Educational Policy Makers Research Articles

A review of machine learning methods used for educational data

Integrating machine learning (ML) methods in educational research has the potential to greatly impact upon research, teaching, learning and assessment by enabling personalised learning, adaptive assessment and providing insights into student performance, progress and learning patterns. To reveal more about this notion, we investigated ML approaches used for educational data analysis in the last decade and provided recommendations for further research. Using a systematic literature review (SLR), we examined 77 publications from two large and high-impact databases for educational research using bibliometric mapping and evaluative review analysis. Our results suggest that the top five most frequently used keywords were similar in both databases. The majority of the publications (88%) utilised supervised ML approaches for predicting students’ performances and finding learning patterns. These methods include decision trees, support vector machines, random forests, and logistic regression. Semi-supervised learning methods were less frequently used, but also demonstrated promising results in predicting students’ performance. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for statisticians, researchers, and policymakers in education.

Content and Language Integrated Learning in primary schools in Andalusia: A qualitative study on teachers’ perceptions

Despite the unanimous endorsement of the Content and Language Integrated Learning in mainstream education, the bilingual programme is not free from challenges. Hence, the main objective of the study was to examine the primary school teachers’ perceptions of the dual-focused approach to detect the major limitations and determine if there were potential differences within each cohort of teachers. Data were obtained from a questionnaire sent to all bilingual primary schools in Andalusia (Spain). For the purpose of the present study qualitative data were analysed using the software NVivo. The results of the study revealed that teachers’ needs have not been addressed sufficiently as they expressed deep concern over the scarcity of teacher training schemes, insufficient time for coordination, inappropriate design of the materials, little or no support provided to them and increased workload. Furthermore, with regards to the within-cohort comparisons, content teachers seem to be in greatest need of more assistance and training initiatives. These outcomes merit further attention and should feature on the agenda of educational policymakers as not addressing these issues properly might threaten the viability of the bilingual project.

The Impact of Blockchain Technology Effectiveness in Indonesia's Learning System

This research investigates the integration of blockchain technology in vocational education in Indonesia, evaluating its impact on database system learning outcomes. Involving 86 Indonesian students, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of blockchain in improving students’ understanding, skills, and academic performance. Using a quasi-experimental design, the findings of this study showed a significant improvement in learning outcomes, as evidenced by the analysis of pre-test and post-test scores. The measure of the effectiveness of the improvement in learning outcomes, with a substantial increase of approximately 46.50%, emphasizes the positive influence of blockchain technology on student achievement in the database systems course. The findings of this study will contribute valuable information to educational institutions, policy makers, and educators who wish to incorporate new technologies such as blockchain into their learning systems. The implication of this research is to provide recommendations in optimizing the integration of blockchain technology, which significantly affects learning outcomes in database systems. This is realized through facilitating fast and efficient access to learning materials, fostering a more interactive and engaging learning environment, and enhancing students’ understanding of industry practices. The integration of blockchain into database systems learning not only improves the quality of learning but also equips students for a successful career in information technology.

Classroom-based assessment in TEFL as a form of formative assessment: Enquiries into theory and practice

Closely related to the concept of formative assessment, classroom-based assessment (CBA) has received increasing attention from education researchers and policy makers worldwide. Despite being hailed as an innovative departure from traditional standardized testing, CBA has often been criticized for the lack of research-based evidence to support its purported benefits. This raises concerns about the reliability, validity, and practicality of this approach in mainstream education. By reviewing recent literature on CBA and its application in TEFL classrooms, this article seeks to understand how CBA theory translates into practice and identify potential discrepancies between its claimed advantages and measured efficiency. The discrepancies observed are primarily attributed to teacher assessment identity. Consequently, I propose a CBA literacy model which improves teachers and students’ assessment capability in classroom contexts.

