Educational Exchange Research Articles

Understanding Sino-Singapore educational exchanges: international student mobility and cross-border knowledge production

Understanding Sino-Singapore educational exchanges: international student mobility and cross-border knowledge production

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.

MACRO STRUCTURE OF BILINGUAL (ENGLISH-KARAKALPAK) DICTIONARIES

This article examines the macro structure of bilingual English-Karakalpak dictionaries, highlighting the unique challenges and considerations in lexicographical organization. The macro structure, which encompasses the arrangement and organization of dictionary entries, plays a crucial role in ensuring user accessibility and practical functionality, particularly in bilingual dictionaries. The study begins with a theoretical overview of lexicographic principles, distinguishing between macro and micro structures and discussing common challenges in bilingual dictionary compilation. Key aspects of macro structuring, such as alphabetical organization, entry selection criteria, handling of dialects and loanwords, and cross-referencing systems, are analyzed in the context of English-Karakalpak dictionaries. Ultimately, this article underscores the critical role of well-structured bilingual dictionaries in preserving the Karakalpak language and supporting bilingual education and cultural exchange.

The Practical Exploration of The Effective Integration Path of Zigong Dinosaur Culture and Kindergarten Curriculum

Zigong dinosaur culture is a valuable natural heritage in China, which contains rich scientific information and educational value, and also carries a profound dinosaur culture. This study explores how to integrate Zigong dinosaur culture into kindergarten curriculum, and puts forward specific implementation strategies. First of all, the article introduces the scientific and historical value of Zigong dinosaur culture, emphasizing its important role in popular science education, tourism development, and cultural exchanges. Then, it elaborates the educational value of Zigong dinosaur culture in kindergarten curriculum, including stimulating children 's interest, enhancing natural science cognition, and promoting interdisciplinary learning and cultural identity. Finally, in the part of implementation strategy, the paper puts forward some suggestions on curriculum planning, teaching activity design, teacher training and home cooperation. The research shows that through reasonable curriculum planning and teaching activity design, Zigong dinosaur culture can be effectively integrated into kindergarten education, so as to improve teaching quality and enhance children 's interest in learning. At the same time, it also provides new ideas for kindergarten curriculum reform.

Research on the Mechanism of Establishing National Identity: Based on the Analysis of Taiwan’s History from 1895 to 2000

Taiwan’s autonomy and status in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have always been contentious. The visits of numerous Western officials and Taiwan’s steadfast assertion of its national identity have introduced uncertainties in the security of the Indo-Pacific region. Exploring the development of Taiwan’s self-awareness regarding its national identity is crucial for understanding how Taiwan navigates its position in the PRC, paving the way for a practical approach for the mainland to improve cross-strait relations. With a deep analysis of factors contributing to deteriorating Taiwan’s identity recognition, the article will continue to examine Taiwan’s history from 1895 to 2000 and the evolution of its national identity. It concludes that historical factors significantly shape Taiwan’s identity and considers how the mainland can enhance its relationship with Taiwan’s utilizing mechanisms. To promote a Chinese identity in Taiwan, the article suggests strategies such as fostering economic cooperation under the One-China principle, facilitating youth education exchanges, and acknowledging cultural and national identity.

Studying Abroad as a Means of Preparing Future Music Teachers in China

The concept of studying abroad as a means of preparing future music teachers in China has a rich and complex history, reflecting the nation’s evolving educational philosophies, political changes, and cultural exchanges. The purpose of this study is to present the genesis of using studying abroad as part of the professional training for future music teachers, detailing the goals and social mandates across various stages of Chinese state development. The article also draws attention to the organic "embeddedness" of such a means of training future music teachers in the Chinese system of professional and higher music-pedagogical education, especially of vocal practices that are not traditional for Chinese culture. Methodology. The study employs a historical-analytical approach, examining primary and secondary sources to trace the evolution of studying abroad as a practice for Chinese music educators. This includes an analysis of normative documents and policy papers available on official educational authority and institution websites. Additionally, qualitative data from interviews with contemporary music educators who have studied abroad provide insights into current practices and perceptions. The findings reveal that the practice of studying abroad for music education, primarily for personal music career development and secondarily for teaching, has been prevalent throughout Chinese history, and has undergone significant transformations over the past century. In the modern period, China continues to send a significant number of students abroad, supported by initiatives such as the China Scholarship Council and ‘One Belt – One Road’ Initiative. These programs facilitate grant support and promote cultural exchange and international cooperation, enriching the professional development of future music teachers in China. The study concludes that international educational experiences have profoundly impacted Chinese music education. Educators trained abroad have introduced diverse musical styles, innovative teaching methodologies, and a global perspective that enhance the learning experience of Chinese students. The integration of international practices has elevated the standards of music education in China, and gained global recognition. However, challenges remain in balancing traditional Chinese music with Western influences, and ensuring equitable access to international education opportunities. The study highlights the need for continuous adaptation and the development of strategies to address these challenges, ensuring that the benefits of studying abroad are fully realised in the Chinese educational context.

