Optional Course Research Articles

Pelvic Health Content in Canadian Entry-To-Practice Physiotherapy Programs: An Online Survey.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is an emerging and sensitive area of practice that offers effective conservative treatment for pelvic health conditions. Canadian entry-to-practice curriculum guidelines accord programs considerable flexibility regarding incorporating pelvic health content, which may lead to differences between programs and diverse levels of competence among new graduates. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and extent to which pelvic health content is incorporated in entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs in Canada. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional e-survey of representatives from Canadian entry-to-practice physiotherapy programs. Ten out of 15 Canadian programs participated. Programs incorporated pelvic health content throughout the required curriculum (n = 9) and in optional courses (n = 6). All participating programs covered musculoskeletal-related conditions, urinary incontinence, and pelvic pain conditions, and included anatomy and physiology, clinical reasoning, subjective assessment and pelvic floor muscle training topics. Three programs trained students in internal pelvic floor techniques in elective courses. All programs covered cisgender women populations, however, transgender populations were seldom covered. This study provides an understanding of pelvic health curricular content that can serve as a first step towards standardizing and improving entry-level pelvic health training in Canada.

Impact of gross anatomy laboratory on student written examination performance: A 3-year study of a large-enrollment undergraduate anatomy course.

The efficacy of the various pedagogies that are used in human anatomy laboratories has been extensively debated. Nevertheless, an important question remains relatively unexamined-how the learning experience in the anatomy laboratory impacts students' mastery and application of anatomical knowledge beyond the laboratory setting. In this study, the effect of a prosection-based anatomy laboratory on overall comprehension and mastery of anatomical knowledge was evaluated in an upper division undergraduate anatomy curriculum that consists of a mandatory lecture course and an optional laboratory course. This flexible curricular structure permitted assessing the merit of laboratory learning on the written examination performance of the lecture course. In 2019 and 2022, the anatomy laboratory was taught in-person using prosections, while in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic related regulations, it was taught remotely with live-streaming of prosections using document cameras. In both in-person and remote instructive formats, written examination scores of the lecture course were compared between two cohorts of students: Those enrolled in lecture only and those enrolled in both lecture and laboratory. Results showed that the cohort enrolled in both lecture and laboratory courses consistently outperformed the lecture-only cohort by one full letter grade. Furthermore, when the degrees of improvement on written examination scores were compared between the two instructive formats, in-person laboratory had a greater increase compared to remote laboratory. Altogether this study demonstrates that the prosection-based anatomy laboratory enhances students' mastery of anatomical knowledge beyond the laboratory setting by promoting comprehension of spatial relationships of anatomical structures.

Organizational and methodological principles of teaching the elective discipline “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology” for students of the Educational and Research Institute of Nursing

Based on the training of nurses according to the generally accepted international educational standards, the most effective way to attain a higher standard of education for future specialists is to incorporate optional courses that provide a novel approach to learning. The purpose of this study was to present the experience of the Department of Medical Biology of the I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University in the development and implementation of the elective discipline “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology” in the educational programme “Nursing” of the first (bachelor’s) level of higher education in the branch of knowledge 22 Healthcare, specialty 223 Nursing. The study analysed the theoretical and methodological foundations of conducting classes in the elective discipline “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology”. It was found that the educational and methodological complex, which corresponds to the curriculum and is developed based on the regulatory documents of the educational programme “Nursing”, enables students to master, expand, and improve the level of mastery of the initial material, develop an individual approach to solving the tasks according to the goals and programme results. The paper points out the importance of forming a holistic understanding of parasitism as a form of relationship between organisms in nature. The study covered the teaching methods employed for the elective course “Modern Aspects of Medical Parasitology” in a higher education institution. It analysed how using teaching aids, including museum exhibits in the educational process and the role of the Department of Medical Biology, enhances the effectiveness of students’ learning activities in studying the fundamentals of medical parasitology. The incorporation of highly visible means, information and communication technologies, well-designed educational and methodological support, and impeccably organised classroom activities will enhance the quality, content, and principles of educational services offered in the educational programme “Nursing”, speciality 223 Nursing

