Practical Experience Research Articles

Dynamics of teaching practice in South Africa: A nexus between theory and practice

Teaching practice is organized to prepare student-teachers by providing skilled supervision, practical experience, mentoring and support, collaborative learning, and insightful practice. However, it has been found that when student teachers embark on teaching practice, they find it hard to put into practice the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in teacher training institutions. The study aimed to explore how this program is organized to equip student-teachers with skills for handling learners' academic needs in schools, the challenges encountered by student-teachers during teaching practice and possible solutions. For this interpretive, qualitative case study research, two universities were purposively sampled and in each of the universities, three university supervisors and four student teachers were selected. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used as data collection tools. The findings indicated that even though teaching practice is a well-organized programme, challenges were noted. The findings indicated that to a certain degree, teaching practice appears to be fragmented, thus ineffective in assisting student-teachers, and this was evident from the student-teacher’s inability to cope with teaching tasks. Conflicts between teachers and school managers, overcrowded classrooms, misbehaving learners, and unavailability of resources emerged as challenges. The study also reported a gap between theory and practice as student teachers failed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practice. The study recommended a close relationship between teacher training institutions and schools so that when students embark on teaching practice, they can relate to the real complexities of teaching in schools, thus this will bring about the implementation of theory to practical teaching experience.

Experiential Learning in Daylighting Course through Performance Measurements

The main objective of this study is to adapt research studies on performance measurements for daylighting design to education. An experimental course has been introduced in Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the curriculum was developed by including active learning beside the traditional learning environment. The parameters used in the schematic design and design development stages are presented, and the curriculum topics and practical experience are explained in the study. Particularly performance measurements are associated with course assignments. Curriculum results are evaluated qualitatively with assignment results and quantitatively with surveys. Current and emerging metrics are included in lab assignments and results of course assessments show that emerging metrics in daylighting technology and practical experience had attraction over participants. As a result of the evaluation of two sample courses, differences emerge regarding the courses that can be given at undergraduate and graduate levels. These differences are grouped into traditional lecture learning environments and experiential learning environments. The learning outcomes of the course curricula are summarized as gaining the knowledge and skills to communicate technically at the level of design practitioner for the student aiming for undergraduate graduation and at the level of the research community for the student aiming for graduate level.

Examining changes in teacher education programs: A case study approach

This study retrospectively examines teaching practice within Israeli teacher education programs. A pilot study investigates the implementation of a novel teacher education program in Israeli academia, with a focus on the freedom it grants to institutions. This program emerged during the Covid-19 crisis when e-learning dominated. The study assesses 45 respondents' perceptions of teaching practice and the academia-school relationship through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. On the quantitative front, the study involved the examination of several questionnaires. These included a self-efficacy questionnaire, an attitude survey regarding teaching, an evaluation of professional identity, and an attitude questionnaire centered on practical experiences within schools. In the assessment of self-efficacy, we utilized a modified version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Additionally, the researchers crafted the other questionnaires. The study also encompassed an exploration of student satisfaction levels concerning collaboration during practical experiences, the acquisition of various skills during school-based practice, and the correlation between the teacher training program's different courses and practical work within school settings. The research covered the documentation and formative assessment of the design and alteration processes within teacher education based on the outlined changes. The study evaluated these processes through primary documents from the academic institution, which provided evidence of the change preparation. It also analyzes the goals, learning outcomes, and teaching methods for students specializing in education. The study highlights changes in teaching practice that foster connections between academia and the field, particularly in pedagogy. These changes focus on the intensified school-based experience, paired with e-teaching workshops. Findings reveal that in evaluating teaching practice competence, interpersonal skills and professional identity rank highly among skills gained during field experiences. The research also showcases the acquisition of essential teaching and class management skills. The study raises questions regarding the program's impact on institutions, particularly concerning its role in enhancing autonomy and relevance. The study evaluates the program’s potential as a catalyst for effective teacher education and its ability to attract mission-driven, motivated individuals to the teaching profession.

Financial indicators utilization among community pharmacists: A comprehensive study for pharmacy management.

