Master's Level Course Research Articles

Podcasting for interdisciplinary education: active listening, negotiation, reflexivity, and communication skills

Communication is widely acknowledged as an essential ingredient for inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration. Scholars are increasingly using podcasts in education, research, and outreach. Combining these two observations, this article explores how podcasting can be used in the classroom to teach and practice the skills relevant to communication in interdisciplinary settings. The study reflects on the practice of two master-level courses in which the students were asked to make a podcast as an assignment. It combines class observation and students’ reflections, analysed in light of the literature on interdisciplinary education, and triangulated with other experiences of scholarly podcasting. The study contributes to fill two gaps: the lack of practise-based research on how communication and interpersonal competencies for interdisciplinarity can be taught and assessed in the classroom; the need to further document and reflect on the practice of scholarly podcasting to highlight how the skills implicated therein can contribute to build competencies for interdisciplinary collaboration. The main finding is that making a podcast as an assignment can support students in acquiring and practicing interpersonal competencies and skills for working in interdisciplinary teams, like active listening, communication, negotiation, and reflexivity. The article concludes by reflecting on the transformational potential of the podcast, as an ear opener that foregrounds the importance of listening in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations.

Using an interactive simulation tool of national energy and climate policy planning to explore environmental policy options from the perspectives of different interest groups

AbstractTo reach the Paris Agreement goals, European governments have defined national contributions to the EU binding climate goals and have developed national climate and energy plans for 2021–2030 (NECPs). NECPs are detailed strategies in which governments can flexibly emphasize specific sectors, technologies and national energy policy choices. Every country has built its own energy modelling capacity for forecasting purposes. In most countries, this national modelling relies on optimization tools such as Markal or TIMES. For Latvia's energy sector, a system dynamics (SD) model was built to complement the TIMES model. The SD model deals with an integrated energy system, including the primary energy supply and transformation sector; energy distribution and storage system; and energy demand sectors (residential, tertiary, public, industry and transportation). Sectoral policies are presented in the Stella Architect interface. This study demonstrates how the interactive simulation tool was used in the Environmental Engineering Master level course ‘Environmental Policy and Economics’ as an experiential learning approach. The student assignment involved applying this tool to develop and analyse the energy transition policy package for one of four ideological interest groups: deep greens, bright greens, light greens and greys. Students had to assume a role and adopt its perspective by applying their border‐crossing competence and reflecting on selected policy mixes for that ideology. Various transition pathways, based on different ideologies, illustrate the possibilities for application. Results show that students were successful in fulfilling the assignment.

“Arctic-tecture”: Teaching Sustainable Urban Planning and Architecture for Ordinary Arctic Cities

Arctic cities are often perceived as exceptional and uniquely challenged by extreme conditions, leading to their treatment as special cases in urban planning and development. However, this perception overlooks the reality that Arctic cities share similar issues common to many small and medium-sized urban centers globally, such as mobility, climate adaptation, and aging populations. By recognizing Arctic cities as ordinary cities, we can better address their needs and foster effective solutions. This article reflects on the results of a fourth-year Master-level course in Sustainable Urban Development, where students researched urban sustainability aspects (e.g., mobility, green infrastructure, energy, public spaces) in northern regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. It analyzes pedagogical approaches, highlighting challenges in integrating sustainability perspectives into architecture and planning curricula. Findings hold relevance for educators seeking to address similar challenges in the Arctic or other ordinary cities worldwide, contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban development across diverse environments.

Graduates' Views of the Ontario Midwifery Education Program

A survey of all graduates of Ontario's Midwifery Education Program was done in 2003 in order to obtain their views about the adequacy of their preparation for professional practice, the satisfaction with program features and future educational aspirations. The respondents (123 of 181[68%] graduates) were nearly all working as midwives, most were working full time and more than half had been preceptors for students since the time of their own graduation. The most highly rated Program features were biological science courses, final year clinical courses, small group tutorials and skilled preceptors. The aspects of the Program that were most stressful were balancing the high demands of the Program with family responsibilities, relocating for clinical placements and having difficulties with preceptors. Overall, graduates felt well prepared for professional practice. All graduates reported undertaking continuing education and many were interested in master's level courses or programs. The crucial role of preceptors in students' educational experiences was reinforced by the survey results. preceptor development continue to be a high priority.

One Health Education Nexus: enhancing synergy among science-, school-, and teacher education beyond academic silos.