Classroom Experiences of International Students in Canadian Postsecondary Education

The aim of this paper is to examine the classroom experiences of 12 international students in a Canadian postsecondary institution. The literature related to this purpose shows that many international students are challenged by the English language proficiency needed for analytical classroom discussion, and they are often confused by Westernize student-centric learning tactics such as oral presentations and open-ended assignments. Grounded within qualitative phenomenological research, our study documents the lived classroom experiences of international students and how they interpret social learning exchanges. Based on semi-structured individual interviews, the findings reflected three main themes. First, international students faced challenges with deciphering the English language of local students and teachers. Also, they struggled with the quick response time needed for classroom discussions. Second, many international students were frustrated with mandated group work. Many students felt discriminated against by their group members; other students experienced unbalanced workloads when completing collaborative assignments. Finally, students experienced a steep learning curve regarding the Westernize student-centric approach to learning. For example, many students were intimidated by creative assignments and the associated lack of direction provided by the instructor. The findings of this research are analyzed via Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which dictates that effective learning is dependent upon personal agency (one’s actions), proxy agency (the environmental resources), and collective agency (group dynamics). Currently worldwide, burgeoning numbers of international students are streaming into Western postsecondary institutions accentuating the need for this research. These institutions have an ethical and financial obligation to supply high quality education to international students. However, to provide a supportive learning environment, instructors, administrators, and educational policymakers need to be knowledgeable of the learning experiences of international students and adjust their institutional culture and pedagogical tendencies to best suit the needs of these students.

Classroom Experiences of International Students in Canadian Postsecondary Education

The aim of this paper is to examine the classroom experiences of 12 international students in a Canadian postsecondary institution. The literature related to this purpose shows that many international students are challenged by the English language proficiency needed for analytical classroom discussion, and they are often confused by Westernize student-centric learning tactics such as oral presentations and open-ended assignments. Grounded within qualitative phenomenological research, our study documents the lived classroom experiences of international students and how they interpret social learning exchanges. Based on semi-structured individual interviews, the findings reflected three main themes. First, international students faced challenges with deciphering the English language of local students and teachers. Also, they struggled with the quick response time needed for classroom discussions. Second, many international students were frustrated with mandated group work. Many students felt discriminated against by their group members; other students experienced unbalanced workloads when completing collaborative assignments. Finally, students experienced a steep learning curve regarding the Westernize student-centric approach to learning. For example, many students were intimidated by creative assignments and the associated lack of direction provided by the instructor. The findings of this research are analyzed via Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which dictates that effective learning is dependent upon personal agency (one’s actions), proxy agency (the environmental resources), and collective agency (group dynamics). Currently worldwide, burgeoning numbers of international students are streaming into Western postsecondary institutions accentuating the need for this research. These institutions have an ethical and financial obligation to supply high quality education to international students. However, to provide a supportive learning environment, instructors, administrators, and educational policymakers need to be knowledgeable of the learning experiences of international students and adjust their institutional culture and pedagogical tendencies to best suit the needs of these students.

Sitting on all sides of the table? OECD’s role in Icelandic Education Policy 2030

ABSTRACT The OECD is an inevitable force in contemporary education. This paper illustrates how the OECD affects recent education policy-making in Iceland with a particular focus on recent documents establishing the new Education Policy 2030 in Iceland and on OECD reports that directly relate to this policy. We illustrate the relationship between these documents both topically and chronologically and use Marilyn Strathern’s (2006) reasoning about policy making by bullet-points to understand these policy products. Our conclusions are that education policy 2030 is a clear step into a more Nordic tradition of policymaking, in terms of basing policy in previous works and official reports as well as increasing involvement by stakeholders. However, they are characterized by politically admirable, albeit lofty, formulations of ambitions and focus areas, rather than measurable, actionable and implementable policies. The OECD is given a great influence not only as a referential point and a tool to legitimate particular policies, but also a post-hoc policy-implementation adviser and auditor of the policy. Even though the OECD is asked for evaluation of the visionary policy and seems to be the solution to the perceived lack of professional procedure in Icelandic governance, the time-frame seems not to have allowed a thorough use of their advice.

The School Suicide Policy Evaluation Tool (SSPET): A proof‐of‐concept for assessing school suicide prevention policies

AbstractBackgroundAs adolescent suicide rates have increased, there has been a nationwide increase in legislation requiring schools to create suicide prevention policies. In Utah, school districts must implement a youth suicide program for grades 7–12. Currently, there have been no systematic analyses of Utah school district suicide prevention policies. Thus, we developed a new evaluation instrument, the School Suicide Policy Evaluation Tool (SSPET).MethodsThe SSPET was derived from the “Model School District Policy” and evaluates criteria on prevention, intervention, re‐entry, and postvention. Four raters used the SSPET in a systematic analysis of suicide prevention policies for all school districts in the state of Utah.ResultsAnalysis revealed a right‐skewed distribution of policy scores, and a median total score was 2.25/36. The mean percentage of inclusion of the four subsections in policies was less than 20% for most criteria. Median scores were totaled for the four subsections as follows: Prevention score was 1/9, intervention score was 1/14, re‐entry score was 0/4, and postvention score was 0/9.ConclusionThis proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates the utility of the SSPET in identifying shortcomings of school district policies on suicide while generating specific recommendations for improvement. With further validity testing, we expect this tool to be useful to school district administrators, education policymakers, and those studying suicide interventions and outcomes in school‐aged children and adolescents.

