Graduate Programs Research Articles

Credibility Judgments in Higher Education: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Detecting Misinformation from University Instructors

Given the convenience with which information can now be acquired, it is crucial to analyze cases of potential misinformation and disinformation in postsecondary education. Instructor credibility judgments were measured using descriptive survey research, and the main objective was to investigate trends related to misinformation, credibility, trust, bias, and others in graduate students and on a graduate program basis. Participants were surveyed from a land grant institution in the southeast United States where 186 graduate students completed an electronic survey on the detection of misinformation and similar experiences. Graduate students were divided based on graduate program into STEM (sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and non-STEM groups. Quantitative methodologies included validated questionnaires developed by researchers containing Likert-type scale questions. Chi-square tests of independence and frequencies served as primary analyses. Participants in both STEM and non-STEM groups detected the following: misinformation, bias, challenges, intimidation, risk of measurable consequences, pressure to conform, and skepticism from post-secondary instructors. There were significant differences between the type of student for trust in claims (p < 0.05), while the perception of potential consequences tended to be different between the types of graduate students (0.05 < p < 0.10). Participants in both STEM and non-STEM groups reported perception bias in science material presentation, with STEM students reporting less bias. Qualitative methodologies included optional open response boxes to provide supporting details or narratives. Reliable and validated thematic coding following served as the primary analysis. Students disciplined in STEM and non-STEM faced misinformation, bias, challenges, intimidation, risk of measurable consequences, pressure to conform, and skepticism from post-secondary instructors. Graduate students reported consistent instances of misinformation and bias about science and agriculture topics in both science and non-science-focused classrooms.

Centering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Graduate Admissions.

Many undergraduate neuroscience trainees aspire to earn a PhD. In recent years the number, demographics, and previous experiences of PhD applicants in neuroscience has changed. This has necessitated both a reconsideration of admissions processes to ensure equity for an increasingly diverse applicant pool as well as renewed efforts to expand access to the training and research experiences required for admission to graduate programs. Here, we describe both facets of graduate school admissions by demystifying the process and providing faculty with tools and resources to help undergraduate students successfully navigate it. We discuss admissions requirements and processes at two graduate institutions, highlighting holistic approaches to evaluating students, the ever-increasing research experience expectations, and the decreasing reliance on the GRE. With a particular focus on improving equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, we discuss resources for applying to graduate school that are available for students from underrepresented populations, including summer institutes and fellowship programs and intentional relationships with minority serving institutions (MSIs) to foster bi-directional engagement between undergraduate programs at MSIs and graduate institutions. With diverse perspectives as faculty involved in undergraduate education, graduate programs, and post-baccalaureate training programs, we provide recommendations and resources for how to help all trainees - especially those from populations underrepresented in the STEM workforce - succeed in the current graduate education admissions landscape.

Network analysis of graduate program support structures through experiences of various demographic groups

Physics graduate studies are substantial efforts on the part of individual students, departments, and institutions of higher education. Understanding the factors that lead to student success and attrition is crucial for improving these programs. One factor that has recently started to be investigated is the broadly defined students’ experiences related to support structures. The Aspects of Student Experience Scale (ASES), a Likert-style survey, was developed by researchers to do just that. In this study, we leverage the network approach for Likert-style surveys (NALS) methodology to provide a unique interpretation of responses to the ASES instrument for well-defined demographic groups. We confirm the validity of our findings by studying the stability of the NALS themes and investigating how they are expressed within demographic-based networks. We find that for all four themes in the original ASES study, certain thematic trends capturing students’ experiences vary across the demographic-based networks in meaningful ways. We also reveal that for some demographic groups, there is an interesting interplay between, and mixing of, the original themes. Finally, our study showcases how NALS can be applied to other Likert-style datasets. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

AACN competency-based essentials revisit: Evidence-based validation of entrustable professional activities in Asia

AimThis study intended to validate the competency-based approach through an entrustable professional activity in the nursing undergraduate education arena in Taiwan. BackgroundEntrustable professional activity is a recommended strategy to enhance nursing competencies and skills. It has been widely applied to nursing education in Western countries, especially graduate programs. However, its effects in eastern countries and undergraduate programs remain unclear. DesignA quasi-experimental comparison design was used. MethodThe study is conducted at the Department of Nursing at a university in southern Taiwan. A total of 72 Two-Year Nursing Program students participated in the study. After implementing the designated entrustable professional activity in the Wound Care Nursing course, outcomes were measured using the Competency Inventory of Nursing Students, Learning Satisfaction and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations. These outcomes were then compared with post-test results at the end of the semester. About 90 % of students completed the study with the test group (n=31) receiving extra activity and the comparison group (n=34) receiving usual teaching. Data were analyzed through chi-square, paired t and Student’s t-test. ResultsThe test group demonstrated significantly higher scores in perceived competency and clinical examinations than the comparison group. However, both groups experienced an increase in learning satisfaction without reaching a significant difference. ConclusionResults of the study indicate that competency-based pedagogy, e.g., using entrustable professional activities, should be integrated into nursing curricula to meet the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing standards with compelling evidence.