The fact that the daily lives of billions of people were affected by the medical, social, and political aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic shows the need to anchor the understanding of One Health in society. Hence, promoting awareness and deepening the understanding of the interrelation between human health, animal health, and ecosystems must be accomplished through quality education, as advocated by UN Sustainable Development Goal 4. The often-questioned and discussed measures taken by governments to control the global pandemic between 2020 and 2023 can be seen as an opportunity to meet the educational needs of civil society solutions in multi-stakeholder settings between public, universities, and schools. This paper focuses on the integration of One Health principles in educational frameworks, particularly within the context of the higher education teaching framework "Teaching Clinic." This master-level course in the domain of pre-service teacher education serves as a potent vehicle for facilitating One Health Education, bridging the gap between research, higher education, and schools. Through the presentation of two case studies, this article demonstrates how the Teaching Clinic approach fosters interdisciplinary perspectives and provides a dynamic learning environment for pre-service teachers, as well as for pupils involved in the educational process. In both cases, the integration of educational One Health school teaching-learning settings effectively enhanced pupils' understanding of complex topics and engaged them in active learning experiences. Pre-service teachers played a crucial role in developing, implementing, and evaluating these interventions. In Case I, pupils demonstrated proficiency in analyzing data and evaluating mathematical models, while in Case II, the chosen instructional approach facilitated One Health knowledge acquisition and enjoyment among pupils. These results underscore the potential of the One Health Teaching Clinic as a valuable educational framework for enhancing teaching and learning outcomes for pre-service teachers and fostering pupil engagement in socio-scientific One Health-related topics. The discussion delves into the significance of breaking down disciplinary silos and the crucial role of teacher education in promoting a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the intersectionality of One Health Education and Education for Sustainable Development. This article underpins the significance of collaborative efforts across multiple (scientific) disciplines and across secondary and tertiary education levels to reach a nexus. Moreover, it emphasizes the alignment of this approach with the 2030 Agenda, Education for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the potential for collective action toward a more sustainable future.

Learning from coproducing digital courses in sexual health in higher education in Norway

Purpose Sexual health is insufficiently addressed in health care and higher education, which can lead to lower quality of life and negative health outcomes. To improve the situation, it is necessary to address both the needs of patients and professionals and collaboratively engage in finding sustainable solutions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility and value of large-scale digital coproduction in higher education. Design/methodology/approach A study of a project that developed seven interprofessional, digital master-level courses covering different topics related to sexual health. The project was performed through digital coproduction in higher education, with over 100 persons with various backgrounds working together online in designing content and novel digital learning activities. Findings Large-scale digital coproduction in higher education is feasible and valuable, but the process demands sensitive leadership, understanding of coproduction processes and willingness to learn from each other. To meet the demands from practice it is important to understand the complexity, ever-changing and unpredictable working life changes which, in turn, demands engagement in continuous learning, training activities and the need for formal education. Originality/value The study provides learning of the feasibility of the value of large-scale digital coproduction in higher education, which is a novel way of working in higher education.

Integrating sustainability into a higher education science communication course

The global problems we face call for universities to prioritise science communication education and training. Here, we describe how we integrated sustainability into a master-level course in science communication through three iterations. By retrospectively analysing our actions and reflections, we demonstrate how and why we progressed from education about sustainability to education for sustainability, and finally education as sustainability. We conclude by discussing our findings, and offering our implications for the teaching and learning of sustainability science communication and of science communication.

Amounee, a case for micro entrepreneurship: giving voice to the artisans of the Indian handicrafts industry

Social implications The case projects how a women-led social enterprise provides livelihoods through a digitally operated unique micro-entrepreneurship model for the rural artisans of the Indian handicrafts industry, thus bringing about social change through economic empowerment of the community. Learning outcomes To understand how women entrepreneurship is contributing towards livelihood generation and rural artisan empowerment in India. To understand the make-up of a for-profit social enterprise in the Indian Handicrafts Industry, its challenges and solutions through innovative business. To present the mindset and journey of a woman social entrepreneur. To present and understand the growth and scaling up of such unique social ventures. To understand a unique form of the micro entrepreneurship model being built through digital platforms. Case overview/synopsis The objective of writing this case is to bring out a case of women entrepreneurship in the craft-based industry in India. This case seeks to emphasise on the following learning themes in the area of entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurship: trials and tribulations. Micro entrepreneurship/rural artisan empowerment. Livelihood generation and upliftment of the rural artisans and revival of dying art and crafts in the Indian craft-based industry. The novel ecommerce and data analytics experience being skilfully incorporated by small enterprises to their vantage and making both the seller’s as well as the buyer’s experience unique. The case highlights how the unique business models of social entrepreneurship through the use of technology bring the digital experience to rural India. Social entrepreneurship. The case narrates the story of a budding social entrepreneur Megha Das who is a textile designer by profession and showcases her journey towards the creation of unique digital platforms which transf Complexity academic level The case has been targeted to be taught in Masters level course in business management/administration, entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, design, etc. Its watered-down version can also be taught in under graduate programs in commerce, business management, business administration, fashion and textile designing, entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, etc. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Spirit & Free: adapting assortment strategies across rapidly growing channels in fashion retail

