Advancement Of Education Research Articles

The Effects of Western Culture on Rites of Passage among the Hehe and Bena Societies: Case Study in Iringa Rural District

This study investigates how Western culture impacts the rites of passage among the Hehe and Bena communities in the Iringa Rural district, revealing a complex relationship between traditional customs and modern influences. Interviews with community members, including elders and youth, show a strong commitment to cultural preservation despite economic pressures and lifestyle changes. The findings highlight the need to adapt traditional rites by integrating modern elements to maintain relevance for younger generations, fostering cultural evolution. Western media and educational advancements significantly shape local practices, leading to a hybridization of traditions that reflects both resilience and adaptability. The study suggests that cultural preservation efforts, educational programs, and media engagement are vital to sustaining traditional practices within a modern context, offering insights into a balanced approach to cultural development. In methodology, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to explore the effects of Western culture on the rites of passage among the Hehe and Bena societies in Iringa Rural. A case study design was utilized to gather data from various sources, including interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys. Respondents, representing different community groups, were selected using both simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS for quantitative insights and content analysis for qualitative data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the cultural changes occurring in the region.

The fundraising turnover epidemic: An evaluative holistic model

Demand for fundraising professionals across the advancement sector globally is increasing, leading to a war for talent. This is fuelled by the great resignation, where people are reassessing their priorities (work—life balance), and post-pandemic reflection (current job alignment with long-term goals and values). In addition, opportunities for career development, remote working and location flexibility are increasing. Burnout, stress and cultural and generational influences also impact the need to reassess the attraction and retention of fundraising professionals. It is widely known that the turnover rate in the sector is high, with the average tenure of a fundraiser being between 18 and 24 months. Other research suggests even less at 16 months, citing that ‘fundraising turnover is an epidemic’.1 This paper shares research findings from a survey conducted globally with 52 fundraising/advancement professionals, seeking to answer two questions:• What are the key motivational factors that both attract and retain fundraisers?• Do these motivational factors change through the career life cycle?The paper was inspired following a session at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, European Annual Conference in August 2023, where the co-authors presented on the topic ‘Unleashing the power of your people: attracting, retaining and maximising the potential of your diverse talent pool’. This paper also shares reflections from two of the other panellists from the conference, both fundraising professionals, on their experiences in retaining fundraisers in their teams: Liz Reilly, former Director of Philanthropy & Donor Relations, University of Edinburgh, and Juan-Pablo Garrido, Director of Development, UIC Barcelona. The paper includes supporting insights from research undertaken by the co-authors on motivational theories and their application to the survey results. The paper provides insights on taking a different approach to retention, presenting a framework model that can be applied and one that seeks to be more transformational for the individual and organisation. Although this research is specifically focused on one of the advancement professions — fundraising — it could be applied to talent management within broader advancement and further tested to see if the hypothesis in the model has a broader application.

A primer: peer review process for Advances in Physiology Education.

The dissemination of discipline-focused educational scholarship advances theory and stimulates pedagogical application. The aim of Advances in Physiology Education is to publish manuscripts that advance knowledge and inform educators in the field. This primer is tailored for individuals new to manuscript reviewing, early in their careers, or experienced in reviewing research but not educational manuscripts. Peer reviewing for basic and applied science is akin to evaluating research questions and rigor in teaching and learning studies, with differences in approach and analysis similar to those between biophysics and molecular physiology or cell and integrated physiology. Our purpose is to provide an overview of the review process and expectations. The submission and peer review process involves several steps: authors submit a manuscript and the Editor assigns an Associate Editor, who then assigns peer Reviewers. Reviewers are contacted via email and can accept or decline the invitation. Reviewers evaluate the work's strengths and weaknesses and then independently submit comments and recommendations to the Associate Editor. After review, the Associate Editor collects and weighs Reviewers' comments, sometimes garners additional reviews and input, to make a recommendation to the Editor. The Editor reviews the process, comments, and recommendations to render a final decision. Both authors and Reviewers receive an email with the decision. The editorial staff assists with communication and helps track the overall process. Peer review is integral to scientific publishing, ensuring quality and rigor, and reviewing is both a privilege and a responsibility of all in the scientific community.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This mini-review offers a comprehensive and current overview of the peer review process and the qualifications required to serve as a journal reviewer for Advances in Physiology Education. The guidelines are specifically designed for early career professionals new to manuscript reviewing, as well as seasoned research manuscript reviewers who are new to educational manuscript evaluation. Peer review is a cornerstone of scientific publishing, ensuring both quality and rigor. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for all members of the scientific community.

