Qualitative Research Research Articles

AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH SECOND LANGUAGE (CASE STUDY ON NONFORMAL EDUCATION INSTITUTION)

This research aims to analyze the English language learning process at nonformal education namely Kumon Citraland Puri Serang. The objectives of this research are 1) to examine how the strategy used by Kumon citraland on teaching English. 2) to investigate what is the media used by Kumon Citraland Puri Serang to teach English. 3) to analyze the material used by Kumon Citraland Puri Serang on teaching English. 4) to analyze how to evaluate students. This study is descriptive qualitative research that used interviews, observation and documentation to collect data. Based on the research results, it shows that Kumon Citraland Puri Serang has its own learning strategy which is different from other courses, where Kumon Citraland uses a placement test to determine the starting point/basic level that will be taught according to the student's abilities. Kumon Citraland Serang also uses several learning media including audio and CD players, text books, practice sheets, the My Kumon application, and Kumon Konek. The material taught at Kumon is very diverse, starting from the lowest level, namely level 7A, to the highest level, namely level O. Each student will move up a level when they have completed the material at one level, namely 200 practice sheets. As evaluation material, Kumon Citralan Puri also provides several summary questions from each level to find out how far students understand the material that has been taught. These questions consist of listening, writing, reading comprehension and speaking skills.

TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS THE USE OF CHATGPT TO IMPROVE WRITING IN THE MALAYSIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL CONTEXT

The use of artificial intelligence in education has gained traction among teachers as well as students in recent years. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered language models such as ChatGPT have been widely used for various purposes, including to produce improved writing. This study sought to investigate the perceptions of secondary school students and English teachers in Malaysian public schools on the use of ChatGPT to enhance students’ English writing. Alongside that, this study also investigated how ChatGPT was used by both students and teachers and factors that influenced their use of ChatGPT. This study employed a qualitative research design. The participants in this study hail from six schools around Sabah: SMK Tansau, Penampang; SM St. Michael, Penampang; SMK Shan Tao, Kota Kinabalu; SMK Bongawan II; SMK Umas-Umas, Tawau; and SMK Desa Kencana, Lahad Datu. A total of 20 participants participated in this study. 12 of them were students, and the rest were English teachers. Data for this study was collected using an open-ended questionnaire designed based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The data were analyzed thematically. The findings of the study showed that both students and teachers generally believe ChatGPT to be an effective tool to enhance students’ English writing proficiency. Among the features of ChatGPT that were lauded by the participants were its ability to provide personalized feedback and perform tasks that are useful for writing, such as proofreading and idea generation. Several challenges were also pointed out, such as difficulties using ChatGPT due to lack of resources and digital literacy. The participants also expressed their concern about the possibility of overdependency on ChatGPT, which can hamper the development of the students ability to write independently. The findings of this study contributed to the current knowledge of the perceptions of the use of ChatGPT among secondary school students and English teachers in Malaysian public secondary schools. This knowledge can guide educators and policymakers on matters related to the integration of AI into English writing instruction.

Nursing as an earthquake survivor: A qualitative study on nurses traumatized by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey.

Nurses' critical input and firsthand disaster management experience are vital to healthcare quality. This study aims to comprehend nurses' experiences during and after the earthquakes, their coping mechanisms for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the consequent effects on their profession, given the nurses' crucial role in disaster response. A descriptive qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted between April and May 2024. Fifteen nurses were selected using criterion and snowball sampling methods from those working as earthquake survivor nurses in the affected areas. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research were followed. Five main themes were: emotional reactions/physical difficulties, career and motivation, PTSD and well-being, suggestions, and work performance. The results highlighted the significant psychological and professional challenges that nurses encounter, including the effects of severe PTSD symptoms, coping strategies, and the influence on their capacity to deliver care. Nurses dealing with earthquakes face unique challenges that test their resilience on all levels. Learning from their experiences and coping mechanisms can help healthcare systems support these frontline workers better. Investing in disaster preparedness and mental health resources for nurses is crucial for their well-being and the overall strength of the healthcare system during crises. Effectively managing workloads and rest periods can reduce physical fatigue and prevent burnout. Shift rotations and adequate staffing levels are necessary. Access to psychological mental health support is vital for nurses to recover from the psychological effects of disasters. Regular disaster preparedness training is imperative for physical safety and psychological resilience. Robust support systems, including safe accommodation and peer support groups, are crucial for nurses in disaster response.

Balancing between reality, ideality, and equity: critical reflections from recruiting key informants for qualitative health research.

Key informant interviews (KII) are a widely used method in qualitative health research to gain in-depth insights from individuals with specialized knowledge, experience, or access that is crucial to the research topic. However, there is growing criticism regarding how the selection of key informants is insufficiently described in research. This opacity is problematic as the authority and knowledge of key informants may be given undue weight in research findings, potentially overshadowing other non-expert samples. The resulting imbalance in representation can lead to favoring certain viewpoints while marginalizing others, and thereby reinforcing existing inequities. Using our KII study as an example, we demonstrate how we initially composed an ideal sample based on theoretical considerations and subsequently operationalized it in the field. We employed a selective recruitment strategy informed by intersectional theory, targeting physicians with migration backgrounds from Middle Eastern countries for a study on cancer prevention and screening. Our recruitment process combined direct methods, including database searches and email outreach, with indirect methods like snowball sampling and engagement with multipliers. The recruitment strategy was iterative, allowing for ongoing assessment and adaptation to ensure a diverse and representative sample. The KII study successfully recruited 21 physicians with diverse social categories, including different genders, migration backgrounds, language skills, and medical specialties. Direct recruitment was more effective than indirect methods and allowed for greater control in reaching out to specific subsamples. It highlights the importance of flexible and persistent recruitment strategies to achieve the desired sample. This KII study underscores the interplay between methodological ideals and the practical realities of recruiting a diverse, carefully composed sample of key informants in health research. Our intersectional approach aimed to ensure equitable representation by considering power dynamics and refining recruitment strategies, while balancing the challenges of real-world fieldwork-such as engaging busy physicians with specific recruitment criteria-with practical adaptability. Our KII study emphasizes the need for ongoing reflexivity to balance ideality and equity with practical feasibility.

