Educational Decisions Research Articles

Mapping design stages and methodologies for developing STEM concept inventories: a scoping review

BackgroundConcept inventories (CIs) have become widely used tools for assessing students’ learning and assisting with educational decisions. Over the past three decades, CI developers have utilized various design approaches and methodologies. As a result, it can be challenging for those developing new CIs to identify the most effective and appropriate methods and approaches. This scoping review aimed to identify and map key design stages, summarize methodologies, identify design gaps and provide guidance for future efforts in the development and validation of CI tools.MethodsA preliminary literature review combined theoretical thematic analysis (deductive, researcher-driven) focusing on specific data aspects, and inductive thematic analysis (data-driven), using emerging themes independent of specific research questions or theoretical interests. Expert discussions complemented the analysis process.ResultsThe scoping review analyzed 106 CI articles and identified five key development stages: define the construct, determine and validate content domain; identify misconceptions; item formation and response processes design; test item selection and validation; and test application and refinement. A descriptive design model was developed using a mixed-method approach, incorporating expert input, literature review, student-oriented analysis, and statistical tests. Various psychometric assessments were employed to validate the test and its items. Substantial gaps were noted in defining and determining the validity and reliability of CI tools, and in the evidence required to establish these attributes.ConclusionThe growing interest in utilizing CIs for educational purposes has highlighted the importance of identifying and refining the most effective design stages and methodologies. CI developers need comprehensive guidance to establish and evaluate the validity and reliability of their instruments. Future research should focus on establishing a unified typology of CI instrument validity and reliability requirements, as well as the types of evidence needed to meet these standards. This effort could optimize the effectiveness of CI tools, foster a cohesive evaluation approach, and bridge existing gaps.

Evidence use in higher education decision-making and policy: a scoping review of empirical studies from 2010 to 2022

In this article, we review empirical studies on the use of evidence in higher education decision-making and policy from 2010 to 2022. In our scoping review, we identify 77 studies in English or German, of which 69 meet minimum quality standards. We map the current state of knowledge on the use of data and research evidence in higher education and research institutions, and higher education and research policy, using qualitative coding. The results depict a growing, US-dominated, research field characterised by a large variety of methodological approaches, influenced by heterogeneous sets of paradigms and shaped by professional publications. We compare studies on evidence use in higher education and research institutions, and higher education and research policy, and find conceptual and empirical differences regarding the studied dimensions of evidence use, the types of evidence taken into account, and factors influencing evidence use. Our review highlights the need for comparative organisational research on evidence use, further research on mechanisms and pathways of evidence uses and a closer linkage between concepts and empirical findings.

Local Search Heuristic for the Two-Echelon Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem in Educational Decision Support Systems

This study focuses on developing a heuristic for Decision Support Systems (DSS) in e-commerce logistics education, specifically addressing the Two-Echelon Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (2E-CVRP). The 2E-CVRP involves using Urban Transshipment Points (UTPs) to optimize deliveries. To tackle the complexity of the 2E-CVRP, DSS can employ fast and effective techniques for visual problem-solving. Therefore, the objective of this work is to develop a local search heuristic to solve the 2E-CVRP quickly and efficiently for implementation in DSS. The efficiency of the heuristic is assessed through benchmarks from the literature and applied to real-world problems from a Brazilian e-commerce retailer, contributing to advancements in the 2E-CVRP approach and promoting operational efficiency in e-commerce logistics education. The heuristic yielded promising results, solving problems almost instantly, for instances in the literature on average in 1.06 s, with average gaps of 6.3% in relation to the best-known solutions and, for real problems with hundreds of customers, in 1.4 s, with gaps of 8.3%, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving the study’s objectives.

Developing and Evaluating SEE-Diabetes: A Patient-Centered Educational Decision Support System for Diabetes Car.