Social implications This paper aims to describe the cross-channel challenges experienced by a leading US fashion retailer and illustrates the adaptation to consumer needs as led by a female divisional head and female executive. Learning outcomes The teaching objectives include to understand the assortment planning complexities experienced by merchandise managers; address critical issues surrounding channel strategies; identify the data needs for assortment improvement and cross-channel management; investigate responsive solutions for customer-focused assortment diversification; and explore the challenges associated with continual retail channel adaptation. Case overview/synopsis The fashion retailer Spirit & Free (S&F) (pseudonym) is a Fortune 500 retailer. As a multi-channel retailer, S&F is proud of the consistency of the brand’s identity across channels. However, recently, S&F has noticed a difference between their mobile (m-commerce, social commerce) and in-store/e-commerce customers. Through this case study, students will follow the Women’s Apparel Divisional Merchandise Manager and explore how the business will maintain a consistent brand identity and capture both sets of customers through assortment planning. Resources will be provided for assortment planning analysis, and students will be asked to consider assortment opportunities regarding category mix and pricing strategy. Complexity academic level The case would be relevant to upper-level undergraduate courses or introductory master's level course in retail, management, fashion merchandising and omni-channel retail. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 8: Marketing

VREA PROJECT - A DIGITAL CURATOR FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DIGITAL PERSPECTIVES FOR HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

Abstract. Thinking about architectural education, one must face the challenges of the ever-changing and digital world and bear in mind the figure of the architect of the future - the curator of digital data. Nowadays the aim is to train specialists who know how to manage the production of digital products and are able to face the challenges of digital change in the field of architecture and architectural heritage management. Virtual Reality Engineering and Game Design for Architecture and Cultural Heritage (VREA) will be a new Master’s degree course designed to generate a new professional figure in charge of the technological evolution and at the same time having critical sensitivity towards the architectural heritage, its conservation, and enhancement. These objectives received funding as part of the call of European Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (ERASMUS-EDU-2021-EMJM-DESIGN) for the development of new, innovative, high-level integrated transnational study programmes at the Master level. VREA project aims to create a basis for a new international joint Master level course to create a new generation of architects and engineers equipped with the cultural and technical knowledge for managing Digital Twins in the field of Cultural Heritage, outlining at the same time the future course of study for architects and engineers. The result of the work is an innovative, international and comprehensive programme, strengthening the competences of all project participants and aimed at educating architects and engineers of the future, prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Advanced vaccinology training globally: Update and impact of the COVID-19 crisis

The rapid development of innovations and new technologies, the focus on the life-course approach to immunization and equity, and the prevalent hesitancy towards vaccines requires immunization staff to be well-trained and updated regularly in order to deliver quality immunization services to the public. The need for advanced vaccinology training is therefore paramount. In preparation for a second Global Workshop on Advanced Vaccinology Training that took place in March 2022, this paper presents the results of a survey aiming to provide a thorough update of a landscape analysis on advanced vaccinology courses conducted in 2018 and a look at the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Thirty-three course organizers responded to a survey to provide information on their respective course. Of those, 17 courses are short courses, 11 post-graduate courses and 5 are Master level courses. Most courses are organized on an annual basis. Even though some courses were not sustained overtime, the number of courses has been increasing during the last few years, and at least one vaccinology course is now being offered in each WHO region. Although the training capacity has increased tremendously, the need still exceeds the capacity and many courses have way more applicants than they can select. The most frequent challenges reported included sustainable funding and identifying faculty. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the delivery of several vaccinology courses, which have been postponed or reformatted to an online or hybrid training event. An e-portal of the global collaboration has been established to facilitate communication between the different courses and to assist future course participants to identify the most suitable course for their needs.

