Level Of Guidance Research Articles

Examining the Influence of Freehand, Pilot-Guided, and Fully Guided Surgical Protocols on the Accuracy of Immediately Placed Implants—An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the guidance level on the accuracy of immediately placed implants. Methods: Eighteen identical maxillary models (randomly split into three groups (n = 6): fully guided (FG), pilot-guided (PG), and freehand (FH)) were used to place 72 implants (n = 24). After placement, the mean global, angular, mesial–distal, buccal–palatal, and vertical deviation at the platform and apex of the placed implants, relative to the preoperatively planned positions, was calculated. Results: Significant differences in global and mesial–distal deviation were found between implants in the FG group and implants in the PG and FH groups. Significant differences were also found between the implants in the FG and FH groups as well as the implants in the PG and FH groups in terms of angular and mesial–distal apex deviation. Finally, significant differences were found between the implants in the FG and PG groups in terms of buccal–palatal platform deviation. Conclusions: The results of this in vitro study show that immediate implants placed using fully guided surgical guides have significantly less deviation, and are therefore more accurate, than implants placed freehand or using pilot guides, but this should be further validated in a clinical trial.

Assessment of Radioactivity Levels in Bottled Drinking Water Consumed by Different Age Groups of People in Kampala City, Uganda

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in drinking water may be enhanced depending on the geological strata from which it is extracted. The demand and consumption of bottled drinking water is increasing every year in Uganda mainly in Kampala city. Therefore, the study was purposed to assess the levels of natural radioactivity using a gamma spectrometer in commonly bottled drinking water in Kampala City. The mean specific activities for Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 in bottled drinking water were 4.45±0.20, 1.32±0.27, and 46.33±0.24 Bq/l respectively which exceeded the specific World Health Organization recommended guidance level of 1.0 Bq/l except for K-40. The mean activity concentrations were however comparable to the mean concentration of tap water used in Kampala City, that is 4.00±0.16, 1.4±0.19, and 47.05±0.21 Bq/l for Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 respectively. The annual effective dose contributed by two radionuclides of Ra-226 and Th-232 in the bottled water exceeded the maximum dose limit of 0.1 mSv/y recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The mean estimated excess lifetime cancer risk due to Ra-226 (0.00177) exceeded the recommended limit of 0.001 while that due to Th-232 (0.0001) was below the recommended limit. Therefore, the main contributor to the total annual ingestion dose was Ra-226. Due to the high solubility and toxicity of Ra-226, there is a significant concern warranting further investigation. Finally, the results from the study revealed that there was not any trace of contamination from artificial radionuclides in the bottled drinking water manufactured and consumed within Kampala City. With the growing populational demand for bottled drinking water, it's recommended that radioactivity levels comply with the WHO recommended radioactivity levels. Therefore, this study contributes to the revision of standards and development of regulations for radiological protection of the public and the environment from risks of radiation exposure associated with bottled drinking water.

Alternative for HPC22 after repairs in the drinking water distribution system

There is a risk of contamination by (pathogenic) microorganisms from the outside environment into the drinking water during maintenance or pipe breaches in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) and, consequently, the drinking water distributed to consumers may result in possible detrimental effects on public health. Traditional time-consuming microbiological testing is, therefore, performed to confirm drinking water is not microbially contaminated. This is done by culturing methods of the faecal indicators Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci and the technical parameters coliform bacteria and heterotrophic plate counts at 22 °C (HPC22). In this study, fast methods (adenosine triphosphate (ATP), flow cytometry, enzyme activity and qPCR) were compared as an alternative for HPC22. Using dilution series and field samples, ATP (ATPtotal-lab and ATPcell-mob) and enzymatic activity (ALP-2) methods proved to be the more reliable and sensitive than flow cytometry and qPCR methods for detecting microbiological contaminations in drinking water. Significant (p < 0.05) and relatively strong correlations (R2 = 0.61–0.76) were obtained between HPC22 and both ATP methods, enzyme activity and qPCR parameters, but relations with flow cytometry were weak (R2 = 0.24 – 0.52). The samples taken after repairs or a calamity from the DWDS showed in general limited variation in the HPC22 count and were in most cases below the guidance level of 1,000 CFU/mL. We recommend that the best performing alternative methods, i.e. ATPtotal-lab and ATPcell-mob and ALP-2, should be included next to HPC22 in additional field studies to further test and compare these methods to be able to decide which fast method can replace HPC22 analysis after maintenance work in the DWDS.

