Education Sector Research Articles

Reading Skills of Grade 6 Learners

The reading skills of Grade 6 learners typically vary depending on various factors such as their prior exposure to reading materials, the quality of education they’ve received, individual learning styles, and their home environment. In this context, this study aimed to determine learners’ reading skills in an elementary school under a medium-sized Division in Central Philippines during the School Year 2023-2024. Data needed for this descriptive study was collected from 176 students using a self-made questionnaire that has passed the stringent tests of validity and reliability. Overall, the results of the study showed that students’ reading skills in terms of comprehension and fluency were moderate. Subsequent analysis indicated no significant difference in students’ reading skills level in comprehension and fluency when grouped according to the number of siblings. Conversely, a significant difference was found in students’ reading skills in terms of parents’ education and family income. This result calls for various stakeholders in the education sector to improve student reading skills and create a more supportive learning environment. Keywords: Education, reading skills, reading difficulties, learners, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Academic Capacity Building of Lecturers through International Collaboration:

This international community service program aims to enhance the academic capacity of lecturers through collaboration with universities in Malaysia. The program is designed to address the issue of lecturer quality by leveraging the exchange of knowledge and innovative teaching methods. The implementation method includes establishing a baseline, analyzing needs, conducting workshops, evaluating results, developing sustainable solutions, and the role of contributions from related parties. This article highlights the importance of international collaboration in higher education and its contribution to the development of lecturer capacity and the improvement of educational quality. Through this program, an increase in lecturer competence is expected, which in turn can strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia in the higher education sector learning.

Management of scientific and technological regional development in the Volga Federal District: review of government programs

Relevance. In light of the growing interest in the scientific and technological development of regions, setting goals for scientific and technological advancement at the national level, the issue of developing programs for the development of science and education leading to the technological sovereignty of the country becomes relevant.The purpose is to analyze the ongoing programs for scientific and technological development of the regions of the Volga Federal District, as well as individual indicators characterizing the dynamics of the scientific and educational sector of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.Objectives: conduct an economic and statistical analysis of the main indicators characterizing the scientific and technological progress of the regions of the Volga Federal District; identify regions of the Volga Federal District in which state programs for scientific and technological development have been developed, and consider their features.Methodology. The study used methods of economic-statistical and comparative analysis.Results. A review of state programs for scientific and technological development shows that four pilot regions of the Volga Federal District (Nizhny Novgorod region, Republic of Tatarstan, Republic of Bashkortostan and Republic of Mordovia) have already developed corresponding programs, and two regions (Orenburg region and Perm Territory) are under development. The remaining regions either have state programs that indirectly indicate the development of scientific and technological potential, or they do not exist.Conclusions. Scientific and technological development programs represent an important document that defines strategic guidelines for the development of science, technology and higher education. Regions that have already developed state programs for scientific and technological development have a high scientific reserve and are located in the top positions in the National Rating of Scientific and Technological Development of Regions. Such regions show strong results in the scientific and educational sector, which contributes to improving the economic and social development of the region. A systematic analysis of these programs makes it possible to identify their impact on various aspects of social life, as well as determine the effectiveness of the measures taken and mechanisms for achieving the set goals. It is important to take into account the variety of approaches to the development and implementation of strategic programs, which should be aimed at the unique characteristics of the country’s regions, their bottlenecks and development prospects, taking into account an assessment of their potential.

Legal regulation of education in Ukraine. Part 6: Features of admission to higher education in Ukraine

This article examines the legal issues of regulating the access of citizens of Ukraine to higher education of the third educational and scientific degree (doctor of philosophy) in the paradigm of international acts, the Constitution of Ukraine, the Laws of Ukraine, and Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in the field of education. This is related to the existence of certain legal conflicts in the education sector, which arose as a result of the ambiguity and imperfection of the legislation of Ukraine on education, which the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine uses to illegally restrict the access of citizens of Ukraine to higher education of the third educational and scientific degree. Taking into account the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations, and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the article presents the results of a study of the peculiarities of the application of the provisions of the relevant legislative acts in the field of education (with all changes and additions introduced as of September 1, 2024), namely the Law of Ukraine “On Education” (dated September 5, 2017, under No. 2145-VIII), the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education” (dated July 1, 2014, under No. 1556- VII) and the “Procedure for Training Candidates for Higher Education Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Sciences in institutions of higher education (scientific institutions)”, approved by Resolution No. 261 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (dated March 23, 2016). At the same time, the research is mainly focused on the peculiarities of applying the above­mentioned legislative acts to determine the differences in the conditions of access to free and paid education and the established legitimacy and feasibility of certain elements of such conditions. Principally this concerns the introduction by the State of Ukraine of unified professional exams and other tests (with the use of external independent evaluation) as a condition for access to the next stage of tests, namely, entrance exams and other tests for admission to study introduced by higher education institutions of Ukraine. That is, the legality of establishing a two-level system of competitions and entrance tests for those who wish to obtain a higher education of the third educational and scientific degree (doctor of philosophy) on a paid basis (i.e., at their own expense or the expense of non-state grants and scholarships) is being considered. The article is the sixth one within the cycle of studies in which the peculiarities of access of Ukrainian citizens to higher education in martial law conditions are addressed.

