Competence Profile Research Articles

Latent profiles of Chinese students' social-emotional learning competencies and their associations with academic motivation and achievement

We investigated the latent profiles of social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies among Chinese high school students and their association with academic motivation, achievement, and personal characteristics. Latent profile analysis of a sample of 1530 eleventh graders revealed four distinct profiles: high SEL competencies, average SEL competencies, low SEL competencies, and extremely low SEL competencies. There were significant differences in students' expectancy-value beliefs and achievement goals across these profiles. However, achievement levels did not significantly vary with SEL profiles, suggesting that SEL and academic success might coexist independently in Chinese high school students. The profiles also showed meaningful associations with student characteristics, including gender and growth mindset. Notably, different from studies conducted in the Western context, the underrepresentation of female students in the high SEL competencies group highlights a potential cultural disparity, warranting further investigation. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of integrating SEL curricula into Chinese educational settings to enhance students' social, emotional, and academic development.

Skills and competences of sexuality educators. Evidences from a qualitative research in Italy

Abstract Background The scientific literature recognizes the strategic role of educators in sexuality education projects in schools. If, however, there is often a discussion about the most effective professional figure (teachers, school experts or external experts), there is a little attention to the skills and competences that an educator should possess and to which he or she must be trained. Adopting a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) approach, which is evaluated as the most effective, it is necessary to consider a skill set for educators that should not be limited to the knowledge in the area of sexual health promotion and risk prevention. Methods In order to build evidence-based competencies and skills, a qualitative study was conducted. A total of 72 educators involved in school-based CSE interventions in 4 Italian Regions, in 24 middle and secondary schools (68 classes), during 2 consecutive school years were enrolled. Before, during, and after the activities in the classrooms, qualitative feedback was collected, through reflective journals written by educators themselves. These data were analyzed through a qualitative approach, according to the principles of empirical phenomenology. Results The phenomenological evidences confirm the need to overcome the conception of educator as instructor equipped only with knowledge in the field of sexual health. It is considered fundamental to possess and develop pedagogical competences and skills, such as: caring attitude, teaching skills, theoretical awareness, capacity to manage the unexpected. Moreover, educators reported the necessity of an initial and continuous training on these dimensions considered as the most challenging. Conclusions The research confirms the complexity of the competency profile of CSE educators. Therefore, their professional development should include tailored designed multi-disciplinary training programs, with particular attention to the pedagogical dimension. Key messages • Comprehensive sexuality education requires an adequate professional figure intended not as an instructor aimed only at risk prevention and health promotion, but as a real caring educator. • Pedagogical skills and competences should be included in the training processes for sex educator, through adequate activities.

Social services and healthcare personnel’s digital competence profiles: A Finnish cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecent research has highlighted the deficiencies and variations in the digital competences of social services and healthcare personnel. Yet there is a shortage of data regarding how the personnel use digital devices and solutions and their attitudes towards digitalisation. Hence, a systematic investigation into digital devices and solutions in healthcare is warranted. ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyse the similarities and differences in digital competences and organisational support among healthcare personnel, focusing on using digital applications and services. The primary research question was to investigate what kinds of digital competence profiles are identifiable through social services and healthcare personnel self-assessments. MethodsThe survey was conducted in the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland at the end of 2023. It utilised validated self-assessment methods and garnered 643 responses from social services and healthcare professionals. Data analysis involved quantitative cluster analysis for grouping participants and qualitative content analysis for describing the clusters. ResultsThe study resulted in a final model of seven clusters that presented distinct digital competence profiles with relatively even sizes. These clusters represented the different aspects of digital usage among social services and healthcare professionals. They could be categorised into three overarching profiles: 1) Motivated digital experts, 2) Burdened digital users and 3) Frustrated survivors. Motivated digital experts comprised up almost half of the respondents (45.1%). Still, the findings also facilitated identifying of a small group of Frustrated survivors (7.5%) who represented burdened and stressed digital users. ConclusionsThe results indicate significant variances in digital competence profiles among employees. Social services and healthcare personnel perceive the opportunities and challenges associated with digital applications and services differently. Further detailed research into the disparities between digital competence profiles is necessary, particularly regarding the types of support that benefit different profiles the most.

