Level Of Professional Education Research Articles

Cultural Humility and Shared Learning as Hallmarks for International Teaching: The SWEP Experience

This article highlights critical elements for effective and culturally sensitive teaching when transferring educational programs from a Western country to another context. The Social Work Education Project (SWEP), a master's level professional education program, was developed to train social workers in the conflict-affected area of Mindanao in the Philippines. Designed to enhance the leadership capacity of local social workers and contribute to the peace process, SWEP represents collaboration between the National Catholic School of Social Service in Washington, DC; Community and Family Services International, a Philippines-based NGO; and other Philippine community and educational partners. Qualitative program evaluation findings reveal that students assessed their learning as culturally relevant and personally meaningful while also enhancing their capacities for effective social work practice. Grounded in these findings and the experiences of involved faculty, the article concludes with five key lessons for international education.

Formação educacional e profissional e sucesso no mercado de trabalho: o caso dos imigrantes portugueses na Holanda

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever a relação entre as trajetórias de educação e de ocupação profissional dos imigrantes portugueses na Holanda. Para tal, foi utilizada uma amostra constituída por portugueses que chegaram à Holanda nos dois períodos que representam o maior afluxo de imigrantes: por volta dos anos 1966 e 2002. A análise dos dados mostra uma forte relação entre o nível de formação educacional e profissional e o de ocupação laboral. Além disso, as exceções encontradas contribuem para demonstrar que a formação em serviço pode aumentar as possibilidades de ascensão no que respeita à ocupação profissional.

Social Factors Influencing Career Choice in a Medical School in the United Arab Emirates

Objective : The goal of this research was to identify familial and non-familial social factors influencing post-secondary students’ choices of career in medicine. Method : The comparative study was conducted in Ajman, among medical students in the beginning three years, and non-medical students at the same educational level. After obtaining verbal consent, the participants completed a pilot tested, self-administered questionnaire which included socio-demographic variables and social factors related to career choices. Result : Among the 135 medical students, two thirds were females and 87.3% were below 23 years of age. Most fathers were South Asians (53%); 80% had professional training; 48% were business persons and 12% worked in the medical field. Among mothers, 61.4% were professionally trained, and 67.2% was engaged in unskilled, semi-skilled or skilled labor. The non-medical students had mostly Middle Eastern fathers (83.5%), were professionally educated (56.3%) and had careers in business (52.9%); mothers of non-medical students were primarily working in unskilled, skilled or semi-skilled occupations (61.4%) and 38% had attained a professional level of education. The majority of medical students perceived their parents to have had strong influence on their career choice of medicine. Among non-familial social factors, ‘friends’ had a significantly weak influence on their career choice. While more medical students chose their career along with parents, most of the non-medical group made the choice on their own. Conclusion : Parents had significant influence on post-secondary career choice in medicine and friends had a weak influence. Career guidance programs should consider including parents at the process of career selection at the secondary level.

Effect of Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Depression, and Educational Attainment on High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Atherosclerosis development is a complex process, with inflammation, indicated by elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as a potential mediator. Obesity, physical activity, and depression have all been reported to affect hs-CRP. However, these factors are interconnected, and their relative individual importance remains unclear. From a separate prospective cohort study, 289 patients were selected for the present substudy. We assessed the relation of a variety of potential predictors and hs-CRP. Obesity, physical activity, and depression, in addition to several other potential factors, were analyzed in bivariate and multivariate linear regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. In unadjusted analyses, mild-to-moderate and severe depression were associated with increased hs-CRP compared to no or minimal depression. Vigorous physical activity was associated with decreased hs-CRP compared to no physical activity. All classes of obesity were associated with increased hs-CRP. In addition, attaining a college or graduate degree was associated with decreased hs-CRP compared to high school or less educational attainment. On multivariate analysis, depression was no longer associated with increased hs-CRP. Physical activity remained associated with decreased hs-CRP but only at vigorous levels. Educational attainment also remained associated but only at the collegiate or professional education level. Ultimately, obesity remained the greatest absolute predictor of elevated hs-CRP. In conclusion, in analyses of multiple factors potentially predictive of elevated hs-CRP in a large population of patients with subclinical coronary heart disease, we found the most important predictor to be obesity.

