Educational Resources Research Articles

Unlocking Cognitive Horizons by Exploring the Influence of Maps on Primary School Pupils: An Examination Conducted in North Macedonia

This study thoroughly investigates the effects of utilizing maps as educational tools for children, aiming to enhance pupils' cognitive abilities and improve the overall educational system within primary schools. By exploring the potential benefits of incorporating cartographic materials into the curriculum, this research sheds light on their positive impact on children's intellectual growth and the educational framework at the elementary level, such as primary schools. The primary aim of this investigation is to deliver an interactive and compelling educational resource tailored for pupils aged between 7 and 10 years old. Pre-test and post-test were conducted with 377 primary school pupils in Tetovo, North Macedonia. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach and through a meticulous analysis of the potential benefits of integrating maps into the pedagogical framework, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the positive effects they can have on children's skill acquisition and the overall efficacy of the educational system. Ultimately, the findings of this study are expected to inform educational stakeholders by furnishing empirical evidence on the advantages of incorporating maps into the learning process for young learners, thus contributing to more effective educational practices. The study's findings demonstrate a predominantly favorable reception, emphasizing the efficacy and educational utility of the maps and atlases among young pupils. The analysis shows that employing the maps and atlas led to an average enhancement in pupils' learning abilities, with an approximate mean increase of 31.45%.

The Implementation and Empirical Analysis of Android Learning Application toward Performance among Students Electronics Engineering Education

The integration of technology into the realm of education is experiencing exponential growth, and an ever-evolving selection of media formats is being created to facilitate teaching and learning in a more effective manner. The objective of this research endeavor is to ascertain the degree to which the implementation of learning applications influences the academic achievement of students enrolled in electrical engineering-related programs. To accomplish this objective, learning methodologies and self-directed learning must be implemented as variables that impact students' academic performance. To facilitate this inquiry, a total of 339 representative samples of participants were collected. The collected data were subjected to analysis using the SmartPLS 4.0 software and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) with partial least square (PLS) correction. Following a thorough analysis, it was determined that the data provided an accurate representation of the population. The findings of this study have practical implications-students who engage in self-directed learning and implement effective learning strategies will see a substantial improvement in their overall learning outcomes. Students desire easy access to a variety of educational resources and materials, according to the findings. This aspiration motivates the proliferation of mobile media devices. To facilitate students' access to a diverse range of learning strategies, instructors possess the ability to provide accommodation. These applications benefit students by streamlining the process of obtaining access to learning-supporting materials and resources

Influence of Cultural Background on Language Comprehension in Philippines

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of cultural background on language comprehension in Philippines. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on the influence of cultural background on language comprehension in the Philippines reveals significant disparities in reading proficiency among students from diverse cultural contexts. Studies indicate that students who identify strongly with their cultural heritage often demonstrate better comprehension of texts that resonate with their cultural experiences, while those encountering unfamiliar cultural references face challenges in understanding materials. Factors such as socio-economic status, access to educational resources, and the prevalence of multilingualism also impact comprehension outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural-historical activity theory, sociocultural theory & intercultural communication theory may be used to anchor future studies on the influence of cultural background on language comprehension in Philippines. Educators should implement culturally responsive teaching strategies that acknowledge and leverage students' cultural backgrounds in language instruction. Educational policymakers should prioritize the inclusion of cultural diversity in language education frameworks and curricula.

The Pathways and Mechanisms for Collaborative Innovation in Vocational Education, Higher Education, and Continuing Education

Against the backdrop of rapid global economic development, the demand for education has gradually shifted from quantitative growth to qualitative improvement. Vocational education, higher education, and continuing education are crucial components of China’s education system, each serving different educational functions. However, the collaborative innovation among these three types of education is still in the preliminary exploration stage, with issues such as scattered resources and imperfect coordination mechanisms. This paper systematically reviews relevant domestic and international research and practical experiences, thoroughly analyzes the pathways, models, and mechanisms of collaborative innovation among these three types of education, and proposes practical and operational suggestions based on the actual situation in Xuzhou City. The study finds that collaboration between vocational education, higher education, and continuing education through innovation not only enhances the overall efficiency of educational resources but also promotes regional economic development and social progress. On this basis, this paper proposes specific measures such as building an education resource-sharing platform, promoting a chain-based talent training system, strengthening policy and institutional guarantees, and improving incentive mechanisms, aiming to provide a reference for local education administrators and contribute to the innovative development of education in China.

