Educational Discourse Research Articles

Analysing lexical semantic changes in chinese educational texts by integrating machine learning methods

Analyzing Lexical Semantic Changes (LSC) in Educational Texts (ET) refers to examining how the meanings of words, terms, or phrases used in ET have evolved. It involves learning shifts in the semantic content, connotations, and language associations within educational resources such as textbooks, research articles, and instructional content. The analysis can reveal how educational models, pedagogical methods, and terminology have transformed in response to technological innovations, societal changes, and pedagogical developments. This analysis provides visions into the dynamic nature of educational discourse, helping researchers, educators, and policymakers understand how language has adapted to reflect changes in educational paradigms and the broader educational context. This research investigates the semantic analysis and classification performance within ET, employing the innovative Decision Tree + Feed Forward Neural Networks (DT + FFNNs) framework. This research shows the dynamic semantic relationships inherent in educational terminology by diverse semantic similarity measures and contextualized embeddings. It looks at how educational language changes to reflect changes in society, technology, and pedagogy. The study uses a DT + FFNN framework for semantic analysis and classification. The study uses several embeddings and semantic similarity metrics, and Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient (SCC) is employed to evaluate their effectiveness. This study highlights the DT + FFNN framework’s capacity to capture complex semantics in an educational setting and offers insights into the adaptive nature of educational discourse. SCC serves as a guiding metric, offering insights into the efficiency of several embeddings and measures. The findings show the pivotal role of fine-tuning in significantly enhancing the accuracy of DT + FFNNs across measures, revealing its remarkable potential in capturing semantics within an educational context.

Making The Future School: An Analysis of Teens' Collaborative Digital Fabrication Project

Maker culture emphasizes informal, networked, self- and peer-led learning, motivated by fun and self-fulfillment, and learning through mistakes. However, studies often describe activities involving a lot of guidance. As guidance may lead to both the process and outcomes influenced by those guiding the activity, it is also important to examine how projects evolve without the supporters' push. We take a nexus analytical approach to explore 1) how teens' background, interactions with others, and available materials and spaces are at play when they shape their ideas and outputs in a collaborative maker project with minimal support, and 2) how these factors can be considered to better support learning in such projects. The work carried out by five teens in a local FabLab was based on peer collaboration within changing apprentice mentor pairs. When they ideated and prototyped for a future school, researchers provided minimal support, mainly online. Without their push, teens quickly modified tasks which both guided and narrowed down their thinking. Their experiences from school environment and the FabLab space served as an inspiration as they designed solutions to overcome current problems in the current school setting or digital fabrication process. When making, they gravitated towards processes they had previous experience of or which they enjoyed, perhaps partly affected by the competing discourses of maker culture and expertise we observed to be present in the FabLab space. While building on existing skillsets, this may leave the potential of novel trajectories and expanding one's skills and competences unexplored. Teens' self-esteem improved as they turned from apprentices to mentors for their peers. This allowed them to process their learning from a different perspective. In general, our results paint a detailed picture of the roles of different participants in a maker project and provide an example of how familiar discourses of education persist in teens' designs. Looking at the project through the lens of Nexus analysis contributes to an increased understanding of the space for action and participants' histories, and interactions on the process, valuable for researchers studying DF and making, and practitioners working in makerspaces and FabLabs with different user groups. On a more practical level, our work contributes to a deeper understanding on how to include teens into non-guided and community-driven maker practices. We provide practical implications on how to support learning in collaborative making projects in informal learning situations, and regarding the role of the different actors and the environment in such situations. We also identify avenues for future research in this area.

Peer Interaction, Exclusion and School Participation: Issues of Schooling in a Tribal Village of Odisha

In India, drop-outs and out-of-school children in school education are dominant educational discourses even after seven decades of independence. No doubt, various policies and programmes were devised to challenge these issues in education, but still the issues of drop-outs are rampant both in rural and urban areas. The inequality in educational attainment between Scheduled Tribes and the rest of the population has widened throughout the years. Various social aspects of why children leave school before they complete the secondary level of school are understudied in India. Aspects of cultural and social practices and patterns of socialization of tribal children have received little attention in the research on tribal children in India. By specially focussing on friendship networks/peer interaction, the article reflects on how it affects educational participation of tribal and non-tribal children in a village located in the tribal areas of Odisha, one of the eastern states of India.