Digital supply chain transformation at Jabil: integrated supply and demand planning via concurrent planning

Study level/applicability The case would be relevant to undergraduate level or an introductory master's level course in operations management (OM), supply chain management and production. Subject area The case can be used as part of a core OM course in the MBA curriculum or any OM or supply chain elective. Case overview As a highly diversified manufacturing services company, Jabil's S&OP solution supports customers across many industries such as automotive, cloud computing, consumer packaging, healthcare, mobile, retail and telecommunications. Jabil's customers expect a rapid and accurate response to their demand within hours. Previously, Jabil used a series of legacy disconnected planning tools, unsynchronized data required time-consuming manipulation with Excel. Processes were conducted in siloes leading to a “load and chase” approach, which resulted in excess inventory, component shortages and inadequate capacity. The case focuses on one of the Jabil executives, Lizet Tymon (she). Struggling with the issues caused by the disconnected planning tools, Lizet champions implementing a fully integrated suite of services (built on top of the Kinaxis' RapidResponse software platform). The technology solution proposed by Lizet was ultimately implemented across the company, and the project received high marks, and it opened up career opportunities for her. However, it was not a smooth ride at the very beginning. The case focuses on the issues experienced by Lizet, as she is introducing a new technological solution approach and trying to earn support from her team, her peers, her immediate supervisor, her customers and her higher-level executives. Expected learning outcomes The teaching objectives include: understanding and appreciating the supply chain complexities experienced by a global contract manufacturer; helping students think critically regarding the issues around the sales and ops planning; identifying the data needs for the operation and management of a worldwide, connected supply chain; investigating agile solution approaches for information sharing, decision-making and decision-sharing; and exposing the challenges associated with a large-scale technology adaptation. Social Implications This case study describes the supply chain challenges experienced by a global manufacturing solutions provider and illustrates the technology adaptation led by a female executive. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics

Willing to Learn More: Storytelling as Responsive Consulting through the 6-Part-Story Method

This article emerges from the assumption that, as transformative learners, practitioners can use storytelling to work through challenging experiences We used the 6-Part-Story Method (6PSM) to aid in the context of reflective and reflexive practice We explore one student's experience in a master's-level course that introduces, through experiential learning, process consulting to students By using storytelling to explore her work with a client, the practitioner shares how the particular method enabled her to look at her own practice We outline how the 6PSM as a structured storytelling process enables student consultants to reflexively understand the clients they work with and enable them to gain greater professional and personal self-development.

The mutations of project-based learning in the context of information services

From a use case concerning a master level course on pedagogical video games, this article describes how Project-Based Learning uses Internet-based services. Initially, Information services have been mostly used to facilitate communication between the students and the teacher, and to provide support in the project management. More recently, Internet has more deeply changed the philosophy of PBL, towards an increased integration into the real world. An innovative approach has emerged, in which products delivered by the students are both disseminated and reused for the course itself, for future classes.

Design, Development and Use of a Digital Badges System in Higher Education

Badges are non fungible tokens used to document or certify achievements in academics or in any other domain. Besides their utility as proof of achievement, badges are of interest in higher education as pure incentives to push the students and learners in general toward pursuing well-defined goals and skills. In this respect, badges can be naturally incorporated into digital learning platforms also as part of informal learning activities, and stimulate participation, merit, and visibility for the students. However, the level of engagement of learners into these learning activities depends crucially on how the system of badges and rewards has been designed and on how it is applied, if it is to be used effectively. In this paper, we report on the design and implementation of a smart badges system, and an example of its use inside a gamification methodology for informal learning in a master level course, and discuss the benefits and the observed gains in learning performance that can be obtained.

ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios

ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios, curated by Roxane Shaughnessy of the Textile Museum of Canada in consultation with independent curator Nakasuq Alariaq, examines the legacy of newly-discovered textile prints from Kinngait Studios and their contribution to art history on both national and global scales. The exhibition shares and preserves a little-known history, drawing connections to contemporary Inuit artistic production and centers Inuit voices in telling this story. At its core, Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios highlights the powerful way in which visual language can inspire intergenerational connections and jump-start new conversations between artists, community members, and the public at large. * This review was prepared in partial completion of a masters-level course, and as such, the author did not have the capacity to consult with members of Kinngait community. In future writings, the author hopes to consult and collaborate alongside community members.