The development and current directions of a diversity specialty clinic: Implications for multicultural training in psychology.

Addressing systemic injustices and racism in training and clinical service provision are key next steps in clinical science. While the APA Multicultural Guidelines and accreditation standards have long emphasized this need, most graduate programs offer a single course on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, which is inadequate to train and sustain culturally humble providers and redress systemic injustices and racism within psychology. Few "real-world" examples exist to guide the development of training models. We provide background on the development and components of a specialty clinic, the University of New Mexico's Cultural Counseling Center, whose mission is providing culturally informed clinical services to diverse clientele, and to infuse multicultural training throughout the graduate program. Informed by the racial-spatial framework for psychology and critical race theory, we describe our approach intended to: 1) offer applications for the operationalization and delivery of multicultural and antiracist training; 2) enhance supervisory models; and 3) increase awareness of structural competence. Our clinic, developed collaboratively among students and faculty, serves as a safe forum for dialogue around structural injustices and seeks to improve treatment for diverse clients and those underserved in mental health care. We discuss issues of student and faculty engagement and offer the perspectives of faculty and students of color, case examples illustrating our services, and current efforts to expand and formalize community collaborations. We offer a model that integrates coursework, informal activities, and multicultural supervision for comprehensive student training and that promotes a departmental culture of dialogue and support around equity, diversity, and justice.

Linking Teaching and Research in Conservation of the Built Environment: Case Studies from Courses of the University of Cyprus Graduate Programme on Conservation

ABSTRACT Teaching and research are both equally essential to postgraduate studies in architectural conservation. The interaction between them is also crucial. Various perspectives exist on the connection between teaching and research, including research-led, research-oriented, and research-based teaching. Thus, differences arise based on whether the focus is on research content or on research processes and problems, whether students are treated as audiences or as participants, and whether teaching is teacher- or student-centred. This article presents case studies (courses) that link teaching and research from a new interdisciplinary postgraduate programme at the University of Cyprus on architectural conservation. It also discusses this issue within the international context of teaching and research in architectural conservation.

Clinical psychology graduate programs: Falling short in cultural humility training.

Clinical psychology graduate programs: Falling short in cultural humility training.

Twenty years of the Open Access movement: A retrospective study on the relationship between publishing strategies and scientific capital of Brazilian researchers in biological science

Abstract In this study, we aim to investigate the publishing strategies adopted by the Brazilian scientific community and how they are related to the researchers’ scientific capital. The “research productivity” grant (PQ grant) is taken as an indicator of scientific capital: The greater the PQ grant a researcher receives, the greater is their scientific capital. Personal data from 6,993 researchers linked to at least one Brazilian graduate program in biological sciences were obtained through the Sucupira Platform, data on articles published from 2000 to 2019 were retrieved from the Lattes Platform, and the Directory of Open Access Journals was consulted to classify articles as Open Access (OA). Our main findings indicate that subscription-based journals are the most prevalent publishing strategy, but the proportion of OA publications is increasing over time, mainly with article processing charges (APC). We also observed that the lower the level of PQ grant, the higher the share of articles in OA journals. Finally, we observed a growing trend in the percentage of researchers with high and mid-high adherence to OA from all levels of PQ grant, but mainly with APC. Mapping the dynamics of publishing strategies can play an important step towards driving policies oriented to the promotion of OA.

Treat me fairly now or I will commit misconduct later: integrating general strain and procedural (in)justice in graduate education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to integrate general strain theory and procedural justice in the context of research misconduct in university settings. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on media accounts and past research, the authors present data on the financial costs of research misconduct to universities and identify graduate school processes as a possible source of strain may lead to misconduct. Relevant research on procedural justice in organizational settings is also examined. Findings The available literature suggests that the use of procedurally just practices will help reduce strain, and in doing so, potentially prevent research misconduct in university settings. The authors present an integrated theoretical model that can be tested in future empirical studies of research misconduct and other forms of white-collar crime in universities. Directions for future theoretically informed research are discussed, along with recommendations for graduate program administrators. Originality/value Research misconduct causes significant financial and reputational costs to universities. While past research focuses on mentoring and training for preventing misconduct by graduate students, this study argues that the use of fair evaluations and other procedurally just processes is also important.

