Educational Strategies Research Articles

Labor Force Participation Rate Prediction of China: Scenario Simulation Based on Education and Retirement Strategies

Labor Force Participation Rate Prediction of China: Scenario Simulation Based on Education and Retirement Strategies

Insights from end-of-career general practitioners on changing working conditions and generational differences: considerations for future strategies.

The landscape of general practice has experienced notable transformations in recent decades, profoundly influencing the working conditions of general practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to examine the most salient changes affecting GPs' daily practices. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 end-of-career GPs, the study explored how these changes affected work organization, equipment, working hours, work-life balance, job satisfaction, training, patient relationships, and reputation. The interviews revealed that these changes were perceived as barriers, opportunities, or a complex interplay of both for general practice. While the interviewed GPs valued technological advancements and reported positive developments in working conditions, challenges included a gradual reduction in the range of tasks, growing administrative burdens, and less practical training for young physicians. Other changes, such as new doctor-patient dynamics, the transition from single to group practice, and differing professional expectations of the younger generation, were seen as both challenging and strengthening for general practice. By combining these factors and trade-offs observed by end-of-career GPs in our study over the past few decades with general societal changes, we provide ideas for the design of future framework conditions in general practice that might enhance the attractiveness of the profession. These insights offer key considerations that can guide future strategies for general practice and medical education.

Development of a tailored educational strategy in primary schools to cope with volatility of education in internally displaced camps: a case study from Northwest Syria

Development of a tailored educational strategy in primary schools to cope with volatility of education in internally displaced camps: a case study from Northwest Syria

Rural comprehensive cancer care: Qualitative analysis of current challenges and opportunities.

While limited resources can make high-quality, comprehensive, coordinated cancer care provision challenging in rural settings, rural cancer patients often rely on local hospitals for care. To develop resources and strategies to support high-quality local cancer care, it is critical to understand the current experiences of rural cancer care physicians, including perceived strengths and challenges of providing cancer care in rural areas. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 cancer providers associated with all 12 non-metropolitan/rural Iowa hospitals that diagnose or treat >100 cancer patients annually. Iterative thematic analysiswas conducted to develop domains. Participants identified geographic proximity and sense of community as strengths of local care. They described decision-making processes and challenges related to referring patients to larger centers for complex procedures, including a lack of dedicated navigators to facilitate and track transfers between institutions and occasional lack of respect from academic physicians. Participants reported a desire for strengthening collaborations with larger urban/academic cancer centers, including access to educational opportunities, shared resources and strategies to collect and monitor data on quality, and clinical trials. Rural cancer care providers are dedicated to providing high-quality care close to home for their patients and would welcome opportunities to increase collaboration with larger centers to improve coordination and comprehensiveness of care, collect and monitor data on quality of care, and access continuing education opportunities. Further research is needed to develop implementation approaches that will extend resources, services, and expertise to rural providers to facilitate high-quality cancer care for all cancer patients.

Navigating the complex dynamics of anesthesiologists’ professional identity formation in the context of their specialty training program: a phenomenographic perspective

BackgroundA specialty training program is crucial for shaping future specialist doctors, imparting clinical knowledge and skills, and fostering a robust professional identity. This study investigates how anesthesiologists develop their professional identity while navigating unique challenges specific to their specialty. The formation of professional identity in anesthesiology significantly influences doctors’ well-being, teamwork, and ultimately patient care, making it a crucial aspect of anesthesiology education. Utilizing a phenomenographic approach, the research explores the learners’ personal experiences and perspectives of professional identity formation in their specialty training programs, providing valuable insights for enhancing future anesthetic educational programs.MethodThe data for this phenomenographic study were collected through semi-structured interviews with anesthesiology trainees and specialists, guided by open-ended questions. The interviews were conducted at a Swedish university hospital, and participant selection used purposive sampling, providing rich and diverse data for analysis after 15 interviews. Iterative analysis followed the seven-step phenomenographic approach. The research team, comprising qualitative research and anesthesiology education experts, ensured result validity through regular review, discussion, and reflective practices.ResultsThe study reveals three fundamental dimensions: ‘Knowledge of Subject Matter,’ ‘Knowledge of Human Relations,’ and ‘Knowledge of Affect.’ These dimensions offer insights into how anesthesiologists comprehend anesthesiology as a profession, navigate interactions with colleagues and patients, and interpret emotional experiences in anesthesiology practice – all crucial elements in the formation of professional identity. The findings could be synthesized and further described by three conceptions: The Outcome-Driven Learner, the Emerging Collaborator, and the Self-Directed Caregiver.ConclusionThe study uncovers differing learner understandings in the development of anesthesiologists’ professional identity. Varying priorities, values, and role interpretations highlight the shortcomings of a generic, one-size-fits-all educational strategy. By acknowledging and integrating these nuanced learner perspectives, as elucidated in detail in this study, the future of anesthesia education can be improved. This will necessitate a holistic approach, intertwining both natural sciences and humanities studies, focus on tacit knowledge, and flexible teaching strategies, to guarantee thorough professional development, lifelong learning, and resilience.

