Development Practices Research Articles

Teacher Attitudes and Perceptions of Inclusive Education: A Case of Ghana

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge and perceptions of 145 teachers from three regions in Ghana regarding inclusive education. The results show that the teachers have moderate knowledge of inclusive education practices and processes. Additionally, slight moderate positive relationships were found between participants’ level of training in inclusive education and their knowledge of inclusive education. From the findings, we argue for stakeholders in teacher education to, as a matter of necessity, reconsider the curriculum and practicum for preparing special and general educators to focus on inclusive practices to effectively prepare pre-service teachers to succeed in inclusive settings. There is also a school leadership imperative, in view of site-specific challenges and needs, to influence school-based strategies to advance inclusionary practices. Successes of such initiatives could be replicated in other schools to advance inclusive education in Ghana. Implications of the study for teacher professional development and inclusive education practice in pre-tertiary educational institutions are underscored.

Inquiry skills teaching and its relationship with UAE secondary school students’ critical thinking: Systematic review of science teachers’ perspectives

Undoubtedly, due to continuous changes in time, environment, and demand, teaching techniques in science education should be constantly explored, reflected upon, and improved. This paper explores the current evidence related to secondary science teachers’ perspectives about teaching inquiry skills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). After a systematic Boolean search in online databases, a research synthesis was conducted on the perspectives of secondary science teachers regarding inquiry and critical thinking of students in the context of UAE. Eight quantitative and qualitative studies were analyzed, and results showed that science teachers’ perspectives on teaching inquiry skills varied across studies. Additionally, some factors should be addressed when teaching critical thinking including socio-psycho factors (e.g., attitudes towards learning science, teacher competence, professional development, student characteristics, teaching and learning practices, and classroom management). This study recommends that further attention should be paid to teaching theories and approaches such as active learning strategy, sociocultural theory, constructivism theory, and affective filter hypothesis. These results are important since they identify the need of reevaluation of inquiry-based teaching and learning of science (e.g., critical thinking skill as a key one) in UAE secondary schools.

The Association between Lean-Agile Leadership, Nurses Connectivity and Sustainable Development Practices

The Association between Lean-Agile Leadership, Nurses Connectivity and Sustainable Development Practices

Innovating methods of agricultural development research and practice

As we race towards 2030, the target date for achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, it is critical that we examine our approaches to agricultural development research and practice. We should not expect extraordinary results by using the approaches we have always used. Rather, we must innovate. To that end, Advancements in Agricultural Development held a Symposium on Methods of Agricultural Development Research and Practice in October 2023 on the University of Reading campus, co-hosted by the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. We invited recognized experts from around the world to develop papers focused on innovative methods of agricultural development practice or innovative methods of agricultural development research. We had ten papers presented that were authored by 26 researchers representing 13 universities/research institutes in 6 countries. Sixteen authors attended the symposium to present their papers. A healthy dialogue followed each presentation to help authors refine their papers, resulting in the articles published in this special issue. A summary of each article is provided.

An Update Summary on the Learning Sciences Within an Ophthalmic Context.

Clinical reasoning, specifically diagnostic decision-making, has been a subject of fragmented literature since the 1970s, marked by diverse theories and conflicting perspectives. This article reviews the latest evidence in medical education, drawing from scientific literature, to offer ophthalmologists insights into optimal strategies for personal learning and the education of others. It explores the historical development of clinical reasoning theories, emphasising the challenges in understanding how doctors formulate diagnoses. The importance of clinical reasoning is underscored by its role in making accurate diagnoses and preventing diagnostic errors. The article delves into the dual process theory, distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 thinking and their implications for clinical decision-making. Cognitive load theory is introduced as a crucial aspect, highlighting the limited capacity of working memory and its impact on the diagnostic process. The zone of proximal development (ZPD) is explored as a framework for optimal learning environments, emphasising the importance of scaffolding and deliberate practice in skill development. The article discusses semantic competence, mental representation, and the interplay of different memory stores-semantic, episodic, and procedural-in enhancing diagnostic proficiency. Self-regulated learning (SRL) is introduced as a student-centric approach, emphasising goal setting, metacognition, and continuous improvement. Practical advice is provided for minimising cognitive errors in clinical reasoning, applying dual process theory, and considering cognitive load theory in teaching. The relevance of deliberate practice in ophthalmology, especially in a rapidly evolving field, is emphasised for continuous learning and staying updated with advancements. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of clinical supervisors in recognising and supporting trainees' self-regulated learning and understanding the principles of various teaching and learning theories. Ultimately, a profound comprehension of the science behind clinical reasoning is deemed fundamental for ophthalmologists to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care and foster critical thinking skills in the dynamic landscape of ophthalmology.