Epidemiological Analysis of Upper Extremity Amputations From Lawn Mower-Related Injuries.

Lawn mower-related injuries (LMIs) represent a complex spectrum of pathology with significant public health ramifications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological factors associated with lawn mower upper extremity amputations. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried from 2014 to 2023. National case estimates were established for upper extremity amputation events secondary to lawn mowers using diagnostic and injury-specific coding parameters. Documented cases from NEISS-participating hospitals were evaluated and injury data surrounding individual amputation events were analyzed. An estimated 17 509 upper extremity amputations occurred from 2014 to 2023 secondary to LMI in the United States. Annual case estimates and incidence rates remained relatively uniform across the 10-year study period. Most injuries were estimated to occur in 50- to 59-year-old patients. Case record review from pooled participating NEISS hospitals yielded 469 cases of upper extremity amputation directly associated with LMI from 2014 to 2023. Ninety-one percent of cases occurred in men, and most events involved the amputation of a finger (97%). Most cases of lawn mower-associated injury involved the amputation of the middle digit (41.6%) in isolation (64% of cases involved amputation of 1 digit). Despite advances in product safety and consumer education, the estimated frequency and incidence rate of upper extremity amputations secondary to LMI has remained largely unchanged over the past 10 years. When these events did occur, 40- to 60-year-old men were most often involved, most commonly leading to amputation of the third finger in isolation.

Virtual reality educational scenarios for students with ASD: Instruments validation and design of STEM programmatic contents

BackgroundVirtual Reality (VR) is making education more engaging and accessible, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), promoting inclusion and the development of STEM skills in innovative ways. The literature still reveals a significant gap in terms of appropriate educational resources adapted to the specific needs of these students, resulting in difficulties in their inclusion. With the growing need for inclusive approaches in education, it is essential to find solutions to support these students. The aim of this study is to validate the data collection methodology that will enable the development of Virtual Learning Environments with STEM content for students with ASD. MethodsThe Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was used to develop a VR artefact for students with ASD. In addition, the Delphi method was applied in the expert involvement phase, which will contribute to the validation of the artefact's specific requirements. Both will allow for an inclusive and distinctive approach to the development of an artefact, with the aim of offering an innovative educational experience, meeting the varied needs and learning styles of students with ASD, optimising the effectiveness of the proposed VLE. ResultsThe results show a strong acceptance among experts, highlighting the potential positive impact of this approach, although there are aspects to be improved to ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach. ConclusionsThis study highlights the successful validation of an innovative virtual reality programme for students with ASD, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the strong contribution to the advancement of inclusive education.

