Education Sector Research Articles

Assessing the relationship between anxiety and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence tools among mathematics preservice teachers

Many revelations have been made about the revolution that artificial intelligence (AI) has brought to the education sector, including the opening of opportunities for personalised instruction, boosting the quality of content developed by teachers while preparing for lessons, and improving the quality of classroom evaluations. Despite the many benefits of AI adoption, there have been concerns and apprehensions about its use in the educational sector. A survey was conducted to investigate the relationship between AI anxiety and the adoption of artificial intelligence tools among mathematics preservice teachers who are university undergraduates studying mathematics education in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 129 mathematics preservice teachers selected through purposive sampling. The AI anxiety scale and AI adoption scale were used for data collection after being tested for reliability. The data collected through the scales were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the mathematics preservice teachers had a high level of AI anxiety and adopted AI at a moderate level. The study further showed that there is a significant weak relationship between mathematics preservice teachers' AI-Anxiety and AI adoption. Also, there is no significant gender difference in mathematics preservice teachers' AI anxiety and AI adoption. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teacher education programs include AI and digital literacy in the curriculum to prepare students for the seamless integration of AI. Additionally, targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the anxiety exhibited by preservice teachers.

Role of Information and Communication Technology in Higher Education Sector

The present times are characterized by immense change and complexity in the structure of higher education system due to widespread of knowledge. Higher education fosters critical thinking, effective idea sharing, and comprehension of challenging subjects. ICT can be used as a tool to help with higher education-related problems. ICT applications give educational institutions a competitive edge by improving student and teacher services, increasing productivity, and creating more engaging learning environments. It is advised to create an environment that supports the usage of ICT in higher education sector. Encouraging instructors to include ICT into their professional job may help them acquire the information and skills necessary for successfully integrating ICT into teaching, research, and administrative tasks. Keywords: Higher education, ICT, teaching, research

Risks of occupational mental disorders in Korean civil servants (2009-18).

Previous studies have suggested that firefighters, police officers and civil servants in the education sector, particularly in Western countries, are vulnerable to mental stress and disorders; however, evidence for this association in South Korea is lacking. This study aimed to identify whether firefighters, police officers and teachers are at a higher risk for occupational mental health disorders. We used workers' compensation claims from civil servants (2009-18). Our target population comprised 46 209 civil servants (9009 civil servants in administrative and technical positions, 23 107 police officers, 4417 firefighters and 8676 civil servants in the educational sector). Occupational and environmental medicine physicians and medical doctors defined and confirmed mental disorders. We conducted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to evaluate civil servants' risk of occupational mental health disorders. Compared with the civil servants in administrative and technical positions, civil servants in the education sector (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.65-2.84) showed a statistically significant increased risk of mental disorders; conversely, firefighters did not (HR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.51-1.27). Police officers had a significantly decreased mental disorder risk compared with civil servants in administrative and technical positions (HR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.11-0.25). The risk of occupational mental health disorders was higher in civil servants in the education sector but lower in police officers and firefighters than civil servants in administrative and technical positions. Further studies on civil servants' mental health awareness are required to confirm our results.

The S20 Brazilian Mental Health Report for Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet: Part I.

This is the first part of two documents prepared by experts for the Brazilian S20 mental health report. These reports outline strategies aimed at addressing the exacerbated mental health challenges arising from a post-pandemic world. Ongoing psychiatric epidemiology research has yielded evidence linking mental health with intricate social determinants, including gender, race/ethnicity, racism, socioeconomic status, social deprivation, and employment, among others. More recently, the focus has expanded to also encompass violence and social oppression. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, harnessing technology, and fostering community support, we can mitigate the long-term impact of mental disorders emerging in life. Utilizing evidence-based practices and forging partnerships between the health and education sectors, S20 countries can promote health and safety of their student population, thereby paving the way for a more promising future for the next generations. The first document focuses on addressing the mental health concerns of vulnerable populations, catering to the needs of children, youth, and aging populations, assessing the current state of alcohol and drug addictions, scaling up psychosocial interventions in primary care, exploring the potential integration of health and educational systems, and emphasizing the imperative adoption of human rights in mental health policies.

