Students In Education Programs Research Articles

Leadership as service: developing a character education program for university students in Spain

This paper describes the development and implementation of a character education program at the University of Navarra. The Leadership as Service Program has been developed in collaboration with the Oxford Character Project, and has adapted its Global Leadership Initiative to the Spanish context. The purpose of the Leadership as Service Program is to help students develop a sense of personal purpose, and virtues that are specific to leadership, such as prudence, humility, gratitude, resilience, and service. The methodology of the program follows the seven strategies of character education and includes a mentoring program. In order to adapt the Global Leadership Initiative to the Spanish context, the Leadership as Service Program was integrated as much as possible into the fabric of the University of Navarra by means of (1) facilitating a new initiative to develop workshops on purpose; (2) incorporating an existing mentoring program; (3) positioning local actors as experts, and (4) dialogue with stakeholders within the university. First results indicate that the Leadership as Service Program makes a valuable contribution to the ethical and professional development of students, which corroborates with the findings of the Oxford Global Leadership Initiative.

Teachers' Efforts to Overcome Bullying Cases in the School Environment: Effective Steps to Curb Bullying Behavior

The role of teachers is very important in stemming bullying cases in the school environment. This study aims to investigate the efforts made by teachers in overcoming bullying cases in the school environment. Through a descriptive qualitative approach and in-depth interviews via Whatsapp, this research was conducted at Fathona Pakjo Integrated Islamic School Palembang. The research findings show that teachers who successfully address bullying cases have taken effective steps, such as identification of bullying cases using clear indicators, implementation of anti-bullying programs involving students and school staff, and collaboration with other parties such as parents and authorities. The results of this study have important implications in fostering an understanding of teachers' efforts in addressing bullying cases in the school environment, and can serve as a reference for schools and teachers in developing effective strategies to prevent and address bullying, with the aim of creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Important implications include more targeted teacher training and the development of student education programs on empathy and inclusiveness for more effective anti-bullying policies. This conclusion is expected to encourage further research and assist schools in formulating more comprehensive strategies in addressing bullying issues.

TPACK competence of mathematics education students in designing constructivist learning

The problem and the aim of the study. This study examines mathematics education students' TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) and constructivist learning skills. The major issue is mathematical education students' ability to integrate technology, pedagogical expertise, and mathematical content knowledge in a constructivist learning setting. The study topics include how well students employ constructivist ideas in learning design, how technology supports mathematics learning, and what variables impact their TPACK abilities. By studying it more, this research may help enhance the mathematics education curriculum and teacher training to meet 21st-century education needs. Research methods. Qualitative case study research is used in this work. 23 students of the mathematics education program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya were selected. After observing students in constructivist mathematics learning design activities, in-depth interviews were conducted to understand better their views on TPACK and the constructivist approach, and their learning plans were analyzed. Students' TPACK abilities in constructivist learning will be assessed using thematic and triangulated data analysis. The research findings may help explain the problems and opportunities of constructing a mathematics education curriculum, particularly when merging TPACK and constructivist techniques. Results. The average TPACK competency of math education students is 78.4%, according to studies. According to the TPACK component analysis, students scored 85.2% on the Technology Knowledge Test (TK), 79.6% on the Pedagogical Knowledge Test (PK), and 75.8% on the Content Knowledge Test (CK). However, CK component proficiency varied, suggesting mathematical content knowledge should be improved. In-depth interviews showed that students with formal educational technology training or courses had higher TPACK ratings (M = 82.1%) than those without (M = 76.3%). These data show that formal education and training improve TPACK abilities. To optimize the constructivist method, the CK component must be improved. This research shows that technology integration and mathematics subject mastery are crucial to constructivist learning curricula and training programs for mathematics education students. Conclusion. The constructivist learning TPACK skills of mathematics education students are examined in this study. Students demonstrated technology integration, instructional competency, and mathematical topic knowledge with an average TPACK score of 78.4%. According to TPACK component analysis, pupils have good technical skills (TK) but varied mathematics topic knowledge. TPACK scores are higher for technology education students, demonstrating the role of formal learning in competency. These findings show that CK needs to include constructivism better. In conclusion, comprehensive training and mathematical content additions can improve students' TPACK skills, enabling constructivist technology usage. These insights may assist in improving mathematics curriculum and training.