Analysis of the coordinated evolution and driving mechanism of the coupling of tourism economy and urbanization in Southwest China

ABSTRACT The coordinated development of the tourism economy and urbanization is one of the hot issues in the practice and research of regional development. Exploring the complex dynamic relationship between the two can promote new urbanization construction and sustainable regional economic development. This paper uses the coupled coordination degree (CCD) model and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) model to study the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of the coordinated development of Southwest China’s tourism industry and urbanization. The results show that from 2010 to 2020, the comprehensive level of tourism economic development is in an inverted ‘V’ shape, while the complete level of urbanization is on a continuous upward trend. The spatial difference for CCD between the tourism economy and urbanization is remarkable, offering a spatial pattern of the highest in the middle, the second in the east, and the lowest in the west. In addition, the urbanization rate, population density, per capita fiscal revenue, and per capita park green land have significant negative spatial effects on CCD. Per capita budgetary revenue has a positive spatial effect on CCD with a time lag. This study provides a decision-making reference for promoting tourism development and urbanization in southwest regions.

Revitalizing Old Facades: Innovations in Facade System Installation and Preservation

This article presents a novel approach to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and longevity of old building facades through the installation of a new facade system. The study aims to improve the appearance of buildings while safeguarding the integrity of existing facades and mitigating various associated challenges. The methodology involves a detailed analysis of the old facade's condition, selection of appropriate materials and technologies for the new system, and implementation strategies for seamless integration. Results indicate significant improvements in building aesthetics, increased durability, and reduced maintenance costs. The implications of this research extend to urban planning, heritage preservation, and sustainable architectural practices, offering valuable insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers globally.
 Highlights:
 
 Facade renovation enhances building aesthetics and preserves historical architecture.
 Innovative materials and technologies ensure long-term sustainability and reduce maintenance costs.
 Global impact: Research findings inform urban development practices, emphasizing heritage preservation and sustainable building strategies.
 
 Keywords: Facade System, Building Renovation, Modernization

Mining Heritage-Based Tourism Development Management System: A Sustainable Economic Study

Through the ages, mining left behind wasteland of limited value, scarred by shafts and ponds. However, enterprising management coupled with inventive development practices, hopes to turn this legacy into a tourist boom. The primary goal of this study will tackle the planning and implementation for transforming these former mining eyesores into charming havens. The focus is on ensuring sustainable growth from these tourist hubs, all while breathing new life into these remnants of mines. Identifying pivotal facets which must be orchestrated for tourism development, this study utilized a qualitative descriptive approach towards engagement of stakeholders. The meticulously designed management system model is the analytical framework underlying this research, aimed at achieving synergistic and collaborative effort on the tourism development. In Bangka Belitung Province, the study zeroed in on Kampong Reklamasi within East Belitung Regency. The conclusion from the study show that a comprehensive developmental system is the core foundation of effective tourism development management. Such a system is founded on a mixture of creative innovation and a collaborative link between multiple stakeholders. BUMDes have the primary responsibility for successful management within the scope of fostering the tourism potential of the reclamation community. The success of BUMDes in guiding this tourism attraction not be seen in a vacuum but rather as the result of synergistic cooperation with stakeholders. Their individual contributions and roles in the development of heritage-focused tourism are a prerequisite for this collaboration. A robust and long-lasting economic framework for sustainable development is promoted by this symbiotic approach.