Unveiling the Core Competencies in Neuroscience Nursing Within the Context of Italy: A Qualitative Phenomenological Analysis.

Background: In 2008, the European Association of Neuroscience Nursing (EANN) initiated the NeuroBlend™ project, which aimed to delineate the roles and competencies of neuroscience nurses across Europe. This project resulted in the development of the European Competence Profile (ECP), intended to standardize educational pathways and professional recognition for this specialized field. Aim: This study examines the relevance of neuroscience nursing practices to the competencies outlined in NeuroBlend™ across different Italian care settings, including multiple sclerosis, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric neurology, Alzheimer's disease, and substance addiction. Methods: A phenomenological approach was employed, utilizing focus groups to gather the perspectives of nurses on the competencies defined by the NeuroBlend™ model. The focus groups were conducted from May 2022 to September 2022. The data collected from the focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty nurses participated in the focus groups. Thematic analysis revealed the core competencies, such as communication, empathy, flexibility, and reflective skills, as critical in all care settings. The main themes that emerged were relationships with patients and families, personalized care, and continuity of care. Conclusions: The competencies outlined in the NeuroBlend™ framework are vital to the role of neuroscience nurses in the settings studied and remain highly relevant in the context of Italian healthcare.

Referral pathway and competency profiles of primary care physiotherapists and kinesiologists for physical activity interventions for diabetes: a modified Delphi study

BackgroundHigh quality diabetes care is an essential service in primary care settings since the prevalence and associated complications of diabetes is increasing. Physical activity is effective for the prevention and management of diabetes yet is underutilized in diabetes care. Exercise professionals have specialized skills to deliver physical activity interventions, but effective interprofessional collaboration for diabetes care requires role clarity. This study established the competencies of entry-level physiotherapists and kinesiologists for physical activity interventions for diabetes care in primary care settings and used these competencies to develop clinical tools to promote role clarity in interprofessional care teams.MethodsWe used a modified Delphi process. Eleven physiotherapy and three kinesiology subject matter experts participated in two rounds of Delphi surveys to develop discipline and context specific competencies. These competencies were used to draft competency profiles and a referral pathway tool. Eleven of the participants then participated in a focus group for member-checking of the tools. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively.ResultsThe modified Delphi process resulted in 38 physiotherapy and 27 kinesiology competencies that identify the distinct roles of physiotherapists and kinesiologists in delivering physical activity interventions for diabetes care. The physiotherapy competencies describes their unique role in supporting people with all types of diabetes to engage in physical activity despite complex medical or physical barriers. The kinesiology competencies indicate where these professionals may require additional training, especially when working with people living with type 1 diabetes or who are pregnant. All developed tools had good face validity and were seen to be potentially useful tools by the subject matter experts.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that both physiotherapists and kinesiologists have fundamental skills and abilities to deliver physical activity interventions to people living with diabetes, but that different exercise professionals may be needed depending on the complexity of the clinical profile. The developed clinical tools support improved interprofessional collaboration by clarifying physiotherapy and kinesiology roles in delivering physical activity interventions for diabetes care and highlighting how the two distinct professions can contribute to addressing the growing diabetes epidemic in primary care.