“We Just Kind of Found Ourselves”: A Narrative Study of First-Generation College Students and Belonging in Music Education

As the field of music education explores ways to mitigate barriers for underrepresented populations along the path to becoming a music teacher, the experiences of first-generation college students (FGCSs) in music teacher education programs warrant exploration. The purpose of this narrative study was to explore the lived experiences and perspectives of music educators who were FGCSs. Networks of support and mentoring were key in both the successes and challenges that participants experienced. Belonging was not a given for participants despite shared coursework and requirements with peers. Finding peers with similar backgrounds, accessing supportive relationships with faculty, and perseverance aided participants through college. Recommendations for music teacher educators include building relationships with FGCSs in targeted and strategic ways, starting in students’ first year, providing more intensive and proactive communication and advising structures, and building faculty knowledge of campus resources that may benefit FGCSs.

What do States Recommend We Teach Adolescents about Sexual Consent? A Content Analysis of K-12 Health Education Standards in the US

ABSTRACT Although universities in the US commonly implement sexual consent education programs for students that focus on understanding how to communicate sexual consent, it remains unclear to what extent sexual consent education is taking place in grades K-12. The goal of this study was to assess K-12 health education standards recommendations for sexual consent education. We conducted a content analysis of health education standards from 43 states in the US to evaluate the guidelines provided to health educators across different grade levels. Using inductive and deductive coding, we identified six themes related to sexual consent. These themes were: 1) defining sexual consent, 2) explaining the legal standard of sexual consent, 3) defining personal space, 4) promoting healthy decision-making, 5) emphasizing good communication skills, and 6) defining healthy relationships. Fewer states directly focused on sexual consent education; instead, they provided information that could indirectly relate to consent, such as discussions on relationships and personal space. Across grade levels, topics related to sexual consent became more prevalent as adolescents progressed through school. While many states’ health standards do not explicitly discuss sexual consent, they may implicitly address consent through other topics. Educators and policymakers should advocate for more explicit and detailed education on sexual consent in the K-12 school system. This could help increase the number of students educated on sexual consent before entering higher education, potentially reducing rates of sexual violence, and promoting healthier sexual behaviors and attitudes.

The Analysis of Mathematical Problem-solving Ability of Elementary School Teacher Candidate: Fraction Case

It is important for school students as well as elementary school teacher candidates to master mathematical problem-solving abilities. This study aims to analyze the mathematical problem-solving ability of elementary school teacher candidates on the concept of fractions based on Polya’s steps. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The research participants were 12 students of elementary school teacher education program whose problem-solving abilities were assessed based on the topic of fractions for 60 minutes. The results of this study indicated that students were able to understand information related to the questions; (1) determine what had already been known and what was being asked completely. In addition, students were also able to understand the relationship between the information provided. It can therefore be said that students were able to understand the problem. (2) Most students were less able to develop a correct problem-solving plan. (3) Most students completed solutions based on incorrect strategies. (4) Students rarely re-checked the problem-solving. Based on the results of the interviews, they rarely solved the problem-solving questions. Thus, it can be concluded that the level of their mathematical problem-solving ability was still low. Keywords: elementary school teacher candidate, fraction case, mathematical problem solving ability

Teaching Materials for Reading in a Professional Context to Improve the Reading Skills of English Education Program Students

Students expressed difficulty in dealing with unfamiliar vocabulary and complex sentence structures, which hindered their ability to identify important information and understand the message conveyed in the text. This research aims to develop a teaching tool called Reading for Professional Context that is appropriate to the cultural environment to improve the reading skills of students majoring in English education. This type of research is developed with a research design using the Graves model. The research subjects were two subject matter experts, two teaching materials experts, and two language experts. The trial subjects involved 22 students. Data collection methods use observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Data collection instruments with questionnaire sheets. Data analysis techniques use qualitative and quantitative analysis. The linear regression test is used to see the effect of teaching materials on reading skills. The results, namely the expert assessment, show that the product has excellent qualifications. The results of the linear regression test show that the use of "Reading for Professional Context" teaching materials significantly positively influences students' reading skills. It was concluded that the "Reading for Professional Context" teaching materials could improve students' reading skills. The findings from this research provide valuable insights for English language educators and curriculum developers in designing effective reading teaching materials to improve students' abilities in professional contexts.