Developing smart archives in society 5.0: Leveraging artificial intelligence for managing audiovisual archives in Africa

In the age of Society 5.0, marked by the profound integration of digital technologies and human society, the preservation and management of audiovisual archives in Africa face substantial challenges. The application of artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in the establishment of digital archives in the society 5.0. The exponential growth of digital content, combined with the continent's diverse cultural landscape, presents complex obstacles to conventional archival practices. Without the effective implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, crucial aspects such as curation, accessibility and sustainable management of audiovisual archives in Africa remain hindered. Thus, the overarching problem under scrutiny pertains to how the establishment of intelligent archives, facilitated by AI, can offer innovative solutions for preserving and managing audiovisual archives in Africa, within the overarching framework of Society 5.0. This approach has the potential to significantly contribute to safeguarding Africa's rich cultural heritage and advancing research, education and cultural exchange. The purpose of this paper will be to focus on the challenges encountered by selected African countries, such as the ESARBICA countries and those that undertake environmental conservation projects, in managing their audiovisual collections and what can be done to facilitate AI. It resulted in the formulation of a framework for implementing smart archives using AI in African contexts, emphasizing practical strategies and best practices. A qualitative approach enabled a nuanced understanding of complex dynamics at play. Through the observation of AI integration processes, by means of desktop analyses of websites of African national archives and online interest groups showcasing nature conservation projects and initiatives, this article aims to capture a comprehensive picture of the current landscape and future possibilities.

Digital diaspora

In this paper, we examined the relationship between social networking sites (SNSs) and the coping strategies international students adopt amidst cultural shocks in India, particularly in the vibrant locale of Chandigarh. The study scrutinizes pivotal factors that influence international students' SNS use and creates and validates an instrument that measures this relationship. Grounded in the uses and gratifications theory (UGT), this research introduces an instrument—the Social Capital Assessment Scale and Inventory (SCASI), which was developed via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The research concludes that SNSs play a pivotal role in the globalization of information, encompassing education, knowledge dissemination, interactivity, and cultural exchange in geographically diverse countries such as India.

Educational Diplomacy of Islamic Republic of Iran as the Soft Power Strategy in the Middle East

Nowadays, many countries are trying to increase their soft power authority using the university communication facilities. Educational exchanges and the creation of university branches in different parts of the world, especially in countries where there are common cultural fields, give these countries the opportunity to interact with elites and students expand their influence. The university sector, as the most important and effective branch in creating the future of a country, will have a great impact on understanding and cultural alignment between nations.In this regard, one of the important regions that have a lot of common cultural identity with the Islamic Republic of Iran is the Middle East region. This article aims to answer the question of how the Islamic Republic of Iran can use its academic capabilities as the educational diplomacy in order to promote its position as soft power in the Middle East. Accordingly, Iran can use the cultural capacities, the Persian language, the common background of civilization and the capability of its higher education, especially in the field of university exchanges to empower its soft power authority in the region.

Post-pandemic positions: new perspectives on international education and public diplomacy in Australia

PurposeIn an era of internationalism, higher education and vocational training have been core to Australia’s nation-building, regional co-operation and public diplomacy. This essay examines what has become of the people-to-people aspect of Australia’s engagements in the Indo-Pacific region, as discussed in the Australian government’s influential White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century (2012). More recently, established patterns of international educational exchange, and their economic, social and cultural benefits, have been disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, shifting international relations and domestic politics, with consequences for international education and public diplomacy.Design/methodology/approachThis essay introduces the scholarly context for a reappraisal of Australian histories of international education within the Indo-Pacific region since the mid-20th century, and the role of NGOs, academia and government in educational schemes and scholarships. It draws on an approach informed by international history, the history of education and diplomatic studies, to provide an overview of key themes and the past and present case studies discussed in the seven articles of this special journal issue.FindingsThe little-known histories of international education in Australia, and associated scholarship schemes, are important aspects of soft power or public diplomacy and the nation’s relations with the Indo-Pacific region. We argue that there needs to be greater acknowledgement of the vital role of these interpersonal interactions and the international organisations that facilitated such exchanges in histories of Australia’s internationalism and diplomacy. While Australian governments have initiated scholarship programmes, what is becoming clear is that understanding their significance for Australian–regional relationships demands a research focus on student expectations and experiences that often lay beyond government control.Originality/valueThis essay and the articles in this special issue offer new historic and current insights on international education policy and programmes and Australia’s diplomatic relations. Many of the highlighted case studies have not previously been analysed within this context, and fresh analysis makes an intervention into the field, revealing the complexities and limitations of international education and people-to-people relationships for Australia’s past and present connections with the Indo-Pacific region.

