Master's Thesis Research Articles

Reducing Mathematics Anxiety: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study is to examine the graduate theses that aimed to determine the effect of an instructional intervention on mathematics anxiety. For this purpose, graduate theses were reviewed and 22 theses were identified. Descriptive content analysis, which is one of the systematic review methods, was used in the study. Theses were examined according to their years, types, participant groups, instructional interventions used to eliminate or reduce mathematics anxiety, and the effects of the instructional interventions discussed. According to the results of the study, it was seen that most theses on this subject were prepared in 2016 and 2019. It has been determined that the majority of the theses are master thesis. In addition, it was concluded that the theses were carried out with 7th grade students at most. It was also found that the instructional interventions used to overcome mathematics anxiety were different in almost all of the theses examined. Considering the effects of the instructional interventions discussed, it is among the results that in the most of the theses, the instructional intervention did not have a significant effect on reducing mathematics anxiety.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SENSES AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: A REFLECTION BASED ON THE STEINERIAN VIEW AND NEUROSCIENCE

The objective of this article is to share the notion about the development of the senses and their role in human cognition according to the Steinerian phenomenological view and the contribution of neuroscience to its understanding. The methodology used is bibliographical, and part of the theoretical framework was that researched in the master's dissertation whose excerpt constitutes the article, added to some authors with whom a new dialogue was established in the expansion and continuation of the study. The result that emerges is a reflection on the effects observed by neuroscience in this development due to the intense use of digital technologies with children and young people both in education and in leisure. The conclusion is that some effects can be harmful and it becomes necessary to rethink a return to face-to-face education and leisure in nature and in social contact between people, as well as the use of drawing, artistic procedures and playfulness in education.

FENCING AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONDITIONS OF AGRICULTURAL SETTLEMENTS: THE CASE OF THE IRMÃ ADELAIDE SETTLEMENT IN MIRACEMA DO TOCANTINS

The objective of this text is to analyze the fencing and the conditions of the housing, water, health and transportation infrastructure in the agrarian settlement of Irmã Adelaide in Miracema do Tocantins. The time frame of the analysis is from the year 2000, when the expropriation of the Boa Nova Farm, with an area of ​​4,766.2740 ha and approximately 106 families in the settlement, was already underway. The article is the result of theoretical and empirical research for a master's dissertation. The methodology applied to prepare the text was initially based on a bibliographic review on the topic under discussion and, secondly, on empirical research through fieldwork with the application of interviews. Agrarian settlements are created based on public policies due to the need to implement agrarian reform to meet the social and economic demands of rural workers. In practice, the agrarian reform policy creates agrarian settlement projects from the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA). However, during empirical research it was found that the physical and social infrastructure conditions are precarious and do not fully meet the social demands of the settlers.

Industrial Policy and Green Growth in a Small Island Economy: The Case of Singapore

Industrial Policy and Green Growth in a Small Island Economy: The Case of Singapore

FAIR data management: a framework for fostering data literacy in biomedical sciences education

Data literacy, the ability to understand and effectively communicate with data, is crucial for researchers to interpret and validate data. However, low reproducibility in biomedical research is nowadays a significant issue, with major implications for scientific progress and the reliability of findings. Recognizing this, funding bodies such as the European Commission emphasize the importance of regular data management practices to enhance reproducibility. Establishing a standardized framework for statistical methods and data analysis is essential to minimize biases and inaccuracies. The FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) aim to enhance data interoperability and reusability, promoting transparent and ethical data practices. The study presented here aimed to train postgraduate students at the Universidad Europea de Madrid in data literacy skills and FAIR principles, assessing their application in master thesis projects. A total of 46 participants, including students and mentors, were involved in the study during the 2022–2023 academic year. Students were trained to prioritize FAIR data sources and implement Data Management Plans (DMPs) during their master’s thesis. An 11-item questionnaire was developed to evaluate the FAIRness of research data, showing strong internal consistency. The study found that integrating FAIR principles into educational curricula is crucial for enhancing research reproducibility and transparency. This approach equips future researchers with essential skills for navigating a data-driven scientific environment and contributes to advancing scientific knowledge.

FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORES NO MUNICÍPIO DE VENDA NOVA DO IMIGRANTE: UMA CARACTERIZAÇÃO

This work is an excerpt from the master's dissertation entitled Collaborative continuing education: an experience with physical education teachers in Venda Nova do Imigrante. This text does not intend to exhaust the information about education in the municipality, but only to briefly characterize the history of education in the municipality. The study points out the development process of the region since the arrival of the first immigrants, through the establishment of its first school, and continuing to education in the present day, pointing out the training model adopted by the municipality in recent years according to official documents.

A qualitative exploration of nursing master's research supervision in a private higher education institution

BackgroundCompleting a Master's thesis is crucial for earning a master's degree and showcasing students' academic and professional skills. However, the process is often challenging owing to its solitary nature and the complexity of its supervisory relationships. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the experience of Nursing Master's Research Supervision and its impact on their thesis journey. DesignExploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Setting and participantsThe study was conducted at a private nursing institute in Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2022 to May 2022. The study included 12 students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Nursing program. MethodsFocus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted online, using a semi-structured guide. Students were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using manual content analysis through a collaborative approach. Rigor was ensured using Lincoln and Guba's trustworthiness criteria. SRQR reporting guidelines were used. ResultsThe study explored graduate students' thesis supervision experiences and discovered six influential categories: “Expectations from Supervisor”, encompassing preceding knowledge and teaching perceptions; “Supervisor Accessibility”, involving physical access and cooperation; “Adverse Supervision Experience”, detailing challenging interactions; “Supervision Meeting Management”, addressing problem-solving and scheduling; “Assistance and Support”, covering collaboration, software, and resources; and “Suggestions”, offering guidance on thesis write-up and research committee roles. ConclusionThe study elucidated students' expectations about supervisor expertise, access difficulties, negative experiences, and the need for clear guidelines. Improved communication, defined roles, and increased support for thesis writing and assessment are crucial for satisfactory supervision. Further investigation of supervisors' viewpoints is advised.

THE NEOCONSERVATIVE/NEOLIBERAL INTERSECTION IN BRAZILIAN EDUCATION AND ITS INTERFACES FOR THE INCREASE OF LGBTQIA+PHOBIA

This article analyzes the intersection between neoconservatism, neoliberalism, and the oppression of sexual and gender diversity in contemporary society. In a scenario marked by growing conservatism that seeks to restore a traditional social "order," LGBTQIA+ identities face marginalization and violence due to the glorification of an idealized past and the imposition of normative standards. The influence of religious groups and neoconservative movements has restricted discussions about diversity in schools, which should promote a critical and inclusive environment. The research, based on bibliographic data and developed as part of a master's dissertation, investigates how these ideologies impact education and perpetuate the exclusion of sexual diversity issues. The naturalization of exclusionary norms and the perpetuation of the coloniality of knowledge reinforce a hegemonic vision, silencing dissenting voices. The conclusion is that, in order to build a more just society, active engagement in combating LGBTQIA+phobia, racism, and sexism is crucial, respecting the right to freedom and expression of all individuals. Overcoming conservatism and neoliberalism, through critical and politically engaged education, is a vital step towards tackling LGBTQIA+phobia in Brazilian schools, promoting a space where all identities can coexist and be respected.

An Approach for Measuring Spatial Accessibility to Services/Facilities by Urban Community Aged Population

Abstract. Population aging is a global trend and a world-wide challenge to many governments. The high-quality life of the elderly cannot be separated from the support of basic services and facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct analysis and research on the accessibility of urban community services and facilities. It is worth noting that the research in this article is based on master thesis (Bai, 2013). Drawing on the data, methods, and conclusions from the master's thesis, in this paper, an approach is designed for measuring spatial accessibility to services/facilities by a spatially dispersed ageing population in urban areas. The local government area (LGA) of Monash in the Melbourne metropolitan area has been selected the case study area. This study combines GIS-based spatial analytical procedures and two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, in conjunction with mesh block level 2011 population data, service/facility data and transportation network data, to measure and map spatial variations in potential accessibility to services and facilities deemed essential to the aged population. Service facilities considered in the study include bus stops, train stations, bank facilities, shopping centres, post offices, churches, parks, public libraries, community centres, pharmacies, GP clinics and hospitals in Monash LGA. The research results can be used to optimize the spatial planning and layout of public facilities for ageing population.

