Educational Priorities Research Articles

Student Perceptions of the Names of Women’s and Gender Studies Programs: Considerations for Administrators and Decision-Makers

In recent years, a shift toward the commercialization of higher education and economic market-oriented priorities have pushed academic departments to reflect on their identities as disciplines and consider innovative recruitment and retention methods. The name of a program has broad implications for how students perceive an academic unit within an institution. The question of what to call a program is contentious, particularly for academic departments whose disciplines are diverse and dynamic over time. Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) programs face additional challenges in an increasingly polarized political landscape. This tension has prompted some programs to consider changing their names to titles they believe may be more marketable to potential students. However, the extent to which alternative names are perceived as more engaging remains unclear. This exploratory study of students at a university in southeastern Ontario, Canada, assessed perceptions of different WGST program names depending on previous experience in WGST. Students who had previously taken a WGST course generally supported traditional names such as Women’s Studies. However, students who had never taken a WGST course responded more positively to “neutral” names (e.g. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Studies). Thus, adopting broader program names may appeal to new students while maintaining the commitment to feminist scholarship, thereby improving recruitment and retention. We present considerations for university administrators, including emphasizing recruitment efforts toward students who may not traditionally gravitate toward WGST courses. Diversity in enrollment in WGST courses encourages rich discussion of social justice issues that may not be apparent under the narrow heading of “Women’s Studies.”

Educational needs of school health teachers caring for students with type 1 diabetes: An analysis using the Borich needs assessment and the locus for focus models

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify educational priorities to ensure school health teachers’ competencies in managing students’ type 1 diabetes.Methods: A secondary analysis of the data from a cross-sectional study involving 188 health teachers was conducted. Fourteen specific competencies were identified through a literature review. Using paired t-tests, differences between knowledge levels and perceived importance were analyzed. The Borich needs assessment measured the gap between knowledge and perceived importance, and the locus for focus model presented the priorities.Results: Of the participants, 75.5% (n=142) had experience caring for students with type 1 diabetes. The discrepancy between perceived importance and knowledge level regarding the “management of the latest diabetes devices” was found to be the most significant difference (t=18.36, p<.001). High-priority competencies revealed by the Borich needs assessment and the locus for focus models included “latest guidelines,” “emergency management,” and “dietary management.” Prioritization differences were noted for the competencies “management of the latest diabetes devices,” “unique issues during the school life of children,” and “psychological issues;” the differences were dependent on the health teachers’ experience managing students with type 1 diabetes.Conclusion: An educational program for health teachers is needed to enhance their competencies in managing the latest diabetes devices, handling emergencies, addressing unique issues, and staying informed about the latest insights on type 1 diabetes. Tailored education should be provided based on health teachers’ experience in managing students with type 1 diabetes.

The Relevance of Values Education in Today's Higher Education

Value education refers to the aspect of the educational practice which entails that moral or political values as well as norms, dispositions and skills grounded in those values are mediated to or developed among students. Concern for value education is increasing in recent years as a result of crisis of values that our society is currently experiencing. The issue has been projected as one of the national priority in the nations education. The paper remains a humble attempt at exploring the nature, purpose, methods and relevance of value education in higher education.

Lessons learned teaching social and emotional learning in physical education teacher education: a self-study

