Education Research Articles

Exploring the content of epilepsy fellowship program websites: an analysis of information available to applicants

BackgroundProgram websites are essential resources in the process of residency and fellowship application. We evaluated the information furnished on these resources by Epilepsy fellowship programs. The extent of information provided was compared across geographic zones, academic affiliation, and national ranking.MethodsA list of Epilepsy fellowship programs was derived from the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA). Links to program websites were obtained directly from FREIDA or using Google’s search engine. Online data was categorized to reflect program information, education, recruitment, compensation, epilepsy center-specific information, and social media presence. Data points under each category were collected to develop a standardized scoring system. The frequency of criterion present was compared across geographic zones, academic affiliation, and national ranking using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Significance was determined at a p-value ≤ 0.05 for all cases. The study utilized IBM SPSS version 28 and Python 3.11.3.ResultsWe analyzed 80 Epilepsy fellowship programs. The most reported feature was the program director’s name and email (100.0%). The least reported features included board pass rates (1.3%), preparatory boot camp (8.8%), and post-fellowship placements (11.3%). Programs were found to be well-represented on X (88.8%), Facebook (81.3%), and Instagram (71.3%). Most (85.0%) of the programs were searchable through Google. The scores for program information, education, recruitment, compensation, epilepsy center-specific information, and social media visibility did not significantly vary based on location, academic affiliation, or rank status.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that despite an online presence, there is much room for improvement in the content available to the applicant. To improve the Match process and attract a roster of well-informed fellows, Epilepsy fellowship programs should furnish program websites with up-to-date information relevant to program information, education, recruitment, compensation, and epilepsy center-specific information.

Therapeutic patient education programs on diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Therapeutic patient education programs on diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Analysis of the repercussions of Artificial Intelligence in the Personalization of the Virtual Educational Process in Higher Education Programs

This study examined how artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the personalization of the virtual educational process in higher education programs. A systematic review of literature published between 2012 and 2023 was carried out, evaluating empirical studies, reports and review articles available in academic databases such as IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink and Google Scholar. Methods discussed include intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics, and recommendation systems. The results showed that AI significantly improved the personalization of learning. Intelligent tutoring systems provide real-time adaptive feedback, adjusting content and pacing based on students' individual needs, improving their understanding and retention. Learning analytics helps identify student behavior patterns and predict academic issues, thereby facilitating timely interventions that help improve performance. Additionally, recommender systems personalize study materials based on student preferences and progress, thereby optimizing the educational experience. However, significant challenges have been identified, such as the need to protect data privacy and mitigate algorithmic biases that can affect the fairness and efficiency of these systems. In conclusion, the integration of AI into virtual higher education has enhanced the personalization of learning, improving both student satisfaction and academic performance. However, there is a need to continue to focus on developing ethical and equitable AI systems to address identified issues and maximize educational benefits

A Mixed Methods Exploration of Students' Experiences of Taking Part in a Tuition Assistance Program in Rural Alberta, Canada

This paper reports on the experiences of rural students taking part in the Zero Fee Tuition program—a postsecondary tuition assistance program providing up to $5,000 in tuition subsidies for students residing in Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada. Zero Fee Tuition was introduced by the Town of Drayton Valley in 2019 as a rural development initiative focused on attracting and retaining postsecondary education students. Here, we present a qualitatively-oriented mixed methods study of interview, focus group, and survey data collected with 24 Zero Fee Tuition students in 2021-2022 as part of a broader community-based participatory research project. In this paper, we explore two overarching themes: (a) facing opportunities and challenges throughout zero-fee tuition education, and (b) shifting the culture of education and training in Drayton Valley. Our results suggest that students' experiences were heavily shaped by the gendered care work they undertake in addition to, and as part of, their paid work and studies. Further, the Zero Fee Tuition program provided many students the first opportunity to attend a postsecondary education program. In this way, our findings suggest that Zero Fee Tuition is working towards its goal of expanding educational opportunities for residents of Drayton Valley. We discuss our findings within a rural oil-based town shaped by a boom-bust economy. Despite the positive contributions of the Zero Fee Tuition program, our analysis demonstrates the persistence of social structural conditions that impact the challenges faced by participants in this study.

