Formal Coursework Research Articles

Nurturing Beginning EFL Teachers’ Sense of Plausibility in Teaching Through Formal Coursework: A Qualitative Case Study

Nurturing Beginning EFL Teachers’ Sense of Plausibility in Teaching Through Formal Coursework: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract B167: Genomics and cancer clinical trials navigator training: Results from a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Introduction: Trained cancer navigators have demonstrated success in improving outcomes for cancer patients. Trainings provided by the American Cancer Society and other organizations equip navigators with the knowledge, skills and experience to support patients and address barriers to cancer-related care and survivorship. Racial/ethnic minorities continue to be underrepresented in cancer clinical trials and are less likely to receive genomic counseling and testing. There is a notable gap in the availability of cancer navigator training in genomic and clinical trials. This study used a systematic review of the literature and consultations with Genomics and Cancer Clinical Trial (CCT) experts to inform the development of cancer navigation training curriculum. Methods: Two reviewers searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed studies published through October 2022. Key MeSH terms included cancer, genetics, and training. An ancestor search of relevant articles was also conducted. Following title screening, eleven articles were selected for abstract and full-text review. Eight articles met all the inclusion criteria from which we extracted the 1) trainee population, 2) theoretical frameworks used, 3) program design and format, 4) curricular components, and 5) outcomes. New Data: Only seven articles on the topic of navigator training in genomics within the context of CCT were identified in the search. Training participants were diverse and were located within the United States and abroad. One training program was developed for bilingual (English/Spanish) navigators, one was tailored for cancer survivors who became navigators and two programs trained navigators for specific cancer types (e.g., colorectal cancer). Social cognitive theory (SCT) was used in two of the training programs. Other adult learning theories and intervention mapping for program development were also used in training development. The process for designing navigator trainings included: conducting discussion groups; interviews and surveys; engaging advisory boards; and adapting the National Human Genomics Research Institute modules and other resources. The curricula components included in-person and web-based; single semester or year-long sessions; formal coursework; lectures; role-playing; video viewing; tours of facilities; demonstrations; short writing assignments; action plans; case studies; story- telling; discussion and networking; assessment/evaluation; and refresher sessions. Modules addressed attitudes, barrier assessment and resolution, knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication. Conclusion: The peer-reviewed literature on navigator training describes some curricular elements that measure and address knowledge about genomics and CCT as well as the skills needed to increase self-efficacy to navigate for genetic studies and cancer clinical trials. However, the field of CCT lacks a consistent and widely used program aimed at training navigators in the integral role of genetics in precision medicine. These findings informed the design of our ACS-funded curriculum. Citation Format: Desiree Rivers, Robina Josiah Willock, Victoria Churchill. Genomics and cancer clinical trials navigator training: Results from a systematic review of the literature [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B167.

Insights into Multicultural Competence of Early Childhood Teacher Candidates in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education

This study investigates multicultural attitudes among 168 ECE teacher candidates from four state Islamic universities in Indonesia, using a quantitative descriptive design and the Multicultural Attitudes Survey for Teachers. Results indicate a high average multicultural attitude score of 74.12, with candidates demonstrating confidence in managing multicultural classrooms and promoting cultural pride among children. However, their attitudes are primarily based on personal interactions rather than formal coursework. Interviews with 27 respondents further explore multicultural education practices during teaching practicum, revealing a need for improved collaboration with parents and greater emphasis on multicultural education in both teacher education and ECE curricula. Practical implications include integrating multicultural education into teacher education programs, fostering experiential learning for attitude development, and expanding multicultural education coverage in ECE curricula to enhance children's multicultural awareness.

Expanding pathways to clinical and translational research training with stackable microcredentials: A pilot study.

The proportion of physician-investigators involved in biomedical research is shrinking even as the need for high-quality, interdisciplinary research is growing. Building the physician-investigator workforce is thus a pressing concern. Flexible, "light-weight" training modalities can help busy physician-investigators prepare for key stages of the research life cycle and personalize their learning to their own needs. Such training can also support researchers from diverse backgrounds and lighten the work of mentors. The University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research Education designed the Stackables Microcredentials in Clinical and Translational Research (Stackables) program to provide flexible, online training to supplement and enhance formal training programs. This training utilizes a self-paced, just-in-time format along with an interactive, storytelling approach to sustain learner engagement. Learners earn badges for completing modules and certificates for completing "stacks" in key competency areas. In this paper, we describe the genesis and development of the Stackables program and report the results of a pilot study in which we evaluated changes in confidence in key skill areas from pretest to posttest, as well as engagement and perceived effectiveness. Our Stackables pilot study showed statistically significant gains in learner confidence in all skill areas from pretest to posttest. Pilot participants reported that the module generated high levels of engagement and enhanced their skills, knowledge, and interest in the subject. Stackables provide an important complement to formal coursework by focusing on discrete skill areas and allowing learners to access the training they need when they need it.

