Members Of Educational Community Research Articles

A narrative inquiry on the experiences of refugee adult learners in community colleges in the southeastern region of the United States

In 2018, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Office reported that a total of 678,082 refugees were admitted into the country in the last 10 years and statistics show a steady increase of refugee admissions. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to understand adult refugee students’ experiences in higher education in the Southeastern U.S. The research questions that guide this study were: (1) What are the experiences of adult refugees in higher education in the United States? (2) In what ways do they access higher education? and (3) How do they navigate higher education in the U.S. context? By understanding the refugee experience, adult education practitioners and community members can better mediate the impact of marginalization of refugee adult learners.

The spread of Rumors through Social Networking Sites and their effects on Social Security.

Social media have been widely spread due to their interactivity، ease، and speed of access to news and information، which made them a fertile environment for the growth of lies and paved the way for rumors to spread and have become one of the most dangerous weapons of fourth generation wars in spreading discord and chaos and destabilizing the security and social stability of countries. This study came to address the spread of rumors through social media platforms and their effects on social security. I used the descriptive analytical method. The study concluded with a set of results، most notably: Transcending the concept of Social media from communication media for social communication to an electronic environment qualified to spread rumors. In addition to the multiplicity of types of rumors and the varying motives and gratifications of their promoters from one society to another. Among the most prominent negative effects of the spread of rumors on Social media is that they work to spread chaos، disintegrate society، spread fear and anxiety in the hearts of members of society، and also work to spread terrorism and threaten the internal stability and social security of states. In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region، the spread of rumors through social media has led to the destabilization of civil and community peace، provoking strife، deepening internal disputes، losing confidence in officials and community leaders، as well as losing a sense of tranquility and security، spreading the values of violence and a culture of hatred، and provoking sectarian or ethnic strife among the components of Iraqi society. Hence the threat to security and social stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The study recommended the importance of developing a preventive media strategy to educate community members about the danger of rumors on the social security of Iraq. The need for the media to adopt credibility and transparency in reporting events، open the way for the masses to express their views on various issues، and create an independent media and research center to monitor and analyze rumors. And the application of deterrent penalties for those who spread rumors that pose a threat to social security in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

A Study on the Perception of Village Education Community Members in the Process of Implementing Community-Linked Education : Focusing on the Case of Village-Linked Innovation Schools

A Study on the Perception of Village Education Community Members in the Process of Implementing Community-Linked Education : Focusing on the Case of Village-Linked Innovation Schools

Community Engagement in Local Governance

Community engagement in local governance is crucial for effective and inclusive decision-making. Lack of Awareness and Information has been found that limited knowledge can have its community members may not fully understand the governance processes or their rights and responsibilities. Information gaps have been found that the insufficient information about local issues and decision-making processes can hinder meaningful participation. Low Participation Rates have been found that apathy and disinterest is that some community members may be disengaged due to a lack of trust in the system or a perception that their participation will not make a difference. Barriers to access has been found that the physical, economic, or social barriers may prevent certain groups from participating, such as the elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged. During the initial phase (2008-2013) of the Local Governance and Community Development Program (LGCDP) in Nepal, social mobilization emerged as one of its most effective components. Approximately 1 million citizens actively influenced local government decisions, leading many local bodies to develop annual plans that more accurately addressed the needs of citizens, particularly marginalized and disadvantaged groups. However, there remain several lessons to be learned in addressing the challenges of implementation. It is crucial to harmonize local social mobilization efforts and enhance the quality and support of social mobilization initiatives across Nepal. Addressing the challenges of community engagement in local governance involves a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing communication, building capacity, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring accountability. Public education campaigns have been found to Conduct outreach programs to educate community members about their rights, governance processes, and how they can participate. Workshops and training have been identified to offer workshops and training sessions to increase understanding of local governance and decision-making procedures. Diverse engagement channels have to utilize multiple platforms for engagement, including town hall meetings, online forums, surveys, and community events, to reach a broader audience. Inclusive scheduling has to schedule meetings and events at times that are convenient for different community groups, including evenings and weekends.

