Educational Opportunities Research Articles

Perspectives of an NCI T32 Training Program Designed to Train a Diverse Workforce in Cancer Health Equity Research.

With cancer health disparities on the rise in the United States (USA), there is an increased need for novel approaches to address these challenges. One such approach that may help address these disparities is increasing diversity in the biomedical research workforce. The Cancer Health Equity and Career Development Program (CHECDP) embodies this approach by recruiting and training underrepresented minorities in cancer research to develop the skills and training needed to be competitive for independent research careers, thus diversifying the biomedical research workforce. The training model that CHECDP employs is unique with its funding through the NCI training mechanism, its strong institutional support, and its participant-driven curriculum. The curriculum includes educational, career, and leadership opportunities that are continuously evaluated for sustained impact. The program has been comprised of mostly under-represented minorities that have been propelled to independent careers with a high rate of funded career development awards. Our T32 program serves as a model of success for other programs seeking to diversify the biomedical research workforce and reduce cancer health disparities.

CONCEPTUALIZING DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS IN EDUCATION

The primary aim of education is to bring all-round and harmonious development of individuals in different aspects of their life and enable them to attain their full potentialities for performing any productive tasks. Hence, every individual has the right to receive equal opportunities for quality education irrespective of their physical, socio-cultural, and economic backgrounds. However, in the recent decades, the roles accomplished by modern technologies in the domain of education with respect to delivery of instruction, learning activities, teaching strategies, process of evaluation etc. are very much crucial and noteworthy. Thus, it is important to understand the necessity of equal access towards advanced technologies of all students at different stages of education. Therefore, the present paper aims to explore the very notion and issues of digital accessibility, recognizes its major provisions and practices that are designed for all learners so that they may perceive and utilize those digital media effectively. Finally, the researchers of the paper try to address various benefits and challenges besides examining the educational implications of digital accessibility for ensuring adequate students’ engagement in learning. KEYWORDS: Digital Accessibility, Provisions and Practices for all learners, Benefits and Challenges, Educational Implications

The Myhre Syndrome Foundation as a global modern support group: The business of rare.

Advocacy support groups grow into national and international organizations, but they all begin with personal experiences. As the parents to a newly diagnosed two-year-old son with Myhre syndrome, my husband and I were overwhelmed with the journey ahead. Thanks to networking, primarily through social media, we located other families living with Myhre syndrome and were quickly immersed in the challenges and joy of this community. Myhre syndrome, caused by pathogenic missense variants in SMAD4, is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by short stature, hearing loss, neurodevelopmental challenges, and fibroproliferation.This personal essay, written with physician partners, describes the development of a global advocacy group for patients with Myhre syndrome. I have the honor of serving as the founding Executive Director and reflect proudly on the great strides that our marvelous support group has made. We empower the global community impacted by this rare condition by providing meaningful and accessible data, educational opportunities, and connections with others going through similar experiences. Utilizing the expertise of our Board of Directors and my corporate expertise, we discuss how we have been able to elevate our ultra-rare community into a broader, more comprehensive network.

Young paediatric oncologists and haematologists in Europe – emerging needs and future perspectives

BackgroundThe “Young NaPHOS” project was launched in 2021, by Young SIOPE, the group for junior members of the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE). The Young NaPHOS project aims to build a network of national representatives of young paediatric haematologists and oncologists to discuss organisational and educational aspects at national and European level, differences in the training paths, and the needs to be addressed in the future. MethodsFrom June 2021 until September 2022, three online meetings took place and one online survey was conducted. The meetings focused on presenting the structure and organisational aspects of existing national junior organisations in paediatric haematology and oncology, including their national activities. The survey aimed to investigate the European landscape of national organisations and training paths by inviting 39 young national representatives. ResultsTen out of 34 responders confirmed the existence of a junior organisation in their country. Diversity was noted among the countries for the existence of such organisations, the organisations’ activities, or the membership criteria. Further, the training path to become a paediatric oncologist/haematologist differs a lot. Young paediatric oncologists also shared common concerns, especially regarding networking, international collaboration, and educational opportunities. ConclusionThis project resulted in the creation of a European network among young paediatric oncologists and haematologists, in spreading ideas and offering support, and identified differences and areas for future action of Young SIOPE.

Neurologists' Attitudes and Perceptions on Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study.