A scoping review of occupational health education programs for music students and teachers

Embedding musicians’ occupational health training in music education curricula is widely recommended due to the well-documented high prevalence of performance-related health problems (PRHPs) among musicians across their lifespan. A scoping review was conducted to examine the range of evidence from implementations of musicians’ health education programs, regarding the maintenance of hearing, musculoskeletal, psychological, and vocal health, as well as injury prevention strategies to minimize the risk of PRHP. Eligible sources of evidence included published and unpublished studies reporting occupational health education programs (which may have incorporated information on physical or psychological health, exercise, or somatic movement training) implemented with pre-tertiary and tertiary music students and teachers. Studies reporting stand-alone psychological health education were excluded. Key characteristics from included studies were extracted and charted. Data charts outline commonalities across the reported results, including physical, psychological, educational, and behavioral change outcome measures. Out of 46 records included for data extraction, 35 reported programs with tertiary-aged music students, seven reported programs with pre-tertiary-aged music students, two reported programs with music teachers, and two reported systematic reviews. Reported benefits from this research with both pre-tertiary and tertiary music students suggest that musicians’ health education and injury prevention strategies reduce self-reported playing-related pain and music performance anxiety. However, future implementation studies need to address identified challenges such as effective behavior change and the enablers and barriers to the long-term adoption of strategies for optimal music performance and health outcomes. This review highlights the need for further research into designing and embedding musicians’ health education into all music training settings, including more implementations with pre-tertiary music students, as well as training to support the professional development needs of instrumental and vocal teachers.

Transnationalization of higher education in China and Asia: quality assurance and students’ learning experiences

PurposeThis study aims to fill this research gap by providing a comprehensive exploration of the transnationalization of higher education in China and Asia, with a particular focus on how institutions maintain quality assurance and how student learning experiences are reported.Design/methodology/approachThe transnationalization of higher education involves educational programs and services provided by institutions or universities in a country other than their home country where students from diverse countries are trained. The goal of transnational education is to offer higher education to students who face obstacles in physically entering the host country of a transnational program, encourage globalization, enhance cross-cultural communication and improve the quality of education by expanding students' learning opportunities, providing diverse educational experiences and elevating academic standards. The transnationalization of higher education has become a crucial endeavor in Asia, especially in countries such as China, Malaysia and Singapore, where rapid economic development and globalization have prompted the need to evolve into knowledge-driven economies to meet the increasing demand for higher education. The factors driving the expansion of transnational higher education in China and Asia include the desire for top-quality education, the allure of international students, the establishment of worldwide collaborations and aspirations to be recognized as centers of academic distinction. The rapid expansion and increasing importance of transnational higher education has underscored the vital role of quality assurance. To guarantee educational quality, maintain institutional reputation and improve overall student outcomes, several agencies and frameworks have been established to uphold international standards.FindingsBased upon extensive literature reveiw and case analysis, our findings indicated the quality assurance assessment varies and is primarily influenced by host countries and provider polices. However, students in transnational higher education programs report satisfaction with their experienes and the quality of their programs, which tends to meet their expecations.Originality/valueThis study presents the first comprehsensive literatrue rewiew and case analysis of how transnational higher education in China, Sinapore, Malaysia and Vietnam uphold quality assurance and report students learning experiences. Additionally, the findings highlight why future researceh on this topic is crucial and why forestering colloboration among countries in Asian regions is imporant in term of growing geo-politics.

A cross-sectional study of variations in schoolwork stress in academic upper secondary school classes in Mid-Norway.

