Education Research Articles

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

Indian ancient traditional knowledge system is unique and has many roots of learning relevant to any time. It has evolved, and different chapters of ancient Indian Knowledge are classified into various sections. It has its history. Recently, interest in diagnosing such Knowledge to find out the most relevant forever is increasing and is necessary for sustainability. That would help us to improve our efforts to enhance human welfare. Therefore, there is a need to analyze the nature and history of those Knowledge, philosophy and values related to human welfare. Such an attempt to analyze the history of the ancient Indian knowledge system is made in this paper. The primary purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the ancient Indian knowledge system and related philosophy relevant to human welfare. The paper reviews different sections of the ancient Indian knowledge system, the associated philosophy, and how they evolved. Indian ancient Knowledge and education system was strongly built by philosophy for human welfare. In fact, it was more concerned with seven Janmas (Births) rather than the current living in the world. The Indian knowledge system had two critical concepts, Jnana and Ajnana which may be referred to as concurrent with Vedanta and Vyavahara (Business). All these issues are discussed in the paper. KEY WORDS: Ancient Knowledge, Birth and Rebirth, Vedanta and Business, Philosophy

En route to becoming researcher-teachers? Chinese university EFL teachers’ boundary crossing in professional doctoral programs

Drawing upon the theoretical framework of learning and identity work through boundary crossing, this study examined how Chinese university English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) teachers negotiated their researcher-teacher identities through attending professional doctoral programs in education and applied linguistics. Adopting a case study design, data were collected through narrative frames and follow-up interviews with eight participants, with journal entries and other documents drawn on as additional data. Analysis of the data revealed four distinctive trajectories of identity development: from intuitive teacher to rigorous teacher, from passive follower to critical inquirer, from idealistic researcher-teacher to qualified researcher first, and from EFL teacher to EFL academic. In general, while boundary crossing in professional doctoral programs facilitated the participants’ progression towards a researcher-teacher identity, the construction of the teaching-research nexus in the participants’ professional work followed a non-linear route and took variegated forms. The study thus yielded insights into the complexities of teachers’ navigation of the teaching-research nexus through doctoral education. Based on the findings, research-mindset-informed practice is proposed as an alternative approach to the teaching-research nexus that complements previous approaches such as evidence-based practice and practice-based research.

Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict waste source separation

Appropriate solid municipal waste management is an important topic in the EU. Abiding by the amended EU Waste Framework Directive and the amended EU Landfill Directive, Greece has set ambitious goals for waste reuse and recycling and for landfill minimization in its recent National Waste Management Plans. These goals however can only be reached through the improvement of the mixed recyclable waste scheme (the “blue bin” scheme for paper/carton, plastic and metal) and the establishment of collection containers for separate waste streams (separately for biodegradable waste, for glass, for paper/carton and for the rest). Active participation of citizens in waste source separation is paramount for this program. As such, the determinants that favor waste source separation intention were measured in approximately 1600 residents in the city of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, through the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The determinant of Moral Norms (MN) was included in the basic model [that contains the determinants Attitude (ATT), Subjective Norms (SN) and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC)]. Each determinant was measured through four or five declarations while the Behavioral Intention (BI) contained ten subsections. The model was able to satisfactorily predict the intention of the respondents to perform waste source separation. Specifically, the model successfully predicted respondents' intention to engage in waste source separation, explaining 36 % of the variance, indicating that a moderate amount of variance can be explained by the constructs. There was a significant direct effect of ATT (β = 0.486, p < 0.001), SN (β = 0.091, p < 0.05), and PBC (β = 0.091, p < 0.05) on BI. Additionally, MN showed statistically significant mediating effects; a mediating effect on BI via ATT (β = 0.479; p < 0.01), via SN (β = 0.046; p = 0.015), and via PBC (β = 0.057; p = 0.017) was noted. Implications of these results on waste separation policies include the following: launching comprehensive public education campaigns to reshape positive attitudes, improving infrastructure to strengthen the real or perceived behavioral control of citizens experience, increasing “peer pressure” via community engagement activities, such as recycling workshops, clean-up drives, and competitions. The important role of moral obligations in the community should be underlined and it may be the long-term key solution; educational programs and campaigns should emphasize the moral obligation of waste separation and integrating environmental ethics into school programs can instill these values from a young age.