Programmatic Efforts to Provide Progressively Autonomous Clinical Education Experiences

Context In previous research, athletic trainers (ATs) have identified the formal coursework and clinical experiences of their professional program as contributing to preparedness for autonomous practice. However, new graduates have reported a perceived lack of skills necessary for practicing autonomously. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate how programs provide progressively autonomous clinical education experiences and the role of these experiences in preparing future ATs. Design Qualitative study. Setting Virtual interviews. Patients or Other Participants A sample of 17 program administrators (program directors = 12, coordinators of clinical education = 5) representing 16 master of science in athletic training programs participated in this study. Main Outcome Measure(s) Each program completed a virtual interview guided by a semistructured interview protocol. A 3-person data analysis team identified emerging domains and categories through a multiphase approach. Member checking, multiple researcher triangulation, and auditing were used to establish trustworthiness. Results Four domains emerged from participant responses: (1) curricular design, (2) preparatory experience and outcomes, (3) preceptor role, and (4) assessments. We found that intentionality in curricular design to promote progressive autonomy was beneficial in facilitating transition to practice through improved knowledge, skills, and confidence. Due to the importance of clinical education in AT preparation, preceptors played a critical role in creating opportunities for learning in the clinical environment. However, the degree to which experiences were autonomous and the effectiveness of the student in those encounters were rarely measured. Limitations outlined by participants included accreditation and program length. Conclusions The development of knowledge, skills, and confidence through intentionally selected clinical experiences and guided by preceptor feedback are critical to establishing an autonomous practitioner. However, the program’s evaluations were predominantly traditional practice assessments and informal feedback, instead of an assessment of readiness for practice.

Upstream suicide prevention in the U.S. Army: Noncommissioned officers' perspectives.

The goal of this study was to examine the factors associated with Army noncommissioned officer (NCO) experiences, attitudes, and behaviors in their role of identifying potential suicide risk factors in their fellow soldiers. To better understand the perspectives of NCOs, an anonymous survey was administered to 2,468 Army NCOs. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were conducted to compare subgroups of NCOs. Most (71%) Army NCOs have received many (11 or more) hours of suicide prevention training, but training in soft skills that may be important for the gatekeeper role was less consistently reported. Active Component soldiers reported greater confidence in their intervention skills (Cohen's d = 0.25) and fewer logistical barriers (e.g., time and space to talk) to intervening with at-risk soldiers (Cohen's d = 0.80) compared to Reserve and National Guard soldiers. Formal coursework in mental health areas like psychology or chaplaincy was associated with a greater level of confidence in intervention skills (Cohen's d = 0.23) and in more frequent intervention behavior (Cohen's d = 0.13). Army NCO trainings should be modified to better equip soldiers with the soft skills (e.g., active listening skills and verbally and nonverbally conveying nonjudgment/acceptance and empathy) needed to have effective conversations with soldiers about suicide risk factors and other sensitive topics. Strategies used within mental health education, which appears to be a strength for NCO gatekeepers, could be used to achieve this goal. Reserve and Guard NCOs may need additional supports and tailored trainings to better fit their operational context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The importance of theory at the Information Systems Journal

The importance of theory at the <i>Information Systems Journal</i>

Bridging Data Science Programming with Advanced Formal Coursework

Bridging Data Science Programming with Advanced Formal Coursework

Identifying Critical "Soft Skills" for an Academic Career

This study examines the soft skills required for work as a faculty member, doctoral supervisor, and academic administrator. Nine faculty members working in the area of school libraries were interviewed to better identify gaps and ways to improve doctoral degree programs. Participants shared the following soft skills: advocacy skills, active listening, advising skills, understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion, leadership skills, time management skills, social justice stance, work life balance, building and maintaining relationships with colleagues, networking skills, and presentation skills. The participants noted that their doctoral programs prepared them for some of their work in the Academy with graduate research and teaching experiences, mentoring, networking support, and formal coursework. Participants developed some of these soft skills from work as teachers and school librarians/teacher-librarians.