This paper investigates stress related to schoolwork among students in academic upper secondary schools. The research questions asked are: 1. To what degree does students' schoolwork stress vary between academic classes?; And 2. are perceptions of classroom goal orientation, academic achievement, sex and parental education related to schoolwork stress? A cross-sectional survey was done in the final year of upper secondary school in 71 school classes from 13 schools. A total of 1955 students in academic education programs were invited to participate in the survey, and 1511 completed the survey; the response rate was 77%. The outcome measure was a composite measure of schoolwork stress (alpha = 0.81). Multilevel modeling was used to estimate school class-level effects. The mean value of schoolwork stress was 4.0, on a scale of 1 (very little schoolwork stress) to 6 (very high schoolwork stress). About half of the students reported a score of 4 or higher. The analysis showed that individual characteristics explained most of the variation in schoolwork stress. Girls experienced a much higher level of schoolwork stress than boys (mean values of 4.3 and 3.6, respectively). There was also a significant class-level effect, estimated to 6% of the variance. Students' perceptions of classroom goal orientation was also associated with schoolwork stress. The main contribution was the discovery of significant variations in schoolwork stress between school classes. We also found that higher mastery climate was linked to lower schoolwork stress, whereas higher performance climate was linked to higher schoolwork stress.

In House Training peningkatan kompetensi guru dalam pelaksanaan pendidikan vokasional di SLB Negeri Rembang

The independence of students with special needs in the future is prepared through vocational education. Teacher competency in carrying out vocational education needs to be improved so that the quality of educational services can be better. Through a qualitative approach, this research aims to present an objective picture regarding the implementation of increasing teacher competency in providing vocational education in Rembang State Special Schools. Based on the purposive sampling technique, the informants were eight class teachers who also served as vocational teachers, consisting of three men and five women. Data collection was carried out in November 2023. Data collection was carried out by observation, interviews, and documentation. Data validation uses member check techniques, triangulation techniques, and researcher persistence. Data were analyzed through inductive analysis which consists of data reduction, data display, and concluding. The results of this research indicate that training is still needed for teachers in special schools to develop vocational education programs for students with special needs involving various approaches.

Exploration and Practice of Value Cultivation for Students in Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Programs

The management cooperative education program refers to collaborative educational projects in the field of management between domestic and foreign universities. This collaboration model helps integrate high-quality education resources from both domestic and international sources, enhancing the quality of teaching and providing students with a broader international perspective and opportunities for career development. This article focuses on the exploration and practice of fostering values for students in management cooperative education. By systematically reviewing key areas such as management ideologies both domestically and internationally, corporate culture and values, and the history of world economic development, this article delves into how to effectively guide students in embracing values of openness, inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration. On the practical level, the article combines case studies of transnational corporate management practices with the growth and contributions of entrepreneurs in China and abroad, proposing a series of specific cultivation strategies and methods. By integrating case analysis with practical teaching, the aim of this article is to help students translate their learned values into tangible actions, laying a solid foundation for future career development and social responsibility. The research findings of this article have important guiding significance for promoting the cultivation of values for students in management cooperative education.

Analysis of PPL Implementation in The Prajabatan PPG Program In The Field of Sociology Studies At SMA Negeri 1 Pontianak

This research aims to identify the effectiveness of implementing Field Experience Practices (PPL) in developing the competency of Pre-Service Teacher Professional Education Program (PPG) students at SMA Negeri 1 Pontianak. The relevance of this research lies in its contribution to improving the quality of learning in schools and preparing Pre-Service PPG students to become competent teachers and ready to face the dynamics of the world of education. This research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach through data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The research population was PPL PPG students in the field of Sociology studies at SMA Negeri 1 Pontianak, the research informants were 3 students. Effective PPL allows students to develop analytical, reflective skills and teacher identity through field interaction, observation and reflection. Even though they face obstacles such as limited schedules, effective communication between students and the school can overcome them. PPL plays an important role in forming competent and professional teachers in the future. Thus, this research provides recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of PPL implementation, including by optimizing communication between students and school officials, arranging flexible schedules, and increasing the availability of facilities at schools. By overcoming these obstacles, it is hoped that the implementation of PPL can run more effectively and efficiently so that students can develop competence as prospective teachers who are ready to face the dynamics of the world of education.