Rudyard Kipling's Kim : A Novel of Networks

abstract: This analysis explores Rudyard Kipling's view of the limitations of Western universalist philosophy through three train scenes in Kim (1901). Each scene develops Kim's Bildung in relation to the culturally hybrid spaces of colonized India, and each contrasts the experience of hybridity against European Enlightenment concepts of the material world. There are two distinct types of enlightenment involved: Kim's western education is associated with scientific objectivity, instrumental rationality, and progressive conceptions of civilization; his eastern education involves spiritual clarity, the interdependence of all entities, and transcendence of materialism and its related suffering. Such concepts are challenged by the novel's modernization of Bildungsroman , which emphasizes networks of relations, rather than independence and autonomy. A comparative reading of two panoramic views—from the Grand Trunk Road and from the lama's enlightened perspective—illustrates Kipling's rejection of a unified theory of enlightenment, further complicating the implications of Western Enlightenment for unreconciled hybridity.

Impact of Health Education Programme on Adherence to Treatment in Knee Osteoarthritis: An Interventional Study on Egyptian Patients.

To measure the level of adherence of patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to an interventional therapeutic and rehabilitation programme and investigate factors that hinder patients' adherence. A total of 154 participants with primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention protocol included patient education on the nature and treatment of KOA, therapeutic exercise, a weight loss programme for overweight patients, and a physical therapy programme. Participants were followed for 3months. The Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS-p), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and knee Kellgren-Lawrence OA grading were measured before and after the intervention. Additionally, the Morisky adherence questionnaire and the WHO Multidimensional Framework for factors affecting adherence were assessed. One fifty four participants with KOA were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. A low level of adherence was detected in both groups (68.8% in the intervention group vs. 84.4% in the control group). Patients who followed the interventional programme were more adherent. Adherence to therapy was associated with a reduction in the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS-p) (p=0.016) and improved function as measured by WOMAC (p=0.018). Factors primarily associated with patient non-adherence included unemployment (67.8%), low income (59.3%), no previous response to therapy (58.5%), less frequent follow-up visits (55.1%), lack of insurance (66.9%), difficult access to services (59.3%), and high cost of services (55.1%). Adherence to treatment in OA patients is a significant concern and a common problem, appearing to be associated more with socioeconomic factors than with pain and function.

Examining How Student Identities Interact with an Immersive Field Ecology Course and its Implications for Graduate School Education.

One of the central issues in ecology is the underrepresentation of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This underrepresentation starts at the undergraduate level and continues into graduate programs, contributing to a need for more diversity in the discipline. We hypothesize that the interplay of students' identities and contextual factors influence how students perceive their sense of belonging in a field-based discipline. We present findings from a 2-yr evaluation of a pregraduate school field program, FIRED UP (Field-Intensive Research Emphasizing Diversity UP in the alpine), where students interacted with a curriculum focused on building field skills and cohort bonding. Students provided feedback through surveys and interviews conducted at various phases throughout the program. Using the Phenomenological Variant Ecological Systems Theory, we present our interview results in three cases describing differing student outcomes regarding belonging which allows us to give voice and weight to students with more critical and constructive perspectives. Thus, the results of this study can be used to critically examine field-based educational program design to maximize the ability of programs to respond to diverse student needs. The broader implications of this work address how to approach pregraduate school training and cohort building that supports students marginalized in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines as they enter graduate school.

Assembling a physical model helps students grasp human somatosensory pathways.

Mastering the complexity of the nervous system is essential for education programs in physiology, anatomy, and neuroscience. Students often struggle when learning somatosensory pathways, which convey information from sensory neurons to the somatosensory cortex in the brain. Active learning activities incorporating physical models have been shown to increase content comprehension as well as enjoyment of the learning process. Here, we present a three-dimensional physical model of somatosensory pathways constructed of durable, affordable, and widely available materials. In an upper level human physiology lab, students assembled the model and then used it to complete case study questions connecting damage to the spinal cord to resulting sensory deficits. This model-based activity was highly effective as indicated by significant increases in content knowledge and positive responses to survey questions on the effectiveness of the activity. This activity incorporates many evidence-based teaching practices that have been shown to increase engagement, inclusion, and mastery of content and provides an effective and fun way for students to learn a challenging topic.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This model-building activity for learning somatosensory neural pathways increases students' content knowledge and is an enjoyable way to learn a complex system. This activity adds to an ever-growing collection of evidence-based learning activities for human physiology courses.

