Educational Practice Research Articles

Entrepreneurial intentions and the role of educational and social support: do the self-efficacy and the theory of planned behavior variables matter?

Purpose The study aims to ascertain whether educational and social support for entrepreneurs significantly affects university students’ intentions to become successful entrepreneurs. This study examines the mediating role of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables (e.g. entrepreneurial personal attitude, subjective norms and entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in encouraging young entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach An online survey with a structured questionnaire collected data from different university students in Bangladesh; subsequently, it was analyzed through the structural equation model. Findings The results suggested that educational support has a direct positive relationship with the three variables of TPB. Moreover, the findings indicated that social support positively influences the variables of TPB, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions. The variables of TPB and entrepreneurial self-efficacy were found to have a significant direct impact on entrepreneurial intentions and also exhibited favorable mediating effects of educational and social support on entrepreneurial intentions. Research limitations/implications First, the study is only generalized to some sectors of entrepreneurship activities because the researchers used samples from university students across Bangladesh. Second, the implicit limitation of survey-based research is that respondents need to know more ways of understanding the questionnaires accurately, and some participants need to be taught how to answer the question items. Practical implications The main practical implication for the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and educational support involves different entrepreneurial educational programs, which give rise to attitude, behavior, self-efficacy and intentions and enhance the student's awareness of advancing a successful entrepreneurial career. Social implications This study demonstrated that universities and social communities should promote the improvement of innovative thoughts for entrepreneurs and offer essential information about entrepreneurship. Originality/value Because entrepreneurial educational support is a crucial factor in entrepreneurial intentions, universities need to develop a practical education system that can help improve the skills required to start new ventures. The results will improve a new route to developing students’ entrepreneurial intentions using the variables of TPB and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Subsequently, these research findings will help to achieve governmental goals and increase the number of startups in the future.

Systematic review of inquiry-based learning: assessing impact and best practices in education

Systematic review of inquiry-based learning: assessing impact and best practices in education

Transforming research and pedagogy in higher education through scientific inquiry steps

This research aims to investigate how to transform study and pedagogy in higher education through scientific inquiry steps. Scientific research serves as the foundation for human development. It drives humanity forward into discovery and innovation. The purpose of this study is to explore how teachers and researchers apply scientific inquiry steps to improve research and pedagogy in higher education in South Africa. Constructivist theory serves as the foundation for the study. Therefore, we employed a qualitative method and phenomenology design to explore the lived experiences of participants. The participants included ten experienced researchers doubling as teachers in the field of science education. We selected these participants from ten public universities in South Africa using a purposive sampling technique. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview schedule, which covered scientific inquiry steps. Recordings were made of the data with the permission of the participants, later transcribed into a notebook, and analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that teachers and researchers were aware of the scientific inquiry steps. Most of them benefited from scientific inquiry, which included constantly refining methods, embracing diverse perspectives, and revisiting hypotheses and experiments. Also, scientific inquiry steps enhanced the effectiveness of their teaching practices and provided them with a reliable scope for making informed decisions in the ever-evolving educational environment. This study has practical implications, including creating opportunities in higher education for both prospective teachers and emerging researchers to acquire a rigorous education in the scientific inquiry steps. This approach forms the bedrock for acquiring knowledge and promoting best practices in education.

‘Facilitating change from within’: investigating students’ experiences of using core reflection in physical education teacher education

ABSTRACT Background Reflection plays a pivotal role in professional development, particularly in physical education teacher education (PETE). Research shows that student reflections in PETE often remain at a superficial level, focusing mainly on technical aspects of teaching. However, there's a need for PETE students to engage in deeper reflections, encompassing social, moral, ethical, or political aspects of teaching. Research goal This study investigates how PETE students experience core reflection as a pedagogical intervention for their professional development. Theory Core reflection, a concept developed by Fred Korthagen, bridges the gap between theory and practice in teacher education. It encourages using personal teaching experiences as starting points for reflection, focusing on personality development and the utilization of one's inner potential. This approach is believed to help student teachers find their personal and authentic teaching style. Method The study involved 38 PETE students who participated in both theoretical and practical sessions, including a swimming course. These sessions incorporated tasks for facilitating core reflection, based on personal teaching experiences. The data comprised individual written reflections from these students, analyzed using Eggebø's ‘collective qualitative analysis’ procedure. Results The analysis revealed four key themes: (1) ‘Same Intentions, Varied Experiences’: This theme highlights the differences in depth and detail of core reflection among students, despite similar initial intentions. (2) ‘A Tool for Awareness’: The tool was found to be effective in helping students develop awareness and recognize their personal strengths and weaknesses. (3) Peer Feedback Helps Understanding Core Qualities’: This theme underscores the importance of peer feedback in identifying personal strengths and bolstering confidence. (4) ‘Being Situated in Realistic Context makes Core Reflection (more) Meaningful’: The findings emphasize the value of learning core reflection within realistic settings, such as school practicums and peer-teaching, to facilitate practical understanding and application. Discussion and conclusion Core reflection is an effective tool within PETE for promoting systematic reflection, self-awareness, and professional growth. However, it requires sustained effort and integration into educational programs. Future research should explore the long-term effects of core reflection in PETE, especially regarding the development of professional competencies aligned with individual core qualities.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescents and peer educators in relation to the components of the National Adolescent Health Program in India: findings from a cross-sectional survey

