Intensive Training Program Research Articles

Descriptive Epidemiology ofMusculoskeletal Injuries During Marine Corps Recruit Training inGender-Integrated andMale-Only Training Units.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) occur frequently in military personnel. U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) recruits participate in an intense 13-week training program designed to transform civilians into basically trained Marines, during which they are susceptible to MSIs. Previous injury epidemiology research with USMC recruits was conducted in a non-gender-integrated training. Data for the current study were derived from a larger study, the USMC Gender-Integrated Recruit Training study, that was initiated to provide data-driven recommendations for gender integration during USMC recruit training. The purpose of the current analysis was to describe the unique profile of MSIs during USMC recruit training and compare MSIs between female and male recruits in gender-integrated training. Medical record-reviewed MSI data were obtained for recruits in three models of USMC recruit training: two models of gender-integrated recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island-the older Series Track (ST) model and the newer Integrated Company (IC) model, and a Male-Only (MO) cohort at MCRD San Diego. Incidence, anatomic region and subregion, event at the time of MSI, MSI type and onset, and disposition following MSI were described for each model. Group comparisons were conducted using Fisher's exact tests or independent samples t tests, as appropriate. MSI data were available for 584 recruits (ST: 98 female recruits, 95 male recruits; IC: 85 female recruits, 106 male recruits; MO: 200 male recruits). The cumulative incidence of MSIs was significantly higher among female compared to male recruits in the ST (59.2% vs. 29.5%, P < .001) and in the IC (25.9% vs. 12.3%, P = .023) cohorts. The most frequent anatomic location for MSIs was the lower extremity (female recruits: ST: 76.5% of MSIs, IC: 88.6%; male recruits: ST: 81.1%, IC: 80.0%, MO: 83.8%). The most frequent body part affected was the hip among female recruits (ST: 26.5% of MSIs, IC: 37.1%). The most frequent body part affected by MSIs among the male recruits was the knee in the ST (32.4%) and IC (53.3%) cohorts and the lower leg (27.0%) in the MO cohort. A significantly greater percentage of female compared to male recruits sustained a hip MSI in the ST (23.5% vs. 2.1%, P < .001) and IC (12.9% vs. 0.0%, P < .001) cohorts. There was no significant difference in knee MSI incidence between sexes in the ST (P = .323) or IC (P = .757) cohorts. A large percentage of MSIs resulted in light duty (female recruits: ST: 69.4% of MSIs, IC: 74.3%; male recruits: ST: 64.9%, IC: 73.3%, MO: 94.6%). This was the first study to assess the burden of MSIs concurrently among female and male USMC recruits in gender-integrated training. MSIs, especially those affecting the lower extremity, continue to occur frequently in this population. Female recruits are more susceptible to MSIs during USMC recruit training compared to male recruits and are especially prone to hip MSIs. Future research should focus on identifying modifiable risk factors for MSIs in this population, with a focus on reducing lower-extremity MSIs in all recruits and hip MSIs in female recruits.

Joystick-Operated Ride-On Toy Navigation Training for Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study.

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) require intensive task-oriented training to make meaningful gains in affected upper extremity (UE) motor function. To evaluate the acceptability and utility of single joystick-operated ride-on toy (ROT) navigation training incorporated into a modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) camp for children with HCP. Single group pretest-posttest design. Three-wk structured CIMT camp. Eleven children with HCP between ages 3 and 14 yr. Children received group-based CIMT for 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk, for 3 wk. As part of camp activities, children also received ROT navigation training for 20 to 30 min/day, 5 days/wk, for 3 wk. We assessed children's acceptance of ROT training by monitoring adherence and evaluating child engagement (affect and attention) during training sessions. The effects of ROT training combined with other camp activities on children's affected UE motor function were also assessed with the standardized Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and training-specific measures of ROT maneuvering accuracy. Children demonstrated high levels of training adherence, positive affect, and task-appropriate attention across weeks. Positive engagement during ROT sessions was correlated with independent navigation. We also found medium- to large-sized improvements in QUEST scores and toy-maneuvering capabilities after the combined program. Our pilot data support the use of joystick-operated ROTs as child-friendly therapy adjuncts that can be incorporated into intensive UE training programs to improve adherence and motivation in therapy programs, boost treatment dosing, and promote affected UE motor function in children with HCP. Plain-Language Summary: This pilot study offers promising evidence that supports the use of modified single joystick-operated ride-on toys (ROTs) for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). The study used ROTs as one of several interventions that were part of a constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) camp program for children with HCP. The ROTs boosted children's motivation, their engagement with and adherence to training, and their practice in using their affected upper extremity (UE) for goal-directed activities in their natural settings. ROTs are accessible, age-appropriate, and easy-to-use devices for both occupational therapy clinicians and families to encourage children to use their affected UEs by challenging their perceptual, motor-planning, problem-solving, and movement-control skills in an enjoyable and engaging way. ROTs can be used within and outside conventional rehabilitation settings.