Effect of corruption on educational quantity and quality: theory and evidence

ABSTRACT We present a model with corrupt and honest examiners, and applicants with heterogeneous innate ability in the education sector with effort and bribe modelled as substitutes. The results show that ‘strong’ candidates rely only upon effort; ‘medium’ candidates choose positive levels of bribe and effort; ‘weak’ candidates rely only on bribery. They also show that corruption may decrease education quality by lowering aggregate effort while increasing education quantity by increasing the aggregate chances of obtaining a degree, depending on candidates’ ability and the proportion of corrupt examiners. We also find empirical support for the key predictions of the model.

Unveiling the NEP 2020: A Critical Analysis of the Implications on Privatization and Potential Monopolies in Education

This paper critically examines the transformation of higher education financing in India, particularly in light of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It highlights the diminishing role of state funding and the increasing financial burden on households, analyzing the implications for privatization and monopolization within the education sector. Historical context reveals a shift towards neoliberal policies prioritizing profit over egalitarian ideals, culminating in a landscape where market dynamics intertwine with political ideologies. The paper scrutinizes key recommendations from the Ambani-Birla Report and the NEP, emphasizing the risks of commercialization and exclusion. Ultimately, it argues that NEP 2020 may undermine established educational structures and neglect constitutional values, reinforcing a corporate Hindu narrative that jeopardizes the promise of a democratic and equitable education system in India.

Eau de co-operation: An exploration of the essence of co-operative learning

At the Co-operative College we conducted action research to explore co-operative learning and what this means to others. Over a period of four months, some of our learners, members, College team, and participants from the further and higher education sectors all took part in a variety of interactive workshops using co-operative learning approaches. We used a qualitative research method to gather participant thinking, which was underpinned by a metaphorical framework: the art of distilling fragrances. Fragrances are created through the process of blending a variety of different ingredients (notes) that produce both range and depth; these top, base, and heart notes are distilled together to produce a unique fragrance. What is more, each fragrance profile is endlessly adaptable, changing its character through time, space, and context. Co-operative learning too is built on a blend of ingredients, such as individual and co operative values, lived experience, and a range of participatory learning theories. The findings suggested that top notes happen before the learning takes place, while heart notes occur during learning, and the base notes come about after the learning process. Equally, throughout the whole learning process it became clear that for co-operative learning to be effective, each stage is blended through common themes which were identified. Analysis of the data collected identified that six consistent learning influences are present within the top, heart, and base notes of learning, namely social, environmental, equitable, cultural, behavioural, and developmental influences.

Challenges of tertiary higher education in the framework of highly qualified teacher training in Ghana

The study of the features of the educational system of the Republic of Ghana in the context of the third stage of higher education is necessary for the further development of Russian-Ghanaian relations and the growth of partnership projects between higher educational institutions of Russia and Ghana. A proper understanding of the educational system of the Republic of Ghana, as well as the existing problems in the training of postgraduate students and possible ways to solve them, can help to improve the training process of highly qualified teaching staff. The purpose of the work is to reveal the problems of the third stage of higher education in the context of teacher training, and identify possible ways to solve them. The study analyses: 1) the characteristics of the higher education sector in the Republic of Ghana, in particular its tertiary level; 2) existing state initiatives in the country to improve the training of highly qualified teaching staff on the third stage of higher education; 3) statistics characterizing the current situation of postgraduate studies within the framework of higher education in the country; 4) the challenges emerging in the training of highly qualified teachers in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as their relevance to tertiary education in the Republic of Ghana. The study has identified the following difficulties that affect the process of writing and successful defense of dissertations: insufficient awareness of graduate students about further prospects for their employment with a PhD; insufficient financial security of postgraduate students; insufficient level of scientific supervision and excessive academic workload on supervisors of dissertation research. The study proposes solutions to the existing problems, such as increasing financial incentives for high-achieving PhD students, increasing control over the process of scientific supervision, placing greater emphasis on conducting interdisciplinary research and establishing partnerships with other countries of the African continent, and developing existing interaction with states outside Africa, including the Russian Federation.