The role of AI agents in fostering inclusivity for HEIs’ students with special needs against backdrops of the accreditation trend

Purpose This paper aims to study the role of artificial intelligence (AI) agents in creating a climate of inclusion for people with special needs in the higher education sector (HES). Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology is used in this research that is mainly based on semistructured interviews conducted with the top ten universities in Lebanon with deans, information technology managers, professors and administrative officers. Findings This paper highlights findings related to the current status of the higher education institutions (HEIs) in Lebanon vis-à-vis their accreditation and quality assurance processes in accommodating and creating a climate of inclusion for people with special needs. The results show the important role of AI agents in aiding HEI in creating such a climate of inclusion for people with special needs. Originality/value The study sheds light on existing gaps in the literature related to creating a climate of inclusion for people with special needs in HEI. Additionally, there is yet a lack of research that focuses on the role of AI technology in general and AI agents in particular in fostering a climate of inclusion for people with special needs within the HES.

Impact of Climate Change Disasters on the Education Sector of Coastal Bhola District, Bangladesh

Impact of Climate Change Disasters on the Education Sector of Coastal Bhola District, Bangladesh

Education in Angola and its setbacks resulting from the General State Budget allocated to the Education sector

Education in Angola and its setbacks resulting from the General State Budget allocated to the Education sector

Monitoring and Evaluation Practices: Implication to Education Policy Implementation in Gambella Region, Ethiopia

The purpose of the study was to examine the practice of monitoring and evaluation in promoting effective policy implementation in the education sector of the Gambella Regional Sate. It also attempted to identify key challenges facing the current monitoring and evaluation system, and suggests ways to enhance the monitoring and evaluation system in education policy implementation in the region. Case study design was used to conduct the study. Primary data were collected through interview guides that targeted the bureau leader and experts in the Gambella region education bureau. Secondary data were collected through desk reviews. The results showed that the required monitoring, and evaluation framework, for effective monitoring, and evaluation are not in place. It was also found that the Gambella region education bureau has not fully established a system that can enhance a successful monitoring and evaluation system in the education sector of the region. The current staffs do not have adequate knowledge and skills, there is no proper monitoring, and evaluation coordination among stakeholders, and the bureau does not allocate adequate funds required for monitoring and evaluation activities. To undertake monitoring and evaluation, the Gambella bureau of education there needs a greater understanding of the value of monitoring and evaluation and there is a requirement for the bureau of education and the stakeholders to develop proper a legislative framework that considers the key performance indicator stetted in the education sector development program six for the effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation in the education sector for effective decision-making.

Transformation of Student Leadership: Adopting Entrepreneurship to Face Global Challenges

This research aims to highlight the value of entrepreneurial leadership in developing students' leadership capabilities. By using various leadership styles, this research attempts to provide insights into how entrepreneurial leadership can be applied in higher education to improve the human resources, industry, and education sectors. Various leadership philosophies have been applied in entrepreneurial endeavors over the past few years, but more research is needed to identify the most effective leadership styles, especially for university students. The results of this study suggest that different entrepreneurial leadership approaches and leadership philosophies among university students may contribute to the development of characters who are creative, well-behaved, and possess important leadership qualities.

Analysis of Deforestation and Water Quality in the Talgua River Watershed (Honduras): Ecosystem Approach Based on the DPSIR Model

With increasing urbanization and industrialization, soil and forest resources are facing considerable pressure, as well as the demand for water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular assessments of water quality and ensure that water is consistently maintained in the context of ecosystem services (ESs). Our objective was to apply the driving forces–pressures–state–impacts–responses (DPSIR) model to understand the cause–effect relationships and interactions with anthropogenic pressures on deforestation and water quality in the Talgua River watershed and associated valley and plain areas in central-eastern Honduras. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted to determine the water quality index (NSF–WQI) and other contamination indexes. The results identified high contamination by coliforms, up to 920.00 NPM/100 mL, and high levels of contamination by organic matter (ICOMO, 0.65), solids (ICOSUS, 0.79), mineralization (ICOMI, 0.99), and the presence of bacteria (BPI, 8.50), as well as the development of eutrophication processes (ICOTRO), resulting in generally low water quality. These problems were caused by the socio-demographic and economic growth of the area, as well as the high demand for water, vulnerability to climate change, and intense agro-livestock and industrial activity, which led to deforestation processes, changes in land use, and contamination of natural water bodies that impacted the overexploitation of aquifers. After applying the DPSIR model, strategies are proposed for the management and administration of the watershed aimed at preserving the water, soils, and forest resources, while promoting stakeholder, business, education sector, and public administration participation.

