Optional Course Research Articles

Assessment of the needs in Communication Skills' Courses in Tanzanian Universities

The study sought to analyse the needs of university students in Tanzania in Communication Skills Courses. The study involved a total of 315 students from two public and two private universities who were randomly chosen, whereas the respondents were selected via convenience sampling. The sole tool used for collecting data was a questionnaire that consisted of items inquiring whether the respondents would opt for communication skills if it were an optional course. The second part sought their perceived needs of different aspects of language skills areas. The participants were first asked for their consent before filling in the questionnaire. The responses were posted to SPSS software for computation of frequencies of occurrences per each thematic area, and the resulting data were organized into themes and summarized in tables and figures. The findings show that the respondents were divided in their opting for the course, were it optional. The analysis shows that 122 out of 315 (similar to 38.7%) would still opt for the course, while 104 (33%) would not opt for the course; and 89 (28.3%) were not sure. In the area of reading, eye-mapping was rated as highly needed by the majority of students in all universities, while in writing skills referencing and footnote and end-note writing were noted as highly needed mainly by students from public universities. On the whole, there were notable differences between public and private university students in their communication skills needs.

Do Optional Programming Courses Affect Eighth-Grade Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving?

Computational thinking and programming have emerged as central 21st-century skills. Several countries have embedded these skills in their school curricula. This study investigates how an optional programming course affects eighth-grade mathematical problem solving in Norway using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests. These tests consist of problem solving items from the 2003 Programme for International Student Assessment (Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, 2003a). The students taking these tests were divided into two groups: one with students enrolled in an optional programming course and one with students enrolled in other optional courses. Our results indicate no significant difference in the development of mathematical problem solving for the optional programming course students compared with those in other optional courses. Our discussion of these results offers further insights into how problem solving in computational thinking and programming align with mathematical problem solving.

Service Science Education for Industry Employability in Management Engineering: An Integrated Pathway from Bachelor to Master Level

The School of Industrial Engineering at LIUC Università Cattaneo offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Management Engineering, carefully designed to nurture engineers with managerial skills. The curriculum combines fundamental areas like mathematics and physics with advanced topics, including innovation management, organizational design, marketing, and operations management. The program stresses five main areas: analysis, design, implementation, validation, and management, preparing students to apply engineering methodologies to complex processes in various contexts. A unique Business Services specialization focuses on equipping management engineers for the service sector and steering digital transformation in businesses. The undergraduate program includes modules such as Digital Enterprise Management and IoT Systems Design, while the graduate program incorporates Management Information Systems and offers optional courses. The school partners with Microsoft Italia, promoting educational innovation in digital business management using tools like MS Power BI and Azure cloud services. Offering a range of internships and international experiences, the School of Industrial Engineering at LIUC successfully secures an employment rate of 89.1% for graduates within three months post-graduation.

THE TRAJECTORY OF ORGANIZING AND TEACHING A FACULTATIVE COURSE ON NON-EUCLIDEAN GEOMETRIES AT SCHOOL

The article reveals the trajectory of organizing and teaching a facultative course in order to familiarize students with non-Euclidean geometries in schools. It shows why students should be introduced to non-Euclidean geometries in schools, and what goals can be achieved by teaching non-Euclidean geometries. The most important aspect is the trajectory of the organization of the optional course. When organizing a facultative course, it is indicated what topics to choose, how many hours to allocate, and the program of the facultative course is developed.

Research on the Teaching Strategy of College Basketball Class

With the rapid development of the living standard of Chinese residents, physical education has undergone a transformation of expanded functions in the new era. Physical education in colleges and universities is not only to develop students' physical quality and enable them to have basic sports skills, but also to turn to the new function of "educating people" in physical education in colleges and universities. As one of the most popular sports in China, basketball is widely loved by teachers and students in colleges and universities. Taking it as an optional course will also be the first choice for many students. This paper explores the teaching methods and strategies of our teachers in the process of college basketball teaching to optimize the classroom and improve the teaching level.

