Educational Affairs Research Articles

Bracing for the Storm: A Case Study on Hurricane Preparedness in Higher Education Institutions

This case is for use in graduate courses in higher education and student affairs administration. It presents a multitude of challenges faced by higher education professionals in the event of a natural disaster. While intensive planning prior to the disaster can help mitigate some of the aftereffects, there will still be a number of decisions that must be made to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff. This case highlights the complex issues that administrators must often face as well as provides an opportunity to evaluate the complex issues from a variety of perspectives.

Optimizing EFL learning: exploring the role of learner background factors and the nuances of their effects on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among university students in a mixed-methods study

IntroductionMotivation is a driving force behind man’s behavior which has led to many psychological studies throughout the world. Moreover, it is the fuel for successful learning. While intrinsic motives provide the internal rewards, extrinsic motivation supplies the required external rewards to keep the engine of learning running. Knowing the factors which impact intrinsic/extrinsic motivation helps educators target their efforts at a higher level and make more informed decisions.MethodThis study intends to examine how intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation may be influenced by demographics including learners’ background factors of major, age, and occupation and to determine the relationships that may exist between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. To this end, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research was conducted at one of the public universities in Shiraz on the majors of Elementary Education, Educational Affairs, Social Studies and Theology, and the Arabic language which were selected through cluster sampling. These students were having their English courses at the university. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s formula for sample size, a questionnaire was administered to 100 participants to collect quantitative data. Moreover, semi-structured interview sessions were conducted with one fourth of the participants.ResultsUsing Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Pearson correlation, we found that learners’ background factors of age, field of study and professional status did not affect intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation. However, significant and positive relationships were found between intrinsic motivation and total motivation index, and between extrinsic motivation and total motivation index. Qualitative data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The results of the interviews showed some new illuminating trends as revealed from the participants’ responses and it was found that most interviewees followed intrinsic motives and considered motivation as a factor of great significance.ConclusionIn the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context in which our study was conducted, instructors can follow more similar classroom motivational techniques and strategies since neither type of motivation was influenced by the variables of different major, age and occupation. Though many studies have shown that EFL learners are more extrinsically motivated in comparison with ESL ones, our study revealed that participants were more intrinsically motivated. Thus, this study may be replicated in other educational contexts such as an ESL context. The study can also be repeated in some universities in which other educational systems such as coed education is used to see the possible similarities and differences. Motivation is the important stimulant to impel the learners to achieve their learning goals; thus, it should receive sufficient attention in various educational settings.

“I feel like I’m seen as the homemaker for the program”: Exploring higher education and student affairs program coordinator roles.

“I feel like I’m seen as the homemaker for the program”: Exploring higher education and student affairs program coordinator roles.

Educational Supervision at SMP Negeri 58 Palembang

Improving the quality and relevance of education is the most important challenge in educational development. The centralization of administrative and educational management has resulted in the underdevelopment of regional capacity in regulating and managing various educational affairs in each region. One of the most important educational facilities is school. Teachers are human resources who need to continue to be promoted and developed as teaching staff. The potential of teacher resources must continue to be developed so that teachers can carry out their duties professionally. The aim of this article is to understand the educational supervision at SMP Negeri 58 Palembang. This article used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Because it is descriptive, the findings of this research will be consulted with theories and previous research results. The results stated educational supervision is needed to monitor and improve the teacher’s teaching and learning process. Educational supervision has a main function which is aimed at improving and increasing the quality of teaching.

