University Education Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general population towards Marburg virus disease in sub-Saharan African countries: a cross-sectional study.

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is categorized among viral hemorrhagic fevers. MVD is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify factors affecting MVD knowledge, attitudes and practices in sub-Saharan African countries. Using a validated questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from 21 April to 23 May 2023 in eight English-speaking sub-Saharan African countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania). Of 3142 participants, 51% were males, 66.0% were aged 18-29 y, 74.4% were living in urban areas, 47.9% completed their university education and 21.7% were healthcare workers (HCWs). Tanzanians had the highest good knowledge (89%), while Kenyans had the lowest (26%). Tanzanians had the highest positive attitude (82%), while Nigerians had the highest negative attitude (95%). The best practices exhibited were by Ethiopians (70%), and the poorest practices exhibited were by Ghanaians (94%). The predictors of good knowledge were marital status (adjusted OR [aOR]=0.75; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.94; p=0.013), knowing the correct mode of transmission (aOR=18.31; 95% CI 13.31 to 25.66; p<0.001), whether the participant has heard before about MVD (aOR=2.24; 95% CI 1.82 to 2.75; p<0.001), whether they modified their working habits (aOR=2.79; 95% CI 2.12 to 3.67; p<0.001), nationality (p<0.001) and being a HCW (aOR=2.71; 95% CI 2.01 to 3.67; p<0.001). The predictors of good attitude were being female (aOR=0.71; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.85; p<0.001), age (aOR=0.99; 95% CI 0.98 to 0.99; p=0.01), place of residence (aOR=3.13; 95% CI 2.46 to 3.99; p<0.001), level of education (aOR=1.67; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.04; p<0.001), knowing the correct mode of transmission (aOR=1.59; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.98; p<0.001), modification of working habits (aOR=1.30; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.68; p=0.039) and nationality (p<0.001). The predictors of practice were being female (aOR=1.17; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.37; p=0.042), place of residence (aOR=1.23; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.48; p=0.033), marital status (aOR=0.65; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.78; p<0.001), knowing the correct mode of transmission (aOR=0.46; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.56; p<0.001), modification of working habits (aOR=0.40; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.49; p<0.001) and occupation (aOR=0.37; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.46; p<0.001). Different modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors can be targeted to improve population perspectives towards MVD.

Trajectory of Cardiovascular Health Across Childhood and Adolescence.

The American Heart Association put forth the Life's Essential 8 construct to assess cardiovascular health (CVH) based on 8 behavioral and health factors. Few studies have characterized the natural history of CVH in early life or identified its sociodemographic determinants. To characterize CVH trajectories across childhood and adolescence and identify associations with sociodemographic variables. This study used data from the Project Viva prebirth cohort, an ongoing prospective prebirth cohort study conducted in a large multispecialty group practice in eastern Massachusetts among women who were pregnant and enrolled from April 1999 to November 2002. Participant inclusion required 3 or more CVH metrics in early childhood (median [range] age, 3.2 [2.8-6.2] years) or 4 metrics or more in midchildhood (median [range] age, 7.7 [6.6-10.9] years), early adolescence (median [range] age, 13.0 [11.9-16.6] years), or late adolescence (median [range] age, 17.5 [15.4-20.1] years). Of 2218 live births in the original cohort, 1523 were included in the present analysis. Data were analyzed from June to December 2023. Child sex, race, and ethnicity; maternal education; and household income. CVH score (0-100 points) from early childhood to late adolescence, calculated as the unweighted average of all available CVH metrics at each life stage. Among 1523 children, 782 (51.4%) were male; 53 (3.5%) were non-Hispanic Asian, 231 (15.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, 988 (65.0%) were non-Hispanic White, and 175 (11.5%) were non-Hispanic other. The mean (SD) CVH score was 82.6 (8.6) in early childhood, 84.1 (8.3) in midchildhood, 82.0 (9.8) in early adolescence, and 73.8 (11.5) in late adolescence. The estimated mean (SD) age of inflection when CVH score declined was 10.1 (0.7) years for male children and 10.0 (0.6) years for female children; the decline in CVH was associated with health behaviors rather than health factors. Male children (vs female children) had faster CVH score gain before the inflection (β, 0.79 points/year; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.91) and faster CVH score decline after the inflection (β, -0.33 points/year; 95% CI, -0.44 to -0.22). Non-Hispanic Black children (β, 0.32 years; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.43) and children of other non-Hispanic races (β, 0.16 years; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.28) children had later timing of inflection compared with non-Hispanic White children. Children of mothers without (vs with) a college degree or with household income $70 000 per year or less (vs greater than $70 000/year) exhibited lower CVH trajectory throughout childhood. Children of mothers with some college education (vs a college degree) had later timing of inflection (β, 0.16 years; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.26) and slower CVH score gain before the inflection (β, -0.24 points/year; 95% CI, -0.40 to -0.08). This study provides insight into the trajectory of CVH early in life, which may contribute to CVH disparities in adulthood, and identified modifiable health behaviors for focused prevention efforts to optimize CVH in early life.