Decolonization in South African universities: storytelling as subversion and reclamation

Abstract Underscoring recurrent calls for the decolonization of university curricula in South Africa are underexplored presumptions that by only disrupting theoretical content, universities might release themselves from a colonialist grasp, that continues to dominate and distort higher education discourse. While it might be the case that certain theories hold enormous authoritative, ‘truthful’ sway, as propagated through Western interpretations and norms, there are inherent problems in exclusively approaching the decolonization project as a content-based hurdle, removed from the subjectivities of students’ social, lived, and learning realities. The argument advanced in this article is that until the epistemic harm of colonialism and apartheid are afforded careful recognition and attention—as in focusing on the lived experiences, realities, and stories of individuals—the hard work of delegitimizing coloniality, and its implicit structures of hegemonies and binaries cannot unfold. In addressing these harms, I commence by describing some of the contexts of epistemic harm, promulgated through colonialism and apartheid. This is followed by a consideration of decolonization, both as theory and practice-within-context. Here, I also foreground the #Rhodesmustfall campaign, as a particular moment of painful clarity about why decolonization, as well as transformation, has faltered in higher education in South Africa. In the second half, I focus on the necessity of prioritizing storytelling as a deep manifestation of decolonization. Stories, I maintain, provide access into unknown lives, and can subvert the invisible, normative framings, which dictate how we live in this world. As a manifestation of decolonization, students’ stories hold profound implications for the recognition and affirmation of pluralist identities, histories, knowledge, values, and world-views.

Who is the ‘I’? An exploration of social work professional written discourse and implications for social work education

ABSTRACT This paper brings together two areas of importance to social work education, professional identity and professional writing; identity is often viewed as central to social work practice and education, whilst writing as marginal. However, given that social work is a ‘writing intensive’ profession, writing is a key site of the enactment of professional identity and practice, meriting significant attention. Using the notion of ‘voice’ this paper explores professional identity in writing by analyzing two datasets: 1) a corpus of 1 million words of professional social work writing, exploring the use of I and my perspectival phrases; 2) interviews with 71 social workers exploring perspectives on professional voice in written discourse. Textual analysis indicates six key functions of the social worker I, with an emphasis on the professional voice as reporter, rather than evaluator or analyst. Thematic interview analysis offers insights into the complexity of voice, indicating the contested positioning of the social worker I. We call for critical attention to be paid to voicing in written discourse in social work education and ongoing professional development, indicating ways in which findings and data from this article could be used as resources for pedagogy and debate.

Techniques of speech influence in the final part of the promotional video for online courses

Due to the growing number of online courses, authors have to use more and more speech impact techniques in promotional videos to attract listeners and induce them to take action. Advertising video, being an independent speech genre, having a stable composition and certain content, as well as a set of specific linguistic features, requires special study. The aim of the study is to identify the optimal linguistic techniques of RW in the final part of the promotional video for online courses accompanying linguistic educational resources. 117 promotional videos for Massive Open Online Courses in Russian language posted on the open platform were used for the analysis. The main methods and techniques used are: the method of scientific description and stylistic and contextual analysis. The techniques used in the final part of the speech were singled out, their quantitative analysis was carried out: 1) invitation of the listener to the course, 2) appeal to the goal of the listener or the goal of the online course, 3) appeal to quotations, 4) generalizing conclusion, 5) humorous ending, 6) advice for listeners, 7) containing a call to action, 8) farewell. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that 1) for the first time the promotional video for online courses is considered as a complex communicative discourse, i.e. the synthesis of advertising and educational discourse; 2) for the first time the methods of speech impact in promotional videos for online courses are studied. Promotional videos for online courses presented on the platform "Education in Russian" contain a certain set of RW techniques, mainly used in the final part of the video and characterized by a specific set of linguistic means (mainly verbs) that can be embodied in the speech genres of "Advice" and "Wishes".