Geochemical indices and sedimentation rates in the Pardo River basin, São Paulo state, Brazil

Sediment geochemical indices and sedimentation rates data from the Pardo River watershed, São Paulo State, Brazil, provide relevant reference guidelines for stakeholders to plan future actions aiming to achieve the appropriate management of that hydrographic basin. The watershed includes 20 municipalities where about 650,000 inhabitants are living and whose waters after withdrawal and treatment supply ∼300,000 people in that region. Six sediment cores provided the geochemical and radiometric dataset, which was obtained from sampling sites located in the following cities: Ourinhos, Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, Águas de Santa Bárbara, Avaré, Botucatu, and Pardinho. The concentration data for some metals were compared with the reference values established by the Brazilian environmental legislation for sediment dredging because currently there is a lack of specific quality guidelines for marine or fluvial sediment in Brazil. Also, the entire dataset was used in the calculation of two traditional geochemical indices, i.e., the enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). In some cores, both indices provided insight revealing possible anthropogenic inputs of magnesium oxide (MgO), potassium oxide (K2O), sulfur trioxide (SO3), vanadium oxide (V2O5), copper (II) oxide (CuO), and other constituents due to development of activities related to the crop production. The constant rate of supply (CRS) of the unsupported/excess lead 210 (210Pb) model has been successfully applied to the obtained a radiometric 210Pb dataset, yielding mean values of the mass accumulation rate (MAR) between 0.86 and 7.23 g/(cm2·y) and linear sedimentation rates (LSR) ranging from 2.9 to 7.1 cm/y. Both of these rates exhibited a significant correlation, representing physical weathering processes occurring in the basin. Chemical weathering rates reported in the literature indicate values much lower than the physical weathering rates and such findings have also been confirmed in the current study when the obtained data were compared with results from previous investigations in the Pardo River watershed. The CRS 210Pb chronological model was useful to track historical changes in the MgO and CuO concentration in the sediment cores, allowing curves to be plotted exhibiting major peaks in core 1 (1980–2010) and core 3 (2000–2010), a continuous increase from 1970 onwards until 2010 (core 4), and a sharp increase at the end of the monitoring period, 2017 (cores 5 and 6). Data available for the harvested area at a municipality located within the basin for the period 1990–2022 have indicated a more pronounced increase over the last years in the production of sugar cane, soybeans, and oranges, implying an increasing use of fertilizers and agricultural correctives for crop production, whose chemical composition would justify the trends observed for MgO and CuO concentrations in the sediment cores. The current study also revealed a wide range of significant relations involving the concentration of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and other analyzed constituents, with iron tending to accumulate in the finer grain sizes (from 0.125 to <0.037 mm) of the sediment. The CRS 210Pb chronological model permitted evaluation of the history of the iron flux up to the present, which could represent baseline guidance levels for indicating future anthropic inputs in the basin.

