Modern University Research Articles

Methodology for identifying reference architectural and spatial solutions of universities using a graphic matrix

The present study considers architectural and spatial development of the existing universities and campuses as relevant issue. Administrative and academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, student dormitories and sports facilities, medical centers, pedestrian zones, green spaces, parks and sports grounds, green area recreations contribute to strengthening social ties between students and teachers, providing a beneficial effect on learning and development. The present paper analyzes examples of successful development of student campuses and identifies the factors of their effectiveness. The study findings may serve as a foundation for creating architectural and spatial solutions aimed at comprehensive development of a comfortable educational environment in modern universities of the Volga region. Furthermore, the results of the conducted analysis will assist in identifying priorities of architectural development tasks in areas at different levels — from urban planning to the installation of engineering and automation systems. Well-maintained green spaces, convenient areas for relaxation and socialization, as well as a variety of sports and cultural facilities, will contribute to the creation of comfortable and stimulating atmosphere, which, in turn, will enhance students' motivation for learning and develop their social skills. Effective planning, consideration of the needs and preferences of students, and their involvement in the decision-making process are indicated as the key factors for successful architectural and spatial solutions of university campuses. In addition, the maintenance and regular updating of green spaces and campus infrastructure are found significant.

Socio-cultural factors influencing students' learning experience: a cross-cultural study

The modern globalized educational sphere requires well-established skills to work in a cross-cultural environment. The purpose is the study of socio-cultural factors that affect the educational experience of students. To implement the proposed goal, the PRISMA method of working with scientific sources, the method of content analysis of scientific literature, and the method of synthesizing individual results into a single system were used. In the results, it was noted that the effective formation of the sociocultural educational environment in higher education consists of several complex parts. The positive consequence of the formation of a socio-cultural environment undoubtedly creates an atmosphere for the success of education seekers and the harmonization of cross-cultural relations. It is indicated that there are separate risks that appear because of the complex interaction of all participants in the educational process. The study found that in modern universities there are many successful cross-cultural cases that contribute to the integration of different students: mobility programs, summer schools, scientific conferences, distance learning courses etc. The conclusions emphasize that the unification of students in a unique multicultural educational environment is a necessary part of the modern educational process in institutions of higher education.

MBTI Personality Types and Their Impact on the Effectiveness of Employment Services and Career Guidance for Modern College Students

MBTI is a widely used psychological tool, which categorizes individual personality preferences based on four dichotomies. It is applied across diverse fields like career counseling and personal development it fosters collaboration and guiding individuals toward fulfilling career paths. There is growing need to understand how diverse MBTI personality types influence career related decisions and the overall success of employment services. The objectives of the study are to explore the relationship between MBTI personality types and college students' career choices, the efficacy of needs on career decision-making, and examine associated challenges and ethics. This research systematically analyzes studies published between 2015 and 2023, focusing on the impact of MBTI personality types on career outcomes. It highlights the diverse influence of MBTI personality types on college students, impacting their cross-cultural adjustment, occupational competence, coping skills, mental well-being and turnover intention. These insights contribute valuable knowledge to enhance personalized career guidance and employment services, facilitating better alignment with individual preferences for improved professional success and satisfaction.

ETHICAL AND AXIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF MASTERS IN THE HUMANITIES

The article investigates the topical scientific and empirical problem of professional training of masters in the humanities at Ukrainian universities based on cultural, personal, and integration paradigms with the use of methodological and technological tools of historical, pedagogical, and modern scientific approaches. The models and factors of training masters in the humanities at universities throughout the entire period of existence of these institutions are generalized; the concept and contextual and professional model of the system of such training on axiological principles are presented. As a result of a gradual elucidation of the prerequisites and factors of the value dimension of humanitarian education of masters in different models of European universities for the period from the time of their emergence (the lower boundary of the study is the IX century) to the present (the beginning of the XXI century), the essence of the concept of «axisphere of future masters in the humanities» (a set of values of the personality of specialists that determine their activity in teaching and research) is clarified. Their attitude to the world and their self-knowledge in the chosen field and specialty is clarified using analytical and methodological tools of historical and pedagogical general scientific and special pedagogical approaches; the need to develop and implement in practice the educational and research activities of modern universities of the humanities is explained. The technological and methodological support of the proposed model is updated. It is proved that the tendencies of internationalization, intensification, deepening of international cooperation, and building a context-oriented environment for training masters in the humanities in modern universities based on an integrative educational paradigm contribute to a powerful renewal of teaching, research, and provision of educational services; the values of multiculturalism of the personality of higher education students are determined as significant in the interdisciplinary scientific discourse (philosophy of education, sociology, psychology, pedagogy and education sciences, etc.) It is concluded that the main results of the study should be used for the further development of the system of professional training of masters in the humanities (historians, philosophers, religious studies, cultural studies, philology) on axiological principles in Ukrainian universities.