This feasibility study evaluated the effectiveness of Support-Engage-Empower-Diabetes (SEE-Diabetes), a patient-centered educational tool designed to promote shared decision-making of diabetes management in older adults. We aimed to assess SEE-Diabetes's ability to facilitate patient engagement and collaborative goal setting, as measured by the Observational Patient Involvement (OPTION) scale and Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-Doc). We hypothesized that these instruments would effectively differentiate between healthcare providers who actively leveraged SEE-Diabetes to guide patient-centric conversations and set goals compared to those who did not. SEE-Diabetes, developed through a 4-year user-centered design process, was employed in simulated clinical encounters at the University of Missouri Health Care. We conducted an analysis of 12 clinical encounters using video recordings. This analysis involved three simulated patients and four providers, two internals and two externals, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. We assessed the decision-making process using SEE-Diabetes by SDM-Q-Doc, OPTION scale, and conversation analysis. The average scores for the SDM-Q-Doc and the OPTION scale, out of a possible 100, were 52.6 and 75.9, respectively. Our findings revealed that active provider engagement with SEE-Diabetes during patient interactions served as an effective medium to facilitate shared decision-making and to set patient-centered goals. Providers who actively utilized SEE-Diabetes to guide conversations, ask open-ended questions, and incorporate patient input into goal setting demonstrated significantly higher OPTION and SDM-Q-Doc scores compared to those who used the tool less frequently or primarily for documentation purposes. Providers expressed positive feedback, highlighting its conciseness, patient-centricity, and optimism about integrating SEE-Diabetes into their future practices. SEE-Diabetes showed considerable promise in improving interactions between patients and providers, presenting an innovative approach to diabetes management for older adults. This tool has the potential to not only close communication gaps but also enable patients to take a more active role in their healthcare decisions.

Development of education in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

The Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, settled within the borders of Azerbaijan, embarks on a transformational journey in the field of education and science. Amidst its scenic landscapes and personal cultural heritage, NAR is steadfast in its commitment to developing human capital, enabling intellectual curiosity and flourishing a culture of innovation. These years can be achieved as a result of scientific research and discoveries in building a strong educational infrastructure in the region, expanding access to educational decision making. The development of education and science in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is Development of education in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republicthe focus of the state to develop people, create innovation capitals and contribute to socio-economic progress. Along with efforts to strengthen NAR education, it has also given importance to the development of a culture of scientific research and innovation. Through strategic investments, research ties and international relations, the region has become a center for advanced research and technological research. From breakthroughs in agricultural science to advances in renewable energy, Nakhchivan's scientific legacy continues to push the frontiers of knowledge, fueling progress and prosperity in the region and beyond. In the article, NAR will be researched for education and science development.

Role of public schools in education decisions in rural India

AbstractEducation is a fundamental pillar of human development, and India's Right to Education Act 2009 established it as a basic right for children aged 5–14. Despite this, many children in rural India still struggle to access basic schooling, which affects their ability to continue their education. In this paper, we explore factors influencing school participation and continuation of children aged 5–16 years in rural India, with a specific focus on the role of having an appropriate public school within the village after the Act's implementation. An ‘appropriate school’ is defined based on the last class a child attended. Using data from the nationally representative Annual Survey of Education Report (ASER), our analysis employs a pooled cross‐section logistical model. The findings reveal that the presence of an appropriate public school in the village significantly increases the likelihood of a child attending school. This effect is particularly pronounced for girls, highlighting the importance of accessible schooling in fulfilling the Right to Education Act's objectives.The results underscore the need for policy makers to ensure the availability of appropriate public schools at all educational levels within villages, as this is crucial for enhancing school attendance and reducing dropout rates, especially among girls. Context and implications Rationale of the study: To understand how inadequate and unequal access to school infrastructure, especially the absence of government schools, explains a significant proportion of children in India not completing their schooling. Why the new findings matter: The findings strongly underscore the importance of ensuring access to a school within the village, particularly for girls. Implications: There is a need to view school education as one composite goal to enhance participation and reduce dropout rates across all levels, aligning with the Samagra Shiksha scheme's principles of equitable access to all levels of education and inclusion of disadvantaged groups. Achieving these goals requires investment in existing school infrastructure to support expansion and resource provision for higher levels of schooling. With educational spending at approximately 3% of GDP between 2010 and 2020, much lower than the 6% recommended by the National Education Policy 2020, addressing this gap presents an opportunity to improve educational outcomes nationwide.

Conceptual framework for enhancing decision-making in higher education through data-driven governance

In an increasingly complex and competitive landscape, higher education institutions must leverage data-driven governance to enhance decision-making processes. This paper presents a conceptual framework aimed at integrating data analytics into the governance structures of higher education, facilitating informed decision-making, and improving institutional effectiveness. The framework emphasizes the importance of collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data across various dimensions, including academic performance, student engagement, financial management, and operational efficiency. By adopting a data-driven approach, institutions can identify trends, forecast outcomes, and make strategic decisions that align with their mission and goals. The study outlines key components of the framework, including data governance, analytics capabilities, stakeholder engagement, and institutional culture. Data governance ensures that data quality, integrity, and security are maintained, while analytics capabilities empower decision-makers with actionable insights. Engaging stakeholders—faculty, administrators, students, and external partners—fosters a collaborative environment where data-driven decisions are embraced and supported. Furthermore, the framework addresses the challenges institutions face when implementing data-driven governance, such as resistance to change, data silos, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Strategies for overcoming these challenges include investing in professional development, enhancing data literacy, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. The framework also highlights the significance of ethical considerations and transparency in data usage, ensuring that decision-making processes are equitable and accountable. The findings indicate that by embracing data-driven governance, higher education institutions can enhance their responsiveness to changing demands, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall institutional performance. Ultimately, the conceptual framework serves as a guide for higher education leaders seeking to harness the power of data in their decision-making processes, fostering a proactive and adaptive institutional environment.