The students’ perceptions of their online learning

This study intends to determine the perceptions of the in-service Teacher profession education program (PPG) students towards Indonesian network learning system (SPADA) hybrid learning. This study employed a survey method with a qualitative approach. Subjects in this study were 82 of 87 PPG Daljab 1 Batch 1 students. The technique of collecting data was through the instruments of questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire was used to obtain data about the quality of online content and the assessment of online learning that has been carried out. Interviews were conducted to confirm the results of the questionnaire data to see the compatibility between the two data. Data analysis techniques in this study were conducted qualitatively and quantitatively by considering to the research objectives. The results showed that online learning had sharp quality content, can be accepted and well understood, easy to operate and use, overcomes distance and time constraints, and has benefits that are in line with the objectives of PPG implementation.

Evaluation of a pilot food education program delivered for children in grade four attending a school located in a disadvantaged area in greater Melbourne

Primary school aged children (aged 4-12 years) in Australia consume approximately 40% of daily energy from energy-dense, nutrient poor foods and fewer than 5% meet the recommended guidelines for vegetables and fruit (ABS 2018). Poor eating habits in children can track into adulthood increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases later in life (Nicklaus 2013). Children spend a large amount of time at school where they are provided with social contexts which influence behaviour development (FAO, 2022) and thus are ideal settings for teaching children about food and nutrition (FAO, 2022; WHO 2017). This pilot study was designed in response to a call to action from a local primary school in southeast Melbourne facing disadvantage. Anecdotally, the school reported poor food literacy with many students bringing unhealthy lunches. The school asked us to design, pilot, and evaluate a student education program enabling healthier lunches among these children. The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of a 4-week food and nutrition education program delivered to grade 4 students within a disadvantaged area targeting, children’s food-related knowledge, behaviours and self-efficacy (confidence) to pack a healthy lunch. The program delivered weekly 1-hour interactive sessions over four weeks (October-November 2022). Topics included healthy eating, designing healthy lunches and food safety and were delivered using interactive games, activities, quizzes and food tasting. Students completed an online survey measuring their knowledge, self-efficacy and behaviour (e.g. foods packed in their lunchbox) pre- and post- program. A comparative analysis of the pre- and post-survey responses was performed using McNemar Tests in SPSS version 29.0. Sixty students completed both the pre- and post-surveys. A significant increase (p<0.001) in knowledge of recommended daily serves of fruit (pre 43%, post 80%) and vegetables (pre 17%, post 54%) was observed. There was also a significant (p<0.001) increase in student’s ability to identify ‘sometimes food’. No changes were observed in identification of ‘everyday food’, sources of protein and sources of dairy food or safety knowledge. Children’s confidence to make healthy food swaps significantly increased from pre- to post- program (27%45%, p = 0.035). We observed significant increases in children’s food and nutrition related knowledge for some topics and confidence to make healthy food swaps following completion of the program. A program of longer duration may be beneficial to observe additional improvements in knowledge as well as behaviour change, including foods packed in school lunches.

Features of development and qualitative manifestations of the level of psycho-emotional stability of future defectologists