Innovative Approaches of E-Learning in College Education: Global Experience

Thanks to the rapid development of digital and information and communication technologies, colleges around the world are actively using new models of e-learning. The purpose of this study was to analyze modern e-learning tools used in colleges in different countries. The PRISMA approach was used for this study. Based on the previously formed 7 criteria related to the content, methodology, and scientific novelty of the study, 50 items of current literature were selected for analysis. The date range was from 2012 to 2023. The results demonstrate the importance of using electronic technologies in modern colleges. They develop the formation of not only theoretical but also practical skills. For example, the use of tools such as virtual augmented reality, or simulation technologies contribute to the development of practical skills in students. The proposed results have shown that micro-education, social education and gamification of education are integral elements of modern educational practice based on innovations. The conclusions summarize that the most common electronic technologies are remote platforms, mobile applications, and interactive technologies. For practical specialties less popular, but important are simulation technologies and virtual reality. In addition, the college's e-learning platform makes use of augmented reality, blockchain technology and analytical tools. All of these technologies support the growth of e-learning at the college level.

Самооценка преподавателя вуза в контексте современных медиа

Self-esteem and personal development depend on the social context. This article describes this correlation, within which personality affects the professional success. Such an impact is manifested in the work of a modern university educator, both in the media space and beyond. The social role of the teacher changes together with public relations: today, it is part of cultural capital and information economy. The professional self-esteem of a university educator, expressed in managerial metrics, determines their performance. The metrics can reveal a social interaction between the specialist and the society, where the specialist exchanges skills for reward, which affects the self-esteem and further interaction. The work of a university educator depends on the presence of the student as an actor, formal requirements of the university administration, and the ability to meet the students’ need for personal contact under standardization and mass production of information. The article gives university teaching personnel some recommendations on maintaining self-esteem connected with the development of emotional intelligence, impression management, and identification. The recommendations are supported by media presence cases.

Features of civic consciousness of university students at the present stage of educational development

Aim. To study the features of civic consciousness among modern university students.Material and methods. A total of 467 students took part in the study. The original author’s questionnaire was used (I. V. Koltsova, 2024), aimed at identifying the characteristics of students’ civic consciousness.Results. The study showed that the majority of students believe that secondary schools should take an active part in the development of civic consciousness of young people. Students behave in society in accordance with generally accepted rules, know the history of the Russian Federation, its traditions and customs, conspicuous figures, rights and responsibilities, speak their native language and actively use it in communication with representatives of their nationality. After training, most graduates plan to stay and work in the Russian Federation. However, about 30% of subjects have low scores on such issues as participation in the Russian presidential and legislative elections. There is a high awareness on socio-political events and laws, which indicates the low social activity of this group of respondents.Conclusion. The conducted research made it possible to identify both positive trends in relation to the civic consciousness of students, as well as problem areas that require targeted educational work.

The Influence of Policy Investment on the Sustainable Development of Universities in Underdeveloped Regions: An Empirical Analysis of China’s Higher Education Landscape

The regional disparity in higher education development is critical for the sustainable advancement of the national education system. To address this issue, the Chinese government has implemented targeted support policies for higher education in underdeveloped regions, with the “Ministry-Province Co-construction Policy” serving as a notable example. This study investigates the impact of such policies on the development of universities in China’s underdeveloped central and western regions. First, the study analyzes policy documents to identify six primary policy pathways through high-frequency word extraction, social semantic analysis, and path integration. These policy pathways are quantified using representative indicators, which constitute the independent variables of the study. Second, by employing the framework of modern university functions, the study develops a sustainable development indicator system for higher education institutions. The performance scores for the sustainable development of 14 universities, derived using the entropy method, serve as the dependent variables. The study subsequently measures the effects of individual and combined policy pathways through two equations. The results indicate that some pathways are more effective than others. While all combined policy pathways yield positive effects, an excessive number of combinations can lead to diminishing returns. Finally, the study elucidates the measurement results, emphasizing that effective pathways highlight the essential roles of faculty, research, and teaching. Conversely, less effective pathways stem from inadequate inputs or slow responses. Although combined policy pathways generally exert positive impacts, an overabundance of combinations can dilute these benefits. The study suggests that administrative support for higher education in underdeveloped regions is advantageous. It underscores the necessity of distinguishing between more and less effective input methods, concentrating on resource allocation, and ensuring universities’ autonomy in utilizing support resources to achieve sustainable development in higher education within these regions.