Theoretical and methodological bases of teaching the course «Medical and preventive support in sports activities» in training masters at the faculties of physical education of pedagogical higher educational institutions

The article deals with theoretical and methodological bases of teaching optional course «Medical and preventive support in sports activities» for masters of the Faculty of Physical Education and sports of Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University. The goal, objectives of the course, the list of professional competencies and skills which are obligatory after the completion of the course are defined. The components of educational-methodical complex of the subject was determined: training and content syllabus, supporting lecture notes with questions for self-instructional training, materials for practical classes and independent work, tests for current and module control of students knowledge, final tests.
 The system of training highly qualified specialists provides classroom (lectures and practical classes) and independent work. In order to promote research activities a master student has 2/3 from all kind of training time. According to the educational subject syllabus the teacher suggested the following ways of evaluation of educational achievements of master students as current, modular, final control. Current knowledge assessment and control module are performed in the forms of different tests.
 The final assessment consists of all points earned during the current testing and modul controls, as well as the performance of individual work. Overall evaluation of bachelor students success is rating and is set by 100-scale system and totraditional scale accepted in Ukraine. A range of points that students may get for the topics of content moduleswere given.

Some Ways to Develop the Gender-role Culture of Students Through the Traditional Values of the Kyrgyz

The article aims to provide the content of the education of future teachers with scientific cognitive data on marital relations, gender-role stereotypes in traditional Kyrgyz culture. The task of consistent implementation of the development of the gender-role culture of university students through the traditional values of the Kyrgyz is in efforts to implement the development model of the gender-role culture, which includes pedagogical phenomena from its goal to the result. The research materials are analyzed on the basis of an interdisciplinary approach to the essence and significance of an optional course. One of the necessary components of the model is the knowledge of proverbs that reflect the gender-role culture in the Kyrgyz traditional culture. In this regard, the article presents the results of an experimental study and scientific cognitive conclusions on this issue.

Ways of adapting the scandinavian experience of entrepreneurial education in secondary and vocational educational organization of Ukraine

Ways of adapting the scandinavian experience of entrepreneurial education in secondary and vocational educational organization of Ukraine

РАЗВИТИЕ ПОЗНАВАТЕЛЬНЫХ И ТВОРЧЕСКИХ СПОСОБНОСТЕЙ УЧАЩИХСЯ НА ПРИМЕРЕ ФАКУЛЬТАТИВНОГО КУРСА «ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫЕ ОСНОВЫ ЭЛЕМЕНТАРНОЙ ФИЗИКИ»

The problem of the success of teaching schoolchildren is posed. The possibilities of developing creative and research abilities of students are considered on the example of the developed program of the optional course "Experimental foundations of elementary physics". The purpose of the course, tasks are described. The composition of the course and its content are described. The data of observations as a result of the implementation of the optional course program are presented

Фізичне виховання студентів в університетах на території України у першій половині ХІХ століття

Topicality. Physical education of student youth is an important component of the higher education system of Ukraine. The traditions of the foundation of physical education in domestic universities of the first half of the 19th century have significant scientific and practical potential, therefore they require a more detailed study. The Purpose of the Research is to analyze the development of physical education in universities in the times, when Ukraine was a part of Russian Empire to use valuable historical experience. To solve it, we used a complex of general scientific (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and special-historical (historical-typological, source-scientific, chronological and historical-systemic) Research Methods. Results and Conclusions. In the first half of the 19th century, physical traіning had the status of «secular» exercises and had an entertaining character. With the appearance of the first universities at the state level, the need for physical and aesthetic education of students was confirmed. In addition to the main subjects, drawing, music, dancing, fencing, horse riding were taught as optional courses. The publications talk about the benefits of gymnastics, which at that time meant any physical exercises from sporting activity. Reputable teachers, many of whom received a European education, provided a high level of student training. Thanks to university teachers from the countries of Western Europe, progressive ideas about the benefits of fencing and horse riding for improving health and developing physical, willful and moral qualities of a young person were brought to the territory of Ukraine. The sports movement was born in the country during this period. The first sports clubs appear in large cities, the initiators of its creation mainly were former students of universities. The first impromptu competitions are held. Significant scientific and scientific-applied work is carried out by university teachers with the aim of spreading physical education, hardening children, young people, and the general population, prevention and treatment of various diseases.

