University Foundation Research Articles

The Role of Educational Level and Gender in Vocational Journey: A Comparative Perspective on the Abilities and Values of High School and University Students

This study aims to examine the vocational values of high school and private foundation university students in the Küçükçekmece district of Istanbul province based on gender and educational level. Utilizing a survey model, the research seeks to generalize students' vocational values and abilities within different educational settings. The study sample consists of a total of 616 high school students and 784 university students, randomly selected from three different high schools and a private foundation university. Participants exhibit diversity in demographic characteristics, including gender, type of school/faculty, grade level, and monthly income. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Vocational Values Inventory, and the Self-Assessment Inventory-Abilities scales. The findings indicate significant differences between high school and university students regarding vocational values and abilities. University students place greater emphasis on friendship, health, creativity, and helping, whereas high school students prioritize financial gain. In terms of gender differences, female students assign more importance to friendship, financial gain, and health values, while male students prioritize physical and creative values. Verbal ability was found to be higher among university students, while no significant differences were observed in numerical and spatial abilities. These findings highlight how vocational values and abilities vary between high school and university students based on gender and education level.

Topic Trend Analysis of Postgraduate Theses on Organizational Commitment in the Field of Education

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to conduct topic trend analyses of postgraduate theses addressing the subject of "organizational commitment" in education. Design/Methodology/Approach: In the study, the document review method was used to describe and interpret the tendencies of the theses in depth. The data required for the research was generated from the theses with the help of a form created by the researcher. Of the 403 theses scanned this way, 45 were doctoral, and 358 were master's. Findings: As a result of the analyses, it was determined that the first theses on the subject were completed in 2004. Foundation universities were ahead in the number of master's theses, but doctoral theses in foundation universities were almost nonexistent. In addition, it was observed that in nearly all the theses designed in relational screening, teachers and principals were preferred as the sample group, and primary and secondary schools were selected as the study field. The main factors affecting organizational commitment discussed in the theses were classified as "organizational climate," "individual factors," and "manager." These factors were distributed evenly in the theses. Highlights: Organizational commitment is a fundamental concept for educational organizations. It is essential to examine how the subject of “organizational commitment” is addressed in the field of education in postgraduate theses whose scientific validity and reliability have been approved in terms of depth and scope.

Effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain----A randomized control trial

Objective: To determine the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation compared to manual myofascial release in terms of managing pain, improving range of motion, and reducing disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Method: The randomised controlled trial was conducted from July 2022 to July 2023 at the Foundation University College of Physical Therapy and Gul’s Rehab Clinic, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised patients of either gender diagnosed with chronic mechanical low back pain. The patients were randomised into group A receiving manual myofascial release, and group B receiving instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation using long bar tool. The intervention lasted 9 sessions over 3 weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 50 participants 37(74%) were females and 13(26%) were males. The overall mean age was 25.1±6.9 years. There were 25(50%) patients in each group. Pain, lumbar range of motion, and lumbar disability improved significantly in both groups (p< 0.05). Intergroup difference was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Manual myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation were equally effective in the treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain. RCT number: NCT05709925. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=Low+Back+Pain&term=05709925&cntry=PK&state=&city=Rawalpindi&dist= Key Words: Chronic pain, Low back pain, Lumbar region, Myofascial release, Soft tissue injury.

Facilitating Online Learning Experience Among First Year College Students

The study determined the extent of educational experience of First Year College Students enrolled in Mindanao Autonomous College Foundation Incorporated in online learning using Facebook. It also explored the challenges and prospects experienced by the learners using the platform. Using a mixed-method design, empirical data for quantitative and qualitative analyses were sourced through checklist questionnaire and semi-structured interviews respectively. 164 respondents were surveyed while 14 respondents were interviewed. The quantitative data were treated using statistical tools such as frequency, percentages, mean, ranking, z-test, and one-way analysis of variance (anova) while the qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. Interestingly, the result revealed that Facebook was able to facilitate learning among students using the community of inquiry framework that determined online learning experience. Integral to this framework were the social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence wherein students agreed to have it experienced using Facebook. However, students also revealed varying concerns that challenges their online learning experience such as poor internet connections, regular power outage, among others. On the other hand, students revealed some prospects of Facebook such as its easiness to use, facilitate in sharing works, making communication and connections, and express ideas and opinions relevant to their educational experiences.