Türkiye’s Foreign Relations with Regional Blocs in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of AU and ECOWAS

Strong foreign relations among nations are crucial for fostering global stability, economic growth, and cross-cultural understanding. A stable global system that resolves conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation benefits from positive foreign relations. This paper examines Türkiye’s changing foreign policy approach towards Sub-Saharan African regional blocs, with an emphasis on their political, cultural, and economic facets. Türkiye’s strategic involvement with influential regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), among others, reflects its broader objective to expand its influence and cultivate multifaceted partnerships across the African continent. The scope of this paper is limited to the AU and ECOWAS. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper evaluates Türkiye’s economic initiatives, including trade agreements and investment flows, as well as its contributions to infrastructure development. The findings established Türkiye’s peacekeeping roles, cultural diplomacy, diplomatic efforts, and educational exchanges. Through the investigation of these diverse aspects, the conclusion outlines a comprehensive understanding of Türkiye’s place in geopolitical dynamics and regional integration in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Is there something that connects the diversity of historical narratives?

The interview with Kenneth Nordgren from Karlstad University, Sweden, addresses key questions about transcultural dialogue, the role of historical thinking, and the challenges of teaching history. The starting point is the question of how transcultural dialogue and historical thinking have changed in recent years from the perspective of the interviewee. The interview also discusses how transcultural academic exchange can be promoted, taking into account different educational contexts and social values. It further considers how to ensure that the academic debate is not dominated only by socially or economically privileged groups. Other topics include the role of digitalisation and online communities in history education, and the benefits of cross-disciplinary approaches. The extent to which current global challenges such as pandemics, wars and climate change underline the need for increased transcultural exchange in history education will also be addressed.

Students’ participation in transnational higher education: motivations for choosing a short-term study abroad programme

ABSTRACT Short-term study abroad programmes are increasingly recognised as pivotal components of transnational higher education and increasing in prominence across university landscapes. However, the scholarly discourse predominantly focuses on long-term study abroad experiences, and needs more research concerning short-term engagements. This study seeks to address this by exploring students’ motivations – a critical element of transnational educational exchanges – for participating in a short-term Sino-Canadian study abroad programme. Employing expectancy-value theory, the research utilises a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, observations, and summative reports, conducted before, during, and after the programme to assess the participants’ expectations and perceived values. The findings reveal a compensatory relationship between expectancy and value, as well as between value and cost, which significantly influences student participation decisions. This study underscores the implications of these dynamics within the broader context of transnational higher education, aiming to enhance programme design and improve participant experiences in short-term study abroad settings.

Feasibility of ChatGPT in International Chinese Education

With the development and global promotion of Chinese international education, the insufficient distribution of regional resources and the complexity of Chinese learning have gradually emerged. Although the application of ChatGPT to international Chinese education can help solve these problems to a certain extent, there are still some shortcomings. While summarizing the development and characteristics of international Chinese education, this paper analyzes the benefits and negative effects of integrating ChatGPT AI into teaching and learning. Based on the above summary and analysis, this paper discusses the principles that can be adopted by strengthening educational exchanges and cooperation between different regions, actively transforming and improving teachers themselves, strengthening guidance and management of students, helping students cultivate their critical thinking ability, timely adjustment in the process of using ChatGPT according to the actual situation, and emphasizing the combination of theory and practice. Thus, ChatGPT can be better utilized in the teaching and learning activities of international Chinese education.

FEATURES OF THE USE OF THE TERMS “OVERSEAS STUDENT”, “FOREIGN STUDENT” AND “INTERNATIONAL STUDENT” IN DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXTS

The article analyzes the peculiarities of using the terms “overseas student”, “foreign student” and “international student” in various educational and cultural contexts. It was found that British scientists prefer to use the term “international student”, because it better reflects the realities of globalization, internationalization and student mobility, which meets the modern needs of educational institutions and the international community. It is emphasized that the term “foreign student” remains the dominant term in Ukrainian education due to its legal certainty and established practice, however “international student” is also gradually coming into use, especially in the context of European integration and educational exchanges. Analysis of the use of the terms “foreign” and “international” student on the example of the British Council and HESA shows how important is the correct definition of students in international education statistics. A change in the HESA counting methodology in 2009, when students were classified by nationality rather than place of residence, revealed a significant difference in the number of international students in the UK (a difference of 32%), highlighting the extent to which counting methodology can influence research outcomes and state policy.