The Role of Financial Education in Improving Personal Financial Planning: A Qualitative Study on Generation Z

Generation Z has grown up in the digital age with extensive access to information, yet they often lack adequate knowledge on personal financial management. Low financial literacy can lead to poor financial decisions and financial problems in the future. The main objective is to understand how financial education helps Generation Z to improve their personal financial planning. The main objective is to understand how financial education affects Generation Z's financial awareness, knowledge and behavior. A qualitative approach was used in this research with a case study method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with purposively selected Generation Z individuals. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis method to identify emerging patterns and themes. The results show that financial education has a significant role in improving Generation Z awareness and personal financial planning skills. Participants who have received financial education demonstrate better knowledge of financial management, as well as have more positive financial behaviors such as saving, investing and spending management habits. These findings provide important insights for policymakers, educational institutions and the private sector in designing and implementing effective financial education programs. More comprehensive and accessible financial education is needed to ensure Generation Z can make better financial decisions and manage personal finances more effectively.

Can Online Parent Education Meet the Needs of the Courts and Improve the Well-Being of Children? The Critical Roles of Goal, Program, and Evidence Alignment.

Parent education in family courts can significantly impact children's well-being after divorce if programs are (1) widely accessible, (2) acceptable to parents, (3) feasible to implement by courts, and (4) have evidence of effectiveness in improving key outcomes for children. In light of recently raised concerns about whether court-ordered/court-mandated parent education is justified; it is critical to identify effective parent education programs. Online parent education programs have the potential to be widely accessible, acceptable to parents and courts, and effectively promote children's well-being. However, few effective online parent education programs are being widely adopted by family courts. There is some controversy about whether online parent education meets the needs of family courts in being cost-effective programs that offer ways to hold parents accountable for their participation. We articulate the wide array of goals for parent education programs and present a framework to identify and select programs that meet specific goals. We discuss access, cost, evidence of effectiveness, acceptability, credibility, and compliance tracking. We highlight two online parent education programs to illustrate differences in contexts and goals and to show that online programs have great potential to be effective in accomplishing goals valued by the courts.

Enhancing special education programs’ curricula for students with intellectual disabilities in saudi arabia: A call for personalized approaches and inclusive practices

Background/AimsIn Saudi Arabia, students with intellectual disabilities (ID) receive some of their education through textbooks. However, using textbooks with students with ID contradicts the principles of providing services based on individuals with ID needs personalized plans to develop their individual abilities. This study aimed to investigate family and teacher perceptions of middle and high school curricula for students with ID in Saudi Arabia. This study focused specifically on the extent to which these curricula contribute to the development of academic and life skills among these students. Method and procedureA 21-item scale was used to measure the perceptions of family members and teachers of individuals with intellectual disability. The scale validity and reliability were examined and supported. The sample comprised of 113 family members and 111 teachers of students with ID. Outcomes and resultsFamily members and teachers both expressed low satisfaction regarding the improvement in academic and life skills of students as a result of the current curricular in the surveyed programs. Additionally, they conveyed dissatisfaction with the overall outcomes of services provided for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions and implicationsThis study highlights the inadequacies of a one-size-fits-all approach to designing curricula for students with ID. There is a need to improve and enhance curriculum content to meet the diverse learning needs of these individuals.

Research on Digital Literacy of Humanities and Social Science Students

[Purpose / Significance] In the info society, digital education is vital for digital society building. College students, as digital transformation helpers, should have basic digital literacy. [Method / process] This study targets humanities and social science students, integrating national digital literacy initiatives and domestic/international frameworks. A digital literacy framework was built using Delphi and AHP. 402 valid questionnaires were analyzed with descriptive stats & cluster analysis. [Results / Conclusion]Humanities students' digital literacy includes: info/data literacy, learning/thinking ability, digital citizenship, and tech application. Self-reported literacy is generally good, but tech innovation is a weakness. All dimensions show hierarchical characteristics. This study proposes: integrating digital literacy with professional training, building educational programs, and providing diverse training scenarios for comprehensive digital literacy development.

