General Education Research Articles

Развитие системы поддержки одаренных детей в СССР и в России: направления и перспективы

The article examines the work with gifted children in Russia within the context of the historical development of the Russian education system. The aim of the research is to identify the characteristics, directions, and prospects for working with gifted children in Russia within the framework of extensive and intensive development paths. The research involved exploring legislative acts, projects related to working with children, pedagogical papers on the issue of giftedness; methods of analysis and generalization were applied. The scientific novelty of the research lies in predicting possible directions for the development of the Olympiad system, considering its system-forming function. As a result, it can be said that after the collapse of the USSR, the Russian system of additional education has outlined a vector of transition from an extensive to an intensive approach in working with gifted children through regional centers for identifying and supporting such children. At the same time, the system of working with gifted children retains its historical characteristics of an extensive approach in all directions, while the scale of working with gifted children increases: (1) in the Olympiad system, (2) in additional education, and also (3) in the in-depth study of subjects in general education institutions for gifted children. Among the possible directions and prospects are the improvement of the “triangle” of support for gifted children (Olympiads – schools – additional education) in the humanities, for example, by clarifying the status of general education organizations with in-depth study of socio-humanitarian subjects in relation to working with gifted children and realizing the possibilities of a variable nature of the current Olympiad system, which allows children to demonstrate their giftedness in a wide range of activities and academic subjects.

Developing Skills and Attitudes for Preparation Future Workforce: STEM Education Strategies

This paper investigates the methodologies teachers could integrate into the STEM lessons of general secondary education to develop the skills and attitudes required in the workplace as a fundamental component of career readiness development. The conclusions about good practices in teaching STEM are provided by: a) participatory observation for six months in a sample of 27 students aged 16 years old of Evangeliki Model High School of Smyrna in Greece and b) simultaneous integrated design of the mixed methodological approach based on (i) descriptive statistical analysis of students’ skills scores and (ii) qualitative analysis of the data justifying how the learning activities implemented contributed to these scores.

STEM Enrollment Decision Trees as Graduation Predictors for Community College Students Enrolled in Remedial Mathematics

Objective/Research Question: Community college graduation rates are typically quite low, and developmental mathematics enrollment and coursetaking patterns may constrain academic outcomes. To identify ways in which community college graduation rates may be improved, decision trees were utilized to examine the STEM coursetaking patterns of N = 5,065 students who matriculated in remedial mathematics. Methods: The research design was guided by Tinto’s academic and social integration framework, which provided an analytical lens for identifying how decision trees facilitate academic decision making when academic and social integration is limited. Decision trees identified course sequence rules to predict graduation, which can be used to formulate course pathways for community college advisors and their students. Results: Nine rules from the decision tree were identified, which could be used to advise community college students in coursetaking that aligns with career aspirations. The most important variable predicting graduation was completing College-Level Mathematics, which included Algebra II, Statistics, Precalculus, and survey mathematics courses. General education sciences courses such as Astronomy, Geology, Environmental Science, and Marine Biology were the most important science courses predicting graduation. Conclusions/Contributions: Results suggest the importance of College-Level Mathematics in providing the skills necessary for students to be successful in subsequent STEM coursework and persist to graduation. Designating specific academic pathways may improve social and academic integration and graduation rates, providing continuity as students work with different advisors to choose majors and plan course sequences. Transparent, accessible enrollment planning fosters programmatic consistency and student agency in selecting coursework that will maximize their success.