ABSTRACT Background Social and emotional learning (SEL) has emerged as a political and educational priority worldwide. Numerous academic and non-academic benefits of effective (well-designed and well-implemented) SEL programmes within educational contexts exist. Not surprisingly, SEL has been acknowledged as one of the most prioritised educational agendas to support students’ holistic growth and success across different subjects in schools, health and physical education is no exception. Yet, while SEL continues to progress as a global education priority, there is limited literature on SEL in physical education, and even less which seeks to explore teaching SEL in a physical education teacher education (PETE) programme. Purpose Framed by Loughran’s conceptualisation of developing a pedagogy of teacher education, this study explored lessons learned from one teacher educator’s first experience teaching SEL in a health and physical education teacher education programme. Method A self-study of teacher education practices methodology supported one teacher educator to interrogate their experience, decisions, identity, and practices teaching SEL in a PETE programme. Data includes written reflections (n = 10 pages, single-spaced), transcribed critical friend discussions (n = 112 pages single-spaced), and teaching artefacts. Data analysis involved a collaborative reflexive thematic analysis approach to facilitate the inductive identification of themes and patterns. Findings Results are grouped into three categories: lessons learned about my practice as a teacher educator, lessons learned about my pre-service teachers, and lessons learned about teacher education. The three lessons include: (1) the importance of SEL being taught not caught, (2) students lack content knowledge, and (3) once is not enough. Results confirm teaching SEL requires a programmatic approach. Each lesson represents an ongoing process of making sense of self in practice. Conclusions The results of this research provide pedagogical considerations about teacher education programmes and those who teach in them. Teaching about teaching is a complex process. Teaching about teaching SEL may be an even more complex process as teacher educators rarely have developed these competencies themselves.

Possibilities for an internationalised, inclusive pedagogy for transnational sport education: the case of a safe sport education programme in Lithuania

ABSTRACT Global education is a priority in the Higher Education (HE) system of all nations. In sport degree programmes in HE, the internationalisation trend is also noticeable. However, working in transnational education settings may bring to light, and generate existential and pedagogical contemplation of some of the foundational principles and assumptions about effective teaching. This paper aims to extend theoretical understanding of the confluence of internationalisation and educational modalities to fostering critical thinking. And, illustrate how building language-sensitivities in variable delivery may yield effects upon positive classroom experiences and establishing a ‘safe’ space for communication and learner-informed/learner-led dialogue. Based on a case study of a safe sport education programme for university student-athletes in Lithuania, this paper features a narrative that amalgamates: (1) descriptions of the practical context, session structure and delivery; (2) reflections on the sessions from the lead author; and, (3) focus group data from student participants. The case presented reveals that irrespective of an educator’s efforts to acculturate to the distinct context, continued uncertainties regarding the teaching environment, language and cultural differences, and learners’ understandings of subject content remained perennial concerns. Such issues necessitated adopting careful session design that incorporated a breadth of methods to make students’ experiences more meaningful and inclusive. Key here was the consideration of language and conceptual assumptions (e.g. vis-a-vis ‘safe’ sport), and wider Western-hegemonic frameworks of what sport is/is not. The analysis illustrates how efforts to consider language, use student-co-creation and blended learning can be effective in generating a comfortable space for interaction, communication and learning. Thus, this paper contributes to continuing debates on transnational education, internationalisation in HE and roles sport content may play in generating global dialogue on critical contemporary issues.

Developing a Canadian artificial intelligence medical curriculum using a Delphi study

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) education into medical curricula is critical for preparing future healthcare professionals. This research employed the Delphi method to establish an expert-based AI curriculum for Canadian undergraduate medical students. A panel of 18 experts in health and AI across Canada participated in three rounds of surveys to determine essential AI learning competencies. The study identified key curricular components across ethics, law, theory, application, communication, collaboration, and quality improvement. The findings demonstrate substantial support among medical educators and professionals for the inclusion of comprehensive AI education, with 82 out of 107 curricular competencies being deemed essential to address both clinical and educational priorities. It additionally provides suggestions on methods to integrate these competencies within existing dense medical curricula. The endorsed set of objectives aims to enhance AI literacy and application skills among medical students, equipping them to effectively utilize AI technologies in future healthcare settings.

Communicating Democracy: Opportunities for Election Knowledge Communication and Voter Education in Technical Communication

ABSTRACT This article considers opportunities for election knowledge communication and voter education in technical communication pedagogies. Drawing on three projects – the “Advocacy White Paper,” “Technical Instructions & Infographic Design,” and “Non-Profit Social Media Content Strategy” projects – the article considers how technical communication instructors can design pedagogies that engage civic exigencies related to democracy. The article argues that technical communicators should make election knowledge communication and voter education priorities in their pedagogies, practices, and discipline.