N53 Managing an ever-increasing inflammatory bowel disease helpline service

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease helplines have been initiated by Trusts throughout the country over many years. However many of them are not adequately job planned and have also seen a dramatic rise in calls over the years. Our Trust operates a helpline over 3 acute hospital sites. Previously calls were not accounted for financially and calls not documented in patient notes. Previously all helpline messages were retrieved by one of the clinical nurse specialists which took a considerable amount of nursing time. Methods The nurses on each site all undertake a number of clinical shifts per week answering helpline calls. Previously a list of patients was compiled from patient 1 onwards and staff were unable to prioritise any calls. The consultation is then dictated via a speech recognition system and a letter is generated and sent to the general practitioner. . The time that the call takes is also noted, to enable better job planning. All of the helpline calls are audited and trends and number of calls are analysed. Results We enlisted the support of our IBD coordinator who reviewed the helpline system and looked for improvements. They took over listening to and retrieving all messages left on the answerphone thus saving nursing time. They also changed the reporting system to a tabulated excel spreadsheet which enabled all calls to be effectively triaged and acted on in a timely manner. All calls are then added to a central spreadsheet which then categorises the calls into flare advice, medicines advice, investigation issues, appointment issues, etc. It has also enabled better job planning and it has highlighted the increased number of calls that are taken by the nursing team and that they have been safely managed and accounted for. it has also enabled the team to trend the calls that are taken and the reasons why patients phone our helplines. Conclusion This project has shown a dramatic increase in activity for the IBD nurses. It has also highlighted the financial activity of the service and the contribution this provides to the gastroenterology department. This project has not only saved nursing time that should be spent with patients but ensured that patients are reviewed timely. This audit has since been utilised by the South East IBD Network. This project could not have been a success without the vision of Adam our IBD coordinator and the hard working IBD nurses of East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust.

Lasater clinical judgment rubric in nursing education: a Turkish validity and reliability study

IntroductionGaining clinical judgment competence among student nurses is a significant outcome of nursing education. In this education process, an assessment tool based on observable behaviors is needed for evaluating students’ clinical judgment skills.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric, which assesses student nurses’ stages of clinical judgment competency in simulation-based education.MethodThis study was conducted using a cross-sectional methodological design between April and August 2024. For the cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the rubric, simulation videos of 3rd and 4th-year nursing students from a foundation university were used. The language validity of the rubric was performed according to the 10-step translation and cultural adaptation guide of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research; expert opinions were obtained for content validity. The final version of the rubric comprises four stages of the Tanner Model of Clinical Judgment (noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting) and 11 dimensions. Four levels of achievement describe the development of each of the 11 dimensions. Sixty-four scenario records of the simulation-based education of 4th -year students in the nursing undergraduate program of a foundation university were examined, and the students were evaluated by two independent observers using the Turkish version of the rubric. The construct validity of the scale was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Interobserver agreement was analyzed using the kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. Moreover, the discrimination of the rubric was evaluated using an independent samples t-test between the lower and upper 27% groups.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis revealed that the scale formed a four-factor structure of noticing, interpreting, responding, and reflecting in accordance with the original rubric. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four-factor structure model had an acceptable and generally good fit and was statistically significant and valid. The fit indices for the model were calculated as χ2/df = 1.70, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, comparative fit index = 0.94, and root mean square residual = 0.03. Kappa values ranged between 0.72 and 0.92, indicating a significant fit for all the items. The intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged between 0.70 and 0.90 and were statistically significant for all the items. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the rubric was 0.91 and ranged between 0.80 and 0.84 in its subdimensions.ConclusionTherefore, the Turkish version of the rubric is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating student nurses’ clinical judgment competency in simulation-based training.

COVID-19 with woman academicians' perspective in Türkiye: Hopelessness and well-being

This study aimed to determine the hopelessness and well-being levels of woman academics during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted online between February and May 2022 at the end of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted with 341 woman academics from state and foundation universities in Türkiye. The mean score from the Beck Hopelessness Scale was 6.02 ± 4.84, and the mean score from the Flourishing Scale (FS) was 43.50 ± 7.24. There was a significant negative correlation between flourishing scores and low, mild, moderate, and high hopelessness scores (p = .038, p < .001, p = .001, p = .034, respectively); as participants’ level of hopelessness increases, their FS scores decrease significantly (r: −.689, p < .001). Revealing the effects of changes in the routine and academic activities of woman academics on hopelessness and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic process has the potential to reduce possible risks that may develop in pandemics, and contribute to reducing the hopelessness levels and increasing well-being of woman academics.