Implementation of team based learning for MBBS students – An innovative teaching learning method in medical education

Team-Based Learning (TBL) is an educational approach that enhances student engagement through individual assessments and collaborative group work. It is an effective and structured form of small group learning adaptable to large classroom settings. TBL ensures student accountability through various stages, including pre-class preparation, readiness assurance tests, problem-solving exercises, and immediate feedback. This study aims to implement and assess the efficacy of the TBL strategy among MBBS students in a large group teaching environment. The pilot study adopted a TBL approach, involving steps such as pre-class preparation with PDF materials and a WhatsApp video guide issued a week prior, individual and team readiness assurance tests (iRAT and tRAT) conducted via Google Forms and hard copy MCQs, clarification sessions on MCQs and relevant medical topics, and collaborative learning through case scenarios related to Type 2 diabetes. Discussions and conclusions were facilitated by the faculty, followed by immediate and scheduled feedback using Google Forms. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t-test to compare iRAT and tRAT scores. The study gathered 133 responses from the first batch and 140 from the second batch of first year MBBS students. The analysis revealed significant improvements in scores from iRAT to tRAT, indicating the effectiveness of TBL in enhancing student learning outcomes. Feedback from the students showed high levels of engagement and interest in the learning process, with over 98% in both batches finding the TBL approach interesting and interactive. The findings suggest that TBL is a valuable and effective educational strategy that improves learning outcomes and fosters collaborative learning among students.

The courage to advocate: How two professions approach public advocacy work.

While health advocacy is an established physician role, most of the educational attention to advocacy has been at the individual patient level. Public advocacy-efforts to effect change at the level of communities, populations or society-remains a poorly defined concept whose educational foundation is underdeveloped. To enrich our understanding of public advocacy, we explored how professionals in two disciplines-medicine and law-have approached its tasks and experienced its challenges. Using constructivist grounded theory, we interviewed 18 professionals (nine physicians, eight lawyers and one qualified in both disciplines) who engage in public advocacy. We used constant comparison throughout an iterative process of data collection and analysis to develop an understanding of what it means to be a professional in the public domain. Public advocacy work occurs at the intersection of personal and professional identities. Lawyers perceived public advocacy as an embedded element of their professional identity, while physicians more often viewed it as outside their core professional scope. Nonetheless, professional identity influenced how both groups conducted their work. Physicians were more likely to draw on professional attitudes (e.g. their orientation towards evidence and their trusted social position), while lawyers were more likely to draw on professional skills (e.g. building an argument and litigating test cases). The work requires courage and often demands that individuals tolerate personal and professional risk. While medicine has enshrined advocacy in its competency frameworks, it is the legal profession whose practitioners more fully embrace advocacy as intrinsic to professional identity, suggesting that roles are difficult to engineer or impose. Collaboration across public-facing professions like medicine and law creates opportunities to reimagine public advocacy, to identify the skills required to do it well and to refresh educational strategies.