The British Broadsheet Press and the Representation of “The Mosque” in the Aftermath of Post-7/7 Britain

The role of the mosque has become increasingly vital, particularly in contemporary societies such as Britain, where both the place and status of religion in public life are constantly discussed and debated. Indeed, in the contemporary period, the role of the mosque has several dimensions, ranging from a social space, educational and cultural exchange, and community cohesion centre to a knowledge hub. In this context, this paper suggests that a mosque should be seen as an independent religious institution, although these are influenced by and responsive to governments, elites, pressure groups, public bodies, etc. Using a thematic analysis of news items in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph over a period of two years (8 July 2005–7 July 2007), it finds that in the aftermath of 7/7, the mosque as a religious place and an institution for British Muslims is largely seen as incompatible and a threat to secular British society and that it is linked with radicalisation and terrorism. According to Quranic texts and revelations, it is indeed a fact that mosques are open to all. This is logical since God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness are for all of mankind without any distinction, which is perhaps why the mosque has been the sacred house of God Himself. This study aims to reveal the development of visible hostility in some sections of the British media and political campaigns. Moreover, it intends to trace the determination and idea of the mosque as a religious place and an institution for British Muslims rather than only a place for worship. Finally, this study will argue the role of the mosque in promoting community cohesion and mutual understanding within the Muslim and other faith communities located in Britain.

The Impact of Hu’s Music Diplomacy on Mongolia’s Tourism National Branding Program

This study aims to analyze the impact of Hu's music diplomacy on Mongolia's national branding program. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method with secondary data analysis from journal articles, books, relevant reports, and media covering The Hu's activities. The results indicate that The Hu, with their unique approach of combining traditional Mongolian music elements with modern rock, has successfully raised global awareness of Mongolian culture and enhanced the country's positive image. Their international performances received awards, and collaborations with renowned musicians have introduced Mongolian cultural elements to a wider audience, creating curiosity and appreciation for Mongolia's cultural heritage. Strategic recommendations include greater government support, enhanced collaboration with digital platforms, and educational and cultural exchange programs.

Fostering academic excellence: The synergy of self-leadership, knowledge exchange, and innovative practices in higher education

This concept paper presents a comprehensive systematic literature review examining the interconnected roles of self-leadership, knowledge exchange, and innovative practices in enhancing academic performance within higher education institutions. The review synthesizes existing research to identify key themes and relationships, proposing a conceptual framework that integrates these elements. Following a rigorous protocol, including a thorough search strategy and clear inclusion criteria, the review analyzes selected studies to reveal the pivotal role of self-leadership in boosting academic staff performance through enhanced self-motivation and self-regulation. Furthermore, knowledge exchange and innovative practices emerge as crucial mediators in the relationship between self-leadership and academic excellence. The resulting conceptual framework highlights the interplay between these variables, suggesting potential pathways for higher education institutions to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This paper concludes by discussing theoretical and practical implications, emphasizing the need for institutions to prioritize the development of self-leadership skills, create supportive environments for knowledge exchange, and encourage innovative practices to elevate academic performance. The systematic literature review and proposed framework provide a foundation for future empirical research and offer valuable insights for academic leaders and policymakers seeking to enhance institutional effectiveness in higher education

Educational exchange in thyroid core needle biopsy diagnosis: enhancing pathological interpretation through guideline integration and peer learning.

While fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays an essential role in the screening of thyroid nodules, core needle biopsy (CNB) acts as an alternative method to address FNAC limitations. However, diagnosing thyroid CNB samples can be challenging due to variations in background and levels of experience. Effective training is indispensable to mitigate this challenge. We aim to evaluate the impact of an educational program on improving the accuracy of CNB diagnostics. The 2-week observational program included a host mentor pathologist with extensive experience and a visiting pathologist. The CNB classification by The Practice Guidelines Committee of the Korean Thyroid Association was used for the report. Two rounds of reviewing the case were carried out, and the level of agreement between the reviewers was analyzed. The first-round assessment showed a concordance between two pathologists for 247 thyroid CNB specimens by 84.2%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.74 (indicating substantial agreement). This finding was attributed to the discordance in the use of categories III and V. After peer learning, the two pathologists evaluated 30 new cases, which showed an overall improvement in the level of agreement. The percentage of agreement between pathologists on thyroid CNB diagnosis was 86.7%, as measured by kappa coefficient of 0.80. This educational program, consisting of guided mentorship and peer learning, can substantially enhance the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid CNB. It is useful in promoting consistent diagnostic standards and contributes to the ongoing development of global pathology practices.

Global Competency Development for Graduate Students from the Perspective of Internationalization at Home

With the advancement of economic globalization, cultivating globally competent international talents has become a key task for domestic universities. As international exchanges gradually return to pre-pandemic levels, the post-pandemic era has introduced challenges due to reduced cross-border movement, making cross-border educational exchanges more difficult to implement. In this context, “internalization at home” becomes crucial for developing internationalized talent. It offers a cost-effective approach and is particularly important as global competence is a core quality for such talents. This study aims to review and analyze relevant practices both domestically and internationally, using specific cases from various universities to discuss global competency training programs for postgraduates and to provide recommendations for advancing internationalization in China’s higher education sector.