Keeping Pace with Economic Development and Improving Professional Education Level - Endeavors of Marine Science Education to Actively Adjust to National Strategy and Local Economy

Taking “Introduction to Oceanography” as an example, which is the basic course and opened in the colleges covering the major of marine science, this paper discusses how to take the initiative to adapt to the national strategic plan and local economic development in the process of basic education of marine science. According to China's current situation of the marine industry structure, this paper presents that the interface between marine science education and the secondary industry should be strengthened, meanwhile the integration among the basic courses and the actual production and the scientific research should be focused on. Colleges covering the major of marine science should take the initiative to explore training modes to enhance the qualities of talents of different level, and to carry out featured training based on their own characteristics of personnel positioning.

EuroPsy: The Development of Standards for High-Quality Professional Education in Psychology

The paper presents a brief history of the EuroPsy initiative which began in 1998 and is now in the process of implementation across European countries in the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA). EuroPsy defines a standard of professional education that aims to promote a high quality of education and professional practice for psychologists. The initiative was substantially supported by developments within the European Union (EU) and more widely in Europe, in particular the so-called Bologna process. This process, however, had a major political focus with an explicit commitment to facilitate mobility. Concerns for quality and a high level of professional education and an implied focus on consumer or client protection may not always sit easily with a commitment to facilitating professional mobility. This paper presents some of the challenges and potential tensions inherent in the EuroPsy.

Socio‐economic achievements of individuals born very preterm at the age of 27 to 29 years: a nationwide cohort study

To describe the socio economic achievement of individuals born very preterm (VPT) at the age of 27 to 29 years. Demographic and social data were extracted from national registers for all individuals born between 1974 and 1976 in Denmark (n=208 656). Of these, 203 283 individuals were alive in 2006. We compared VPT individuals (gestational age <33wks, n=1422; 51.8% males, n=736) with individuals born at term (>36wks, n=192 223; 51.1% males, n=98 240), of whom 4.08% (n=58) of the VPT and 0.19% (n=373) of the term individuals had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). Overall results in the two groups were similar, but significant differences appeared. The VPT group had a lower educational level than the term group: 23.9% versus 16.3% had a basic education (corresponding to attendance at basic school for 9y or less; odds ratio [OR] =1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-1.82). Similarly, 31.9% versus 37.6% had a tertiary education (corresponding to different levels of professional education; OR=0.77, CI 0.69-0.86). Net income was 11% lower in the VPT group and 10.8% versus 5.3% were receiving welfare support (OR=2.14, CI 1.81-2.55). In the VPT group 59% versus 52% did not have children (p<0.001) and there were more individuals living alone without children (28.8% vs 21.8%; OR=1.45, CI 1.29-1.63). VPT birth in the 1970s in Denmark is associated with a highly statistically significant educational and social disadvantage persisting into young adulthood. CP increased the relative risk of social disadvantage in VPT individuals. However, the majority of the survivors are well integrated in society.

Inverse Correlation Between Level of Professional Education and Rate of Handwashing Compliance in a Teaching Hospital

To evaluate educational level as a contributing factor in handwashing compliance. Observation of hand washing opportunities was performed for approximately 12 weeks before an announced Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) visit and for approximately 10 weeks after the visit. Trained observers recorded the date, time, and location of the observation; the type of healthcare worker or hospital employee observed; and the type of hand hygiene opportunity observed. University of Toledo Medical Center, a 319-bed teaching hospital. A total of 2,373 observations were performed. The rate of hand washing compliance among nurses was 91.3% overall. Medical attending physicians had the lowest observed rate of compliance (72.4%; P<.001). Nurses showed statistically significant improvement in their rate of hand hygiene compliance after the JCAHO visit (P = .001), but no improvement was seen for attending physicians (P = .117). The compliance rate in the surgical intensive care unit was more than 90%, greater than that in other hospital units (P = .001). Statistically, the compliance rate was better during the first part of the week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) than during the latter part of the week (Thursday and Friday) (P = .002), and the compliance rate was better during the 3 PM-11 PM shift, compared with the 7 AM-3 PM shift (P<.001). When evaluated by logistic regression analysis, non-physician healthcare worker status and observation after the JCAHO accreditation visit were associated with an increased rate of hand hygiene compliance. An inverse correlation existed between the level of professional educational and the rate of compliance. Future research initiatives may need to address the different motivating factors for hand hygiene among nurses and physicians to increase compliance.