Hewers of wood and drawers of water: English subaltern education from the charity schools to the neoliberal meritocracy of widening participation

British educational ideas and policies towards working-class and minority youth show continuous preoccupations with social status and preparation for labour. In examining this, we link educational discourses and practices in England from the Charity Schools to the contemporary higher education policy Widening Participation (WP). We argue that WP is heir to successive educational programmes that explicitly fit poor and marginalised youth to labour and, contrary to its asserted aims, legitimates social and economic hierarchies. Using major government reports, promotional narratives and data on university expansion and tuition fees, we argue that the ‘disadvantaged student’ in WP is a currency for higher education institutions and student debt is the price of a ticket to ‘success’ within an imagined neoliberal meritocracy. The novelty is that whereas in the past, the costs of subaltern education were covered by philanthropy, today's ‘disadvantaged students’ indebt themselves to maintain their positions in society.

심성과 심성 함양: 형이상학과 메타프락시스, 그리고 대동사회

The purpose of this article is to understand in more detail what the nature of metapraxis is, which contrasts with both metaphysics and praxis. On the other hand, it is to clarify how metapraxis discussions can contribute to the advent of the great society by critically approaching the discussion of ‘post-humanism’ in which postmodernism, which excludes the metaphysics of modern society, is expressed in a more extreme form in conjunction with neo-liberalism. By discussing this by setting a sub-topic of the main angle, perspective, and surface and in-depth, it was possible to make it clearer that metapraxis contrasts with both metaphysics and praxis, not that they are excluded, but that they are integrated ‘organically’ (or consistently). It was also clarified that metapraxis is based on ‘metaphysics’. Therefore, the trend that excludes metaphysics in the discussion of modern post-humanism is at the opposite point of humanism, which is a trend that is further away from the great society related to the love of Christianity, the mercy of Buddhism, and the humanity of Confucianism. Thus, the educational discourse form as an alternative to this, that is, ‘metapraxis’, secures its status as a theory of life beyond its status as an educational theory.

The role of cultural and creative competencies in shaping success of art ukrainian students

The article considers the issues of the competency-based approach in higher education and the role of cultural and creative competencies in the modern educational discourse. The aim of the article is to define the peculiarities of forming cultural and creative competencies of students in artistic specialties in higher education institutions of Ukraine, as well as to elucidate the influence of these competencies on the competitiveness and professional career advancement of specialists in both domestic and global labor markets. The research methodology includes a combination of systemic-differentiated, comparative, synergistic, cultural, axiological, structural-functional, and empirical methods, which are employed to clarify the peculiarities of forming cultural and creative competencies during students’ professional training in artistic specialties. The article demonstrates the peculiarities of forming cultural and creative competencies in the Standards of Higher Education and educational-professional programs, examines role of the educational environment in forming creative competencies and its peculiarities as an educational-creative environment using the example of training students in artistic specialties at Kharkiv State Academy of Culture. Promising directions for improving creativity development in educational-creative environments of educational institutions are identified, which enhance the competitiveness of professionals in artistic specialties and contribute to the resolution of crisis phenomena in society.

“Al Sonido del Huehuetl”: Situating Danza Azteca as Family Translingual Prayer and Civic Engagement

ABSTRACT Despite growing Indigenous Latine/x immigrant populations, Indigenous Latine/x parents’ and families’ diverse forms of involvement across schools and communities continue to be absent from greater discourses in education. This article explores an Indigenous Quechua and Mexican family’s perspectives on multilingualism, culture, learning, and community engagement through danza azteca, a traditional Mesoamerican dance practice. This study asks, according to the focal family, what are some of the motivations for and lessons learned through their participation in danza azteca? Drawing on ethnographic research in California, the findings highlight how danza azteca was a way for the family to participate spiritually and civically in their communities across modes and languages, teach and learn about racial in/justice, and foster greater spaces for humanity. The article ends with a discussion and implications for research.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN EDUCATION: STRATEGIES FOR FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY AWARENESS