Artificial Intelligence and the Sustainability of the Signaling and Human Capital Roles of Higher Education

Over the last several decades, there has been an arms race to acquire credentials as higher education has shifted from an elitist system to mass education. From an individual perspective, given the higher education system and labor market conditions, it is rational to pursue advanced qualifications. However, whether the education system delivers improvements in human capital or is principally a signaling mechanism is questionable. Estimates of the proportion of labor market rewards due to signaling range as high as 80%, suggesting that education is not only expensive but inefficient. In an increasingly transactional environment in which education providers are highly motivated by financial considerations, this situation is only likely to be exacerbated by the rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI). The use of AI has the potential to make learning more effective, but given that many students see credential acquisition as transactional, it may reduce both human capital and the value of the signaling effect. If the credibility of the credentials offered is further damaged, the higher education sector in its present form and scale may well be unsustainable. We examine the evidence on credential inflation, returns to education, and mismatch of graduates to jobs before analyzing how AI is likely to affect these trends. We then suggest possible responses of prospective students, education providers, and employers to the growing adoption of AI in both education and the workplace. We conclude that the current offerings of generalist degrees, as opposed to vocational qualifications, are not sustainable and that to survive, even in a downsized form, the sector must respond to this disruptive technology by changing both the nature of its offerings and its methods of ensuring that the credentials they offer reflect genuine student learning.

Work-family conflicts and sickness absence due to mental disorders among female municipal employees - a register-linked study comparing health and social care employees to employees in other sectors.

This study aimed to examine (i) if work-to-family conflicts (WtFC) and family-to-work conflicts (FtWC) are associated with sickness absence due to mental disorders and (ii) whether these associations are different among health and social care (HSC) employees compared to other municipal employee sectors. The Helsinki Health Study survey data collected in 2017 among 19-39-year-old female municipal employees (N=2557) were prospectively linked to administrative Social Insurance Institution of Finland register data on long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders (SA-MD) covering a follow-up of up to five years. The associations of WtFC and FtWC and SA-MD were analyzed using Cox regression models stratified by employment sector (HSC, education, other), adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. Of HSC employees, 16% had SA-MD during the follow-up, which surpassed the figures for employees in education (12%) and other (11%) sectors. In the HSC sector, the youngest employees had the highest prevalence of SA-MD and, among HSC employees, prior SA-MD was the most common. In Kaplan-Meier curves, the steepest increase in SA-MD was observed for HSC employees. WtFC [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-2.45] and FtWC (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.32-2.40) were associated with SA-MD among HSC employees. The associations were rather similar for employees in education and other sectors. Adjusting for work-related factors and health history somewhat attenuated the associations. Better possibilities to combine work and family life might aid in preventing SA-MD in all employment sectors.

AI empowered academia: a fuzzy prioritization framework for academic challenges

Purpose The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively reshaping the dynamics of human interaction, communication, lifestyle, education and professional endeavors. The purpose of the study is to comprehend and address the barriers which are impeding the implementation of Generative AI Technologies, such as ChatGPT in the educational landscape. Design/methodology/approach The study used the Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model to analyze the responses gathered from 149 academicians belonging to the northern states of India. Findings The study established that the three most important criteria that influence the adoption of generative AI in the education sector are Risk of Academic Integrity, Risk of biased outcomes and Erosion of Critical Thinking. Research limitations/implications The present study was confined to Fuzzy AHP to extract the critical criteria influencing the decision-making. Various other techniques such as PF-Delphi and PF-CoCoSo can be used further. The results provide significant inputs for future research to understand the effect of adoption of Generative AI in different contexts including both opportunities and the challenges faced by them. Practical implications The study will be beneficial to various stakeholders including students, educators, society and policymakers as the study will highlight the importance of AI tools, introduce the various challenges associated with and explain the use of these tools as productivity-enhancing tools. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, the present study is a novice as the use of AI in Academia is unexplored and the major criteria influencing the choices have yet been undiscovered.