영어권 한국어 학습자 대상 한국어 교육 연구 동향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the research trends in Korean language education for English-speaking Korean learners and propose future research directions. Methods To achieve this, 100 academic journal articles and 103 theses published from 2000 to 2023 were selected as the subjects of analysis. They were categorized by year, type, proficiency level, and topic for thorough examination. A qualitative method was used in which the researcher sets analysis criteria and classifies the study accordingly. Results Research on Korean language education for English-speaking learners began in 2000 and peaked in 2015, with the highest number of studies published. Since then, it has been maintained at a steady level. In terms of publication types, there were 100 academic journal articles and 103 theses, with the majority focusing on beginner-level learners, while research on intermediate-level learners was the least prevalent. Looking at the topics, studies on educational content and learner performance patterns accounted for the largest proportion, whereas research on general education, learner factors, and educational materials appeared relatively scarce. Conclusions Research on cultural education content for English-speaking learners needs to be conducted more actively, and studies on educational materials available to English-speaking learners should be diversified according to specific topics and proficiency levels. Additionally, research on teacher education and studies on self-directed learners are also necessary.

Investigating Teachers' and Students’ Evaluation of the Textbook English for Iraq for First and Second Grades of High School Based on Litz's Checklist

The present study investigates Iraqi teachers’ and students’ evaluation of the textbook English for Iraq for first and second grades of high school based on Litz's checklist using a descriptive qualitative method. The sample of this study was 2textbook books entitled “English for Iraq for 1st Intermediate” and “English for Iraq for 2nd Intermediate”. The research data was collected from the Evaluation checklist of experts consisting of 5 Points in evaluation textbooks. The results of the evaluation of the two books have mostly met the standards of a decent book based on the criteria of Litz in terms of objectives, layout&design, methodology, skills, elements of language. This study also intended to examine EFL teachers’ and students’ points of view on these two textbooks. The participants were 70 first and second-grade intermediate school students and 30 EFL teachers who chose from various intermediate schools in Wasit province. The researcher designed two questionnaires to evaluate these textbooks. The examinations uncovered that EFL teachers were to some extent happy with the “English for Iraq textbook series”; Not with standing, EFL students were fairly impartial. The evaluation also indicated that the English for Iraq textbook meets the CLT educational plan's points and targets in introducing the exercises and activities through legitimate texts (fiction and nonfiction) that are connected with genuine circumstances. The findings of this work may hold any importance with Iraqi EFL teachers, materials designers, and the partners engaged with the materials readiness Departments of the Iraqi Ministry of General Education.

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES AND MEDIA LITERACY IN THE EDUCATIONAL SPACE OF GEORGIA

In the twenty-first century, digital technologies are an integral part of daily life. The technology used has added a whole new dimension to society regarding communication and relationships, learning and cognition, development, and self-realization. Virtual reality has often replaced the real one, making humanity even more dependent on technology. The merits of digital technologies are unlimited access to information, inclusiveness, and availability from anywhere in the world, breaking down cultural, social, and gender barriers, self-realization and development of creative skills, social communication through various multimedia means, promotion of education and science development, and others. At the same time, the technological age has added a whole new dimension to safety in the form of suicidal online challenges, cyberbullying, and other threats that the younger generation may face as they enter adulthood. The older generation has the responsibility to protect them in the digital environment and ensure a safe digital life. Therefore, it is a priority for the education system to develop the digital awareness of young people and prepare the young generation to deal with the challenges in the digital world. This preparation is necessary for living in both the real and virtual worlds. The paper examines the current situation and peculiarities of using modern computer technologies, digital citizenship, and media literacy in Georgia's general education space and determines the possibilities for improving it.

Effect of Insulin Pen Training Using the Teach-Back Method on Diabetes Self-Management, Quality of Life, and HbA1c Levels in Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of insulin pen training using the Teach-Back method in older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on their self-management of insulin treatment, quality of life (QoL), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Participants included 25 patients in the intervention group, with a mean age of 80.76 ± 6.132 years, and 24 patients in the control group, with a mean age of 81.29 ± 4.920 years. All participants were older people who had previously been diagnosed with T2D, had been using insulin for at least 6 months, and lived in rural areas. Teach-Back pen training was provided to the intervention group, while general diabetes education was provided to the control group. One-way variance analysis, paired-samples t-test and independent sample t-test were used. The self-management of insulin treatment, QoL and HbA1c levels were determined before training and after 3 months. The study was conducted between December 2022 and April 2023. A significant difference was found in the mean scale scores between the intervention group and control group after training. The mean self-management of insulin treatment and QoL scale scores of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group after training. The post-training HbA1c levels in the intervention group were lower than the pre-training levels. Teach-Back training improved diabetes self-management and QoL and decreased HbA1c levels in older patients with T2D living in a rural community.