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescents and peer educators in relation to the components of the National Adolescent Health Program in India: findings from a cross-sectional survey

Computer-assisted education and application in the music flipped classroom: A review of the literature

The application of computer-assisted learning in music education not only changes the traditional teaching mode, in addition, it provides students with a richer and more personalized learning experience. However, the implementation of computer-assisted learning also faces many challenges, such as insufficient technological infrastructure, teachers' role change, and the development of students' independent learning ability. Therefore, this study explored the pedagogical effects of computer-assisted learning applications in music-flipped classrooms and how to enhance students' learning and musical expression through a computer-assisted flipped classroom teaching model by using the literature review method. Through a five-step approach, this study analyzes the current status, problems, challenges and opportunities of computer-assisted education in music-flipped classrooms, aiming to assess its effectiveness and propose strategies to promote innovation and development in music education. The study findings demonstrated that utilising computer-assisted learning in the music-flipped classroom substantially enhanced students' musical knowledge, skills, and performance by fostering active learning participation and interaction. Conclusions drawn from the study found that computer-assisted learning is effective in improving learning outcomes and musical performance and can contribute to the advancement of music education theory and practice. Future academic exploration needs to confront these obstacles and delve into inventive applications of computer-assisted learning. Furthermore, there is a necessity for prolonged investigations to evaluate the enduring influence of music education outcomes through computer-assisted music-flipped classroom instruction.

Strategic framework and global trends of national smart education policies

Integrating intelligent technology to promote smart education, had become a focus of education policies in many countries. However, there was little literature on strategies and trends of smart education policies at the national level. This study investigated the framework for developing national smart education strategies and trends of national policy making on smart education. Based on the Delphi technique method, a National Smart Education Framework was developed, consisting of four essential leveraging points: (1) forward-thinking governance and policy initiatives, (2) digital learning environments conducive to smart education, (3) transformative teaching and learning enabled through technology, and (4) overarching considerations. Additionally, a textual analysis method was employed to analyze 24 smart education policies from 24 countries or organizations, to uncover the strategies and policy trends of smart education in accordance with the proposed smart education framework. Promoting high-quality, inclusive, and accessible education, increasing Internet connectivity and access to digital tools, enhancing digital skills, ensuring information security and privacy, implementing new digital pedagogies, providing real-time feedback, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, etc. were the main trends for smart education policy making. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators in shaping smart education policies and practices worldwide to promote sustainable development.

Teacher-Preschool Student Relationships and Their Associations with Child Mental Health Problems

ABSTRACT Background In low- and middle-income countries, despite increasing early childhood education opportunities, research on quality and monitoring systems remains limited. This includes a lack of validated tools for assessing teacher-student relationships, which are crucial for child development but often characterized by conflict and low closeness in poor settings. Purpose This study aims to validate the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale – Short Form (STRS-SF) in Brazilian preschools and examine its correlation with socioemotional development and mental health symptoms in children aged 4 to 5. Methods Conducted in public preschools in Embu das Artes, the study involved 489 children and used the STRS-SF to assess teacher-student relationships and their impact on children’s emotional and behavioral symptoms through univariate logistic regression analysis. Results Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale’s construct validity for the “closeness” and “conflict” dimensions, with factor loadings over 0.40. Significant associations were found between the conflict dimension and externalizing symptoms and delays in socioemotional development among preschoolers. Discussion The findings validate the STRS-SF as an effective tool for evaluating teacher-student relationships in early education settings. Translation to Health Education Practice Regular assessment of teacher-student relationships is essential for early detection and intervention in developmental delays, mental health issues, and social performance challenges.