The financial management of community pharmacies is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, as pharmacists often operate as healthcare providers and business managers. Understanding pharmacists' awareness, perceptions, and practices related to financial indicators is essential for effective pharmacy management. There is a paucity of research addressing this issue regionally and locally. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and utilization of financial indicators among community pharmacists in Jordan and identify demographic and contextual factors influencing their financial practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 353 community pharmacists from various regions of Jordan. The developed and validated survey assessed demographic characteristics, utilizations of financial indicators, and perceptions of their significance. Pharmacists were queried about their financial practices, including the use of various financial indicators. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to portray the study's findings. The study included a diverse group of community pharmacists in terms of demographic characteristics. Most pharmacists exhibited awareness of financial indicators, with a higher awareness of profitability and liquidity indicators. Pharmacists generally had positive perceptions of the importance of these indicators in daily practice. High agreement was observed in financial practices, including following up on payables and receivables, monitoring changes in monthly revenue, and preparing income statements. There was significant variation in the utilization and perception of financial indicators based on factors such as pharmacy ownership, province, foundation age, and practical experience. The findings indicate a positive correlation between utilization and perception, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of financial indicators among pharmacists. The study also highlights the significance of tailored financial training programs for pharmacists at different stages of their careers and the importance of regional context in financial practices. Understanding these variations can lead to more effective financial management and improved healthcare services in community pharmacies.

Research on the innovative path of precise communication of Chinese Martial Arts under the background of the "One Belt and One Road"

Research on the innovative path of precise communication of Chinese Martial Arts under the background of the "One Belt and One Road"

Clinical Experience of Nurses in a Consultative Hospice Palliative Care Service.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to employ Colaizzi's phenomenological research method to elucidate and understand the essence of practical experiences among consultative hospice palliative care nurses working in hospice institutions. The participants in the study were 15 consultative hospice palliative care nurses with over 1 year of work experience in institutions located in S City, I City, and K Province in South Korea. Data were collected from 23 in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological qualitative method. The practical experiences of consultative hospice palliative nurses were categorized into five categories, 10 theme clusters, and 25 themes. The five categories included "being aware of patients' situations at the time of transition to hospice palliative care," "empathizing with patients and their families by putting oneself in the other's shoes," "providing patient and family-centered end-of-life care," "experiencing difficulties in practical tasks," and "striving to improve hospice service quality." This study is significant in that it provides practical data for understanding the experiences of consultative hospice palliative care nurses caring for terminally ill patients. This could enhance our understanding of care solutions that effectively tackle the challenges consultative hospice palliative care nurses encounter while fulfilling their roles.

A Model for Teaching and Evaluation of Programming Courses in Online mode

To protect community health in the face of the recent spread of COVID-19 epidemic, the world has shifted towards online education. Academics must handle the difficulties presented by the switch from conventional to online learning to preserve the learning process and guarantee that all learning goals are met. One of the key components of engineering education that is significantly impacted using online learning is practical experience. Due to the university's closing and the need for social distance in covid era, students were not able to access physical laboratories. In the present post-covid times, with the rising interest in online courses for skill enhancement and personal growth, institutions and ed-tech companies offering practical courses are finding it difficult to impart programming subjects to students. Another equally important aspect is the choice of right assessment technique for assessing the skill set acquired during the course. This paper proposes a model for conducting lab sessions for practical courses of computer programming, and assessment structure through which coding efficiency of a student can be judged.

“Say It in Broken English”: The Languages of Border Crossing and Hospitality

Drawing on Derrida’s and Ricoeur’s theories of language and hospitality, the author takes up the problem of the hostility embedded in the discourses of welcome when it comes to migrants’ experiences of border regimes and border practices. “Broken English,” in this context, represents a site of conflict: a vehicular language to be avoided or overcome, a “language of refuge,” even a means of forming a community. To explore language as alternative terrain to be policed or an opening to be exploited, the author considers how civil-society art projects involving immigrants and refugees might enable new civic relationships. Focusing on the Shoe Project, a storytelling and performance workshop for immigrant and refugee women, the author asks to what extent the project is about helping the stranger speak like “us” and to what extent it can open space for a different kind of immigration story from those imposed by the legal languages of immigration.

