Formal Course Research Articles

Mitigating Conflict in Asynchronous Online Discussions: Strategies for instructors in higher education

Organized asynchronous discussions are a common feature in online, formal higher-education courses. Discussions can take place learner to learner or instructor to learner and are situated in small group projects, processing content in message boards, and games. Within these learning settings, conflict can emerge. Conflict may foster deeper learning about ideas, or it may be destructive and create a negative learning environment. The purpose of this article is to identify conflict challenges present within asynchronous online discussions and to present evidence-based strategies to mitigate conflict within these higher education instructional settings. Conflict challenges may involve navigating effective online collaboration, participating in small group discussion, and developing discernment for health conflict. Strategies to mitigate conflict include: providing support throughout the course for student ownership; creating points for class and group cohesion; incorporating relevant small group facilitation strategies; integrating leadership concepts in team development; and structuring purposeful instructor monitoring. Although conflict cannot be avoided, understanding ways to categorize conflict challenges within discussions can support practitioners? use of related evidence-based strategies to mitigate conflict.

Pediatric Pulmonology Training in India: Current Status and Future Directions.

Respiratory illnesses are common causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Postgraduates in Pediatrics spent significant time in learning to manage respiratory disorders. Improved survival of preterm neonates, improved diagnosis and survival of chronic respiratory problems, and advances in diagnosis and therapeutics have increased the need for specialists trained in managing these patients. Training programs in Pediatric Pulmonology are evolving over the past few decades. In India, super-specialty training in Pediatric Pulmonology has grown over the past few years. There is a need to modify the training structure used in industrialized countries due to differences in patient population, priorities, and limited available resources and expertise. Formal training courses have been started in a limited number of institutions. There is a large gap between the need for a trained workforce and the available specialists in the limited number of institutions. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics National Respiratory Chapter (IAPNRC) has initiated a fellowship program to bridge the gap. Comprehensive training involving academic and hands-on training may go a long way to improve the care of children with acute and chronic respiratory problems. For sustainable development of the super specialty, there is a need to work towards creating Pediatric Pulmonology service departments in various institutions that may be responsible for comprehensive training and research activities to answer common research questions.

CONTRIBUȚII LA O ISTORIE A COMUNISMULUI: OFIȚERUL DE SECURITATE ÎN EPOCA CEAUȘESCU – MIT, MODEL, FORMARE, ACTIVITATE (II)

This study aims to detail some aspects of the fieldwork of the security officer in the 1980s - especially that of the intelligence department - based on testimonies, which also involve interviews and archival documents. In addition, this information is linked to current studies on the training of security officers along with training manuals for officers, used in the form of courses. Some of the documents used are “Instructions for Surveillance and Investigations” from 1978 and “Current Issues and Changes in the Foreign Intelligence Service v. R.S.R.” Both documents were published electronically by Remus Mircea Birtz on his personal blog; therefore, the task of researching and extracting these documents from the archives – often demanding and cumbersome – does not belong to us. It should be noted that the Security, as a body of utmost importance for the functioning of the R.S.R. In the foreseeable parameters for the regime of that time, it has known important fluctuations and transformations, even radical ones, on the current ones of what historiography is almost in the form of definition, “the history of communism in Romania”. So, we can capture several stages in the evolution of the Security – almost a history segmented at intervals of ten years each.