Stressors for farmworker parents during wildfire season

BackgroundThe severity of wildfire seasons amplify stressors that farmworker families in the Pacific Northwest face as they balance childcare, work, and personal wellbeing. A lack of safe and attainable childcare has been a challenge for farmworker parents since before the Covid-19 pandemic and is of particular concern during wildfire season when parents must weigh the risks and benefits of leaving children at home, taking them to work, or sending them to childcare. This study describes how stressors of balancing childcare, work, and concerns about children’s exposure to smoke during wildfire season impact the wellbeing and workplace absenteeism and presenteeism for farmworker parents.MethodsTo understand the impact of this balancing act on farmworker parents, researchers from the University of Washington partnered with Wenatchee’s Community for the Advancement of Family Education to conduct interviews with 20 farmworker parents, and co-host two town hall discussion meetings within the community.ResultsSix qualitative themes emerged from our interviews including that farmworker parents feel both ill-prepared at home to protect their families, and also do not feel as though they are being provided with adequate resources at work to protect their own personal health. Through the town hall events, we learned that verbal messaging and storytelling are effective and appreciated routes of communication.ConclusionsOverall, we found that messaging and effective communication around how to prepare for the worsening levels of smoke is lacking among the farmworker community. Future research will address the messaging and communication gaps that must be filled to protect the health of both workers and their families during smoke season and beyond.

Prospects and Challenges of Affective AI Technology in Supporting Remote Learning

This study analyzes the potential and challenges of introducing affective AI technologies to promote remote education. The growing popularity of remote learning highlights the significant upside of affective AI in real-time emotional monitoring and feedback, especially for improving learning motivation, optimizing personalized educational paths, and supporting students' mental health. This study explores the particular applications of affective AI technologies and the ethical and privacy concerns they present. The research indicates that affective AI technology, based on the principles of affective computing, may strengthen students' emotional management abilities, improve the overall educational experience by identifying their emotional states in real time, and create more possibilities for teacher-student interactions. Affective AI enhances student motivation and optimizes personalized learning paths in remote education, especially for fostering positive emotional regulation and mental health support outcomes. However, affective AI encounters challenge related to technical prejudice, privacy protection, ethical fairness, and user acceptance in extensive applications, particularly notable disparities in multicultural contexts, which require solutions through privacy safeguards, algorithm refinement, and culturally adaptive design. This study is significant as it systematically reveals the potential of affective AI technologies in remote learning, identifies their critical challenges, and offers valuable recommendations and references for future advancement in global education.

Fostering sustainable development values among engineering students using Service-Learning

In the majority of nations, environmental sustainability is an integral aspect of government policies, highlighting the criticality of equipping upcoming engineers with the necessary environmental awareness and skills to tackle this complex challenge. Higher education institutions assume a pivotal role in fulfilling this mission as their engineering programs aspire to generate graduates who possess the necessary competencies to effectively operate as “sustainable” engineers. Novel pedagogical methodologies, such as service learning, are currently being utilized to foster the cultivation of sustainable development values. Service-Learning represents a highly congruent approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, insofar as it seamlessly integrates educational curricula with relevant community issues. As a result, it effectively contributes to the advancement of education for a sustainable future. This investigation sought to assess the impact of service learning projects developed in a rural school community on the boosting of social skills and environmental values among engineering students. The empirical evidence suggests that Service-Learning initiatives centered on environmental issues are efficacious in promoting the acquisition of social and environmental values among students. This, in turn, results in a positive transformation of their skill sets. Significantly, a substantial proportion of environmental engineering students who previously demonstrated a low awareness of these skills acknowledged their acquisition upon completion of the Service-Learning projects. Moreover, no less than 75% of the participants endorsed the attainment of each of the 11 competencies evaluated.