Optimizing Higher Education for Entrepreneurship Digital economy and Innovation: A Novel Spatial Analysis Approach

The paper extensively examined the intricate components underpinning innovation ability, culminating in the construction of a linear spatial model delineating innovation and entrepreneurship prowess. This paper analyzed the components of the connotation of innovation ability, then constructs a linear spatial model of innovation and entrepreneurship ability, proposes a multi-objective function model of the utilization efficiency and allocation efficiency of education resources, and uses the grey correlation algorithm The experimental simulation and model solution are carried out. The simulation results show that, through the optimization, the utilization efficiency and allocation efficiency of the educational resources for innovation and entrepreneurship for all are increased by 18.72\% and 20.98\% respectively, and tend to be in equilibrium, which can achieve the optimization of educational resources allocation. Among all people, the correlation value with ideal entrepreneurship is 0.3177, achieving the most excellent innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Developing a GeoGebra-Based Teaching Module on Quadrilateral Area and Perimeter to Enhance Seventh-Grade Students' Critical Thinking Skills

Objective: Seventh-grade students often need help to grasp the concepts of area and perimeter, particularly when applied to real-world problems requiring critical thinking. This difficulty highlights a need for engaging and effective teaching resources beyond traditional methods. Method: This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model to design, develop, and evaluate a GeoGebra-based teaching module explicitly targeting the area and perimeter of quadrilaterals. The module, designed to foster critical thinking, underwent rigorous validation by media and material experts before being tested for practicality and effectiveness with seventh-grade students. Result: The GeoGebra-based teaching module was valid and practical, receiving high scores from expert evaluations and user feedback. More importantly, the module's implementation positively impacted students' critical thinking skills related to area and perimeter, as evidenced by significant improvement between their pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments. Novelty: This study provides valuable evidence for the efficacy of GeoGebra-based teaching modules in significantly improving critical thinking skills within a specific mathematical context. It addresses a critical gap in existing educational resources by offering a validated, practical, and effective tool that can be adapted to elevate mathematical understanding and cognitive skills in middle school education

Analysis of the Needs of Cognitive Conflict-Based Teaching Materials Integrated with Augmented Reality on Heat

In the 21st century, the increasing development of technology and informatics has brought significant changes in the world of education. The independent curriculum is a response to the demands of education in the era of evolving technology. The main goal is to deepen concept understanding and strengthen student skills. Concept understanding is one of the basic competencies in the independent curriculum that students must have. But in fact, based on research of preliminary, it was got that the problem of concepts understanding from students was still low and tended to occur misconceptions, the use of cognitive conflict learning could contribute to improving understanding of concepts in the independent curriculum. The research purposes was to analyze the characteristics, validity, and practicality of teaching materials based on cognitive conflict. This research type is preliminary research. Three Padang City High School teachers were given a questionnaire to complete in order to assess how physics is being taught in classrooms. Subsequently, the survey was distributed to 130 students in class XI F across two distinct high schools in Padang City, with the objective of examining the requirements for physics educational resources in the classroom. Journal analysis was done in addition to the questionnaire to examine high school students' conceptual grasp of heat topic. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were done on the data. Misconceptions about hot content and low concept understanding among students are the outcome of an analysis of multiple published papers. Furthermore, there are still few teaching resources available, less technology-integrated learning media, and a teacher-centered approach to education. Consequently, based on the findings of preliminary research, physics instructional materials integrating augmented reality technology and cognitive conflict must be developed

The role of technology in the development of higher education in Ukraine in the context of global challenges

The article examines the role of technology in the evolution of higher education in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by global change. The author analyses the impact of digitalisation on the learning process, the organisation of educational activities and the interaction between students and teachers. The article discusses both the positive aspects of the introduction of digital tools, such as increased student engagement, curriculum flexibility and effective management of educational resources, and potential problems, such as technical difficulties, the need to improve the digital literacy of teachers and students, and the possible decline in the quality of education due to the use of low-quality teaching materials. The article is based on an empirical study of the introduction of digital technologies in higher education institutions, as well as on the results obtained in EU countries in 2022. The practical and theoretical implications of the study are discussed separately. This includes the development of recommendations for the integration of digital technologies into the educational process, as well as the development of educational theory in the context of digitalisation.