Training for Board Game-based Learning: Evaluation Model and Preliminary Results From a National Program in Italy

Board Game-Based Learning (bGBL) is a dynamic pedagogical approach that leverages the immersive power and distinctive features of board games to promote active and meaningful learning. However, the use of board games in formal learning environments (such as schools, universities, etc.) is limited, and its use in informal learning contexts (such as cultural associations, after-school, fairs, summer camps, etc.) is often reduced to solely entertainment or engagement functions. The reasons include lack of competencies by teachers and educators and of pedagogical and instructional frameworks in scientific literature. In Italy, a joint effort by the National Sport association (CSI) and the Game Science Research Center has given birth to the first bGBL training course at the national level, based on a two-step structure: the first level (L1) is a short training aimed at all individuals willing to learn how to conduct board game activities in different settings; the second level (L2) is a more intensive course aimed at L1 trainees willing to learn how to design, implement, and evaluate bGBL activities. Evaluating the impact of such training is paramount to improve its quality, promoting new training opportunities nationwide, and better understand the competencies required for effective bGBL implementation in different settings. The present study focuses on two main aspects: first, presenting the model for evaluating the course, using Kirkpatrick’s Four levels of evaluation as a reference framework, and the related tools that have been developed, including an ex ante-ex post questionnaire based on four dimensions of self-assessment (performance, process, attitudes, and idea of self); second, presenting preliminary results. We aim to identify the professional, motivational and competence profiles of individuals entering L1 courses, information that is instrumental to design the training to fit participants’ needs and expectations. Taken together, this study might provide valuable information on the implementation of bGBL in various educational contexts and inform the design of learning curricula to enhance bGBL competencies.

Development of innovations for neighborhood care-Contribution of social innovation laboratories

The article demonstrates the contributions of the innovation program "D-Care Lab Baden-Württemberg 2023" to the development of innovative solutions for neighborhood care. The effects of the program are reconstructed on the basis of initial research findings pertaining to the innovation program. Adistinctive aspect of the laboratory is its cross-sectoral collaborative structure. The levels of impact can be defined as follows: the acquisition of skills by the participants, the connection between skills acquisition and learning arrangement, the changes observed as aresult of participation and the innovative solutions developed for care in the neighborhood. The initial results are presented in accordance with the theoretical research design and research methods previously outlined. The results demonstrate alterations in the competence profiles of the participants and the impact of the cooperative laboratory setting on the development of solutions. Based on these findings, the function of innovation programs becomes evident, thereby highlighting the necessity for mid-term to long-term impact analysis.

Literature in Language Education: Exploring EFL Learners’ Literary Competence Profiles

Literature in Language Education: Exploring EFL Learners’ Literary Competence Profiles

Defining Work Ethics in the Modern Labour Market: Ethical Competence Criteria Emerging from Technological Development and Moral-Theological Documents

Ethical competence is not an easily defined concept, especially with respect to the job requirements resulting from new technologies and digital transformation of the economy. The present paper attempts to define the competence profile of a worker in knowledge-based economy and workplaces using automation and digital technologies, but in relation to sources from encyclicals and other moral-theological documents. This profile includes specific ethical criteria, which are relevant and valid regardless of the times. Moreover, in the face of technological progress in modern economies, these criteria seem to have the power to influence the effectiveness of work processes. Thus, features such as respect for human dignity, responsibility, honesty, quality, courage, trustworthiness, justice, and secrecy should be considered as key for recruitment and evaluation of human capital in the modern labour market. As these are values mentioned in moral-theological documents, including papal encyclicals, they refer to the essence of human work and ensure that no man is reified.

Design, Implementation, and Adaptation of a Tutoring Program for the Competency Development of New Nurses in a Hospital Emergency Department.

The healthcare environment faced by nurses is complex, with high workloads and situations of high comorbidity. The integration of nurses into the work environment is a cause for concern, and improvements are sought for their incorporation into the workforce. The benefits of mentoring programs are described not only for nurses but also for patients with safer practices and benefits for the institution due to the increased commitment of its professionals. A methodological article that illustrates the complete process to design and implement a tutoring program for new nurses in an emergency department is presented. The competency profile required for the figure of tutor was developed, including the steps followed for the development of the program and the structure and phases of which it is composed, as well as the validation of the evaluation instruments of the process. A strength was the participation of experts during the in-depth analysis of the competency profile, as well as in the adaptation of the evaluation items, which endorses the pertinence, relevance, usefulness, and clarity of the content of this program. The transparency in this methodology makes it possible to follow the steps for its reproduction and applicability in other hospitals.