Enhancing College Students’ Well-Being through an Online Mindfulness Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Background Mental health challenges continue to be on the rise with college students. The COVID-19 pandemic further accentuated these challenges. Thus, consideration could be given to exploring various strategies to support the well-being of students. Purpose This study examined the effects of an online mindfulness intervention in an academic course measuring the well-being in a two-group pretest and posttest study design. Methods Participants included (N = 40) undergraduate students ages 18–23. The experimental group consisted of participants in an online health course with a mindfulness component. The control group enrolled in an identical health course without a mindfulness component. Results The results indicated greater statistically significant increases in the experimental group’s well-being, mindfulness and positive affect, as well as a decrease in negative affect compared to the control group. Discussion This study offers insight into the potential effectiveness of online mindfulness interventions embedded in academic courses for benefiting students’ well-being. This is especially relevant as it was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic when focus on well-being was paramount. Translation to Health Education Practice Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) play an important role in enhancing well-being in the college student population through the needs assessment, implementation, evaluation, research and usage of findings.

Effects of Student Choice on Intrinsic Motivation and Language Proficiency in High School L2 Education

This literature review investigates the impact of student choice on intrinsic motivation and language proficiency in high school second language (L2) classrooms. The study addresses the existing gap in comprehensive research regarding how the implementation of student autonomy influences these educational outcomes. A systematic review of empirical studies, teaching practices, and peer-reviewed articles was conducted. Relevant keywords were used to search journals from different academic databases. The identified studies were evaluated based on their methodology, relevance, and quality. This review finds that providing students with autonomy in selecting learning materials and activities could enhance their intrinsic motivation. Increased autonomy fosters greater interest, engagement, and enjoyment in learning. However, the impact of autonomy on language proficiency is mixed. Some studies demonstrate improved proficiency due to personalised learning experiences, while others indicate that excessive autonomy without adequate instructional support can hinder language development. The review highlights the necessity of balancing autonomy with teacher guidance and considers the developmental stage of high school students. While student autonomy in high school L2 classrooms generally increases intrinsic motivation, its impact on language proficiency necessitates carefully combining autonomy with appropriate instructional support. This review underscores the need for longitudinal research to better understand the long-term effects of autonomy on motivation and proficiency, the development of sophisticated tools for measuring intrinsic motivation, and the implementation of practical strategies for integrating student choice in educational practices.

“English Is Not Really a Subject”: Language Ideologies and Language Learning in an Introduction Program

AbstractThis paper explores the construction of language ideologies and language learning within English‐language education in a Language Introduction Program (LIP) in Sweden. LIP is an individual transitional program for newly arrived migrant students that seeks to quickly transition adolescents into further education or the job market. High proficiency in English is important in Swedish society and insufficient knowledge of English might lead to consequences for individuals, but also long‐term consequences for society regarding inequality and inequity. The methodology is based on linguistic ethnography, with observations and interviews at two schools. Data from interviews with English teachers and principals at LIP are analyzed using Foucauldian perspectives to discuss power and individualization. Our results show that LIP is organized in a manner that reduces teachers' possibilities to cooperate and assist each other in planning, assessing, and in developing teaching practices. To a certain extent, principals withdraw from their responsibility and place a significant amount of organizational responsibility on individual English teachers. Furthermore, monolingual ideologies are prominent in educational practices, and LIP is often positioned as different from the rest of the school which increases isolation.

Transformative Islamic Education from the Perspective KH Abdullah Munjul (Study of Manuscript Layang Siti Hasanah)

The "Layangan Siti Hasanah" manuscript, a significant Islamic text, provides valuable insights into historical educational practices. This research explores how its teachings can be applied to contemporary Islamic education to foster meaningful change and personal growth. The study involves a detailed analysis of the manuscript’s content, focusing on its educational methodologies and philosophies. It examines how these principles can be integrated into modern educational frameworks to enhance critical thinking, moral development, and holistic learning. Key findings reveal that the manuscript contains educational approaches that align with transformative educational goals. These approaches include methods for developing critical thinking and ethical understanding, which are relevant to current educational practices. The research suggests that incorporating these traditional principles into contemporary Islamic education can create a more dynamic and effective learning environment. By merging historical insights with modern needs, educators can promote both academic and personal development in students. Overall, this study highlights the importance of integrating traditional Islamic teachings with modern educational methods to achieve a transformative educational experience that benefits students in various aspects of their lives.The method used in this research is qualitative, while the approach used is the historical and anthropological approach to Islamic education, then the data collection techniques used are documentation and interviews and data analysis in the researcher's research using philological and symbiotic analysis. The results of research on Transformative Islamic education in the Layang Siti Hasanah manuscript according to KH Abdullah Munjul are divided into 3 domains of Transformation, namely: 1. Syariat teachings, 2. Tarekat teachings. 3. Marifat teaching.