Despite significant advances in the treatment of neurologic disorders, many conditions require complex care planning and advanced care planning. Neurologists are in a unique position because they are integral in providing patient centered care, understanding neurologic disease and illness trajectory, and how disease can affect patients' sense of self and values. Currently, little is known about neurologists' perceptions and challenges in care planning and palliative care for their patients. Neurologists from one Canadian academic institution participated in a 30-minute semistructured interview from November 2022 to April 2023. Interviews were conducted until saturation was reached and confirmed. Interviews occurred online through a secure platform or in-person and were recorded. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method using constructivist grounded theory. Member checking was conducted post interview. Ten neurologists participated across a broad spectrum of neurology experience and subspecialties. We developed a detailed theory of understanding neurologists' attitudes and perceptions of palliative care. When neurologists delay or fail to initiate care planning discussions or palliative care, it results from a complex interplay between patient, physician, and resource accessibility factors. Certain contextual factors, such as a first visit or follow-up, inpatient vs outpatient setting, clinic culture, and the type of clinic practice, are factors that can influence these conversations. As a result, physicians may fail to use available resources, or they may involve other care providers or refer to subspecialty neurologic clinics. However, this delay can still lead to patient and provider harm. Opportunities to improve care exist with continuing education opportunities for trainees and staff, collaboration with palliative care specialists, and health systems support, such as increasing public awareness to address misconceptions about palliative care and resource availability. Our findings identify that failure or delay to initiate care planning and palliative care by neurologists results from a complex interplay between local culture, experience, context, practice type, and patient factors. Opportunities to improve care include increasing educational opportunities, building integrated and collaborative practices, and dedicated health systems support.

Increasing Transformative Impact by Design in Education in the Caribbean

Educational researchers in the Caribbean have an opportunity to be part of the solutions to grand challenges, such as climate change, violence, and disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. The transformative approach to research provides a framework that focuses on issues of inequities and power differences in a conscious effort to increase social, economic, and environmental justice. Examples of studies from different parts of the world are used to illustrate the application of this framework with the goal of increasing the research impact. The strategies used in the transformative approach, such as building culturally responsive relationships, integrating social activist strategies, developing coalitions, and addressing power inequities, can be applied in ways that are responsive to the culture and context of the Caribbean.

Elucidations of Present Situation of Preparedness for Natural Disasters at Home in Japan and its Effective Factors

This study elaborates on the measures to improve preparedness for natural disasters by elucidating the present situation of preparedness for natural disasters at home in Japan as well as the effective factors to promote such preparedness. An Internet monitoring survey was conducted throughout Japan, and valid responses (n=1,599) were obtained. To measure preparedness for natural disasters at home, we used 31 items, including the ones in the “public opinion poll on disaster management” conducted by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. The Internet monitoring survey revealed that approximately 30% of the respondents arranged for articles they may require in the event of a disaster and had contemplated their evacuation actions immediately after a disaster. The Internet monitoring survey results were compared with the results of the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan’s public opinion poll. It revealed that the internet monitoring survey results better represent the tendency of the Japanese people as a whole. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine six independent variables—age, marital status, prior disaster experience, awareness of hazard maps, disaster imminence, and communal exchanges—statistically significant as effective factors to improve preparedness for natural disasters at home. Particularly, considering a large standardizing coefficient (β) for awareness of hazard maps, it is proposed that the most effective measure to improve preparedness for natural disasters at home to comprehend the risks posed to one’s community and own house is by using the opportunities of disaster prevention education and drill rather than simply viewing the hazard maps aimlessly.

Leading Across Health Professions: Reflections on Opportunities and Challenges.

Pharmacy leaders are well equipped to serve as academic leaders overseeing additional health profession programs and/or faculty. Organizing multiple health professions programs under one umbrella offers a number of opportunities, such as efficiencies in financial and human resources, expanded and more diverse leadership talent which offers advantages in succession planning, organizational effectiveness in its operations, expanded opportunities for interprofessional education and collaborations in research and scholarship, greater visibility as a partner for establishing pipeline agreements and clinical partners affiliations, and personal professional development and growth for those in senior leadership positions. However, pharmacy academic leaders with oversight over multiple health professions programs and faculty also face challenges in understanding the professional identities and culture of their faculty, complexities of equity of workload across numerous departments, mistrust from departments other than pharmacy, and their own increased workload and possible burnout. AACP has recently established a new Multi-Professional Healthcare Administrative Leaders Connect Community, which should be further promoted to increase membership. Programming to allow additional networking, sharing of best practices, mentorship and professional development of leaders who oversee, or aspire to oversee, multiple health professions programs can be beneficial. Further research can describe different models of organizing multiple health professions programs and identify best practices for successful organizational and operational structures.