Improved student outcomes: a unique, culturally relevant, and intensive behavioral health training program

ABSTRACT The behavioral health workforce shortage is pervasive across the United States. To address this need, it is important to establish effective and culturally relevant trainings for behavioral health practitioners. This study examines the results of a Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) funded program intended to increase the qualified workforce meeting high need and demand. Over the four-year funding of the program, 119 Masters of Social Work students graduated from the social work program with specialized training. The program was successful providing innovative training focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practices, and culturally responsive services.

Measurement and analysis of change in research scholars’ knowledge and attitudes toward statistics after PhD coursework

BackgroundKnowledge of statistics is highly important for research scholars, as they are expected to submit a thesis based on original research as part of a PhD program. As statistics play a major role in the analysis and interpretation of scientific data, intensive training at the beginning of a PhD programme is essential. PhD coursework is mandatory in universities and higher education institutes in India. This study aimed to compare the scores of knowledge in statistics and attitudes towards statistics among the research scholars of an institute of medical higher education in South India at different time points of their PhD (i.e., before, soon after and 2–3 years after the coursework) to determine whether intensive training programs such as PhD coursework can change their knowledge or attitudes toward statistics.MethodsOne hundred and thirty research scholars who had completed PhD coursework in the last three years were invited by e-mail to be part of the study. Knowledge and attitudes toward statistics before and soon after the coursework were already assessed as part of the coursework module. Knowledge and attitudes towards statistics 2–3 years after the coursework were assessed using Google forms. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was also sought.ResultsKnowledge and attitude scores improved significantly subsequent to the coursework (i.e., soon after, percentage of change: 77%, 43% respectively). However, there was significant reduction in knowledge and attitude scores 2–3 years after coursework compared to the scores soon after coursework; knowledge and attitude scores have decreased by 10%, 37% respectively.ConclusionThe study concluded that the coursework program was beneficial for improving research scholars’ knowledge and attitudes toward statistics. A refresher program 2–3 years after the coursework would greatly benefit the research scholars. Statistics educators must be empathetic to understanding scholars’ anxiety and attitudes toward statistics and its influence on learning outcomes.

Strengthening healthcare delivery in Rwanda: Implementation science training for reproductive health researchers

BackgroundAddressing the gap between research and practice is crucial for enhancing reproductive healthcare outcomes. In Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries, bolstering health researchers’ implementation science (IS) capacity is essential. We present a pre-post-intervention study assessing the influence of an intensive IS training program on Rwandan reproductive health researchers’ perceived IS knowledge and self-efficacy in applying IS in their own research. MethodsTo introduce IS principles, we held a one-day training for a diverse cohort of 25 sexual and reproductive health researchers in Rwanda. The training encompassed modules on IS concepts, methodologies, and practical applications. Pre- and post-training assessments gauged changes in participants’ perceived IS knowledge and self-efficacy in applying IS in their own work. ResultsThe study revealed a significant improvement in self-efficacy related to performing IS related tasks. Researchers reported heightened confidence in designing and implementing evidence-based interventions. In terms of perceived knowledge, participants retained what they learned at 4 months. The training fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging participants to exchange ideas and experiences. ConclusionTargeted training in IS appears to enhance reproductive health researchers’ capacity to translate research into practice, potentially leading to improved healthcare outcomes in Rwanda. Moving forward, we advocate for the Ministry of Health to establish structures for IS research agenda-setting, particularly for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Ideally, universities, health systems, and research institutions will incorporate IS capacity strengthening into their routine activities. Ongoing training is crucial to reinforce and expand IS knowledge. Our findings are expected to inform future interventions and guide policy development.

Introducing Compassionate and Relational Enquiry (CARE): A Three-Day Training for Mental Health Clinicians on Relational Ways of Working.