Enhancing maize safety: the role of co-regulation as a regulatory strategy to manage fumonisin risk

This study explores the implementation of the One Sample Strategy (OSS), a co-regulation program aimed at managing mycotoxin risk in Texas maize. Fumonisin-contaminated cereals and oilseeds that contain greater than 5 mg kg−1 of the toxin (B1, B2, and B3) are a risk for equids and rabbits, and levels greater than 60 mg kg−1 are a risk to ruminants. The OSS, previously successful in managing aflatoxin risk in Texas maize, was evaluated for its effectiveness in handling fumonisin risk in maize, specifically as it relates to ruminants. In 2017, 25 analysts across seven firms qualified to participate in the program. To ensure greater accuracy in testing, working control samples were provided to the participating OSS firms with the requirement that their results fall within +/− 20% of the target concentration. Ninety-four percent of the working controls met this specification. The capability to grind maize to the OSS prescribed particle size was met by 100% of participants. To verify testing accuracy, file samples collected from each OSS firm were analysed by UPLC–MS/MS. The 177 fumonisin verification samples analysed by Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC) were correlated (r = 0.93) with co-regulation laboratories. Results were plotted in an operating curve to depict type I and type II errors. Error analysis revealed a type I error rate of 13% and type II error rate of 2% for the 5 mg kg−1 guidance level, and 6% and 8%, respectively, for the 60 mg kg−1 guidance level. For 2017, 994 official reports of analysis for fumonisin in whole maize in the Texas High Plains were issued by the seven laboratories that employed 25 OTSC-credentialed analysts. The OSS co-regulation program, supported by a quality systems approach and government regulations, has proven effective in managing fumonisin risk in Texas maize, enhancing both market confidence and livestock safety.

Improving health system responses when patients are harmed: a protocol for a multistage mixed-methods study

IntroductionAt least 10% of hospital admissions in high-income countries, including Australia, are associated with patient safety incidents, which contribute to patient harm (‘adverse events’). When a patient is seriously harmed,...

A Human-Machine Agent Based on Active Reinforcement Learning for Target Classification in Wargame.

To meet the requirements of high accuracy and low cost of target classification in modern warfare, and lay the foundation for target threat assessment, the article proposes a human-machine agent for target classification based on active reinforcement learning (TCARL_H-M), inferring when to introduce human experience guidance for model and how to autonomously classify detected targets into predefined categories with equipment information. To simulate different levels of human guidance, we set up two modes for the model: the easier-to-obtain but low-value-type cues simulated by Mode 1 and the labor-intensive but high-value class labels simulated by Mode 2. In addition, to analyze the respective roles of human experience guidance and machine data learning in target classification tasks, the article proposes a machine-based learner (TCARL_M) with zero human participation and a human-based interventionist with full human guidance (TCARL_H). Finally, based on the simulation data from a wargame, we carried out performance evaluation and application analysis for the proposed models in terms of target prediction and target classification, respectively, and the obtained results demonstrate that TCARL_H-M can not only greatly save labor costs, but achieve more competitive classification accuracy compared with our TCARL_M, TCARL_H, a purely supervised model-long short-term memory network (LSTM), a classic active learning algorithm-Query By Committee (QBC), and the common active learning model-uncertainty sampling (Uncertainty).

Barriers to and enablers of physical activity participation in lung cancer survivors.

Although physical activity physical activity has been shown to have significant benefits for individuals living with cancer, engaging lung cancer survivors (LCS) in increasing routine physical activity participation has been particularly challenging. To describe enablers of, barriers to, and patterns of physical activity among LCS and to characterize interest in a physical activity program as a first step to improving physical activity engagement. The study consisted of a cross-sectional survey (n = 100) of adult LCS recruited from a thoracic oncology clinic assessing multiple domains of physical activity (engagement, perceived barriers, benefits, physical function, psychosocial factors, self-efficacy, and programmatic preferences). Only 12% of LCS in our cohort (average age 67 years, 54% male, 81% with stage III or IV disease) met American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) physical activity guidelines. Participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with an average (SD) of 48.4 (91.8) minutes per week. The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity were fatigue (49%), dyspnea (39%), and difficulty with daily activities (34%). Regression analysis demonstrated a positive association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and higher income (r = 0.241, p = .016), physical function (r = 0.281, p = .005), and physical activity self-efficacy (r = 0.270, p = .007). Qualitative results demonstrated a strong interest in physical activity programming that is lung-cancer specific with a high level of support and guidance. This study identified that LCS had low levels of physical activity with fatigue, dyspnea, socioeconomic, and functional limitations contributing. The majority of LCS are interested in an exercise program and believe that exercise engagement will produce functional benefits. The present study presents a framework to guide development of community-based interventions to increase LCS physical activity participation among LCS.