Back to Class: From Equality of Educational Opportunity to Social Equality

Back to Class: From Equality of Educational Opportunity to Social Equality

The Total Effect of Social Origins on Educational Attainment: Meta-analysis of Sibling Correlations From 18 Countries.

The sibling correlation (SC), which estimates the total effect of family background (i.e., social origins), can be interpreted as measuring a society's inequality of opportunity. Its sensitivity to observed and unobserved factors makes the SC an all-encompassing measure and an attractive choice for comparative research. We gather and summarize all available estimates of SCs in educational attainment (M = .46, SD = .09) and employ meta-regression to explore variability in these estimates. First, we find significantly lower SCs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark than in the United States, with U.S. correlations roughly .10 (i.e., 25%) higher. Most other (primarily European) countries in our study are estimated to fall in between these countries and the United States. Second, we find a novel Great Gatsby Curve-type positive association between income inequality in childhood and the SC, both cross-nationally and within countries over time. This finding supports theoretical accounts of the Great Gatsby Curve that emphasize the role of educational inequality as a link between economic inequality and social immobility. It implies that greater equality of educational opportunity likely requires reduced economic inequality. Additionally, correlations between sisters are modestly higher, on average, than those between brothers or all siblings, and we find no overall differences between cohorts.

Academic achievement among youth in foster care

This disproportionate rate of academic achievement among youth in foster care raises significant concerns given the social and economic benefits that earning a high school diploma provides over the course of an individual’s life. This study examines the relationship between a youth’s foster care experience (removal reason, number of placements, total number of days in foster care, connection to adult mentor, substance abuse, and dual-system involvement) and academic achievement across gender, race, ethnicity, and disabilities using the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting (AFCARS) data and the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). This study found that several factors including gender, race, ethnicity, disability, connection to adult mentor, substance abuse referral, and dual-system involvement (incarceration) were associated with academic achievement. It is clear from the data that youth involved in the foster care system need increased support during their educational tenure. Low academic achievement rates among youth in foster care need to be addressed with more effectual, balanced, deliberate supportive resources, such as special education/disability services, mentoring programs, and independent living services (ILS) that connect youth in foster care to supports that will help them earn a high school diploma and increased the likelihood that they would go on to postsecondary education opportunity.

Virtual Learning for Māori Students

This article provides a comprehensive literature review examining virtual learning in the New Zealand schools sector, with a specific focus on understanding and addressing the needs of Māori learners in these online environments. It begins by tracing the historical development of virtual learning in New Zealand from early correspondence courses to the emergence of e-learning clusters and increasing digital technology use. The authors highlight the distinct differences between teaching and learning virtually compared to traditional face-to-face classrooms, exploring unique pedagogical approaches, challenges, and support structures required for effective online instruction and student engagement. Emphasis is placed on the crucial role of fostering strong teacher-student relationships in virtual settings. The article then reviews culturally responsive pedagogies and strategies identified as effective for engaging and supporting Māori learners, and discusses potential frameworks for translating these approaches to online learning environments. The potential of virtual learning to provide more equitable educational opportunities for Māori students, particularly in rural areas, is examined. However, pre-existing socioeconomic inequalities and the digital divide exacerbated by COVID-19 are noted as barriers. Overall, the authors underscore the scarcity of research specifically examining Māori students' experiences and needs in virtual learning contexts. They call for further investigation to better understand and address these gaps, striving to ensure culturally responsive and equitable virtual education opportunities for Māori learners. The paper provides a valuable synthesis of literature and insights into this important issue in New Zealand education.

SUPPLEMENTARY EDUCATION PORTAL CREATION FOR STUDENTS

The aim of the research described in this article is to develop and implement an educational portal that enables students to acquire additional knowledge and skills by studying the process of creating electronic resources in the educational field. The portal addresses the current demands of digital learning and provides access to supplementary educational opportunities. The article discusses software development methods, the selection of an optimal environment for application creation, and the key stages of the development process. The focus of the research is on creating a supplementary education portal, emphasizing the use of object-oriented programming (OOP) methods, web technologies, web programming, and electronic educational resource creation techniques. As a result of the research, technologies such as PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript were chosen, leading to the successful implementation of the application. An analysis of existing educational portals, such as BilimLand and Daryn Online, was conducted. The outcome of the work was the creation of a functional educational portal that allows students to effectively gain additional knowledge, meeting modern requirements. The portal offers interactive tools available to users and adapts to individual educational needs.