The Role of 3D Printing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) Education in General and Special Schools

The Role of 3D Printing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) Education in General and Special Schools

Beyond graduation: understanding professional downgrading in Moroccan vocational training alumni

PurposeYoung graduates in Morocco are encountering an increasingly challenging labor market environment. Confronted with intense competition, job insecurity, and unclear career trajectories, many find themselves in low-skilled positions despite possessing relevant qualifications. This issue is particularly pronounced among vocational training graduates, who experience professional downgrading at a rate three times higher (33.6%) compared to their peers from general education (11.6%) (HCP, 2018). Our study aims to investigate professional downgrading among young vocational training graduates in Morocco, focusing on the factors contributing to this phenomenon and identifying potential solutions to address it.Design/methodology/approachOur study is based on the insertion and career path survey conducted by the Department of Professional Training with graduates of professional training programs in Morocco. For this edition, the survey was conducted in 2020, encompassing all 31,498 graduates of the 2016 professional training programs. The Heckman self-selection model is employed to analyze and explore various dimensions of downgrading. Factors such as gender, age, marital status, parental education, and the choice of vocational training field are scrutinized to understand their influence on downgrading.FindingsThe study reveals several key findings: Women exhibit a lower probability of professional downgrading compared to men. Young graduates are more vulnerable to downgrading, emphasizing the necessity for career guidance and mentorship programs to facilitate their entry into the job market. Marital status plays a role, with married individuals having a higher likelihood of downgrading. Parental education, particularly that of mothers, proves critical in preventing subjective downgrading of vocational training graduates, highlighting the need for adult literacy and education programs. The effectiveness of the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Competencies (ANAPEC) programs in preventing downgrading among vocational training graduates is questioned, suggesting the need for program revisions tailored to this population. The choice of vocational training field significantly impacts downgrading, with graduates of technical training programs experiencing advantages. This emphasizes the importance of diversifying training fields and aligning them with market demands.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights into the phenomenon of professional downgrading among young vocational training graduates in Morocco. The findings emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions. Recommendations include supporting young graduates, reassessing programs offered by the ANAPEC, and enhancing technical training to better align with the evolving demands of the labor market.

Education and vocational training in Kosovo, a challenge and objective of the 21st century

Classes in Kosovo are held in private and public educational institutions. Education in Kosovo went through very hard phases and challenges especially in the years 1990/1999 since differences and the need for change made us not entirely prepared. After the establishment of Kosovo Institutions, the Department of Education and Science (DES) was established within the Ministry of Education. The primary aim was to establish the legal and professional basis as a frontline of the reform of our education system, especially the acceptance of the Bologna processes that facilitate the radical reform of general and vocational education. This paper will address the aspects of reforming and progression of vocational secondary education, vocational schools, and correspondence to the needs of the EU market and the possibility of implementing in post-secondary and university higher education.

In an Imperfect World: Barriers and Facilitators to Educators' Evidence-Based Practice Use for Elementary-Aged Autistic Students in Inclusive Settings.

Educators' use of evidence-based practices (EBP) provides positive outcomes for autistic students in multiple areas of learning (e.g., peer interactions and academic skills) and may promote access and participation in general educational settings. However, many teachers report limited use of EBPs for their autistic students, with inconsistent fidelity. This study sought to understand barriers and facilitators educators identify to implementing EBPs with autistic students in general education classrooms. To understand educators' perspectives and experiences, we conducted a qualitative study with 81 educators who serve elementary-aged autistic students in one state. In response to interview questions based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework, educators reported on multiple factors, including the general education environment, access to resources, training in EBPs, and professional collaboration. Implications for practice, training, and research are discussed. Specifically, we address educators' need for increased training and the availability of educator resources.