Training Community Health Workers to Respond to Public Health Demands

ABSTRACT Background Community health workers (CHWs) connect individuals to community resources and build individual competence in an effort to improve overall community/public health. There is a need for more research on how community health nurse (CHN)-led training programs are needed to help train and support CHWs. Purpose The purpose was to describe the development and evaluation of a series of CHN-led CHW trainings on CHW role, boundaries, and motivational interviewing; diabetes; mental health and long COVID; sexually transmitted infections; and lead poisoning prevention and treatment. Design This study utilized a one-group pretest-posttest design in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Methods The sample consisted of CHWs representing White/Caucasian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and Asian American populations who for each topic, completed a pretest one week prior to the training, the training, and a posttest one week after the training. The quantitative and qualitative data collected during winter and spring/summer 2023 underwent statistical and thematic analysis, respectively. Findings The results suggest that the CHW trainings were effective overall at increasing participants’ knowledge and confidence in their knowledge levels, as well as comfort with educating community members on various public health topics. Information learned and found most helpful, and application and utilization plans for this knowledge in their work were revealed. Conclusions CHWs are important for disseminating health communication and education among members of their communities, and play a key role in reducing health disparities among at-risk populations. Clinical Evidence CHN-led educational intervention is a strategy to improve CHWs’ knowledge, confidence, and comfort.

Empowerment of Aisyiyah Branch through Utilization of Home Gardens as a Living Warehouse Movement in Gelam Village, Candi District

The Living Barn Movement represents a strategic effort to enhance food security in contemporary society. In Gelam Village, the Aisyiyah service team has been entrusted with managing home gardens to actualize this movement. Despite its significance, there is limited understanding among community members regarding effective home garden management for food production. This initiative aims to empower Aisyiyah members by cultivating cassava and papaya, two crops known for their adaptability and high yield, to bolster food security. Through outreach and education on the Living Barn Movement, the service team facilitated knowledge transfer and skill development in integrated agricultural systems. This program uniquely integrates practical gardening techniques with community education to promote sustainable food practices. The findings suggest that empowering local communities through education and resource management can significantly enhance food security, encouraging similar initiatives in other regions to address food sustainability challenges. Highlights: The initiative cultivates cassava and papaya to enhance food security for Aisyiyah members. Outreach efforts focus on educating community members about effective home garden management. The program promotes sustainable practices through integrated agricultural systems and skill development. Keywords: Living Barn Movement, food security, home gardens, community education, sustainable agriculture.

Policy engagement as ‘empowered representation’: democratic mediation through a participatory research project on climate resilience

Background: The article analyses the policy engagement component of a research project on climate resilience in vulnerable communities that took place in Cape Town, South Africa. Conducted in 2022, the engagement included community and stakeholder events in three research sites, and a cross-cutting policy event with municipal officials, held at the end of the project. Importantly, this policy engagement process occurred in a context of political marginalisation, that is, one characterised by low trust, and little meaningful representation or even communication between these vulnerable communities and the city. Aims and objectives: This article examines the impact of policy engagement on political relations between local government and vulnerable communities. Methods: The overall methodology of the article is qualitative, using an illustrative case-study research design to unpack the subjective experiences of both government officials and residents of vulnerable communities. Primary data included many primary documents, direct observation of the engagements and post-event interviews. Findings: First, the engagement process created new ‘invented’ spaces for the representation of community perspectives to the city, and the city’s perspective to the community. Second, the engagement facilitated community self-representation through educating community members to advocate for their ideas in these new invented spaces. Third, this engagement tended to be more constructive and deliberative than polarising and confrontational. Discussion and conclusions: Drawing on the theoretical framework of ‘political mediation’, the policy engagement process is characterised as a positive instance of democratic mediation through ‘empowered representation’, with some specified limitations.

