Need For Education Research Articles

The role of alternative education to Students’ holistic learning: A case of Tanzanian schools in Morogoro

This research investigates how alternative education contributes to students' overall education. Data was gathered utilising a mixed-tech approach, which included questionnaires and interviews. The results demonstrated the need for alternative education in enhancing academic content because academic content alone is insufficient to help students build transferable skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and real-world situational knowledge. If a student fails the standardised national examination at the exit stages of school, they are still eligible for alternative education, which helps them deal with situations in the real world.

Knowledge and perception of medical students on genetics in the genomic era.

The importance of medical genetics in modern healthcare underscores the urgent need for comprehensive genetics education for physicians. Such training should address both fundamental concepts and ethical considerations to bridge existing knowledge gaps and improve early diagnostic capabilities. In Latin America, the level of genetic knowledge among healthcare workers, particularly medical students, remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the knowledge and attitudes toward genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Monterrey, Mexico. Using a cross-sectional, observational, and anonymous survey design, the International Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey version 3 (iGLAS3) was administered from October 1, 2019, to August 16, 2020. This online survey collected demographic information, assessed genetic knowledge, and gauged opinions on genetic topics, focusing on items most relevant to our research objectives. Statistical analyses provided descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency. Of the 323 surveys distributed, 201 participants completed essential sections, revealing a moderate to high level of genetic knowledge, with an average score of 70 ± 11.5. The demographic profile included 58.7% women, 40.3% men, and 0.5% non-binary individuals, with an average participant age of 24years. A majority of participants expressed openness to genetic testing, primarily through private entities; however, significant concerns about the potential misuse of genetic data were noted. These findings underscore the necessity of enhancing genetic education and incorporating practical genetics training into medical curricula to meet the evolving challenges in this field effectively.

From classrooms to global impact

In today's fast-changing environment, the need for quality education is more crucial than ever. Therefore, this article examines how quality education can transform society and contribute to a sustainable, interconnected world. It highlights the essential role of quality education in navigating global complexities, asserting that it can drive sustainable development and promote responsible global citizenship. The study redefined the scope of quality education by advocating for a holistic approach that goes beyond academic excellence, emphasizing the development of essential 21st-century competencies, critical thinking, and creativity. The article aligned educational practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It discussed how quality education nurtured intercultural understanding, empathy, and civic engagement, thereby cultivating a sense of global responsibility among students. Furthermore, the article identified quality education as a catalyst for sustainable development, preparing learners for the green economy and equipping them with future-ready skills to address complex global challenges through interdisciplinary problem-solving. The implementation of transformative quality education was examined, focusing on policy frameworks, inclusive curricula, and empowering educators as agents of change. The article concluded with a call to action, showcasing successful models and inspiring case studies, while mobilizing stakeholders to prioritize quality education as a means to empower global citizens and shape a better future.

Bridging the Knowledge Divide: Journalism Education and Industry Needs in East and Southern Africa

This study explores the perceived gap between journalism education and professional practice in Tanzania and Zambia. Through interviews with educators and journalists and an analysis of 12 journalism curricula, the findings reveal that both educators and journalists acknowledged a gap, with a shared desire for improved alignment between academic programs and industry needs. Educators expressed a commitment to incorporating contemporary content, but face challenges like limited industry collaboration and resource constraints. Journalists, however, observed a hesitancy among educators in implementing recommendations from the industry. Both groups see the need for integrating theory and practice into the curricula.

A Survey of Awareness and Attitudes of Men Aged Over 40 Years about Andropause

Introduction: Andropause is a condition that affects men as they age, similar to menopause in women. Unfortunately, there is limited research on this topic in Iran, and many men are unfamiliar with this concept. To address this knowledge gap, a study was conducted to investigate the attitudes and awareness of andropause among men over the age of 40 in Ardakan City. Methods: This study was conducted on 281 men aged over 40 years from Ardakan city in 2019. The sampling method used was cluster sampling and data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed, using SPSS software version 18 and the statistical methods of variance, Pearson correlation, and regression were used. Results: Men have a low level of awareness about andropause, and their attitude towards it is negative. The study found that the mean score of participants’ awareness about andropause was significantly impacted by age groups (P <0.05), education level (P <0.05) and occupation (P <0.05). In terms of attitude towards andropause, the mean score was significantly impacted by age groups (P <0.05) and occupation (P <0.05), but not by education level (P >0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient shows that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the mean score of awareness and the score of attitude. Conclusion: The low awareness and negative attitudes towards andropause among men in Ardakan City emphasize the need for more education and awareness on this topic. Providing men with accurate information about the symptoms, causes, and management of andropause is crucial to help them make informed decisions regarding their health. By addressing the knowledge gap and promoting positive attitudes towards andropause, healthcare providers can enhance the overall well-being of men in this age group.