Qualitative research on the flipped classroom cognition of undergraduate nursing students

ObjectiveTo assess undergraduate nursing students' understanding of the flipped classroom model, facilitate its integration into nursing education, and support its implementation and reform.MethodsThe in-depth interview method of phenomenological research was used to interview 10 undergraduate nursing students during their course on 15 January 2024 in the classroom. The Colaizzi analysis method was employed for the data analysis.ResultsStudents' cognition of the flipped classroom model highlights three main aspects: limitations of traditional education, improved understanding of the flipped classroom despite its infrequent use in higher education, and its potential benefits, including increased learning interest, better learning outcomes, enhanced language skills, improved nursing research abilities, and stronger emotional connections between teachers and students. Challenges include increased workload, low self-discipline in self-directed learning, classroom time inefficiencies, and difficulty replacing traditional teacher-led instruction. The cognition of the flipped classroom among undergraduate nursing students can be summarised into three aspects: the restraints posed by traditional education models; the improvement in students’ understanding of the flipped classroom model – although its usage in college education is still rare; and the model’s potential to enhance learning interest, improve learning outcomes, foster language skills, enhance nursing research capabilities, and increase emotional interaction between teachers and students. However, several challenges persist, such as increased learning burdens, low student self-discipline in self-directed learning, substantial time wastage in class, and the difficulty of substituting traditional teacher-led instructions.ConclusionThe ongoing updates in educational models suggest that the flipped classroom model is conducive to improving learning outcomes and promoting the effective integration of theory and practice. However, further enhancements to this model are needed as it continues to be applied.

Knowledge and perceptions of the roles of anesthesiologists as providers of healthcare services: toward better-educated patients

BackgroundIn modern healthcare systems, the scope of practice for anesthesiologists is expanding within and beyond the traditional perioperative care continuum. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perceptions of perioperative patients of the roles of anesthesiologists as providers of healthcare services in different Palestinian hospitals. The study also assessed associations between the patients' different demographic and clinical variables and their knowledge and perceptions about the roles of anesthesiologists.MethodThis study was conducted using a cross-sectional design and a questionnaire among perioperative patients admitted for elective surgeries in five major public and private hospitals in the Nablus, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Salfit governorates of the West Bank of Palestine. The data were collected between September 2023 and December 2023.ResultsOf the 500 patients invited, 411 patients completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 82.2%. The overall knowledge score of the patients about the roles of anesthesiologists was 59.4% (18.8%). The majority of the patients lacked awareness about the roles of anesthesiologists outside the operating room. There was a low positive correlation between the self-rated general health and overall knowledge score (Pearson's r = 0.17, p-value < 0.001). Similarly, knowledge scores were significantly higher for the patients who had a university education (p-value = < 0.001) and had a degree in one of the medical/health fields (p-value = < 0.001). On the other hand, the patients who lived in refugee camps (p-value = 0.048), had a blue-collar job (p-value = 0.005), and were scheduled to receive orthopedic surgeries (p-value = 0.035) had significantly lower knowledge scores.ConclusionThe findings of this study showed that perioperative patients in Palestine had inadequate knowledge about anesthesia and the roles of anesthesiologists, especially outside the operating room. Efforts should be made to improve the knowledge and perception of perioperative patients about anesthesia and the roles of anesthesiologists as providers of healthcare services. These efforts should be tailored to target uneducated patients, who have blue-collar jobs, live in refugee camps, and are scheduled to receive orthopedic surgeries.