Relevance. Inclusive education demands highly skilled professionals capable of aiding individuals with special needs in integrating into society. However, students pursuing these roles often experience reduced psycho-emotional stability and heightened stress levels during their training and early career stages. Purpose. This study aims to identify the causes of psychological disorders among students in inclusive education programs and propose strategies for improvement. Methodology. The research employed general scientific theoretical and empirical methods to analyse various scientific sources and conducted a preliminary survey to assess students' motivation and curiosity towards defectology studies. The study also included an analysis of the effectiveness of integrating health fundamentals into the curriculum to enhance students' mental well-being. Results. The study revealed that motivational factors significantly influence students' psycho-emotional states in defectology programs. Introduction of health fundamentals in the curriculum showed promising results in improving students' mental health. Key components contributing to psychological progress (personal, intellectual-operational, motivational, communicative, reflective) were identified during the research. Conclusions. The study identified that motivational factors significantly influence the psycho-emotional stability of students in inclusive education programs, particularly within defectology studies. Integrating health-related topics into the curriculum showed promise in improving students' mental states. Key components contributing to psychological progress include personal, intellectual-operational, motivational, communicative, and reflective aspects. The implementation of the course "Psychological Hygiene of Pedagogical Activity" for fourth-year students demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing psycho-emotional resilience and stress management skills. These findings highlight the importance of addressing motivation and integrating holistic health education to support the psychological well-being of future speech pathologists. Keywords: mental hygiene; stress resistance; inclusion; emotional flammability

SOME METHODS OF SHAPING OF THE RHETORICAL SPEECH GENRES IN THE LANGUAGE CONSCIOUSNESS OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL STUDENTS ON THE RUSSIAN CLASSES

The article analyzes the issues of methodology of training Russian language of international students in medical educational programs. Special attention is paid to the role of text as an effective learning tool, which is an important aspect of this field of work. The text is considered in the context of the communicative method and represents the result of speech activity and oral reproduction of speech in situations where different speech genres are used. The research focuses on the importance of including rhetorical speech genres in the foreign linguistic training of Russian language of the first and second year medical students in Kokshetau Shokan Ualikhanov University. The authors suggest that this approach contributes to successful communication in educational and future professional spheres. Modern speech genres for foreign language students are presented. The subject matter of these genres is determined by the peculiarities of students' linguistic picture of the world. In the process of transition from the first to the second year of study the main components of speech genres in the student's linguistic consciousness were revealed. The results of the comparison of the peculiarities of the use of rhetorical speech genres by international students of Medicine School in the educational and professional spheres at the initial stage of activity are also presented. Key words: speech genre, rhetorical genre, text, discourse, model, training content.

FEATURES AND EMPHASIS OF TEACHING FORENSIC MEDICINE FOR STUDENTS OF THE PEP "PAEDIATRICS"

This article addresses current issues in teaching the academic discipline "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law" to students of the professional educational program (PEP) "Pediatrics." With a focus on violence against children, the authors emphasize the necessity of educating pediatric students on forensic principles and practical skills. The article highlights the harmonization with international standards, the importance of awareness among students, and the critical role forensic medicine plays in pediatric training. Forensic medicine, as a discipline encompassing diverse medical fields, plays a crucial role in pediatrics. This article explores the integration of forensic principles into the PEP "Pediatrics," emphasizing the increasing societal issue of violence against children. The importance of training pediatric students to recognize and respond to such incidents while maintaining a solid evidence base is paramount.
 The authors emphasize that teaching forensic medicine to pediatric students should prioritize the following directions:
 
 Expert Involvement in Forensic Medical Examinations: Focuses on the significance of forensic medical examinations related to medical errors and offenses. Article 69 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows pediatricians to act as experts, emphasizing equivalence in rights and responsibilities with forensic medical experts.
 Physician Participation in Urgent Investigative Actions: Emphasizes the importance of practical skills, such as examining a corpse at the scene. Article 238 of the Criminal Procedure Code permits pediatricians to participate in urgent investigative actions. This includes instructing students on organizational and legal aspects, as well as theoretical and practical principles of examining a corpse at the scene.
 Accurate Documentation of Physical Injuries: Stresses the essential skill of accurately describing physical injuries on a child's body. Acknowledges the role of pediatricians in initial injury documentation, considering the potential involvement in criminal investigations.
 Accuracy and Completeness of Medical Documentation: Underscores the critical nature of accurate and complete medical documentation, serving as evidence in criminal proceedings. The article discusses potential legal consequences for physicians due to improper maintenance.
 Recording Sexual Offenses Against Children: Introduces an elective course focusing on preventing sexual offenses against children and domestic violence. Aims to form theoretical and practical competencies in students, adhering to the "Istanbul Protocol" and emphasizing the role of pediatricians in recognizing and responding to sexual violence against children.
 