An empirical study on the factors influencing the improvement of education quality within higher vocational colleges—Based on a survey of 13 higher vocational colleges in Hainan Province

The issue of quality of higher vocational education in China has become a common concern in all aspects of society, and promoting the improvement of the quality of education within higher vocational colleges is an important way to realize the high-quality development of higher vocational education. Based on the self-constructed five-dimensional model of factors influencing the improvement of the quality of education within higher vocational colleges, an empirical study was conducted using questionnaires and SPSS27.0 software on the teacher and student groups within 13 higher vocational colleges in Hainan Province, and the results showed that the teacher groups of different genders, titles, ages, academic qualifications and disciplines as well as the student groups of different genders and admission modes have different opinions on factors such as the level of governance, education and teaching, the integration of industry and education, student development and policy guarantees; and that there are different degrees of perception differences between teachers’ and students’ groups on the effect of internal education quality improvement. In order to promote the internal quality improvement of higher vocational colleges, it is necessary to improve the construction of modern university system to enhance the governance level, deepen the integration of production and teaching to innovate the education and training mode of talents, promote the development of the whole chain of education to improve the comprehensive quality of students, strengthen the construction of teaching staff to deepen the reform of education and teaching, and innovate the internal education policy and system to regulate the management order.

Evaluating the student attainment of graduate attributes through direct method

The attainment of Graduate Attributes, GA-1: Creative and Solution oriented, GA-2: Effective Communicator, and GA-3: Critical Thinker, by the graduates of Modern College of Business and Science, Oman, was evaluated using the Direct Method. Student grades in various courses that embed these GAs were accessed by mining data from the examination archives. The average scores of these GAs were compared with the benchmarked global test values of TTCT, IELTS, and CCTST respectively. The analysis revealed that, while the attainment of GA-1 is satisfactory, GA-2 and GA-3 need focus. Gender differences were noticed wherein female graduates’ attainment of GAs was found to be higher than male graduates. The attainment of GAs was not uniform across various departments in the college. Based on VUCA Theory, Social Penetration Theory, and Theory of Inquiry, this study attains significance in the light of HEIs attempting to provide job-ready students to the industry globally. This study establishes the practical implications of GA assessment in higher education and enables us to identify the GAs to focus on.

ЦИФРОВЫЕ СРЕДСТВА КОММУНИКАЦИИ В УНИВЕРСИТЕТСКОМ ПРОФСОЮЗЕ ЦИФРОВЫЕ СРЕДСТВА КОММУНИКАЦИИ В УНИВЕРСИТЕТСКОМ ПРОФСОЮЗЕ

The digital transformation of society and higher education affects university trade unions today, especially the sphere of communicative interaction between members of a trade union organization. The introduction of digital communication and information exchange tools has become a daily practice of modern university trade unions. However, representatives of the university trade union have different attitudes towards the use of digital communication tools, perceive their risks, and have different preferences in choosing certain communication tools. The purpose of the article is to identify the attitude of university trade union members to digital communication methods and their impact on various aspects of the life of university trade unions. A study conducted in 2023 in a number of universities in the Ural Federal District showed that members of university trade unions are generally ready to use digitalization tools to intensify communication and quickly achieve their goals. However, the trade union community is clearly aware of the risks of digital communication, including digital exclusion, increased information noise and reduced cohesion.

The role of the unified communications platform in the implementation of the third mission by a modern university

Introduction. The third mission of the university involves intensive communication, which is an indispensable means of solving social, economic and environmental problems of the region of its location. Innovative elaborations for sustainable development require a transition from disparate services to unified communications (UCaaS). The purpose of the study is to identify the potential of the unified communications platform for the exchange of information between the university and its stakeholders, which allows us to see new ways to implement the social mission of "University and Society". Materials and methods. Twelve department heads of Novosibirsk State Technical University were interviewed on the most demanded characteristics of a communication platform for achieving managerial, organizational and educational goals within the framework of university activities. Three experts from UCaaS platform development companies were also interviewed about the obstacles that arise in the way of introducing this technology into the university environment. The data was processed and visualized using the bar chart method. Results. The most demanded options of UCaaS platform satisfying the objectives of the university's third mission are the control of student engagement (25% of respondents), collaboration on documents (19%) and information security (17%). Tools for working in a distributed team are also relevant (15%). Barriers to the introduction of the platform into the digital environment of universities include the lack of necessary infrastructure, the conservative format of classes, and the lack of a continuing education system. The main problems of relations with stakeholders are the episodic nature of contacts, the insufficiency of their planning and data analysis, the lack of mechanisms for the influence of stakeholders on the university management processes. Conclusion. The passive-expectant style of the university's behavior in the educational services market contradicts the vectors of the implementation of the university's third mission, while being a problem of integrating UCaaS into the higher school system. The model of expanding the university's cooperation with stakeholders forms the university's communication ecosystem, initiates productive networking for joint projects. The UCaaS platform's services are effective both for creating social engagement and for technology transfer and continuing education.