Non-persistence with multiple secondary prevention medications for peripheral arterial disease among older hypertensive patients

IntroductionThe benefit of secondary prevention in hypertensive patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is based on continual simultaneous taking of statins, antiplatelet agents and antihypertensive agents, preferably angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Our study was aimed at a) the analysis of the extent of non-persistence with multiple medication classes, and b) identifying factors associated with the likelihood of non-persistence.MethodsIn our cohort study, 3,401 hypertensive patients (1,853 females and 1,548 males) aged ≥65 years treated simultaneously with statins, antiplatelet agents and ACEIs/ARBs and in whom PAD was newly diagnosed during 2012 were analysed. A patient was classified as non-persistent when he/she was non-persistent with at least one of the three analysed medication classes. The most important characteristics associated with the probability of non-persistence were identified using the Cox regression.ResultsAt the end of the follow-up period (mean length 1.8 years), 1,869 (55.0%) patients (including 1,090 females and 779 males) were classified as non-persistent. In the whole study cohort, factors associated with non-persistence were female sex, atrial fibrillation, and being a new user of at least one of the analysed medication classes; in males, they were university education, atrial fibrillation, and epilepsy, and, in females, being a new user.ConclusionIdentification of sex differences in factors associated with non-persistence makes it possible to determine the groups of patients in whom special attention should be paid to improving their persistence with a combination of medicines in order to ensure successful secondary prevention of PAD.

Does self-paced learning in mobile flood protection unit construction in virtual reality have advantages over traditional measures?

IntroductionThe study explores the application of virtual reality (VR) in university education, specifically within the context of civil engineering. It aims to investigate the potential of an immersive virtual lab employing self-paced learning for teaching complex tasks. The focus is on the construction of a Mobile Flood Protection Unit (MFPU), traditionally taught through written instructions or video tutorials.MethodsAn experiment was conducted involving 48 students who were divided into two groups. One group learned to build an MFPU using a VR tutorial, while the other group used a traditional instructional video. The effectiveness of these teaching tools was assessed based on factual and procedural knowledge transfer. Additionally, students' personal perceptions regarding the use of VR software were evaluated.ResultsThe findings indicated a positive effect on factual knowledge transfer when using VR. Moreover, students expressed favorable perceptions towards utilizing VR as a learning tool.DiscussionThe study suggests that VR can enhance factual knowledge acquisition and is well-received by students in educational settings. However, it also highlights the need for further research to better understand its impact on procedural knowledge gain. Future studies could explore long-term effects and different applications within various fields of education.

Never tested for HIV among men who have sex with men, Hanoi, Vietnam: correlates and missed opportunities.

Introduction: Understanding levels of HIV testing among populations at risk for acquisition is essential to meeting the goal of the United Nations that 95% of individuals living with HIV know their status. This study assessed HIV testing prevalence among men who had sex with men (MSM), characteristics of MSM who have never tested for HIV, and missed testing opportunities in Hanoi, Vietnam.Methods: We measured the prevalence of never testing for HIV and missed opportunities for testing in the baseline data of a cohort study of MSM recruited in 2017-2019 in Hanoi. Logistic regression analysis characterized MSM who had never tested prior to cohort participation.Results: Of 1,893 MSM enrolled in the cohort, 39.4% had never previously tested for HIV. MSM with children (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.09-2.82) and those who did not know or remember having a male partner living with HIV (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07-1.84) were more likely to have never tested. Older age, university education, higher income, and having a male partner living with HIV were associated with a lower likelihood of never having been tested. The most common missed testing opportunities to test MSM who had never been tested were when receiving free condoms from health educators (35.3%), testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (23.3%), reporting their MSM status to healthcare workers (16.4%), and receiving an STI diagnosis (13.0%). The most common barriers identified by MSM who had never tested were fear of seeking health care due to their sexual orientation (82.7%) and having been refused healthcare due to their sexual oreitnation (76.2%).Conclusions: Facilitating provider-initiated HIV testing in STI clinics and other healthcare services, community-based testing, and HIV self-test kits should enhance HIV testing options for young MSM, especially those with lower education and income.