Enhancing Education and Teaching Management Through Data Mining and Support Vector Machine Algorithm

This study investigates the effectiveness of the SVM+TLBO approach for predicting student performance and evaluating learning abilities in educational settings. By integrating Support Vector Machines (SVM) with Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), the research aims to enhance predictive accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional methods, including Decision Trees, Ant Colony Algorithms, Clustering Algorithms, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Neural Networks, Support Vector Machine (SVM) without Optimization. Results indicate that the SVM+TLBO model significantly outperforms these methods, providing robust predictions and valuable insights into student learning patterns. The findings underscore the importance of data-informed decision-making in education, enabling educators to identify at-risk students and tailor instructional strategies effectively. This research contributes to the growing field of educational data mining, highlighting the potential of advanced machine learning techniques to optimize educational outcomes and foster personalized learning experiences.

Smart investing: Unveiling key drivers of strategic investment for investors in the Indonesia Stock Exchange

To achieve the optimal investment decision, people should have better financial literacy. A better understanding of stock investment can be obtained through having experience investing in the stock market. Besides experience, influences from financial socialization agents such as family, friends, education, and media will improve financial knowledge. Hence, it will determine investments wisely. The aim of this study is to determine the degree to which financial experience, family, peers, formal education, media, and financial literacy have direct on impact investment decisions and furthermore to determine the role of financial literacy as mediating variable between financial experience, family, peers, formal education, media, and investment decisions. Investors who have already registered on the Indonesia Stock Exchange are the respondents to this study. Only those investors are allowed to invest in the Indonesian stock market. There are 716 respondents who were analyzed using self-administered questionnaires and structural equation modeling (SmartPLS). Findings show that peers and financial literacy have a direct positive impact (p<0.05) on investment decisions, while financial experience, family, education, and media do not (p>0.05). Additionally, financial experience, peers, education, and media have a significant positive effect on financial literacy (p<0.05), while family does not (p>0.05). Financial literacy is shown to mediate the relationship between financial experience, peers, education, media, and investment decisions (p<0.05) but not with family (p>0.05). This implies that having financial experience improves financial literacy, which leads to better investment decisions. Furthermore, peers, education, and media all play an important role in increasing financial literacy to make optimal investment decisions. AcknowledgmentWe want to express our sincere gratitude to Universitas Multimedia Nusantara for providing the grant to support this project. Without the generous support, the successful completion of this project would not have been possible. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to the editors and reviewers for their valuable input, which significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of this paper.

We are Who we Represent: A Theory of “Immersive” Representation in Student Activism

Abstract Children and young people have a right to freedom of association and to have their views given due weight when they act collectively. However, when they come together in groups to engage in collective action, in school and elsewhere, they are often criticised for not being “representative” of all/other young people. The concept, while frequently cited, remains undefined and fails to incorporate how young people understand, experience and enact representation. This article presents data from an empirical study with youth activists who established a Secondary Schools Students’ Union during the Covid-19 pandemic to lobby for change in education decision-making. The study was carried out as a collaboration between two university-based researchers and two secondary school students who were founding members of the union. Drawing on focus groups and interviews with union executive members, this article presents findings that convey young people’s navigation of adults’ perceptions of their representativeness, focusing on issues of legitimacy and efficacy. Based on this study, we propose a new youth co-authored and youth-informed theory of representation that conceptualises it as immersive and mutually symbiotic and, we suggest, enables meaningful implementation of child and youth activists’ civil and political rights.