宋代书院与欧洲中世纪大学教学方式及评价比较

Seowon in the Song Dynasty of China had implemented mainly around the Script of Confucianism for the education level and it valued for cultivating ethical descipline and humanities spirits for students. For the education method, Seowon had undertaken various types of lecturing, self-discipline, discussion and so forth, and it encouraged students to think independently and assert their creativeness. In addition, Seowon checked the learning outcome of students for ordinary testing for creative writing of poetry and literature and interpretation of scripts. Although such an evaluation method is relatively isolated, it would rather measure the level of finding out and depth of understanding on the Script of Confucianism for students in effective ways. The education and test evaluation style of universities of medieval Europe has certain different characteristics. The education of universities was comprised with the contents of specialized knowledge, such as, theology, law, medicine and so forth, and for the methodology, it placed even more value on developing the logic, inference and theoretical capability. For the test evaluation, in addition to the conventional written test, comprehensive talent, skill and practical application capability were assessed of students through the types of verbal test, pleading and so on. Besides, the test of medieval Europe has close relations to the ‘degree’. Such a diversified evaluation method was effective in entirely evaluating the learning outcome and potential of students. The education method and evaluation type are main composition elements of the education process that, with respect to the education affairs, the development and changes have profound influence. The education and evaluation types of Seowon in the Song Dynasty and university of medieval Europe have certain limitations, but the series of education idea system and method among them have generality and value rather, and with respect to the contemporary education, it displays important points of implication to make references. 在宋代书院中, 教学以儒家经典为主, 注重培养学⽣的道德修养和人文精神. 教 学方法上, 书院采用讲授、自学、讨论等多种形式, ⿎励学⽣独⽴思考和创新. 考核 方面, 书院通常通过诗文创作、经典解读等方式来检验学⽣的学习成果. 虽然这种 评价方式相对单一, 但它却能有效地评估学⽣对儒家经典的掌握程度和理解深度. 欧 洲中世纪⼤学的教学及考核评价形式则呈现出不同的特点. ⼤学的教学内容以神学、 法学和医学等专业知识为主, 教学方法上更加注重逻辑推理和思辨能⼒的培养. 考核 评价方面, 除了传统的笔试外, 还引⼊了⼝试、辩论等形式, 以检验学⽣的综合素质 和实际应用能⼒. 此外, 中世纪⼤学的考核还与学位紧密相关. 这种多样化的评价方 式有助于全面评估学⽣的学习成果和潜⼒. 教学方法和评价形式是教学过程中的重 要组成部分, 它们的发展和变革对教学工作有着深远的影响. 宋代书院和欧洲中世纪 ⼤学的教学及评价形式虽然有其局限性, 但其中的一些教学思想、制度和方法却具 有普适性和价值, 对现代教育仍然具有重要的启⽰和借鉴意义.

The Panhellenic student competition “Hack the Art: Yanoulis Halepas”: Extending art experience, communication, and learning through multimodal digital applications

This paper presents the case of an innovative national digital student competition for school groups of secondary education, entitled: “Hack the Art: Yanoulis Halepas.” Conducted remotely in Greece during the 2022 – 2023 school year, the competition was organized by the Onassis Foundation and the Onassis Library in partnership with the Teloglion Fine Arts Foundation, the National Gallery of Greece–Alexandros Soutsos Museum, the Cultural Foundation of Tinos, and the Cultural Center of Panormos-Municipality of Tinos. Accredited by the Hellenic Ministry for Education and Religious Affairs, it was realized under the aegis of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy. This competition was the fourth iteration of this digital format since 2020. This time, we invited student teams from Greek high schools, both in Greece and abroad, led by at least one educator, to learn about the life and work of the great Greek sculptor Yanoulis Halepas and to communicate art by creating projects of augmented reality, virtual reality, digital storytelling, and 3D video games for PC and android devices. This innovative educational project enhanced students’ experience and conceptual understanding of art, motivating them to interact with cultural heritage and experiment with multimodal digital tools. Furthermore, it offered an alternative educational paradigm for teaching history, literature, visual arts, and technology by applying object-based learning, game-based learning, and project-based learning methodologies. According to the assessment results, this learning approach successfully integrated significant artworks into the school curriculum, extending their lifespan and visibility through digital transformations and reinterpretations.