Defining Graduate Education in Interior Design

Summary Resolved: To endorse the concept of a “professions master's degree” in interior design, to be designated th Master of Interior Design (MID), thereby promotin degree identity and clarifying the degree track. The MID would be defined: to include both professional design content and research methods, and the integration of research into the design process. By integrating research and project-based design (possibly through the thesis), research is applied to design practice rather than isolated from it. Arguments for this integrated model and for “evidence-based design” are prevalent in current discourse. as the first “professional” teaching degree, qualifying the degree-holder for full-time college-level teaching. Although the master's degree is currently endorsed by IDEC as an acceptable teaching degree, it is not universally recognized by the academy. Existing degrees are characterized by different degree names, missions, curricular focuses, accreditation statuses, and credit hours, contributing to a lack of clarity and an uneven level of recognition. The proposed MID is defined as the “professional master's degree” and would be grounded in a comprehensive evidence-based design education. The Ph.D. would continue to be recognized as the terminal and highest research-based degree in the discipline. The proposed MID, as well as other research-oriented master's degrees, could all serve as the first graduate-level degree leading to the Ph.D. to qualify as the terminal practice degree in the discipline by virtue of its master's level status. For students already having earned the first professional baccalaureate, the MID would provide a more rigorous master's level professional education in preparation for practice. It would similarly provide a first professional degree to students with baccalaureate degrees outside the major (or in related majors). A flexible “leveling” component would need to be provided to insure adequate baseline preparation for these students. It is important to note that the MID need not preempt the professional and accredited baccalaureate, at least in the short term. It is further important to note that by redefining the terminal practice degree at the master's level, this would have a significant long-term impact on the pool of qualified mid-career practitioners who might wish to pursue full-time teaching. Currently, mid-career practitioners are less likely to return for the required master's degree because of limitations related to cost, location, or family obligations. by single-degree nomenclature (MID). It is important to establish single degree nomenclature as a way of clarifying this degree as distinct from other master's degrees leading to the Ph.D. The MID is appropriate because it has disciplinary identity. Other degrees are understood as serving multiple disciplines (the MFA), or as research degrees (the MA and MS). The MID, as a newer degree, can best be defined by the discipline. by Council for Interior Design (CIDA) accreditation. In addition to defining the professional master's on a conceptual level and assigning it a single degree name, it will be important to assure conformance with degree expectations by accrediting the degree through CIDA. Accreditation guidelines should recognize the unique master's level expectations of the MID, above and beyond guidelines associated with the baccalaureate. Accreditation will insure to the consuming public that the MID is appropriately rigorous and meets the standards set by the profession for graduate education. A shift toward the single-degree master's would need to occur strategically, allowing programs to adjust curricula and degree name over time, and recognizing the need to “grandfather” previously-earned degrees in the faculty search process. Long term, the profession should continue to explore the merits of moving to the “first professional MID,” meaning that accreditation would only occur at the master's level. Arguments for recognizing the master's as first professional are: —that this responds to the increasing complexity in the discipline and in the interior design knowledge base by lengthening the time-to-degree.—that this promotes a more critical and research-driven design process, and a greater depth of study. —that this allows for a greater exposure to the liberal arts and to more general design studies at the four-year level. —that this places interior design and architectural education on a more equal footing by equating their career tracks, thus supporting interior design licensing efforts. —that this would have a significant long-term impact on the pool of qualified college level educators by allowing mid-career practitioners to pursue teaching careers. Candy Carmel-Gilfilen, M.Arch., University of Florida Skauna Corry, Ph.D., University of Idaho Lynnjones, M.H.P., Brenau University Bridget May, Ph.D., Marymount University Virginia North, Arch.D., Lawrence Tech University

Towards innovative international classification and diagnostic systems: ICD‐11 and person‐centered integrative diagnosis

Towards innovative international classification and diagnostic systems: ICD‐11 and person‐centered integrative diagnosis

Guidelines for Education and Training at the Doctoral and Postdoctoral Levels in Consulting Psychology/Organizational Consulting Psychology.

The purpose of these "Guidelines for Education and Training at the Doctoral and Postdoctoral Levels in Consulting Psychology/Organizational Consulting Psychology" is to provide a common framework for use in the development, evaluation, and review of education and training in consulting psychology/organizational consulting psychology (CP/OCP). The intent of these guidelines is to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the area of the practice of CP, especially OCP, within the scientific discipline and profession of psychology. Towards these ends, this document is intended as guidance for psychologists who teach or plan curricula for teaching CP/OCP at doctoral or postdoctoral levels of professional education and training in psychology. The guidelines are structured in the form of overarching principles, general competencies, and domain-specific competencies that are ideally obtained by persons receiving training at the doctoral or postdoctoral level in CP/OCP.

