In-service Education Programs Research Articles

Pre-service TESOL teachers’ professional-awareness building through reflecting on reflections of critical incidents

AbstractScholars have questioned the effectiveness of reflective practice for gaining professional awareness or attaining professional development. In addition, the prevalence of inadequate comprehensive framework for pre-service teachers’ reflective practice and insufficient support of teacher educators have been noted in the literature. Against these backdrops, the present study attempted to demonstrate how reflecting on reflections, a form of reflective practice, of Critical Incidents (CIs) contributes to building pre-service TESOL teachers’ professional awareness. The study involved ten pre-service teachers (PSTs) in reflecting on reflections of CIs during the teaching practicum. Following the interpretive phenomenological approach, the study unfolded the CIs associated with pedagogical factors, including passive participation of the students, students’ late arrival in the classroom, disobedience to teachers’ instructions, the chaotic environment in the classroom, students’ rude behavior, and disruption caused by technical glitches, and CIs associated with intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, comprising students’ emotional exhaustion and unprofessional behaviors by senior teachers. Subsequently, it illustrated how PSTs cultivated their professional awareness through reflecting on reflections of CIs. The study presented a reflective practice framework applicable to pre-service and in-service teacher education programs. It also provided practical suggestions for pre-service and novice teachers to address and overcome the CIs. Teacher educators and trainers can harness the findings to prepare PSTs to conduct interactive and productive English language classes.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Attitude and Skill in Usage of Computer Among Registered Nurses in BMCH General Ward, Chennai

In recent years, the use of computers in the healthcare system has become more important for easy retrieval of medical information. This advancement has a positive impact on patient care among health care providers. Objectives: To assess the level of attitude and skill in use of computer among the nurses, to find the correlation between attitude and skill in use of computer among the nurses, to find out the association between the level of attitude and skill in use of computers with the selected demographic variables. Methodology: An Exploratory Descriptive method was used and the study was conducted in General wards at BMCH, Chennai. 110 registered nurses were selected using convenient sampling technique. 3-point Likert's scale was used to assess the level of attitude and observational checklist for assessing the level of skill in use of computers among registered nurses. Results: The study revealed 68 (62%) had favourable attitude, 31(28%) had most favourable attitude and 11(10%) had unfavourable attitude, 53(48%) had adequate skill, 38(35%) had moderately adequate skill, 19 (17%) had inadequate skill in use of computer. There was a correlation between level of attitude and skill in use of computer at the significant level of p value 0.021. There was a significant association between age and educational qualification with level of attitude and there was a significant association between age, area of work and attended training programme. Conclusion: The study result showed that 62% of registered nurses favours using computers for patient care, 48% possessed adequate skills which revealed a gap of 14%. The study suggested to conduct in-service education and training program to promote the use of computers in patient care. Keywords: Use of computer, Attitude, Skill.

The students’ perceptions of their online learning

This study intends to determine the perceptions of the in-service Teacher profession education program (PPG) students towards Indonesian network learning system (SPADA) hybrid learning. This study employed a survey method with a qualitative approach. Subjects in this study were 82 of 87 PPG Daljab 1 Batch 1 students. The technique of collecting data was through the instruments of questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire was used to obtain data about the quality of online content and the assessment of online learning that has been carried out. Interviews were conducted to confirm the results of the questionnaire data to see the compatibility between the two data. Data analysis techniques in this study were conducted qualitatively and quantitatively by considering to the research objectives. The results showed that online learning had sharp quality content, can be accepted and well understood, easy to operate and use, overcomes distance and time constraints, and has benefits that are in line with the objectives of PPG implementation.