Chatbots and Their Applications in Medical Fields: Current Status and Future Trends: A Scoping Review

Background and Aim: Chatbots are computer programs, which are devised to simulate conversations through voice or textual interactive forms. These applications offer multiple benefits in patient education, clinical decision-making, interpersonal communication, research activities, data analysis and administrative affairs. The present scoping review aims to analyse the current role, pitfalls, challenges and future scope of these modalities in diverse fields of medical science. Methods: Literature search was made on 9 April 2024, on five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar). A narrative approach was used for the synthesis of results. Results: Our literature search yielded 1024 studies. After the de-duplication of manuscripts using Endnote, 342 articles were identified. After title and abstract screening, 74 articles were included for the next round of screening. Finally, 14 articles were selected for this scoping review.Diverse chatbot applications have been developed at a growing rate for use in medical science. There is a gradual shift towards employing machine learning-based strategies to develop chatbot programs. Chatbots have a significant potential to revolutionise diverse aspects of medicine including patient care, academic activities, and research endeavours. Conclusion: Artificial Intelligence can be highly effective in streamlining the routine functions and activities in medical care. Chatbots have the potential to meliorate the accessibility, efficiency and standard of medical care. However, the need for further validation through high-quality studies to ensure patient privacy, strategies to conform to patients’ data security, accuracy and precision of the technology and mitigating potential pitfalls in its routine utilisation globally are warranted.

Archaeological Areas as Habitat Islands: Plant Diversity of Epidaurus UNESCO World Heritage Site (Greece)

The Epidaurus UNESCO World Heritage site (EPD) is a famous archaeological area that is located in a small valley in the Peloponnese and receives more than 250,000 visitors annually. The study of the plant diversity of the site is in the framework of a continuous research project concerning archaeological areas of the Peloponnese and in the context of a project by the Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs of Greece that started during 2023 to study the biodiversity of the archaeological areas of Greece. The main aim of this study is the exploration and analysis of the plant species composition and diversity of the Epidaurus archaeological area, with an emphasis on endemic plants, on ruderal and alien taxa as well as on environmental and disturbance indicators and the cultural ecosystem services they provide. This study revealed a high species richness consisting of 446 plant taxa. Most of them are Mediterranean and widespread, ruderals and medium disturbance indicators, but there are also 12 Greek endemic taxa. The richest in the taxa families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. Therophytes predominate in the total flora registered and hemicryptophytes predominate in the endemics. Comparisons of the EPD’s plant diversity with other archaeological areas of Greece and the Mediterranean revealed its richness and unique character. Management and protection in archaeological areas such as the Epidaurus must focus on the sustainable conservation of their relationship with their natural environment.

The Discourse on Hygiene in Relation to the Role of Public Teachers in the ’Néptanítók Lap’ between 1922–1924

The Covid epidemic has highlighted that the health care system alone is not enough to tackle a pandemic affecting a large population. In addition to medical and public health activities, there is also a need for educational activities in the education subsystem, involving the professionals involved. This is why it is important to look at the issue of health education in schools from a historical perspective, given the epidemics of our time. In the turbulent social and political environment following the First World War, public health was a less favoured area for policy-makers, while the physical and psychological trauma of soldiers returning from the war and the health of those left behind was a serious problem. The virulent Spanish flu, which affected millions of families across Europe, the devastating tuberculosis in our country, but especially the diphtheria and influenza, which were dangerous for children, posed a serious challenge to the scientific and educational scene in Hungary. The spread of a healthy lifestyle and education was not helped by the environment of schools (attitude of the maintenance staff, quality of the built environment, sociocultural tradition of the rural population, rapid spread of urban life). The alternative health approach and the life reform movement, although sporadically emerging in the period, did not appear in the mainstream of pedagogy, and health education progressed slowly, while, for example, child mortality, which is also linked to the health-conscious behaviour of parents, was blatantly high. The appointment of Kuno Klebelsberg as minister (1922) can be seen as a paradigm shift, as he is not only exposed as a minister with considerable experience in state administration, but also as a conceptual cultural politician who understood the challenges of education and popular education at the micro and macro levels. In our research, we analysed the relevant issues of the People's Teachers' Journal - a standard-setting publication of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, which serves as a guide for teachers in practice - using qualitative thematic content analysis. The selected period: 1922–1924. Our questions are: how is the situation of school health reflected in the journal? What roles and tasks do and would policy-makers delegate to the folk teachers? What extracurricular tasks do they assign to teachers in the field of health education? Are there any patterns in the discourse in relation to school leaders? How have the teachers' organisations received it and what suggestions have they made to policy-makers and practitioners?