The learning curve of a dynamic navigation system used in endodontic apical surgery

Background/purposeQuantitative in vitro research was conducted on the learning process of a dynamic navigation system. This study provides guidance for the promotion and application of dynamic navigation technology in the endodontic apical surgery field. Materials and methodsStandardized models were designed and 3D printed to form the approach operation of endodontic apical surgery. 6 clinicians with no experience in dynamic navigation performed the operation. The distance deviation tolerance was set as 0.6 mm, and the angle deviation tolerance was set as 5°. Fifteen mm deep approach operation was completed using dynamic navigation. Each operator performed 10 consecutive exercises on the models. The positioning deviation and operation time of each operator for each practice were recorded. Based on this, the learning curve of the dynamic navigation of every operator was mapped. The learning difficulty of dynamic navigation was evaluated. ResultsThe learning curves of all operators reached a stable level after the 7th practice, which can ensure that the distance and angle deviations are maintained within the deviation tolerances (0.6 mm, 5°). ConclusionOperators with no experience in dynamic navigation technology need practice to master dynamic navigation operations. For this navigation system, operators with no operational experience can master dynamic navigation operations after 7 exercises.

The Problems and Difficulties of Medical Devices in Chongqing in Response to Public Health Incidents in 2022

Background and Aim: In the face of emergencies such as large-scale infectious diseases, some medical device manufacturers either do not have enough practical research and development experience in related epidemic prevention medical devices or use cheaper raw materials to reduce product quality in the research and development stage to save costs and increase profits. purpose, and even use various channels and means to bypass market supervision and produce problematic medical devices from the very beginning. Or, to take advantage of the public's panic about unknown infectious diseases, some unscrupulous merchants falsely advertise products that do not meet medical requirements, confusing the masses without certain professional cognitive ability, blindly believing and following them, and causing sudden large-scale infectious diseases. It cannot effectively reduce and contain the spread of diseases or other public health events. Infectious diseases spread rapidly in various cities. This is the problem with the quality supervision of medical devices under public health emergencies. From this new crown pneumonia epidemic, it can be found that the existing system is still unable to meet the needs of emergencies such as public health. It is necessary to do a good job of system reserves for the accessibility of drugs and medical devices from the level of laws and regulations. This needs to be sorted out to achieve accessibility. The existing regulations and systems should be improved to meet the needs of medical device use in public health and other emergencies. Materials and Methods: Safety testing of medical devices used in 26 public health events using Chinese national standards Results: The histogram of sample scores in the operation link reveals a complex landscape with an increased sample size. This data accentuates the intricate scoring dynamics and intricate qualification rates within the operation link, showcasing variations even among identical products from the same manufacturer. The case of "LFR20B" and "LFR30B" infrared forehead thermometers exemplifies how subtle factors, such as the weighting of specific performance indicators, contribute to scoring distinctions. Despite the "LFR20B" model achieving a higher score, it falls short of the category's passing threshold, underscoring the intricate nature of sample evaluations. However, it is noteworthy that 58% of the samples successfully meet national standards and pass the inspection, indicating a substantial portion complying with regulatory requirements. Conclusion: Laws and regulations need to be improved, there are hidden dangers in regulation, the ability of regulatory teams needs to be improved, medical device enterprises have problems, medical devices should strictly follow national standards, and the public should actively participate in medical device regulation.

Inclusive education peculiarities of teachers' perception of a learner with a disability