MP66-09 ASSESSING FINANCIAL LITERACY AND WELLBEING OF UROLOGY RESIDENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP66-09 ASSESSING FINANCIAL LITERACY AND WELLBEING OF UROLOGY RESIDENTS Katherine Sinchek, Kyle Dymanus, Morgan Salkowski, Christopher Coogan, and Alexander Chow Katherine SinchekKatherine Sinchek More articles by this author , Kyle DymanusKyle Dymanus More articles by this author , Morgan SalkowskiMorgan Salkowski More articles by this author , Christopher CooganChristopher Coogan More articles by this author , and Alexander ChowAlexander Chow More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003329.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Physicians accrue significant debt throughout their medical education yet report less experience with and instruction in personal finance management than their age-matched peers. Our study aims to evaluate financial status, literacy, and attitudes in urology residents across the United States. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 146 ACGME-accredited urology residency programs in the United States. Respondents were asked to answer 50 questions covering personal debt, financial status, and willingness to participate in formal education on personal finance during residency. The survey included a validated questionnaire authored by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to provide objective data regarding financial literacy. RESULTS: 99 total responses were received from urology residents located in 23 states. Financial and debt status are reported in Table 1. 88 respondents answered the financial literacy portion of the survey, with an average correct score of 53% (+/-22.5%). Residents that reported their knowledge of personal finance and investing as high (7%) or above average (26%) were more likely to have higher scores than those reporting their knowledge as limited (38%) or having no knowledge (11%) (p=0.01). Lower debt level (<$100,000) was associated with a higher literacy score (p=0.01). Residents cited lack of time (75%), lack of resources (51%), and challenging subject matter (47%) as reasons for their limited financial knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Responses indicate a high debt burden yet limited literacy in personal finance based on quantitative measures provided by the FINRA assessment. Although most residents reported confidence in ability to meet monthly costs of living, a survey of savings versus debt depicts residents in a precarious position. Formal education in personal finance was also assessed, highlighting a disparity in resident interest and what programs currently offer. While most residents reported having access to personal finance educational programming at their programs, almost all respondents indicated they did not feel it was adequate for their needs. These results suggest that the addition of a formal course on personal finances would be well-received and lead to improved financial wellbeing in this group. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e935 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Katherine Sinchek More articles by this author Kyle Dymanus More articles by this author Morgan Salkowski More articles by this author Christopher Coogan More articles by this author Alexander Chow More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Student‐focused, career‐driven exploration in natural history museums through experiential education and mentorship: A model to intentionally increase the racial and ethnic diversity of students

AbstractBeing immersed in the processes of research can develop undergraduate students’ science identities and support their persistence in pursuing science careers. However, it can be difficult for students to find opportunities for engaging in authentic scientific research. The professional staff and scientific objects in natural history museums provide such an opportunity that can create relationships through which both undergraduate students and museums benefit. Students require authentic practical experiences to better understand their academic fields and career trajectories, and museums require assistance curating and managing collections. This can be accomplished through mentorship, training, and research experience in a formal course. At the University of Florida, I developed and taught a course titled “Introduction to Natural History” that engaged students in projects in museum collections. Discussion sessions replaced lectures by introducing topics such as the concept of research, distinction between predictions and hypotheses, understanding of the nature of science, and how to conduct literature reviews. In 2019 and 2020, students completed a pre‐ and postcourse survey to gauge their understanding of science and their anticipated career trajectory. My results demonstrate that mentorship and authentic experiential science opportunities using museum collections enable students to realize a passion, sense of purpose, and better understanding of science and careers in science.

Training Veterinary Ophthalmology Residents on Cataract Surgery (Part A: Diplomate's Survey).

The purpose of this study was to explore the teaching methods used to train residents in cataract surgery at academic and private practice institutions. A descriptive survey was distributed online to 186 active supervising diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ABVO) listserve. The survey included items about various educational resources and techniques available to ophthalmology residents when performing cataract surgery. Thirty-seven (19.9%) supervising diplomates completed the survey. Most supervising diplomates (29, 78.4%) required supervised practice in the wet lab. Fourteen supervising diplomates (37.8%) provided mandatory cataract surgery lectures. Nine diplomates (24.3%) required their residents to attend a formal phacoemulsification wet lab course. There was no difference in the number of diplomates who allowed their residents to perform cataract surgery as the primary surgeon during their second year compared to any other year. Thirty-three surveyed diplomates supported the idea of creating an assessment tool to improve surgical competency. This article describes the current trends in veterinary ophthalmology residency education and provides support for the creation of an assessment tool to improve surgical competency. The goal is to stimulate future research on how educators can effectively train veterinary ophthalmology residents to improve surgical proficiency.