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer health-related educational experiences in undergraduate medical curricula among Thai medical schools (LEAD-IN)

Purpose In Thailand, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals face significant health disparities and discrimination in healthcare. A primary cause is the lack of knowledge among doctors and their negative attitudes towards LGBTQ people. The purpose of this study was to explore the current undergraduate medical curricula of medical schools in Thailand concerning learning outcomes, contents, teaching and learning methods, and assessment methods in the field of LGBTQ health. It also sought to gather opinions from principal stakeholders in curriculum development. Methods The authors employed a mixed-methods approach with a convergent design to conduct the research. Quantitative data were collected from 23 deputy deans of educational affairs using a standardized interview form, and qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including 16 LGBTQ healthcare receivers, 22 medical students, and three medical teachers. Both datasets were analyzed simultaneously to ensure consistency. Results The findings indicate that none of the medical schools had established learning objectives related to LGBTQ healthcare within their curricula. Of the institutions surveyed, 8 out of 15 (53.3%) offered some form of teaching on this topic, aligning with the qualitative data which showed 7 out of 17 institutions (41.2%) provided such education. The most frequently covered topics were gender identity and sexual orientation. Lectures were the predominant teaching method, while multiple-choice questions were the most common assessment format. There was a unanimous agreement among all principal stakeholders on the necessity of integrating LGBTQ healthcare into the M.D. program and the professional standards governed by the Thai Medical Council. Conclusions Although some Thai medical schools have begun to incorporate LGBTQ health into their curricula, the approach does not fully address the actual health issues faced by LGBTQ individuals. Future teaching should emphasize fostering positive attitudes towards LGBTQ people and enhancing communication skills, rather than focusing solely on the cognitive aspects of terminology. Importantly, medical educators should serve as role models in providing competent and compassionate care for LGBTQ patients.

Higher education and graduates' success in the labor market

This study reflects one of the aspects of social stratification; the relationship between education and economic remuneration is traced. The purpose of the study is to reveal the correlation of skills and competencies acquired during education and the graduates' employment. Over time, universities have begun to pay more attention to social and cognitive skills that are considered important for the modern labor market: critical thinking, teamwork, communication, problem solving without micromanagement. The data show the current state of affairs in higher education and in the labor market, where universities, to a greater extent, focus on competencies related to research and scientific activities, without relying on the opinions of employers. On the other hand, employers want to see graduates with a set of professional competencies that will allow them to perform their job duties without a long period of internal training. The work uses general scientific approaches to the study of the transformation of higher education, in particular, the method of institutional analysis was applied. The analyzed data allow us to take a look at the tasks that higher education faces at this stage. It was found that the link between diplomas and real skills, as well as economic rewards, is optional. Over time, universities have begun to pay more attention to social and cognitive skills that are considered important for the modern labor market: critical thinking, teamwork, communication, problem solving without micromanagement. At the same time, the problem of the slow response of higher education to the changing reality remains, in this regard, recommendations are given on monitoring feedback from graduates and employers (using quantitative and qualitative methods), so that universities will be able to adapt the courses taught more effectively. Especially important is the interaction of universities with public and private organizations that will immerse students in real work processes corresponding to the specialty.

Latest Open Doors report examines trends in international student enrollment

The Institute of International Education, in collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has been gathering data and publishing statistics since 1948 on the number of international students enrolling in American colleges and universities, their countries of origin, and the number of American students studying abroad. This is a definitive survey of international and U.S. higher education student mobility.

Exploring the push-pull factors influencing parenting efficacy of fathers of children with ASD: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis.