Implementation of the Problem-Based Learning Model in Teaching of Mathematics about Adding Fractions with Different Denominators in Elementary Schools

Research has been carried out to find the level of student ability and the level of difficulty of essay questions on fractions, through polytomous data analysis by applying the Rasch model. The research was conducted in the In-Service Professional Teacher Education program, specifically in the Elementary School Teacher Education. The research was conducted at Belang 1 State Elementary School, Southeast Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, in grade 6 with a total of 27 students. Experimental research method with one group pretest-posttest design. The experimental treatment is a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) learning model. The test instrument is in the form of an essay with material on adding fractions with different denominators. The instrument was content validated through a video conference forum attended by experts, tutors, and subject teachers. Data was collected through formative pre-tests and post-tests. Scores are processed as polytomy data. Data analysis used the Rasch model with the Ministep 4.3.2 software application. The results of the analysis, as a class group, the pre-test average was 7.0 and the post-test was 77.0. This group's data shows that the use of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model in mathematics learning is very effective. Another conclusion is that the Rasch Model can accurately analyze polytomous data and find 1 student who has a high ability exceeding the highest level of test item difficulty in completing the essay test on adding fractions with different denominators. Then the Rasch Model can analyze the level of difficulty of the 5 items of the essay test instrument, it was found that 2 test items had a low level of difficulty. Using the Rasch model, it is consistently detected that adding fractions with different denominators containing the number 7 is categorized as having a high level of difficulty.

Effect of Training Program on Emotional Intelligence of Nurses Caring for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Context: Nurses are the cornerstone of the health care systems, and their work is associated with great pressure, and nurses are often overwhelmed. Emotional intelligence and its significance to nursing have been increasingly emphasized throughout the last few years. Emotional intelligence comprises a deposit of interrelated skills involving a capability to appraise one's emotions and those of others, utilization and regulation of one's emotions, and social skills.
 This study aimed to evaluate the effect of training program on the emotional intelligence of nurses caring for patients with Alzheimer's.
 Methods: A quasi-experimental (pre/post-test) design was used. The study was conducted at the geriatric units of Ain Shams University Hospitals and the geriatric department of Abassia Hospital, affiliated with the Ministry of Health. A study employs convenience sampling with a total number of 70 nursing staff who are working in the mentioned setting. Tools used for data collection were a self-administered questionnaire including two parts; part one concerned with sociodemographic characteristics of the studied nurses, and part two included the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) to assess emotional intelligence in managing the workplace.
 Results: The current study reveals that pre-program, 5.7% of the studied nurses have a high level of EI scores compared to about one quarter (22.9%) of the studied nurses who had a high level at post implementation of the program and increased to less than three quarters (71.4%) at follow up the program with a highly statistically significant difference between the levels of nurses’ emotional intelligence (p<0.001) comparing between pre-intervention and follow-up.
 Conclusion: Emotional intelligence training program positively improves emotional intelligence levels among nurses caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The study recommended that hospitals provide continuous in-service training, education, and awareness programs for nursing staff to enhance their skills regarding emotional intelligence. Nursing emotional intelligence skills should be included in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing curricula.

Awareness, Practices, and Contributing Factors toward Medication Errors in Children among Pediatric Nurses

ABSTRACT Context: Medication errors are a global issue that poses a significant threat to patient safety and results in serious harm. Inconsistencies in drug formulations make children more susceptible to medication errors. Nurses have the primary responsibility of preventing medication errors in children. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, practices, and contributing factors among pediatric nurses at a selected tertiary care hospital, Rishikesh. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), India. Methods: One hundred and twenty nurses working in pediatric care units at a tertiary care hospital in Rishikesh were involved in the study. The participants were chosen using the total enumerative sampling technique in accordance with the inclusion criteria. A self-structured questionnaire and Likert scale was used to collect the data. Statistical Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation, Pearson correlation, Fisher’s exact test, and Chi-square test using the SPSS software version 26.0. Results: Majority (70%) of the pediatric nurses were moderately aware and most of them (80%) were practicing safely toward medication errors in children. The most common reason for medication errors in children was a lack of familiarity with look-alike and sound-alike drugs. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that awareness and practices toward reporting of medication errors in children among the pediatric nurses needs to be improved by establishing the guidelines and organizing in-service education programs, the incidence of medication errors in children can be reduced.