Re-embracing MSL approaches in realities of emergent conditions

In recent years, educational routines have been challenged with emergent conditions related to COVID-19. These challenges impact how teaching, learning, and evaluations are being exercised. This paper describes and suggests an alternative approach to alleviate challenges related to evaluation activities required in programming courses during days of the pandemic. In such cases, emergent conditions restrict evaluation activities, and accordingly, we suggest that an overall experience should be seamlessly conducted across contexts and settings (Hwang &amp; Chang, 2021). Thus, an activity provides lecturers and students with a smooth transition while shifting between the formal course and the evaluation activity. This activity is examined in light of ten dimensions concerning Mobile Seamless Learning (MSL) reflecting education exercised across context and settings. Accordingly, we conducted qualitative research to examine quotations from 23 students addressing the activity. We searched for students’ insights concerning MSL dimensions, and their perceived potential to alleviate educational challenges in the realities of emergent conditions. This research indicates the potential of this alternative approach for an evaluation activity capable of coping with challenges experienced by lecturers and students during the time of COVID-19. Occasionally, and due to technical and administrative issues, MSL activities were perceived as challenging to conduct. We present the outcomes of our research efforts, as we hope to encourage lecturers to reconsider and re-embrace MSL activities as part of the practices they exercised during emergent conditions experienced in the days of the pandemic.

Learning by linking the Canadian Evaluation Society's student case competition within a graduate evaluation course

AbstractThere are many ways to intertwine theoretical and applied learning to nurture the competencies required to conduct evaluation. Experiential learning opportunities remain a priority for many evaluation educators who are helping learners apply foundational skills and knowledge to practice. Evaluators develop their professional expertise in diverse venues, including through experience, through professional learning, or, as we highlight in this chapter, in graduate school. Incorporating experiential learning from a professional association into a formal graduate course requires a willingness to blend university course expectations and activities with collaborative learning experiences. Using reflective dialogue and poetry enacted through dialogic analysis and reflection, we examine enduring perceptions and learning activated from student participation in the Canadian Evaluation Society's national evaluation case competition as part of evaluation education situated within a formal university graduate course. Weaving five voices representing learners, case study coach, and course instructor, we discuss how the evaluation competition was used to deepen understanding and develop evaluator competencies.

Exploring key service-learning experiences that promote students’ learning in higher education

Service-learning has gained popularity as a new effective pedagogical approach in higher education across Asian countries in recent years. Yet, there are relatively few qualitative studies on students’ service-learning experiences in the unique educational context of each Asian country. This study explored critical experiences in service-learning programs that promote undergraduate students’ learning and examined how students incorporate their learning into other learning contexts by conducting in-depth interviews with students who actively engaged in extracurricular service-learning programs at a Korean university. The qualitative findings of this study demonstrated that students’ learning process and reflection were promoted by seven critical experiences: (a) understanding and providing benefits that recipients really need, (b) designing and planning a project by themselves, (c) solving a real-world problem, (d) collaborating with diverse people, (e) undertaking a specific role of responsibility, (f) recognizing and managing uncomfortable feelings, and (g) reflecting on their interest and abilities. Additionally, this study revealed that students had expanded their learning and reflection of their service-learning experiences into multidimensional learning contexts by (a) connecting with formal academic courses and (b) engaging in new on- and off-campus activities. This study contributes to broadening the global knowledge base of the service-learning field and it furthermore provides practical implications for policymakers and educators in higher education to design and improve service-learning programs.

A new freely-downloadable hands-on density-functional theory workbook using a freely-downloadable version of deMon2k

Abstract A hands-on workbook for density-functional theory (DFT) has been developed that can be used to provide practical teaching for students at the Masters or advanced undergraduate level that is free, can be used on a student’s own personal computer, and complements formal course work. The workbook is also very much intended to encourage students to explore program options, discover theory limitations, puzzle out what to do when the program does not work as expected, and to help students transition to thinking and using quantum chemistry programs as a researcher might do. After describing the structure of the workbook, we describe how the workbook has been used thus far as a teaching tool and as a useful step towards research-level problems.