Cultural Approach in Teaching Visual Arts and Literary Reading at the Primary General Education Level: Principles and Methodological Solutions

Introduction. Introducing elementary school students to the values of artistic culture in the lessons of fine arts and literary reading is an important aspect of primary education. The authors of the article focus on the cultural approach, which contributes to the expansion of space for interpersonal and intercultural interaction, self-expression and realization of essential, creative in nature, human forces, allowing to rely on the dominant system of values in society and build educational strategies based on the ideas of dialogue and humanism as a basic basis for common approaches in teaching different subjects. Methodology. The article presents a number of principles, including: the principle of continuity, continuity, the principle of combining theory and practice-oriented, communicative interaction, openness, inclusiveness of the educational environment, cultural appropriateness. The integration of these principles in the process of implementation of the subjects “Fine Arts” and “Literary Reading” at the level of primary general education allows the teacher to strengthen the educational context of the taught subject, to expand the possibilities of searching and justification of actual methodological solutions in the context of cultural approach in education. Results. The research resulted in methodological solutions presented in the form of variants of tasks for students on the material of studying watercolor painting and works of various genres in elementary school. Conclusions. The solutions proposed by the authors can be considered by teachers as methodological guidelines that demonstrate and reveal the specifics of the implementation of the cultural approach in teaching the subjects “Fine Arts” and “Literary Reading”.

Реализация требований федеральной рабочей программы основного общего образования при обучении геометрии

The article is based on the main key ideas of formation, planned meta-subject results. The article considers the methodology of implementation of the requirements of the federal working program of basic general education in teaching mathematics, taking into account the goals of teaching mathematics. An approach to the formation of cognitive universal educational actions of students in teaching geometry is proposed, using educational tasks and educational assignments.

Exploring Theoretical Issues on Teaching Natural Science Subjects in Grade 6 at Secondary Schools in the Context of Vietnam

Teaching Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools can be understood as the process of impact of teachers teaching Natural Science subjects on grade 6 pupils, through educational activities, to impart knowledge of Natural Science, to achieve academic objectives according to the regulations of the general education program. Studies have shown that teaching Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools is designed to develop the qualities and abilities of Natural Science for grade 6 pupils. This educational activity has achieved some positive results in the past but still reveals some limitations. Exploring theoretical issues in teaching Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools will help identify necessary content and orientation for practical activities. Based on the assessment of legal documents of the state; research selectively inherits in-depth research of several researchers; analyze, compare, synthesize, and evaluate; this study has discovered theoretical issues on teaching activities of Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools as position, role, objectives, content, methods, forms as well as conditions to ensure teaching activities of Natural Science subjects in grade 6 at Secondary schools. Discovering these contents has clarified and supplemented the missing content on theoretical issues; at the same time, it is the basis for applying to educational practice at Secondary schools.

Knowledge and Self-care Practices among a Sample of Type II Diabetes in Duhok City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Diabetes is a significant chronic disease with a high prevalence worldwide. The number of diabetic patients is rising, necessitating improvements in both care and treatment. A baseline evaluation of patients' knowledge and self-care habits is required. The study's objectives were to find out diabetic patients' understanding of the condition and its complications and adherence to self-care routines related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 diabetic patients with type two diabetes who were 18 years and older, having the condition for at least three months, and was conducted in Azadi general teaching hospital in Duhok city from April 2022 to September 2022. Patient selection was taken by systematic random method. A questionnaire which was interviewer-administered was used for collecting data. Results: Patients’ age ranged between 31 to 70 years; the majority of them (48.67%) were between the ages of 51 and 60 years. The participants were males (44.67%) and females (55.33%). Concerning knowledge about risk factors of diabetes 224 patients (74.67 %) knew that family history is a risk, while 254 (84.67 %) were unaware of low physical activity is a risk factor. Among the self-care practices, foot care was the most neglected area. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus did not demonstrate sufficient levels of knowledge and practice. Carefully targeted interventions are required. Another issue that has to be addressed is the diabetes patients' documented low adherence to physical activity.