The Influence of Social Media on College Choice among Undergraduates Majoring in Big Data Management and Application in China: Taking Guilin University of Electronic Technology as an Example

This study aims to investigate the influence of social media on college choice among undergraduates majoring in Big Data Management and Application in China. The study attempts to reveal how information on social media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, and Zhihu influences the cognition and choice process of prospective students. By employing an online quantitative survey questionnaire, data were collected from the 2022 and 2023 classes of new students majoring in Big Data Management and Application at Guilin University of Electronic Technology. The aim was to evaluate the role of social media in their college choice process and understand the features and information that most attract prospective students. Social media has become a key factor influencing the college choice decision-making of undergraduates majoring in Big Data Management and Application in China. Students tend to obtain school information through social media platforms and use this information as an important reference in their decision-making process. Higher education institutions should strengthen their social media information dissemination, providing accurate, timely, and attractive information. It is also necessary to ensure effective management of social media platforms, maintain a positive reputation for the school on social media, and increase the interest and trust of prospective students. Simultaneously, educational decision-makers should consider incorporating social media analysis into their recruitment strategies to better attract new student enrollment. This study provides a new perspective for understanding higher education choice behavior in the digital age, particularly by revealing the importance of social media in the educational decision-making process. This has important practical and theoretical implications for higher education institutions, policymakers, and social media platform operators.

Challenges of student-centered education in China: A Review

This review paper discussed the various challenges faced by Chinese universities in implementing student-centered education. Through an analysis of these challenges, this paper aimed to provide valuable insights for educational decision-makers, university administrators, and educational practitioners, helping them to address these issues systematically and fundamentally. This is not only a transformation of the educational model but also an exploration of cultivating innovative strategies who can adapt to future societal challenges, aiming to contribute to the development of Chinese educational system.

Russian-speaking (but not Russian) mothers in Finland: positioning ethnolinguistic identities in family language policy talk

ABSTRACT Anti-Russian sentiment or ‘Russophobia’ has been on the rise around the world since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine (Washington Post, 2022). Negative attitudes towards Russians and the Russian language can potentially influence the desires and practices of Russian-speaking parents in using the language with their children in contexts outside of Russia. This article examines the language ideologies and family language policies of a diverse group of Russian-s peaking mothers in Finland before the Ukraine war. Most of the mothers noted in interviews that some form of Russophobia (e.g. perceived negative attitudes, cutting off funding for Russian programmes, and/or their own stereotypes about Russians) influenced their own use of Russian in certain contexts, their perceptions of their Russian-speaking children, and/or their language education decisions. This article explores an understudied area of family language policy, that is how xenophobia and/or racism in the context of conflict (in this case after the annexation of Crimea in 2014) influence a minority migrant group's use of their home language abroad. By situating mothers’ family language planning and ideologies in the larger sociohistorical context, this paper contributes to an expanded view of family external or non-linguistic factors in family language policy.

CAREER INFORMATION SERVICES TO INCREASE THE STABILITY OF STUDENTS' FUTURE STUDY SELECTION

The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of career information services in enhancing the decisiveness of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 3 Sewon in choosing further studies. The research addressed the problem of indecisiveness among students in selecting their future education. A quantitative pre-test and post-test method was used, with 10 students identified in the low and very low categories based on their initial decisiveness. The treatment consisted of career information services delivered through lectures, discussions, and slide presentations. The research process followed several stages: an initial introduction, an explanation of the service, and interactive self-awareness games. This was followed by delivering career information through PowerPoint slides, a lecture, a Q&A session, and homework assignments. Finally, post-test assessments and feedback were collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided. The results showed significant improvement in students' decisiveness after the treatment. Pre-test scores averaged 78.3, while post-test scores increased to 112.7, with a gain score of 0.37 (moderate effectiveness, 62.6%). The Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated a statistically significant difference (Z = 2.807, p = 0.005), confirming that the intervention was effective. In conclusion, career information services were found to be an effective method for improving students' decisiveness in selecting further studies. This is consistent with previous studies, which demonstrated the role of career guidance in reducing uncertainty and supporting educational planning. The innovation of this research lies in the use of interactive and engaging media. It is recommended that career information services be expanded to help more students in their educational decisions.

Trends in the learning of early childhood education teachers. Review of foreign research.

The ongoing technological, socio-cultural and economic changes affect the work of early childhood education teachers. Therefore, educators should acquire new competences and develop the existing ones. The aim of this article is to review the latest trends in the learning of early childhood education teachers based on the analysis of foreign research in this area. This will allow for expanding knowledge and formulating practical tips for educators and educational decision-makers on the possibilities of using various methods and training programs.