O LÚDICO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: CONCEPÇÕES E PRÁTICASDOCENTES

This article is a section of a Master's Dissertation and aims to analyze how the knowledge of playfulness in early childhood education is contextualized in teachers' pedagogical practices based on the reality of a municipal early childhood education school. The justification is to reevaluate the pedagogical work, seeking to understand that while educators encounter challenges in developing a playful approach with young children, their practice becomes much more expressive and enjoyable for the children’s school experience. A learning environment where playfulness, creativity, and spontaneity prevail becomes far more conducive to learning. The methodological design was non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional, with a mixed approach. It was non-experimental because there was no manipulation of variables or comparison groups. The researcher observes what naturally occurs without interfering in any way. It is a descriptive investigation because it aims to describe the characteristics of a certain population or phenomenon or establish relationships between variables. As for the results, we emphasize that, although there was a comparison regarding the teachers’ years of service, it did not influence the findings. What became evident is that both teachers work with the same goal: to motivate the students’ learning processes through playful tools.

English Hedging Strategies in Master Theses Written by Egyptian and Native English Researchers: A Pragmalinguistic Study

English Hedging Strategies in Master Theses Written by Egyptian and Native English Researchers: A Pragmalinguistic Study

What Educational Escape Rooms can Learn from the World's Best Rooms

In the context of playful learning, escape games have the potential to enrich learning experiences through interactive problem-solving and narrative engagement. However, educational escape games differ significantly from the commercial offerings they reference in name and game mechanics. They often draw on the concepts of escape rooms that were popular a decade ago, relying primarily on traditional puzzle types such as code deciphering and number locks. Meanwhile, commercial escape rooms have evolved significantly over the past ten years, now offering highly immersive experiences based on captivating stories, convincing scenographic presentations, and well-thought-out tension arcs. Each year, enthusiasts vote for the top 100 escape rooms in the world. To investigate which best practices from these rooms can be applied to educational games, my master's thesis, which forms the basis of this paper (Neubig 2024) analyzed 38 of these award-winning games in detail. This analysis covered the gameplay, puzzle typology, room design and player guidance, as well as interactions with the game masters. Significant patterns were identified in all these areas that can be utilized in the design of educational games. Simultaneously, it reveals the types of challenges that the world's best games almost entirely avoid, despite their popularity in educational games. The study provides detailed insights into the diversity of puzzle types used, their variations throughout the game, and identifies particularly effective puzzle combinations. Escape games as a method of knowledge transfer have been adopted worldwide in schools, universities, museums, and libraries. They are used in various ways, such as recruitment tools, as orientation aids for institutional services, or to promote specific or generic knowledge and skills (Veldekamp et al. 2020). This work emphasizes the necessity to adapt educational games to the latest developments in the escape game industry if they are to be classified within this genre. In doing so, they can fully leverage the potential of escape games to create an engaging and motivating gaming experience.