Factors associated with attendance at a pharmacist-led group diabetes self-management education class and impact on health outcomes

BackgroundGroup education has demonstrated benefits among people with diabetes, including reduced A1C and improved self-monitoring practices. Despite this, attendance rates are low for a variety of reasons, including lack of understanding of potential benefits among patients. ObjectivesThe pharmacist-led diabetes self-management education program at a community hospital has low attendance. This project assesses characteristics associated with attendance and compares outcomes among attendees and non-attendees. MethodsRetrospective data was collected between July 2022 and December 2023. Variables included: age, sex, class attendance, pre- and ≥ 90-day post-class A1C, pre- and post-class BMI, attending pharmacist-led clinic prior to scheduled class, social determinants of health screening survey responses, and diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Results103 patients were identified. 53 % attended at least one class out of a series of four. Attendance at the pharmacist-led diabetes clinic (70 % among attendees versus 30 % among non-attendees, p < 0.001) was associated with attendance. Age, gender, concurrent mental health diagnoses (depression and anxiety), and SDOH related needs were not associated with attendance. Baseline A1C was similar for attendees and non-attendees (9.6 vs. 9.7 %, respectively). Post-class A1C was 7.4 % for attendees of at least one class and 8 % for non-attendees. Patients who attended all four classes achieved a mean A1C <7 %. DiscussionThere are many factors that lead to lack of engagement with group education for diabetes. Referral to group education by a pharmacist who has established rapport with the patient and can speak to specific details about benefits of the classes may improve attendance at diabetes group education.

Views of emerging sustainability leaders on the future of Transport: A Q study in a Taiwan tertiary education program

As we approach critical milestones such as the year 2050, by which time the global community aims to achieve zero carbon emissions, the decisions we make today concerning transportation infrastructure become increasingly influential. This research seeks to broaden the dialogue beyond the traditional domain of current policymakers and transport planners by incorporating the perspectives of the generation that will inherit and live with the long-term impacts of today’s decisions. This study investigates the perspectives of learners in a unique sustainability-focused undergraduate program in Taiwan regarding transportation’s future in a world impacted by anthropogenic climate change. Considering their potential as future sustainability professionals and leaders, understanding their views can offer insights for both educational and transportation policy. Using Q methodology, this research captures a range of viewpoints. The five distinct perspectives include the advocates of collective responsibility and tech-optimists, who hold positive views towards collective action and technological advancements respectively. The pragmatic convenience seekers and solitaries who prioritize personal comfort and express skepticism about environmental targets. The public transport advocates, meanwhile, favor shared forms of transport and see a crucial role for the government in carbon reduction efforts. The study’s significance lies in its emphasis on a previously underexplored demographic within the unique context of Taiwan, revealing their perspectives on a transportation future shaped by climate change by using Q methodology, and its implications for policy derived from the findings.

Perspectives of medical imaging professionals about the impact of AI on Swiss radiographers

IntroductionArtificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly implemented in medical imaging practice, however, its impact on radiographers practice is not well studied. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived impact of AI on radiographers’ activities and profession in Switzerland. MethodsA survey conducted in the UK, translated into French and German, was disseminated through professional bodies and social media. The participants were Swiss radiographers (clinical/educators/ researchers/students) and physicians working within the medical imaging profession (radiology/nuclear medicine/radiation-oncology). The survey covered five sections: demographics, AI-knowledge, skills, confidence, perceptions about the AI impact. Descriptive, association statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were conducted. ResultsA total of 242 responses were collected (89% radiographers; 11% physicians). AI is being used by 43% of participants in clinical practice, but 64% of them did not feel confident with AI-terminology. Participants viewed AI as an opportunity (57%), while 19% considered it as a threat. The opportunities were associated with streamlining repetitive tasks, minimizing errors, increasing time towards patient-centered care, research, and patient safety. The significant threats identified were reduction on work positions (23%), decrease of the radiographers’ expertise level due to automation bias (16%). Participants (68%) did not feel well trained/prepared to implement AI in their practice, highlighting the non-availability of specific training (88%). 93% of the participants mentioned that AI education should be included at undergraduate education program. ConclusionAlthough most participants perceive AI as an opportunity, this study identified areas for improvement including lack of knowledge, educational supports/training, and confidence in radiographers. Customised training needs to be implemented to improve clinical practice and understanding of how AI can benefit radiographers.

Effect of Educational Program on Nurses Role Regarding First Aid for Patients having Toxic Aluminum Phosphate Suicide

Effect of Educational Program on Nurses Role Regarding First Aid for Patients having Toxic Aluminum Phosphate Suicide

Evaluating the Importance of Mentoring in Undergraduate Research Education Programs.

The National Institute of Health R25 Research Education Program was evaluated in the second year of implementation. Twelve mentors and 20 underrepresented minority students (URMs) scholars from partnerships and collaborations among five colleges and universities were added to the program to provide a more diverse research experience. Findings reveal that 100% of research mentors agree that the approachableness and accessibility of the program coordinator were beneficial in achieving mentorship goals and objectives. In addition, 85% of the students strongly agreed that the presentation of their research findings and the weekly reflection on goals, identification of accomplishments, and obstacles through the individual development plan were very effective. Of the 23 successfully tracked students for 2 years, six URMs (26.09%) obtained a bachelor's degree and were admitted into a graduate program; two were directly admitted to a PhD program in biomedical sciences.