Internal Quality Control and the Role of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Higher Education Institutions in Sierra Leone: Then, Now, and Later

The paper explores the evolution of Internal Quality Control (IQC) in Sierra Leone's higher education institutions (HEIs) with a specific focus on the transformative role of Learning Management Systems (LMS). Beginning with the colonial era, the paper traces the historical context of IQC, emphasizing its informal nature. The post-independence expansion of HEIs introduced quality challenges compounded by economic constraints and political instability. The civil war further disrupted the education sector, and the reconstruction period saw the establishment of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), formalizing IQC processes. The introduction of LMS platforms, such as Moodle and Google Classroom, marked a pivotal shift in enhancing educational quality. LMS has significantly contributed to data-driven decision-making, standardized educational processes, and continuous feedback mechanisms. However, challenges remain, including infrastructural limitations and the urban-rural digital divide. The paper also projects the future of IQC, highlighting the potential integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain in LMS platforms. These advancements promise to revolutionize the educational experience, offering new possibilities for quality assurance and student engagement.

Empirical study of facade retrofits for optimizing energy efficiency and cooling in school buildings in Saudi Arabia

Educational buildings in Saudi Arabia are characterized by high energy consumption, primarily due to cooling and lighting demands. This study aims to evaluate and optimize facade retrofitting strategies to improve energy efficiency and evaluate economic performance of many scenarios in Saudi school buildings, aligning with the sustainability objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The research employs a simulation-based optimization methodology utilizing Design Builder software to explore key facade design variables, including Window-to-Wall Ratio, glazing type, local shading devices, and external wall insulation. The methodology is structured in sequential stages: it begins with the collection of base-case data, followed by a data-driven optimization process targeting specific design variables. This is then complemented by an economic and environmental assessment of the optimal retrofit scenarios, ultimately leading to the identification of the most effective energy-saving solution presented at the conclusion of the study. Through an optimization process, the research identifies retrofitting strategies that reduce cooling loads by up to 17 %, lighting energy consumption by 49 % and annual energy costs by 18 %. The study also includes an economic analysis of the retrofits, revealing significant savings in annual electricity costs and a reduction in the building's carbon footprint. This research contributes valuable insights into sustainable building practices, offering practical solutions for improving energy efficiency in the educational sector. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of facade retrofits within the context of extreme climatic conditions, which provides a replicable model for retrofitting educational buildings across the region. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, architects, and sustainability advocates seeking to meet Saudi Arabia's energy conservation goals.

Media Coverage of Treasury Single Account Introduced by Abia State Government and Its Effect on Abia State University, Nigeria

This research brief focuses on the analysis of the media coverage of the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Abia State Government and its impact on the Abia State University in terms of autonomy, salaries, research and academic activities. The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, with attention focused on its implications for the autonomy of Abia State University. This study examines how the centralization of financial resources through the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework can affect university decision-making processes, academic freedom and general governance autonomy. In addition, the research examines the effects of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) on the timely payment of salaries to university staff. By analyzing media reports and conducting interviews with stakeholders, the study aims to assess whether the implementation of the TSA has had an impact on the payment of wages, financial stability and employee morale in the university Furthermore, the study explores how the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) has affected research activities in Abia State University. By examining media stories and academic publications, the research seeks to understand whether changes in financial management practices have affected the university's research output, funding opportunities and collaborative initiatives. Finally, the impact of Treasury Single Account (TSA) on academic activities in Abia State University is a major focus of this research. Through content analysis of media coverage and interviews with teachers and students, the study aims to assess whether financial reforms have improved or hindered the quality of teaching, learning experiences and the academic programs in the university. By examining the media coverage of the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and its effects on autonomy, salaries, research and academic activity in Abia State University, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the implications of financial reforms in higher education institutions and provide policy makers with information. university administrators and stakeholders in the education sector.

Edu-Tourism Through Digital Literacy Based on Science and Technology in Community Empowerment Efforts to Improve the Economy in Banyuwangi Regency

This research aims to explore the role of science and technology-based edutourism in community empowerment efforts for economic improvement in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. The subject matter studied includes the impact of the application of science and technology in edu-tourism programs on community economic improvement, strengthening the quality of education, and preserving local culture, improving the quality of human resources, utilizing technology in edu-tourism, and its impact on local economic development. The research method used was a literature study, as well as field research to collect relevant qualitative data. The data used includes data on the economy, education, tourism, and science and technology innovation in the education and tourism sectors. Based on the data analysis, this study highlights the importance of utilizing science and technology in the development of edu-tourism programs as an effort to improve the quality of the tourist experience, empower local communities, and strengthen the regional economy. The conclusion of this study shows that the implementation of science and technology-based edu-tourism has great potential to be one of the effective strategies in the effort to empower the community and improve the economy in Banyuwangi Regency. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide input for the government, educational institutions and tourism actors to develop edu-tourism programs in the form of sustainable digital modules and based on website technology to support economic and social development in Banyuwangi Regency.