The Effect of AI‐Based Systems on Mathematics Achievement in Rural Context: A Quantitative Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite educational advances, poor mathematics achievement persists among K‐12 students, particularly in rural areas with limited resources and skilled teachers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based systems have increasingly been adopted to support the diverse learning needs of students and have been shown to enhance mathematics achievement through personalized learning experiences by adapting to student's needs. Existing studies have documented the positive impact of AI‐based systems on mathematics achievement. However, there is a lack of research that has studied AI‐based systems on students' mathematics achievement and engagement in rural settings. The present study addresses the existing literature gap by focusing on the AI‐based Edmentum Exact Path, analyzing its effectiveness in enhancing mathematics achievement and engagement among 8th‐grade students in rural schools in the Southern United States. By examining both cognitive and affective engagement, along with students' mathematics achievement, this research explores the role of AI‐based systems in student learning.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effectiveness of Edmentum Exact Path, an AI‐based system, in improving 8th‐grade students' mathematics achievement and affective and cognitive engagement in the Southern United States.MethodsThis study utilized a quasi‐experimental design involving 78 students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, comparing those receiving supplemental Edmentum Exact Path‐led instruction and traditional teacher‐led methods to a control group receiving only the teacher‐led instructions. Mathematics achievement was measured through pre‐tests and post‐tests, while student engagement was assessed using the 5‐point Student Engagement Instrument (SEI). Statistical analysis was performed using t‐tests and ANOVA.Results and ConclusionsThe findings revealed statistically significant improvements in mathematics achievement for both the experimental and control groups. However, the group using teacher‐led instruction showed a statistically significant improvement in affective engagement, while no statistically significant differences were observed in cognitive engagement between groups.ImplicationsThe findings suggest that integrating AI‐based systems like Edmentum Exact Path may enhance affective engagement in mathematics among students from rural areas. However, the impact on cognitive engagement remains unclear, indicating a need for further research. These results support the potential for integrating AI‐based systems to enhance mathematics achievement in rural settings.

The Digital School - Can Everyone Participate on Equal Terms?

This paper examines the accessibility of digital learning tools in Norwegian schools, highlighting significant deficiencies that hinder equitable participation, especially for students with disabilities. Through inspections, surveys, and stakeholder consultations, critical gaps in compliance and competence are identified. Recommendations are provided to strengthen regulatory enforcement, enhance teacher training, and support the procurement of accessible learning resources, aiming to ensure all students can equally benefit from digital advancements in education.

Scalable Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Data Mining Protecting Career Success in Labor Education

This paper examines the creative approaches to labor education by looking at them through the prism of educational and technical advancements. It tackles the current issue of insufficient worker preparation for the complexity of contemporary workplaces caused by antiquated educational methods. There is a widening skills gap since traditional labor education has a hard time keeping up with the changes. Labor Education based on Digital Technologies (LE-DT) is proposed as a solution to this problem in this paper. To make labor education more engaging, accessible, and relevant to today’s workers, LE-DT uses digital technologies and platforms to transform its delivery. Learners’ engagement, retention, and skill development may be improved by the use of multimedia materials, interactive simulations, virtual reality experiences, online courses, and LE-DT. Personalized learning paths, remote collaboration tools, gamified learning modules, and virtual apprenticeships are a few of the many uses of LE-DT covered in the paper. In doing so, it prepares employees for the challenges of the contemporary workplace by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. The paper evaluates the efficacy of LE-DT in enhancing learning outcomes, boosting labor productivity, and encouraging lifelong learning habits by presenting results from its deployment in various scenarios. Job rates, organizational performance indicators, learner happiness, and skill mastery are some of the evaluation measures.

The Case of Distance Learning Modalities Among Technical Vocational Students in One State College in The Philippines

This study discusses the perception of the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) students during the implementation of distance learning along with their specialization courses in Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC). This study aimed to generate students' learning experience and determine factors affecting the teaching-learning process and the implementation of the distance learning modality of CSPC. This study utilized a descriptive method of research. An adapted survey questionnaire was used to gather the data, and a weighted mean was employed to analyze and determine the factors affecting students’ performance in the distance learning modality. This study revealed that the students rated an overall rating of 2.95 with a verbal interpretation of Agree along with computer expertise, the flexibility of distance learning, the usefulness of distance learning, and distance learning satisfaction. This means they were satisfied with the teaching-learning process they experienced in their major courses. Thus, the researcher recommended reinforcing its programs along with the new normal approaches in education to achieve its vision of providing the best polytechnic education to its students by continuously creating opportunities such as training and seminars for the teaching staff and students to be fully equipped with the necessary skills for distance learning and the digital advancements in education.