Analysis Of DevOps Infrastructure Methodology and Functionality of Build Pipelines

The DevOps pipeline for infrastructure is a critical component in modern software development and operations practices. It involves automating the provisioning, configuration, and management of infrastructure resources, enabling organizations to achieve agility, scalability, and reliability. This paper presents a plagiarism-free analysis of the DevOps pipeline for infrastructure, conducted through comprehensive research, evaluation of industry best practices, and examination of case studies. The DevOps methodology would collapse without the use of a DevOps pipeline. The phrase is often used to discussions of the methods, procedures, and automation frameworks that go into the creation of software objects. Jenkins, an open-source Java program, is the most well-known DevOps pipeline and is often credited as the catalyst for the whole DevOps movement. Today, we have access to a plethora of DevOps pipeline technologies, such as Travis CI, GitHub Actions, and Argo. To keep up with the need for new and improved software systems, today's development organizations must overcome a number of obstacles. The research highlights key findings, including the importance of automation, infrastructure as code, continuous integration and delivery, security, and monitoring/logging capabilities. These practices have been shown to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and accelerate deployment cycles. By evaluating tools and technologies, gathering user feedback, and analyzing performance metrics, organizations can identify gaps and develop a roadmap for pipeline improvement. To maintain academic integrity, this analysis adheres to proper citation and referencing practices. Paraphrasing and summarizing research findings and adding personal analysis and interpretations ensure the originality and authenticity of the analysis. Plagiarism detection tools are used to confirm the absence of unintentional similarities with existing content.

Assessing New Product Development Trends and Practices in Manufacturing and Service-Oriented Organizations in Chitwan District, Nepal

Assessing New Product Development Trends and Practices in Manufacturing and Service-Oriented Organizations in Chitwan District, Nepal

Inclusive learning and development practices for children with autism spectrum disorders and the ICT’s role

Nowadays, the inclusive orientation of education has promoted the inalienable right of all children, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), to be educated in mainstream schools alongside their typically developing (TD) peers. The autism spectrum includes developmental disorders that appear in early childhood and are characterized by qualitative deficits in social communication and adaptive behavior, impeding academic learning and social-emotional development. The aim of this paper is to study those practices that form the conditions for realizing the functional inclusion of ASD children in the traditional classroom. For this reason, through the literature review of modern foreign language scientific articles, an attempt was made to search and study the most widespread and research-documented intervention procedures and techniques, which develop the readiness skills of ASD children, providing them with quality opportunities for active learning and socialization alongside their TD peers. The results showed that when the earlier targeted educational approaches are used in the inclusive classroom, in a structured and predictable learning environment, taking into account their unique characteristics, interests and assessed educational needs, with the support of adequately trained teachers and an interdisciplinary team, in cooperation with the family, their dynamic involvement in the activities of the school program is facilitated. Furthmore, quality interactions with their TD peers are increased and therefore, the appearance of socially acceptable behaviors is promoted, which contributes to their acceptance by their classmates, laying the foundations for their smooth integration into society.

Teacher STEAM Education Supported by Professional Learning Communities: A Meaningful Practice of Teacher Professional Development

Teacher STEAM Education Supported by Professional Learning Communities: A Meaningful Practice of Teacher Professional Development

Involving students as collaborators in developing learning materials through action research

ABSTRACT This study focuses on English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ involvement in a school’s action research (AR) project. The study aims to demonstrate how students develop their communication, interaction, and collaboration while joining AR projects in developing classroom-based materials. The ideas of critical participatory AR, material development theory, learning theory, and practices were used to construct the study. Differentiated instruction principles were also applied to create learning activities and tasks. A secondary school-level classroom-based initiative in Indonesia has been reported to show how AR can effectively aid in designing classroom-based materials. Through active engagement in the AR project, students develop their ability as co-researchers, co-creators, co-inquirers, and evaluators throughout every project stage. AR also allows instructors to study their students’ responses to new materials and interact with them to generate compelling context-specific content. The study also discusses the implications of having AR for developing more authentic classroom-based materials, challenging the prevailing established order, managing their collaborative roles while using their insights productively, and fully interacting with their peers.

Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Government Communication And Empowerment For Traditional Fishpond Farmers On The North Aceh Coast

Research to determine, describe and analyze the effectiveness, transparency and accuracy of government communication and empowerment for Traditional Pond Farmers on the coast of North Aceh, Aceh province. Utilizing all communication media effectively, creatively and innovatively in strengthening partnerships and collaboration; government, pond farmers, coastal institutions and other stakeholders. Becoming a new paradigm and perspective in development and empowerment with the spirit of voicing the voiceless. In revealing the socio-economic capital of traditional pond farmers. The presence of government communication, development communication and empowerment to contribute to the development and empowerment process, diffusion of innovation and communication technology. The phenomenon of helplessness of traditional pond farmers in North Aceh is an illustration of the still weak effectiveness of government communication, development communication, empowerment and human-centered social change. This research uses a phenomenological paradigm with theoretical foundations and concepts from the perspective of government communication, social development communication, empowerment communication, communicative action, social welfare, social capital, local wisdom, coastal areas and traditional pond farmers. Data is collected through interviews, observation, focus group discussions, literature review or documentation. The results of the research show that changes in the mindset of traditional pond farmers will lead to different behavior patterns than before. In this process of change, it can be seen that there is a self-help process to get out of the stigma of being poor and marginalized. The development and empowerment process should show empowerment, participation, collaborative communication that can lead to a condition of life for pond farmers based on mutually agreed values, norms, customs, culture and local wisdom capable of strengthening social welfare and social capital. Development and empowerment must be understood as a process with multiple dimensions, involving major changes in social structures, social institutions, attitudes, minimizing inequality, marginalization and absolute poverty. There needs to be a paradigm shift from a capitalist market mechanism system to upholding nationalist values ​​with human- centered development practices. Including strengthening togetherness, harmonization, solidarity and strengthening collective self-empowerment. So that the effectiveness of government communication, development and empowerment of traditional pond farmers must be prepared based on initiative, participation, orientation to needs, potential and capabilities while still paying attention to the institutional dynamics therein.

A Study on Impact of HR Development Practices on Employee Productivity in Banking Sector with Special Reference to Union Bank of India Mangaluru

A Study on Impact of HR Development Practices on Employee Productivity in Banking Sector with Special Reference to Union Bank of India Mangaluru

HIV programme sustainability inSouthern andEastern Africa andthe changing role ofexternal assistance forhealth.

High human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-prevalence countries in Southern and Eastern Africa continue to receive substantial external assistance (EA) for HIV programming, yet countries are at risk of transitioning out of HIV aid without achieving epidemic control. We sought to address two questions: (1) to what extent has HIV EA in the region been programmed and delivered in a way that supports long-term sustainability and (2) how should development agencies change operational approaches to support long-term, sustainable HIV control? We conducted 20 semi-structured key informant interviews with global and country-level respondents coupled with an analysis of Global Fund budget data for Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia (from 2017 until the present). We assessed EA practice along six dimensions of sustainability, namely financial, epidemiological, programmatic, rights-based, structural and political sustainability. Our respondents described HIV systems' vulnerability to donor departure, as well as how development partner priorities and practices have created challenges to promoting long-term HIV control. The challenges exacerbated by EA patterns include an emphasis on treatment over prevention, limiting effects on new infection rates; resistance to service integration driven in part by 'winners' under current EA patterns and challenges in ensuring coverage for marginalized populations; persistent structural barriers to effectively serving key populations and limited capacity among organizations best positioned to respond to community needs; and the need for advocacy given the erosion of political commitment by the long-term and substantive nature of HIV EA. Our recommendations include developing a robust investment case for primary prevention, providing operational support for integration processes, investing in local organizations and addressing issues of political will. While strategies must be locally crafted, our paper provides initial suggestions for how EA partners could change operational approaches to support long-term HIV control and the achievement of universal health coverage.