Self-Care of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Compliance with Diet Nutrition and Fluids

Background: Hemodialysis accompanied by proper management of nutritional and fluid diet is very important, as excessive fluid intake can worsen the condition of patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of research to know about Self Care of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Compliance with Diet Nutrition and Fluids Methods: This study is a quantitative study, this type of research is descriptive that describes self-care in hemodialysis patients in adherence to nutritional and fluid diets. This study uses a cross sectional design. This design looks at the picture of self-care, nutrient and fluid diet compliance. Sampling in this study used purposive sampling. A total sample of 118 respondents. Results: Most of the patients in the category of non-compliance with hemodialysis in the diet of nutrients and fluids from all questionnaire items (asmaul husna) were 81 respondents (68.6%). Conclusion: Patients can understand the importance of self-way, nutritional diet and high-quality health to improve health pasien. It is recommended to implement comprehensive educational programs for patients on the importance of adhering to dietary and fluid restrictions, as well as self-management techniques, to enhance their overall health outcomes.

Exploring Factors Influencing Patients’ Embarrassment and Feelings of Imposition in Objective Structured Clinical Examination Interactions

ObjectiveTo identify factors influencing patient responses in potentially sensitive situations that might lead to embarrassment (defined by politeness theory (PT) as positive face-threatening acts [FTAs]) or a sense of imposition (defined by PT as negative FTAs) during Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and to assess the participant’s ability to mitigate such situations. MethodsNineteen OSCE video recordings of 10 pharmacy trainees interacting with mock patients were examined using the PT framework. All relevant participants’ speech acts were coded and quantified into type of FTAs and the mitigation strategies used. Patient (assessor) responses were classified then quantified into preferred responses (ie, quick response) vs dispreferred (ie, delayed or hesitant responses) using conversation analysis. The chi-square test was used to identify any association between relevant variables according to predefined hypotheses using SPSS version 27. ResultsA total of 848 FTAs were analyzed. Participants failed to meet patient face needs in 32.4% of positive FTAs, in 11.5% of negative FTAs, and 44.4% of positive and negative FTAs. Although patients disclosing information about any inappropriate lifestyle behavior (as per OSCE scripts) expressed these via dispreferred mannerisms, participants were less likely to provide patients with reassurance when patient face needs were challenged in this way (68.2% of these dispreferred responses were not given reassuring feedback) than when they were maintained. ConclusionImproving educational programs to include the context of patient face needs and conversational strategies for properly dealing with highly sensitive situations was suggested as a way to equip trainees with the skills to effectively build rapport with patients.

UNIVERSITIES OF THE THIRD AGE (U3A) IN UKRAINE: HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT

The article analyzes the foreign experience of founding Universities of the Third Age (U3A), as a prerequisite for the implementation of the activities of U3A in Ukraine. Universities of the third age are identified as the most common form of implementation of the idea of informal education of the elderly, which is aimed at stimulating the activity of the elderly people in various aspects. The main stages of implementation of the idea of functioning of such social institutions at the level of legislative and regulatory framework governing the activity of the educational sector are outlined. Unification of the U3A into groups according to the level of activity both at the state and private level, as well as their cooperation with institutions of higher education are presented. It has been proven that universities of the third age implement the function of educational and cultural hubs for adults aged 50–60+ years. Also, it has been established that, thanks to the wide variety of educational programs and intensive extracurricular activities, U3A are able to ensure the active life of this category of adult population through continuous sustainable education. It is substantiated that through their mediation, the category of the adult population under study has the opportunity not only to acquire new knowledge, abilities, skills and competence, but also to take a direct active part in public life. It was found that universities of the third age function based on corresponding institutional formations, including HEIs, cultural and educational centers, houses of culture, libraries, independent educational institutions, which are perceived as a space for the organization of targeted events, active communication, travel opportunities, which contributes to personal development. It has been proven that U3A have a beneficial effect on socio-intellectual progress, motivate the elderly to physical activity, deepen skills and abilities, optimize the system of interaction within the field of health care and rehabilitation centers, cultural hubs, and environmental activities. It is substantiated that universities of the third age are endowed with a significant functionality in terms of maintaining social ties and active interpersonal communication among older people.