This study aimed to explore the core factors and configurations influencing parenting efficacy for fathers of children with ASD in Western China by using a configuration analysis. Understanding the push-pull factors related to parenting efficacy for fathers raising children with ASD can support the fathers of children with ASD to participate in education affairs and improve the quality of family education, which is of significant importance to both individuals and society. This study recruited 156 fathers of children with ASD from China. The results suggested that there was more than one (sub) configuration for achieving a high level of parenting efficacy among fathers of children with ASD. (b) The configurations could be summarized into three main types as follows: "working within the system*flexible working time," "high level of education*high level of other support," and "severe disability*fewer interaction with wife." (c) The two variables, "family income" and "community support," were not as important as they were shown in previous studies, and their effects often depended on how they interact with other variables. Findings highlighted the validity of deploying configuration analysis (based on the ecosystem theory) to establish the relationship between independent variables and the parenting efficacy of fathers of children with ASD. The discovery of more than one configuration led to a new consensus on how multiple factors influence parenting efficacy. Implications were suggested for practitioners, policymakers, and future research alike.

Teaching Management Coordination Work and Function of Teaching Secretary in Colleges and Universities

With the higher requirements put forward for colleges and universities to carry out education management, the assistant work of a teaching secretary is an important foundation for colleges and universities to carry out teaching management, by realizing the interoperability and communication between teachers, students, and educational affairs. Along with the continuous reform and optimization of the teaching system in colleges and universities in China, various teaching management issues are increasingly becoming prominent. So the continuous coordination of teaching secretaries can indeed lay the foundation for the smooth development of teaching. Therefore, colleges and universities should fully realize the importance of the work of teaching secretaries, and take effective measures to encourage them to play their coordinating role, which can ultimately promote the long-term development of colleges and universities. Based on this, this paper puts forward the main contents of the coordination work of teaching secretaries in colleges and universities, analyzes their main features, responsibilities, and functions, and introduces the present situation and countermeasures of the teaching management work of teaching secretaries in colleges and universities in China in the hope of promoting the rapid development of college education in the country.

P158 Cutaneous vasculitis in systemic lupus erythematosus: trends of incidence and risk factors

Abstract Background/Aims Cutaneous vasculitis (CV) is the most common form of vasculitis observed in patients with SLE; however, the precise epidemiological trends and underlying risk factors remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to define the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of CV in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients over a period of 20 years. Methods The Birmingham Lupus Cohort is a longitudinal observational cohort of patients with SLE. All patients fulfilled the 1997 ACR Updated Classification Criteria for SLE. Inception patients were recruited within three years of their fourth ACR criterion. Disease activity was assessed using the classic BILAG index and laboratory results recorded. The BILAG vascular domain was used to determine the incidence rate, which refers to the rate at which new cases of minor and major CV attributed to active SLE occur. Cox proportional hazards frailty models were developed to identify clinical and laboratory variables associated with development of CV. Results We analysed 392 patients, of whom 375 (92.5%) were females. There were 213 (55.0%) White, 72 (18.6%) African-Caribbean, 82 (21.1%) South Asian, 9 (2.3%) East Asian, and 11 (2.8%) other ethnicities. The median (IQR) age at enrolment was 33 (26 - 44) years and the median duration of follow up was 9.2 (5.1 - 14.7) years. The incidence rates of minor and major CV were reported in Table 1. In Cox proportional hazards models, there was a positive association between CV and discoid rash (hazard ratio [HR] 2.16 [95% CI: 1.01, 4.61]), Raynaud’s phenomenon (HR 5.67 [95% CI: 4.11, 7.81]), livedo reticularis (HR = 4.69 [95% CI: 1.83, 12.0]), arthritis (HR 3.02 [95% CI: 2.20, 4.15]), renal involvement (OR 2.40 [95% CI: 1.55, 3.71]), haematological involvement (HR = 2.46 [95% CI: 1.80, 3.36]), and Afro-Caribbean descent (HR 1.96 [95% CI: 1.03, 3.74]). In addition, CV was positively associated with anti-dsDNA (HR = 2.33 [95% CI: 1.67, 3.27]), low C3 or C4 (HR 2.29 [95% CI: 2.18, 4.10]), and history of anti-Ro or anti-La (HR = 1.92 [95% CI: 1.15, 3.21]). Conclusion The incidence rates of CV decrease over the duration of follow-up and are associated with defined clinical and serological features. Disclosure A. Saleh: Grants/research support; A.S. is a sponsored PhD student by the Egyptian ministry of higher education represented by The Egyptian Bureau for Cultural & Educational Affairs in London. C. Gordon: None. J. Reynolds: None.