Discrimination analysis of quantitative indicators of understanding the written form of deaf children's communication through the use of types of words

In deaf students, there is no contextual understanding and recognition of word types through linguistic competence testing compared to the hearing population, because 67.10% do not understand, and 10.00% of deaf children partially understand the contextual application of word types in a written text task. The aim of the study is to determine the distance of language discourse between deaf and hearing respondents and to establish a discrimination factor that can be used for practical purposes in a classification sense, with the aim of determining the priority of linguistic education and language elements of deaf children in relation to their lagging behind hearing children. The study was conducted on a sample of 140 respondents. The first subsample of respondents, the experimental group consisted of 70 deaf students, and the second subsample, the control group of 70 hearing students, of the same chronological age and gender. The measuring instrument “Test of comprehension of the written form of expression” was applied. The collected data were processed using the discriminant analysis method. The results of the study showed that the discrimination factor is in the sequence of the use of words, adjectives, exclamations and adverbs. Nouns and prepositions have a negative correlation, which points to the fact that these four types of words are in direct implication with nouns and prepositions, and represents information that these four types of words must be more represented in the educational materials of written expression of deaf children. The results of the study also open up a series of questions focused on the quality of the educational processes of deaf children, as well as the level of lag in written communication compared to hearing children. The results of the study can influence the raising of general rehabilitation procedures to a higher level of responsibility in education centers where deaf children are educated.

Equipping society for everyday lives: risk experts’ priorities for risk education in secondary schools

Risk experts and government agencies have long advocated for the inclusion of risk education as part of formal schooling; however, questions remain as to what risk education is and how it should be taught. Drawing on interviews with eleven risk experts based in scientific institutions and universities, we explored their views and priorities regarding secondary school-based risk education. Analysis of these expert interviews highlighted varied conceptualisations of the nature and purpose of risk education. Priorities for risk education included equipping young people for the risks and uncertainties they will experience as part of their lives. Furthermore, risk experts frequently prioritised probability and uncertainty as topics within risk education but deemed judgement and decision-making as more important to include in risk education. Most risk experts valued schools as a place for risk education, although a minority expressed reservations about the ability of teachers to adequately cover more complex risk material. Future research might helpfully investigate how risk concepts are taught in schools and how teachers believe these concepts can be taught effectively.

“Livonia is just all racism”: locating black families’ racial and spatial experiences, school choices, and educational agency in metropolitan Detroit

ABSTRACT Focusing on the metropolitan Detroit region, this paper examines how seven Black families’ racial and spatial subjectivities influenced their suburban school and community choices, and more broadly their acts of educational agency. Using a critical phenomenological approach, key findings show that families’ lived experiences of race and racism in the region, along with the increased presence and support of Black students, families, and educators in select suburban schools influenced their choices and efforts to make suburban schools aligned with their educational and communal priorities, revealing the dual nature in which Black families navigate unjust U.S. education landscapes. Implications address the ongoing challenges Black families encounter in U.S. regional education landscapes and the need for more just approaches that honor Black families’ educational agency and placemaking in local contexts.

What’s Hot in Literacy: Misguided Trends in a Divided Field

ABSTRACT The annual What’s Hot in Literacy survey identifies current priorities in literacy education, highlighting the evolving landscape of the field. A panel of twenty-five literacy leaders participate in interviews to identify the most emphasized, least emphasized, and most deserving topics of increased attention. The 2024 findings highlight three topics as “extremely hot:” banned books, phonics/phonemic awareness, and the science of reading and structured literacy. There are also six topics found to be “very hot,” including artificial intelligence in literacy, cultural and linguistic diversity and literacy for multilingual learners, dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities, early literacy, high-quality instructional materials, and social justice/equity/anti-racism in literacy. Overall, the literacy field has received unprecedented focus this year, driven by legislative mandates in 38 states, policies on the science of reading, book banning, and discussions on essential early literacy skills for long-term academic and career success. This article examines the highlighted topics and the possibility that some of these are misguided trends. Additionally, it addresses the ongoing division within the literacy field, between advocates of content-focused and child-focused approaches to teaching and learning.