Development of a Curriculum for Emergency Physicians to Teach Transesophageal Echocardiography for Cardiac Arrests: A Kern Six-Step Model

BACKGROUND: The Kern model facilitates the development, implementation, and evaluation of successful educational systems in medicine. It involves six steps that link curricular content to health care needs. One such need is the design of a curriculum to teach emergency physicians practical use of focused transesophageal echocardiography employing a limited number of views for management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The objective of this analysis was to describe the components of such a curriculum based on a Kern model that could be employed to train emergency department providers in this diagnostic modality. METHODS: We predicated our analysis on the American College of Emergency Physicians’ recommendations and goals for use of transesophageal echocardiography to guide emergency department cardiac arrest resuscitation. We then detailed an asynchronous pre-didactic learning experience followed by a synchronous didactic and simulation-based curriculum to teach emergency physicians how to acquire and interpret images for this purpose based upon steps set forth by a Kern model. RESULTS: The component steps in designing a curriculum constructed to teach focused transesophageal echocardiography for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to emergency physicians are rigorously outlined. These components based on a Kern model include problem identification and a general needs assessment, a targeted needs assessment, defining goals and objectives, choosing educational strategies, curricular implementation, and program evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a six-step Kern model as a template can facilitate the development and dissemination of a curriculum to teach emergency physicians successfully to employ focused transesophageal echocardiography in the treatment of cardiac arrests. In order to promote its widest dissemination, this model should be pursued in a “train-the-trainer” fashion. In so doing, appropriate education of emergency physicians and their use of transesophageal echocardiography to manage cardiac arrests likely can be rapid and impactful, especially among providers with training and experience in transthoracic echocardiography.

Addressing the burden of cervical cancer for Indigenous women in Latin America and the Caribbean: a call for action

Cervical cancer, primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, poses a significant global health challenge. Due to higher levels of poverty and health inequities, Indigenous women worldwide are more vulnerable to cervical cancer than their non-Indigenous counterparts. However, despite constituting nearly 10% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the true extent of the burden of cervical cancer among Indigenous people in this region remains largely unknown. This article reviews the available information on cervical cancer incidence and mortality, as well as HPV infection prevalence, among Indigenous women in LAC. The limited existing data suggest that Indigenous women in this region face a heightened risk of cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Indigenous women. Nevertheless, a substantial knowledge gap persists that must be addressed to comprehensively assess the burden of cervical cancer among Indigenous populations, especially through enhancing cancer surveillance across LAC countries. Numerous structural, social and cultural barriers hindering Indigenous women’s access to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening worldwide have been identified and are reviewed in this article. The discussion highlights the critical role of culturally sensitive education, community engagement, and empowerment strategies in overcoming those barriers. Drawing insights from the success of targeted strategies in certain high-income countries, the present article advocates for research, policies and healthcare interventions tailored to the unique context of LAC countries.

Adapting to the Digital Age: An Evaluation of Online Learning Strategies in Public Health and Social Care Education

Introduction. The global shift towards digital education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of higher education. Public health and social care programmes have adapted to this transformation, embracing online learning strategies to engage students. This study focuses on the assessment of online learning experiences in public health and social care education, particularly during the post-COVID-19 period. Materials and Methods. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 49 university students in England. These phases, conducted both in person and via video, were audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. A purposive sampling technique was employed to gather data, and framework analysis facilitated data management and interpretation. Results. The presentation highlights three main themes and 12 accompanying sub-themes that capture the clear preferences of students for both in-person and online learning methods. The findings elucidate the merits and demerits of online learning strategies in contrast to traditional face-to-face classes. Online classes offer distinct advantages in terms of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and technological proficiency. However, they also bring to the fore concerns related to social isolation, mental health challenges, technical challenges, and distractions within the home environment. Conclusion. Considering the global transition to digital education, this study contributes to the dynamic discourse surrounding online learning in the post-COVID-19 era. The diverse preferences expressed by students highlight the importance of personalised and flexible teaching methods in online education, underlining the need for adaptability and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.