OPINIONS OF INTENSIVE CARE NURSES ON THE WEB-BASED EDUCATION MODEL: A HOSPITAL EXAMPLE

Intensive care nurses provide nursing care to critical patients not only using advanced knowledge and advanced clinical skills but also by racing against time. Therefore, it is vital for intensive care nurses to maintain their professional development and closely follow current trends related to the care process. This study aims to determine the opinions of intensive care nurses about the use of the web-based education method in in-service education. The sample of this study consisted of 62 intensive care nurses working in the adult intensive care unit. All the nurses volunteered to participate in the web-based in-service education program on the “The Effect of Web-Based Education on the Knowledge and Practice of Sedation Management of Intensive Care Nurses.” The study data were obtained with the “Nurse Introduction Form” and the “Evaluation Form of the Opinions of Nurses on Web-Based Education”. These data were evaluated with the SPSS 22.0 software and descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, median, and interquartile range). This study found that the rate of agreement on the statements "web-based in-service education activities support nurses in maintaining continuing education/lifelong education after graduation," "web-based in-service education activities can be a solution to the problem that nurses cannot participate in in-service education programs due to working hours," and "web-based in-service education activities facilitate the family life of nurses" was very high. Nurses believe that web-based education is supportive in maintaining continuing professional development and in-service education.

Healthcare workers’ compliance with the catheter associated urinary tract infection prevention guidelines: an observational study in Yemen

BackgroundCatheter-associated urinary tract infection is a global problem but it can be prevented with the appropriate implementation of evidence-based guidelines. This study was conducted to assess the level of compliance of healthcare workers with the catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention guidelines during the insertion of a urinary catheter.MethodsAn observational study using a descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted at Sana’a City hospitals, Yemen. All the nurses and physicians from the governmental, teaching, and private hospitals were eligible to participate in the study. The data collection was performed through convenience sampling from March 2020 to December 2020, using a structured observational checklist prepared specifically for this study.ResultsThe majority of the urinary catheter insertions were performed by nurses. There were no written policy or procedures for an urinary catheter insertion and no in-service education or training departments in the majority of the hospitals. The overall mean score of compliance was 7.31 of 10. About 71% of the healthcare workers had a high or acceptable level of compliance and 29% had an unsafe level of compliance. Compliance was low for maintaining aseptic technique throughout the insertion procedure, using a single use packet of lubricant jelly, performing hand hygiene immediately before insertion, and securing the urinary catheter once inserted. Factors affecting the healthcare workers compliance were gender, the working ward/unit of the healthcare workers, the availability of a written policy/procedure and a department or unit for in-service education.ConclusionYemeni healthcare workers’ overall compliance was acceptable but it was unsafe in several critical measures. There is an urgent need for developing, implementing, and monitoring national guidelines and institutional policy and procedures for catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention. Periodical in-service education and training programs and adequate access to the necessary materials and supplies are paramount.

Effect of Valsalva Maneuver on Pain Perception During Blood Sample Collection Among Patients

Background: Blood sample collection is the most frequent intrusive practise that hurts patients in hospital settings. A non-pharmacological and economical way to lessen pain during blood sample collection is the Valsalva Maneuver. Objectives; The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Valsalva Maneuver during blood sample collection. Methods: A quasi-experimental design (post-test only control group design). Self-structured questionnaire on Socio demographic information, clinical parameter and Wong baker face pain scale was used to observe the pain score of participants. The research population includes all the adult patients between the ages of 18 and 50 admitted in IPD. The sample size for the study comprises of 500 Participants who met the inclusion criteria. Purposive sampling technique was used to identify adult patients between the ages of 18 and 50 who were having blood sample collection admitted in IPD in IMS & SUM hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Results: The results revealed that there is significant reduction in pain during blood sample collection in experimental group with (p=0.000). No association was found between level pain and socio-demographic and clinical parameters. Discussion: The Valsalva manoeuvre is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and efficient way to lessen pain related to drawing blood samples. During the collection of blood samples, nurses should demonstrate the Valsalva manoeuvre to patients. In-service education programmes for nurses and students should be included by hospital administration in order to promote the non-pharmacological technique of pain alleviation during blood sample collection.