Research shows that, in mental healthcare, empathy and active listening skills play a fundamental role in the therapeutic relationship. Despite this, clinicians receive little training in cultivating these qualities, and there is a dearth of training in therapeutic relationships and relational care in this field more generally. In response to this paucity of training, a new intensive three-day training programme has been developed called Compassionate and Relational Enquiry (CARE). The CARE training programme has recently been delivered to a number of mental health teams in different boroughs of an NHS Trust and has undergone several rounds of redevelopment. This paper outlines the CARE training programme's objectives and mode of delivery, and subsequently presents questionnaire results from recent CARE trainees regarding their experience of the nature and utility of the training. Four main themes emerged from responses to the question of the utility of the training, these were 'A shift towards more person-centred care', 'Strengthens the therapeutic relationship', 'Facilitates more collaborative care with patients and their families' and 'Development of new skills and therapeutic techniques'. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of this training to help forge a substantial shift in the culture of mental health services in a systemic way.

From physiological complexity to data interactions-A case study of recordings from exercise monitoring.

The popularity of nonlinear analysis has been growing simultaneously with the technology of effort monitoring. Therefore, considering the simple methods of physiological data collection and the approaches from the information domain, we proposed integrating univariate and bivariate analysis for the rest and effort comparison. Two sessions separated by an intensive training program were studied. Nine subjects participated in the first session (S1) and seven in the second session (S2). The protocol included baseline (BAS), exercise, and recovery phase. During all phases, electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded. For the analysis, we selected corresponding data lengths of BAS and exercise usually lasting less than 5 min. We found the utility of the differences between original data and their surrogates for sample entropy Sdiff and Kullback-Leibler divergence KLDdiff. Sdiff of heart rate variability was negative in BAS and exercise but its sensitivity for phases discrimination was not satisfactory. We studied the bivariate analysis of RR intervals and corresponding QT peaks by Interlayer Mutual Information (IMI) and average edge overlap (AVO) markers. While the IMI parameter decreases in exercise conditions, AVO increased in effort compared to BAS. These findings conclude that researchers should consider a bivariate analysis of extracted RR intervals and corresponding QT datasets, when only ECG is recorded during tests.

Dermatitis Disease Prevention Behavior (Case Study: Seaweed Farmers in Bantaeng Sub-District)

Backgrounds: Dermatitis is skin inflammation in response to the influence of endogenous factors, causing clinical abnormalities in the form of polymorphic efflorescence and complaints of itching. Objective: The aim of this research is to analyze the behavior of seaweed farmers in preventing dermatitis in Bantaeng Sub-district. Methods: This research uses a quantitative research design using analytical methods with a cross sectional approach. This research was conducted in the Bantaeng Sub-district area. The population in this study was all 229 seaweed workers in the Lamalaka Village area. The data analysis used was univariate and bivariate with the chi-square statistical test. Results: The results of the research show that there is a significant relationship between susceptibility (0.001 &lt; 0.05), severity (0.020 &lt; 0.05), motivation (0.000 &lt; 0.05), benefits (0.000 &lt; 0.05) and barriers (0.002 &lt; 0.05) in dermatitis prevention behavior. Conclusion: The implication of this study is the need to develop a more intensive training program tailored to the needs of seaweed farmers in Bantaeng Sub-district, with a focus on increasing understanding of the benefits of preventing dermatitis and overcoming perceived barriers, so as to encourage the adoption of more effective and sustainable preventive behavior.

Impacts of vocational training for persons with disabilities: Experimental evidence from Cambodia

This paper examines the impacts of vocational training for persons with disabilities (PWDs). In heavily mined areas of rural Cambodia, adults with limb amputation or paralysis were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (invited to participate in an intensive training program in mechanics and services) or a control group (not invited to participate). Over 30% of PWDs in the treatment group participated in the program and none in the control group did so. Although being assigned to the treatment group greatly increased PWDs’ employment and earnings, experiences of discrimination reported by them and their disability stigma (self-stigmatization) also increased. The paper shows suggestive evidence for skill acquisition and networking for employment and negative self-stereotyping leading to stigma.

Robot-assisted Microsurgery: Lessons Learned from 50 Consecutive Cases.