 Therefore, educating pediatric students on how to act in such cases, how to work with patients without compromising the evidence base, and simultaneously providing timely medical assistance becomes paramount. This ensures the preparation of a highly qualified specialist in pediatrics whose competencies align with their professional qualification characteristics.
 Conclusion.
 
 Harmonizing domestic legislation with EU norms and standards as part of Ukraine's integration into the EU creates priority directions in teaching the discipline "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law."
 Insufficient awareness among pediatric students and a casual attitude towards the consequences of unprofessional actions or inaction in future professional activities contribute to a lack of motivation for studying "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law."
 Teaching forensic medicine is a crucial part of pediatric training. By providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to cases of violence against children, we can help protect children and ensure they receive the necessary assistance.

Evaluating an obstetrics and gynecology teaching program for medical students incorporating simulation-based education underpinned by cognitive load theory.

Although there have been previous publications on curriculum innovations in teaching O&G to medical students, especially utilizing simulation-based education, there have been none, as far as we know, incorporating and evaluating the outcomes using cognitive load theory. The aim of this article was to describe the introduction, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative teaching program in O&G, incorporating simulation-based education, underpinned by cognitive load theory. Cognitive load is defined as the amount of information a working memory can hold at any one time and incorporates three types of cognitive load-intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. To optimize learning, educators are encouraged to manage intrinsic cognitive load, minimize extraneous cognitive load, and promote germane cognitive load. In these sessions, students were encouraged to prepare in advance of each session with recommended reading materials; to limit intrinsic cognitive load and promote germane cognitive load, faculty were advised ahead of each session to manage intrinsic cognitive load, an open-book MCQ practice session aimed to reduce anxiety, promote psychological safety, and minimize extraneous cognitive load. For the simulation sessions, the faculty initially demonstrated the role-play situation or clinical skill first, to manage intrinsic cognitive load and reduce extraneous cognitive load. The results of the evaluation showed that the students perceived that they invested relatively low mental effort in understanding the topics, theories, concepts, and definitions discussed during the sessions. There was a low extraneous cognitive load. Measures of germane cognitive load or self-perceived learning were high. The primary message is that we believe this teaching program is a model that other medical schools globally might want to consider adopting, to evaluate and justify innovations in the teaching of O&G to medical students. The secondary message is that evaluation of innovations to teaching and facilitation of learning using cognitive load theory is one way to contribute to the high-quality training of competent future healthcare workers required to provide the highest standard of care to women who are crucial to the overall health and wellbeing of a nation.

Use of infant simulators as an aid in pregnancy and parenting educational interventions for school-aged students: a scoping review.

Schools and school teachers often focus on content aimed at delaying sexual debut and preventing teenage pregnancy, and address the impacts of risky behaviours on infant health. Infant simulators are increasingly used in health education courses. However, it is unclear how effective this education is. In this review, we examined the evidence for the effectiveness and use of pregnancy/parenting education programmes for school-aged students using infant simulators. Infant simulators are lifelike replicas of human newborn babies that have electronic capacity to mimic a range of infant behaviours. These may include feeding, comfort needs and nappy changing. Responses to these replicated behaviours may be recorded to provide feedback of the adequacy of the response for educational purposes and provide feedback to prospective parents and caregivers. This review followed the guidelines for conducting a scoping review developed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). After following the process as recommended by the JBI, 32 eligible articles were selected for inclusion. Eight themes emerged from the analysis and it was found that the use of infant simulators in terms of effectiveness was not conclusive. This may be due to lack of longitudinal studies examining the impact of the education provided. Furthermore, the literature did not address innovations of infant simulators that replicate infants with particular characteristics, those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, shaken baby syndrome or challenges from parental substance use. Further research is required to determine the long-term impact of using infant simulators on reducing risky behaviours. Given these challenges, it is important to support initiatives for sex, pregnancy and parenting education among all students.