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Clinical Outcomes of Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia

Background and objectives: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the most common reason for admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that can progress to critical levels. So, foot reflexology is one of the most widely used treatments and it is effective not only in the treatment of illnesses but also in maintaining health. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of foot reflexology on the clinical outcomes of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study. The study subjects were 60 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, recruited from NICU in Assiut University Children's Hospital. They were selected randomly and divided into two groups: the study group received foot reflexology interventions and the control group received routine care. Two tools were used to collect the necessary data, which included a personal structure questionnaire and neonataloutcomes assessment sheet.Results: On the fifth day, the mean of total serum bilirubin over the study group was 7.89±1.12 mg/dl, and over the control group was 10.55±0.55 mg/dl. According to the mean of the duration of phototherapy and hospital stay, the study group was 3.86±0.86- 6.80±0.88 respectively, but over the control group was 5.33±0.75- 10.40±1.22 respectively.Conclusions: A statistically significant positive correlation between applying foot reflexology interventions and improving clinical outcomes of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. We recommended that in-service training and education programs for neonatal nurses should be conducted on a regular basis to teach them non-pharmacological strategies such as foot reflexology techniques.

Evaluation of an in-service training program on "Armenian claims" according to Eisner's educational expertise/criticism model

Teachers’ participation in activities that will positively affect their professional development is of critical importance in terms of educational processes and the improvement of teacher quality. In-service education programs have important roles in increasing both the efficiency of educational processes and teacher quality. This study aims to evaluate the topic of “Armenian claims” included in the Information Seminar In-Service Education Program for Department head teachers of History and Social Studies Teachers organized by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, Board of Education and Discipline on November 11-13, 2022. The population of the study consisted of 81 history and 81 social studies department head teachers from the 81 provinces of Türkiye for a total of 162 department head teachers. The sample of the study consisted of 52 history and social studies department head teachers selected with the criterion sampling method. Eisner’s educational expertise and criticism model was used in the analysis and the study was designed as qualitative research. A semi-structured interview form about Armenian claims was administered to selected history and social sciences department head teachers after they participated in the in-service education program. The data obtained were subjected to content analysis using the MAXQDA 2022 package program and were then evaluated thematically. After the in-service education program, the history and social studies department head teachers stated that their level of knowledge about the Armenian claims increased, they had learned new and surprising information, and they would make changes to their lectures. The participants expressed positive opinions about the efficiency of the in-service program. In-service education activities provide history and social studies teachers with opportunities to further their professional development. This research shows the positive changes in both knowledge levels and course teaching on Armenian claims among the participants after an in-service education program.

Searching for Enabling and Constraining Arrangements for Better Teaching Practices: EFL Teachers’ Narratives

Teachers’ teaching practices shape and are shaped by the arrangements in their site of practice. Such arrangements, consisting of the (cultural-discursive) “sayings”, (material-economic) “doings”, and (social-political) “relatings” of the actors involved in and the environment of the practice site, can be defined as “Practice Architectures” (Kemmis, 2019). The practice site that this study focuses on is the teaching practicum activity within a three-month in-service teacher professional education program held jointly by the Indonesian Government and a Higher Education Institution (HEI) (Program Profesi Guru Dalam Jabatan/PPG). Using the framework of Practice Architectures, the study aims to identify the arrangements that occurred and/or were provided by the program in enabling or constraining the program’s standard teaching practicum practices. Through thematic analyses of the teachers’ narratives of their teaching practicum experiences, the results show that these arrangements shaped teachers’ practices in teaching practicum, particularly in the design of the PPG program and the requirements of the assessments. The findings call for the government and HEIs to these arrangements in designing teacher professional development programs, such as the PPG program, to improve future teaching practicum experiences in the program that enable standardised and better teaching practices.