A Comparative Review of Canadian Health Professional Education Accreditation Systems

Canadian governments and various stakeholder groups are advocating greater interprofessional collaboration amongst health care providers as a fundamental strategy for enhancing coordination and quality of care in the health care system. Interprofessional education for collaborative patient-centred practice (IECPCP) is an educational process by which students/learners (or workers) from different health professions learn together to improve collaboration. The educational system is believed to be a main determinant of interprofessional collaborative practice, yet academic institutions are largely influenced by accreditation, certification and licensure bodies. Accreditation processes have been linked to the continuous improvement of curricula in the health professions, and have also been identified as potential avenues for encouraging educational change and innovation. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the characteristics of the national accreditation systems of select Canadian health professional education programs at both the pre- and post-licensure educational levels and to show how these systems support and/or foster IECPCP. A review of the educational accreditation systems of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, occupational therapy and physiotherapy was undertaken through key informant interviews and an analysis of accreditation process documentation. The results of this comparative review suggest that accreditation systems are more prevalent across the health professions at a pre-licensure level. Accreditation at the post- licensure level, particularly at the continuing professional education level, appears to be less well established across the majority of health professions. Overall, the findings of the review also suggest that current accreditation systems do not appear to promote nor foster interprofessional education for collaborative patient-centred practice in a systematic manner through either accreditation processes or standards. Through a critical adult learning perspective we argue that in order for traditional uni-professional structures within the health professional education system to be challenged, the accreditation system needs to place greater value on interprofessional education for collaborative patient-centred practice.

L'influence de la structure socio-économique des exploitations d'élevage de chevaux de race franches-montagnes sur les conditions de détention

The socio-economic structure of the breeding farms of Franches-Montagnes horses (FM) in Switzerland is evaluated on the basis of an investigation carried out in 2002 by the Swiss FM breeding federation. Questionnaires were sent to 3500 of its members and the results include data from 968 breeding enterprises, housing a total of 3965 FM. The quality of the husbandry of FM varies according to factors such as the altitude and the geographical situation of the farms and studs. Socio-economic parameters, such as the role of FM in the business, their use (breeding, driving, riding) and the age and level of professional education of the owners may also have an effect on standards of husbandry. The results show that the owners for whom FM represent a source of income more frequently keep their horses in standing stalls, but give them more time to exercise at liberty than the horses belonging to amateur breeders. Younger and better educated breeders are more likely to house their animals in groups.

The Information Literacy Education Readiness of Public Libraries in Mpumalanga Province (South Africa)

This study examines if public libraries in a province in South Africa are ready to assume an enhanced responsibility for information literacy education, specifically that of students, and, if so, what inhibiting and facilitating factors might exist. The public libraries in the rural province of Mpumalanga provide the case site. “Readiness”, at one level, refers to physical capacity and, on a second level, to more subjective attributes such as staff attitudes and beliefs. The paper reports on the first phase of the study – in which both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered by means of a questionnaire/interview survey of 57 public librarians in 46 sites. The study finds that Mpumalanga public libraries are indeed heavily engaged in serving school learners. Shortcomings in certain physical facilities, such as the lack of space and absence of retrieval tools, are inhibiting factors with the heritage of apartheid still impacting on the availability of and quality of service. The low level of professional education of public library staff is found to impede innovation in library programming. The prevailing information literacy education model largely comprises one-to-one support, although there is a fair amount of source-based group library orientation. Moving towards information literacy education will depend on a shift in conceptions of the educational role of public libraries. In the absence of recognition of their curricular role by public library authorities and educators, many public librarians are not sure that their services to school learners are legitimate. There is, however, dawning recognition that present approaches are not meeting the needs of school learners and that more effective communication with educators is required. This recognition comes from public librarians' frustrating encounters with learners rather than from insight into information literacy education theory and experience. The fundamental conclusion is that sustainable information literacy education in public libraries will depend on more dynamic leadership and on a vision of a new model of public library.

E-learning for the pump industry

Internet-based training is increasingly seen as the solution for providing professional-level education in a cost-effective and time-effective manner. Mary Silver of the New Jersey-based Hydraulic Institute, which has recently introduced an on-line course on centrifugal pumps, tells us what we should know about this latest trend.

Experience of climacteric symptoms among 42–46 and 52–56-year-old women

Objective: The intensity of climacteric symptoms and their connection with sociodemographic background data were assessed among women who are or will soon be menopausal. Methods: A sample of 5510 Finnish women who were 42–46 or 52–56-years-old was selected to this ‘Quality of Life among Middle-aged Women’ Study and received a menopause-specific questionnaire. Results: Only 5% of the older and 36% of the younger women were totally asymptomatic. Altogether, 2% of the younger and 11% of the older women had severe climacteric symptoms. In the younger age group, a high symptom intensity was associated with living in town, having a low level of professional education, and being unemployed/laid off, whereas in the older age group, the experience of severe symptoms was associated with those having a couple relationship. Conclusion: Altogether 95% of women in the productive working age (52–56-years-old) surprisingly suffer from mild, moderate, or severe climacteric symptoms. Further even up to 64% of the younger women (42–46-years-old) suffered from similar symptoms.