Long-Term Emotional Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Barriers and Facilitators to Digital Mental Health Tools in Long-Term Care Workers: Qualitative Study.

The overall pandemic created enormous pressure on long-term care workers (LTCWs), making them particularly vulnerable to mental disorders. Despite this, most of the available evidence on professional well-being during COVID-19 has exclusively focused on frontline health care workers. This study aimed to identify the long-term psychological needs of LTCWs derived from the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore barriers and facilitators related to digital mental health tools. This is part of a project that seeks to develop a digital mental health intervention to reduce psychological distress in this population group. We performed a qualitative study with a rapid research approach. Participants were LTCWs of the autonomous community of Catalonia. We conducted 30 semistructured interviews between April and September 2022. We used a qualitative content analysis method with an inductive-deductive approach. The period of the pandemic with the highest mental health burden was the COVID-19 outbreak, with almost all workers having experienced some form of emotional distress. Emotional distress persisted over time in more than half of the participants, with fatigue and nervousness being the main emotions expressed at the time of the interview. High workload, the feeling that pandemic times are not over, and poor working conditions that have remained since then have been the most frequently expressed determinants of such emotions. Potential barriers and facilitators to engagement with digital tools were also identified in terms of previous experience and beliefs of the target population, possibilities for the integration of a digital tool into daily life, preferences regarding the level of guidance, the possibility of social connectedness through the tool, and privacy and confidentiality. The identified factors may become especially relevant in the context of the pandemic remission phase. More than 2 years after the pandemic outbreak, emotional distress is still relevant. The persistent burden of psychological distress points to a need for institutions to take action to improve working conditions and promote employees' well-being. Considering factors that act as barriers and facilitators for the use of digital mental health tools, it is important to develop tailored tools that could offer valuable support to this population during and after a pandemic.

Exploring the Influence of Chinese College Students’ Self-regulated Learning Behavior on Academic Achievement in Online Education: A Study on the Mediating Role of Online Course Perceptions

Online education offers students a more diverse learning approach. Students can choose courses that suit their learning pace and schedule, without being limited by time and space. Online education provides a self-regulated learning environment where there is no one to supervise them. Self-regulated learning training, along with prompts, activities and supporting tools, can effectively promote the academic achievement of online learning goals. In online learning environments with low levels of support and guidance, it is worth observing and summarizing university students’ self-regulated learning (SRL) behaviors, and further proposing corresponding key strategies to effectively enhance students’ learning outcomes. This study found that SRL behavior has a positive impact on learning outcomes, indicating that training in self-regulated learning significantly contributes to improved learning effectiveness. These findings offer valuable insights for the instructional design and management of online education.

Sudden gains in depression and anxiety during an online pain management programme for chronic pain.

Chronic pain is associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Pain management programms, delivered face-to-face or via the internet, can effectively help adults manage the impacts of chronic pain. Sudden gains are defined as substantial, rapid, and lasting symptom reductions that occur between consecutive treatment sessions and have been associated with better treatment outcomes in non-pain samples. This study examined whether adults with chronic pain report sudden gains in depression or anxiety symptoms during an 8-week online pain management programme, and whether sudden gains were associated with better treatment outcomes for depression or anxiety. Dominant theories of sudden gains argue that therapists are required for sudden gains to be maintained and improve treatment outcomes. Using data from a published randomized controlled trial (n = 338), sudden gains and treatment outcomes were compared across three levels of therapist guidance provided alongside the programme: weekly, optional, and self-guided. Similar rates of sudden gains were observed in depression (22%) and anxiety (24%) across the treatment period, and most sudden gains occurred between Weeks 1 and 2 of treatment. Therapist guidance was not associated with sudden gains; higher baseline symptom severity emerged as the only consistent predictor of sudden gain status. No significant differences in treatment outcomes for depression or anxiety symptoms between sudden gainers and non-gainers were observed across therapist guidance conditions. These results do not support an association between sudden gains in depression or anxiety symptoms and better post-treatment outcomes, at least for adults with chronic pain. Sudden gains in depression and anxiety symptoms were not associated with improved treatment outcomes for adults with chronic pain who participated in an online pain management programme, regardless of the level of therapist guidance provided. These findings suggest possible differences in symptom change in chronic pain samples compared to general population samples.