Factors Associated with Nurse Self-Leadership: A Cross-Sectional Study of Nurses Working at Public Health Centers and Primary Healthcare Posts

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing self-leadership among public health nurses as they implement health promotion projects in public health centers and primary healthcare posts. Methods: The study sampled 120 public health nurses from 22 public health centers and their associated primary healthcare posts in J province. Data were collected from October 11 through October 25, 2022. Results: Employment at a primary healthcare post instead of a public health center (β=.23, p=.012), was significantly associated with self-leadership in model 1 (adjusted R2=.17, F=4.56, p<.001). Furthermore, communicative competence (β=.48, p<.001) and nursing professionalism (β=.26, p=.001) were significantly associated with self-leadership in model 2 (adjusted R2=.51, F=14.77, p<.001). Conclusion: Open and self-directed work environments, along with opportunities for education and training, are necessary to enhance communicative competence and nursing professionalism. These improvements may, in turn, strengthen self-leadership among nurses, facilitating the implementation of health promotion projects within public health institutions.

Panafricanism, cultural resilience, and biodiversity conservation: A historical perspective in the face of climate change

Pan-Africanism, a socio-political and cultural movement aimed at unifying African nations and people, has played a critical role in shaping the continent's response to global challenges, including climate change. This study explores how Pan-Africanism, cultural resilience, and biodiversity conservation intersect with the urgent issue of climate change. Pan-Africanism, which promotes unity and identity across Africa, is connected to the current need to address environmental problems. Cultural resilience, supported by traditional knowledge, plays a key role in managing resources sustainably and adapting to climate change. By combining these ideas, we can create opportunities for teamwork, sustainable farming, eco-tourism, and climate education. However, this approach also faces challenges, such as varying cultural contexts, limited resources, and balancing development with conservation. Recognizing these challenges and strategically using our strengths can help us use cultural heritage to improve climate resilience and protect biodiversity. This approach aligns with Pan-Africanism's goal of collective progress, providing a guide for societies as they navigate the complexities of climate change while preserving their cultural heritage.

Understanding People with Disabilities in a Local Government Arena: A Limpopo Dilemma

ABSTRACT People with disabilities face discrimination or exclusion from social services such as health care, education and employment opportunities, despite the existence of anti-discrimination statutory frameworks asserting their rights. The difficulties that persons with disabilities confront as a result of a lack of understanding of disability have not received enough attention. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of understanding of disability on the livelihoods of people with disabilities. The paper used a mixed research methodology (qualitative and quantitative). The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while the qualitative research data was analysed using NVivo. The findings of the study revealed that a disproportionately high percentage of participants (70%) perceive disability as difficulty in walking, 60% as difficulty in hearing, and 59% as virtual impairments. This study came to the conclusion that misconceptions can result in exclusion and discrimination, which can have a long-term effect on the lives of people with disabilities. This research makes contribution to theory, policy and practice by demonstrating the significant role that disability knowledge and understanding plays in the lives of persons with disabilities, and how this can lead to improved quality of life and wellbeing.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Patterns on Psychodermatology among Filipino Dermatologists: A Cross-sectional Study