Immersive virtual reality aggression and violence management education for nursing students: A pre-test, post-test, follow-up evaluation

BackgroundNursing students attending clinical placement encounter similar exposure to aggression and violence as qualified clinicians. Universities encounter barriers in aggression and violence management education delivery due to resourcing and time requirements. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) education may reduce barriers while maintaining comparable learning outcomes to face-to-face simulation-based education. MethodNursing students (n = 72), recruited from one public university in Perth, Western Australia, completed a 15-20 minute IVR education program. Pre-, post-, and 4-month post-intervention questionnaires investigated self-reported confidence. Cross-sectional data were collected for system usability and motion sickness. ResultsSignificant differences in self-reported confidence were observed (p < .001, partial η2 = 0.53), with large improvements from pre- to post-intervention (p < .001, d = 1.21) and follow-up (p < .001, d = 1.25). Cross-sectional data indicated the program is easy to use and incurs negligible motion sickness. ConclusionIVR can deliver effective aggression and violence education for nursing students. The short duration, high usability, and persistence of confidence improvements over time indicate potential for IVR to support current nursing education practices.

Financial Literacy for the Future: Preparing Individuals for Economic Success

Financial literacy encompasses the knowledge and skills essential for making informed financial decisions, impacting both personal and professional lives. This study explores the significance of financial literacy in navigating today's complex financial landscape, emphasizing its role in budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, retirement planning, and understanding financial products. It highlights the necessity of financial literacy for achieving financial stability, independence, and overall well-being, as well as its contribution to a stronger economy. Case studies, such as a family's successful debt reduction strategy and a business's effective budgeting process, illustrate how financial literacy leads to improved outcomes. The findings highlight the need for targeted financial education programs and policies that can bridge knowledge gaps and empower individuals to make better financial choices. The study reviews existing literature on financial literacy, noting disparities in knowledge across demographics and the challenges in translating knowledge into effective financial behavior. Ultimately, improving financial literacy is integral to enhancing economic well-being and fostering more equitable financial systems.

Immersive collaborative virtual reality for case-based graduate student teaching in thoracic surgery: A piloting study

BackgroundIn medical education various non-digital teaching methods are established. However, studies have proven that the immersive character of virtual reality (VR) applications positively impact the understanding of spatial relationships.This study outlines the development and pilot testing of a novel system for collaborative, case-based VR teaching, utilizing real-time volume rendered computed tomography (CT) data of thoracic cases among graduate students. MethodsA system was configured and deployed to provide real-time volume rendered CT data in a collaborative, multiuser VR environment. A thoracic surgery VR course was implemented into the surgical graduate curriculum, which has subsequently been evaluated with questionnaires. ResultsSeventy students assessed the curriculum through a questionnaire. Usability was rated intuitive (77.14 %) while few students (5.71 %) reported cyber sickness.A vast majority (98.57 %) agreed VR improved their understanding of anatomy compared to traditional methods and most students found learning more effective. (88.57 %) and joy during participation was rated high (97,14 %). A majority of the students (61.43 %) believed VR could partly replace traditional methods. They supported integrating VR into preclinical (81.43 %) and clinical teaching (94.29 %) as well as taking VR courses from home (78.57 %). Most participants (90,72 %) encouraged the expansion of VR infrastructure. ConclusionThe concept of a collaborative real-time VR-based educational program in medical graduate teaching has proven its technical feasibility and positive acceptance with a desire for more VR integration in surgical curricula. A two-armed study will be conducted to evaluate the objective impact as the expansion of VR environments for teaching continues.

Effects of immersive virtual reality simulation–based maternity nursing education: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWe investigated the impact of an immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based scenario simulation education program as an alternative to traditional maternity nursing practicums. MethodA simulation maternity nursing class at Wonkwang University in South Korea was conducted with 59 junior nursing students (experimental group = 30, control group = 29). This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of the IVR simulation on students’ knowledge, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and confidence in delivering nursing care. We conducted data collection from September 2021 to February 2022. SPSS version 25.0 was used for data analysis. ResultsBoth groups’ most common previous-semester grade was B, followed by A and C. In the experimental group, 17 participants reported high or very high satisfaction, and 12 in the control group reported high satisfaction. The groups showed significant differences in knowledge (p = .024), satisfaction (p < .001), self-efficacy (p = .018), and confidence (p < .001) in normal vaginal delivery nursing care. ConclusionsCompared to traditional simulation, IVR simulation can enhance maternity nursing students’ knowledge, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and confidence.