Exploring food safety knowledge and practices in Lebanon

Background: Lebanon’s economic and financial crises have affected the quality-of-life, including food safety and food security. Aim: To assess food safety knowledge and practices among a sample Lebanese population and the association with the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of participants. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data online from 412 Lebanese adults aged ≥ 18 years [mostly female (77.7%)] between October and December 2021. The data included their sociodemographic characteristics, food safety knowledge and practices, experience of food insecurity, and financial wellbeing. We conducted logistic regression analyses to explore the associations between food safety knowledge and practices, sociodemographic variables, and food security status of participants. Results: A significantly higher proportion of married (vs single) participants said they reheated refrigerated meat or chicken before consumption (74.3% vs 63.1%, P = 0.017). A significantly higher proportion of participants in the higher income category and those with university education (versus lower level of education) knew the characteristics of a contaminated food (34.2% vs 15.0%, P = 0.008). Older participants were significantly more knowledgeable about the management of leftover food (mean 34.54 years vs 31.25 years; P = 0.014). Household food security status did not show any statistically significant association with any of the 5 food safety measures examined. Conclusion: This study confirms the existence of suboptimal food safety knowledge and practices by almost half of the sample. There is therefore a need for evidence-based public health interventions to increase knowledge, and promote better practices, of safe food handling, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne diseases in Lebanon.

Construction 4.0: enhancing sustainable construction practices by evaluating digital twin barriers in the Nigerian AEC industry

PurposeThe architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is currently undergoing a paradigm shift as it integrates innovations such as digital twins (DT) in its activities. As a result, this study aims to ascertain the barriers affecting the implementation of digital twin (DT) technology in Nigeria’s AEC sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative approach using a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, yielding 120 valid responses from built environment professionals in Nigeria. The data were subjected to statistical tests such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Cronbach’s alpha, descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Hypotheses were validated through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe study revealed that out of the 43 identified barriers, inadequate system integration, challenges in guaranteeing interoperability, university education on the subject is deficient, and new system compatibility with legacy systems are the main barriers to implementing DT for sustainable construction practices in the AEC Industry of Nigeria.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in Nigeria with a focus on the Federal Capital Territory. The study identified the barriers of DT in the construction sector.Practical implicationsThis study developed and assessed a theoretical framework, examining the relationships between variables. The findings have important implications for the construction industry, offering opportunities to improve construction processes. Furthermore, the study will help improve sustainable practices within the built environment.Originality/valueThe study categorised the barriers of DT into the following: system integration; security-related; performance-related; organizational-related; data quality issues and environmental related issues.

Project-Based Learning: an Effective Strategy for Improving Critical Thinking in Universities

Purpose: This research evaluated critical thinking in university students using the application of a learning with projects educational program as a strategy. Theoretical Framework: It was based on the theoretical foundations on critical thinking, being the basis of the study of cognitivism, as well as on the relationship between critical thinking and higher education, as a goal of university education, to promote the development of higher thinking based on criticism, innovation and creativity. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design was developed with the participation of 60 university students from the Faculty of Education of a public university in the Loreto region of Peru. Results and Discussion: A significant relationship was found between the educational program learning with projects and critical thinking (p&lt;0.005) in which the training of university students in critical thinking competencies partially had this relationship. The results indicated that the university students who were part of the study had better competencies in the development of critical thinking. Research, practical and social implications: It can be stated that project-based learning is important to improve problem solving and informed decision making skills as competencies in university students to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Originality/value: This study contributes original value to the field of undergraduate formative study by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the project-based learning educational program to improve critical thinking in Peruvian university students.

Unveiling Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Efficacy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Teaching Materials Utilization

This study investigated pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching materials utilization (TMU) focusing on the aspects of message design, usage, and visual design, and how demographic factors such as gender, age, university type, year of study, and teaching branch affect their self-efficacy in TMU. A group of 347 pre-service teachers studying at the faculty of education in different universities across Turkey were measured for their self-efficacy in the aspects of message design, usage, and visual design in teaching materials. The study quantitatively revealed that pre-service teachers demonstrated high levels of self-efficacy in all three domains. Notably, pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy varied significantly across demographic variables. Female pre-service teachers generally exhibited higher self-efficacy across all the subscales compared to their male counterparts. Age was also found to influence their self-efficacy in that older participants displayed greater competence. The pre-service teachers from foundation universities showed higher self-efficacy than those from state universities. However, the year of study did not significantly affect self-efficacy levels. Furthermore, significant differences in self-efficacy were also observed across different teaching branches, particularly in message design and usage, but not in visual design. This study contributes valuable insights for teacher education programs by emphasizing the importance of demographic considerations in developing teaching materials competencies among pre-service teachers.