Application of Character Education in the Modern Islamic Boarding School Curriculum

Character education is an important aspect in students' personal development, especially in a modern pesantren environment that integrates religious and general education. This study aims to explore the application of character education in the modern pesantren curriculum and its impact on student development. The method used is a case study on several modern Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia, focusing on the strategy, implementation, and evaluation of character education programs. The results of the study show that modern Islamic boarding schools apply various approaches in educating students' character, including the integration of religious values, experiential learning, and extracurricular activities that support character development. The implementation has a positive impact on student attitudes and behaviors, such as increased discipline, responsibility, and empathy. This study concludes that the curriculum of modern Islamic boarding schools that integrate character education can make a significant contribution to the formation of students' character, and recommends a more structured and sustainable approach to improve the effectiveness of character education in Islamic boarding schools.

Girls’ education and success in Azerbaijan: comparative document analysis

ABSTRACT This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of female academic success in Azerbaijan, with a particular emphasis on general education and higher education, against the backdrop of global efforts to enhance girls’ education and empower women. Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has exhibited a commitment to gender equality through the adoption of international laws, implementation of gender-based projects and formulation of women’s empowerment policies. By scrutinizing the latest national and international documents, including reports, this research evaluates female educational achievements and compares them with historical data, male educational attainment levels and benchmarks from comparable post-Soviet and neighbouring countries. The study reveals a notable upward trajectory in female academic success, surpassing male counterparts in various fields. Despite these achievements, gender disparities persist, positioning Azerbaijan behind similar nations. The research concludes that while female success is strongly linked to education, further efforts are required to address gender imbalances in domains such as politics and safety.

Fostering Critical Thinking Skills: Comparative Creative Projects in General Education Humanities and Social Science Classrooms

According to both post-secondary educational advocates and employers, critical thinking is a vital skill for students to learn during their university education. It is not a skill, however, that students can be introduced to once and then expected to independently apply. Instead, critical thinking skills should be integrated and practiced throughout a student’s degree program. Including project-based learning (PjBL) in general education classes can serve a dual purpose for the general education instructor: first, well-designed project-based assignments allow students to practice many of the cognitive and metacognitive skills associated with critical thinking, and, second, they enable students to connect the material in the general education classroom to their own experiences, making it a more robust learning opportunity while at the same time providing students choice. This essay reflects on the PjBL assignment “Thinking Outside the Essay” to illustrate one potential avenue for humanities and social and behavioral science faculty to facilitate practice in critical thinking, provide student choice, and connect course content to students’ lived experiences.

Testing for Screening using vocational skills: The case of upper secondary general and vocational education in Greece

Testing for Screening using vocational skills: The case of upper secondary general and vocational education in Greece

Financial literacy of Russians: The relationship with socio-demographic and psychological characteristics

The goal of the study is to reveal the relationship between the financial literacy of Russians and socio-demographic and psychological factors using data from three waves of the All-Russian Panel Survey of Consumer Finances (2018, 2020 and 2022). Fixed effects regression shows that the age of an individual is related non-linearly with financial literacy and the profile has the inverted U-shape. The association of education with financial literacy is positive: respondents with specialized secondary and higher education are more financially literate compared to people with general secondary education or lower. Income, Internet use, the presence of a spouse, paid employment, and a bank account are also positively related to financial literacy. Individuals with higher risk appetite, low ability to control their emotions, and short-term time preferences are worse literate in personal finance. Robustness tests allowed us to conclude that the influence of gender on the level of financial literacy in Russia is insignificant.