Investigating gender stereotypes in nursing/midwifery and engineering students in Ireland

Stereotypical behaviour in higher education has been linked with inequality with relevant negative output. This project's aim is to replicate the design of a previous study by expanding further into exploring the gender stereotypes’ relationships for two traditionally gendered polarised areas of study: Engineering and Nursing/Midwifery and assessing participants’ earlier experiences in their secondary education. Survey participants were Engineering and Nursing/Midwifery students (N = 161) of a university in Ireland. Results came positive for stereotypical biases in favour to men in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and specifically for Mathematics. Stereotypes emerged stronger among the female participants. While comparing the two genders within each of the two study areas, significant differences emerge among the female Nursing/Midwifery and female Engineering participants. Female Engineering participants appear with stronger preference, attitude and importance towards STEM than their Nursing/Midwifery counterparts. Nevertheless, Mathematics is an indicator subject for success in higher education and the need to strengthen critical thinking, evidenced based practice and quality of quantitative research in female dominated areas such as Nursing/Midwifery has been recognised. In addition to identified stereotypes, differences in respondents’ views/elements of their interaction with STEM were associated with the type of secondary school they attended. Further research is recommended on traits that could contribute to the formation of gender biased stereotypes in single and mixed gender education systems with an aim to reverse them.

Hitting the mark? A user perspective on the relevance and irrelevance of school performance indicators

Many educational systems implemented standardized tests to monitor educational quality and provide schools with performance feedback. However, one of the key characteristics that influence if and how users use such feedback is its perceived relevance. Adding to the current state of the art, this study brings in a situational perspective in the perceived relevance of performance indicators. By means of 19 in-depth interviews, this study provides insights into which feedback indicators are perceived as relevant or irrelevant and why they are. The results show that feedback relevance is not only determined by performance feedback as such, but also by the user that makes sense of it and the context in which users operate. Therefore, feedback designers face the challenge of integrating these different perspectives to facilitate actual feedback use and school improvement.

Potential Pesticide Misuse in Agriculture Farms from Two Costa Rican Provinces

Pesticide misuse by farmers poses hazards to human, animal, and environmental health. [Objective] This study aimed to document potential pesticide formulation misuse in agricultural farms. [Methodology] Inadequate storage practices, incorrect pesticide selection, and pesticide formulation overuse were documented through interviews and photographs on 13 agricultural farms from the Cartago and Guanacaste provinces of Costa Rica between August 2022 and April 2023. [Results] Storage room characteristics in many farms do not comply with safety standards prescribed by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Different active ingredients with herbicidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, and bactericidal properties are used in crop species for which they are not recommended. These substances include those from the carbamate, pyridine, cyclohexanedione, pyrethroid, conazole, benzothiazinone, oxadiazine, and phthalimide chemical groups in Cartago province, and from the neonicotinoid and pyrethroid chemical groups in Guanacaste province. Many pesticide formulations are utilized in quantities exceeding the manufacturers' recommendations. Among these formulations were bifenthrin, captan, oxamyl, cypermethrin, mancozeb, dimethoate, and deltamethrin in Cartago province, and imidacloprid in Guanacaste province. [Conclusions] These substances and their secondary metabolites have the potential to move across different environmental compartments such as water, soil, and air, thereby negatively affecting the health of community members rather than just the farmers applying these formulations. Well-established pesticide education programs based on on-site visits to farmers can enhance awareness about implementing good practices and ensure rational use of these substances, with positive results in non-target organisms such as humans and ecosystem service providers as well as natural and anthropogenic ecosystems.

The Impact of Advertising Junk Food on Youth Eating Habits and Mental Health

The current study focuses on the effects of fast food on the health of college students. Junk food, defined as food that is quick and easy to make, is generally high in calories but low in vital nutrients. College students are increasingly consuming these meals due to growing urbanization, globalization, pervasive commercial promotions, and the availability of multiple junk food establishments. Recent studies have shown that fast food contributes to metabolic problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The primary goal of this study is to determine the impact of junk food consumption on students' health and wellbeing. The study also tries to discover characteristics that contribute to the efficacy of junk food marketing and its broad availability. Secondary data were obtained from a variety of sources, including books, newspapers, periodicals, seminars, conversations, articles, journals, and websites. The study's findings show a substantial association between BMI, junk food frequency, and physical activity and awareness. As a result, it is critical to establish nutrition education programs in colleges and schools to prevent the younger generation from developing a junk food addiction. This preventative intervention is critical in preventing noncommunicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.