The post-non-classical university’s identity: an axiological aspect

Introduction. The relevance of the university’s role reconsideration is a consequence of the classical university foundations “ruinization” in the contemporary functioning conditions, characterized as highly dynamic, fluid and complex. The identity of the post-non-classical university is not perceived as something integral or self-evident, it is represented the essence of multifaceted identity, lying in the opposition of the idea of university modeling to the destructive postmodern conditions in which the contemporary university transforms. The aim of the study is to conceptualize the post-non-classical university’s image in its axiological foundations Research methods. To reach the aim of the study, the authors applied a methodology comprising philosophically and culturologically determined methods of qualitative analysis to explore issues in the relevant knowledge domains and the direct praxeological aspect of visible manifestations of the modern university’s identity. In their argumentation, the authors rely on philosophical and cultural comparative analysis, use the techniques of systemic functional and axiological approaches, the method of conceptualizing the university’s image. Research results. The article considers the transition from the classical to the non-classical and post-non-classical model of the university. The reflexive (convergent) consciousness is regarded as an essential condition the identity of contemporary university constructing crisis overcoming, and the glocalization argued as the strategy of the university as a sociocultural institute. The post-non-classical university multifaceted identity integrates cultural, behavioral and representational aspects, remaining in its globalized structure the regional particularities. The graduate, possessing the possibility of self-image constructing to achieve integrity and additivity, becomes the axiological foundation of the post-non-classical identity. Conclusion. The study has shown that the contemporary university independently determines the reflexive modernization of the axiological foundations of self-identity. It does not react to external circumstances and challenges, but rather absorbs external conditions and circumstances, and actively transforms and pragmatically uses them for its own advancement. The post-non-classical identity of the university, on the one hand, is a product of postmodernity. On the other hand, its contemporary reflexive modeling overcomes the deconstructing and ruining foundations of postmodernity, and can be considered as a foresight technology

Synecdoche-Related Comprehension Challenges for Modern College of Business and Science EFL Students: A Case Study

This case study explores the comprehension challenges related to synecdoche among EFL students at the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS). Recognizing a gap in the literature, the study aims to understand the difficulties students face when dealing with synecdochical contexts and to identify contributing factors. Two instruments were employed: a synecdoche comprehension test and a student questionnaire, completed by 96 MCBS students. Additionally, a teacher questionnaire was administered to 10 participants to gain further insights. The results reveal a wide range of understanding, with only 31 out of 69 participants passing the comprehension test, indicating a prevalent misunderstanding of synecdochical phrases. The teachers’ questionnaire highlighted important variables affecting students’ comprehension of synecdoche. The findings suggest a need for targeted teaching strategies to improve comprehension of synecdoche among EFL students.

Effects of Liberal Education on Students' Personality, Critical Thinking, and Leadership Skills: A Conceptual Study

The concept of liberal education emerged in the 19th century when scholars in Europe and the United States recognized that the academic departments of modern universities were overly specialized, leading to a fragmented understanding of knowledge. China is home to several esteemed national universities that offer liberal arts programmes, including Peking University (established in 2007), Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou (established in 2009), and Fudan College at Fudan University in Shanghai (opened in 2012). As the popularity of liberal education continues to grow on a global scale, an increasing number of educational institutions are offering specialised liberal education courses. However, students do not perform as well as they could. The objectives of this research project are the critical thinking, personality and leadership factors and their influence on student performance in liberal education courses.

DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF A UNIVERSITY FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER

Background. The relevance of the article is due to the tasks of digitalization of education and the focus on the development of all types of digital activities of a university teacher and is determined by the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of digital transformation of society in general and digital transformation of education in particular. The article examines the conditions of education that are changing in connection with digitalization, and defines digital competence. The purpose of the article is to determine the level of digital competence of a modern university foreign language teacher and take this competence into account in the educational process. Materials and methods. The material of the work was the scientific works of domestic and foreign authors on the topic of research, legislative acts, electronic resources, materials of web conferences, etc. The research methods were interviewing, methods of description, observation and analysis. As a result of the conducted research, the levels of digital competence of foreign language teachers (basic, high, advanced) were identified and the level of digital competence of foreign language teachers in scientific and educational activities of Samara State University of Economics (SGEU) was determined; the skills and abilities of the selected levels were described; possible digital services for use in writing scientific papers, textbooks were highlighted and content creation, as well as for classroom work and distance learning; pedagogical options for using digital technologies both in education and in scientific research of a modern teacher are proposed.

A two-front revolution: Helping our cities and schools help each other

MIT Science Policy Review spoke with Kate Burns about kicking off a two-front science policy revolution: how academics can make their research politically actionable and how local officials can center academic research to run their cities. Burns is the Executive Director of MetroLab, a nonprofit organization that nurtures transformational collaborations between cities and universities [1]. Burns had her start in mayoral administrations in Seattle, Washington and Kansas City, Missouri, thinking deeply about innovation and drafting new regulatory schemes for transportation and data privacy. We spoke with Burns about the gulf between the research that comes out of the modern university and what happens on the ground in American cities, and the concrete steps we can take to narrow it. Our conversation is expansive, optimistic, and highlights how research inside university walls can dramatically impact people’s quality of life on the outside.

Cost Control and Analysis in University Financial Management

In modern university financial management, cost control and analysis are critical means for enhancing economic efficiency and resource utilization. However, universities currently face numerous challenges in cost control, including imperfect management systems, insufficient levels of informatization, and inadequate personnel quality. This paper aims to explore methods of cost control and analysis in university financial management, proposing optimization strategies through the comparison of traditional and modern cost analysis tools to help university administrators improve financial management. The research provides not only theoretical guidance for universities but also practical and feasible solutions for implementation.

The phoenix is rising! How professional services leadership roles are evolving in academic units to shape the modern university

ABSTRACT This paper provides a small-scale exploration of the evolvement of leadership roles in higher education academic units (AUs), namely Departments, Schools & Faculties. A literature review provides theoretical examples of the evolution of professional services (PS) staff. Changes in PS leadership roles are also explored alongside the emergence of ‘Third Space’ professionals whereby staff from the perceived ‘binary’ construct of HE (academics and PS staff) work together on shared initiatives outside formal structures. Semi-structured interviews with PS leaders working in AUs across the sector highlight a number of key themes. Findings suggest that documented tensions between academics and PS staff have lessened with the focus shifting to ‘local’ vs ‘central’ challenges. With identity emerging as an important consideration for Higher Education Professionals (HEPs), the paper calls for a sector wide review of structures and resource allocation models, the development of a new HEP apprenticeship scheme and a rebuilding of the PS throughout HE.

The "machine translation + post-machine translation editing" model on the YiCAT platform: using the example of the discipline "Stylistic post-machine text editing" for first-year graduate students of the Higher School of Translation of Moscow State University

In this article, the author analyzes the process of machine translation and post-machine editing by Chinese students in classes on the discipline "Stylistic post-machine text editing" using the YiCAT translation platform, which uses a model of combining machine translation and post-machine editing in order to organize the educational process and allocate study time. In 2017, the Russian government approved the "Digital Economy Plan of the Russian Federation", as a result of which the digitalization process gradually penetrated into all scientific spheres. The author of the article concludes that Russian universities should pay more attention to teaching machine translation and post-machine translation editing. In addition, the article presents the idea that the translation departments of modern universities should focus on the introduction and application of translation technologies and the latest translation tools in the framework of teaching translation skills. There are only a few hundred articles in Russia dealing with the specifics of machine translation. Most of them are devoted to the study of existing limitations, development opportunities and ways to improve machine translation systems. At the same time, there are extremely few articles dealing with the features of post-machine editing of the translation text. The number of such articles does not exceed several dozen. Thus, there are many challenges in the field of post-machine translation editing research that should be addressed as soon as possible so that the field of post-machine translation editing can correspond to the era of artificial intelligence. At the same time, Russian universities should pay attention to the teaching of disciplines involving machine translation tools and post-machine editing skills. Large translation faculties should actively use translation technologies and machine translation tools in the classroom, add new academic disciplines implying the familiarization and application of such technologies and tools by students, as well as integrate such disciplines into the framework of existing training programs for specialists in the field of translation. All this will allow universities to form a reliable basis for the education of modern and qualified specialists who meet the requirements of the new era.