Situating a Prism to See ‘All Colors’: Evaluations of the E-school System in Türkiye from the Perspective of Educational Equity

This research intends to delve into the first-hand information pertaining to learning analytics that belongs to PreK–12 education at micro, meso, and macro levels (Shum, 2012) in Türkiye from the perspective of equity in education through seeking to obtain the views of educational authorities and policy makers viz. school principals, the members of district national education directorate as well as those of Innovation and Educational Technologies General Directorate of MoNE (Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Education). To do so, adopting a qualitative route, the study attempts to inquire into the perceptions of the said groups i.e., 45 participants; in total-with 15 participants from each-about the role and place of the existing “E-school” structure that employs learning analytics towards the use of Big Data in Türkiye. This is realized particularly toward addressing and catering to students at risk alongside the disadvantaged. In this direction the research question is: “How do the decision-making bodies in Türkiye see the current E-school system as regards ensuring and sustaining educational equity?”. The semi-structured interviews aim to direct questions e.g., respecting the situation with school dropouts, the cases of students with special needs, the situation of those who are struggling and of refugees. The findings indicate a superposition; an entangled being of inherent disadvantages and that the present system needs to be further amended to better care for ‘all’ to speak of equity. This study will cast light on the potential value of learning analytics regarding its use for targeting/solving equity problems through the expert opinions from a developing country with highly dynamic demographics.

Three-Dimensional Science Animation Implementation and Spatial Ability for Science Concept Reconstruction: A Gender-Based Education Study

Spatial abilities are essential to individual life and development, but gender differences in these abilities, especially in multimedia learning, are of concern. This research aims to examine the influence of gender and type of multimedia on learning outcomes in Natural Sciences (IPA) while still controlling for the influence of spatial abilities. This research uses a quantitative approach with experimental methods. The research sample consisted of 164 students. Data were collected through multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) techniques using SPSS software. Data analysis was conducted using the MANCOVA technique to test the influence of the independent variables (gender and type of multimedia) on the dependent variable (science learning outcomes) by controlling spatial ability as a covariate. Spatial ability has an overall significant influence on science learning outcomes. Boys consistently performed better than girls in all learning tasks, regardless of multimedia type. Girls also tend to prefer 3D learning media to understand science concepts. This research provides empirical evidence about the separate gender effects of spatial ability when learning using 2D static learning multimedia and 3D animation. The implication is that educational policymakers can pay attention to differences in gender preferences when choosing multimedia learning types to increase the effectiveness of science learning.

Does decentralisation promote learning? Local political settlements and education policies in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This article examines the effect of local political settlements on education policies in a decentralised political system. Under what conditions does decentralisation promote learning-enhancing policies? Despite the numerous works on decentralisation and education, little is known about how local politics influences student learning. We develop a novel approach to the politics of education policies by looking at the effect of local political settlements on education policymaking. Using a heuristic case study method comparing three districts in Indonesia, we found that constraints on the discretionary power of the district head over employment decisions in the bureaucracy matter for the development of learning-enhancing policies. Such a constraint can pave the way for the development of the bureaucratic capacity required for local governments to pursue quality-promoting reforms. In the absence of such a constraint, the extent to which district governments will implement learning-enhancing policies depends on district heads’ commitment to learning.

The power of project-based learning: A catalyst for student engagement, collaboration and academic excellence

This research aims to explore the impact of using project-based learning methods on academic achievement and student engagement in education using mixed methods. The sampling technique was carried out in two stages. The three best private universities in Semarang City were selected based on the 2023 Webometrics results (University of Dian Nuswantoro, Catholic University of Soegijapranata, and the Islamic University of Sultan Agung), then the sample selection was carried out using stratified random sampling techniques, which comprised 318 students. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires, interviews, and literature studies. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling via AMOS 26 software. The practical implications of this research show that the project-based learning (PBL) method positively impacts academic achievement and student involvement in the learning process. The PBL method also effectively increased students' conceptual understanding, reflecting a shift from traditional approaches to more interactive, creative, and innovative learning. From a managerial perspective, these findings emphasize the integration of PBL into the curriculum to optimize student potential. It is also essential for lecturers and educational policymakers to provide ongoing professional training to support the effective use of PBL in educational environments. PBL methods are a valuable learning strategy and their implementation can be a significant challenge that needs to be overcome in an educational context. This research concludes that project-based learning may effectively increase student participation, engagement, collaboration, and future academic achievement.