LESÕES ESPORTIVAS CAUSADAS PELA PRÁTICA DE KUNG FU NOS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Kungfu is a traditional Chinese sports activity, and many optional courses are offered in many universities. However, during kung fu practice, sports injuries can be caused. Objective: Investigate the most common types of sports injuries caused by kung fu practice and present intervention countermeasures. Methods: A total of 612 college students practicing kung fu at 5 universities were investigated, and a 12-week follow-up survey was conducted to collect data on the types, causes, and injury grades of their sports injuries. According to the survey results, reasonable prevention and intervention measures were formulated to ensure the safety of kung fu practice. Results: The sports injuries caused by kung fu practice mainly occurred at the waist, knees, and ankles, and the types of sports injuries were mainly by ligament strain, which was mainly caused by improper preparation, poor physical functioning, and mental state, incorrect technical movements, etc. Conclusion: Kung fu practice can improve the physical health of college students, but it can also lead to sports injuries, especially to the pelvic girdle, knees, and ankles. Strict preventive measures should be taken to prevent sports injuries from affecting the physical health of college students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Music’s Influence on Children’s Cognitive Development

The purpose of this paper is to explore how music affects cognitive abilities by reviewing some experiments and tests that the investigator has done in the past. Executive functions are the abilities of a person to have new behavior patterns and ways of thinking, which are very important in children. Music can affect executive function. Also, IQ can be affected as well. Logical-mathematical ability can be affected by music. Also, another reason for writing this paper is to let society and the education sector realize that music lessons are important subjects, because in some Chinese schools, for some senior students, teachers take away the optional courses and change them into compulsory subjects. Future research should expand the age range so that the results might be more accurate. Also, use a general term for the tests used because sometimes there are too many of them, so using a general term would be better.

Зміст професійної підготовки фахівців із прикладної лінгвістики в системі вищої освіти України

The article discusses professional training in applied linguistics in the higher education system of Ukraine. Much emphasis is placed on the content characteristics of such training. Its aim is to analyze and justify the content of professional training in applied linguistics in the higher education system of Ukraine. As one can see, linguistic globalization and internationalization of applied linguistics, as well as the rapid development of ICT, create the need for specialists who can design effective algorithms and methods of processing automatic text, creating automated and machine translation technologies, conducting research activities related to the skillful use of information systems. In Ukraine, linguistics is viewed as a discipline studied within the framework of philology, rather than as an independent specialty/specialization, which, in turn, significantly slows down its development and narrows its scientific potential. The specialization «Applied Linguistics» reveals the specifics of linguistics/applied linguistics, updates current demands of science and helps adjust professional training in applied linguistics to relevant standards of leading countries. A detailed analysis of corresponding university curricula shows that the content of degree programmes in applied linguistics involves mastering natural-scientific, professional-practical, humanities-related and socio-economic courses, courses chosen by each university independently, as well as optional courses. The content of degree programmes in applied linguistics is structured based on linguistic, translation-oriented, literary and combined approaches. Further research lies in studying the features of blended learning in applied linguistics in the leading countries of Europe. Keywords: linguistics, philology, applied linguistics, professional training, higher education.

Specifics of humanitarization of engineering education: analysis of engineering students' perceptions and requests

Introduction. The relevance of the research is conditioned by the need to intensify the processes of humanitarization of engineering education due to the increasing importance of social aspects of technological innovations in the situation of aggravating challenges of the high-tech world. The purpose of the study is to analyze the perceptions and requests of engineering students regarding the significance and demand for humanitarian training in engineering education. Research methods. The empirical study was conducted on the basis of Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU). 218 students of engineering and IT specialties participated in the survey, questionnaire and associative experiment. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results of the study. The conducted research has shown that the overwhelming majority of respondents (80.5%) have a generally positive attitude towards the category and concept of humanization of engineering education, with the level of enquiry and interest of second year students (89%) being higher than that of first year students (69%). The associative method also reveals generally positive connotations to the image and idea of humanizing the educational process. The ethics course is seen as a separate subject or discipline by 21% of respondents, the majority of students (57%) regard it as an optional course and 11.5% of respondents consider it appropriate to include it as a separate module or thematic section in existing courses. The demand for the inclusion of new ethics courses and modules in the organization of engineering education has been identified. Conclusion. The obtained results can be used as a basis for adjusting training programmes for engineering and IT specialties. Considering the identified certain problematic aspects and shortcomings in students' humanitarian training, it is necessary to expand the segment of courses focused on mastering the tools of ethical regulation in future professional activity. Using the potential of humanities helps to improve the level of general cultural and personal competences and forms specialists of a new format confidently aspiring to the future.