Advancing sustainable futures through education: A Montpellier case study on student-led advocacy for transdisciplinary approaches

This paper examines the transformative potential of integrating transdisciplinarity and systems thinking into educational practices, anchored in a participatory initiative by the Montpellier Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions (MAK'IT). The study centres on engaging master’s and doctoral students in co-creating educational proposals, underscoring the importance of a student-centred approach to tackle the diverse challenges of the 21st century. A preliminary brainstorming session allowed students to express their motivations, identify key themes, and lay the groundwork for further development. This culminated in a public conference where students presented their transformative education proposals. This conference facilitated interactions between students, a panel of experts spanning education, research, policy domains, and a broader audience, fostering critical dialogue. Key findings from this conference underscore the necessity of allocating resources, dismantling knowledge silos, addressing student inequalities, and enhancing educator preparedness. The study highlights the significance of multi-stakeholder dialogues in co-constructing transformative educational frameworks and suggests that educational institutions have a pivotal role in bridging the gap between science, policy, and society. Despite the promise, several challenges to curriculum revision emerge, including the need for immersive learning environments that demand adequate resources. The structure of tertiary institutions, often segregated into distinct faculties and departments, presents another barrier to fostering transdisciplinarity. Additionally, administrative constraints, particularly for international students, add to these challenges and call for nuanced strategies in advancing transformative education.

Resiliency in Persons Experiencing Homelessness: A Concept Analysis Using the Evolutionary Framework.

Homelessness is a critical societal issue, with those affected facing disproportionate chronic and acute health conditions. At the core of understanding their experiences is the concept of resiliency. Understanding resiliency in homelessness is crucial because it highlights the dynamic interplay between inherent qualities and external challenges, underscoring the need to reassess societal value judgements and inform nursing practices in research, education and advocacy. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive concept analysis to propose a revised definition of resiliency in the context of homelessness. Rogers's evolutionary method was the analytical tool of choice, perfect for examining the fluid and evolving nature of resiliency within the context of homelessness. The method entails analysing the concept's transformation over time and across disciplines, accepting variability in definitions based on the chronological and contextual constructs. The findings revealed that resiliency in homelessness is an inherent quality and a developed response shaped by the interplay of innate capacities and environmental challenges. It uncovered a need to reassess societal value judgements. Resiliency among people without housing suggests strengths that go unrecognised by conventional measures. The analysis concludes that resiliency is not a static trait but a dynamic process encompassing individual, social and environmental dimensions. In each case, nursing is poised to make a significant difference in nursing research, practice, education and advocacy, potentially inspiring new approaches and interventions. No public or private was used in the development of this article.

Content and effectiveness of TVET teacher CPD in Kenya

AbstractContinuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers can improve teaching and wider school practices. However, within developing country contexts, research on the CPD practices of vocational teachers remains limited. This study therefore investigated the CPD practices of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers in Kenya, focusing on the content, outcomes and effectiveness of their CPD practices. Adopting a questionnaire survey approach, data was collected from 170 TVET teachers drawn from six TVET institutes in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area.TVET teachers in Kenya were found to more frequently focus their CPD on subject content knowledge and less frequently on pedagogical knowledge. Their CPD activities are not always effective as the CPD activities often do not involve active learning and collaboration, and are not always of sufficient duration. Cluster analysis showed that for some teachers, CPD activities are rarely effective and result in limited impact on practice. However, Initial Teacher Education was found to encourage teachers to focus on broader content and to adopt more effective CPD practices.To improve the effectiveness of TVET teacher CPD practices in Kenya, it is recommended that TVET teachers in Kenya are supported to adopt active and collaborative learning activities that are spread over extended time durations.