Cultural competence in education has emerged as a critical area of focus in contemporary educational discourse, aiming to create inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity and promote equitable opportunities for all students. This review explores strategies for fostering inclusivity and diversity awareness within educational settings. The foundation of cultural competence lies in recognizing and respecting the cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities of students, educators, and communities. Through culturally responsive teaching practices, educators can leverage students' diverse backgrounds to enhance learning experiences. This involves incorporating culturally relevant content, perspectives, and instructional approaches that resonate with students' lived experiences. Furthermore, building cultural competence requires ongoing professional development for educators. Training programs and workshops can enhance educators' understanding of cultural diversity, unconscious biases, and strategies for creating inclusive classrooms. Additionally, fostering partnerships with community organizations and engaging families from diverse backgrounds can enrich the learning environment and strengthen cultural connections. Institutional commitment to cultural competence is crucial for systemic change. Educational policies and curricula should reflect a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. School leaders play a pivotal role in creating a culture of respect and valuing diversity among students and staff. Moreover, technology can be harnessed to promote cultural competence through virtual exchange programs, multicultural digital resources, and online forums for intercultural dialogue. Fostering cultural competence in education requires a multifaceted approach encompassing curriculum development, educator training, community engagement, and technological innovation. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity, educational institutions can cultivate environments where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
 Keywords: Education, Cultural, Competence, Inclusivity, Diversity, Awareness, Review

Incorporating AIGC into design ideation: A study on self-efficacy and learning experience acceptance under higher-order thinking

The concept of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) is universally acknowledged as a key component for the development of exceptional talents in the 21st century. Addressing the challenge of how to accurately and effectively nurture these skills in students has emerged as a pivotal topic in educational discourse. This research delves into the practical use of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) in the realm of design thinking pedagogy, investigating its potential impact in bolstering students' HOTS. The research aims to discern the differences in student self-efficacy and receptivity to learning experiences between AIGC and conventional teaching methodologies, particularly across various student competency levels. An empirical study involving 119 students was conducted, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights into their self-efficacy and receptiveness to learning experiences, highlighting notable distinctions among diverse student groups. The findings suggest a significant edge of AIGC in enhancing student self-efficacy, with consistent results across different skill levels. However, variations in learning experience receptivity were observed among students of different abilities. An extensive analysis and discussion of these data underscore the necessity for educators to intricately understand and address the unique needs and challenges of students when devising and implementing AIGC-based teaching strategies. This approach ensures a more targeted and effective support for the learning and development of students with varying capabilities. The study offers empirical evidence and theoretical direction for the application of AIGC in educational settings, empowering educators to more precisely cater to the diverse learning needs and developmental trajectories of their students.

“It all comes back to self-control?”: Unpacking the Discourse of Anti-corruption Education in Indonesia

Contemporary educational studies on anti-corruption have largely been underpinned by the conception of corruption as a moral problem. Consequently, anti-corruption curricula were mainly developed around instilling the correct moral orientations, characters, or decisions in individuals. The current study departs from such theoretical approaches by critically deconstructing dominant discourses constituting anti-corruption education in an underrepresented yet highly relevant setting: Indonesia, a country deemed one of the most corrupt globally. Analyzing Indonesian anti-corruption educational policies, learning modules, textbooks, and other relevant anti-corruption campaign materials, the current study unearthed two dominant discourses in Indonesian anti-corruption education materials. The first is a discourse of neoliberalism, and the second is a discourse of individual morality and heroism. We discuss these findings in relation to the ways Western-originated agendas of rationalism, neoliberal capitalism, and individualism have become the central organizing principles through which anti-corruption educational praxis is imagined and enacted in the Global South. We propose that Indonesian anti-corruption education might find benefits in adopting critical and decolonial approaches to corruption and education more broadly.