The potential of robot-assisted surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains to be established, especially in free tissue transfer. This prospective study aimed to present our experience and findings from the first 50 consecutive cases of robot-assisted microsurgery using the Symani surgical system. A prospective database was maintained, recording patient demographics and surgical details for all cases of robot-assisted microsurgery in a large academic institution. All surgeons underwent an intensive training program with the Symani surgical system. A total of 50 patients who underwent robot-assisted microsurgical reconstruction were identified. Free microsurgical tissue transfer was performed in 45 cases, targeted muscle reinnervation in four cases, and lymphovenous anastomoses in a single case. A total of 94 robot-assisted anastomoses and coaptations were performed, (46 venous and 30 arterial anastomoses, 16 nerve coaptations, two lymphovenous anastomoses). Six cases involved perforator-to-perforator anastomoses. Ninety-eight percent of attempted anastomoses were completed using the robot. Size-mismatch anastomoses, seen in 37.8% of cases, took significantly longer. Minor complications occurred in three cases and major in six cases. There were three cases of microvascular compromise requiring revision. One partial flap loss and no complete flap loss occurred. Our study highlights the immense potential of robot-assisted microsurgery, and a feasible and effective modality for various microsurgical procedures, with outcomes comparable to those of conventional microsurgery. Despite challenges, such as increased operating times and higher costs, the technology offers significant advantages, such as enhanced precision and motion scaling. We identify a slow learning curve and a necessity for higher caseloads.

Improved tracheostomy-dependent patient outcomes after implementation of the Pediatric Resident Education in Pulmonary (PREP) Boot Camp.

Children with tracheostomies are high risk for morbidity and mortality. Pediatric resident physicians are not routinely taught skills to care for this vulnerable patient population. Few reports link educational interventions to improved patient outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of an intensive educational training program on pediatric residents' observed skills and tracheostomy-dependent patient outcomes. Pediatric post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) resident physicians rotating through the inpatient pediatric pulmonology month at Children's Hospital Colorado July 2018-2019 participated in the Pediatric Resident Education in Pulmonary (PREP) Boot Camp, an intensive educational program with an interactive lecture and simulation experience on patients with tracheostomy-dependence. PGY2s who partook in PREP and PGY3s who rotated before PREP initiation were invited to be studied. Primary outcomes included: (1) resident skills assessed by direct observation during simulation encounters and (2) rates of intensive care unit (ICU) transfers in tracheostomy-dependent patients following acute events before and after introduction of PREP. We hypothesized that increased education would enhance resident skills and improve patient outcomes by decreasing the rate of ICU transfers. PGY2 residents retained skills learned during PREP up to 11 months following initial participation, and significantly outperformed their PGY3 counterparts. There was a significant decrease in ICU transfer rate in patients with tracheostomies admitted to the pulmonary team during the 19 months following initiation of PREP. Enhanced early education may improve resident physicians' ability to care for complex patients with tracheostomies and could improve outcomes in this high-risk population.

Intensive training programme for ultrasound-guided minimally invasive synovial tissue biopsy on knees and wrists in different phases of inflammation

ObjectivesTo develop an intensive training programme for ultrasound (US)-guided synovial tissue (ST) biopsy on knees and wrists in inflammatory arthritis and to assess the learning curve, patient tolerability, sample quality...

Classroom Teachers' Professional Competencies and Their Effects on Considering Students' Individual Differences from the Qweismeh District Teachers' Point of View

The purpose of the study was to evaluate how classroom instructors in the Qweismeh district, affiliated with the capital, Amman, in the Hashemite Kingdom of ‎Jordan considered the availability of professional competencies and their effects on dealing with student individual differences. The study uses a descriptive analytical methodology and a 44-item questionnaire to ensure the validity and reliability of the data.182 classroom teachers from the Qweismeh District were included in the sample. The results showed that the Al-Quwaisimah District's classroom instructors had a modest degree of professional competence. Additionally, the study ‎ demonstrated a statistically significant correlation (at the significance level of α≥0.05) between the professional competencies of classroom teachers and their awareness of individual variations. The study suggests implementing intensive training programs to improve the professional competencies of classroom teachers in the Qweismeh District based on these findings.