A Study of the Use of Multimedia in AI Industry in Terms of its Impact on In-Service Education and Work Attitude as Well as Work Performance

To meet the increasing demand for talent with the expansion of domestic artificial intelligence industries in foreign markets, many artificial intelligence industries are training high quality employees. In this respect, the present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using multimedia in the artificial intelligence industry in-service education programs. The participants of the study were composed of artificial intelligence industry supervisors and employees in China. The study focused on a sample comprised of AI industry supervisors and employees in China. Data were collected over a period spanning from the 1st of January 2022 to the 1st of June 2022. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, and 423 valid copies were retrieved, yielding a retrieval rate of 85%. According to the results of the study, it can be stated that artificial intelligence industries can benefit the research results through in-service education and learning and development. Moreover, the results of the current study can help promote work performance of employees to produce the necessary soft power that determines success in the future, and to improve business dilemma and enhance competitiveness of artificial intelligence industries. The results of the study revealed that the use of multimedia in artificial intelligence industry increase the self-confidence of employees, they feel respected, noticed, and supported by superiors, and have a good and pleasant interactive relationship with colleagues. As a result, their work attitudes are positively influenced.

Revisiting language teacher education in an ELF aware perspective: responses to innovations

Abstract Teachers’ and teacher educators’ individual theories, attitudes and beliefs underlying their daily practice, are often challenged by sociolinguistic changes, curricular innovations, or new language policies that may often trigger teachers’ resistance to change, particularly when they are required to adapt and revisit their teaching practices. In many European countries recent migration flows have modified the countries language landscapes; their school population is now growingly plurilingual and with different learning and language needs. In their out-of-school experiences, learners are more and more exposed to English through social media and to non-native speakers’ English (ELF), aspects not integrated yet in local language policies, nor in teacher education programs. It is thus important to design pre- and in-service teacher education programs aimed at sensitizing language and subject teachers to these new scenarios, using reflective practice approaches in multilingual contexts. These contexts require English language teachers, and teachers who use English in different fields such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) or English Medium of Instruction (EMI), to reconsider their personal assumptions and beliefs, and to develop new competences that would incorporate the powerful reflective framework provided by ELF-awareness. The ELF-aware perspective had been adopted in recent courses for English teachers carried out in Italy, as the ENRICH CPD course, and in the CLIL courses for content teachers. The aim of this contribution is to present and discuss findings of two research studies carried out within the above-mentioned courses that were meant to make teachers aware of new instantiations of English through a reflective practice approach such as the ELF-aware approach, and to sustain their professional development as well as their agency. This paper is mostly related to the lessons learnt from the findings from teachers’ responses to course innovations and their agency development during these courses.

Implementing Internal Quality Assurance Systems in the In-Service Teacher Education Programmes in Zimbabwean Universities: The Quality Discourse

The emerging discourses in the Zimbabwean teacher education system have been on the capacity of in–service teachers to be transformative through their preparation at university. The call, then, has been on universities to improve their quality assurance and its effective implementation for quality programmes and learning outcomes. There have been growing indications and expectations that university in–service teacher graduates should lead in transforming the educational and economic systems of nations presenting a strong explanation for effective quality assurance structures in universities. In this article, the researchers contended that without robust quality assurance systems at Zimbabwean universities’ teacher education programmes, the nation may not achieve the desired educational vision. The paper reports, analyses practices and lessons learnt on the implementation of internal quality assurance systems on in-service teacher education programmes at one state university in Zimbabwe. Underpinned by the sociocultural theory, the qualitative case study used semi–structured interviews and open–ended questionnaires. One quality assurance directorate, four departmental quality assurance lecturers drawn from each of the four School of Education departments and twelve final years in-service students were purposefully sampled. The results indicated that the university had weak internal quality assurance management structures failing to continuously monitor and evaluate in-service programmes and their implementation. The study recommended that the institution reconstitutes the quality assurance body by bringing together all stakeholders including in-service students to a dialogue table to discuss how quality assurance standards and practices can be designed, implemented and evaluated. Keywords: Implementation, internal quality assurance, university, teacher education, in-service