MITIGATING RESPONDENT FATIGUE IN SELF-ASSESSMENT: CEFR-BASED ITEMS FOR MALAYSIAN UNDERGRADUATES

Background and Purpose: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognised instrument for describing language skills. It describes language proficiency on a six-level scale, ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have already mastered a language. The roadmap in the Malaysian Education Plan 2013-2025 sets B2 as the target for Malaysian higher education graduates as this is the level at which they can expect to get a job and function adequately in English, while graduates of English language degree programmes are expected to reach C1 when they graduate. The aim of this study is to test and verify whether it is appropriate to use only the items from B2, C1 and C2 to measure the language proficiency of Malaysian students to avoid respondent fatigue in answering the questionnaire. Methodology: A proportionate stratified random sampling method was used and four strata were defined: Strata I and II were male and female students in public institutions, Strata III and IV were male and female students in private institutions. The instrument used was a questionnaire containing demographic profiles and eight items from the CEFR Global Self-Assessment Grid. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS. Findings: The eigenvalue of 7.263 with factor loadings between 0.774 and 0.854 and the Cronbach’s alpha value for language ability of over 0.9 indicate excellent reliability of the selected items. The study found that Malaysian university students were good at understanding and discussing personal information, events, opinions and plans. However, they found it difficult to understand complex and longer texts, to use language flexibly in social and academic settings and to express themselves without constantly asking for feedback. As the current education system focuses too much on memorization, it does not contribute to the development of practical language skills. In order to improve, students should use the CEFR as a self-assessment tool. Contributions: The findings of the study contribute to the understanding of the optimization of the CEFR framework in Malaysian higher education by reducing respondent fatigue and improving the quality of self-assessment. The study provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of using CEFR-based items at B2, C1 and C2 levels in reducing fatigue, improving the quality of self-assessment and informing language teaching and learning practices. The findings can assist educators and policy makers in developing more effective language teaching and assessment strategies that promote student learning outcomes and ultimately improve the language education of Malaysian students. Keywords: CEFR rubric, ESL, self-assessment, perceived language proficiency, answering fatigue. Cite as: Tg Nur Liyana, T. M. F., Wan Nazihah, W. M, & Mimi Mazlina, M. (2024). Assessing the self-perceived language proficiency of Malaysian ESL learners in higher education utilizing the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 474-489. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp474-489

Evaluations of solo piano performances: The role of performing with and without a musical score

The act of performing without a musical score is common and expected in many contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of performing with and without a musical score on listeners’ evaluations of solo pianists. We also investigated whether the effects of score use differed according to the perceived expertise of the performer. Participants ( N = 69) were collegiate music students who observed two video recordings of a pianist performing an excerpt from Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 90, No. 2. In one of the videos, the pianist used a musical score and in the other video the pianist did not use a score. One group of participants was informed at the outset that the pianist was an expert performer and the other group was told that the pianist was a student auditioning for a graduate program as a piano major. Participants rated each performance and indicated which recording they preferred. Results indicated no significant difference in ratings by performance condition overall, but significant interaction effects indicated that the effect of performance condition was dependent upon both the perceived expertise of the performer and presentation order. Chi-square results indicated no significant differences in participants’ preferences between conditions.

Sustainable Energy Systems on Near-Future Smart Cities: The Impact of Household´s Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Europe

Objective: The study addresses the urgency of finding alternatives to high-potential greenhouse fluorinated refrigerants, especially for domestic heating systems, due to imminent legal restrictions in Europe. When exploring the concept of Smart Cities, the energy efficiency of heating/cooling systems that use HFCs is highlighted, identifying the refrigerants responsible for serious global warming and which are being gradually eliminated by the European Union. Framework: Starting with a brief historical analysis of artificial heating and international agreements that have monitored the impact of human actions on the environment, followed by theoretical measures adopted and an assessment of the current European legal landscape related to refrigerants, projecting their impact on existing technologies. Method: Aplly efficient diagnostic, especially in low- and middle-income houses in Portugal, observing climate change, including the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere such as use of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) to evaluate environmental policies. Research Results: The impact of powerful greenhouse gases such as HFCs, with residential heating in the EU a major source of emissions. Sustainable alternatives such as heat pumps and the gradual transition to refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) are promoted, supported by legislative measures and financial incentives. Research implications: One of the major barriers to climate actionin cities, especially in Europe is to access climate finance to attend green and sustenable criterias. As key to ensuring domestic ability to mobilize sources of finance, such as internal programmes of reducing old skills of coverage in local climate action. The study contributes to debate the multi-level governance for Local Climate Action and integrating national climate change policies based on the global urban agenda, SDG. Originality/Value: As result of the master’s investigation the article is prior in the hitting energy consuming in Europe and especially in Portugal, been part of the graduate program of Aveiro University.