“Freedom of Information in the Classroom: Teaching for Empowerment in the Social Sciences and in Ethnic Studies”

This article describes public records request assignments in courses in political science and in Asian American Studies. Beyond commonly known activities like voting, volunteering, signing petitions or peacefully protesting, students should gain experience in exercising their rights to an expansive set of government records that fall within the domain of “the people’s business.” Few courses include public records requests (e.g., implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state sunshine laws) as part of formal coursework assignments at the undergraduate level, although responsive records would be useful in, for example, course papers and in class oral history projects. For scholars of Asian American Studies, the FOIA can be used to uncover invaluable data and information that would otherwise be unavailable in traditional scholarly publications, textbooks, news articles and online posts. More generally, many students report that they are more interested in politics, knowledgeable and empowered regarding their political efficacy, as well as critical of bias in information flows from pundits in the media and from other sources after completing FOIA exercises.

The EVAL framework: Developing impact evaluation scholars

The complexities of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) programs and projects require faculty to write and secure funding in addition to mastering skills such as evaluation competencies that integrate abilities in quantitative and qualitative research methods and evaluation theory and practice. The EVAL Framework was developed to advance skill development among FANH graduates to include these competencies and increase the pipeline of students who have the essential skills needed to advance FANH initiatives and priorities. The EVAL Framework includes four primary constructs: (a) Evaluation, (b) Value, (c) Active and Experiential Learning, and (d) Leadership. The purpose of EVAL is to build relationships with untapped FANH fields to develop a pipeline for graduates to become evaluation leaders for advancing food and agricultural sciences. This experiential learning and development model focuses on foundational and enrichment experiences, through formal coursework, project-based learning, and contextually rich environments. Mentoring, individualized development plans, scholarly learning communities, collaboration, transferable skills, and career planning and guidance activities are integrated into the EVAL framework to enhance skill development among EVAL scholars.

Relationships between Course Taking and Teacher Self-Efficacy and Anxiety for Data-Driven Decision Making

Data-driven decision making (DDDM) involves using information gathered from and about students to make ongoing decisions about their instruction. Many teachers struggle with implementation of DDDM practices to optimize instruction, underscoring the importance of teacher education vis-à-vis DDDM. The present study secondarily analyzed existing data (N = 784) to examine both: the extent to which teachers take formal coursework related to DDDM; and the relationship between participation in such coursework and teacher self-efficacy and anxiety surrounding DDDM. Descriptive statistics suggest that most teachers are taking courses that may build their capacity for DDDM, although courses in DDDM or data use per se are among the least common. Moreover, multiple linear regression analyses indicated that participation in only stand-alone coursework in DDDM or data use is consistently associated with teacher self-efficacy for DDDM.

Economic Education and Household Financial Outcomes during the Financial Crisis

Using cross-sectional data from a nation-wide survey of American head-of-households conducted in the spring of 2010, we examined the ameliorating effects of economic literacy on the probability of specific household financial outcomes resulting from the 2008 financial crisis and the associated Great Recession. A series of probit regressions were estimated to capture the impact of economic literacy on the probability that households experienced job loss, delinquent mortgage payments, delinquent credit card payments, delinquent auto loan payments, loss of home, and personal bankruptcy. The head-of-household’s economic literacy was measured by the level of formal education received in economics and by the score achieved on an in-survey quiz of basic economic concepts and principles. The results indicate that realized quiz scores were correlated with the mitigation of job loss, late payment behavior, and personal bankruptcy, ceteris paribus. However, the results for the impact of formal economic coursework in school were mixed.

An Intramural Peer-Review Concept to Support Development in Academic Medicine.

Academic medicine professionals spend their careers striving for promotion and standing in their respective institutions and the global scientific community. Publishing in high-impact journals aids in that pursuit; yet, formal coursework and training rarely emphasize scientific writing, making it difficult to gain the skills necessary to succeed. The authors implemented an intramural peer-review service in the medical school of a preeminent university to offer guidance, resources, and hands-on writing assistance at no cost. This program model bridges a gap in scientific writing instruction, boosts academic productivity, and increases opportunities to publish in higher impact journals.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01251-9.