Bank Kalbar's Educational Programs for MSME Revitalization and Community Economic Development

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are crucial to Indonesia's economy, contributing approximately 60.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing about 96.9% of the national workforce. Despite the large number of MSMEs and their potential GDP contribution, there is still room for improvement in exports. The government has taken various measures to support MSME development, including policies that encourage digital business growth and education-based training for MSMEs. In West Kalimantan Province (Kalbar), MSMEs play a vital role in regional economic development. Despite their potential, they face several challenges such as access to capital, financial management, and market access. The regional government and the Bank of West Kalimantan have collaborated to revitalize MSMEs post-COVID-19 through various programs, credit schemes, and educational initiatives or training sessions. This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods with a case study approach. The research results indicate that MSMEs significantly contribute to West Kalimantan's economic development, despite being impacted by the pandemic. The internal and external revitalization strategies implemented by Bank Kalbar have assisted MSMEs in recovery and adapting to digital-based business models. The study concludes that MSMEs in West Kalimantan have the potential to continue growing and thriving as independent economic entities in a digital-based business environment. The revitalization of MSMEs is a result of collaboration between MSME actors, the government, and banking institutions to achieve regional economic stability and recovery.

Intrinsic Motivation of Gen Z to be a Teacher in Elementary Schools

Intrinsic motivation plays a critical role in influencing an individual's career choices. Since 2017, Gen Z, as the youngest generation to enter the workforce, exhibits distinct career motivations compared to earlier generations. However, there is still very little research that explores a person's intrinsic motivation in choosing a career as a teacher. This research aimed to explore the intrinsic motivation of prospective teachers from Gen Z to become professional teachers in elementary schools. The study included 12 pre-service teachers enrolled in the elementary school teacher education program, selected using purposive sampling techniques. By adopting qualitative focus group study research, the results showed that intrinsic motivation to become a teacher in elementary schools included three main themes, namely: the interest in teaching, self-development, and comfort in teaching. This research made an important contribution to the understanding of intrinsic motivation in entering a career as a teacher, which could assist in the development of strategies and policies that support the recruitment and retention of quality teachers.

Юридический институт Северо-Кавказского федерального университета: из прошлого в будущее

The article is devoted to the history of legal science of the North Caucasus, the formation and development of legal education in the Stavropol Territory. The authors focus on the past and present of the Law Institute of the North Caucasus Federal University, which became the successor to a number of universities that implemented higher education programs in the field of law since the 80s XX century. The personnel potential of the institute is described, professors teaching at the university and their scientific achievements, the civilizational and educational mission of the university to form a civil and professional identity among future lawyers, as well as to strengthen the rule of law, law and order and interethnic harmony in the most difficult macroregion of Russia.

The Influence of Problem-Solving Skills and Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Readiness in Culinary Skills Program

This study examines the influence of problem-solving skills and self-efficacy on entrepreneurial readiness among participants in a culinary skills program. Given the increasing importance of entrepreneurship in the culinary industry, understanding these factors can enhance educational strategies and support aspiring culinary entrepreneurs. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a survey methodology to collect data from 125 culinary skill program participants. The survey measured participants' problem-solving skills, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial readiness. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to determine the relationships between these variables. The findings reveal that both problem-solving skills and self-efficacy significantly influence entrepreneurial readiness. Specifically, problem-solving skills were found to have a stronger impact, suggesting that participants who are adept at resolving challenges are more prepared for entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, self-efficacy contributes positively to entrepreneurial readiness, indicating that confidence in one's abilities is crucial in entrepreneurial preparedness. The study concludes that enhancing problem-solving skills and self-efficacy in culinary education programs can significantly boost entrepreneurial readiness.