Mental Health, Race, and Social Support among Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

Women with mental health (MH) symptoms are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of intimate partner violence (IPV). Social support (SS) helps those women cope with adversities and regain their overall well-being. Examining specific sources and functions of SS will help expand knowledge about resources for and barriers to MH services for women IPV survivors. However, few studies examined functional and relational SS among women IPV survivors residing in shelters. This cross-sectional study examined how 31 racially diverse women IPV survivors with different MH symptoms perceive relational SS from various sources as they stay in a shelter that provides functional SS. Cluster analyses were performed to classify participants into two groups: more MH or fewer MH symptoms. Results showed that the women with more MH symptoms reported higher tangible support than those with fewer MH symptoms. Results from ANCOVA showed a significant cross-over interaction between MH and race for overall SS, indicating that women of color with more MH symptoms were less likely to perceive overall SS than Caucasians when controlling for functional SS. MANCOVA analyzed the specific sources of overall SS, such as family, friends, and others. There was a significant cross-over interaction of MH and race on SS from others when controlling for functional SS. These findings suggest that women IPV survivors of color who experience more MH symptoms perceive support from others as less supportive and trustworthy. Social service providers must provide culturally sensitive and strengths-based SS programs to help women of color who have experienced social isolation, stigma, and shame associated with IPV and mental illnesses (MIs). They also must engage in community outreach programs by educating community members about the needs and rights of women IPV survivors with MIs and collaborating to build communities that promote safety, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Collaborations and Networks Within Communities for Improved Utilization of Primary Healthcare Centers: On the Road to Universal Health Coverage.

Community involvement depends on the level of linked and targeted activities for health by community members. This study examines the collaborations employed within communities to ensure sustainable access and improved use of healthcare in the community. This study was conducted in rural and urban local government areas in Anambra, Kano, and Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria. About 90 in-depth interviews and 12 focus group discussions were conducted with community stakeholders and service users. The findings were transcribed and coded via thematic analysis, guided by the Expanded Health Systems framework. Various horizontal collaborations in communities foster increased use of PHC services; promoting community health. Major horizontal collaborations in these communities were community-led, primary health facility-led, and Individual-led collaborations. Their actions revolved around advocacy, building and renovating PHC centers, equipping facilities, and sensitization to educate community members on the need to utilize services at PHC centers. Strategic involvements and collaborations of local actors within communities give rise to improvements in the utilization of primary healthcare centres, reportedly resulting in improved access to PHC healthcare services for community members.

Challenges Experienced in Inclusive Education among Secondary Schools in Temeke District, Tanzania

This study investigated about challenges experienced in inclusive education among secondary schools in Temeke District, Tanzania. The study used the triangulation research design, where data emerged from an interview schedule, a questionnaire and the observation schedule. The analysis of quantitative data involved the use of frequencies and bar charts. The analysis of qualitative data followed the content analysis procedures. The researchers merged common themes to answer respective problem in the study. The study concludes that the schools in the study area experienced diverse challenges in implementing the inclusive education. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, in collaboration with education stakeholders and community members, should ensure availability of supporting devices such as hearing aids, Braille, wheel chairs and white canes for special needs learners. Furthermore, there is a need for teachers’ training for improved teaching and learning outcomes in the inclusive environment.

Socialization and Training of Aromatic Candle Processing from Used Cooking Oil for Urban Residents

This article highlights a community initiative aimed at promoting sustainable household liquid waste management in Kediri City, Indonesia. The problem identified was the insufficient attention given to liquid waste, particularly used cooking oil, which often leads to environmental pollution and infrastructure damage. The objective of the activity was to raise awareness among residents about the proper disposal and recycling of used cooking oil. The proposed approach involved conducting workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate community members about the environmental impacts of improper disposal and the benefits of recycling used cooking oil into aromatic candles. Major findings revealed that through collaborative efforts with local officials and community organizations, the initiative successfully engaged community members and fostered a sense of responsibility towards waste management. The training programs empowered participants with practical skills to convert used cooking oil into aromatic candles, promoting the repurposing of waste while creating a pleasant atmosphere. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of community participation and public awareness in ensuring sustainable liquid waste management. The initiative showcased the feasibility of recycling used cooking oil and highlighted the potential for broader adoption of similar practices in other regions. Overall, the activity underscored the significance of individual actions in collectively addressing environmental challenges and encouraged the adoption of responsible waste management practices at the household level.