Adolescents’ Knowledge and Misconceptions About Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study in Middle School Students in Portugal

Background/Objectives: Adolescence represents a period of heightened vulnerability to risky sexual behaviours. In Portugal, adolescents are initiating sexual activity at increasingly younger ages, making it relevant to characterise their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods at an earlier stage of their development. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving the application of a questionnaire to 750 ninth-grade students from Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal. The questionnaire covered topics such as perceptions of sexuality, knowledge of sexuality and STIs, methods of transmission prevention, and sources of information. Results: The mean age was 14.4 years, with 19.9% reporting having already initiated sexual activity. Overall, the knowledge about sexually transmitted infections was low, with a score of 7.08 out of a maximum score of 18. Condoms and immunisation were well-recognised preventive measures, but many misconceptions persisted. Better knowledge is associated with better attitudes regarding the likelihood of having sexual intercourse. Conclusions: This study reveals adolescents’ limited knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, misconceptions about prevention, and reliance on peers and the internet over trusted sources, highlighting the need for comprehensive sexual education in middle school.

Integration of Teaching Resources for English Majors under Local Autonomy: Collaboration and Development

In the process of local social governance, educational resources are the basic conditions for social governance, so the integration of English education resources has become the main research aspect of local governments and educational institutions. The integration of key educational resources needs to be supported by local education policies, education systems and education laws, and the corresponding regulations and laws should be improved, and the English cognitive level of the public and the environmental governance of education need to be intervened by local governments, as well as the extensive participation of the public. Laws and regulations should be improved under the guidance of the government to provide support for the integration of English education resources, and the public should widely participate in the integration of educational resources of English majors under the publicity of educational resources, so as to form a good interactive relationship to provide support for local education governance. Therefore, the necessary conditions for the integration of local governments, legal institutions, education departments and the general public, military and local English education resources play a role in promoting the development level of English and the creation of a social environment.

Eye-Gaze Training Does Not Impact Performance on a Nonverbal Test of Reading Abilities for Children with Special Educational Needs

AbstractMany individuals in special education have difficulty with language, and little is known about their reading abilities due to challenges presented for assessment. A nonverbal word recognition test based was developed by Measuring the word recognition abilities of children who are (2019), which proved more sensitive than traditional reading tests. The current Experiment 1 replicated that result for children in special education, and noted that the modified reading test was especially sensitive for those who do not score well in traditional versions of reading and language assessments. However, removing the motor response required by the digitised response, in favour of using eye-tracking responses, did not aid assessment of reading performance. Experiment 2 tested the notion that it could be that participants unfamiliar with use of eye gaze tracking facilities may not respond well to such a test. Reading scores for two groups of pupils in special education were compared: a group who took part in ‘primer activities’ designed to encourage familiarity with eye gaze tracking, and a group who received no such intervention. There was no impact of eye gaze training on the results of the eye-gaze modulated modified nonverbal reading test, suggesting that manual responses are the most effective way of assessing word recognition.

Abstract 4136975: Lipoprotein (a) Discovery Project: Assessing Patient and Professional Education Needs

Introduction: It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have high lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels. High levels of Lp(a) are an independent, predominantly inherited, and causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). More investigation is needed to better understand the gaps in both professional and patient education on Lp(a) and its associated risk with ASCVD. Goals: The American Heart Association (AHA) is implementing a national 3-year initiative called the Lp(a) Discovery Project to understand system-level practice patterns for patients screened for high Lp(a) and develop models for national education. We aim to gauge an understanding of healthcare professional (HCP) and patient awareness, perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors of Lp(a) to develop a comprehensive educational approach that ultimately encourages patient-provider shared decision-making. Methods: To assess patient education needs, an online survey was conducted from October 11 to November 6, 2023, by Harris Insights&Analytics LLC with a nationally representative sample of 3,006 U.S. adults 18 years+. To assess professional education needs, the AHA engaged 10 champions from diverse health systems with established Lp(a) screening processes and workflows to participate in a Learning Healthcare System model to share best practices, inform on models for Lp(a) screening, and provide input on professional education topics. Results: The patient survey revealed that 34% of adults do not perceive high Lp(a) to pose an increased risk of heart attack, peripheral artery disease or stroke. If told that high Lp(a) does increase this risk, 63% are motivated to have their Lp(a) level checked and 88% would be motivated to reduce their risk for these conditions if they had high Lp(a). Ultimately, HCP recommendation was the most significant driver in getting screened among those who had their Lp(a) measured (61%). AHA-led champion interviews revealed that primary and specialty care HCPs need education on the importance of Lp(a) testing and cascade screening for family members as well as care considerations for patients with high Lp(a). Conclusion: Given that patients are most likely to be screened for Lp(a) if their HCP recommends it, we will focus on 1) educating patients and HCPs on the connection between Lp(a) and risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke and 2) providing HCPs with guidance on care considerations for those with high Lp(a) including cascade screening.