Identifying challenges and best practices for implementing AI additional qualifications in vocational and continuing education: a mixed methods analysis

ABSTRACT As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly integrates into various industries and educational sectors, there is a growing need for an AI-ready workforce. This study, focusing on a novel AI additional qualification in Germany, investigates the underexplored challenges and best practices regarding the learning software, the learning contents, and the didactic design. Addressing the research question ‘What are the teaching and learning experiences in AI additional qualifications, and to what extent do these experiences align?’, we adopted a mixed methods analysis. This entailed interviews with four educators and self-reported questionnaires with 73 learners, triangulating both groups’ findings for comprehensive insights. Key outcomes from this study demonstrate a significant alignment in teaching and learning experiences, particularly in terms of shared challenges. The findings significantly contribute to AI curriculum development and continuing vocational education and training practice. They underscore the necessity for robust and visually engaging learning software, as well as learning content that primarily covers AI basics with practice-oriented examples. Another best practice emerges for blended learning formats, favouring a greater emphasis on face-to-face instruction complemented by teacher-supported self-directed learning. Future research should focus on balancing theoretical and practical knowledge in AI curricula, preparing teachers for AI content delivery, and optimising teacher-learner interactions.

The mediation effect of trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and employee job satisfaction: an empirical findings from private universities in Kuwait

PurposeHigher education institutions now place a greater emphasis on servant leadership, organizational trust, and justice. This study evaluates the function of organizational and leader trust and justice in mediating the relationship between employee job satisfaction and servant leadership in Kuwait's private universities.Design/methodology/approachEmployees from two private higher education sectors in Kuwait provided 205 valid responses to the study's closed-ended survey, which was given to 240 workers. The job satisfaction and servant leadership, leader's trust and justice and servant leadership, leader's trust and justice and job satisfaction, and the mediating effect of trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction among employees in Kuwait's private universities—all four variables—were examined using the simple random procedure method. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.FindingsThe findings provide evidence supporting the positive effects of servant leadership on employee job satisfaction. Moreover, it provided evidence supporting the positive relationship between servant leadership and organizational trust and justice. The findings also showed a positive correlation between organizational trust and justice and job satisfaction among staff members working in Kuwait's private higher education sector. Additionally, the results provided a partial mediation effect of organizational trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and employee job satisfaction.Originality/valueEmployee job satisfaction, performance, engagement, and outcomes within Kuwait's private higher education sector are significantly improved by the adoption of a servant leadership style, together with organizational and leader’s trust and justice. The findings demonstrate the significance of the servant leadership style in this industry's leadership habits for raising worker job satisfaction.

Teacher Training, and Associated Problems and Solutions in the 21st Century's Azerbaijan

Significant reforms were implemented in the education sector of Azerbaijan after the country gained independence, initiating integration with global educational standards. A key focus was ensuring secondary schools were staffed with subject teachers competent in meeting contemporary requirements, highlighting the importance of a policy for young educators. Consequently, the study examined the professional skills of graduates from the Azerbaijan State Pedagogy University, who would teach geography in this new era. The study delved into the educational engagement of secondary school students, particularly those with well-educated parents, access to modern technology, and the ability to source information globally. It specifically considered the capabilities of geography teacher graduates to engage students' attention and the professional skills necessary for this task. Identified deficiencies were scrutinized, and strategies for their resolution were investigated. Higher education reforms, the shift from Soviet educational practices to the Bologna system was analyzed and contrasted. The study entailed a theoretical evaluation of the professional skills of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University's geography teacher graduates, scrutinizing the curricula and subject content designed to foster these skills. An assessment of the educational process pinpointed organizational and instructional shortcomings in lectures and seminars. The research culminated in pinpointing gaps in the professional competencies of geography teacher graduates, proposing methods to rectify these gaps and align graduates' skills with contemporary standards.