Introduction. Currently, in the context of the of the education system humanization and with the tendency to increase the proportion of students with disabilities in the total number of children, special attention is paid to creating an inclusive educational environment in basic education institutions. There is a natural increase in requirements for the quality of differentiated educational programs implementation, which is largely determined not only by special professional competences among teachers, but by their individual characteristics as well. In this regard, the issue of accounting for teachers' perception of students with disabilities in the education system is brought out. Aim. The aim of the presented study was to identify the characteristics of the perception of students with disabilities by teachers who have different experiences of interacting with this category of students. Methods of research. The questionnaire survey was attended by 336 teachers. Methods of mathematical statistics: nonparametric criterion Mann–Whitney U-test, correlation coefficient r-Spearman. Statistical calculations were done using a specialized IBM SPSS Statistics 22 program. The results of the study. It is found that the structure of perception of a student with a disability among teachers with diverse experience of interaction with students with disabilities is characterized by a significant number of positive connections between its components. Differences in teachers' attitudes towards students with disabilities (U=121.0; p = 0.003), their emotional attitude (U=120,0; p = 0,000) as well as in the readiness of teachers to implement the educational process (U=118.0; p = 0.000) were revealed. The lack of this experience leads a teacher to the prejudiced assessment of difficulties when organizing and implementing the educational process with the participation of students with disabilities and contributes to the growth of emotional stress in teachers during classes. Scientific novelty. The structure of perception of a learner with a disability by teachers was developed and empirically confirmed on the basis of significant connections of mindsets, attitude and readiness of the teacher. Practical significance. The results of the study will make it possible to develop effective measures of psychological and pedagogical support for teachers in inclusive education, including additional professional programs on inclusive education, accumulation of practical experience of interaction with persons with disabilities in the educational process and everyday life, discussion and elaboration of emotional experiences that arise when interacting with students with a disability.

Analyzing computer vision models for detecting customers: a practical experience in a mexican retail

Computer vision has become an important technology for obtaining meaningful data from visual content and providing valuable information for enhancing security controls, marketing, and logistic strategies in diverse industrial and business sectors. The retail sector constitutes an important part of the worldwide economy. Analyzing customer data and shopping behaviors has become essential to deliver the right products to customers, maximize profits, and increase competitiveness. In-person shopping is still a predominant form of retail despite the appearance of online retail outlets. As such, in-person retail is adopting computer vision models to monitor store products and customers. This research paper presents the development of a computer vision solution by Lytica Company to detect customers in Steren’s physical retail stores in Mexico. Current computer vision models such as SSD Mobilenet V2, YOLO-FastestV2, YOLOv5, and YOLOXn were analyzed to find the most accurate system according to the conditions and characteristics of the available devices. Some of the challenges addressed during the analysis of videos were obstruction and proximity of the customers, lighting conditions, position and distance of the camera concerning the customer when entering the store, image quality, and scalability of the process. Models were evaluated with the F1-score metric: 0.64 with YOLO FastestV2, 0.74 with SSD Mobilenetv2, 0.86 with YOLOv5n, 0.86 with YOLOv5xs, and 0.74 with YOLOXn. Although YOLOv5 achieved the best performance, YOLOXn presented the best balance between performance and FPS (frames per second) rate, considering the limited hardware and computing power conditions.

Study on Factors Influencing University Students' Awareness of Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission

In the context of contemporary globalization, the preservation and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage has assumed heightened significance. Serving as a pivotal cultural asset, intangible cultural heritage plays an essential role in upholding cultural diversity and fostering societal progress. This study combines micro and macro-level management practices, student engagement theory, and cultural-historical activity theory to conduct quantitative research on 500 art and design students from 16 universities in Shaanxi Province, China. The primary research findings reveal a positive correlation between students' sense of responsibility and cultural heritage awareness, indicating deepening responsibility with heightened awareness. However, general knowledge and student-teacher interactions, though positively correlated, lack statistical significance. The study underscores the crucial role of institutional support and pragmatic education in enhancing students' intangible cultural heritage transmission awareness. Practical, hands-on learning experiences and strong institutional backing drive a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage among students. These insights have implications for educational policy and curriculum design, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to intangible cultural heritage education that incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, and underscores the importance of institutional support in this endeavor.