Retracted: Internet of Things and Edge Computing Model Optimization in Physical Training Status and Countermeasures in College Sports Basketball Optional Course.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/4295319.].

New in training a foreign language teacher in the context of global education

The article describes theoretical foundations of global education and possibilities of their application in the process of training future foreign language teachers. It shows some productive ways to increase the level of the formation of professional competence of graduates. Mainly, during the research work on forming the professional competence of a foreign language teacher in the context of global education, the results were obtained through interviewing, observing, and analyzing professional (during teaching practice) and educational (during lessons of the optional course “Teaching a foreign language in the context of global education”) activities of foreign language students. The results showed a positive dynamics and legitimacy of the proposed approaches to enhancing the development of students’ professional competence in the context of global education. The scientific originality of the study is as follows: - the theoretical foundations for implementing the ideas of global education into the teaching of foreign languages are presented; - the role of a foreign language as an effective educational tool in implementing global education is shown; - the peculiarities of a foreign language teacher’s pedagogical activity in implementing global education ideas are presented. Thus, the article reflects the need to identify the significance and role of global research in science and to develop a common concept of global education.

Analysis of Research Papers on the Use of English Movies in Chinese Senior High School English Teaching in the Past Three Years

Much attention has been paid to using English movies in senior high school English teaching in China since the release of 2017 edition of Senior High School English Curriculum Standards that lists English Movie Appreciation as an optional compulsory course. Senior high school teachers have conducted substantial research over the past three years regarding the practical application of English movies in their teaching, yet there has been a lack of thorough and systematic of analysis of the large number of relevant papers published, which, more or less, limits the understanding and further advancements of this study area. This paper attempts, in light of the emerging systematic review methodology, to present an overview of the research papers spanning the period 2019 to 2022 on the use of English movies in Chinese senior high school from the four perspectives: language ability, cultural awareness, thinking quality, and learning ability based on the concept of core literacy of English as an academic discipline in the new curriculum standard. With focus on the discussion of the common problems and corresponding countermeasures that have been sorted out from the works of front-line teachers, the paper also puts forward suggestions and prospects for further studies.

ANÁLISE INVESTIGATIVA SOBRE LESÕES NO BASQUETEBOL POR ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction Basketball is a sport with strong rivalry, being, therefore, a modality with great facility to cause sports injuries along its practice. Objective Investigate the status of sports injuries in college basketball for amateur students. Methods 480 college students who were not basketball experts were selected as research volunteers. The current status of sports injuries in the 12-week optional basketball course was investigated, and the main risk factors were analyzed. Results Among amateur male college students, the average playing age of third-grade male college students is higher than that of second-grade male college students, and the weekly playing frequency is lower than that of second-grade male college students. The incidence of basketball sports injuries among male college students who do not specialize in basketball from childhood to adulthood is up to 90.7%, and 85.5% during their college years. Conclusion In basketball sports, the most vulnerable parts of amateur male college students are the wrist joint, ankle joint, knee joint, leg, head and face, shoulder, waist, and back, respectively. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

INFLUÊNCIA DE CURSOS DE DANÇA ESPORTIVA EM ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIAS

ABSTRACT Introduction Dance sport is a project that integrates art and sport. In it, female students can exercise and improve their self-conscious sports skills with music. Objective Study the effects of special sport dance courses on the physical health of female college students. Methods 108 female college students were selected as volunteers for the experiment, the experimental statistics and observations were performed from the aspects related to shape, flexibility and body composition. Results The female college students who were trained in the special sports dance course significantly improved their shape, flexibility and body composition. Conclusion Considering the current scenario of continuous decline of college students’ physical health, this paper discusses the positive role of optional sport dance courses in improving college students’ physical fitness from the aspects of form, flexibility, and body composition, and other related factors. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