Effects of an Informal Place-based Educational Program on Knowledge and Perceptions of Invasive Species Management

Invasive species can generate negative impacts environmentally, socially, and economically. The interplay between human and natural systems renders management a complex problem that must be addressed by decision-makers. Perceptions of invasive species issues varies depending on an individual’s access to information. Although invasive species and their management are often discussed in formal higher education, not all members of the population have access to a formal educational setting. Informal educational experiences may be a mechanism to reach out to community members in a more accessible and perhaps engaging way than traditional higher education classroom experiences. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an informal, place-based educational program on perceptions and knowledge of invasive species and their management within the community. Place-based education is a pedagogy connection local places with intimate knowledge of the systems, processes, and outcomes that give it meaning to human and non-human species. First, we organized and administered short walks in two central Texas, USA, parks with conversational lessons and hands-on learning experiences. Second, we administered a follow-up retrospective-reflective survey to measure participants’ knowledge and perceptions of invasive species management and postwalk/lesson changes in them. We also compared between the treatment group of participants versus a control group within the community who did not participate in the informal lessons. Fifty-two people participated in both the educational program walks and testing over the course of 1 year, and 63 people were included in the follow-up retrospective-reflective survey control group. Results indicate a statistically significant positive change in knowledge and perception categories within the treatment group. Post hoc results indicate a positive change in knowledge and perceptions in our sample as a function of treatment group members’ age and income, respectively. The methodology used in this study was simple and inexpensive. Hence, our approach could be easily replicated in other areas to educate community members.

Community Engagement in Local Governance

Community engagement in local governance is crucial for effective and inclusive decisionmaking. Lack of Awareness and Information has been found that limited knowledge can have its community members may not fully understand the governance processes or their rights and responsibilities. Information gaps have been found that the insufficient information about local issues and decision-making processes can hinder meaningful participation. Low Participation Rates have been found that apathy and disinterest is that some community members may be disengaged due to a lack of trust in the system or a perception that their participation will not make a difference. Barriers to access has been found that the physical, economic, or social barriers may prevent certain groups from participating, such as the elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged. During the initial phase (2008-2013) of the Local Governance and Community Development Program (LGCDP) in Nepal, social mobilization emerged as one of its most effective components. Approximately 1 million citizens actively influenced local government decisions, leading many local bodies to develop annual plans that more accurately addressed the needs of citizens, particularly marginalized and disadvantaged groups. However, there remain several lessons to be learned in addressing the challenges of implementation. It is crucial to harmonize local social mobilization efforts and enhance the quality and support of social mobilization initiatives across Nepal. Addressing the challenges of community engagement in local governance involves a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing communication, building capacity, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring accountability. Public education campaigns have been found to Conduct outreach programs to educate community members about their rights, governance processes, and how they can participate. Workshops and training have been identified to offer workshops and training sessions to increase understanding of local governance and decision-making procedures. Diverse engagement channels have to utilize multiple platforms for engagement, including town hall meetings, online forums, surveys, and community events, to reach a broader audience. Inclusive scheduling has to schedule meetings and events at times that are convenient for different community groups, including evenings and weekends

Fall Prevention Model at Local Non-Profit Equipment Exchange Program Utilizing the STEADI: a Compilation of Two Pilot Studies

Abstract Individuals picking up gently used durable medical equipment (DME) from a local non-profit equipment exchange program in Erie, Pennsylvania were prompted with the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI) 3-item abbreviated questionnaire and contacted by telephone 6 months later to assess if this survey tool can accurately predict falls. Individuals were also given a STEADI pamphlet upon equipment pickup to educate community members on fall risk. Ninety individuals, who ranged from caregivers to the individual themselves, chose to participate in the follow-up research phone call. Our researchers found that while the abbreviated 3-item STEADI suggested that 80% of community members (in need of DME by way of an equipment exchange program) were predicted to be at risk for a fall, only 22.5% suffered a fall within a six-month follow-up period. This questions the validity of the 3-item abbreviated STEADI, though additional studies are recommended to improve the participant percentage (only 90 out of 255 individuals, or 35%, answered the follow-up call questions) as well as increasing the length of wait time to assess for subsequent fall incident beyond six months. Additionally, only 34% of individuals recalled receiving a pamphlet when picking up equipment, and of those 31 individuals, only 10 of them (32%) remembered what the pamphlet said. This suggests that the simple use of a brochure handout to decrease fall risk amongst community-dwelling adults does not seem to be an effective educational strategy within the Erie, PA community.