Professional Program Preparation, Orientation, and Mentoring Tactics Used to Develop Professional Responsibility in Early-Career Athletic Trainers

Context Transition to practice is a pivotal period in an athletic trainer's (AT) career that includes higher-than-average job-related stress due to many changes. Objective To assess how early-career ATs from professional master's athletic training programs (PMATP) developed professional responsibility during their transition to practice. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 137 participants who graduated from a PMATP and who were board certified from 2016 to 2018 completed the study. Intervention(s) The Web-based survey asked which transition-to-practice tactics were used, if they were helpful, and how they were helpful with respect to preparation (formal coursework and clinical experiences), orientation, and mentorship. Main Outcome Measure(s) We calculated frequencies for each tactic in transition to practice, the tactic's helpfulness, and what the tactic specifically aided during the participant's transition. Results Overall, 78.8% (108/137) of participants perceived their PMATP prepared them to transition to practice. Regarding formal coursework, the majority indicated they discussed professional behaviors (78.1%, 107/137), which was very helpful (43.9%, 47/107) in developing professional communication (70.1%, 96/137). The most frequent tactics in clinical experiences included being encouraged to make patient-care decisions (82.5%, 113/137, extremely helpful = 76.1%, 86/113) and being provided feedback about performance (81.8%, 112/137, extremely helpful = 76.1%, 86/113), which developed confidence (75.9%, 104/137). Few participants (24.1%, 33/137) indicated they were exposed to formal orientation. Almost half reported having informal orientation by learning on the job (39.4%, 54/137). Few participants were assigned a mentor (25.5%, 35/137); those who were indicated that the mentor was extremely helpful (40.0%, 14/35) for understanding the role of an AT. Conclusions Early-career ATs perceived that their PMATP, informal orientation, and unassigned mentors were helpful in developing professional responsibility. Often these tactics were effective at developing confidence, but other tactics may be necessary to assist role understanding, managing patient load and administrative duties, and resolving conflicts.

Kicking at the habitus: students’ reading of critical pedagogy in PETE

ABSTRACT This paper reports the findings of a research project that sought to understand how a group of 19 graduating physical education teacher education (PETE) students’ biographies served to mediate their understanding of the messages of their PETE programme, which was underpinned by a critical pedagogy philosophy. We use the Bourdieuian concepts of habitus, field, pedagogical action and pedagogical work to represent the similarities and variation in the student's reading of the PETE programme and its intension to foreground critical pedagogy. The five themes produced through an analysis of individual and focus group interview data informed by Bourdieu’s theory of practice are; ‘Individual programme readings’, ‘Pedagogical work (that matters)’, ‘Pedagogical work beyond the pedagogic actions of the teacher educators’; ‘No certainty of a critical perspective’ ‘Kicking at one’s habitus: Kicked, shaken and unstirred’. The findings demonstrate that students biographies have influenced and been reaffirmed or disrupted by both the formal PETE programme coursework and practicum experiences and as a result, the PETE programme impacts differently on different students. The authors are guardedly buoyed by the possibility that the structuring structure of habitus will have been sufficiently shaken by the PETE programme to allow for new possibilities yet we recognise that there will be no encounter that can claim pedagogical work on the habitus of all students. Our hope is that this critical pedagogy in PETE has given these participants the ‘tools’, that is, the insight, and perspective, needed to kick at their own habitus as they graduate and move beyond the intervention of PETE.

Public servant, silent servant: A call to action for advocacy training in public service settings.

Views on what is important in training for psychologists are evolving, reflecting a broadening understanding of the role psychologists can and should play in societal change. Since the development of the scientist-practitioner model after World War II, arguments around training have focused on the appropriate balance between training in the practice of psychology versus training in research related to psychology. Recent calls reflect more radical change to include an advocacy emphasis within the formal coursework of psychology doctoral programs, well articulated by Mallinckrodt, Miles, and Levy (2014) as the tripartite model of Scientist-Practitioner-Advocate. In this paper, we present the argument for expanding a model that incorporates advocacy training into clinical psychology internships and postdoctoral programs and describe why we believe voices for advocacy have been largely silent in public-sector clinical psychology training and practices. We outline how this may be accomplished in public sector training settings, and we articulate a call to action for public servants to speak out so their voice can ignite a passion for advocacy within public sector psychology service and training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE DYING: AN UNTAPPED RESOURCE FOR TEACHING PATIENT- AND FAMILY-CENTERED END-OF-LIFE CARE