Playing by ear and the development of music skills at pre-school age

The aim of the present research was to investigate the evolutionary course of rhythmic development in pre-school children in a private kindergarten (age 4–5 years) in Athens, Greece, through Lucy Green’s ‘Playing by ear’ method. Tools and strategies taken from qualitative methodology, and more specifically from action-research were used. What was investigated was to what extent the ‘Playing by ear’ method developed the rhythmic skills of the students and to what extent it enhanced the students’ ability to play music in small groups without the teacher’s instructions. It is important to mention that the research was conducted in connection with the goals set in the Analytical Curriculum of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs (ΥΠ.Ε.Π.Θ.). The results of the research showed that Green’s ‘Playing by ear’ method helped the students’ development of rhythmic ability with the use of musical instruments, as well as their rhythmic ability through kinetic behaviour. It also helped students to engage in early experimentation. Finally, the method enhanced the students’ ability to play music in small groups without the teacher’s continuous and direct instruction, developing in this way new communication and cooperation practices and skills.

HESA Graduate Students’ International Involvements and Civic Engagement

This study maps the types of international involvement opportunities available to HESA: Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate students in the U.S.A., as seen through the eyes of the students, and analyzes the impact of these students’ diverse international involvements on their orientation towards social responsibility. The study follows a survey research design. The study’s results indicate low levels of international exposure amongst HESA graduate students across diverse programs, and moderate rates of orientation towards civic responsibility. HESA students’ orientation towards social responsibility can successfully be predicted by a combination of five variables, three of which represent curricular and co-curricular environmental engagements: listening to an international speaker, discussing the ways the U.S. higher education links to the rest of the world, and attending presentations of study abroad students. The findings aim to inform program directors and faculty on existing opportunities for international exposure, on the rate of student involvements in them, as well on the importance of international exposures for their students’ future professional preparation.

What did Open Doors 2023 reveal about international students?

Since 1948 the Institute of International Education, in collaboration with the United States’ Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has been gathering data and publishing statistics on the number of international students enrolling in American colleges and universities, their countries of origin, and the number of Americans students studying abroad. This is a definitive survey of international and U.S. higher education student mobility.

Dismantling Gender Binaries: An Emergent Model for Nonbinary Identity Development

The purpose of this article is to describe an emergent model that conceptualizes common experiences for nonbinary people as they explore and navigate their identities by synthesizing existing nonbinary identity development literature. We ground our manuscript epistemologically in queer theory, queer of color critique, and intersectionality theory. Our model traces stars that make up nonbinary identity development constellations: embracing fluidity and ambiguity, exploring transition, navigating disclosure, witnessing and mirroring, developing kinship networks, and worldmaking. We guide our conversations to practitioners, administrators, and policymakers in higher education and student affairs to complicate their understanding of gender identity development processes with goals of creating more gender-affirming practices and policies for nonbinary people in higher education.

Racial conflict in a higher education policy vacuum

This study explored how 14 higher education and student affairs (HESA) professionals navigated institutional policy vacuums to address interpersonal racial conflict between students. Grounded in perspectives of policy vacuums, findings revealed that HESA professionals learned about racial conflict by referring to their own personal, professional, and academic training. Additionally, they employed strategies that were often self-generated and informal to address racial conflict. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings, specifically highlighting that relying on HESA professionals’ dispositions is an insufficient way to address racial conflict and that more institutional support is necessary to train racially responsive HESA professionals.