2890 Exercise practitioner-led physical activity in hospitalised older people: saints foundation—university hospital Southampton

2890 Exercise practitioner-led physical activity in hospitalised older people: saints foundation—university hospital Southampton

Comparison of core endurance in individuals with and without lower crossed syndrome

Objective: The purpose of current study was to assess the core endurance in individuals with and without lower crossed syndrome. Study design: It was a cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Foundation University, Islamabad from February 2023 to January 2024. Material and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 158 participants (aged 19-30) through purposive sampling technique. Written consent was obtained from the participants before participation. McGill’s Core Endurance Battery was used to measure the core endurance and analysis was done using SPSS version 21.1.1 Results: This study included 158 participnts, with mean age of 21.81 ± 2.43 years. This study showed that for individuals with LCS, mean trunk flexor endurance time was 12.38±8.36 seconds, trunk extensor endurance time was 6.73±4.92 seconds. For the right lateral endurance, it was 3.89±2.61seconds and left lateral endurance test was 3.87±3.0 seconds. Whereas for individuals without LCS, mean trunk flexor endurance time was 14.67±11.69 seconds, trunk extensor endurance time was 9.35±8.62 seconds. For the right lateral endurance, it was 7.67±7.58 and 7.26±7.73for left lateral endurance. Conclusion: This study concluded that there are significant differences regarding the measured core endurance for extensor, left lateral and right lateral endurance tests between the healthy group and the lower cross group (p &lt; 0.05) and there was no significant difference in flexor endurance (p ≥ 0.05) between individuals with and without lower crossed syndrome.

PROJECT PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF TURKISH UNIVERSITIES BY LOPCOW-CRADIS METHODS

The encouraging regulations put forward by the countries in the fields of science and technology make quite positive contributions to the efforts of the relevant stakeholders. The effort to benefit from these financial supports, which has a motivational role for scientists and industrial organizations focusing on research and development activities, has become a competitive issue and performance indicator today. In this study, the performance of 200 state and foundation universities operating in Turkiye is examined in terms of project submission and execution capacities within the scope of Research Support Programs Directorate (ARDEB). In order to weight the evaluation criteria, the LOgarithmic Percentage Change-driven Objective Weighting (LOPCOW) method was used and the criterion "Number of Project Submissions" is determined as the prominent one. The performance order of the universities is determined by the Compromise Ranking of Alternatives from Distance to Ideal Solution (CRADIS) method where Middle East Technical University, Ege University, Istanbul Technical University, Hacettepe University, Ankara University, Istanbul University, Koç University, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, İzmir Technology Institute and Erciyes University are determined in the first ten order. It has also been determined that especially the universities established in recent are far from a competitive position.

Examining the Influence of Pakistani Television Dramas Depicting Extramarital Affairs on Youth

This study has examined the influence of dramas depicting extramarital affairs on Youth, focusing on Pakistani Urdu dramas. The portrayal of extramarital affairs in these dramas has increased in recent years, leading to concerns about their impact on Youths' attitudes and beliefs. The main aim was to examine the level of exposure Youth have to these portrayals, explore the association between exposure and its influence on Youth and investigate the potential cultivated effect of Mean World Syndrome. A quantitative research approach was employed and data was collected through a survey, administered to a randomly selected sample of 347 students from the Foundation University Rawalpindi Campus. The questionnaire demonstrated reliable internal consistency of α= 0.71. The results demonstrated a positive but weak relationship between the amount of exposure to these dramas and the perceived influence they have on Youth. The correlation (r=.25) is weak indicating that greater exposure does not necessarily lead to a greater impact on Youth perceptions of marriage. Negative correlation (r=-.53) was also found between exposure to dramas and development of Mean World Syndrome. This suggests that the greater exposure of Youth does not necessarily lead to mistrust on relationships and may not be significant source of influence.

The Role of Universities in Empowering Individuals and Society in Afghanistan

Universities are not independent entities separate from society; they are influenced by political and social systems and possess significant abilities to influence various sectors. As a decision-making system, universities play a crucial role in creating suitable conditions for nurturing transformative leaders. The institutional foundation of universities aims to address the developmental needs of society. A successful university believes in itself and seeks indigenous solutions to real problems. The primary objective of this research is to examine the role of universities as the highest educational and training institutions in empowering individuals and society. Initially, the study explored the literal and terminological meanings of empowerment. Then, we highlight the most important functions of universities concerning individual and societal empowerment. After clarifying universities’ role as the highest educational and training institutions, we addressed the question of how universities can effectively contribute to the empowerment of individuals and society. This research adopts an analytical approach that examines and analyzes expert opinions, literature reviews, and previous studies.