Client consulting projects on the block: Understanding sources of tension

In this article, we consider client consulting projects embedded in a course on the block, with a particular focus on the tensions inherent in teaching and learning with such projects. Client consulting projects offer a unique pedagogical approach that tasks student teams with helping a client solve a current problem. Such approaches merit study for the block plan because other research on the semester-basis shows that consulting projects contain elements known to increase student learning outcomes; the block plan is likely to offer added benefits as well as unique challenges and tensions. Using a mixed-methods approach centered on reflective case writing about two different courses that offer client consulting projects and supplemented by data from students and clients, we investigated the benefits, challenges, tensions, and key success factors in client consulting projects on the block. Overall, the major stakeholders – faculty, students, and clients – agreed that the benefits outweighed the challenges. Especially salient were the benefits to students of real-world experience, increased motivation and sense of meaningfulness, and the chance to deepen their learning by applying course concepts. Challenges include the stress involved for the students and faculty with fitting the project into the block and pleasing the client, plus the time invested by faculty to make the projects happen. Most importantly, client consulting projects on the block present five tensions: the dual-evaluation nature of the project (both the professor and client are evaluating), the level of client engagement and alignment, scheduling and pacing, the level of professor guidance, and the degree of emphasis on traditional course content vs. the project. Keys to success include setting expectations, building trust, having clear structure and organization, and developing teamwork skills and roles. The understanding of tensions gained through this research will position faculty for greater success with client consulting projects on the block.

Managing design innovation challenges in a digital environment

ABSTRACT The post-pandemic transition pushes in-person design innovation to the digital environment, requiring a new approach that fosters team engagement and facilitates collaborative work. This paper discusses managing design innovation challenges in the ever-changing digital environment. Building on design innovation literature and a rich-data case study, it proposes a conceptual framework to help organizations effectively manage digital innovation challenges. The framework comprises three theory-based aggregated dimensions: digital empathy, resources and capabilities, and workflow. The paper provides practical insights and recommendations for managing the innovation challenge and how organizations can commit to and engage their teams, involving higher levels of collaboration, guidance, and empathy. Empirical study findings also shed light on what needs to be improved in online interaction. Despite all the advantages of digital technology, organizations should provide mechanisms to encourage more creative and spontaneous collaboration and cultivate proper digital empathy with all stakeholders. Digital empathy will be particularly relevant whenever there is a lack of human agency, such as developing new solutions with the support of artificial intelligence.

Sudden peak in tetrodotoxin in French oysters during the summer of 2021: Source investigation using microscopy, metabarcoding and droplet digital PCR