Effects of basic carbohydrate counting versus standard dietary care for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (The BCC Study): a randomised, controlled trial

BackgroundClinical guidelines recommend basic carbohydrate counting (BCC), or similar methods to improve carbohydrate estimation skills and to strive for higher consistency in carbohydrate intake potentially improving glycaemic control. However, evidence for this approach in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited.ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of a structured education program in BCC as add-on to standard dietary care on glycaemic control in individuals with T2D.MethodsThe BCC Study was a randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. Individuals with T2D aged 18-75 years with glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 53–97 mmol/mol (7.0–11.0%) were randomly assigned (1:1) to BCC or standard dietary care. The primary outcomes were differences in changes in HbA1c or glycaemic variability (calculated as mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions [MAGE]) between groups after six months of intervention.ResultsBetween September 2018 and July 2021, 48 participants were randomly assigned, 23 to BCC and 25 to standard dietary care. Seven participants did not receive the allocated intervention. From a baseline-adjusted mean of 65 mmol/mol (95% CI 62-68 [8.1%, 7.8-8.4]), HbA1c changed by −5 mmol/mol (−8 to −1 [−0.5%, −0.7 to −0.1]) in BCC and -3 mmol/mol (−7 to 1 [−0.3%, −0.6 to 0.1]) in standard care with an estimated treatment effect of −2 mmol/mol (−7 to 4 [−0.2%, −0.6 to 0.4]); p = 0.554. From a baseline-adjusted mean of 4.2 mmol/l (3.7 to 4.8), MAGE changed by −16% (−33 to 5) in BCC and by −3% (−21 to 20) in standard care with an estimated treatment effect of −14% (−36 to 16); p = 0.319. Only median carbohydrate estimation error in favour of BCC (estimated treatment difference −55% (−70 to −32); p < 0.001) remained significant after multiple testing adjustment.ConclusionsNo glycaemic effects were found but incorporating BCC as a supplementary component to standard dietary care led to improved skills in estimating carbohydrate intake among individuals with T2D.

FEATURES OF DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AEROBICS IN THE SYSTEM OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The article examines the impact of aerobics and physical education programs including aerobics on the physical and mental health of the younger generation. The purpose of the study is to analyse the peculiarities of using aerobics in different countries of the world and to identify the positive/negative aspects of physical activity. The article employs methods of retrospective and comparative analysis of primary sources, as well as generalization and systematization of innovative points regarding the integration of aerobics into edu- cational programs. It has been stated that aerobics is a universal form of physical activity that can be adapted to the needs of each person, regardless of gender. Today, aerobics is a popular form of fitness that includes a va- riety of training styles and methods, from classic group classes to modern interactive online training. It not only helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, but also enhances the general tone of the body and im- proves mood. To get the most out of training, it is important to consider individual physiological charac- teristics and goals. Aerobics has been increasingly integrated into physical education programs in various countries such as Great Britain, Australia, the United States of America, China, the Philippines, and South Korea. Integrating aerobics into a physical education program helps develop discipline and self-discipline, as well as promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among the growing generation, giving them the tools to stay fit throughout life. Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise, can improve cognitive func- tion and concentration, which has a positive effect on the academic achievement of young people. Positive aspects are as follows: improvement of cardiovascular health; improvement of mood and mental health; weight control due to assistance in burning calories, which helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity; improving physical shape, increasing endurance and strengthening muscles; formation of disci- pline; improvement of cognitive functions; promoting socialization, helping to make new friends and gain- ing support from like-minded people in group aerobics. Meanwhile, certain negative consequences that may arise from improper organization of aerobics classes have been identified, including the risk of inju- ry, overloading the cardiovascular system, the necessity of adhering to proper technique, and psychologi- cal stress. The characteristic features of modern health aerobics are: accessibility and ease of performing exercises; increased emotionality of classes due to musical accompaniment and different movements; high effectiveness of the health-improving effect due to the continuity of physical exercises aimed at the devel- opment of general endurance, flexibility and strength, as well as improving the work of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems and musculoskeletal system; a high level of scientific substantiation of training meth- ods, constant development of the material and technical base and development of new types of equipment for aerobics. Quality of life and level of well-being mainly depend on a person’s ability to live fully and ac- tively, unencumbered by health problems. That is why, nowadays, aerobic exercises are becoming more and more popular, as they contribute to health and general strengthening of the body. Conclusion. A comparative analysis of the role and significance of aerobics in the physical education systems of developed countries highlights the importance of integrating physical activity into the curricu- lum for the overall health and well-being of the younger generation.