A new route to professionalism? The development of a residential child care DipSW in Scotland

This article describes the development of a new degree course (incorporating the DipSW) which has been designed to address the issue of 'relevance' in professional level education for the residential child care sector in Scotland. Funded by the Scottish Executive, a new body--the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care--has been charged with devising and delivering a continuum of training, education and other resources to the sector in order to improve the quality of the residential experience of young people. One central element in this provision is the development of a BA/DipSW course that meets CCETSW requirements via a 'particular pathway' in residential child care. The article outlines some of the innovatory features of the course, the first of its kind in the UK, and identifies some of the perspectives that will inform the course curriculum. Brief comparisons are made with developments in the field of child and youth care elsewhere and attention is paid to issues around the provision of practice learning opportunities.

Dental self-efficacy as a determinant to oral health behaviour, oral hygiene and HbA1c level among diabetic patients.

Because of a mutual association between severity of periodontitis and poor control of IDDM, regular dental visits and daily oral care are important among diabetics. The aim was to develop a method for analysing dental self-efficacy and to study the relationship between dental self-efficacy and reported oral health behaviour and oral hygiene. The relationship between oral health behaviour and HbA1c level was also studied. Data were collected in relation to 149 IDDM patients by means of a quantitative questionnaire, evaluation of dental plaque and patient records. Results showed that tooth brushing self-efficacy, approximal cleaning self-efficacy and dental visiting self-efficacy related to corresponding reported oral health behaviour (p<0.0005). Visible plaque index (VPI) correlated inversely with tooth brushing self-efficacy (r(s) = -0.208, p = 0.012) and dental visiting self-efficacy (r(s) = -0.240, p = 0.004). Approximal cleaning self-efficacy correlated with age (r(s) = 0.225, p = 0.006) and dental visiting self-efficacy was related to higher professional level of education (p = 0.009). Those having better tooth brushing self-efficacy (p = 0.020), higher frequency of tooth brushing (p = 0.032) and lower VPI (p<0.0005) had better HbA1c level. It was concluded that perception of dental self-efficacy plays a decisive rôle in relation to oral health behaviour in diabetic patients, and that compliance with dental recommendations is also related to HbA1c level.

Lactancia materna: impacto de la consulta de apoyo a la madre que trabaja

This descriptive, exploratory, retrospective and transversal investigation tries to answer the following questionnaire: What is the impact that the Support Consultation to the working mother--Diagnosis Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile--has on breast-feeding prolongation? The population that has been studied is formed by 82 mothers attended in the Support Consultation during March '95/September '95 period and from which a number of 30 people were taken as a sample. The impact of this consultation was evaluated with an instrument employed during an interview to each mother. Data were statistically analyzed with EPIINFO, the Kaplan-Meier survival method and the Mantel-Haenszel test to compare curves of survival. During data analysis authors found that mothers are mainly young adults, stable couples, first-time mothers, with technical and/or professional educational level, chiefly working as office clerks with full-time jobs and having a significant difference between existing minimum salary and the maximum one they earn. The results of this investigation lead us to the conclusion that mothers obtained an exclusive breast-feeding and ideal weaning age. The power of resolution of the Consultation--according to mothers--was satisfactory. The support given to the mother after her reincorporation to work is the most significant intensifier factor in relation with the increase in the probability of keeping on breast-feeding. In conclusion, the Consultation has good impact.

Adult Physical Dysfunction Content in Professional Curricula

This study examined the content of occupational therapy professional curricula as it pertains to adult physical dysfunction and the opinions and perceptions of faculty responsible for this content area. Survey results from 28 of 66 academic institutions offering professional-level education were received and analyzed. A great diversity in content and emphasis was reflected in the areas of medical conditions, general approaches to evaluation and treatment, specific evaluations, and specific treatment techniques and modalities. Most of the respondents were pleased with students' performances in physical dysfunction Level II fieldwork, believed that course work was applicable to local clinical settings, and agreed that courses were constantly changing to reflect evolving occupational therapy theory. Approximately 30% of the respondents believed that they had inadequate time to prepare students for entry-level practice, and about half agreed that their department had the necessary equipment to teach evaluation and treatment content.