Far-right parties and the politics of education in Europe

ABSTRACT Formal education shapes the distribution of opportunities and cultural profile of European societies. Political parties, in turn, play a key role in shaping formal education. Focusing largely on the traditional contenders for government in Europe, research on the politics of education shows that parties prioritise redistributive issues and politicise them in line with their electorates’ material interests. It remains unclear to what extent these findings apply to a more recent, but highly successful party family: the far right. This review article and introduction to a special issue integrates existing scholarship from education and political science with findings from six new case studies from across Europe. It argues that far-right parties in Eastern and Western Europe frame education primarily as a means of disseminating (conservative and nativist) culture and values, rather than as a means of redistributing opportunities. In revaluing the cultural dimension of education for far-right partisan politics, the article and the special issue therefore not only provide insight into the educational strategies of an increasingly powerful actor in European politics, but also shed light on the mechanisms and determinants underlying the partisan dynamics that will contribute to shaping the future of European education and societies more generally.

Strategies for coping and dealing with lateral violence among Aboriginal people living in south-east Australia

ABSTRACT Objective Lateral violence, a group of behaviours directed towards people of the same group, is considered endemic among Aboriginal people. Behaviours include bullying, gossiping, isolation or exclusion of certain group members, and challenges to one’s Aboriginal identity. Lateral violence impacts all aspects of one’s life. Due to its pervasiveness, this qualitative study investigated strategies employed by Aboriginal people to deal with lateral violence. Method Yarns with 17 knowledge-holders (53% male, 47% female; aged between 18 and 65 years) took place in south-east Australia. Thematic analysis and yarn summaries were used to analyse the yarns. Results Strategies identified to deal with lateral violence included changes to one’s attitude towards lateral violence, connecting with others, one’s culture and community to improve wellbeing, education strategies, and systemic change. Conclusion Supporting the development of Aboriginal identity, promoting social and emotional wellbeing, and true self-determination has the potential to heal Aboriginal communities and reduce lateral violence in the process.

Fostering Peer Evaluation and Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor (CAP) Domains in School Level Science Education: A Critical Reflection on the STEAM Approach

Fostering Peer Evaluation and Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor (CAP) Domains in School Level Science Education: A Critical Reflection on the STEAM Approach

Improving English Language Proficiency through Podcasts: A Multifaceted Educational Approach

This paper probes into the strength of podcasts in building the English language through varied dimensions of a learning approach. The paper sought to establish the applicability of podcasts in the learning of languages among EFL students, given that podcasts are increasingly becoming an informal learning platform. The study was carried out among learners of different age groups and language proficiency levels, and the collection of statistics regarding the use of podcasts within language learning was affected through both quantitative and qualitative data. Important findings indicate that regular use of podcasts can make the process of vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension, and general proficiency stronger. Such findings support the use of podcasts in gaining better language competence in that it not only presents rich contextual content in an accessible manner but also puts into play learner skills. In effect, the inclusion of podcasts into the learning curriculum has implications that are far-reaching in that it could offer an effective improvement in the traditional methodologies of language learning by enhancing a dynamic and flexible learning environment that meets the needs of all learners. This research paper points out the imperative nature of podcasts in modern educational strategies and suggests their application in a wider context of language learning frameworks to bring about superior linguistic competence.

Inside the Disposal Box: A Study on Biomedical Waste Awareness Among Aspiring Dental Professionals

Background: Biomedical waste management across India has become a growing concern for dentists. This study investigates biomedical waste management knowledge in the context of dental education. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, compliance and understanding levels of dental students regarding the processing and disposal of biomedical waste.Methods: This study was conducted among students and interns of a rural dental college in Maharashtra, India. A pre-designed survey was administered to dental students in various academic years. Investigations include waste classification, segregation, disposal technologies, safety procedures, and environmental impacts associated with biomedical waste.Results: A total of 150 students participated. The male/female ratio is 1:1.31. On average, 88% and 12% of students have correct and incorrect information about biomedical waste.Conclusion: The results of this study can form the basis for the development of educational strategies and interventions to raise awareness and ensure responsible biomedical waste management in medical education, dentistry, and medical facilities.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 198-202