진로선택과목 운영과 성취평가 반영에 대한 고교교사 인식 연구

This study aimed to find out the perceptions of high school teachers about the factors influencing the selection of caree-related subject in order to seek guidance on career elective courses in high school and how to utilize college entrance exams. A questionnaire survey and individual FGI questionnaires were conducted to find out about the perception of the operation of career elective courses and the recognition of evaluation methods, and to collect opinions. Career option courses should be systematically prepared to provide students with opportunities to complete various elective courses according to their career path and aptitude, guaranteeing students the right to choose their courses and realizing customized education so that they can be connected to their majors. In order to operate this, high schools must open and operate various subjects according to the demand of students, evaluate them, and provide them as evaluation materials for college entrance exams. In addition, since universities can be used as evaluation data for selection and recruitment in connection with high school education, information on the university's curriculum must also be shared. This study was conducted from the perspective of high school teachers, and it is necessary to explore the factors influencing career choice course selection from various perspectives in future research.

Teaching communication skills in medical education : Best practice example of an interdisciplinary seminar in radiation oncology.

Communication with patients is challenging, especially in radiation oncology. Therefore, radiation oncology is particularly suited to sensitize medical students for this topic and to train them competently. We report on experiences with an innovative teaching project for fourth- and fifth-year medical students. The course, funded as an innovative teaching project by the medical faculty, was offered as an optional course for medical students in 2019 and again in 2022 after apandemic-related break. The curriculum and evaluation form were developed through atwo-stage Delphi process. The course consisted of, first, participation during counselling of patients prior to radiotherapy, mainly on topics with shared decision-making, and, second, a1-week interdisciplinary block seminar with practical exercises. The topics covered abroad spectrum of the competence areas defined in the National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalog for Medicine (NKLM). The number of participants was limited to approximately 15students because of the practical components. So far, 30students (all at least in the seventh semester or higher) have participated in the teaching project. The most frequent reasons for participation were the desire to acquire competence in breaking bad news and confidence in talking to patients. The overall evaluation of the course was very positive, with agrade of 1.08 + 0.28 (on ascale of 1 = totally agree to 5 = totally disagree) plus German grade1 (very good) to6 (very bad). Notably, participants' expectations regarding specific competencies (e.g., breaking bad news) were also met. Although the evaluation results cannot be generalized to the entirety of medical students due to the limited number of voluntary participants, the very positive evaluation shows the need for such projects among students and can also be seen as an indication that radiation oncology as apatient-centered discipline is particularly well suited to teach medical communication.

Scientific Writing in Radiation Oncology: Development and Implementation of a Virtual Elective Module for Medical Students