TVARUMO ASPEKTAS RENGIANT STEAM PROJEKTUS PRADINIAME UGDYME

STEAM education is identified as one of Lithuania's educational priorities and has been taking root in primary education over the last decade in the form of various creative and/or exploratory projects for students. As education experts analyze the aims and outcomes of STEAM education, it is noticeable that the rapid increase in the number of STEAM projects is resulting in a decrease in the number of relevant real-life problems and solutions that incorporate sustainability aspects. To find out how future primary school teachers consider sustainability in STEAM projects, a qualitative research methodological approach (focus group discussion) and qualitative content analysis were applied. The results of the study revealed that primary teachers perceive sustainability in STEAM projects as environmental knowledge, encouraging students to be responsible consumers, and teaching them how to find and make reasonable solutions to problems. The results of this study do not allow for drawing broad and generalized conclusions, but point to the need to review more carefully the information and assignments presented during the placement year from the sustainability perspective, to encourage students to design and implement different STEAM project models and to critically evaluate them in the context of students' sustainability competence development, and to encourage the primary teachers' readiness to develop sustainability competences in STEAM projects remains a relevant area for further research. Keywords: STEAM project, sustainability, future primary school teachers

The refugee and migrant health "global competency standards for health workers": results of a survey in general practitioner trainees in Sicily.

Refugees and migrants may represent the most vulnerable communities in many societies. Health systems should be sensitive to needs of refugees and migrants. The document "The Refugee and Migrant Health: Global Competency Standards for Health Workers (the Standards)" identifies the competencies and areas of practice of health workers working with refugees and migrants. The aim of this study is to provide an analysis of these competences and training needs, identifying the educational priorities for the implementation of the Standards in Sicily, Italy. A cross-sectional analytical pilot study was conducted by administering a questionnaire, in electronic format "Google Form ®," to doctors attending the Medical Training Course for General Practitioners in Sicily (Italy). Data obtained were collected in a Microsoft Excel database and analyzed with IBM SPSS Software 24 version. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for relevant categorical variables. Univariate analysis of the selected variables was subsequently carried out. The significance level chosen was a p value <0.05 (two-tailed). A total of 192 General Practitioner (GP) trainees responded to the questionnaire. They were asked if their training course comprised a Global Health Course that included the topic of health protection and social and health care for migrant populations and the 65.4% of them answered "No" or "Do not Know." GP trainees were also asked if they considered useful to include a Global Health Course dedicated to the management of patients with a migratory background within the training course in general medicine. Of the total 192 participants, 81.9% answered "Yes." Overall, in a simple regression model, the perception of having addressed migrants' health needs is positively correlated with having attended a Global Health Course (OR = 3.34 95%CI 1.2-9.1; p = 0.018). This study identified educational priorities for the implementation of the Standards in Sicily for doctors attending the Medical Training Course for General Practitioners. We hope that the results of this study will guide and inform possible future projects to implement the Standards at a national level.

Groundwater modelling for decision-support in practice: Insights from Sweden

Groundwater is an essential resource for drinking water, food production, and industrial applications worldwide. Over-exploitation and pollution pose significant risks to groundwater sustainability. Groundwater models can be powerful tools for optimizing use, managing risks, and aiding decision-making. For this purpose, models should assimilate pertinent data and quantify uncertainties in outcomes. We examine applied modelling for characterization and decision support in Sweden from 2010 to 2023. We also review syllabi of water-related courses in Swedish higher education to assess the inclusion and extent of groundwater modelling education. We find that important academic advances in groundwater modelling over the past two decades have not translated into practical application within Sweden’s industry, that uncertainty quantification is rarely undertaken, and that groundwater modelling remains a low priority in higher education. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations that, while informed by the Swedish context, hold relevance for educational institutions, industry, and decision-makers internationally.