Training and teaching of vagus nerve stimulation surgery: Worldwide survey and future perspectives

ObjectiveVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been used for more than two decades to treat drug resistant epilepsy and depression and most recently received FDA approval for stroke rehabilitation. Expanding indications will renew the interest in the technique and increase the number of surgeons to be trained. The aim of this study was to survey surgeons with substantial expertise on optimal teaching and training approaches. MethodsAnonymous forms comprising 16 questions were sent by e-mail to surgeons with substantial expertise. Statistical analyses were used to compare the answers of the most experienced surgeons (>5 years) with the less experienced ones (<5 years). ResultsFully-completed forms were collected from 57 experts from 20 countries. The placement of the helical coils was deemed to be the most difficult step by 36 (63.2%) experts, and the use of optical magnification during this step was deemed necessary by 39 (68.4%) experts. Vocal cord palsy should be largely avoidable with proper surgical technique according to 44 (77.2%) experts. The teaching tool considered the most useful was mentoring (38, 66.7%). The future of VNS surgery teaching was deemed to be in anatomical workshops (29, 50.9%) and surgical simulation (26, 45.6%). Overall, answers did not vary significantly according to experience. ConclusionsVNS surgery should be mastered by actively participating in dedicated practical training courses and by individual mentoring during actual surgery, which is still the best way to learn. This study highlights the need for a formal training course and possible specific accreditation.

Energizing Higher Education Sustainability through Rural-Community Development Activation

Higher education institutions play important roles in the community. Unfortunately, measuring the accomplishment of HEIs in developing communities is challenging. Most HEI contributions to the community are merely a formality and moral obligation. This study’s identified gap is the absence of integration of community development activities into HEIs, which would boost their impact on environmental sustainability. This study intends to investigate how institutions that support entrepreneurial-oriented community development affect students’ learning and impact society. This study employs an action research approach to develop long-term actionable knowledge. This approach employed a case study from the Rural Community Development Program, a community empowerment program based on institutionalized entrepreneurship practices (formal courses in the curriculum) from ABC University (a pseudonym). The RCDP allows the HEI to interact with society through a dual simultaneous cycle which allow knowledge transfer, social value transfer, and business development with its partners. This model allows more than 100 groups of students at ABC University to be more focused in developing community. On the theoretical side, the RCDP contributes by encouraging the role of social entrepreneurship courses which provides a more significant impact through practice-based lectures while also significantly impacting rural communities’ business knowledge in developing their micro enterprises.

Healthcare Workers' Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Positive Psychology Interventions.

Given persistent occupational stressors and multiple challenges in the delivery of healthcare, there is an increased focus on the well-being of healthcare workers. Responding to these challenges will require a multipronged approach, focusing on system level, organization, and individual actions. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) represent a promising area for individual action. This systematic review indicates that PPI, delivered via many methods, holds promise for improving the well-being of healthcare workers, although there is a clear need for additional randomized controlled trials utilizing defined and standardized outcome measures. In this review, the most commonly evaluated PPIs were mindfulness-based or gratitude-based interventions. These were delivered via different methods, with many administered in the workplace and commonly in the form of courses ranging from two days to eight weeks. Researchers documented measurable improvements in multiple studied outcomes, noting reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, burnout, and stress. Some interventions increased well-being, job and life satisfaction, self-compassion, relaxation, and resilience. Most studies emphasized that these are simple, accessible, low-cost interventions. Limitations included some nonrandomized or quasi-experimental designs, alongside generally small sample sizes and varying methods of intervention delivery. Another concern is the lack of standardized outcome assessments and long-term follow-up data. As almost all studies included were performed before the pandemic, further research will be required post-pandemic. Overall, however, PPI shows promise as one arm of a multipronged approach to improving the well-being of healthcare workers.

