, and conferences on education, youth education, and youth science and technology education in recent years, this study comprehensively uses research methods such as literature review and text analysis to analyze the formation, scientific connotation, and contemporary value of Xi Jinping's important statements on youth science and technology education. Based on this, a case qualitative study was conducted on the current situation of youth science and technology education, and the practical path of youth science and technology education development was explored from three dimensions: carrier construction, institutional mechanism guarantee, and collaborative promotion, providing theoretical and practical support for the development of youth science and technology education in China.

"It's Opened My Eyes to a Whole New World": Positive Behaviour Support Training for Staff and Family Members Supporting Residents With Dementia in Aged Care Settings.

This study examined the acceptability and usefulness of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training in enhancing the capabilities of support staff and family members providing behaviour support to residents with dementia in residential aged care (RAC). A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted across 3 RAC organisations, involving pre- and post-training questionnaire assessments for clinical leaders (n = 8), support staff (n = 37) and family members (n = 18). Findings indicated increased confidence among support staff and family members in providing behaviour support, with 96% indicating it would support their practices across settings. Key training benefits included identifying and addressing underlying causes of challenging behaviours. A majority (89%) expressed the need for further behaviour support training. Recommendations focus on developing systems to enable effective and collaborative behaviour support practices. Further research is needed to examine application of PBS principles and planning for residents living with dementia.

Promoting Heritage Language: A Phenomenological Study on the Approaches Used by Cordilleran Students

Heritage languages are crucial to identity and community cohesion, but they face a threat from dominant global languages in education, media, and mobility. This threatens their transmission between generations and risks their survival and evolution. This phenomenological study aimed to investigate the approaches utilised by university students in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in one of the universities in Northern Philippines to promote their heritage languages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively sampled participants who met specified inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis uncovered four main strategies students employ: intergenerational family transmission, interpersonal sharing and storytelling, informal peer teaching and exchange, and online dissemination. Findings reveal the vital role of families in developing heritage language proficiency through exclusive daily use and active transmission across generations. Students leverage interpersonal interactions and storytelling to affirm cultural identities and foster belonging. Peer teaching enables organic exchange and retention through translation, lessons, and collaborative projects. Interactive online platforms provide expanded reach for promoting heritage beyond local communities. Overall, promotion occurs through interconnected familial, social, educational, and virtual modes that empower students as change agents counteracting assimilation pressures. This contributes to identity formation, pluralism, and sustaining marginalised traditions often excluded from formal domains. Recommendations include an integrated approach reinforcing students' informal efforts through heritage programmes, intergenerational activities, media guidance, policy support, and community collaboration. Formal initiatives should strategically nurture familial foundations and amplify student-driven promotion spanning diverse spheres.

Organizational conditions and teacher turnover in private schools of United Arab Emirates

This paper explores factors contributing to teacher turnover and job satisfaction in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study deployed a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design to examine organizational conditions influencing teacher turnover decisions and job satisfaction in UAE's private schools. Findings indicated that teachers perceived low support from leaders in student-related matters, professional recognition, professional goal advancement, involvement in decision-making, and collaborative culture. Teachers also perceived a high workload and a low work-life balance. These findings have implications for professional development programs for school leaders focusing on talent management strategies that enable supportive structures and professional collaboration opportunities while balancing teacher workload. Focusing on these factors can improve teachers' working conditions, satisfaction, and retention.

Practice of Critical Pedagogy in Higher Education Classrooms

Relying on the context of university teachers to unveils their awareness of and practice different tenets of critical pedagogy (CP). This article focuses on how university teachers perceive and practise diverse values of CP regarding classroom relationships, interactivity, and assignment-based learning in the constituent campuses of Nepal. The lived experiences elicited from the in-service's teacher employing in-depth semi-structure interview within the frame of interpretative design have been interpreted in the article. In the context of prevailing classroom practices from the critical perspective, teacher holds the positive understanding towards using the critical pedagogy. Despite the importance of critical pedagogy, effectively, incorporating critical pedagogy in classroom pose the challenges related to teacher professionalism, collaboration, traditional mindset and administrative support as well as student-related issues. This paper suggests utilizing the critical pedagogy successfully; teacher requires to be more responsible, friendly, and professional.

Transformative Role of ICT in 21st Century Learning: Enhancing Educational Effectiveness and Equitability

Abstract: The 21st century has witnessed a significant transformation in education through the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This article explores how ICT enhances educational effectiveness and equitability, focusing on student engagement, personalized learning, teacher professional development, and narrowing educational disparities. ICT adoption has positively impacted student engagement and learning outcomes, enabling educators to create dynamic and immersive learning experiences. Through adaptive learning technologies, ICT allows personalized educational content tailored to individual student needs, fostering deeper understanding and self-directed learning. To fully leverage ICT's potential, continuous professional development for educators is essential. However, the digital divide remains a challenge, with disparities in technology and internet access. Policymakers and educators must collaborate to address infrastructure limitations, privacy concerns, and resistance to change. By promoting student engagement, facilitating personalized learning, empowering educators, and bridging the digital divide, ICT can revolutionize education, creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Continuous research, collaboration, and policy support are vital in harnessing the transformative power of ICT in education.

Factors Influencing the Institutionalization of Health Technology Assessment: A Scoping Literature Review

ABSTRACT There is global interest in institutionalizing Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to inform resource allocation decisions. However, institutionalization of HTA remains limited particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. We conducted this scoping review to synthesize evidence on factors that influence the institutionalization of HTA at the macro (national)-level across countries globally. We searched for relevant literature in six databases namely PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, EconLit, and Google Scholar. We conducted the last search on December 31, 2021. We identified 77 articles that described factors that influence institutionalization of HTA across 135 high-, middle-, and low-income countries. We analyzed these articles thematically. We identified five sets of factors that influence the institutionalization of HTA across countries of different income levels. These factors include: (1) organizational resources such as organizational structures, and skilled human, financial, and information resources; (2) legal frameworks, policies, and guidelines for HTA; (3) learning and advocacy for HTA; (4) stakeholder-related factors such as stakeholders’ interests, awareness, and understanding; and (5) collaborative support for HTA through international networks and non-governmental and multi-lateral organizations. Countries seeking to institutionalize HTA should map the availability of the factors identified in this review. Developing these factors wherever necessary can influence a country’s capacity to institutionalize the conduct and use of HTA.