Effect of Cryotherapy on Pain Associated with Chest Tube Removal after Thoracotomy

Context: Chest tube removal (CTR) is described as one of the worst feelings for critically ill patients after thoracotomy. Unrelieved pain causes undesired consequences that have adverse effects on patient quality of care. Analgesics usually manages CTR pain, but patients respond differently to drugs and might not provide complete relaxation. Cryotherapy is commonly applied as a non-pharmacological intervention for relieving CTR pain.
 Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cryotherapy on pain associated with chest tube removal after thoracotomy.
 Methods: This study was conducted in the cardio-thoracic critical care units at Cardiovascular and Thoracic Academy, affiliated to Ain Sham University Hospital. A purposive sample of 140 patients undergoing thoracotomy was included in this study. They were divided into control and study group (70 patients in each group). Data were obtained using the Chamber-Price Modified Pain Rating Scale (CPPRS), Standardized Linear Scale for Pain Assessment, and Modified McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (MPQ-SF).
 Results: The results reveal that 50%, 67.1% of the control and study group patients were in the age group 51-≥60 years. 62.9, 81.4% of the control and study group were males. Besides, there were highly statistically significant differences regarding peripheral pulse, apical pulse, and respiratory rate throughout CTR pain assessment times and a highly statistically significant difference regarding blood pressure immediately after CTR between the study and control groups. Also, statistically significant differences regarding physiological and behavioral parameters, pain intensity, and quality (sensory and affective descriptors) were found between the study and control groups immediately and 30 minutes after cryotherapy was applied after chest tube removal.
 Conclusion: Cryotherapy effectively improved hemodynamic, physiological, and behavioral parameters, relieving pain intensity and improving pain quality after chest tube removal for patients with thoracotomy. The current study recommends conducting periodic in-service educational programs for critical care nurses regarding the benefits, methods, contraindications, and side effects of cryotherapy for relieving pain associated with CTR after thoracotomy. Motivate nurses in critical care units to use cryotherapy as a non-pharmacological therapy for relieving pain associated with chest tube removal.

Eğitim Yönetiminde Sürekliliğin Sürdürülebilirliğinin Eğitsel Araçlarının İncelenmesi

In this study, it is aimed to examine the educational tools of the sustainability of continuity in educational management. In this context, the works of leading scientists who stand out in the development of educational tools for the sustainability of continuity in educational management will be mentioned. As it is known, the main dynamics in the TQM approach are individuality, subjectivity, freedom and democracy. The criteria related to the quality of teaching are the field knowledge of instructors and administrators, the intellectual development levels of students, cooperation, the use of materials that support teaching, the classroom management skills of instructors, getting feedback from the student, encouraging students to learn independently, developing competent evaluation methods. There are working groups that produce alternative ideas about education in teaching organizations that practice TQM. In-service educational programs for corporate managers focus on creating a vision, ensuring environmental-institutional integrity, participatory management thinking, cooperation, teamwork, developing individual resources, motivation, problem solving, developing creativity and increasing productivity, competent managerial and instructional leadership. In this context, it is of great importance to redefine teaching in line with the dynamics of community development and to bring teaching organizations into a functional structure for the purpose. Teaching should be perceived as a collection of subjects that contain conditions that can meet the individual's curiosity for development and knowledge, creativity and productivity. The main condition for the establishment of this understanding is to be able to make competent use of individual resources on the teaching level. It is difficult to reach the intended level with authoritarian policies and understandings that alienate the community and the world. At this point, the flexible structuring model of TKI, which is open to development, is also suitable for the structure and functioning of educational organizations. Key Words: Educational Management, Continuity, Sustainability, Educational Tools