Background Improving scientific writing abilities and critical thinking is essential to support young doctors in their research endeavors and prepare medical students for careers in academic medicine. This work describes the development and implementation of a virtual and interactive course to encourage student engagement with scientific literature in the field of radiation oncology. Methods An elective course including ten modules was developed. Medical students in their clinical part of their medical studies were able to apply for this optional course without any restrictions regarding previous knowledge or scientific contributions starting in the summer term 2020. Due to the COVD-19 pandemic, the course was specifically developed in digital form. An anonymous questionnaire containing 32 questions using Likert-scale questions was distributed in November 2022 to all participants who successfully completed the elective course. Results In total, 25 (89%) of the questionnaires were filled out, returned, and evaluated. Technical difficulties to attend the course were not reported by any participant. 60% of all participants write an MD thesis in the field of radiation oncology. Besides the live course, 44 % of the participants used writing exercises and 56% self-learning tests on an additional bases. More than 90% of all participants report that the course supported critical thinking, helped with their MD thesis and that they acquired a toolbox of skills (Likert Scale range 4-5). Module rating showed a high satisfaction (Likert Scale range 3-5). Overall, 96% of all students rate the course with very good to good. For further improvement, 64% of the students wish to have additional presence teaching. Discussion Our early experience suggests a valuable role of teaching scientific writing abilities to medical students interested in radiation oncology. Our report demonstrates an improvement in empowerment, technical knowledge, and student satisfaction. However, additional presence teaching should be considered and may further encourage discussion and interaction between medical students. Future plans include increasing student participation from these and other oncology subspecialities and expanding the program to other institutions. We hypothesize that this approach will improve medical student exposure to radiation oncology, which could make a subsequent positive impact on multidisciplinary research and patient care. Improving scientific writing abilities and critical thinking is essential to support young doctors in their research endeavors and prepare medical students for careers in academic medicine. This work describes the development and implementation of a virtual and interactive course to encourage student engagement with scientific literature in the field of radiation oncology. An elective course including ten modules was developed. Medical students in their clinical part of their medical studies were able to apply for this optional course without any restrictions regarding previous knowledge or scientific contributions starting in the summer term 2020. Due to the COVD-19 pandemic, the course was specifically developed in digital form. An anonymous questionnaire containing 32 questions using Likert-scale questions was distributed in November 2022 to all participants who successfully completed the elective course. In total, 25 (89%) of the questionnaires were filled out, returned, and evaluated. Technical difficulties to attend the course were not reported by any participant. 60% of all participants write an MD thesis in the field of radiation oncology. Besides the live course, 44 % of the participants used writing exercises and 56% self-learning tests on an additional bases. More than 90% of all participants report that the course supported critical thinking, helped with their MD thesis and that they acquired a toolbox of skills (Likert Scale range 4-5). Module rating showed a high satisfaction (Likert Scale range 3-5). Overall, 96% of all students rate the course with very good to good. For further improvement, 64% of the students wish to have additional presence teaching. Our early experience suggests a valuable role of teaching scientific writing abilities to medical students interested in radiation oncology. Our report demonstrates an improvement in empowerment, technical knowledge, and student satisfaction. However, additional presence teaching should be considered and may further encourage discussion and interaction between medical students. Future plans include increasing student participation from these and other oncology subspecialities and expanding the program to other institutions. We hypothesize that this approach will improve medical student exposure to radiation oncology, which could make a subsequent positive impact on multidisciplinary research and patient care.

Особенности подготовки специалистов и магистров по направлению ракетно-космической техники в условиях возрастающих потребностей формирования интегрированных компетенций

Within the framework of the urgent tasks of the formation of integrated competencies, solutions are considered that are implemented at the Faculty of Special Engineering (SM) of the Moscow State Technical University n.a. N.E. Bauman. A review of the current state of the competence-based approach in education as a whole is given. The features of the interdisciplinary approach are noted as a practical implementation of the systematic approach in relation to complex training programs for specialists in the field of rocket and space technology (RST). The analysis of the implementation of the professional standard “Specialist in the design and construction of space vehicles and systems” is given on the example of the program “Space vehicles and launch vehicles”. The application of an integrated approach is shown on the example of the implementation of a balanced matrix of competencies. A comparative analysis of plans for the training of specialists and masters in the field of RKT is carried out, estimates are given of the degree of inter-departmental interaction in the process of mastering basic and optional courses, which appear in graduate theses. The results of a study of requests for the formation of integrated competencies from students and teachers in the field of RKT, including the data of a survey of masters, are shown. A list of basic requirements for levels 6 and 7 according to the professional standard 25.001 and its compliance with the requirements of the employer is given using the example of RSC “Energy” in the use of generalists. Conclusions are drawn about the directions for improving integrated training.