Application of the Hub-and-Spoke Model in Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes: A Scoping Review

Background: The hub-and-spoke model (HSM) offers a framework for efficient healthcare service delivery. This scoping review seeks to explore the implementation and effectiveness of the HSM in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guideline was followed. A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) from inception until January 2024. Studies where the HSM was used for delivering any AMS activity, intervention, or action, were included. No study-specific filters were applied and all populations, study designs, and health settings were included. Data screening and selection were achieved using Rayyan. Three authors independently screened studies, with conflicts resolved by a fourth author. Data were narratively synthesised. Standard appraisal tools were impractical; however, critical evaluation of data collection and outcome reporting was ensured. Results: Out of 1438 articles, three were included in the scoping review. The primary interventions utilising the HSM in AMS involved reducing antibiotic misuse, training healthcare professionals, case-based learning, establishing AMS programmes, developing antibiograms, and formulating policies or guidelines pertinent to AMS. The studies demonstrated significant clinical improvements in AMS. Clinical outcomes from the studies include a significant reduction in antimicrobial usage and improved antibiotic management, with a notable decrease in days on antimicrobial therapy and increased antibiotic de-escalation. Key facilitators for AMS programme success were tailored education, collaborative learning, strong leadership, strategic practices, and data-driven decisions. Key barriers were leadership challenges, change resistance, knowledge gaps, inadequate data systems, resource limitations, and technological constraints. Conclusions: The review identified a literature gap in HSM use in AMS programmes. Further studies are needed to assess HSM’s effectiveness, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness in AMS contexts.

S1206 Provider Education and Clinical Decision Support Tool Improve Proficiency in Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

S1206 Provider Education and Clinical Decision Support Tool Improve Proficiency in Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A New Vision for Enhancing Women’s Leadership Role in Higher Education Decision-Making

Legal issues of gender equality and the principle of inadmissibility of discrimination against women in all spheres of life are becoming relevant worldwide, including in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study aims to show ways to enhance the role of women in the higher education system, which is necessary to implement the principle of real equality in relationships with men, the principle of fair distribution of managerial positions without gender discrimination, and the implementation of leadership activities by women due to their managerial potential. To achieve this goal, the authors have researched this topic in a comparative legal format, comparing the practice and legal peculiarities of Kazakhstan and some developed countries. We used logical analysis, comparative legislative analysis, legal analysis, and legal forecasting. Kazakh legislative acts that promote the expansion of women’s rights while enhancing the role of women in higher education were analyzed. The practical results of the study consist in the formulation and justification of organizational and legal ways to increase the leadership role of women in higher education in the Republic. The scientific novelty lies in the previously unexplored topic of gender equality in the higher education system of Kazakhstan from a legal viewpoint. The conclusion about gender asymmetry should encourage other researchers to study this problem on a larger scale and deepen the understanding that only clearly, competently, and equally selected leaders of both sexes can positively influence the accelerated development of the higher education system and ensure the actual competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities and their graduates. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-016 Full Text: PDF

An IoT Based Real-Time Environmental Monitoring System for Developing Areas

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have raised concerns about environmental quality and sustainability in recent years. The Internet of Things (IoT) has played an important role in monitoring physical phenomena by generating data that can be sent and preserved in the cloud. This work explores an IoT-based environmental monitoring system's potential, using an Arduino-based device for real-time tracking of environmental parameters including sound levels, humidity, dust concentration, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). Real-time data are collected from various semi-residential and marketplace locations named in Pach raster More, Tomaltola, DowamoyiMore, Fojdarimore, and station road in Jamalpur district of Mymensingh Division, Bangladesh on non-holiday days, providing a representative snapshot of typical environmental conditions. The collected data is stored in a cloud server named firebase database. The implemented monitoring system offers several key features including accuracy and reliability, real-time monitoring data analytics alerts and notifications historical data as well as it can lead to various benefits and impacts of Improved Air and Water Quality Healthier Urban Environment (IAWUE) to enable local authorities and individuals to make educated decisions for a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. Graphical representations of the data revealed distinct patterns and trends, offering valuable insights into air quality variations across different areas. Interestingly, the results showed sound levels slightly below the standard range, indicating a relative control of noise pollution in the sampled areas. The findings of the work will serve as a vital resource for further research and guide policy-making for environmental improvement and sustainable practices in urban settings.

An Application of The Theory of Planned Behaviour: Factors Influencing Parental Decision on Children Involvment in Out-Of-School Music Education

In China's music education and training industry, the exploration of parents' and children's educational decisions on the demand side of the market is crucial to the healthy functioning of the music education market. The current study applies TPB theory and modelling to investigate the factors influencing parental decision-making in children's out-of-school music education participation. The study was conducted in Henan Province, China, with a sample of 650 parents from 21 music education institutions in seven cities in Henan Province. The results of data analyses showed that parental ATT, SN, and PBC all had significant positive effects on PI. PBC directly affected PD, while PI was the most significant influence on PD.