APLICAÇÃO DO TREINAMENTO FÍSICO EM REABILITAÇÃO DE FUTEBOL UNIVERSITÁRIO

ABSTRACT Introduction Soccer is a sport with strong rivalry, and participants are prone to various sports injuries in the sporting process. Preventing sports injuries during soccer training is an issue to be considered. Objective Explore the effect of physical rehabilitation training on preventing sports injuries during college soccer training. Methods 120 athletes who participated in optional soccer courses were divided into control group and experimental group. The experimental group underwent intervention with 8 weeks of rehabilitative physical training, while the control group did not adopt any interventional measures. Results After 8 weeks of physical rehabilitative training, the exercise capacity of the athletes in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group who had no rehabilitative training, and the proportion of sports injuries was lower than that of the control group. Conclusion 8 weeks of physical rehabilitation training can effectively improve the physical mobility ability of soccer players and reduce the veiled danger of injury. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

EFEITOS DO PILATES SOBRE O DESEMPENHO DE AERÓBICA DE ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Pilates is a training method that aims to improve body awareness for movement re-education, bringing muscular and mental balance. It is believed that these benefits can effectively improve the flexibility of female university aerobics students. Methods: 90 female college students in the optional aerobics course were selected and divided into two groups. Data from the experimental and control groups were evaluated for comparison before and after the experiment. The aerobic exercises of the two groups of female university aerobics students were scored, aiming to compare and explore which training method was more effective. Results: The baseline time and pace score in the Pilates intervention was changed from 2.35±0.71 to 2.55±0.76, a movement set changed from 3.86±0.98 to 4.01±1.07, movement performance from 1.67±0.61 to 1.72±0.57, and foot skills from 1.40±0.48 to 1.41±0.50. The mean aerobic movement performance score changed from 62.45 to 80.53, an increase of 18.08 points. Conclusion: The Pilates training can effectively improve the aerobic performance of female university students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO INTERMITENTE COM FUTEBOL SOBRE A RESISTÊNCIA FÍSICA DE ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The development of modern science and technology has led young people to a continuous decline in physical activity, negatively impacting the quality of cardiopulmonary endurance in college students. It is believed that the emerging need to strengthen physical endurance training can be met through sports. Progressive soccer training is a practice of interest due to its recreational and sporting effects. Objective: Study the effect of intermittent soccer training on the physical endurance of female college students. Methods: 12 classes of young women participated in soccer training lasting two hours, twice a week, according to the organization of the optional school soccer course. During the experiment, the intermittent training mode was selected and the combination of soccer walking and running was adopted for impact analysis. Results: The research showed that in the first 6 weeks, the changing trend of cardiopulmonary endurance of female college students was not different from that before the experiment, but there was a slight optimization phenomenon. After the experiment, the cardiopulmonary endurance of female college students was significantly improved. Conclusion: Intermittent soccer training for female college students can significantly improve their cardiorespiratory endurance and enhance their sports performance. It is an important tool for optimizing college students’ physical functions and healthy growth. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Reform and Exploration of College Physical Education Optional Courses under the Concept of Leisure Sports—Taking Wuhan University of Engineering Science as an Example

Reform and Exploration of College Physical Education Optional Courses under the Concept of Leisure Sports—Taking Wuhan University of Engineering Science as an Example

A Study of Ideological-Political Instruction in Systemic Functional Linguistics Class

Ideological-political instruction in curricula is a hot topic in the current education of various levels in China, and it is also a crucial element in the courses and classes of the discipline of foreign languages and literature. Systemic functional linguistics as a mainstream general linguistics theory has become an obligatory or optional course in the graduate and undergraduate program for majors of foreign languages and literature. This paper aims to investigate the ideological-political factors in systemic functional linguistics, mainly focusing on the meta-functions. It is hoped that this study can provide a little implication and inspiration in the study of the ideological-political instruction in systemic functional linguistics in particular as well as in linguistics in general.

Salud ambiental: una necesidad educativa para los médicos del Perú

The implementation of courses related to environmental health in undergraduate curricula favors the formation of physicians more committed to the impact of climate change on health. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of environmental health courses in Peruvian medical schools, as well as their comparison with air quality levels for each region of the country. Of 41 medical schools included, 26 (63.4%) of them included a course related to environmental health in their curriculum, and 2 (7.7%) of them included it as an optional course. Of the regions with a moderate/bad air quality index, 63% have medical schools with lecture courses on environmental medicine. It is necessary to standardize the methodology, contents and teaching resources, as well as the study of relevant topics such as climate change, in addition to its integration with the other courses of the medical career given the importance of environmental health in the different regions of Peru