Maneuvering constellations of valuation: a critical investigation of the edtech startup sector

ABSTRACT This article provides a critical investigation of the edtech startup sector. Edtech startups are companies that are in the first stages of their operation and that seek to provide a newly developed edtech product or service to the education sector. To date, there is hardly any critical research present that seeks to disentangle what the characteristics and modes of operation of this sector are precisely. Through ethnographic research of an edtech startup summit, and by making use of a conceptual framework inspired by the field of valuation studies, the present article seeks to address that gap. Our analysis shows four interrelated constellations of valuations, namely valuations around temporality; expertise; reach; and pedagogical ideas. As we show, each constellation is characterized by various internal tensions, in which edtech startups (and startup investors) need to operate and (constantly re)maneuver themselves. This not only supports an empirical understanding of the edtech startup sector shaped by considerable complexities, contextualities, and ambiguities; it equally provides an analytical framework for nuancing contemporary edtech critique and future analysis of edtech practices.

Public-Private Partnerships in Zimbabwe’s Education Sector

This article interrogates the forms, roles, challenges and strategies for enhancing the sustainability of PPPs in the education sector in Zimbabwe. Through desktop-qualitative research grounded on secondary and thematic analyses, this study revealed that, globally, the use of the PPPs in the provision of education is on the increase and they exist in the form of service contracts, lease, design build operate and transfer, management contract and concessions. In terms of roles, PPPs provide resources and technical expertise, technology in schools, renovate infrastructure and assist in increased teacher and pupil turnout. Observed challenges to the sustainability of PPPs in the education sector include embracing non- competitive bidding frameworks, lack of community engagement in PPP projects, limited financial capacity to compensate private players in the event of losses, and poor cost management. To enhance sustainability of PPPs in the education sector, the study proposed inter alia, ensuring a competitive, transparent, multi-stage process in private partner selection; stakeholder engagement in PPP projects; proper cost management throughout PPP project lifespan; and establishment of institutional and regulatory frameworks.

Investigation of Microsoft Teams and Skype as Distance Education Tools ın Terms of Digital Forensics

necessity has disrupted traditional norms and has affected all aspects of life. Undoubtedly, the education sector is one of the most significant areas affected by technology. As the population rate increases, the importance and necessity of education also increase. In response to this need for education, new educational models emerge based on the contemporary conditions. One of the critical factors that lead to the emergence of these new models is the COVID-19 outbreak that affected the entire world in March 2020. As a result of this epidemic, countries have adopted various methods in the field of education and training. Some countries suspended their educational activities, while others have continued the process through distance education. Distance education is a teaching method that relies heavily on the active use of information and information tools. The extensive use of distance education tools can attract the attention of malicious individuals who may seek to access these services directly or indirectly. This study aims to present the data and information obtained from analyzing the traffic information stored by Microsoft Teams and Skype or incoming and outgoing traffic information over the network in an isolated environment. The study was conducted on computers with the Windows 10 operating system and web client applications installed. One of the primary goals of this study is to assist researchers who will study distance education tools in the future.

Measuring Parental Satisfaction with Online Education in Schools of Karachi

The education sector of Pakistan has been greatly affected due to the pandemic that forced the schools’ operation to be run online like many other businesses and industries. This study focuses on researching the effects this transition had on parents by measuring their satisfaction levels. The instrument used to collect quantitative data for this study includes categories, school-level technological support, school-level instructional support, curricular programs, social interaction and overall satisfaction with the online education. Differences of parental satisfaction in these categories and the factors that influence them such as school fee, educational levels of parents and number of enrolled children per family have been studied. The findings revealed that parents are satisfied given the challenges and hurdles that schools have faced and are still facing in transitioning from on-campus to online education. A few significant differences were found between number of children enrolled in online education and parental satisfaction with technological support as well as social interaction. Significant differences were also found between school fee and parental satisfaction with curricular programs. These findings provide us with future directions for further research

Optimization of Payroll System in the Education Sector of Timor-Leste: Ensuring Accuracy and Equity for Civil Servants and Teachers, A Case Study at the Ministry of Education in Dili