An Exploration of Placement Travel and Accommodation Issues for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Profession Students, Universities, and Practice Educators

Travel and accommodation challenges for student’s access to pre-registration learning environments were explored through a National Health Service England (NHSE) funded project. This was hosted by XXXX Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust covering the XXXXX Integrated Care Board (ICB) area. A mixed methods service evaluation was used, using three cross-sectional surveys to discover local university placement teams, practice education facilitators and practice educators and nursing, midwifery and allied health profession student views on placement transport and accommodation challenges. One student focus group was also held to explore issues in more depth. Stakeholder participants described a range of transport and accommodation concerns, including student personal safety, transport routes, timetable challenges, financial and health burdens, and working to fixed shift patterns. Recommendations for practice include flexible shift patterns, car use guidance, free car parking, personal safety training, provision of overnight accommodation to protect wellbeing, and placement costs paid in advance. The project identified the need for a greater range of bus routes from transport providers, plus consideration for a university minibus service to reach rural community settings. The findings from this study will support placement providers and universities to maximise placement opportunities and will improve the student experience across the ICB setting. The results are applicable to other regions.

Demographics and Health Characteristics Associated With the Likelihood of Participating in Digitally Delivered Exercise Rehabilitation for Improving Heart Health Among Breast Cancer Survivors: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Strong evidence supports the benefits of exercise following both cardiovascular disease and cancer diagnoses. However, less than one-third of Australians who are referred to exercise rehabilitation complete a program following a cardiac diagnosis. Technological advances make it increasingly possible to embed real-time supervision, tailored exercise prescription, behavior change, and social support into home-based programs. This study aimed to explore demographic and health characteristics associated with the likelihood of breast cancer survivors uptaking a digitally delivered cardiac exercise rehabilitation program and to determine whether this differed according to intervention timing (ie, offered generally, before, during, or after treatment). Secondary aims were to explore the knowledge of cardiac-related treatment side-effects, exercise behavior, additional intervention interests (eg, diet, fatigue management), and service fee capabilities. This cross-sectional study involved a convenience sample of breast cancer survivors recruited via social media. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect outcomes of interests, including the likelihood of uptaking a digitally delivered cardiac exercise rehabilitation program, and demographic and health characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics and outcomes. Ordered logistic regression models were used to examine associations between demographic and health characteristics and likelihood of intervention uptake generally, before, during, and after treatment, with odds ratios (ORs) <0.67 or >1.5 defined as clinically meaningful and statistical significance a priori set at P≤.05. A high proportion (194/208, 93%) of the sample (mean age 57, SD 11 years; median BMI=26, IQR 23-31 kg/m2) met recommended physical activity levels at the time of the survey. Living in an outer regional area (compared with living in a major city) was associated with higher odds of uptake in each model (OR 3.86-8.57, 95% CI 1.04-68.47; P=.01-.04). Receiving more cardiotoxic treatments was also associated with higher odds of general uptake (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.96; P=.04). There was some evidence that a higher BMI, more comorbid conditions, and lower education (compared with university education) were associated with lower odds of intervention uptake, but findings differed according to intervention timing. Respondents identified the need for better education about the cardiotoxic effects of breast cancer treatment, and the desire for multifaceted rehabilitation interventions that are free or low cost (median Aus $10, IQR 10-15 per session; Aus $1=US $0.69 at time of study). These findings can be used to better inform future research and the development of intervention techniques that are critical to improving the delivery of a digital service model that is effective, equitable, and accessible, specifically, by enhancing digital inclusion, addressing general exercise barriers experienced by chronic disease populations, incorporating multidisciplinary care, and developing affordable delivery models.

Higher Education in the USA: Characteristics of Development During the Third Decade of the 21st Century

The article aims to examine the state of higher education in the USA during the third decade of 21st century. The author reviews the best US universities still leading in global educational rankings. The paper highlights the increasing proportion of the population with a bachelor degree or higher, including among racial and ethnic minorities. It also addresses longstanding issues within the US education system, including the high cost of tuition, inequal access to university education among different racial groups of population. It also identifies new challenges including growing bureaucracy in universities and rising dissatisfaction with higher education as a factor of professional success.

Higher education expansion and emission trading scheme: A case study in China.