Literature Review: The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy for Race-Based Traumatic Stress With African Americans

Background:Race-based traumatic stress is defined as psychological and emotional stress induced by race-based offenses in the life span. Examples of this include but are not limited to overt verbal and physical racist encounters, microaggressions, housing discrimination, racist policies, racist policing practices, employment discrimination, and economic disenfranchisement. African Americans are disproportionately affected, and it is not clear if mental health treatment is effective.Objective:The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of race-based traumatic stress on African Americans and examine if eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an effective treatment modality. The author sought to answer the following question: If African Americans who have been exposed to race-based traumatic stress receive EMDR therapy, will it reduce emotional and psychological distress associated with race-based trauma?Methods:A literature review was conducted between January 22 and April 26 of 2024. The following online databases contributed to the selection of peer-reviewed articles for this literature review: APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, and Educational Resources Information Center. Gray literature such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s database was also explored to locate additional statistics and information concerning mental health, race-based traumatic stress, and African Americans. Reference lists of the identified articles were manually reviewed, and additional relevant articles such as primary research articles were included in the literature review.Findings:It could not be concluded that EMDR therapy is an effective modality for treating race-based traumatic stress in African Americans. Thus, the answer appears to be unclear currently.Conclusions:The findings suggest that further research and advocacy are necessary to better understand the effectiveness of specialized modalities and mental health care concerning treatment for African Americans.

The Impact of New Media Technology Applications on Educational Equity in Rural Areas

Educational disparities between rural and urban areas have long been a significant concern, driven by factors such as limited access to educational resources, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers in rural regions. In response to these challenges, new media technologies (NMT)—ranging from digital learning platforms to artificial intelligence(AI)-driven educational environments—have emerged as promising tools to bridge the educational gap. This research explores the impact of these NMT applications on educational equity in rural areas, emphasizing both the opportunities they create and the challenges they introduce. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize traditional educational methods by providing innovative approaches to knowledge transfer and expanding access to a broader range of educational resources. However, the digital divide—a disparity in access to technology and digital literacy—remains a significant obstacle. Students in rural areas often face challenges such as limited digital literacy, insufficient access to technological equipment, and unreliable Internet connections, all of which exacerbate educational inequalities. This research advocates for targeted investments in Internet infrastructure and comprehensive digital training programs to mitigate these challenges and promote educational equity. By delving into the complexities of integrating NMT into rural education, this study aims to offer valuable insights for policymakers and educators in their efforts to develop inclusive strategies that ensure equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their geographic location. The ultimate objective is to create an education system that empowers students in rural and disadvantaged communities to reach their full academic potential.

Teacher Education Lecturers' Views of Open Educational Resources: A Case of South African Universities

Literature reflects that universities freely share their teaching materials as Open Educational Resources (OER). The major objective of this study was to investigate lecturers at faculties of education views of the usefulness of OER for academic purposes at selected South African universities. This study is grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model, TAM (Davis, 1989); and the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use, UTTAU (Bagozzi, 2007) and Theory of Diffusion of Innovations, TDI (Rogers, 2003). These theories justified this investigation explores lecturers at faculties of education views of the usefulness of OER for academic purposes at selected South African universities. The study was informed by the qualitative research approach, which employed semi-structured interviews. Four lecturers were sampled purposively from each university to participate in the study and the data were analysed thematically. The findings of this study are that although the lecturers had an inadequate understanding and knowledge of OER, they were able to display their disposition toward in the usefulness of OER in applying in their pedagogical practices. What is now needed is for South African universities to ensure greater OER awareness and assist lecturers to acquire knowledge of OER so that they can infuse and utilise it effectively in their daily teaching-and-learning environments.

Smoking Cessation Counseling: Practices, Determinants, and Barriers in a Sample of Iranian Primary Care Dentists

Objectives: Despite the successful tobacco smoking cessation counseling (TSCC) efforts of dental professionals, Iranian primary care dentists have not fully utilized their potential for TSCC provision. Thus, this study assessed the TSCC practices and their associations with socio-professional attributes, knowledge, and attitude, and explored the TSCC barriers and their socio-professional determinants in a sample of Iranian primary care dentists. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Comprehensive Healthcare Centers (CHCs) in Tehran Province, Iran from March to June 2019. All dentists practicing in these centers (n=190) completed self-administered questionnaires regarding TSCC-related knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers. Simple and multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: The respondents (n=180, response rate=93%) were predominantly females (81.6%), recent graduates (69.6%), and non-cigarette smokers (90.2%), with a mean age of 34±9.98 years. Most performed 'Ask' (90.6%) and 'Advise' (69.1%), while a few were engaged in 'Assess' (33.7%) and fewer in 'Assist,' with 21.3% making physician referrals and 31.5% making psychologist referrals. Non-smokers (B=0.80, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.40; P=0.01), and those with a more positive attitude (B=0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.08; P< 0.001) were more likely to provide TSCC. The main identified barriers included “absence of educational resources for patients”, “time constraints”, and “lack of patient cooperation. Conclusion: Although the selected sample of Iranian primary care dentists performed “Ask” and “Advise” more frequently than their peers, their TSCC practice required further improvement through simplified guidelines, customized pathways, training, team work, and resource advocacy.