Background. Psychodermatology is a field that focuses on the interaction of the skin and the mind. Psychodermatology patients are often challenging to manage because they often lack insight and are not amenable to psychiatric treatment or referral. Therefore, it is important that dermatologists become aware of the psychosocial impact of cutaneous disease and be knowledgeable in the fundamentals of psychodermatologic diagnosis and therapy. However, studies done in several countries report a general lack of perceived knowledge, awareness, and confidence in the management of psychodermatology disorders among dermatologists. Objective. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Filipino dermatologists towards psychodermatology using a self-administered questionnaire. Methods. This is a mixed methods study using qualitative and quantitative measures. A self-administered questionnaire was validated and disseminated among the dermatologists in the country. Descriptive analysis was done. Results. Of the 153 participating dermatologists, majority (70.59%) reported psychodermatologic patients comprised <10% of their practice. While more than half (56.2%) have a clear understanding of psychodermatology and are comfortable (57.52%) in approaching patients with these conditions, only 58 (37.91%) participants are able to demonstrate adequate knowledge on psychodermatology. Patients with primary psychiatric disorders are less frequently encountered than dermatologic disorders with psychiatric component or secondary psychiatric disorders. Most commonly prescribed medications are anti-histamines. Other psychotropic medications are rarely or never prescribed by the participants. All participants agree that psychodermatology is important in the practice of dermatology; 127 (62.1%) have attended at least one Continuing Medical Education (CME) on psychodermatology and 114 (74.51%) expressed willingness to attend CME training in psychodermatology. One hundred nine (71.24%) participants think that the best practice approach is a multidisciplinary approach to psychodermatology. The top recommendations for better healthcare delivery in psychodermatology were better access to mental health specialists (86.27%), more training opportunities and better training during residency (75.16%), and increase collaboration with psychiatrists (71.9%). The knowledge score was found to be associated with the duration of dermatology practice and attendance in CME proceedings but was not associated with the perceived adequacy of knowledge gained during training. Longer duration of practice may be associated with the knowledge score owing to the greater exposure to cases and more access to training opportunities. Conclusions. There are many challenges to providing psychodermatologic care in the Philippines but the positive attitude towards psychodermatology, coupled with increased access to education and training opportunities, and the multidisciplinary approach to these cases may improve the quality of dermatologic care that we provide.

Trends in enrolment and academic performance of scheduled tribe students at the undergraduate level in Assam: A decadal analysis

This research work examines the enrolment and performance pattern of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) students at the undergraduate level in Assam for the period of 2012-2022. Based on the enrolment data collected from various ST students, the study examines the gender pattern and course selection of students in different disciplines such as B.A., B.Com., and B.Sc. The study reveals major trends in enrolment increase, gender distribution, and course choices for the decade. Using chi-square tests and comparative performance measures, the study reveals factors that affect academic performance and enrolment. Furthermore, bar graphs and line charts are used to present these trends and to give further analysis. The conclusion of this study provides significant implications for the policymakers and educators who are interested in improving the educational access and opportunities for ST students in the higher education in Assam.

USING 5E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL WITH ICT SUPPORT IN TEACHING LOWER SECONDARY STUDENTS ON THE TOPIC OF LIGHT REFLECTION

The educational process has become more accustomed to active classroom engagement. Physics teaching should focus more on young pupils’ investigative journey. This research investigates the effect of the ICT-based 5Es instructional model on the conceptual understanding and science process skills of grade 6 pupils on light reflection. The 5E Model stands for Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. The study used a mixed-method design involving 24 students participating in a 5E-based intervention. The pre- and post-test results showed a significant improvement in conceptual knowledge and science process skills. Statistical analysis using paired t-tests and Cohen's d found that the 5E Model has significantly improved students' conceptual understanding of the topic and their science process skills. The study also used a phenomenological analysis and identified three critical themes that contributed to the success of the intervention. These themes were high interest and excitement in using laboratory materials, collaboration among students in exploring light reflection, and teacher scaffolding and facilitation to help students overcome challenges. The 5Es Model, which involves engaging, examining, explaining, elaborating, and evaluating stages, was highly influential in keeping students interested and enthusiastic throughout the learning process. The study confirms that the 5Es instructional model positively impacts students’ science process skills and conceptual understanding. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses provides a thorough understanding of the intervention’s effectiveness and offers recommendations for improving the implementation of the 5Es Model in science education. This study recommended providing professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills in implementing the 5Es instructional model. Regular workshops, collaborative sessions, and opportunities for knowledge exchange can equip teachers with up-to-date teaching strategies and insights.

The Transformation of Social Media in Arabic Language Learning: Opportunities and Risks in the Indonesian Context

This research examines the possibilities and dangers associated with using social media for learning Arabic in Indonesia. This work aims to address research difficulties by utilising library-based research methods, which involve analysing data obtained from various sources such as publications, papers, journals, scientific articles, and related books. Next, we will examine the potential and concerns associated with the evolution of social media in the context of Arabic language acquisition. The findings revealed that educational opportunities encompassed convenient access to information and learning resources, widespread availability of global connectivity and language exchange, innovative learning methods, global reach and interactive teaching, and enhanced ease and effectiveness of student-Arabic-teacher interaction. The risks associated with using social media in education include distractions from irrelevant content, exposure to inappropriate material that can have a negative impact on students, technical issues such as unstable internet connections, and high data costs, particularly in remote areas.