Exploring the Socio-Cultural Barriers that Hinder Female's Access to Higher Education in Rural Areas of Quetta and Examining Female Perspectives on the Effectiveness of These Barriers

The study primarily aims to identify and analyze socio-cultural obstacles that prevent women from pursuing higher education in rural Quetta. It focuses on examining how women perceive the effectiveness of these barriers. This study utilized a qualitative research methodology to investigate the experiences of ten young female participants encountering socio-cultural obstacles that hindered their pursuit of higher education. The researchers conducted in-person interviews with participants using a semi-structured questionnaire, allowing for a full analysis of their experiences. The socio-cultural impediments examined include patriarchal culture, early marriages, priority for sons' education, co-education and male teachers, and social bias towards females. The findings indicate that although these obstacles exist, many young females do not view them as effective in discouraging their pursuit of higher education. This study highlights women's unfavorable situation in rural areas of Quetta, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to encourage women to pursue higher education.

North Carolina head start teachers’ needs, resources, experiences, and priority for science education and professional development

ABSTRACT Early science learning is a part of preschool curriculum that can have positive outcomes for children’s scientific knowledge and interest. Head Start teachers are well positioned to implement quality science lessons. Through an in-depth needs assessment survey, the current study examined North Carolina preschool Head Start teachers’ responses on needs, resources, experiences with professional development, and personal priority levels for science education. Our analysis revealed that Head Start teachers mostly utilized informal teaching methods and used curricular and organizational resources, but utilizing mealtimes for teaching science had mixed responses. Teachers reported their access to resources and connections to community partnerships. Teachers preferred asynchronous or online PD formats and were motivated by compensation and continuing education credits while accessing PD. Most teachers rated science to be a very or extremely important personal priority. Differences in teacher education, experience, and position levels also influenced the findings of the study. The implication section delineates steps that can be taken toward strengthening science education within Head Start settings along with support that can be provided to teachers.

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bernalar Kritis Peserta Didik Pada PAK Dengan Model Pembelajaran PBL Berbantu Power Point Kelas 8 SMP N 2 Wonoboyo Satu Atap Temanggung

Education in Indonesia plays a crucial role in forming competent and competitive human resources. However, despite various reforms, the Indonesian education system still faces various challenges. One of them is the gap in the quality of education between regions, which is reflected in the differences in the results of the National Examination and the Human Development Index (HDI) in various provinces. In response to this, the government implemented the Independent Curriculum which aims to increase learning flexibility and develop 21st-century competencies in students. However, its implementation is still constrained, especially in remote areas with minimal access to quality learning resources. SMP N 2 Wonoboyo Satu Atap in Temanggung Regency, Central Java, is an example of a school that faces this challenge. Located on a mountain slope with limited access, this school serves a community that is predominantly a farmer. This condition has an impact on educational priorities that are often neglected due to economic demands. One of the main problems in this school is the low critical thinking skills of students, especially in Catholic religious subjects. The causal factors include limited learning media, monotonous teaching methods, and lack of support for learning at home. To overcome this problem, innovation in learning methods is needed. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach supported by power point media can be a solution. This method invites students to actively solve real problems that are relevant to the subject matter. Based on this background, Classroom Action Research entitled "Improving Students' Critical Reasoning Skills in PAK with PBL Learning Model Assisted by Power Point Class 8 SMP N 2 Wonoboyo Satu Atap Temanggung" is expected to improve students' critical reasoning skills.

Utilisation of the dental workforce: a service evaluation in one dental institute.