The Inventory of Social Expectations in Bereavement: Development and psychometric validation of a new instrument

Negative expectations concerning social interactions contribute to feelings of loneliness. Since loneliness is one of the most pronounced challenges for bereaved individuals, we investigated grief-specific social expectations and its association with loneliness and grief severity. Initially, we developed an Inventory of Social Expectations in Bereavement (ISEB). Its factorial and psychometric validity was then tested in a bereaved sample (N = 344; 28.3 ± 11.1 years; 74.4% female). A two-factor solution for the scale fit the data best (factor 1: “relationship to others,” factor 2: “relationship to the deceased”) and demonstrated good psychometric validity. Higher ISEB-levels were associated with higher levels in grief severity and loneliness. The results suggest that individual social expectations affect the experience of loneliness after the loss of a significant other. The ISEB assesses these expectations time-efficiently and provides a basis for therapeutic interventions. Expressing expectations as probabilistic beliefs about the future renders them amenable for corrective experiences in clinical practice.

DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL RISK HEDGING STRATEGIES

The purpose of the study is to develop the theory of hedging, generalize approaches to the formation of effective risk hedging strategies, and provide recommendations for the implementation of international banks' experience in Ukrainian practice. It is proved that in the process of choosing effective strategies, it is advisable to distinguish three types of financial risk hedging: a) operational hedging (balance sheet) to ensure operational flexibility; b) market hedging (external), which involves the use of derivatives as instruments to hedge profit volatility; c) contract hedging (contractual clauses, embedded derivatives. Based on the analysis of the reports of 250 banks, it was found that Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup are the market makers in the most developed US futures market. Horizontal analysis of the balance sheets of these banks showed that although the share of derivatives designated as hedging instruments is insignificant (less than 1%) relative to term contracts recognized as trading instruments, the hedging effect is significantly higher than the gains on the trading portfolio. It was found that in international practice, the dominant direction is the hedging of interest rate risk (the share of which varies between banks from 42.52% to 61.26%), in the structure of hedging instruments, interest rate swaps prevail. The share of currency derivatives varies from 18.67% to 41.45%. Interest rate risk is hedged by over-the-counter bilateral term contracts for active operations, currency risk hedging equally covers the risks of passive and active operations. The regression analysis revealed that private credit and trading assets have an inverse effect on regional hedging exposure, and debt instruments have a direct effect. The study provides a basis for assessing the potential of using innovative risk-hedging instruments by Ukrainian banks.

OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF CO2 USE PROJECTS

Against the background of structural problems of the oil and gas industry, an increase in the share of hard-to-recover reserves, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, and an unstable macroeconomic situation, the issue of improving the efficiency of field development, both from a technological and economic point of view, is acute. The results of the studies show that without the use of modern methods of improving oil recovery, maintaining stable production levels across the industry is becoming more difficult. Today, the efficiency of oil extraction by the main development methods is considered unsatisfactory, given the growing global consumption of petroleum products.Over the years, global interest in enhanced oil recovery has increased, and research is underway to find a scientifically sound approach to selecting the most efficient oil field development technologies.Despite the large number of experiments and the accumulated practical experience in using enhanced oil recovery methods, there is currently a wide gap between the needs of oil field stakeholders and the supply of services to implement these methods.Environmental issues are also important. Significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and the need for their disposal suggest the search for optimal ways to use them. Reducing СО2 emissions is a complex process involving capturing it in industrial plants, transporting it from capture sites to use sites, and locating it in geological sites.The subject of the study is to assess the feasibility of using СО2 as a method of increasing oil recovery.The article presents the results of a technical and economic assessment of the feasibility of using СО2 in an injection agent to improve oil recovery using the example of one of the fields in the West Siberian oil and gas province. The assessment showed that from a technological point of view, it is advisable to use the method, additional oil production is 3–7 %. However, additional tax incentives are required for interventions to become economically effective, as the interventions are highly capital intensive. The authors proposed an incentive option to ensure a positive economic effect, as well as to avoid a decrease in tax revenues compared to the basic option with water injection.

Impact of Inclusive Teacher Training Programs on Pre-service Teacher Educators: A Comprehensive Exploration

This research examines the impact of inclusive teacher training programs on pre-service educators, focusing on the concept of inclusive education and its legal and ethical considerations. Inclusive education is a fundamental human right that aims to create a more just society by addressing the diverse needs of all students, especially those vulnerable to marginalization. The study highlights the importance of integrating inclusive principles into teacher training programs, emphasizing practical experience and theory-based instruction. It calls for policy and institutional commitment to ensure inclusive education becomes a fundamental aspect of teacher preparation.