Randomized controlled trial demonstrates novel tools to assess patient outcomes of Indigenous cultural safety training

BackgroundHealth care routinely fails Indigenous peoples and anti-Indigenous racism is common in clinical encounters. Clinical training programs aimed to enhance Indigenous cultural safety (ICS) rely on learner reported impact assessment even though clinician self-assessment is poorly correlated with observational or patient outcome reporting. We aimed to compare the clinical impacts of intensive and brief ICS training to control, and to assess the feasibility of ICS training evaluation tools, including unannounced Indigenous standardized patient (UISP) visits.MethodUsing a prospective parallel group three-arm randomized controlled trial design and masked standardized patients, we compared the clinical impacts of the intensive interactive, professionally facilitated, 8- to10-h Sanyas ICS training; a brief 1-h anti-bias training adapted to address anti-Indigenous bias; and control continuing medical education time-attention matched to the intensive training. Participants included 58 non-Indigenous staff physicians, resident physicians and nurse practitioners from family practice clinics, and one emergency department across four teaching hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Main outcome measures were the quality of care provided during UISP visits including adjusted odds that clinician would be recommended by the UISP to a friend or family member; mean item scores on patient experience of care measure; and clinical practice guideline adherence for NSAID renewal and pain assessment.ResultsClinicians in the intensive or brief ICS groups had higher adjusted odds of being highly recommended to friends and family by standardized patients (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.17 to 40.45 and OR 7.78, 95% CI 1.05 to 58.03, respectively). Adjusted mean item patient experience scores were 46% (95% CI 12% to 80%) and 40% (95% CI 2% to 78%) higher for clinicians enrolled in the intensive and brief training programs, respectively, compared to control. Small sample size precluded detection of training impacts on clinical practice guideline adherence; 100% of UISP visits were undetected by participating clinicians.ConclusionsPatient-oriented evaluation design and tools including UISPs were demonstrated as feasible and effective. Results show potential impact of cultural safety training on patient recommendation of clinician and improved patient experience. A larger trial to further ascertain impact on clinical practice is needed.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.org NCT05890144. Retrospectively registered on June 5, 2023.

Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Infectious Peritonitis: A Cohort Study with 10-year Follow-up

Abstract Objectives: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a feasible option for patients with renal failure, but infectious peritonitis has long been a common complication in PD. The purpose of the current study was to provide epidemiological data about the rate, microbiology profile, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of infectious peritonitis in adult PD patients in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was performed. Demographics and diagnostic data of adult PD patients between 2009 and 2019 were collected. The infectious peritonitis episodes were explained per patient and the microbiology profile along with antimicrobial susceptibility testing results were analyzed. Results: One hundred renal failure adult patients underwent PD during 2009–2019, with 55.0% were female. Ninety-three infectious peritonitis episodes were identified in 52 patients and the overall peritonitis rate was 0.56 episodes per patient-year. Gram-positive bacteria were more responsible (61.3%) for infectious peritonitis than Gram-negative bacteria (37.6%) and expressed more antimicrobial resistance patterns. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacteria from the PD fluid culture (27.9%). Acinetobacter baumannii, followed by Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common Gram-negative bacteria identified at 6.5%, 5.4%, 5.4%, and 5.4%, respectively, with susceptibility patterns detected against most of the antimicrobials tested. Conclusions: The overall rate of infectious peritonitis was 0.56 episodes per patient-year, which is higher than the reported target published by the International Society for PD. More intense training programs and establishment of a national infectious peritonitis registry are recommended to minimize infection risk and improve patients’ quality of life.

STORAGE OPERATIONS IN WAREHOUSES: AN REVIEW

The research aims to identify the major strategies used to optimize warehouse storage operations, especially with increased competition among supply chain and logistics firms worldwide. Storage operations, being the primary activity in warehouses, calls for extensive strategies to make the entire process more effective and efficient. The researchers used the qualitative approach to collect data and information to achieve the study aims and answer the research questions. The research findings hold that optimizing warehouse storage operations requires actors to have intense training and development programs for their workforce, embrace sustainability, and responsibly embed Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in their operations.

Enhanced Soccer Training Simulation Using Progressive Wasserstein GAN and Termite Life Cycle Optimization in Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) offers the possibility of creating engaging and intensive training programs to enhance sports performance. Football, a widely popular sport worldwide, attracts millions of spectators. However, the physical demands and risks inherent in the game necessitate the creation of a training environment immune to external influences, minimizing sports-related injuries while enhancing player immersion. Existing training methods are affected by external factors like, weather, injuries, and space limitations, hindering effectiveness and skill development. To overcome these issues, in this research, enhanced soccer training simulation using Progressive Wasserstein GAN and Termite Life Cycle Optimization in Virtual Reality (PWGAN-TLCOA-ST-VRT) are proposed. This study begins by analyzing the fundamental features of computer-generated soccer training techniques and introduces the implementation of VRT in football training via PWGAN technology. The goal is to develop virtual systems resilient to external factors and provide theoretical support for the expansion of virtual football sports software. By overcoming constraints like, weather, player injuries, space limitations, and financial constraints, the proposed approach aims to enhance training effectiveness, teaching techniques, and football skill development. Software tools like Poser 8.0, 3Ds MAX and EON Studio are introduced for system development. Evaluation of the proposed PWGAN-TLCOA-ST-VRT method is examined using performance metrics including, precision, accuracy, F1-score, recall, specificity, error rate, computation time, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The proposed PWGAN-TLCOA-ST-VRT technique achieves significant improvements compared to existing approaches like, Analysis of the application of virtual reality technology in football training (AI-ST-VRT), Cortex VR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using VR and machine learning, Predict the value of football players using FIFA video game data and machine learning techniques (MLR-ST-VRT)