Development Of Pedagogical Competence of Indonesian Primary School Teachers: Merdeka Learning Implementers

This research describes the development of driving teacher pedagogical competence. This study aims to describe teachers efforts in developing pedagogical competence, supporting and inhibiting factors in developing pedagogical competence for teachers driving Indonesian elementary schools using the IA (Appreciative Inquiry) approach. In this study, the subjects studied were 37 driving teachers in 25 public and private elementary schools in Klaten Regency. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews, field notes, and documentation. To check the validity of the data, triangulation of sources and research techniques was used. Data analysis techniques using Cresswell's 4-step analysis model. The pedagogical competency profile of driving teachers to explore pedagogical knowledge based on philosophy and psychology of the development of elementary school age children, based on reflective abilities, understanding and resilience of emotional intelligence has shown a fairly good classification for 42.3% of teachers and a good classification for 57.6% of teachers.

PROFIL KOMPETENSI GURU MATEMATIKA DITINJAU MELALUI TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (TPACK) DILIHAT DARI SERTIFIKASI GURU

This research describes competency profile of certified mathematics teacher(s) and non-sertified mathematics teacher(s) which were investigated through TPACK. Applying a qualitative approach to case study research. The data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, and observation techniques. Determining subjects was carried out using a purposive sampling technique, 2 types of subjects were obtained: 2 certified mathematics teachers and 2 non-certified mathematics teachers. Data analysis applying the spiral model by Creswell. Checking the validity of the data was carried out using observation and data triangulation techniques. The results of this research show: (1) certified mathematics teachers have very good TPACK abilities, they are able to choose, use and teach by ascertaining whether the learning class conditions support applying technology or not, (2) meanwhile, the results on non-certified mathematics teachers show good TPACK abilities. This means that teachers can choose, use, and teach learning that combines technology, content, and teaching approaches, but however they experience difficulties in adjusting learning using technology at the first time they used it.

Mapping competency profiles of schools of public health: implications for public health workforce education and training in Israel.

Competency frameworks are essential for analyzing capabilities of Schools of Public Health to adequately prepare public health (PH) professionals to address contemporary challenges. This study maps the competency profiles of PH training programs in Israel using a novel curriculum mapping tool. This study assessed all five Israeli Health Education Institutions (HEIs) offering MPH or Bachelors in Public Health (BPH) degrees across 57 competencies in six domains to determine the extent to which competencies were addressed in the curriculum. The competencies list was based on the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) List of Core Competences for the Public Health Professional, adapted for Israeli HEIs. The core curricula in the four MPH programs addressed 45-84% of all competencies. The BPH program addressed 79% of competencies. In MPH programs, the core curricula addressed most or all competencies in the Methods and the Socioeconomic Determinants of Health domains. Competencies in the domains of Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Policy, Economics & Organization, and Health Promotion and Prevention were less comprehensively addressed in most core curricula. Students' opportunities to broaden their exposure to competencies outside the core curricula were context dependent. The curriculum competencies mapping tool that was developed served to assess both strengths and shortcomings in PH education in Israel. The findings demonstrate a highly variable array of PH curriculum models in Israeli HEIs, as well as overall shortcomings in the Environmental, Health Policy Economics and Organization, and Health Promotion and Prevention domains. This analysis has already led to reassessment of the curriculum, and will continue to guide the next steps to increase the harmonization of PH training curricula and to better meet PH challenges in Israel.