Changing the “Mindset” of Saudi MA Students: From Native-Speakerism to Global Englishes

English is an international language with diverse varieties around the world that are referred to as Global Englishes (GE). Numerous studies demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of integrating GE-informed materials in English Language Teaching (ELT) practices but in the context of the Gulf countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, such studies are relatively rare. Furthermore, ELT in the Saudi setting is heavily predicated on native-speakerism, with few courses adopting materials informed by GE, which in any case are also limited. This study addresses this gap by exploring the impact of a course delivered on English as a World Language to Saudi postgraduate students using a critical pedagogical approach. The study assesses how such a course can contribute to students’ awareness of their own English as well as GE in general. This qualitative research study investigated the perceptions of Saudi students taking the optional course as part of their Master’s English degree at Jouf University in Saudi Arabia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. The findings revealed positive attitudes towards incorporating GE into English learning and teaching and an improved understanding of linguistic diversity after taking the course. The pedagogical implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations are given for integrating GE into current ELT practices. The study explores whether incorporating a critical pedagogical approach can not only enhance students’ awareness of English varieties, but also improve their attitudes towards such diverse forms of English as well as their own English variety.

Undergraduate sport sciences students’ attitudes towards statistics: A gender perspective

Statistics is involved in sport curricula, due to its importance in science in general and in sport sciences in particular (see for example the development of specific disciplines such as sabermetrics in baseball). The aim of this study is to investigate attitudes toward the first statistics course − the most relevant predictor for achievement − among sport sciences students of the University of Lausanne. Attitudes, measured by the instrument Survey of Attitudes Towards Statistics (SATS, Schau et al., 1995) were collected via a self-administered survey, that included known predictors of attitudes (Eichler & Zapata-Cardona, 2016) and a new one − interest in statistics in daily-life. Adopting a gender perspective, the results indicate that men have higher positive feelings toward statistics than women (Affect) and have higher confidence about their own capabilities than women (Competence). Gender and achievement in mathematics in secondary school are significant predictors of Affect and Competence, but there is an additional effect of age for the latter. Finally, there is no gender difference in achievement in the end of the semester. Gender differences in attitudes towards statistics are practically relevant for many reasons, such as women's experience during a course, the likelihood that they will take an additional optional statistical course, and in some cases, their achievement at the end of the course. It is important that the instructor is aware of them.

Focus group evaluation of an elective course design

This research led to determining the relevance of the curriculum designed by our Professional Training School for Teachers in Puebla, Mexico, regarding the dimensions of content and curricular order, based on the experience of students and teachers. The methodology has a qualitative approach; the technique was focus groups, and the instrument was a script of open questions that considered the internal evaluation of the process. It is in our best interest to strengthen the design and implementation of the "Inclusion, Art, Play, and Sport" course as part of a series of community-proposed optional courses. In the experience of students and teachers, the group met the general purpose. The feedback received through the focus groups cut in greater depth for students to identify the collective achievements of all the participants: students, teachers, and curriculum designers. Throughout the study, we identified aspects for improvement, such as rethinking some activities and learning evidence, reducing the amount of information to meet, and establishing a better relationship between the topics and the teaching practices, particularly those related to strategies for inclusion in art and sports.

On cognitive Changes Brought by Positive Psychology to College Students Based on PERMA Model

With the development of social economy and the increase of employment pressure, currently college students are generally trapped in the dilemma of being unable to overcome negative emotions due to the pressure of admission and schoolwork. This paper is based on the reading of the optional course Positive Psychology and related books. PERMA model is used to explain that positive psychology can give college students in the positive emotion, wholehearted involvement, positive interpersonal, life meaning, sense of achievement five aspects of cognitive change, provide enlightenment to obtain happiness and happiness.