Curriculum Leadership of Academic Administrators in Selected Higher Vocational Schools in China

In today's ever-changing and developing educational environment, the curriculum leadership ability of school administrators has become a key factor in improving the quality of school education. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of teachers’ and administrators’ evaluations of administrators’ curriculum leadership abilities and best practices in school curriculum development is of great significance for promoting educational innovation and improving the overall quality of schools. This study aims to delve into this topic through literature research, logical analysis, interviews and other methods, provide scientific guidance and practical experience for school administrators, and deeply explore the evaluation of teachers and administrators on the curriculum leadership ability of school administrators and their best practices for administrators in school curriculum development. In terms of evaluation, the current design status shows the characteristics of diversification, comprehensiveness, combination of quantitative and qualitative, dynamic and interactive, providing managers with more comprehensive course leadership feedback. In terms of instructions, clear, specific, and consistent features provide a clear direction for evaluation and ensure that the evaluation is fair and effective. The implementation process focuses on standardization, comprehensiveness, objectivity, effectiveness and sustainability, making evaluation a continuous driving force for the development of managers. The evaluation process emphasizes science, comprehensiveness, combination of qualitative and quantitative, dynamic and developmental nature, and provides managers with targeted development suggestions. Finally, in terms of best practices in school curriculum development, managers can effectively lead the development of school curriculum through steps such as needs analysis, curriculum design, teacher training, resource integration, feedback and improvement, curriculum evaluation and quality assurance, and curriculum promotion and sharing, improve the quality of education. These findings provide a useful guidance framework for school administrators to better understand and improve their own curriculum leadership.

CONSTRUCTION OF A TEACHING STRATEGY MODEL FOR CULTIVATING HIGHER-ORDER THINKING SKILLS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

In the era of the knowledge economy, the intensification of the technological revolution and international competition have triggered a rethinking of the core competencies of talent in the 21st century by countries. Many countries have shifted their focus on talent development from specialized knowledge and skills to training in complex tasks and information-processing thinking. In higher education, guiding students to transition from lower-order thinking, such as memorisation and understanding of knowledge to higher-order thinking, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of various information is a vital aspect of the new era's innovative teaching model and the enhancement of talent cultivation. This study was conducted face-to-face interviews with 12 teachers with practical experience cultivating higher-order thinking skills using purposive sampling. The collected interview data were analysed and coded using nvivo software and qualitative research methods, constructing five teaching strategy models for cultivating higher-order thinking skills in college students: scaffolding instruction, heuristic instruction, project-based instruction, collaborative learning, and diversified assessment feedback.

New Directions, New Perspectives, and New Pathways in the Development of Subspecialties in General Medicine

Research Background: General medicine integrates content from clinical medicine, rehabilitation medicine, and social humanities. In the field of clinical medicine, its horizontal scope encompasses internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and other related disciplines. Research Objectives: The subspecialty development of general medicine aims to establish a specialized field with distinctive features based on the foundation of general medicine. It provides an explanation for the in-depth development and research in general medicine. This approach makes it easier to retain and attract outstanding talents, fully unleashing the interests of general practitioners. The development of subspecialties in general medicine aligns with the practical needs of China's primary healthcare institutions. It seeks to break the deadlock of general medicine being broad but not precise, addressing issues such as reducing patient medical expenses, improving patient satisfaction, and truly solving difficulties in seeking medical care. This allows large specialized hospitals to focus on researching tumor diseases and various specialized surgical procedures, thereby enhancing the diagnosis and treatment rates of tumors and rare diseases. Research Results: With the progress and practical experiences in society, the development of subspecialties in general medicine is set to become a goal, a new direction, a new perspective, and a new pathway for the global development of primary healthcare institutions. Research Conclusions: Cultivating doctors with expertise in subspecialties of general medicine for grassroots healthcare is essential to address the spectrum of specialized diseases, truly embodying a patient-centric approach and ensuring tangible benefits for patients. Currently, the development of subspecialties in general medicine is still in the exploration stage.