WOMENS ATTITUDES TOWARDS LIVING AND WORKING IN RURAL AREAS

The aim of the study was to present womens attitudes towards living and working in rural areas. The literature on the subject, secondary data from the Polish Central Statistical Office and the results of research carried out in 2020 by Martin&amp;Jacob on behalf of BNP Paribas bank and published in the report Situation of women in rural areas were used to achieve the research objective. The empirical material was collected using a survey method with the CAWI technique, and the research observation covered 300 women who were owners or co-owners of farms. The data in the report shows that the vast majority of women had educational aspirations, as one in five respondents planned to obtain secondary education, higher education or write a doctoral thesis, while in-service training in the form of courses and training was intended to be attended by 2/3 of the respondents. These women valued living in the rural areas, despite the many inconveniences, and the vast majority would not want to move to a city. The survey also showed that 2/5 of the female respondents planned to develop professionally in agriculture and almost as many planned to combine activities in agriculture with other professional activities. The willingness to become more active in agriculture was declared more often by women from younger age groups and those with a university degree in agriculture.

FILSAFAT PANCASILA DALAM PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DI SEKOLAH DASAR

The philosophy of Pancasila, which is a national guideline in education, is used as a way of life that is believed to be true. If we link Pancasila and the education system in terms of educational philosophy, then Pancasila is the nation's view of life which animates in everyday life. The application of this is manifested in social, cultural, national and multi-ethnic life. In addition, Pancasila as values ​​that develop in religious and customary beliefs, must be instilled in education from an early age. Elementary school (SD) is one of the formal education courses that is pursued as an arena that plays a role in developing Pancasila values ​​to create a national character. The purpose of this research is to see how Pancasila philosophy is given in the education system in elementary schools in the context of character building. The method used by the author in this research is a literacy study/literature review through dissection of articles and books as reference material coupled with looking at life story studies, individual experiences, interviews, introspection and observation of visual texts. The results of the research that the authors found were that there is character education for students in elementary schools which must be based on the Pancasila philosophy. These values ​​and attitudes are reflected in three aspects, namely ontology, epistemology and axiology.

Digital technologies in dentistry in Saudi Arabia: Perceptions, practices and challenges.

The aim of this study was to assess practicing dentists' characteristics and professional aspects that influence users to adopt Digital Technologies in Dentistry (DTD) in Saudi Arabia (SA). Moreover, we aimed to identify dentists' perceived barriers and challenges and to anticipate future potential developments towards implementing DTDs in their practices in SA. This analytical cross-sectional study based on a validated questionnaire was conducted using a snowball sampling technique to include a conveniently selected sample of dentists from all dental specialties currently working in SA. The response rate was 64% completed and returned. A statistically significantly large share of Gen X (10.1%) used digital technologies (DTs) in dental practice compared with non-digital users. 40% received sufficient postgraduate education on DT, 92% agreed that DT should be included in the undergraduate dental curriculum. However, 79% actually gained skills or knowledge on DT through workshops and formal courses. 'Lack of practitioners' awareness', 'lack of education and pioneers' and 'lack of clinical evidence' were highlighted as the foremost barriers. Lower-frequency DT users believed that treating patients with DT makes treatment more predictable. Together, clinical trials and hands-on training courses can help overcome the barriers to the adoption of new dental technologies. Exploring technology adoption and usage amongst practicing dentists allows healthcare stakeholders and policymakers to set a clear direction towards the digitalisation of the healthcare system and within healthcare organisations. The study also highlighted the foremost barriers, challenges and actions towards the adoption of DTDs.

Effectiveness of a Formal Business of Ophthalmology Course for Trainees.

Objective In medical school and residency training, there is little emphasis on the administrative and business aspects of running a clinical practice as either an employee or a business owner. However, by the first day of practice, young ophthalmologists need to have a basic understanding of the business of medicine to be successful in clinical practice and to avoid common pitfalls. Areas such as risk management, negotiation, financial health, lawsuits, marketing, coding, and professionalism are particularly important for practicing ophthalmologists to grasp. We instituted a formal practice management course to increase the early exposure of our trainees to the business aspects of ophthalmology. Methods Ophthalmology trainees engaged in 11, 1-hour sessions over 3 weeks during a practice management course covering 10 of the most relevant business topics for early career ophthalmologists. A precourse needs assessment, and a postcourse satisfaction and outcomes survey were administered. Results Of the 24 trainees who completed the presurvey, 96% of respondents had no previous training in contract negotiation, 88% lacked training in lawsuits, and 88% had no training in liability insurance. 96% had no inpatient coding education, and 88% had no outpatient coding training. Seventeen trainees completed the postsurvey, and statistically significant improvements in confidence ratings were found in all domains including coding, malpractice claims, and building a practice. 88% of trainees reported that the course improved their ability to code, and 100% agreed that the course improved their understanding of lawsuits, ability to negotiate a contract, and their understanding of the business of ophthalmology. Conclusion A formal, targeted business of ophthalmology course improved the knowledge of trainees on essential business concepts. This course can serve as a model for other programs looking to meet this educational need.