On Improving the Innovation System in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: Prospects for the Implementation of the Startup Studio Model

Introduction. The relevance of the research topic in difficult military and political conditions is determined by the need to improve the innovation system in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Methods. When writing the article, a wide range of general scientific, private scientific and special research methods were used. Results. The generalization of advanced law-making and law enforcement experience in the implementation by special units for innovative development of the US Department of Defense of the concept of “Entrepreneurial University” (“University 3.0”), allowed us to positively assess the prospects for embedding the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in the innovative model “startup studio”, focused on the development of promising innovative dual-use technologies, currently implemented by the Fund for Infrastructure and educational programs jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. The conclusion is substantiated that the integration of the Ministry of Defense into a proven financial model can enhance the attractiveness of cooperation between all parties to the partnership (investor, university, students, representatives of the defense industry, the state) in terms of the potential opportunity to participate in the defense order, career growth in the research structures of the defense industry and the military department, the use of the research infrastructure of Technopolis, additional investments through the ERA Foundation LLC, This will have a positive impact on improving the innovation development system of the Ministry of Defense and the state’s defense capability. Discussion and Conclusion. Recommendations have been developed to improve the model of innovative activity of small university enterprises – “startup studio”, adapted to the needs of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, presented in the form of an author’s concept of a regulatory legal act.

PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATIONS AS A TOOL FOR MODERNIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION: THEORETICAL ASPECT

The article substantiates the necessity of researching the processes of modernization of pedagogical education, analyzes the content of pedagogical activity, which is increasingly taking on an innovative nature. The problem of modernization of pedagogical education, which is connected with the need to change the status and role of the teacher in the information society, is analyzed; a decrease in the quality of professional training; the development of new ways and methods of obtaining pedagogical education, which led to significant structural and substantive transformations of the pedagogical education system in Ukraine. Innovative searches of higher school pedagogy are considered in the light of the implementation of the paradigm of the competence approach to education, which are aimed at such a design and organization of the educational process, which would take into account the needs of the personality of the future specialist in the development of his creative potential, readiness to act successfully in non-standard situations. Analyzing the content and functions of a modern teacher, the types of innovative pedagogical activities that ensure the achievement of the necessary quality of professional training are formulated. The essence of the main educational strategy of the professional training process is revealed – the design strategy, which is implemented with the help of practice-oriented modular training, training with the help of cases (a package of situations for decision-making), training based on social interaction. The problems of the organization of a unified Ukrainian educational network of distance education are analyzed, which includes problems not so much of a technical nature, which are quite easily solved if there is funding, but of a pedagogical, meaningful nature. The analysis of the components of the modernization of pedagogical education made it possible to assess the real state and prospects for the development of higher pedagogical education in Ukraine and to formulate proposals for its improvement.

Exploring the drivers and barriers to the non-formal education in Anganwadi centers for sustainable development education: a multiple stakeholder study

ABSTRACT The most populous country in the world, India, seeks to achieve universal education for its citizens. An informal education system for preschool children to develop their learning abilities is crucial. Anganwadi workers provide informal education. While there have been several studies on Anganwadi-based informal education, there is a lack of studies presenting a holistic perspective of all the stakeholders in the informal education system, especially following the New Education Policy 2020 and SDG 4. This study undertakes 46 interviews across five stakeholders. It presents five themes – policy and regulation, education, social norms, infrastructure, and human resources. These themes further present the driving or barrier factors to meet the objectives. The study concludes by discussing the theoretical and managerial implications.