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin causing human intoxications from contaminated seafood worldwide and is of emerging concern in Europe. Shellfish have been shown to contain varying TTX concentrations globally, with concentrations typically higher in Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas in Europe. Despite many decades of research, the source of TTX remains unknown, with bacterial or algal origins having been suggested. The aim of this study was to identify potential source organisms causing TTX contamination in Pacific oysters in French coastal waters, using three different techniques. Oysters were deployed in cages from April to September 2021 in an estuary where TTX was previously detected. Microscopic analyses of water samples were used to investigate potential microalgal blooms present prior or during the peak in TTX. Differences in the bacterial communities from oyster digestive glands (DG) and remaining flesh were explored using metabarcoding, and lastly, droplet digital PCR assays were developed to investigate the presence of Cephalothrix sp., one European TTX-bearing species in the DG of toxic C. gigas. Oysters analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry contained quantifiable levels of TTX over a three-week period (24 June–15 July 2021), with concentrations decreasing in the DG from 424 μg/kg for the first detection to 101 μg/kg (equivalent to 74 to 17 μg/kg of total flesh), and trace levels being detected until August 13, 2021. These concentrations are the first report of the European TTX guidance levels being exceeded in French shellfish. Microscopy revealed that some microalgae bloomed during the TTX peak, (e.g., Chaetoceros spp., reaching 40,000 cells/L). Prokaryotic metabarcoding showed increases in abundance of Rubritaleaceae (genus Persicirhabdus) and Neolyngbya, before and during the TTX peak. Both phyla have previously been described as possible TTX-producers and should be investigated further. Droplet digital PCR analyses were negative for the targeted TTX-bearing genus Cephalothrix.

First Detection of Algal Caribbean Ciguatoxin in Amberjack Causing Ciguatera Poisoning in the Canary Islands (Spain).

Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) is an illness associated with the consumption of fish contaminated with potent natural toxins found in the marine environment, commonly known as ciguatoxins (CTXs). The risk characterization of CP has become a worldwide concern due to the widespread expansion of these natural toxins. The identification of CTXs is hindered by the lack of commercially available reference materials. This limitation impedes progress in developing analytical tools and conducting toxicological studies essential for establishing regulatory levels for control. This study focuses on characterizing the CTX profile of an amberjack responsible for a recent CP case in the Canary Islands (Spain), located on the east Atlantic coast. The exceptional sensitivity offered by Capillary Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (cLC-HRMS) enabled the detection, for the first time in fish contaminated in the Canary Islands, of traces of an algal ciguatoxin recently identified in G. silvae and G. caribeaus from the Caribbean Sea. This algal toxin was structurally characterized by cLC-HRMS being initially identified as C-CTX5. The total toxin concentration of CTXs was eight times higher than the guidance level proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (0.1 ng C-CTX1/g fish tissue), with C-CTX1 and 17-hydroxy-C-CTX1 as major CTXs.

Guidance Needs of Gifted Students in Ajloun Governorate in Light of Some Variables

The study aimed to disclose the guidance needs of gifted students at Ajloun Governorate in light of some demographic variables (gender, grade, educational level of the parents, and economic level of the family). To achieve the purposes of this study, the researchers used the counseling needs scale, based on the theoretical framework of the foundations of counseling and psychological guidance, that was built by Mann and Araba Asaad (2009), and the researchers developed it to suit the study sample, and high validity and reliability indicators were found for this scale. The sample consisted of (127) gifted students, and they were selected in a randomly stratified manner from the upper and secondary basic grades. The data was analyzed through Finding arithmetic means, standard deviations, finding the value of (t), and one-way analysis of variance. The results of the study showed that the level of guidance needs among gifted students Of school students was medium. It was also shown that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α≤ 0.05) in the scores of guidance needs among gifted students according to the gender variable and in favor of females. There were also statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α≤ 0.05) at the degrees of Guidance needs among gifted students for the grade variable in favor of the highest grade, it was also shown that there aren't any statistically significant differences in the degrees of guidance needs among gifted students for the educational level variable of the parents and the economic level variable of the family. The results were also discussed in light of theoretical literature and previous studies, and some recommendations were suggested based on the results of the study.