A "patient as educator" intervention: Reducing stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness among medical students.

This pre-post quasi-experimental pilot study aimed to assess the degree of stigma toward mental illness and whether a single, direct-contact "patient as educator" intervention with people with mental illness can reduce the degree of stigma among medical students. All second-year medical students from the University of Valencia were invited to voluntarily complete the Community Attitudes Toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI), Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS), and Mental Health Knowledge Scale (MAKS) questionnaires before and after participating in the formal medical psychology course. A "patient as educator" workshop with expert patients was organized in the middle of the semester. A total of 127 students completed the survey; 20 students participated in the workshop (workshop group), and the remaining 107 students only took the formal educational course, forming the control group. At baseline, the groups were demographically matched and did not differ in the components of stigma or knowledge of mental illness. After the intervention, a greater reduction in the CAMI subscales of authoritarianism and social restriction was observed in the workshop group than in the control group. In the workshop group, scores for the benevolence subscale of the CAMI decreased more among women than men. In the control group, scores for the authoritarianism and benevolence subscales of the CAMI increased and decreased significantly more, respectively, in women than men. No significant changes were observed in scores for the RIBS at post-intervention in either group. The results of this pilot study suggest that a brief, direct-contact intervention in addition to formal medical education may further help reduce stigmatizing attitudes during the first years of medical school.

'Proper Deadly': Student memories of adult education under Indigenous control: Tranby, 1980-2000

The voices of students about the early days of Indigenous-controlled adult education providers are hard to find. In historical research for Tranby National Indigenous Education and Training and the University of Technology Sydney 24 former participants of Tranby courses from 1980 to 2000 gave in-depth interviews, which were analysed alongside Tranby’s archival holdings for the first two decades under Indigenous CEOs and Board Chair. Tranby drew students from across the country with goals ranging from improving literacy to gaining skills for community roles, accessing further education or allowing promotion. Informal interviews with seven former Tranby teachers added information on subject design and teaching strategies. The former students’ interviews focussed on Tranby’s atmosphere and learning environment, strongly valuing the perspectives they learned from their fellow Indigenous students. Most felt that, while formal courses were useful, these contextual and informal experiences were more useful in their later careers.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Dental Sedation among Pediatric Dentists in Nepal

Introduction: Recent years have evidenced an increase in the use of sedation in children for their dental treatment, with a wide variation in the global practice among the pediatric dentists. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on dental sedation amongst the pediatric dentists of Nepal. Methods: This was an online-based questionnaire survey conducted from May to June 2021 among 29 pediatric dentists practicing in Nepal using a census sampling. Data were analyzed and presented in percentage, mean, and standard deviation along with charts and tabular forms. Results: Majority of the respondents 26 (89.7%) had adequate knowledge and 22 (76%) had adequate practice on sedation with a total positive mindset. The mean (Mean ± Standard Deviation) scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 3.759 ± 0.9124, 6.897 ± 1.1131, and 3.414 ± 1.3501, respectively. Nineteen (65.5%) of them practiced dental sedation that included general anesthesia, oral, inhalational, intravenous and intra-nasal routes. Conclusions: The study showed satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental sedation among the pediatric dentists in Nepal. There was lack of training on emergency skills and formal sedation courses other than for inhalational sedation among the participants, and these were cited as the major barriers to their practice along with lack of adequate facilities. Hence, regular conduction of sedation trainings and life support skills targeting the pediatric dentists in Nepal is deemed essential.