Despite the abundant empirical evidence of higher education impacting emission mitigation, few studies have uncovered the mechanism that higher education affects climate policy. In this paper, we attempt to narrow the aforementioned research gap by employing a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to quantify the relations between the higher education expansion (HEE) and emission trading scheme (ETS) in China. The CGE model results show that the HEE reduces labor employment, GDP, and emissions, whereas the ETS relieves these HEE impacts. Regardless of the HEE, the ETS causes emission abatement at the price of employment loss and GDP loss, whereas the HEE weakens the ETS effects on employment, GDP, and emissions. These findings imply that HEE negatively affects emission mitigation in climate policy implementation, whereas climate policy could be implemented to boost economic growth during college education expansion.

The Situation of Senior Citizens in the UK and Poland

The aim of this article is to compare and analyse the life situation of older people in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Poland. The similarities and differences presented within this paper are based on the results of conducted research in both countries, statistical data analysis and scholar papers. The article addresses such areas influencing the quality of life of older people as: demography, medical care, the pension system, social care homes, social and cultural activities of seniors, medical support and long-term care systems. This article is also a reference to the quantitative and qualitative research project "The World Tailored to Seniors - the Situation of Older People in Poland" conducted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland and Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Poland in 2024.

The ‘Conventional Wisdom’ of Auditing: Can the Traditions of Auditing Rise to New Challenges?

ABSTRACT In this essay, I will discuss whether the conventional wisdom of auditing is well suited to address the most pressing challenges facing the audit profession. I argue that some of the classic foundations of auditing may need to be reconsidered and adapted if the profession is going to retain its role as a trusted third-party assurance provider. The specific issues considered in this essay include the role of university education for entering the profession, the nature of standardization in the audit process, the impact of auditor tenure on audit quality, the underlying difficulties of achieving independence, the nature of the expectation gap, and the appropriate role of audit regulation and enforcement. While not complete, I use these issues to offer some observations about how evolution in our thinking about these core concepts may be needed for business, markets and societies to continue to instill trust in the assurance we provide.

A systematic literature review and case study on the social impact of the other women’s contributions to education and dialogic feminism

Feminism has been one of the most important social movements of the last centuries. Current societies have widely recognized their contributions. However, whereas ethnic diversity has been included in the movement, diversity in terms of academic background has not. Therefore, the contributions made by the “other women” from their daily lives, those with no university education (who belong to cultural minorities or not), remain on the margins of public debate. In the face of this reality, the plurality of all women has been building contributions to education and dialogic feminism. Based on Lidia Puigvert’s previous study on dialogic feminism and the “other women” movement, this article aimed to trace the social impact of “other women’s” contributions to education and dialogic feminism in their lives and communities. A qualitative case study has been developed that collects a systematic literature review, in-depth interviews with educators, focus groups, and communicative daily life stories with women who have participated in Schools as Learning Communities and democratic adult education associations in Spain over the last 20 years. The results provided evidence about the contributions of the “other women” in the development and expansion of successful educational actions that have generated social and educational transformations in themselves, their families, and their communities, such as Dialogic Gatherings and the prevention of gender violence, among others.

College Education, Politics, and Attitudes Towards Capital Punishment

College Education, Politics, and Attitudes Towards Capital Punishment

Educational Innovation of Using Artificial Intelligence in University Education: a Comprehensive Student Survey

This paper investigates the adoption and potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within higher education, examining its impact on educators and learners through detailed perspectives gathered from university students. It provides an extensive literature review outlining the dynamics, characteristics, and the application of AI in the educational sector. The primary research included a meticulously designed survey distributed among active students to assess their current experiences, perceived benefits, and concerns having AI-driven materials and tools in educational environments. Based on the learners’ responses a generally positive attitude towards the use of AI was revealed among the university students. They expressed a strong belief in their ability to learn with and utilize AI tools effectively, acknowledging the significant advantages AI can offer in enhancing educational experiences and providing personalized academic support. This optimistic view is, however, tempered by significant concerns, particularly regarding ethical issues and the potential shift away from traditional pedagogical methods. The data also showed that the participants highly valued the effectiveness and accessibility provided by the AI-enhanced instructional materials and teaching methods. Despite this, there remained a substantial degree of apprehension surrounding the ethical implications and safety of AI applications in education. This paper makes a significant contribution to the field of educational technology by providing primary research on AI-related challenges and considerations. It highlights the critical importance of maintaining a balanced approach that prioritizes technological innovation alongside ethical considerations and human-centered practices in the development and integration of AI into higher education, advocating for responsible use of technology.