This study has the objective of enhancing the precision and equity of the payroll system within the education sector of Timor-Leste. By concentrating on crucial components such as compensation, incentives, auditing and control mechanisms, as well as level/scale adjustments, welfare, and professionalism, this investigation tackles significant concerns. Timor-Leste, having gained independence in 2002, encounters notable hurdles in administering its educational framework, particularly concerning civil servants and teachers. The Ministry of Education confronts challenges including wage inconsistencies, grade/category alignment issues, and teacher entitlements, all contributing to instructional difficulties and the potential for protests. The deficiencies of the current payroll system, encompassing salary disparities, outdated data, and workload discrepancies, amplify discontent, financial insecurity, and perplexity, thus emphasizing the pressing need for system enhancements. Employing a qualitative methodology involving interviews and document analysis, this study delves into the societal, cultural, and political contexts influencing the payroll system. The research scrutinizes the operational mechanisms of the system and the factors influencing its precision and equity, proposing specific measures such as streamlining processes, heightened utilization of information technology, human resources training, and enhanced communication to bolster effectiveness and fairness. These actions aspire to safeguard the well-being and contentment of educators and civil servants, thereby enhancing the calibre of education.

Foucault, Governmentality and the Performance Management of Academics: A Case Study at a South African University

This article examines the power dynamics underpinning performance management at a selected South African university. It specifically employs Michel Foucault’s (1977) ideas on Governmentality to interpret the envisioning of performance management in this context at the level of Policy. Drawing upon Michel Foucault’s (1991) ideas on governmentality, a discourse analysis of Performance Management Policy documents is conducted with the goal of critically interrogating what is unquestionably a new academic subjectivity in the South African higher education sector- a subjectivity that is constantly controlled and regulated. We argue that performance management should take into stronger cognizance the matters of choice, voice, and multiplicity of roles within its discourses. There is much we can learn from governmentality theory if we hope to build more just and equitable societies going forward.

Unveiling the role of emotional intelligence as a mediator between digital leadership and employee cynicism: a study in the private higher educational institutes

Purpose Leaders’ capacity to execute innovative and inspiring activities significantly impacts whether educational institutions succeed or fail. This paper aims to explore the gap in how digital leadership (DL) affects employee cynicism (EMPC) and emotional intelligence (EI). In addition, the moderating impact of EI on the association between DL and EMPC is examined in this study. Design/methodology/approach The researchers have used a quantitative approach based on cross-sectional data technique. This study examines the effects of DL at Pakistani private universities. All the teaching faculty of Pakistan’s private higher educational institutes like universities were the population of the study. While using random sampling, data were gathered from teaching faculty members of such universities. Hence, 366 usable cases were found usable for final data analysis. This study performed the path analysis through the Analysis of Moment Structures in structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings Results confirmed that the positive impact of DL among teaching faculty in private universities in Pakistan depends on the EMPC and EI. Overall, the findings are according to the estimates. SEM evaluates that DL significantly correlates with EMPC and EI. On the contrary, EI also significantly impacts EMPC. Furthermore, findings describe that EI significantly mediates the relationship between DL and EMPC. Practical implications Based on the research findings, the current issues about how DL can enhance the EMPC and EI in the private educational sector are addressed. It has been explored that academic leaders must demonstrate the techniques that build up strong EI among the teaching faculty to maintain a positive EMPC. The study results offer policymakers and academic authorities significant guidance who embrace technology and will effectively lead their educational institute to acquire educational resources to enhance student engagement and learning. It has also been found that the institutes are significantly impacted by DL, by the behavior and attitude of employees, managers and representatives, eventually. The employees’ attitude is majorly known as one reason that affects their productivity. Hence, this study can be found beneficial in establishing a supportive environment and identifying the leaders’ EI, which can reduce the issues of EMPC. Originality/value The findings of the study indicate that private educational institutes need to focus on enhancing the EI of their teaching faculty and give importance to faculty members’ abilities to deal with the new digital techniques to improve their effectiveness in terms of teaching methodology and maintaining the teacher-student relationship. According to the researchers’ knowledge, very few studies have examined the connection between DL, EMPC and EI. However, the association between DL and EMPC is examined for the first time in a specific Asian context, namely in Pakistan, with the mediating effect of EI. Therefore, understanding the effects of cynicisms will be a valuable addition to existing literature.