Understanding the future of dengue in Malaysia: Assessing knowledge, attitude, and homeowner practices in mitigating climate-driven risks

Introduction Dengue fever poses a significant public health threat, particularly in tropical regions like Malaysia. The rising incidence of dengue outbreaks challenges healthcare systems and highlights the urgent need for effective preventive measures. Climate change, with rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, is expected to worsen the dengue situation in the coming years. Methods . This is a cross-sectional study conducted among adult residents of low-cost housing apartments in an urban poor community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia involving approximately 16,000 residents. A representative sample of 1,636 residents was calculated using the Krejcie and Morgan formula, and stratified random sampling was used to ensure proportional representation across the various floors of each PPR community apartment block. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from a validated Malay version. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to dengue prevention, categorising KAP scores as “Good” (≥80%) or “Poor” (<80%). Descriptive statistics summarized population characteristics and KAP scores, while logistic regression identified predictors of KAP levels, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results In this community, 76.7% of participants exhibited poor knowledge and 83.1% had a negative attitude towards dengue, despite 66.7% demonstrating good preventive practices. The PPR location significantly predicts dengue knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices, with p-values of less than 0.001 for all domains. Marital status also predicts dengue knowledge (p = 0.007) and preventive practices (p = 0.023), while prior infection with dengue is a predictor of preventive practices (p = 0.047). Conclusion Despite the community’s good dengue prevention practices, likely influenced by environmental expectations, there remains a critical need for education to sustain and strengthen these efforts, as climate change continues to worsen in the coming years. It is crucial to help residents grasp the relevance of these practices, so they can apply them more effectively as climate-driven risks intensify. Targeted interventions should de designed differently for each of the four PPR communities as their levels of knowledge, attitude and practices vary significantly, taking into account independent factors like marital status and prior dengue infection, which shape preventive behaviors.

Teaching mathematical concepts based on the principle of "Consistency in Explanation"

This paper explores the importance and methods of achieving "self-consistency" in the teaching of mathematical concepts. It first emphasizes the central role of mathematical concepts in learning mathematics and, through the example of teaching the eccentricity of an ellipse, points out the complexity of understanding mathematical concepts. Then, by exploring the history of "eccentricity," the paper demonstrates the human conventions and historical development behind mathematical concepts, highlighting the need for teachers to delve into the origins and meanings of concepts in their teaching. The paper proposes four strategies to achieve "self-consistency": sorting out the history of mathematical development, finding applications of mathematics in daily life, rebuilding connections between mathematical knowledge, and utilizing perspectives from other disciplines. Finally, the paper argues that "self-consistency" is not only a teaching method but also a teaching philosophy, aimed at helping students gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

Attitude of Preschool Teachers towards Special Educational Needs Students

Attitude of Preschool Teachers towards Special Educational Needs Students

Creating an Inclusive Environment within Physical Education and Sports Lessons for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The paper proposes to investigate ways of creating an inclusive environment for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) specific to physical education and sports lessons. The study was carried out on the basis of the answers given by students with special needs from the Technical College "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" Suceava, received following the application of a questionnaire with the theme: Integration of students with SEN in mainstream schools. The recommendations made by these students were relevant in the process of adapting the inclusive learning environment, effective and applicable in inclusive learning for all students with special needs.

The ImmunoSkills Guide: Competencies for undergraduate immunology curricula.

Immune literacy garnered significant attention in recent years due to the threat posed by emerging infectious diseases. The pace of immunological discoveries and their relevance to society are substantial yet coordinated educational efforts have been rare. This motivated us to create a task force of educators to reflect on pedagogical approaches to teaching immunology and to draft, develop, and evaluate key competencies for undergraduate immunology education. The research questions addressed include: 1) Which competencies are considered important by educators? 2) Are the illustrative skills clear, accurate and well aligned with the core competencies listed in the Vision and Change report?; 3) What are the concerns of immunology educators about competencies and skills? We collected data on the draft competencies using surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The iterative revision phase followed the community review phase before finalizing the framework. Here, we report a hierarchical learning framework, with six core competencies, twenty illustrative skills, and companion immunology-specific example learning outcomes. Predominant themes from interviews and focus groups, which informed revisions of this framework are shared. With the growing need for immunology education across the sciences, the ImmunoSkills Guide and accompanying discussion can be used as a resource for educators, administrators and policymakers.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards arthroscopic shoulder surgery in patients with rotator cuff tear: cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of patients with rotator cuff tears towards arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ASS), based on the hypothesis that the knowledge...