Attitudes towards snakebite health education and associated factors among residents in China: A national cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate attitudes towards health education on snakebites and to identify the influencing factors among Chinese residents. Additionally, we proposed effective health education strategies for snakebite management. Between May 2022 and February 2023, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey using a multistage sampling method with supplementary snowball sampling. We used descriptive analysis, χ2 tests, and univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models to analyse the data. We included 56 669 respondents in the analysis. The average score for snakebite knowledge was 12.13 ± 5.26 points, with a maximum score of 28. Among the respondents, 72.66 and 63.03% of the residents believed that it was necessary to disseminate knowledge about snakebites and expressed a willingness to receive snakebite training, respectively. Respondents from the northeast region, respondents with a higher education level, and respondents with higher scores for snakebite knowledge, health knowledge, health skills, and social-psychological adjustment skills exhibited more positive attitudes towards snakebite knowledge dissemination and training. Conversely, respondents from eastern or southern China, respondents older than 60, and respondents who lived in rudimentary housing conditions showed a lower perception of the need for snakebite knowledge dissemination and were less willing to participate in snakebite knowledge and skill training. Generally, Chinese residents have positive attitudes towards snakebite knowledge dissemination and training. However, the public lacks sufficient knowledge about snakebites. Therefore, we should pay close attention to areas south of the Yangtze River to strengthen snakebite health education using engaging formats that align with residents' interests, such as short videos or television programmes, in an attempt to and ultimately improve health literacy and prevention awareness.

Fostering Global Success Empowering Young Learners in Online Education

This qualitative descriptive study explores the independent characteristics of second-grade students at Betro Elementary School (SDN Betro) within the context of online learning. Through interviews, observations, and documentation, the study investigates the self-reliance of students, the dynamics of parent-student interaction, and the daily habits cultivated by students in response to online education. Findings reveal a notable level of self-reliance among students, manifested in their ability to complete tasks autonomously and adhere to schedules. Positive communication and collaboration between parents and students are observed, fostering a conducive learning environment. The study underscores the importance of nurturing self-reliance in elementary students for successful online learning and provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to optimize remote education at the elementary level. Highlight: Student Autonomy: Second graders excel independently in navigating online learning environments. Parental Support: Positive parental engagement enhances children's online learning experience. Educational Impact: Fostering self-reliance in elementary students optimizes online education strategies. Keywoard: Elementary Education, Self-Reliance, Online Learning, Parent-Student Interaction, Qualitative Research

Consumer Awareness and Willingness Level at Banlat Gas Stations Regarding Biofuel Act: Bases for Sustainable Energy Transition and Education Strategies

In the pursuit of sustainable energy practices, the study focuses on assessing the awareness and willingness of selected respondents at 11 well-known gas stations in Banlat regarding the Biofuel Act. Against the backdrop of global efforts to mitigate environmental impact and promote renewable energy sources, understanding consumer perspectives becomes paramount. This study aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between consumer awareness, demographic characteristics, and their willingness regarding the Biofuel Act. Using a quantitative research approach with 440 respondents sampled through quota sampling, the study examines the demographic profile (age, education, socio-economic status). Findings show most respondents are aged 23–44, with bachelor’s degrees, and from the lower-middle-income bracket. While awareness of the Biofuel Act is low ("Slightly Aware"), there's notable willingness ("Somewhat Willing") to support it. There's a weak relationship between demographic factors and awareness, except for education level, which has a moderate impact, suggesting higher education correlates with greater awareness. Similarly, demographic factors show weak correlation with willingness. These insights are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to refine consumer education strategies and promote sustainable energy practices.

Generational Differences in Sustainable Consumption Behavior among Chinese Residents: Implications Based on Perceptions of Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyle

To deal with the challenges posed by generational differences in China’s sustainable consumption transition, this study’s pioneers using a mixed-methods approach with data mining and literature research to classify Chinese residents into four generations based on the sustainable consumption perspective. We developed a conceptual model of generational differences and conducted an empirical study using structured interviews with a multi-stage random sampling approach. The results highlight significant differences and distinct influencing mechanisms among the four generations regarding perceptions of sustainable consumption, lifestyle, and sustainable consumption behavior. Based on this, multi-generational differentiated green marketing strategies, green product development and green marketing practices, as well as consumer education systems and strategies for stakeholders including the government, enterprises, and society are proposed. The findings contribute to advancing theoretical perspectives in sustainable consumption research, serving as a valuable reference for sustainable consumption research worldwide.

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

AbstractThis 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.