Towards a comprehensive framework to support project studies in the context of university research centres: a design science research

PurposeKnowledge production in project studies is continuously challenged to combine scientific rigour and practical relevance, and a professional graduate programme in Project Management is a suitable environment for addressing this issue. This research aims to generate a framework of the Ecosystem of a University Research Centre in Project Studies (URC-PS) to enhance the benefits of research developed in a professional graduate programme.Design/methodology/approachThe research was developed under the paradigm of Design Science and operationalised through a method of Design Science Research. The prescriptive approach was used to identify, design, develop, demonstrate, and evaluate the framework.FindingsThe framework comprises four macro-elements: Project Studies; Impact Generation Process; Circumstances, Governance and Management; and Context, broken into sixty elements. It provides a structure that is simultaneously holistic, integrative, and procedural. It also develops a perspective of knowledge co-creation between academics and practitioners in an engaged scholarship approach.Practical implicationsThe framework provides a more thorough understanding of the ecosystem university management to the research centre itself, to engaged academics, and to external actors, which allows them to discuss, plan, execute, and evaluate the co-creation of knowledge in Project Studies.Originality/valueThe framework contributes to Organisational Knowledge Creation Theory by including and discussing outcomes and impacts from co-created knowledge in a URC-Project Studies environment. It also explores the concept of “Ba” in its proposal for structuring, organising, and operationalising the “Ba”.

Structure, governance and delivery of specialist training programs in periodontology and implant dentistry.

To update the competences and learning outcomes and their evaluation, educational methods and education quality assurance for the training of contemporary specialists in periodontology, including the impact of the 2018 Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions (2018 Classification hereafter) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Evidence was gathered through scientific databases and by searching for European policies on higher education. In addition, two surveys were designed and sent to program directors and graduates. Program directors reported that curricula were periodically adapted to incorporate advances in diagnosis, classification, treatment guidelines and clinical techniques, including the 2018 Classification and the EFP CPGs. Graduates evaluated their overall training positively, although satisfaction was limited for training in mucogingival and surgical procedures related to dental implants. Traditional educational methods, such as didactic lectures, are still commonly employed, but they are now often associated with more interactive methods such as case-based seminars and problem-based and simulation-based learning. The evaluation of competences/learning outcomes should employ multiple methods of assessment. An update of competences and learning outcomes of specialist training in periodontology is proposed, including knowledge and practical application of the 2018 Classification and CPGs. Harmonizing specialist training in periodontology is a critical issue at the European level.

Advising Leaders’ Perceptions of Advisor Workplace Learning

This study explores the perceptions of academic advising leaders regarding workplace learning for primary-role academic advisors in the United States. This research highlights the importance of self-directed learning, scholarly engagement, and graduate programs in the professional development of academic advisors. Through semi-structured interviews with 17 leaders of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, two themes emerged: self-directed learning and engagement, and scholarly engagement and understanding the field. The findings reveal that academic advisors, as proactive learners, continuously enhance their competencies through formal and informal learning activities, actively engaging with academic literature and professional networks. The study underscores the significance of preparing advisors to contribute meaningfully to their profession. By addressing the challenges and opportunities in workplace learning, this research contributes to the evolution and professionalization of academic advising, aligning with principles of Human Resource Development (HRD). The insights gained inform the design of effective professional development programs that enhance advisor skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes and the advancement of the advising profession. This study bridges a critical gap in understanding the role of workplace learning in the continuous professional growth of academic advisors.

What Is the Level of Nursing Informatics Competency of ChatGPT?