Supporting second chance education: Drop‐in students' views on educational barriers and needs to study

AbstractIn many Western societies, earning a degree is considered an ultimate educational achievement. Second chance education (SCE) serves as a distinct pathway for those who have dropped out of school, allowing them to re‐enter the educational system. Understanding the specific obstacles and needs of students in SCE is crucial for providing better‐tailored support. However, limited knowledge exists about the challenges faced by students seeking to enrol in SCE. This qualitative study conducted in‐depth interviews with 28 drop‐in students (Mage = 30) to explore these barriers and needs. Identified barriers span institutional, situational, environmental, and life‐course levels. Primary needs centre around warm and accessible teachers, as well as flexible, student‐focused learning options. The results underscore the value and significance of second chance education as a unique pedagogical context for drop‐in students. It also emphasizes that the insights gained from SCE can inform improvements in regular, first‐chance education, serving diverse student populations. Lastly, SCE serves as a societal mirror, urging a re‐evaluation of the broader discourse in education. Overall, this study calls for more appreciation of SCE, acknowledging and recognizing its unique pedagogical context, dedicated teachers, and determined students.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi, Principles and Other Representations

This article draws attention to shifting educational discourses on the two texts of the 1840 treaty: te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi. Policy and resource conversations in education reveal subtle strategic shifts in use of an invented idea of “treaty principles”—from standing in for and attempting to reconcile the two language texts, to a focus on the specific language of te Tiriti o Waitangi with reference to so-called principles to support contemporary application. Tracing these changes assists our teachers and educators in developing a critical understanding of the language employed in education policy and teaching resources. Examining these shifts with students also provides “teachable moments” about the politics of treaty discourse.

Psycholinguistic underpinnings of image formation: Suggestion and manipulation in the educational network discourse

This study delves into the intricate psycholinguistic mechanisms that underpin image formation within the educational network discourse, with a specific focus on the dynamics of suggestion and manipulation. In an era where digital communication reigns supreme, understanding how language shapes perceptions and influences behavior is paramount. This research seeks to unravel the complex interplay between suggestion, manipulation, and the formation of images within educational networks. Drawing from insights across disciplines such as psychology, linguistics, and communication studies, this study examines how linguistic cues and contextual factors interact to shape individuals' perceptions and responses within educational settings. Acknowledging the transformative power of language in shaping attitudes, beliefs, and actions, this study aims to shed light on the subtle yet profound ways in which educators employ linguistic strategies to influence discourse within educational networks. By employing a multifaceted approach that integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, this research endeavors to uncover the underlying mechanisms driving suggestion and manipulation within educational discourse. Through a meticulous examination of textual elements, discourse patterns, and communicative strategies employed by educators in digital environments, this study seeks to elucidate the intricate processes involved in image formation. By exploring the role of suggestion and manipulation in shaping perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the psycholinguistic underpinnings of educational network discourse. Furthermore, this study not only offers theoretical insights but also practical implications for educators, policymakers, and practitioners involved in educational communication. By highlighting the ethical considerations and implications of linguistic manipulation within educational networks, this research aims to empower stakeholders to navigate digital discourse with greater awareness and discernment. In conclusion, this study represents a significant contribution to the field of thinking skills and creativity by offering new insights into the psycholinguistic dynamics of image formation within educational networks. By unraveling the complexities of suggestion and manipulation, this research opens avenues for further inquiry and underscores the importance of critical thinking and creativity in navigating contemporary digital landscapes.

Socializing Latinx college-going youth to (White) Neutral Rationality: Liberal teaching practices and right-wing racisms

The mythology of liberal anti/racism endures in U.S. mainstream educational discourse as the rational approach to address white supremacy, with college-going positioned as the pathway to a better life. Liberal logics suppose that once racialized peoples enter positions of power, society will improve. Drawing upon pláticas and interviews from an ethnographic study of a college preparation program for Latinx youth at a public high school in the liberal, racially diverse San Francisco Bay Area, this work examines how liberal teaching practices shaped Mexican-origin youths’ responses to right-wing terror. Instead of preparing youth to dismantle white supremacy, these practices undermined youths’ readings of their sociopolitical worlds. Engaging language socialization approaches, this work argues that liberal teaching practices socialized college-going youth to (white) neutral rationality, wherein accommodating white supremacy signals rationality and college readiness. This research illustrates why college-going can be no more than one tactic towards collective wellbeing for racialized people.