A Pilot Study on the Use of Virtual Reality to Educate Community Members about Dementia

Aim To understand the impact of using an immersive dementia video via a virtual reality (VR) device to educate community members. Methods A single group before/after comparison test design was employed. One trial session was provided. We used Angle Shift, a VR program that provides an immersive narration of the experiences of dementia. We then measured the participants’ perceived understanding of the experience of people with dementia, willingness to learn more about dementia, and satisfaction with the immersive experience. Results We analyzed the responses of 67 participants. Pre-intervention, most perceived to have a good understanding and a willingness to learn. They also expressed readiness and interest in supporting people with dementia. Post-intervention, participants expressed satisfaction and a deeper understanding. Conclusion Motivation can be a key indicator of the VR’s impact on learners’ understanding, willingness to learn, and satisfaction. The program should capture the learners’ interests in various learning stages.

The development of a clinical research educational training for community health workers using the joint task force for clinical trial competency framework.

Introduction: The NYU Clinical & Translational Science Institute, in collaboration with a number of community-engaged initiatives, developed a training for community health workers (CHWs) to enhance health literacy about clinical research. This innovative research training provides CHWs with a basic level of competency in clinical research to convey the importance of research to communities and better advocate for their health needs. CHWs are an underutilized resource to engage diverse populations in clinical research. The training also addresses the need to expand and diversify the clinical research workforce-integrating CHWs into research teams and connecting underserved populations with research opportunities to enhance quality of care. Methods: Structured individual interviews and focus group sessions were held with CHWs as well as clinical research faculty and staff to identify knowledge gaps in clinical research and identify best practices for educating community members on research. Using the Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competency framework, an online course was developed consisting of 28 modules offered asynchronously for internal and external audiences. Topics include the fundamentals of clinical research, scientific concepts and research design, research ethics, study management, clinical study operations, communications, and teamwork, as well as the importance of diversity and equity in research and the barriers to participation. Results: Learning was evaluated using multiple choice questions after each module to ensure the fundamental level of knowledge was obtained. A separate survey, completed at the conclusion of the course, evaluated the quality of training. Discussion: The course aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of CHWs to help promote greater understanding of clinical research within the communities they serve, including the risks and benefits of clinical research and opportunities for participation. As members of the research team, community stakeholders can help design interventions tailored to the unique needs, culture, and context of their communities. In addition, this research training equips trainees with skills to engage the community actively, involving them in the research process and ensuring community priorities are represented in research through more community engaged processes.

Advancing Engagement and Enrollment of Older Black Americans in Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia‐Related Research

AbstractBackgroundThe under‐enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials limits the development of culturally tailored disease treatments and preventative strategies. For example, African Americans experience a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet they remain woefully underrepresented in AD research. This limits understanding of how AD may operate differently in black populations, who have a higher burden of socio‐structural determinants of health. To improve older black American enrollment, The NYU Healthy Brain Aging and Sleep Center (HBASC) team developed a method tailored toward increasing minority enrollment in clinical trials by collaborating with community‐based organizations and minority populations to reexamine barriers to trial participation.MethodHBASC conducted a single‐site (New York Metropolitan Area) longitudinal study examining sleep and AD in healthy black adults (aged 60‐75). From the study, barriers to trial enrollment were evaluated on a systemic and individual level. The degree to which each level directly or indirectly contributed to barriers to enrollment was further explored using a series of steps and practices seeking to engage underrepresented communities in research. In doing so, team members established and implemented a community‐focused method called FEED. Study personnel demonstrated the feed method by Finding groups, organizations, and trusted community members to collaborate with, Educating community members, Engaging community members through events and educational seminars, and Delivering resources to the community.ResultThrough collaborations with community leaders and organizations, the study team performed community outreach events, raising disease awareness, sustaining trustful relationships, and providing educational resources. The study team saw ∼50% increase in black participant enrollment through the FEED method. Increased engagement in medical research was accomplished when underrepresented communities were empowered with the tools and resources to make knowledgeable decisions.ConclusionDiverse populations of patients face complex and multifaceted barriers to enrollment in clinical trials. A FEED framework will help address these barriers at an individual and systemic level.