大学生情绪智力对压力知觉的影响: 心理韧性与积极应对方式的中介作用

In order to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence on perceived stress and their inner-effect mechanism, A total of 543 college students were assessed with Emotional Intelligence Scale, Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale. The results show that: (1) Emotional intelligence can significantly negatively predict perceived stress. (2) Resilience and positive coping style respectively play a mediating role between emotional intelligence and perceived stress. (3) Emotional intelligence can also influence perceived stress through the chain mediation of resilience and positive coping style. The research reveals the action mechanism between emotional intelligence and perceived stress, and provides a certain level of guidance for the psychological health education work in colleges and universities in the postpandemic era.

Deskripsi Kemampuan Motorik Halus Anak Melalui Kegiatan Finger Painting Bahan Alam Pada Anak Kelompok B TK YPK Pniel Malawele Kabupaten Sorong

Finger printing comes from English, involving the use of fingers as a tool to apply paint directly to a surface. This method allows children to freely express themselves by applying a mixture of colored paint to the designated area. The focus of this research is to determine the effect of finger painting activities with natural materials on the fine motor development of group B children at YPK Pniel Malawele Kindergarten, Sorong Regency. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data collection methods include observation, interviews and documentation. Findings from observations and interviews conducted in Kindergarten showed that, among 10 children, 6 children showed a high level of fine motor skill development, while 4 children were at an early stage of development. This gap is caused by different levels of teacher guidance and attention, as well as irregular attendance in learning activities. Therefore, it can be concluded that finger painting activities, especially if facilitated effectively, can make a big contribution to improving fine motor skills in children.

A holistic student-centred guidance framework supports Finnish vocational education and training students in building competence identity

This study deals with competence-based and student-centered Finnish initial vocational education and training (IVET). The main research question is how holistic guidance supports the building of the student’s competence identity in Finnish IVET. The holistic guidance in competence- and work-based vocational education and training is formally implemented when a personal competence development plan (PCDP) is drawn up for each student and informally in various interaction situations in studies, work, and leisure time. The guidance actors supported student’s personal growth, guided learning and provided career guidance. For this study, interviews were carried out with IVET students (n=15) and IVET teachers (n=29). The analysis carried out combined data-based and abductive qualitative content analysis methods. In the analysis results, the different guidance actors were organised into the following five levels of guidance: 1) IVET teachers, tutors, and workplace instructors, 2) IVET study counsellors and special needs teachers, 3) student welfare personnel, 4) leisure time actors and hobby instructors, and 5) employment specialists. Based on the results, a framework was designed for holistic student-centred guidance in Finnish IVET. This framework describes how active student agency and multidisciplinary guidance work can support the building and updating of the student’s competence identity. This study revealed that guidance processes are complex and highlights that many actors are, not only guidance specialists, needed to fulfil the task.

Students’ perceived authenticity and understanding of authentic research while experimenting in a non-formal learning setting

Non-formal learning settings like out-of-school labs provide students with insights into authentic learning situations. For example, in physics, students are engaged in experimenting as an authentic method. However, increasing the authenticity in experimentation can lead to overwhelming demands and hinder concept development and does not even need to be perceived as more authentic. We investigated the role of authenticity in experimenting in an out-of-school lab. Specifically, we explored (a) what influence the level of guidance has on students’ perceived authenticity (RQ1), (b) which references students use in their assessment judging perceived authenticity (RQ2), and (c) to what extent perceived authenticity predicts students’ learning outcomes (RQ3). To address these issues, a mixed methods study was carried out. One hundred forty-two students of seventh and eighth grade experimented in small groups and investigated the pattern that occurs when different apertures are placed between various light sources and a screen. Students were randomly assigned to one of two variants of the learning setting. In the guided experimentation group, students performed five pre-designed experiments and one freely chosen experiment, while the self-determined experimenting students freely designed all six experiments. A questionnaire was administered for perceived authenticity and interviews were conducted about the experimentation process. The learning outcome was measured with a pre- and post-test. We found no significant difference in perceived authenticity and learning outcomes of the two groups. To explain this, we conducted and analyzed interviews in terms of students’ understandings of authentic research to determine the views their authenticity judgments were based on.