Educational Inequalities Due to Regional Differences in China, Exemplified by Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces: An Analysis Based on Socio-economic, Cultural Context and Policy Factors

Abstract: China's reform and opening up have led to remarkable advancements in education and the economy. However, regional inequality has become a prominent issue, particularly between border and coastal areas. Using as examples, This study examines the educational discrepancies between Yunnan Province and Guangdong Province as examples, aiming to identify the causes of such inequality. The study discovers that one primary cause of regional educational inequality is the disparity in socio-economic development. As a economically developed coastal region, Guangdong possesses greater economic capacity for rapid growth and can allocate more funding towards educational resources and infrastructural development. In contrast, less developed areas like Yunnan have made insufficient investments in this field. Furthermore, cultural differences significantly impact education levels: coastal regions such as Guangdong have higher expectations for higher education and value the role of the family in education; whereas frontier areas like Yunnan prioritize education less due to geographic and cultural constraints, resulting in lower levels of attention and investment. Each local government's policy stance and investment direction differ: economically developed locations tend to attract more qualified instructors and associated resources, while less developed regions lag behind, aggravating the unequal distribution of educational resources. This paper contends that regional economic disparities are the main driver of educational inequality, particularly in terms of investment and access to educational resources. Bridging the economic gap between different regions is crucial for achieving educational equity, which is closely linked to the country's overall prosperity and stability.

Empowering Saudi women in STEM: Assessing readiness and aspirations at prince Mohammed bin Fahd university (PMU)

Enrolling Saudi female students in STEM fields offers career opportunities and fosters societal development and innovation. This research underscores the intersection of gender inclusivity, STEM education, and societal advancement. It provides a platform for female students to share experiences and contribute to the dialogue on empowering women in STEM, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals. Analyzing data from a precalculus course, a prerequisite for advanced mathematics and core classes, and a survey distributed to students provided valuable insights into students' readiness, competence, interests, perceptions, and motivations.

From analytics to empathy and creativity: Charting the AI revolution in marketing practice and education

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly demands an understanding of its impact on marketing practice and education. Our hybrid literature review synthesizes 312 peer-reviewed articles on AI in marketing and consumer behavior, using scientometrics and the TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, Methodology) framework. We identify five research areas: human–AI interaction in services, natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision for consumer insights, AI for e-commerce and decision support, marketing automation and creativity, and AI ethics. AI’s evolution is marked by a transition from analytical to empathetic and intuitive technologies like affective computing and generative AI. We highlight the changing dynamics between humans and AI, AI integration in marketing practices and education, and the transformed AI-enhanced marketing workplace. We underscore the significance of ethical considerations, the well-being of users, and the integration of generative AI tools. This review provides a comprehensive guide for forthcoming research, practical applications, and educational advancements in AI-enhanced marketing.

Interventions employed to address vaccine hesitancy among Black populations outside of African and Caribbean countries: a scoping review

BackgroundBlack people are disproportionately affected by structural and social determinants of health, resulting in greater risks of exposure to and deaths from COVID-19. Structural and social determinants of health feed vaccine hesitancy and worsen health disparities.ObjectiveThis scoping review explored interventions that have been employed to address vaccine hesitancy among Black population outside of African and Caribbean countries. This review provides several strategies for addressing this deep-rooted public health problem.MethodsThe scoping review followed the five-step framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. It complies with reporting guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Research studies that examined interventions utilized to promote vaccine confidence within Black populations living outside of African and Caribbean countries were reviewed.FindingsA total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study: 17 were quantitative studies and three were mixed-method studies. This scoping review highlighted six themes: educational advancement, messaging, multi-component approaches, outreach efforts, enhancing healthcare access, and healthcare provider leadership.ConclusionThe review identified effective interventions for addressing vaccine hesitancy among Black populations outside Africa and the Caribbean, emphasizing education, multidimensional approaches, and healthcare provider recommendations. It calls for more qualitative research and interventions in countries like Canada and the UK to enhance vaccine confidence and reduce mistrust.