The attributes senior high school mathematics teachers and their students value in mathematics learning

Valuing in mathematics is one of the areas in mathematics education that has attracted the attention of mathematics education researchers in recent times. While efforts have been made to research the attributes students value in their mathematics learning, the same cannot be said about attributes teachers and their students value in mathematics learning, and value alignment in mathematics learning between teachers and students. This paper reports on a study that sought to explore what teachers and their students value and the alignment between attributes teachers and their students value in learners’ mathematics learning. A survey of what students and their teachers value in learners’ mathematics learning was conducted with 690 senior high school students and 66 teachers from nine schools, using adapted What I Find Important in my mathematics learning questionnaires. A multistage sampling procedure involving the use of stratified random sampling and purposive sampling procedures was used to select the research participants. The data obtained from the study were then analysed, using frequency counts, mean and standard deviation and principal component analysis. The results from the study revealed that the senior high school mathematics teachers valued Authority, Engagement, Strategy and Communication in students’ mathematics learning, while the students valued Authority, Relevance, Understanding, Engagement, Strategies, ICT and Achievement in their own mathematics learning; an indication of a gap in valuing among the two groups of research participants. Implications of the findings for mathematics teaching and learning as well as in-service and pre-service education programmes are provided.

Gender as a Moderator of Spirituality and Spiritual Care in ICU Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Earlier research has found that female healthcare providers often report greater spirituality and spiritual care than males. This would evoke attention toward factors contributing to such differences, particularly gender. To examine the moderating effects of gender on the relationships between demographic characteristics of ICU nurses and their perceived spirituality and spiritual care. A cross-sectional correlational design was used to recruit a national sample of 865 nurses working in ICUs in Jordan and providing care to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Data were collected using a self-report bilingual version of Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSC) and analysed using the SPSS software package. Social status, monthly income, and receiving previous courses or lecture training on spirituality and spiritual care were predictors of higher SSCRS scores. Working with COVID-19 patients was a positive predictor (B = 0.074, p = 0.023), suggesting that working with COVID-19 patients is more likely to have a higher level of SSC. Gender was a negative predictor (B = -0.066, p = 0.046), suggesting that female participants are likelier to have a lower SSC score. Working with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted nurses' perception of SCC, but female nurses had lower score than male nurses indicating the need for more emphasis on training female nurses and exploring further the areas in which they need more training and to be able to provide an effective SSC. A sustainable up-to-date training and in-service education programs responding to nurses' needs and emerged emergencies crisis need to be integrated into nursing quality of care policy development.

Exploring the Viability of the Ranked Discrepancy Model by Comparing the Weighted Total Index Approach and the Borich Model: A Case of Learning Needs Assessment of Career Guidance Teachers

The ranked discrepancy model (RDM) is a relatively novel needs assessment approach and is optimized for addressing ordinal and non-normally distributed data. This study aimed to explore the viability of the RDM by comparing the results obtained from it with those obtained using two other long-standing needs assessment models, and to prioritize the learning needs of secondary school career guidance teachers in South Korea using the RDM as an initial effort to improve the pre-service and in-service educational programs of teachers. Data were collected from 75 career guidance teachers by using a survey questionnaire. The results from the RDM, the weighted total index (WTI) approach, and the Borich model demonstrated a great deal of consistency in terms of the rankings of career guidance teachers’ learning needs. This implies that the RDM is a useful quantitative method for needs assessment in cases involving ordinal items, cross-sectional data, or non-normally distributed data. This study also revealed that “providing and utilizing occupational information” is the biggest shortfall among the job tasks required of secondary school career guidance teachers, compared to its importance. Uncertainty about the future might make it more difficult for career guidance teachers to provide students with the appropriate occupational guidance.