Effectiveness of an optional breastfeeding course for multidisciplinary undergraduate healthcare students: A quasi-experimental study

AimsThis study aimed to examine and quantify the effectiveness of an optional breastfeeding course for multidisciplinary undergraduate healthcare students and to provide advice for education improvement based on students’ characteristics and learning feedback. BackgroundBreastfeeding has received global awareness and educating undergraduate healthcare students is a prospective way to promote breastfeeding. This is the first report from mainland China to verify the education effects and formulate a proposal for improvement. DesignA quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design. MethodsAn optional breastfeeding course covering eight topics based on the Health Belief Model was conducted for multidisciplinary students in a medical college. The Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale and Breastfeeding Promotion Intention Scale were completed for pre- and post-education comparison. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, MannWhitney U test, KruskalWallis test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. The class average normalized gain and individual students’ normalized gain were calculated to quantify the effectiveness from the perspective of learning gain. ResultsFrom March to November 2021, 102 students specialized mainly in nursing, clinical medicine, medical imaging technology and midwifery took the course. Knowledge, attitudes and intention scores improved significantly (Z = 8.70, 8.72, 7.64, respectively, p < .001) and the class average normalized gains were 81.0%, 52.3% and 70.6%, respectively. Insignificant differences were found for students of different genders and categories of specialties (p > .05). Students of first year had significantly higher individual normalized gains (p < .05). In learning feedback, the top-ranked advice for course improvement was to increase practice and experience (75.5%). ConclusionsThis optional breastfeeding course produced medium to high learning gains for multidisciplinary healthcare undergraduates. Independent breastfeeding education based on behavioral theory for multidisciplinary students is recommended to be conducted in medical colleges. The addition of practice and experience may add value to such education.

Understanding Gender in the Dynamics of the Hidden Curriculum: An ELT Colombian Case Study

This article describes the main findings of a Colombian case study in which an English language teacher, who was enrolled in a gender-based optional course, carries out small-scale research to understand gender in her ELT practices. The study aims at describing what and how English language teachers learn when they incorporate their gender consciousness in their teaching practices. The study focuses on Martha’s case who seeks to understand how her learning comes about when integrating the gender perspective in her educational practices and teaching context. The qualitative analysis indicates, among other things, that Martha becomes aware of how the dynamics of the hidden curriculum affect her students’ gender subjectivities. Through this learning process, Martha adopts discourses and practices to promote gender equity, eradicate differential treatments, and contribute positively to her students’ learning experience.

Specifics of the students’ critical thinking formation within active learning space

Critical thinking skills are important for personal development and self-realization in professional activity. Thus, this research was aimed at obtaining data about the formation of students’ critical thinking and the professional competencies of the future specialist within hybrid learning. The developed elective course for psychologists and linguists was introduced into the educational system of a higher educational institution. To measure the level of forced critical thinking, the authors used the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI), which is specifically designed for undergraduate and graduate students or comparable groups. The findings describe the specifics of the students’ critical thinking formation within hybrid learning. The statistical data analysis showed positive dynamics and a significant increase in the experimental group. The practical testing and experimental validity of the developed course effectiveness gives prospects for further studies of this phenomenon and the practical implementation of innovative technologies aimed at the students’ critical thinking formation within a blended learning model in higher education institutions. The developed optional course within the blended learning model allows creating and practically implementing new educational programs for university students. The research findings also foresee the need for further study of training competent pedagogical staff for the implementation of blended learning.

Understanding the cultivation mechanism for mental health education of college students in campus culture construction from the perspective of deep learning.

Nowadays, there is an increase in attention to the college student's mental health, and to enhance the awareness related to college students' mental health, colleges and universities have executed an immense range of mental health publicity activities. In order to better combine deep learning with classroom teaching, this paper puts forward a deep learning algorithm formulated on convolutional neural networks. The purpose of this research is to investigate the development and use of a cultivation mechanism for mental health education of college students in campus culture creation from the perspective of deep learning. The study's primary goal is to comprehend college students' mental health training in campus culture creation. The study's objective is to develop experimental outcomes of college students utilizing mental health education courses as an optional or mandatory course. Finally, investigations related to college students' mental health from the current situation in China, the investigation, statistics and analysis related to the college students in China are carried out in this situation. The experimental results of this study show that 62 of the 156 schools and universities assessed provide courses on mental health education for college students that are both obligatory and optional. According to the students questionnaire survey, 86.7% of respondents believe that it is critical to establish mental health related educational courses, 61.9% believe that compulsory courses should be established, and students want to add group guidance or activities to the teaching process to improve their experience and participation.