A qualitative study of perceptions of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of Advanced Clinical Practice roles in mental health services.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) are, typically, non-medical healthcare professionals, who possess advanced clinical skills, a master's level qualification and evidence of leadership, management and research abilities. Most ACPs are nurses and new ACP roles are increasingly being established around the world. The views of senior staff towards new mental health nursing roles in organizations are likely to influence their introduction and sustainability Research on mental health nursing ACP roles is sparse. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The paper uniquely provides specific information as to factors perceived by senior staff as affecting the implementation of ACP roles in mental health services. A wide range of mental health services were perceived as potentially benefiting from ACPs. Establishing role clarity for MHN ACPs is perceived as being as essential to successful introduction of the role, as has been found for other specialities. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Participants identified a need for early engagement with service users and professions about new ACP roles and for processes that can evaluate ACP roles once they established. Some mental health nurses may require long-term developmental pathways to help prepare them to take on a master's level course and then the ACP role. ABSTRACT: Introduction Advanced clinical practice (ACP) roles are increasingly being developed internationally. Identifying factors perceived as affecting the development of ACP can support effective implementation. Aim To understand the views of senior health service staff as to factors influencing the development of ACP roles in mental health services. Method Focus group and semi-structured interviews. Participants were directors of nursing (n=10) and other senior staff from roles important to workforce development (n=10). Results Content analysis suggested seven categories: understanding the role and national guidelines, attitudes to the role, learning from implementing other roles, understanding prerequisites for development, challenges, opportunities and future support/actions. Prerequisites for success would include early engagement with stakeholders. Medical attitudes towards ACP roles were perceived as generally more positive than previously. Discussion The study provides unique information regarding perspectives of senior staff regarding the implementation of ACP roles in mental health services. A wide range of mental health services were perceived as potentially benefiting from ACPs, with the importance of role clarity being highlighted and long-term developmental pathways for staff. Implications for practice Successful Implementation of ACP roles may require clear role definition, early engagement with stakeholders and processes to evaluate role outcomes.

Peer Review: Factors That Motivate Students to Provide Supportive Peer Feedback.

Students who value peer feedback processes are more likely to provide supportive feedback to peers. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that motivate and demotivate students to provide supportive feedback to peers. A secondary analysis of qualitative data collected from 148 graduate nursing students in 7 master's-level courses was conducted to identify the themes related to motivating and demotivating factors in peer review and how they related to students' sense of value for providing supportive peer feedback. Common themes included perceived potential for supportive peer feedback to improve self, peer, and team performance, and quality of patient care. Themes related to demotivation included lack of time and fear of negative impact on peers. Faculty should emphasize to students the positive impact of supportive peer feedback on nursing care. Assignments can be structured to promote a fair exchange of supportive feedback between peers.

An Interactive Jupyter Notebook for Teaching the Foundational Mathematical Basis of Compartmental Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics is often taught as two different lessons, the foundational mathematical basis and the clinical application. Due to the lack of hands-on exercises, pharmacokinetics can be difficult to teach and students report struggling with the topic. Therefore, I have developed an interactive Jupyter notebook that demonstrates the mathematical basis behind one- and two-compartment pharmacokinetic models. This notebook uses a combination of “markup” cells, which display relevant equations and text, and “code” cells, which hold Python code that executes, models, and graphs the various pharmacokinetic equations. Students benefit from exposure to this aspect of computer science because the code remains visible. With the code pre-written, students are able to see the implementations of programming in drug pharmacokinetic modeling without having to construct the code themselves. This notebook includes both the differential and algebraic versions of one- and two- compartment models. The code also generates interactive graphs where students can use sliders for each parameter (half-life, inter-compartmental distribution rates, and dose of drug) to explore the effects of the equations parameters on the output of drug concentration over time. The conversion between macro constants and micro constants is also demonstrated and explained. All software used is freely available, so students can download the notebook onto their personal computers. No computer science experience is needed to execute this tool. However, instructors can easily adapt the notebook to their particular needs, adding or removing cells as desired. I successfully used this notebook in my undergraduate upper-division biology elective, “Foundations of Pharmacology”, and in a guest lectured Master's level course on the practical application of pharmacokinetics. Overall, this tool will be useful for teaching the mathematical basis of basic pharmacokinetics while allowing students to gain useful exposure to computer data science.

Use of active learning strategies in public affairs education: Advances and lessons from the scholarship and the practice

Public affairs education can benefit from the potential of active learning practices in preparing students for the complex surroundings of real public service. This article aims to explore the use of those practices in public affairs education and the extent to which those practices are suitable in a public affairs school in a country in the global South. To do so, it follows a threefold analytical approach. First, from a sample of empirical works in public affairs, it explores the active learning practices portrayed in the literature of public affairs education and identifies patterns and practices. Then, through content analysis of syllabi from a sample of master level courses of schools of public affairs in the US and Europe it identifies the most frequent participant-centered learning practices used in public affairs education. Finally, by means of a case study from a public affairs school in Colombia, it analyzes the adoption of active learning practices to be effectively adopted in such setting and compares them with the two sets of practices previously analyzed. The analysis provided some insights. Both the literature review and the benchmark of practices in public affairs schools, reflect that public affairs education already relies on a wide array of active learning strategies, which, according to some empirical literature, appear to be highly useful in preparing students for public sector practice. Then, the analysis of the use of active learning practices in a Latin American school of public affairs revealed a similarly evident use such practices, something that appears to be instrumental for the faculty, students and alumni of the program, and whose implementation does not appear to differ from other programs abroad.