Interrogating the Academy: Higher Education Transformation for the Public Good beyond Diversity in Race and Gender

This article draws on findings from a qualitative study of academics’ role in higher education’s contribution to the public good based on 15 interviews with academics from two universities in South Africa. I argue that if higher education in South Africa is to transform for the public good, the transformation of the university academic staff needs to be taken seriously and move beyond diversity of race and gender. The findings of the study that underpins this article suggest that the attributes of academics must be considered in initiatives that seek to transform the academy. This has implications for meaningful transformation because diversity, in terms of race and gender, does not necessarily translate to transformation in practice. Based on these findings, I suggest what these attributes may be through the concept of “public good academics,” which the academics I interviewed associated with being progressive, reflexive, critically conscious, and socially competent. I conclude that public good academics are aptly positioned to engage in transformational practices. Therefore, the personal attributes of academics do matter and should not be ignored in our thinking and conversations about transformational practices in higher education, especially in South Africa—a country with a history of colonialism and apartheid that has shaped the higher education landscape.

Theoretical and methodological trends in scientific production on pedagogical practices in Physical Education in Latin America

Theoretical and methodological trends in scientific production on pedagogical practices in Physical Education in Latin America

Educational Leadership Practices and Teaching Performance in Selected Chinese Schools towards Leadership-Driven Educational Enrichment Program

Educational Leadership Practices and Teaching Performance in Selected Chinese Schools towards Leadership-Driven Educational Enrichment Program

Spillover effects from a type 2 diabetes integrated model of care in 22,706 Australians: an open cohort stepped wedge trial

BackgroundMany Australian adults are not receiving timely or effective diabetes management to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes related complications. Integrated care, a worldwide trend in healthcare reform, aims to reduce the fragmented delivery of health services and improve outcomes. This study aimed to test whether a specialist-led integrated model of care provided to a small subset of patients in general practices leads to spillover clinical improvements in all patients of the practice with type 2 diabetes.MethodsSeventy-two general practice sites (clusters) in New South Wales, Australia received the Diabetes Alliance intervention, creating a non-randomised open cohort stepped wedge trial. The intervention comprised of case conferencing, delivered directly to a small proportion of adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 1,072) of the general practice sites; as well as practice feedback, education and training. Spillover clinical improvements were assessed on all adults with type 2 diabetes within the general practice sites (n = 22,706), using practice level data recorded in the MedicineInsight electronic database, compared before and after the intervention. Outcome measures included frequency of diabetes screening tests in line with the Annual Cycle of Care, and clinical results for weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, and kidney function.ResultsCompared to before Diabetes Alliance, the odds of all practice patients receiving screening tests at or above the recommended intervals were significantly higher for all recommended tests after Diabetes Alliance (odds ratio range 1.41–4.45, p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in clinical outcomes were observed for weight (absolute mean difference: -1.38 kg), blood pressure (systolic − 1.12 mmHg, diastolic − 1.18 mmHg), HbA1c (-0.03% at the mean), total cholesterol (-0.11 mmol/L), and triglycerides (-0.02 mmol/L) (p < 0.05). There were small but significant declines in kidney function.ConclusionsIntegrated care delivered to a small subset of patients with type 2 diabetes across a large geographic region has spillover benefits that improve the process measures and clinical outcomes for all practice patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial registrationACTRN12622001438741; 10th November 2022, retrospectively registered: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001438741.aspx.

Meropenem Usage Assessment amid the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis: A Comprehensive Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: With antibiotic resistance posing a growing threat to global health, the prudent use of antibiotics like meropenem is imperative. However, empirical prescribing practices and inadequate adherence to guidelines contribute to challenges in meropenem utilization. This study aims to comprehensively assess prescribing patterns, adherence to guidelines, and patient education practices in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, enrolling 100 patients. Data collection included variables such as age, gender, hospital stay duration, indication for meropenem prescription, dosage regimen, basis of prescription, treatment duration, and patient education. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26. RESULTS: Empirical prescribing was common, with an initial diagnosis accuracy rate of 64%. Disparities were noted in aligning culture sensitivity with meropenem use, with only 36% of cases following culture results. Regarding treatment duration, an alarming 86% of cases had incorrect durations. Comparative analyses highlighted areas for prescription protocol and clinical outcome improvement. For instance, 96% of cases had the correct initial meropenem dosage. Despite meticulous monitoring, deficiencies persisted in patient education and antibiotic stewardship. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the urgent need for standardized guidelines, enhanced diagnostics, and educational initiatives to mitigate antibiotic resistance emergence. Addressing these challenges is crucial for safeguarding antibiotic efficacy and public health.