Genre dynamics in teletandem chats

This paper explores the use of chat in Teletandem (TTD) activities (Telles; Vassallo, 2006) on the UNESP-SJRP campus from 2006 to 2020, focusing on possible genres materialized in chats, in English <> Portuguese partnerships. Two main questions guided the study: firstly, to identify the genres materialized in chats; and secondly, to examine how the use of chat has evolved along with synchronous communication tools. The research adopted a qualitative and longitudinal approach (Wagner et. al, 2018; Dörnyei, 2007) and investigated whether textual genres (Bazerman, 1994, 2006; Miller 2012a, 2012b, 2016, 2017; Miller; Shepherd, 2009) emerged in chat interactions. Through this analysis, the use of chats over the period was verified. The data was collected from publications related to TTD, including master's dissertations and doctoral theses, and from MulTeC (Lopes, 2019; Aranha; Lopes, 2019). Once collected, the data was integrated into the technical, ontological and epistemological dimensions (Ferro, 2021). The analysis was conducted based on predefined thematic axes, considering the particularities of the textual genres identified and based on the quantitative results obtained by analyzing the data in the Voyant Tools® tool. The final analysis revealed evidence of the materialization of the Initial Teletandem Oral Session (iSOT) genre (Rampazzo, 2017) in the initial period, which did not carry over into the second period due to advances in synchronous communication tools. However, this possible genre persisted in another form within the tool, indicating potential survival in the new environment. In addition, there was a change in the use of chat from being the main locus of interaction to a supporting role for oral interaction, in line with the evolution of synchronous communication tools over time. Despite these findings, limitations were found, including insufficient data from the initial period. Future avenues of research could explore additional genres within the TTD genre system, investigate the possible migration of genres and analyze the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic consequences of the materialization of genres in chat and vice versa. These new investigations may offer valuable insights for further research into TTD and related linguistic issues.

Investigation of solution behavior of Differential Equations by Sumudu methods of random complex Partial Differential Equations

In this study, solutions of random complex partial differential equations were found using the two-dimensional Sumudu transformation method(STM). The initial conditions of a deterministic equation or the non-homogeneous part of the equation are transformed into random variables to obtain a random complex partial differential equation. With the help of the properties of two-dimensional Sumudu and inverse Sumudu transformation, an approximate analytical solution of a complex partial differential equation with random constant coefficients was obtained by selecting a random variable with an initial condition of Normal and Gamma distribution. The probability characteristics of the resulting solutions, such as expected value and variance, were obtained and graphically shown with the help of the Maple package program.

Cross-Disciplinary Analysis of the Syntactic and Lexical Features of Chinese Master Thesis Titles

Cross-Disciplinary Analysis of the Syntactic and Lexical Features of Chinese Master Thesis Titles

Identification and Analysis of Barriers that Impact the Sustainable Development of Brazilian Cabotage

Brazil has ideal conditions for the large-scale use of cabotage cargo transportation: a vast coastline with almost 7,400 km, approximately 70% of the population resident in a coastal range of up to 200 km from the coast and a strong concentration of activities economic along the coast. However, there is an absolute domain of road modal for the transportation of goods, and cabotage is underused. The purpose of the study was to raise the main barriers that negatively impact the performance of Brazilian cabotage. To this end, it was used to bibliographic and documentary research, based on studies already published in journals, doctoral theses, master's dissertations, congress annals, technical reports and research on government-related government agencies sites, navigation companies and entities related to cabotage. The main barriers that contribute to the low use of cabotage in Brazil were identified and analyzed, as well as possible alternatives of solution for sustainable development of this mode of transport. Such a study will certainly serve as subsidies for the definition of public policies aimed at better use of Brazilian cabotage, as well as to encourage navigation companies to invest more in the transport of goods by cabotage, in order to contribute to the reduction of trucks on highways Brazilian and for environmental preservation.

A Study Based the Cite Space Visual Analysis - Topics Selection of ‘Anxiety’ for Master's Theses in Chinese International Education, 2011-2023

In this study, we employed the Cite Space software to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the selected topics of 'anxiety' in the master's theses on Chinese international education on China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from 2011 to 2023. The study revealed that research in this field has demonstrated a fluctuating growth trend, with research hotspots focusing on the influence of affective factors on second language acquisition, international students' learning anxiety and teaching anxiety. Despite the wealth of research on the topic of 'anxiety' in Chinese master's degrees, the study identified several limitations, including the use of a single research method and an unclear understanding of research hotspots. To advance the field, future research should adopt a more diverse range of research methods and delve deeper into the exploration of research hotspots.