Bypassing Emergency Service: Decoding the Drivers of Self-Referral During Acute Myocardial Infarction on Rural Areas in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany

Background/Objectives: the timely and effective management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial to improve patient outcomes. ‘Self-Referral’ is defined as instances either where patients arrive at the hospital by their own means or are transported by someone else, rather than through professional emergency medical services. This approach can lead to treatment delays and potentially worsen outcomes. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the choice of self-referral among patients with AMI in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Methods: We used the data from the Regional Myocardial Infarction Registry of Saxony-Anhalt (RHESA), which included 4044 patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction (AMI), including 48.7% from urban areas (city of Halle) and 51.3% from rural areas (Altmark). The gender distribution was 65% male and 35% female, covering an age range from 25 to over 80 years. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with self-referral and its impact on reaching a hospital with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capability. Results: Rural residents were more likely to self-refer compared to those in urban settings (adjusted odds ratio 2.43 [95% CI: 2.00–2.94]). Odds of self-referral decreased with age, while metabolic factors, including hypertension, high body mass index (BMI), and diabetes, as well as sex were not associated with self-referral. Self-referral did not increase the odds of arriving in a hospital without PCI capability. (Adjusted odds ratio 1.12 [95% CI: 0.85–1.47]). Furthermore, in cases of self-referral, women did not have a disadvantage in reaching a hospital with PCI (0.91; 0.59–1.41) compared to men. However, in medically attended transports, women were at a disadvantage (odds ratio: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.06–1.67). Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for public education on self-referral and for medical personnel training to prevent gender bias in AMI transport to PCI-capable hospitals.

Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.

Enhancing civic engagement through podcasting: a modern approach for higher education

ABSTRACT Civic Education in higher education often struggles with student disengagement, largely due to traditional, less interactive teaching methods. This study explores the integration of podcasts as an innovative tool to enhance civic engagement among students. Grounded in andragogical principles, podcasts offer a dynamic platform for active participation, fostering critical discussions and reflections on pressing social issues. Conducted within the Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this research involved students from the English Education Program and employed a qualitative descriptive approach to assess the impact of podcasts on critical thinking, collaborative learning, and the understanding of civic concepts and social responsibility. The findings indicate that podcasts significantly enrich the learning experience, equipping students to become more critical, socially conscious citizens who actively contribute to societal change. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the effectiveness of innovative teaching strategies in Civic Education, particularly the use of podcasts to strengthen civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education. The implications of this research underscore the need for educators to adopt more engaging and interactive methods, thereby equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge to actively participate in civic life and address social issues effectively.

How emergency departments are responding to the opioid crisis: Results from a statewide survey in Kentucky

ObjectiveThere is a rising effort for hospital emergency departments (EDs) to offer and expand substance use disorder (SUD) services. This state-wide evaluation studies SUD services offered along the continuum of implementation across Kentucky’s EDs to inform future state efforts to build ED bridge programs.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study using an online survey of all Kentucky Emergency Department Directors between January and May of 2023. We created a hospital-level dataset which we used to summarize quantitative questions and thematically analyze open-ended responses.ResultsOur sample included 85 unique respondents (89% of all eligible Kentucky hospitals). Nine (11%) had active bridge programs to initiate opioid use disorder patients on buprenorphine. Respondents reported that the most challenging SUD-related services for EDs to implement were buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder treatment (n = 36, 42%), referrals to community-based providers (n = 34, 40%), and providing social work services (n = 25, 29%). Respondents noted that the implementation and improvement of screening protocols were needed to better identify patients with SUD, expressed concerns about care continuity, and explicitly conveyed the need and desire for additional supports to provide SUD care.ConclusionsThe landscape of Kentucky’s ED SUD supports shows several hospitals that offer services along the continuum of SUD care, and highlights the importance of technical assistance and financial resources to ensure the continuum is broadly available. Kentucky’s experience speaks to broader national challenges in supporting SUD in EDs – specifically the need for financial resources, buy-in and education, and creating referral relationships to ensure care continuity.

The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Shaping Health Outcomes among Vulnerable Populations

Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment, and social support, play a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. This paper examines how these determinants interact to influence physical and mental health disparities. Drawing on data from multiple studies, the paper highlights the compounded impact of socioeconomic deprivation on access to healthcare, exposure to stressors, and lifestyle choices. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, ethnic minorities, and individuals with limited educational attainment, experience disproportionate health risks. This review underscores the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic inequalities, which are essential for improving public health and reducing disparities. Emphasis is placed on policy implications, including the need for accessible healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, to promote health equity across socioeconomic groups.