"I WORKED SO HARD, AND I STILL DIDN'T SUCCEED”: CODING BOOTCAMP EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Coding bootcamps are intensive training programs that aim to turn adults with no computer programming experience into professional software developers in as little as 12 to 16 weeks. In both the US and the UK, coding bootcamps are positioned as an alternative pathway into the tech “pipeline” for groups who are traditionally excluded from computing careers (Schnell, 2019; UK Digital Strategy, 2022). Framed as a form of “coding equity”, bootcamps are said to provide “transformative access” for participants and have even been characterized as a form of social justice activism (Rea, 2022). However, our ongoing comparative study about coding bootcamps in the US and UK indicates that the benefits of attending a coding bootcamp accrue disproportionately across different groups. Drawing upon ethnographic, interview, and survey data, this work-in-progress paper focuses on the bootcamp experiences of people with disabilities, who were more likely to experience unfair bias and/or exclusion and are less likely to have experienced employment-related benefits than people without disabilities. This paper discusses some of the contributing factors to these outcomes and explores the impact that these experiences have on bootcamp students with disabilities. In doing so, it casts some doubt on the “transformative” possibilities of bootcamps for marginalized groups. Although some bootcamps declare their “support” for “people with disabilities and neurodiversities” (Northcoders, n.d.), our study indicates that even if and when this support exists, it falls short of what people with disabilities need to thrive in a bootcamp setting.

Incorporating Hip-hop and Black Popular Culture in Korean Primary School English Teacher Training

This study illustrates how hip-hop and black popular culture can be integrated into primary school English teacher education and explores Korean teachers’ reactions to these elements. Within an intensive teacher training program where hip-hop and black popular culture were introduced and adapted for Korean ELT, the study analyzed Korean primary school English teachers’ responses to the pedagogical values of these elements within Korean context. The findings reveal mixed attitudes toward the inclusion of hip-hop and black popular culture. From the perspective of “teacher as learner,” there were positive responses in terms of interest in African American English features and the value of hip-hop and black popular culture as educational resources and their trendiness in literacy education. However, their practicality was viewed negatively. Within the “discourse of schooling” in Korea, the positive aspects included the value of teaching American culture through hip-hop and black popular culture, while doubts about their effectiveness in Korean ELT prompted a negative response. Regarding “teaching activities,” positive reactions emerged when teachers contextualized racial issues in the U.S. in relation to Korean multiculturalism, but concerns arose about the appropriateness of the language and imagery in hip-hop. This study encourages further discussion on this topic.

Development of Curriculum and Learning Management in Training and Intensive Courses of Arabic Language Program l Tatwir al-Manahij wa Idarah al-Ta’lim fi-Baramij al-Tadrib wa al-Tatwir wa al-Daurat al-Mukassafah li-Lugah al-‘Arabiyyah

Curriculum development and learning management played a crucial role in maintaining quality and aligning with formulated objectives. The study aimed to analyze the curriculum and management of intensive course programs as well as training and development programs. A qualitative field analysis with a comparative approach was employed as the research method. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and the data analysis involved descriptive analysis of curriculum and management aspects. The findings revealed that Al-Azhar's intensive course integrated both classical and modern curriculum elements, whereas the UIN Walisongo language development center focused exclusively on language standardization exam preparation (IMKA). The Arabic Online program demonstrated effective organization, incorporating periodic evaluations at each level leading to a world-standard language certificate upon completion. Concerning curriculum aspects, the UIN Walisongo Language Centre courses were identified as needing improvement in materials, learning exercises, and the development of more diverse course formats. Additionally, alignment of vision and mission between leaders and course teachers was recommended. This research contributed valuable insights to the development of curriculum and learning management in Arabic language intensive courses and training programs.