Advancing Engagement and Enrollment of Older Black Americans in Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia‐Related Research

AbstractBackgroundThe under‐enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials limits the development of culturally tailored disease treatments and preventative strategies. For example, African Americans experience a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet they remain woefully underrepresented in AD research. This limits understanding of how AD may operate differently in black populations, who have a higher burden of socio‐structural determinants of health. To improve older black American enrollment, The NYU Healthy Brain Aging and Sleep Center (HBASC) team developed a method tailored toward increasing minority enrollment in clinical trials by collaborating with community‐based organizations and minority populations to reexamine barriers to trial participation.MethodHBASC conducted a single‐site (New York Metropolitan Area) longitudinal study examining sleep and AD in healthy black adults (aged 60‐75). From the study, barriers to trial enrollment were evaluated on a systemic and individual level. The degree to which each level directly or indirectly contributed to barriers to enrollment was further explored using a series of steps and practices seeking to engage underrepresented communities in research. In doing so, team members established and implemented a community‐focused method called FEED. Study personnel demonstrated the feed method by Finding groups, organizations, and trusted community members to collaborate with, Educating community members, Engaging community members through events and educational seminars, and Delivering resources to the community.ResultThrough collaborations with community leaders and organizations, the study team performed community outreach events, raising disease awareness, sustaining trustful relationships, and providing educational resources. The study team saw ∼50% increase in black participant enrollment through the FEED method. Increased engagement in medical research was accomplished when underrepresented communities were empowered with the tools and resources to make knowledgeable decisions.ConclusionDiverse populations of patients face complex and multifaceted barriers to enrollment in clinical trials. A FEED framework will help address these barriers at an individual and systemic level.

Communally engaged educational psychology: A philosophy of engagement

In this article, we provide guidance for educational psychologists who want to advance equity-focused school policies and practices through engaged scholarship. We conceptualize a philosophy of engagement and describe how it can facilitate psychologists’ efforts to address the social conditions of people from historically marginalized communities. Using our own philosophy of engagement as a case in point (which we refer to as communally engaged educational psychology), we share stories that showcase opportunities for roles that scholars can play in supporting education decision-makers and community members. Specifically, we illustrate that communal engagement involves building a tribe; identifying pockets of affirmation; establishing communal incubators; and leveraging existing networks to disseminate stories emerging from partnership activities. We then offer a roadmap for putting communal engagement into action by remixing Anderman’s (2011) ten challenges for educational psychologists. We conclude with a discussion of the tensions and difficulties scholars may need to navigate when enacting a philosophy of engagement.

Teachers’ mental health issues associated with the university reopening at the onset of the post-COVID-19 era in Ecuador

Progressive return to face-to-face teaching and learning activities were planned to resume worldwide once most higher education community members are vaccinated against COVID-19. However, mental health issues triggered by this imminent return under unprecedented teaching scenarios, mainly among university teachers, may occur. Therefore, this study aims to determine the psychological response of university teachers to the multiple uncertainties generated by the university reopening in Ecuador. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted, and a sample of 273 university teachers completed a semi-structured questionnaire aiming to collect socio-demographic, health conditions, and professional and family-related data. Measures of stress, anxiety, and depression were also collected based on 5-point Smiley Face Likert scales. Data were quantitatively analyzed with multiple linear regression to determine the factors associated with teachers’ mental health outcomes. Stress and anxiety were significantly related to face-face activities scenarios (p<0.001). Factors such as age, marital status, academic degree, pre-infections with COVID-19, family member loss, employment status, and teaching experience were also significantly associated with psychological disorders observed (p<0.05). Findings may help develop timely preventive programs and policies to cope with and mitigate the knock-on effects of future disease outbreaks in Ecuador, consequently helping reduce social and financial costs.