Improving Madrasah Competitiveness Through Excellent Islamic Education Development Strategies

This study analyzes the development strategy of superior Islamic education at Madrasah Aliyah Unggulan Amanatul Ummah (MAU Amanatul Ummah) Mojokerto. This article uses case study research to reveal the comprehensive and integrative efforts made by MAU Amanatul Ummah to realize the vision of superior, intact, and noble Islamic education. The results showed that the development strategy implemented by MAU Amanatul Ummah includes institutional strengthening, improving the quality of human resources, developing a holistic curriculum, varying learning programs, implementing a comprehensive evaluation system, and strengthening networks and partnerships. The success of MAU Amanatul Ummah is inseparable from the visionary and transformative leadership of the Kiai, as well as the commitment of the entire academic community to continue to innovate and pursue excellence. Although still facing some challenges, the experience of MAU Amanatul Ummah can be an inspiration and reference for the development of Islamic education in Indonesia, especially in the context of pesantren-based education. This research contributes to the development of Islamic education discourse and practice in Indonesia and opens space for further study.

Comprehensive horizons: examining Japan’s national and regional sexuality education curricula

ABSTRACT Comprehensive Sexuality Education has been acknowledged globally for its role in advancing young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Yet, notable variation exists in definitions and interpretations of what comprehensive means, exposing tensions between international and local values and agendas. This research focused on the situation in Japan, which is largely perceived as ‘lagging behind’ international standards in terms of its sexuality education programming. We aimed to explore the degree of comprehensiveness and variation within Japan’s national and regional sexuality education curricula, using UNESCO’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education as a benchmark. Quantitative and qualitative curriculum analysis was conducted using an Excel tool. Findings revealed greater comprehensiveness and regional diversity than previously reported, although significant gaps persist regarding more explicit sexual subject matter and critical gender perspectives. These results illustrated promising progress towards comprehensiveness, even in the conservative educational environment of Japan. Nonetheless, in aspects such as rights, Japanese educational discourse differs substantially from that of the wider international community, contributing to the perception that the country’s sexuality education programme lacks comprehensiveness. This calls for greater cultural responsivity within the Comprehensive Sexuality Education agenda, albeit without compromising its core values and safeguarding of young people’s sexual health and rights.

Deeper Than Reason

This article chronicles factors contributingto the neglect of the assessment of practical forms of knowledge in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in England. It illustrates how older, more coherent concepts of forms of knowledge, skills and competence have been pushed to the margins of educational discourse, replaced by restricted, fragmented and much less credible conceptual imposters. The consequences of these restricted conceptions and how they have subsequently become organised, taught and assessed in VET are discussed. Particular attention is given to the ways in which such restricted conceptions can lead to vocational assessment regimes which require little more than ‘one-off’ demonstrations of successful performance, expressed in behaviourist outcomes; the superficial recall of cognitive concepts; and the regurgitation of factual information in pen and paper examinations. Comparisons are drawn between the strongly centralist system of control regulating VET in England and alternative more collaborative state partnership systems of VET currently operating in Continental Europe. This small-scale, qualitative study, conducted with 12 tutors of VET in Further Education (FE) colleges and Industry Training Providers (ITPs) brings to light the impact of these restricted concepts in VET in England today. Research methods include, iterature review, transcripts of semi-structured interviews with vocational teachers and education leaders and focus group discussions. Reflexive Thematic Anlaysis (RTA) is employed to identify subthemes and themes in the data in order to identify, refine and discuss findings. Results reveal that sector practitioners require further professional development in addressing current issues in incoherent curriculum design and inauthentic approaches to assessment.