Clinical training opportunities in end-of-life care are lacking, especially in home settings where death is expected and supported as a natural process. The Community Action, Research and Education (CARE) program provides students who are interested in healthcare a better understanding the challenges of providing end-of-life care. Over 8 weeks, undergraduate students serve as surrogate family members providing care to hospice patients in residential homes for the dying. Additionally, students engage with a formal curriculum by completing online learning modules each emphasizing different skills for providing end-of-life care. This study analyzed data from three cohorts of undergraduate students (n = 21) who participated in the CARE Program. Analyses from assessment surveys revealed that students reported improved knowledge and skills, including enhanced bedside education and training and increased ability to care for someone at the end-of-life after completion of the program. Also, 95% (n = 20) of students over the three cohorts reported that the formal coursework enhanced skills and training related to bedside care. Previous research has examined end of life training in a professional school setting, but the focus was on care in an institutional or facility setting (Billings et al., 2010; Supiano, 2013). The CARE program is a model for experiential learning in a home setting that provides a special lens to the dying experience in a holistic, patient and family centered way.

NP21 Advancing and Expanding HomeStyles: Shaping HOME Environments and LifeSTYLES to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Objective This multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, multi-state, integrated research, education, and extension project will advance and expand the progress of HomeStyles toward reducing risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Description HomeStyles, an in-home family intervention, enables and motivates parents to shape home environments and weight-related lifestyle practices to prevent childhood obesity. Segment one of HomeStyles focused families with preschoolers (ages 2-5). A dissemination feasibility study was launched to determine how to effectively diffuse the innovations of the evidence-based HomeStyles-Segment one intervention to parents of children in preschools/daycares. The creation of a novel, culturally-competent HomeStyles-Segment two responsive to the developmentally unique needs of middle childhood (6-11 years) is in development for delivery online and in face-to-face SNAP-Ed sessions. Further, this project continues to build the expertise of the next generation of nutrition and health education professionals in creating effective childhood obesity prevention programs through formal coursework and hands-on practicums. Evaluation The dissemination feasibility study for Segment one includes pre/post surveys completed by a key informant at each participating preschool/daycare and brief parent surveys. The new, second segment of HomeStyles tailored to families with children 6 to 11 years will be evaluated via a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether this novel, age-appropriate, family intervention enables and motivates English- and Spanish-speaking parents to shape their home environments and weight-related lifestyle practices (diet, exercise, sleep) to reduce risk of obesity during middle childhood more than those in the control condition. Students enrolled in coursework and practicums will continue to be evaluated using rubrics and satisfaction surveys. Conclusions and Implications This intervention will apply community-based participatory research principles and be aligned with current obesity prevention recommendations and behavior change theories. This project will provide a sustainable model for confronting and combating obesity and safeguarding health that can be brought to scale nationwide.

Multiple pathways to multilingual investment: a collective case study of self-identified Mexican students in the U.S

ABSTRACTThe children of (im)migrants are the fastest growing population in U.S. schools at the same time there is increased anti-(im)migrant discourse, creating a unique linguistic ecology for its students. These multinational, multilingual, and multicultural students often encounter mononational, monolingual, and monocultural ideologies in their schools and communities. The result is that potentially hybridized learning contexts turn into sites of struggle for continued positive multilingual identities and investments. This multiple case study implemented surveys and interviews to explore the factors that contribute to the high multilingual investment of three self-identifying Mexican students residing in the U.S. Findings indicate that strong family relationships, formal coursework in Spanish, as well as a strong ethnic identity as Mexicans are interrelated factors that contribute to their high multilingual investment. In turn, this study suggests there are multiple pathways for Spanish-speakers residing in the U.S. to maintain, develop, and regularly use their Spanish abilities even in English hegemonic contexts. Dual language education is a powerful factor, but formal Spanish courses at the secondary and post-secondary level are also equally strong contributors when dual language education is not available. Furthermore, years of schooling in Mexico can counter monolingual educational contexts that adolescents often encounter. Implications for how educators may further facilitate positive and powerful multilingual identities and investments with their students along the educational pipeline are explored with a specific attention to Spanish language programming and raciolinguistic ideologies.