Exploring STEAM teachers’ trust in AI-based educational technologies: a structural equation modelling approach

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning processes. However, the successful integration of AI in education depends on the trust and acceptance of teachers. This study addresses a significant gap in research by investigating the trust dynamics of 677 in-service Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) teachers in Nigeria towards AI-based educational technologies. Employing structural equation modelling for data analysis, our findings reveal that anxiety, preferred methods to increase trust, and perceived benefits significantly influence teachers' trust in AI-based edtech. Notably, the lack of human characteristics in AI does not impact trust among STEAM teachers. Additionally, our study reports a significant gender moderation effect on STEAM teachers' trust in AI. These insights are valuable for educational policymakers and stakeholders aiming to create an inclusive, AI-enriched instructional environment. The results underscore the importance of continuous professional development programs for STEAM teachers, emphasizing hands-on experiences to build and sustain confidence in integrating AI tools effectively, thus fostering trust in the transformative potentials of AI in STEAM education.

Towards governmentality with Chinese characteristics: higher education policy discourses in post-colonial Hong Kong and Macao

ABSTRACT This article examines the intertwining and evolution of neoliberal and nationalist discourses in post-colonial Hong Kong and Macao, arguing that their combination reveals the dual layers of political rationality in the dynamics of higher education policymaking. It suggests a move towards governmentality with Chinese characteristics, marked by gradual and continuous shifts towards decolonisation and re-Sinicisation within the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework. This perspective contrasts with existing literature on Hong Kong that emphasises the maintenance of the colonial status quo and points out abrupt changes due to the 2019 protests and the 2020 National Security Law. By analysing the reconfiguration of governmentality in the higher education systems of these post-colonial Chinese societies amid changing political landscapes, the article sheds light on both the incremental changes and significant moments influencing the trajectory of higher education development in Hong Kong and Macao.

Prevalence and factors associated with digital addiction among students taking university entrance tests: a GIS-based study

BackgroundThe surge in digital media consumption, coupled with the ensuing consequences of digital addiction, has witnessed a rapid increase, particularly after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some studies exploring specific technological addictions, such as internet or social media addiction, in Bangladesh, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on digital addiction in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to investigate digital addiction among students taking the university entrance test, examining its prevalence, contributing factors, and geographical distribution using GIS techniques.MethodsData from a cross-sectional survey were collected from a total of 2,157 students who were taking the university entrance test at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25 Version and AMOS 23 Version, whereas ArcGIS 10.8 Version was used for the geographical distribution of digital addiction.ResultsThe prevalence of digital addiction was 33.1% (mean score: 16.05 ± 5.58). Those students who are attempting the test for a second time were more likely to be addicted (42.7% vs. 39.1%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Besides, the potential factors predicted for digital addiction were student status, satisfaction with previous mock tests, average monthly expenditure during the admission test preparation, and depression. No significant difference was found between digital addiction and districts. However, digital addiction was higher in the districts of Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, including Rangamati, and Bandarban.ConclusionsThe study emphasizes the pressing need for collaborative efforts involving educational policymakers, institutions, and parents to address the growing digital addiction among university-bound students. The recommendations focus on promoting alternative activities, enhancing digital literacy, and imposing restrictions on digital device use, which are crucial steps toward fostering a healthier digital environment and balanced relationship with technology for students.

Building Capacity for Sustainability Education: An Analysis of Vocational Teachers’ Knowledge, Readiness, and Self-Efficacy