Nurses must excel in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) - applied hospital systems, making their informatics competency crucial. ChatGPT has been trained with extensive amounts of informatics- and technology-related health data and has gained popularity. Nurses could have the opportunity to enhance their informatics competency through the knowledge generated by ChatGPT. However, its informatics competency has not been evaluated. We used the Self-Assessment of Informatics Competency Scale to measure the level of informatics competency of ChatGPT. ChatGPT fell within the range of 'somewhat competent' and 'competent,' lower than that of students in graduate programs. One subdomain, applied computer skills (clinical informatics), demonstrated competency levels close to that of students. Although the results presented certain limitations and concerns, we recognize the potential of ChatGPT to help researchers and healthcare practitioners. Nursing is advancing and continuously integrating AI technology; therefore, we should now embrace both the benefits and risks associated with ChatGPT.

Closing the gaps in adolescent vaccinations: Rhode Island’s Vaccinate Before You Graduate program as a model for other jurisdictions

ObjectiveThe northeastern state of Rhode Island (RI) has a Vaccinate Before You Graduate (VBYG) program that supplements the traditional primary care infrastructure by providing vaccines to adolescents while they are in school, with no out-of-pocket expenses. We analyzed data from RI’s immunization registry to evaluate whether VBYG also reduces disparities in adolescent immunization rates. MethodsWe identified adolescent and catch-up vaccines administered in RI to people who were aged 11–18 at any point during the 5-year study period of 2019–2023, and conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses of vaccine administration data by setting (VBYG clinics, community health centers [CHCs], all other primary care practices [oPCPs], other school-based clinics, and other sites) and adolescent demographics (racial and ethnic identity, insurance status, sex, and age at time of vaccine). ResultsOf over 387,000 routine vaccines administered during the study period, 3.3 % were administered by a VBYG clinic despite significant declines during school closures associated with the early COVID-19 pandemic. VBYG-administered doses went to slightly older youth, and a higher proportion were catch-up doses (25.7 % versus 14.1 % for CHC doses and 6.5 % for oPCP). Youths received an average of 2.71 vaccines in VBYG clinics compared to 1.77 from oPCPs and 2.08 from CHCs. A higher proportion of vaccines administered by VBYG went to adolescents of color and those without private insurance than those administered by oPCPs. ConclusionsVBYG provides a model to other jurisdictions of a vaccine safety net for adolescents who may not otherwise receive recommended vaccines before exiting the school system.

Where Do I Go from Here? Evaluating Professional Development in Undergraduate Planning Education

Urban planning education emphasizes professional development and career preparedness. Undergraduate programs can recruit a broader diversity of students to planning but require different approaches to professional development than graduate programs. In this paper, we evaluate existing research on undergraduate and graduate planning education in the United States. Using a survey of undergraduates and an assessment of studio learning outcomes, we explore student perspectives on professional development. Students see value in technical skills and networking but less in community-based projects. We also find that using individual development plans in studio learning helps undergraduate students see the value of ongoing professional development.

Philosophical research in Brazil: A structural topic modeling approach with a focus on temporal and gender trends

AbstractThis paper employs structural topic modeling (STM) to describe the academic philosophy landscape in Brazil. Based on a public national database, a corpus consisting of 12,515 abstracts of monographs defended in philosophy graduate programs between 1991 and 2021 was compiled. The final STM model identified 74 meaningful research topics, clustered into 7 thematic categories. This study discusses the prevalence of the most significant topics and categories, their trends across three decades, and their (positive or negative) association with the supervisor's gender. Results show the first empirical evidence that Brazilian philosophical research exhibits a greater focus on philosophers than on specific themes or problems. Moreover, by visualizing the variations in topic prevalence over time, it was possible to track the rise or decline of the major interest categories and topics. Finally, results also show which topics are more influenced or less influenced by gender.

Nursing at Universidad del Valle in Cali: 65 years at the vanguard; contributions, achievements, and perspectives

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to depict how the Nursing School throughout its 65-year history, celebrated at the same time as Universidad del Valle does, has been at the forefront in Colombia’s southwest and Latin America, contributing to the continuous enhancement of nursing education with its undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research and extension projects. Objective: To describe the creation and development of the nursing programs and projects in response to the contextual needs and their orientation toward innovating in nursing education.Materials and methods: Historical research, analysis of documents found in the office of the director of the Nursing School, the directors of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, publications, personnel archives of faculty members, interviews of retired faculty, and the authors´ recollections.Results: Four periods are depicted along the 65-year history, showing the development, achievements, and contributions of the academic programs and main extension projects; some challenges for the future also are included.Conclusions: Nursing-UniValle has been in the front line during its 65 years of history; now it has to meet the challenges of the future.