The Duty of Water: Land, Labour, and the Racialisation of Waste in Colonial and Contemporary Punjab

AbstractIn our present changing climate, water governance is fast becoming a matter of concern everywhere, but especially in the Global South, which has long been the object of (mis)understandings of state failure and dysfunction. A common characterisation of “bad” water governance calls attention to the waste of water. In this article I show how contemporary development discourse and practice around the waste of water articulate conceptions of bureaucratic labour, farmer capability, and the suitability of irrigation practices, recalling a prior moment in colonial water governance. Examining the development of the “duty of water” in the context of canal irrigation infrastructure in colonial Punjab, I argue that seemingly “technical” measures and metrics of water governance are rooted in a colonial grammar, and show how the duty of water articulated racialised classifications of natives as wasteful, their places as waste, and of their labour, both agricultural and bureaucratic. While the tendency has been to view colonial irrigation as a battle with nature, I emphasise it instead as a battle of British with native labour to contribute to conceptualisations of environment and bureaucracy inseparable from, and incomplete without, an understanding of racialised labour. Today, figurations of labour have changed, but the underlying view of labour impeding, not enabling, governance, continues.

Enterprise green logistics packaging transformation in the context of dual carbon goals: taking Alibaba as an example

This article aims to study how enterprises can achieve green logistics packaging under the "dual-carbon" target. Taking Alibaba as an example, this article analyzes its development strategy and practices in green logistics packaging, explores the green collaborative development under the "Scope 3+" concept, and aims to provide policy suggestions for enterprises in various parts of the industrial chain. This study uses comprehensive materials and data to propose policy suggestions for the green transformation of courier packaging within enterprises, providing reference and reflection for the industry.

The Origins of Emerging Adults’ Work–Family Balance Self-Efficacy: A Dyadic Study

Despite the well-known benefits of work–family balance self-efficacy (WFBSE), little is known about its predictors. This study addresses this gap by examining predictors of WFBSE (enacted and vicarious experiences in multiple role management), the relative strength of predictors, and a moderator (parent-child closeness) that facilitates vicarious learning. Dyadic survey data were collected in Singapore from 108 emerging adults ( Mage = 21.8, SDage = 1.51 years) and their same-gender parents. Results from hierarchical regression analyses suggest that emerging adults’ work-school conflict (enacted failure) and parental work-to-family conflict (observed failure) were negatively associated with WFBSE. Dominance analysis supported the hypothesis that mastery experience is a stronger predictor of WFBSE than vicarious experience is. As expected, perceived parental work-to-family conflict had a stronger negative relationship with WFBSE among emerging adults who reported higher parent–child closeness. Implications for future research on emerging adults’ WFBSE and career development practice are discussed.

A Holistic Overview of Agricultural Practices among CDIP Beneficiaries in Salimgonj Area: Current Status, Persistent Problems, and Promising Prospects

Agriculture is an essential industry in rural Bangladesh since it is the primary source of income for fifty percent of the workforce and eighty seven percent of families. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an essential part in advancing sustainable development by providing assistance to communities in need and giving them the tools, they need to boost agricultural production, improve food security, and alleviate poverty. Centre for Development Innovation and Practices (CDIP), which is located in Bangladesh, runs microfinance programs with the goals of eradicating poverty and providing persons who are economically disadvantaged with financial security. The research project utilized a Mixed-method approach, with the CDIP beneficiaries participating in both Key Information Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussions (FGD) as part of the research. The efficiency of certain agricultural initiatives is hindered by obstacles such as limited technical skills, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of availability of high-quality seeds and irrigation facilities. Despite all of these obstacles, there are chances for CDIP beneficiaries to develop their agricultural practices. It has been demonstrated that the utilization of mobile agricultural consulting services and digital platforms can increase crop output while also ensuring financial security. It has also been established that collaboration among CDIP, government agencies, and local communities may increase infrastructure, which in turn leads to improved market access and economic development for agriculture beneficiaries. The research focuses on loan distribution in the Salimgonj area of Bangladesh and emphasizes how important it is to address persisting barriers to sustainable agricultural growth. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 277-284