Evaluation of a Nutrition and Exercise Group Intervention for Older Adults with Frailty and Probable Sarcopenia

Abstract Background The prevalence of probable sarcopenia in frail older adults attending a Community Specialist Team (CST) is 52%. Resistance exercise and optimising nutrition are recommended interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a nutrition and exercise group for frail older adults with probable sarcopenia. Methods Adults aged ≥65 years, with probable sarcopenia identified through Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) by a CST over 18 months were included. At CGA (baseline), sarcopenia infographics and 2 attendances at Dietetic and Physiotherapy group were offered. Group intervention comprised nutrition and exercise information and individualised goal setting. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score, grip strength and 5 Times Sit-to-Stand (5TSS) were measured. Participants' needs and perceived changes in knowledge were evaluated using open questions and Likert Scales. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Intervention was offered to 82 people. Twenty-nine (35%) attended an initial group (18 women, 11 men), with mean age 80.7 years (SD=7). Nine (30%) attended the second group. Participants were significantly less frail (median CFS 4, IQR 4, 6) than non-participants (median CFS 6, IQR 5, 7) (p= 0.002). Male grip strength improved significantly from baseline (mean 22kg, SD=4.21) to first group (mean 27.8kg, SD=4.36) (p=0.007) and to second group (mean 29kg, SD=4.21) (p=0.012). Female grip strength increased non-significantly from baseline (mean 12.6kg, SD=3.38) to first group (mean 14.5kg, SD=5.85), (p=0.127) and to second group (mean 14.83kg, SD=4.21) (p=0.890). Participant’s 5TSS did not change significantly (mean 19.75 sec, SD=6.38 to mean 20.78 sec, SD=7.73) (p=0.782). Nutrition and exercise knowledge improved significantly (p=0.004, p=0.003 respectively). Access to clear information was an identified theme. Conclusion Educational resources and tailored plans within group interventions can improve grip strength and knowledge in older adults living with very mild frailty. Further research is required to design an accessible intervention for more frail cohorts.

Education Equity in Urban-Rural Differences in China: Take Teacher Team Building as An Example

China's educational equity has received widespread attention from society, and all regions of the country have adopted positive policies to adjust and improve the fairness of the education system. However, in the existing education system, there are still deficiencies in the allocation of educational resources and teachers in different regions, such as the eastern and western regions, and coastal and inland areas. Certainly, urban and rural areas are the same. This paper analyzes the role of teachers for students, society, and even the country, as well as the differences in urban and rural educational resources and fairness. This paper analyzes the importance of teachers for both urban and rural students, which further illustrates the importance of fair allocation of teacher resources for the development of students. Based on this, this paper proposes the following suggestions: carry out urban-rural educational cooperation develop diversified education, and cultivate excellent local teachers to reduce the fairness problems in urban and rural areas.

The Dilemma and Transformation of Teacher Roles in the Context of ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT has had a huge impact on the development of education. With the development and application of ChatGPT in the field of education, the issue of teacher roles being challenged has received widespread attention. This article discusses the development issues and transformation paths in the context of ChatGPT. This article believes that the role of teachers faces some challenges under the impact of artificial intelligence and urgently needs to adapt and transform. These issues include the weakening of teacher authority, alienation of teacher-student relationships, insufficient self-awareness of teacher roles, and a gap between knowledge and practice in teacher teaching practice. Based on this, this article analyzes that teachers need to transform from the original single teaching mode to guides, learning partners, "pilots" collaborative educators, integrators of teaching resources, and cultivators of knowledge construction for student learning. Therefore, to help teachers achieve better identity conversion, this article proposes the following suggestions. Teachers should fully understand their educational attributes, actively explore scientific educational methods, enhance their educational technology capabilities, integrate new-era educational resources, and help students become the leaders of learning.