Unveiling Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Efficacy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Teaching Materials Utilization

This study investigated pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching materials utilization (TMU) focusing on the aspects of message design, usage, and visual design, and how demographic factors such as gender, age, university type, year of study, and teaching branch affect their self-efficacy in TMU. A group of 347 pre-service teachers studying at the faculty of education in different universities across Turkey were measured for their self-efficacy in the aspects of message design, usage, and visual design in teaching materials. The study quantitatively revealed that pre-service teachers demonstrated high levels of self-efficacy in all three domains. Notably, pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy varied significantly across demographic variables. Female pre-service teachers generally exhibited higher self-efficacy across all the subscales compared to their male counterparts. Age was also found to influence their self-efficacy in that older participants displayed greater competence. The pre-service teachers from foundation universities showed higher self-efficacy than those from state universities. However, the year of study did not significantly affect self-efficacy levels. Furthermore, significant differences in self-efficacy were also observed across different teaching branches, particularly in message design and usage, but not in visual design. This study contributes valuable insights for teacher education programs by emphasizing the importance of demographic considerations in developing teaching materials competencies among pre-service teachers.

Determining the Knowledge Levels of University Students About HPV and HPV Vaccine

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge levels of university students about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 802 university students staying in the student dormitory of a foundation university on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. The data of the study were collected using the "Student Information Form" and the "Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale". Results: 16.5% of the participants had previous sexual experience, 5.1% had genital wart problems before, 15.8% had the HPV vaccine, the total score average of the "HPV Knowledge Scale" was 10.142±7.364 (Min:0-Max:33). When the sub-dimension mean scores are examined, the "general HPV knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 6.657±4.276, the "HPV screening test knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.029±1.316, the "general HPV vaccine knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.591±1.737, the "current HPV knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.591±1.737. The mean score of the "information about vaccination program" subscale was found to be 0.865±1.240. Conclusion: In this study, the level of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine among university students is quite low, and it is seen that this situation may affect general health awareness and protective behaviors.

Promise Programs and the Allocation of Institutional Expenditures at Community Colleges

Objective/Research Question: Many localities have implemented promise programs, which cover tuition for students to attend college based on residency criteria. These “free college” programs have been shown to increase student enrollment, creating the need for additional institutional resources to support student graduation. We analyzed the impact of 30 promise programs, each targeting a single community college, on institutional expenditures. Methods: Using data from 2001 to 2002 to 2015 to 2016, we incorporated generalized difference-in-differences estimation strategies and panel event-studies. Results: We find that the full sample of community colleges did not change their total spending per student nor their spending in the categories of instruction, student services, academic support, or institutional support. For privately funded programs, which receive revenues from donors, businesses, and philanthropic foundations, the affected colleges increased their institutional support per student. In contrast, publicly funded programs, which receive revenues from the college itself, the college foundation, or repurposed local appropriations, experienced increases in student services. Colleges with a combination of funding sources (mixed) observed no changes to spending in any category. Conclusions/Contributions: This study generates knowledge about expenditures within colleges, starting the conversation about adequacy of financial support, and investigates a first-level effect of programs on institutional expenditures to uncover the missing link between promise programs and enrollment outcomes.

The Challenges Experienced by International Nursing Students in Nursing Education: A Qualitative Study

Objective: The study aimed to determine the challenges experienced by international nursing undergraduate students during their education period. Methods: A phenomenological research design was used. The study was conducted with 20 international nursing students enrolled in a foundation university in Türkiye. Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis method was employed in the study. Results: Based on the study’s results, three main themes, ‘Learning in a different environment’, ‘Challenges’, ‘Solution-Non Solution’ and ‘System difference, Language problems in clinical practice, Broad nursing curriculum, Facilitators, Language barrier, Feeling homesick, Racism and discrimination, Housing difficulties, Lack of funding, Instant solution, Failing to find a solution sub-themes themes were created. Conclusion: It has been observed that students experience different environments, uncertainties, and various challenges, and that these situations directly affect their education and success. To that end, both the institutions they receive education and the academicians must support the students in various ways.