In contributing towards the discourse on developing teachers’ capabilities for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), this study examines the relationships between sustainability knowledge, readiness, and self-efficacy for teaching sustainability concepts among vocational teachers in Malaysian colleges. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the research assesses the combined effect of teachers’ sustainability knowledge and readiness on their ability to teach sustainability effectively. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of three hundred and seventy-five (375) vocational college teachers and structural equation modeling (SEM), the results indicate no significant link between teachers’ sustainability knowledge and their readiness for ESD. However, a positive relationship between teachers’ readiness and their self-efficacy was found. The study shows that while sustainability knowledge does not directly enhance readiness for ESD, it is a strong predictor of self-efficacy in teaching sustainability. Moreover, readiness has a greater effect on self-efficacy than sustainability knowledge alone, highlighting the importance of conceptual understanding in building teachers’ confidence and competence in sustainability education. Despite focusing specifically on Malaysia and using self-reported data, which to some extent limits the study’s findings, the outcomes offer practical insights for educational policymakers, vocational institutions, and educators. They underscore the need for a comprehensive educational approach beyond just knowledge transfer. This research contributes to the sustainability education discourse and suggests areas for future studies, including exploring contextual differences and adopting longitudinal study designs to better understand the dynamics between sustainability knowledge, readiness, and teaching self-efficacy in vocational education.

Impact of homework time on adolescent mental health: Evidence from China

Fierce competition in China's basic education system results in students spending too much time on homework. However, few studies have explored the mental health effects of homework time. Using data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), this paper empirically examines the impact of homework time on adolescent mental health through the fixed-effects model and instrumental variables regression. Additionally, this study explores the moderating effects of teacher support and parent involvement. The results indicate that homework time has a negative effect on adolescent mental health, but only when the amount of time spent on homework exceeds about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Overall, there is a non-linear relationship between homework time and adolescent mental health. Teacher support, particularly emotional support, can mitigate the adverse mental health effects of excessive homework time, whereas parental involvement does not show the same positive effect. The analysis of heterogeneity reveals that adolescents from rural schools or medium family economic backgrounds experience a more pronounced negative impact from excessive homework time compared to those from urban schools, poorer or richer family backgrounds. Furthermore, students with outstanding academic performance are affected more significantly than their peers with poor academic performance. The empirical results echo the targets of the Chinese "double reduction policy" which requires strict control of homework time. Education policymakers should reasonably regulate homework time and systematically explore education concepts and teaching methods that are compatible with the reduction of homework time.

“All Students Matter”: The Place of Race in Discourse on Student Debt in a Federal Higher Education Policymaking Process

“All Students Matter”: The Place of Race in Discourse on Student Debt in a Federal Higher Education Policymaking Process

Generative AI in Academic Settings: Exploring ChatGPT Adoption and Implications

This research delves into the multifaceted aspects influencing the adoption and utilization of ChatGPT among postgraduate students. Executed as a qualitative study involving participants from a prominent federal university, the primary objective was to discern students’ nuanced perceptions of ChatGPT and their inclination to embrace it as an academic support tool. Based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the study employed thematic analysis with a focus on critical dimensions. Results illuminate that students are motivated to amplify academic performance, boost productivity, and streamline time management, with ChatGPT emerging as a user-friendly solution. Peer and faculty influence further solidified its integration, evolving into a habitual tool, and the availability of a free version significantly contributed to its widespread adoption. This research highlights the growing prevalence of ChatGPT across diverse academic activities, encompassing exploratory research, programming, presentations, and email composition—however, varying opinions surface regarding its efficacy and limitations in scientific text production. The research findings, particularly in the context of technology assimilation in academia, hold significant relevance for educational policymakers and practitioners. They offer valuable insights that can help form policies that foster the judicious and effective integration of technology within educational settings.

Logistic Regression Analysis: Predicting the Effect of Critical Thinking and Experience Active Learning Models on Academic Performance

<p style="text-align: justify;">This study aims to analyse the relationship between critical thinking and the learning experience provided by instructors through active learning models, specifically Project-based Learning (PjBL) and Simulation-based Learning (SBL), to the potential achievement of academic performance in undergraduate students. The main analysis technique employed in this research was logistic regression, with additional analysis techniques including discriminant validity, EFA, as well as Kendall’s and Spearman’s correlation, serving as a robustness check. The results of this study indicate significant correlations and effects of critical thinking (CT) on academic performance. Higher levels of CT are associated with a greater likelihood of achieving academic excellence, as indicated by the cum laude distinction, compared to not attaining this distinction. Experiences of receiving PjBL (0.025; 6.816) and SBL (0.014; 14.35) predicted the potential for improving academic performance to reach cum laude recognition, relative to not achieving this distinction. Furthermore, other intercept factors need to be considered to achieve cum laude compared to not achieving cum laude. We recommend that policymakers in higher education, instructors, and others focus on enhancing critical thinking and utilizing both Pub and SBL as learning models to improve students’ academic performance.</p>