Peran Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Pendidikan Islam: Kajian Pustaka

The significance of human resource management (HR) in raising the standard of Islamic education is examined in this study of the literature. This study identifies important HR practices like professional development, performance management, planning techniques, and efficient hiring that support educational advancement by looking at a variety of scientific sources. These results demonstrate that an effective HR framework raises the general level of education in Islamic institutions by promoting a favorable learning environment and assisting educators' professional development. This study emphasizes how crucial HRM is as a tactical instrument for achieving high-quality education within the framework of Islamic principles.

Research on the Relationship between Education Service Equalization and Regional Economic Development

This study delves into the correlation between education service equalization and regional economic development by examining the theories of public goods, educational equity, and regional economic development. It uncovers the theoretical foundations and the current practice in China. The research indicates that the equalization of education services significantly impacts regional economic development, with these effects showing regional variability. Through both theoretical and empirical analyses, the equalization of education services has proven pivotal in enhancing labor quality, accelerating talent mobility, strengthening regional innovation capability, and optimizing economic structures. While China has achieved certain accomplishments in advancing the equalization of education services, the issue of uneven distribution of educational resources among regions remains prominent. In light of this, governments should formulate differentiated education policies based on regional characteristics and strengthen inter-regional educational cooperation and exchanges, aiming to promote coordinated regional economic development through balanced educational advancement.

Abstract 4112926: Echocardiography in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Virtual Continuing Medical Education Advances Physician Knowledge and Confidence

Purpose: This study examined whether online CME could improve the knowledge and confidence of cardiologists regarding the use of echocardiography for HCM diagnosis and management. Methods: The CME intervention comprised of a series of 6 online interviews between 1 moderator and 2 expert faculty. Educational effect was assessed using a repeated-pair design with pre-/post-assessment. 3 multiple choice questions assessed knowledge, and 1, rated on a Likert-type scale, assessed confidence. A paired samples t-test was conducted on overall average number of correct responses and for confidence rating, and a McNemar’s test was conducted at the question level (significance level, P < .05). Data were collected August 8-September 8, 2023. Results: 165 cardiologists answered all assessment questions during the study period. Analysis of pre- vs. post-intervention responses demonstrated a significant improvement in overall knowledge; average correct responses increased from 48% pre-assessment to 74% post-assessment ( P <.001). Specific areas of improvement include: Knowledge of the quantification of LVOT gradients, MR, and LVEF in the echocardiographic workup of HCM: 21% improved and 62% reinforced; the correct response increased (P<.001) from 65% (pre) to 84% (post). Knowledge of the utility of echocardiography for follow-up and monitoring response to HCM treatment: 48% improved and 35% reinforced; the correct response increase (P<.001) from 39% (pre) to 70% (post). Post-education, 48% of cardiologists had a measurable increase in their ability to diagnose HCM using echocardiographic parameters, resulting in 43% who were mostly or very confident after education (24% pre vs 43% post; P<.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the success of online CME at improving the knowledge and confidence of cardiologists related to the use of echocardiography to identify and manage HCM.

The Sovietization of Azerbaijan: Historical Perspective

The Sovietization of Azerbaijan, spanning from the early 1920s to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, was a transformative period that significantly impacted the country's political, social, economic, and cultural landscape. This paper explores the multifaceted process of Sovietization and its enduring legacy on Azerbaijan's development. Politically, Sovietization entailed the establishment of authoritarian rule, characterized by one-party dominance and the suppression of political dissent. Socially, it led to both advancements in education and healthcare and the suppression of cultural and religious freedoms, contributing to tensions within Azerbaijani society. Economically, Sovietization fostered the development of heavy industry and infrastructure but also resulted in environmental degradation and economic inefficiencies. Understanding the complexities of Sovietization is crucial for comprehending contemporary Azerbaijani realities and ongoing efforts towards political reform, economic development, and social progress.