Effort to Optimize Learning Physics at Integrated Islamic High School via a Physics based Ethnoscience Approach

The aim of community service program is to enhance the educational experience at the integrated Islamic high school (SMA IT Khairu Ummah) Rejang Lebong district by employing an ethnoscience approach. The service program is implemented in SMA IT Khairu Ummah to address challenges posed by inadequate learning facilities and infrastructure, particularly in physics education, which may impede the teaching and learning process. The implementation of community service initiatives in 2024 comprises four phases. The first phase encompasses observational efforts within schools to acquire a comprehensive picture of the educational environment. The second phase involves the socialization of service activities and coordination with school principal and educators, particularly those teaching physics. The third phase entailed instructing educators on the development of ethnoscience-focused educational resources. The last phase entails regular assessment and guidance involving two Mahasiswa Kampus Merdeka Belajar program and five physics lecturers to guarantee that the community service program positively influences the learning process. The findings indicate that the training positively enhances teacher competencies by implementing ethnoscience education that leverages the local community's cultural and traditional diversity, even amidst constraints of limited facilities and infrastructure. Physics teacher and students of SMA IT Khairu Ummah SMA IT have implemented an ethnoscience-based physics approach that is effective in enhancing students' comprehension of scientific processes and their acquisition of related skills.

Cultural Heritage in Urban-Rural Interaction: A Case Study of a Rural Community

This paper explores the specific mechanisms and effects of cultural heritage in the process of urban-rural interaction through a case study of a rural community. The study finds that urban-rural interaction not only promotes economic development and social progress in rural communities but also plays a significant role in preserving and innovating cultural heritage. Key practices identified include organizing traditional cultural activities, introducing educational resources, and developing cultural industries such as cultural tourism and traditional handicrafts. The active participation of community residents, supported by local governments and social organizations, is crucial. Governments provide policy and funding support, while social organizations offer resources through project cooperation. However, challenges such as cultural homogenization and unequal resource distribution need to be addressed. The paper recommends strengthening community cultural education, diversifying forms of urban-rural interaction, and fostering multiparty cooperation. These strategies can enhance the sustainability of cultural heritage and provide valuable insights for other rural communities seeking to leverage urban-rural interaction for cultural preservation and development.

Exploring Intersectionality Inequalities in Junior Secondary Schools in Guangdong Province, China: Causes and Analysis of the Achievement Gap

This study explores the cross-inequality in junior middle schools in China and Guangdong Province, paying special attention to the causes and analysis of the academic achievement gap. Through the discussion of the theory of socio-demographic differences and intersection, this paper reveals the complex influence of multiple social identities such as socio-economic status, gender and race on students' educational experience and academic performance. It is found that the uneven distribution of educational resources in different schools in Guangdong Province and the socio-economic background of parents have significantly affected students' academic achievements. In addition, this paper also discusses the possibility of promoting educational equity through educational policy intervention, such as resource allocation, teacher training and curriculum reform. This paper aims to provide a new perspective for reducing the inequality in the education system, and suggests further research to understand and solve these complex educational inequalities more comprehensively

Differences Between the Chinese and American Higher Education Systems and Implications

Despite receiving considerable global attention, the higher education systems of China and the United States exhibit disparities and complementarities that highlight ongoing deficiencies in educational reform and development. This paper holds a comparative analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and developmental trends within the higher education frameworks of both nations. It reveals that China's system is defined by its uniform policies and stringent teaching methodologies, characterized by fixed curricula and rigorous mechanisms for teacher training and student selection. In contrast, the US system is celebrated for its diversity, flexible policies, innovative teaching approaches, and diverse curricula. It places a strong emphasis on teacher autonomy and the individualization of student assessments. Based on these findings, this study offers a series of recommendations designed to advance the development of higher education in both countries. These include optimizing the admissions and examination systems, reforming educational philosophies, broadening international perspectives, and enhancing the allocation and fairness of educational resources.

The Application and Potential Future Development of Artificial Intelligence in Education

With the coming of the era of artificial intelligence, the impact of artificial intelligence technology on basic education has been widely discussed, but there are still many problems and challenges. This paper focuses on the analysis of AI technology enabling basic education and the challenges in the application process. This paper concludes that artificial intelligence helps teachers carry out intelligent teaching and promotes students' personalized learning. But at the same time, AI also brings many challenges and risks, such as how to protect privacy and filter information in data overflow; And how to keep students creative while using AI. Based on this, this paper puts forward the following suggestions: the government should strengthen the investment and optimize the allocation of basic education resources; The government will explore the development of ethical norms and regulatory mechanisms applicable to artificial intelligence in the field of education; Schools to strengthen the training and introduction of teachers; Individual students combine artificial intelligence with real life.