Competence Profile of the Intra-Hospital Emergency Team Nurse: A Scoping Review

Background: Nurses in intra-hospital emergency teams are required to be competent in responding to situations of clinical deterioration and emergency. This study aimed to map the extent, variety, and nature of the literature on the competences of the intra-hospital emergency teams nurse. Methods: A scoping review based on the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search of the databases was conducted in July and August 2023, and the search strategy was adjusted. The analysis of the relevance of the articles, data extraction, and synthesis were conducted by two reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. The data were extracted using the competency outcomes and performance assessment (COPA) model. Results: Fourteen results were analyzed, and the competences organized by the domains of the COPA model which are considered by some authors to be advanced or specialized are as follows: assessment and intervention, communication, critical thinking, teaching, human caring relationships, management, leadership, and knowledge integration. Other competences, such as self-confidence, ability to remain calm, concentration, quick reaction, and a sense of humor, were mentioned. Conclusions: The results highlighted the competences of the intra-hospital emergency team nurse. This knowledge could contribute to educational programs and shape the competency profile of intra-hospital emergency team nurses.

GELO and GreX: A framework and dashboard to investigate technology competency and culture

Participation in 4th Industrial Revolution society is increasingly dependent upon competencies related to the use of digital technologies for a wide variety of purposes. A person’s competence in the use of digital technologies has implications for a wide variety of contexts and situations, including learning in physical as well as virtual spaces, career choices and employability, digital citizenship, cultural orientations and values, and even democracy (Erstad, 2010). This workshop will provide an overview of the Global Educational Learning Observatory (GELO) project and invite participants to experience a variety of self-assessment tools accessed through the customizable dashboard, the Global Readiness Explorer (GREx). The GELO project attempts to provide a framework for an international network of institutions utilizing data-driven evidence to inform evolving best practices for online and mobile learning. To achieve this, the project (i) assembles a nucleus of formal educational institutions, (ii) constructs the necessary tools to extend research on formal learning models, and (iii) reaches into the workplace as well as other more public spaces to integrate with informal learning settings. The primary source of data derives from a customizable dashboard, the Global Readiness Explorer (GREx), and the tools that can be implemented within it. These tools are designed to give individuals, organizations, and institutions the means to construct complex profiles that can be used to identify gaps in competency attainment and development. Through small group activities, participants will examine and discuss the various tool suites in the GREx including the digital learning competency profiler (DCP); the fully online learning community survey instrument (FOLCS); the Personal Cultural Orientation Scale (PCOS) and others. In this workshop, participants will choose a self-assessment instrument to participate in and then discuss their experience with a focus on improving the GREx tool suite for global use. In addition, participants will examine the GREx for use with their students as a component of determining readiness for moving into fully online learning environments. The workshop will conclude with an explanation of the global educational learning observatory (GELO), and participants will be invited to join this global research network.

How virtue, competence, and dominance conjointly shape status attainment at work: Integrating person-centered and variable-centered approaches.

Status researchers have recognized virtue, competence, and dominance as distinct, viable routes to attaining status. While acknowledging that these routes could be compatible and may not operate independently, prior research relying on a variable-centered perspective has largely neglected their potentially complex interactions. This article integrates a person-centered perspective with the variable-centered perspective to explore how different routes conjointly shape workplace status. Study 1A (N = 537) employs latent profile analysis, an inductive person-centered method, to re-analyze existing survey data, identifying seven distinct profiles of virtue, competence, and dominance that people use to attain status. Study 1B (N = 988) confirms the existence of these profiles in an independent sample of full-time U.S. workers, albeit with nuanced differences in levels. Across our initial studies, these profiles differ in status attainment, with a profile characterized by high virtue and competence but low dominance associated with the highest status-a key discovery challenging to uncover using the variable-centered approach alone. Study 2 (N = 792), a preregistered experiment manipulating the three routes in hypothetical scenarios, gathers causal evidence confirming these profiles' varying effectiveness. Study 3 (N = 785), another preregistered experiment using refined manipulations, corroborates the findings of Study 2 and provides evidence for the relevance of these causal insights to real-life workplace contexts. This research has several crucial implications: reaching the top requires a combination of multiple routes; conflating virtue and competence under the umbrella of "prestige" obscures their unique contributions; and dominance's positive effect on status is not universally applicable. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Profile of competencies and factors associated with the practice of preceptorship in health: an integrative review

Profile of competencies and factors associated with the practice of preceptorship in health: an integrative review

Content Dimensions of the Educational Profile of the Social Educator

The article is aimed at clarifying one of the essential aspects in the professional profile of the social pedagogue, namely his educational role and functions. The work of the social pedagogue is primarily aimed at helping people, groups, communities at risk in the direction of improving the quality of life, social inclusion, self-realization. Therefore, the training of the specialists to provide educational support is essential for their success. The material examines different approaches to structuring the profile of social pedagogues, including philosophy, competence and culture, and, based on theoretical and empirical data, their content elements are argued.