Application of artificial intelligence for feature engineering in education sector and learning science

This study investigates the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for feature engineering in the education sector, highlighting its potential to enhance individualized learning and improve academic outcomes. The correlation analysis, performed using a correlation matrix of the feature set, indicated that specific pairings of characteristics exhibit a strong association, resulting in the ineffectiveness of conventional models. In order to tackle this issue, we utilized three sophisticated machine learning methodologies: Adaptive Lasso (ALasso), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). The ALasso model discovered several influential characteristics, namely Gender (X5), Education (X1), Hours of Work (X4), and Marital Status (X6), that significantly affect salaries. Subsequently, a comparative evaluation of these methods was conducted using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The results demonstrated that SVR outperformed the other techniques, with the most optimal RMSE of 0.595 and MAE of 0.423. These findings emphasize the significance of using data-driven strategies in policymaking and propose further investigation into the use of AI methods in various educational contexts to improve the identification of features and the performance of models.

Relationship between Job Characteristics Model and Job Satisfaction with Mediating Effect of Organizational Commitment

This research discovers the relationship between Job Characteristics Model (JCM) and job satisfaction using the mediator organizational commitment on private universities faculties in Bangladesh. This study is an empirical study to understand how specific job characteristics, as defined by the JCM—namely skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback—affect employee’s commitment. Besides, the study tries to find out the impact of organizational commitment on job satisfaction. Moreover, researcher investigate how organizational commitment mediates the relationship between JCM and Job Satisfaction using 489 sample of faculty members from private universities in Bangladesh. For conducting this research, respondents have been selected by using convenience sampling method through a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that JCM and organizational commitment has positive relationship, besides organizational commitment can play positive impact over the job satisfaction of the faculty members. Finally, this research depicts how organizational commitment strongly mediates the relationship between job characteristics model and job satisfaction. These insights contribute to existing literature by highlighting the importance of fostering organizational commitment for improving job satisfaction within the educational sector in Bangladesh. The study's implications suggest that university management should focus on designing jobs that enhance employee commitment to maximize satisfaction, ultimately leading to better organizational outcomes.

Identifikasi Isu Pendidikan Islam di Era Global: Pengaruh Globalisasi pada Profesi Guru

The era of globalization, which has shaped the modern world, has influenced the education sector with various issues that have significantly transformed society, schools, educators, and students. In the Islamic education sector, globalization presents unique challenges for educators or teachers to demonstrate the relevance of Islamic educational institutions, which emphasize the inculcation of religious values and the development of noble character in their students. To understand the changes and issues affecting Islamic education and to identify the impact of globalization on teachers, this article is compiled using a literature review approach to provide broad and comprehensive descriptive results. From the exploration of several sources and literature, it is found that there are several challenges faced by Islamic education in the global era, such as conformism, the dichotomy between faith-based and scientific knowledge, changes in educational orientation, as well as moral and personality crises. These challenges urge teachers to continually be able and ready to equip themselves with a correct and profound understanding of religion, along with mastery of science and technology, in order to keep pace with the advancement of an information-based and digital society. This can be achieved by instilling the right understanding and practice of Islamic values while being adaptive, responsive, and innovative in addressing changes, namely by balancing globalization with the correct acquisition of knowledge and the use of technology for educational development.

Gender differences in autonomic and psychological stress responses among educators: a heart rate variability and psychological assessment study.

This study explores the gender differences in psychological stress perception and autonomic modulation among teachers. Utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of autonomic function and a suite of validated psychological tests, the study examines the discrepancies in stress, anxiety, burnout, and personality traits between male and female educators. Results indicate that despite higher reported levels of stress and anxiety, women demonstrate a higher HRV, suggesting a stronger parasympathetic response. These findings highlight the complex interplay between psychological stressors and physiological responses, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions in stress management within the educational sector. Implications for enhancing educators' well-being and performance through tailored strategies are discussed.

Transformasi Administrasi Tatalaksana Sekolah di Era Digital: Tantangan dan Peluang untuk Pendidikan Masa Depan

The rapid advancement of technology due to globalization has led to digital transformation in several educational sectors, particularly in school administration. Using a literature review approach, this article aims to explore school administration management and the impact of digital transformation, as well as to identify the challenges faced and opportunities that can be leveraged to improve the quality of education. The research shows that school administration plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of schools. Digital transformation in school administration, such as the use of integrated information management systems, online learning platforms, and classroom management applications, can enhance transparency and data accuracy within schools. However, several challenges, including budget limitations, lack of technical skills, resistance to change, and data security issues, are still obstacles that need to be addressed. By understanding these aspects, educational institutions are expected to design effective strategies to integrate technology and capitalize on its potential for better educational management.