Objective This study examines the skill set and utilisation of dental care professionals (DCPs) in secondary and tertiary dental care roles.Methods DCPs were surveyed across various specialities using the General Dental Council's Scope of practice as a reference.Results Dental nurses employ 23 out of 30 identified skills, dental therapists use 28 out of 32, and dental hygienists perform 27 out of 29 of their skills. Dental technicians use 17 out of 20 skills within their scope; however, clinical dental technicians only employ 3 out of 20 skills regularly. The majority of participants expressed a desire for further training and skill utilisation.Discussion DCPs possess diverse skill sets and a commitment to ongoing development. However, challenges, including educational priorities, patient referrals and treatment constraints, limit their scope in secondary and tertiary care.Conclusion Enhancing DCPs' contributions to patient care requires collaboration with dentists and addressing systemic barriers in secondary and tertiary dental care. Promoting additional training and full skill set utilisation can improve the dental care workforce to meet evolving patient and population needs.

Educational needs of direct care workers in long-term care facilities providing mealtime assistance to older adults with dementia

BackgroundOlder adults with dementia in long-term care facilities often encounter challenges in self-feeding owing to cognitive and physical impairments. Although direct care workers play a crucial role in facilitating mealtime activities, they lack adequate and specific training. To develop an effective educational training program for this purpose, it is essential to understand the educational needs of direct care workers providing meal assistance. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the educational needs prioritized by direct care workers in long-term care facilities, regarding providing eating assistance to older adults with dementia.MethodsAdopting a mixed-methods approach, this study combined quantitative analysis using Borich’s needs assessment and locus for focus models with qualitative insights from focus group interviews. Participants comprised 174 direct care workers and five nursing managers from various long-term care facilities in South Korea.ResultsThis study identified four main educational priorities: enhancing knowledge regarding swallowing function, understanding institutional support mechanisms, applying multisensory stimulation techniques, and addressing food forgetfulness in older adults with dementia. These findings were aligned with the qualitative data that emphasized the necessity of training in these specific areas to improve the quality of meal assistance provided to this vulnerable population.ConclusionThe findings underscore the critical need for focused educational programs that equip direct care workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively assist older adults with dementia during mealtime. This study advocates the implementation of continuous education and training initiatives led by nursing management to improve the meal assistance environment for older adults with dementia, thereby enhancing their overall care and quality of life.

“The Game Changers”: How Equity-Driven Pedagogical Scaffolding Reduces Participation Disparities in Physical Education

Achieving gender equity and social inclusiveness remains a key priority in education. In the context of Physical Education (PE), fostering inclusive practices is critical to ensuring all students, regardless of gender, ability, or social status, can participate meaningfully. By examining the impact of three pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) equity-driven pedagogical practices on gender equity and student engagement in game-based activities, this study investigates how targeted pedagogical interventions can reduce gender disparities in engagement and promote inclusivity in student game interactions within PE classes. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether students of different sexes exhibit similar engagement rates, identify any existing disparities, examine changes in these disparities during the intervention, assess the equity and inclusiveness of student game interactions, and explore the link between these interactions and engagement rates. A total of three PSTs were engaged in a yearlong study, divided into two units: basketball (3v3) and volleyball (4v4). A pedagogical scaffolding intervention aimed at fostering equity and inclusion was implemented through their yearlong engagement in school-placement teaching practices. Data concerning students’ participation in game-based activities were collected in the first and last unit of the schoolyear (Basketball—first semester; and Volleyball—second semester). Engagement rates, measured as participation time (PT) and Rate of Play (RoP), were recorded through video analysis. A Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used to evaluate the equity and inclusiveness of student interactions. Initial disparities in engagement rates favoured boys in both sports. However, post-test results indicated a significant increase in engagement for both sexes, with disparities decreasing over the intervention period. Basketball showed a significant reduction in gender differences in RoP (p &lt; 0.05), while volleyball results indicated no significant gender disparities post-intervention. The SNA revealed more equitable and inclusive game interactions over time, particularly in volleyball. The results suggest the pedagogical intervention’s effectiveness in increasing students’ engagement and reducing game-based gender disparities. These findings underscore the importance of deliberate scaffolding strategies to enhance equity and inclusion, highlighting the potential of the reported strategies for fostering a more inclusive and engaging environment for all students.