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Computational Thinking and Language Learning Attitudes in Higher Education Students

Computational thinking (CT) is recognized as a fundamental skill in the 21st century, potentially improving problem-solving and creative thinking abilities. Given its broad applicability, there is a growing emphasis on introducing CT in education. Additionally, Oman Vision 2040 underscores the importance of advancing education and nurturing a highly skilled workforce, emphasizing the need for computational thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking, and algorithmic reasoning skills. Thus, since previous research has primarily focused on middle and high school students, and the studies for higher education showed that students lack CT competencies, this study extends the investigation to higher education students. Moreover, integrating CT into the curriculum calls for innovative teaching methods, such as game-based learning, which promises to engage students in complex activities closely aligned with CT principles. This research endeavors to investigate the impact of game-based learning on the CT skills and attitudes towards language learning of higher education students with consideration of potential gender-based differences. The problem statement highlights CT's significance and the pressing need for improved CT competencies among students. A comprehensive methodology employed a quasi-experimental design, encompassing pre-and post-tests, interviews, and questionnaires, to gather data from 24 Sultan Qaboos University Foundation students. The findings showed a considerable positive impact on students’ CT skills as well as their language learning attitudes. In light of the research findings, it is recommended that game-based learning be incorporated into higher education curricula to enhance CT skills and engagement.

Examining Engineering Students’ Attitudes Towards Mathematics Using Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis

Attitudes are an important factor influencing individuals’ academic success and learning processes. Research indicates that a positive attitude towards mathematics is associated with higher achievement and motivation, while a negative attitude is linked to difficulties. Attitudes towards mathematics shape the academic performance and professional success of students in engineering, as in many other fields. One of the methods used to analyze Likert-type scale data, which is employed to determine ambiguous perceptions and beliefs such as self-efficacy and attitudes, is the Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis. In this study, the attitudes of engineering students towards mathematics were examined using Fuzzy Conjoint Analysis according to various variables. The study was conducted with 382 undergraduate students from different departments of the engineering faculty at a foundation university in Türkiye. The “Attitude Towards Mathematics Scale” was used as the data collection tool. The analysis of the data revealed that the attitudes of engineering students towards mathematics were positive. In addition, it was determined that attitudes towards mathematics showed a low level of difference in favor of females according to the gender variable, in favor of the Industrial Engineering department according to the department variable, and against third-year students according to the grade variable.

Investigation of Nursing Students' Intercultural Care Experiences in Clinical Practice

Aim: Today, many health institutions provide treatment and care services to foreign nationals. Nursing students participate in the care of foreign patients during clinical practice and experience providing intercultural care. This study was conducted to examine nursing students' experiences of intercultural care in clinical practice. Method: The study was conducted with 292 students studying in the nursing department of a foundation university in Istanbul. Data were collected with a questionnaire form consisting of questions examining the students' sociodemographic characteristics and their experiences of providing care to patients from different cultures, and were evaluated with frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation in SPSS 22.0 program. Findings: The average age of the nursing students included in the study was 20.8, 88.4% were female, and 98.3% were single. 31.5% of the students did not know a foreign language, 61% of those who knew English, and they most frequently encountered Syrian, Libyan and Lebanese patients in hospitals. 16.8% of the students have received intercultural care training, 33.9% have provided care to foreign patients many times, 62% have experienced difficulties while providing care, and 35.3% can often reach an interpreter. The most negative situations experienced by foreign patients in intercultural care are communication, security, and violence, respectively. Students encounter difficulties during data collection, patient education, treatment, and physical examination regarding intercultural care. Conclusion and recommendations: It can be recommended that intercultural care be included in the nursing curriculum, foreign language education of students be developed, advance planning be done in practice areas, and there should be interpreters and language-speaking employees in hospitals.

Nursing Students' Views on the Virtual Escape Room Application

Background: Using the gamification method, which transforms information into a game, is important in increasing the students' motivation and ensuring their active participation. The escape room application, an innovative method and one of the examples of gamification that can be used in the education process, will contribute to the skill development of nursing students. Objectives: This research was planned to determine the students' opinions about the virtual escape room application in postoperative patient care. Design: This study is of descriptive and cross-sectional type. Methods: This study was conducted with 3rd and 4th year nursing students who took the surgical diseases course at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a foundation university in Istanbul between February 2021 and May 2021. Data were collected with Postoperative Nursing Care Form and Personal Information Form. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the relationship between the number percent distribution and the categorical variable in the data analysis. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 21.74±0.94. 51.1% of the students are women, and 61.8% are 3rd-grade students. They stated that 100% of the students liked the virtual escape game, 32.6% found it fun, and showed knowledge about the surgery lesson. Students did not choose the items I am undecided, disagree, and completely disagree on this 5-point Likert-type scale. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study showed that nursing students' views about the virtual escape room were positive. They also said they learned and had fun during the virtual escape room game.