Assessing self-reported public health emergency competencies for civil aviation personnel in China: a pilot study

IntroductionCOVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of competent staff with expertise in public health emergency preparedness and response in the civil aviation system. The civil aviation system is a critical sentinel and checkpoint to prevent imported cases and slow the spread of communicable diseases. Understanding the current competencies of staff to deal with public health emergencies will help government agencies develop targeted training and evidence-based policies to improve their public health preparedness and response capabilities.MethodsThis cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023, involving 118 staff members from various positions within China’s civil aviation system. A 59-item questionnaire was translated and developed according to a competency profile. Data were collected using the self-report questionnaire to measure the workforce’s self-perceptions of knowledge and skills associated with public health emergency proficiency, categorized into (1) general competency, (2) preparedness competency, (3) response competency, and (4) recovery competency. KMO & Bartlett test and Cronbach’s α reliability analysis were used to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent sample T-test, ANOVA, and linear regression models were performed to analyze the competencies.ResultsA total of 107 staff members from the aviation system were surveyed in this study. The KMO & Bartlett test, (KMO = 0.919, P < 0.001) and Cronbach’s α coefficients (α = 0.985) for this questionnaire were acceptable. The results suggested that respondents scored a mean of 6.48 out of 9 for the single question. However, the staff needed to acquire more knowledge in investigating epidemic information (5.92) and case managing (5.91) in the response stage. Overall, males scored higher (409.05 ± 81.39) than females (367.99 ± 84.97), with scores in the medical department (445.67 ± 72.01) higher than management (387.00 ± 70.87) and general department (362.32 ± 86.93). Additionally, those with completely subjective evaluation (425.79 ± 88.10) scored higher than the general group (374.39 ± 79.91). To predict the total score, female medical workers were more likely to have lower scores (β = -34.5, P = 0.041). Compared with those in the medical department, the management workers (β = -65.54, P = 0.008) and general workers (β = -78.06, P < 0.001) were associated with a lower total score.ConclusionsThere was still a gap between the public health emergency competencies of the civil aviation system and the demand. Staff in China’s civil aviation systems demonstrated overall competence in public health emergency preparedness and response. However, there was a need to enhance the accumulation of practical experience. Implementing effective training programs for public health emergencies was recommended to mitigate knowledge gaps. Meanwhile, regular training evaluations were also recommended to give comprehensive feedback on the value of the training programs.

Analysis of the Science Literacy Competency Profile of High School Students on Sound Wave Material

The learning process in the 21st century requires students to have scientific literacy skills. However, in fact, the scientific literacy skills of Indonesian students are relatively low and tend to decline every year. The purpose of this study was to describe the scientific literacy profile of high school students for the competency aspect in the material of sound waves. This study uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive analysis method. The study was conducted in May 2024 at one of the State High Schools in Nganjuk Regency. The population in this study was 72 students. The research instrument used was a scientific literacy test that had been declared valid with an average Percentage of Agreement (PoA) of 96.43. The data analysis technique used quantitative descriptive analysis from the results of calculating the level of scientific literacy of students. The results of the study obtained a profile of scientific literacy competencies of students of 3% very low, 51% low, 33% sufficient, and 13% high. The percentage for each indicator of scientific literacy competency obtained by students is 43% for the competency of explaining phenomena scientifically, 33% for the competency of evaluating and designing scientific investigations, and 23.6% for the competency of interpreting data and evidence scientifically.