Current Geography Studies in Turkey

The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the master and doctoral theses completed in the field of geography in the National Thesis Center of Turkey YOK between 2020-2024 from a holistic perspective and to bring a new perspective to the studies to be conducted. In this context, a database consisting of thesis such as the year, subject, type, method, university of the author and the geographical region where the university is located was created. The database created was examined by subjecting it to a detailed analysis process. Within the scope of the study, a total of 876 graduate thesis were analysed. Of these thesis, 680 master programme and 196 belong to doctoral programme. Master thesis are more than doctoral thesis. The highest number of master thesis were produced in 2022, with 199 thesis. In contrast, a noticeable increasing trend is observed in doctoral thesis over the years. In both master (333) and doctoral (111) programmes, most thesis on human and economic geography were produced. This is followed by thesis on (master (262), doctoral (69)) physical geography. In human and economic geography, tourism geography (76) was studied the most compared to other subjects, while in physical geography, geomorphology (98) was studied the most. In terms of the methods used in the thesis, qualitative methods (298) are preferred more in master studies, while quantitative methods (102) are used more in doctoral thesis. Among the universities that produced the highest number of thesis, Atatürk University (59) stands out in master programme and Istanbul University (34) in doctoral programme. In the evaluation according to the geographical region of the university where the author is located, the Marmara Region ranks first in both master and doctoral programmes. These results will allow a better understanding of academic developments and trends in the field of geography and will be a direction for future research. In this context, the results of this study provide important findings on current geography theses in Turkey. According to the results of this study, it is thought that increasing the number of postgraduate thesis in the field of geography and improving the quantity and quality of students who want to do postgraduate education in the field can give a positive impetus to Turkey's development.

Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions on the Use of Technological Tools in Teaching and Learning Practices in Selected Rwandan Secondary Schools

This article assessed one objective derived from an unpublished master's thesis with the title "Factors Constraining the Effective Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching and Learning Mathematics: Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Rwanda." The objective of this study was to investigate how mathematics teachers perceive the use of technological tools in teaching and learning mathematics. Gregory's constructivist theory of perception served as the anchor for the research. A case study research design was adopted. The research focused on secondary school mathematics teachers in 10 selected Rwandan schools. Purposive sampling was employed to choose 20 mathematics teachers. Primary data was obtained through open-ended questionnaires along with semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Study outcomes indicated that perceptions of mathematics teachers' of embracing technological tools are formed by their familiarity with technology, confidence in adopting it, and the help they get in incorporating it into their teaching procedures. The study concluded that teachers ought to participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs aimed at technological tools to enhance confidence and boost their integration into teaching. According to research, school leaders should ensure access to the most up-to-date technological resources and offer customized training to facilitate effective technology adoption in mathematics teaching. The study further suggested that Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) and the National Examination and Schools Inspection Authority (NESA) should enforce extensive training programs, avail more resources in essential technological infrastructure, and boost research and best practices to encourage innovation. Additional research should broaden its context to include different perspectives, evaluate the long-term impact of technological tools on student outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of professional development programs.

An Analysis of PHD and Master's Thesis on Marketing Communication Conducted Between 1999-2023 in Communication Research

Marketing communication is a process that covers both consumer behavior and businesses' development of new marketing strategies. For this reason, marketing communication is a comprehensive subject area that has gained a significant place in academic studies, especially in the last 20 years, and on which scientific research has been conducted. Both the growing capacities and production volumes of businesses and the changing consumer make it necessary to carry out marketing studies. In this context, the aim of this study is to conduct detailed research on the theses completed in the national literature in the field of marketing communication. In this context, as a result of the detailed examination conducted through the National Thesis Center (YOKTEZ), 64 master's and 17 doctoral theses completed on marketing communication between 1999 and 2023 were identified. 8 of these theses could not be accessed (since they were not accessible via YOKTEZ), and 81 of them were evaluated using the content analysis method. In the study, data provided from documents; It is discussed under seven subheadings: type of thesis, gender, university, department, method, data collection and analysis technique and year category. As a result of the analysis, information was obtained about the nature, trends and prominent elements of academic postgraduate theses in the field of marketing communication. In particular, it is noteworthy that female researchers have a higher rate of writing master's theses on marketing communications and that the highest number of theses are in the field of Public Relations and Promotion. These findings show how important factors such as gender and field of expertise in the field of marketing communications are reflected in research.