Shivering Hopes: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Experiences of Family Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients Reliant on Health Care Technology.

The aim of the study was to assess the lived experience of family caregivers of critically ill patients sustained by healthcare technologies in Benin-City, Nigeria. This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews with ten participants, observations, and field notes. The analysis was conducted using Paul Ricoeur's Theory of Interpretation and managed with Nvivo data management software. The study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) from August 2022 to December 2023, with a sample size of 10 participants. The study's findings revealed that the majority (70%) of family caregivers were at least 30 years old, Christian, and had spent a minimum of two weeks in the intensive care unit (ICU). Ninety percent had received post-secondary education. Three themes emerged from their experiences: "Journeying into the unknown," "Technological care is an ecosystem," and "Exhibiting emotional intelligence." In addition to that, the findings also showed that upon learning of their loved one's''' transfer to the ICU, caregivers experienced mixed emotions, including palpable fear of death. This fear was linked to the high costs of management, a tense hospital environment, lack of involvement in care, institutional shortcomings, and diminished motivation due to frequent deaths in the ICU. Family caregivers must be engaged in formulating and implementing care plans to provide holistic care that meets the needs of both patients and their caregivers. Hospital administrators should take proactive steps to reduce treatment costs, making care more affordable for families. Furthermore, comprehensive programs aimed at addressing the institutional flaws identified in this study must be implemented urgently.

Drivers of Change: Youth Action in Lempangang Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi in the Service of Pancasila Village

The purpose of this article is a form of dedication to the Pancasila village in Boto Lempangang to strengthen the sense of unity among the community but also to make a real contribution to improving the quality of life of the village residents. Activities such as social service, education, skills training, and environmental initiatives are a means of implementing Pancasila values in everyday life. Their work has become an inspiration for other villages to work together to maintain and develop the values that are the identity of the Indonesian nation. This research uses qualitative research using a case study design. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification stages. The research results show that the initiative carried out by the youth of Lempangang Village in the Kampung Pancasila program has had a significant positive impact on the local community. Through various programs such as agricultural counseling, national education and healthy living, developing MSMEs, and increasing food security, village youth have succeeded in strengthening local capacity and creating sustainable change. These programs not only improve economic welfare and public health but also strengthen national values and social solidarity.

Developing Transformational Strategies to Improve the Accessibility of E-Governmental Services in South African Local Government

The access to electronic governmental services is an important element of effective governance, particularly in developing nations such as South Africa, where there are still differences in access and skills to digital technologies. As digital transformation becomes increasingly important for effective governance, it is urgently necessary to develop strategies to ensure that all citizens can access electronic governmental services. This study focused on the development of transformation strategies to enhance access to electronic governmental services in local governments in South Africa. This qualitative research used existing literature and case studies to develop transformation strategies to improve access to digital government services. The paper evaluated how the accessibility of electronic government services affected the responsiveness and effectiveness of the provision of local government services. Moreover, the paper also examined the impact of socio-economic factors on the accessibility of electronic services provided by municipalities in South Africa. This included the assessment of the citizens' perceptions of the use and accessibility of the current electronic government services of the municipalities of South Africa. Finally, although electronic public administration services have great potential to enhance local governance in South Africa, their accessibility depends on a solution to socio-economic imbalances, infrastructure limitations, technological obstacles, and trust issues. The study provided strategies for promoting the access of local government e-government services in South Africa. As a result, the findings of the paper contributed to growing knowledge on e-government tactics to improve service delivery and promote good governance practices in South Africa. Keywords: E-Government Services, E-Government, South African Local government, Accessibility

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING TEACHERS IN FOSTERING STUDENTS' DISCIPLINARY ATTITUDES IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

The issue of student discipline becomes very important for the learning process at school. If students are not disciplined with all the school rules and regulations, the learning process will be disrupted, becoming uncomfortable and disorganized, which in turn encourages students to commit violations. This research aims to analyze the role of Guidance and Counseling teachers in instilling students' discipline, as well as to describe the strategies used by Guidance and Counseling teachers in fostering students' discipline. The research method used in this study is qualitative research. There are four methods of data collection techniques, namely through observation, interviews, the distribution of questionnaires in the form of question lists, and through assessment tests that involve analysis. The results of the field research findings revealed that the role of the guidance counselor in instilling discipline among students at SMP has been implemented quite well.

Learning Environment and Early Childhood Character Development in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

An early childhood child is an individual who actively interacts with individuals around them. From these direct interactions, children learn social norms and ethics that shape and develop their character. This study focused on the process of early childhood learning from the environment in developing their character from Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems theory framework. Eleven interviewees participated in this qualitative research. The findings revealed that at the mesosytem level, a learning environment in the community that is safe and supportive of children's growth and development will develop children's positive character. These results corroborated that positive interactions within the environmental layers in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory will contribute positively to children's development. Parents and RuPin Coordinators unanimously stated that education contributes positively to children's growth and development. Even the smallest knowledge gained by children will affect their mindset and behavior, so a commitment to providing a safe and positively stimulating learning environment is important. From the perspective of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, an adequate learning environment for young children should involve positive interactions between various environmental systems: family, school, peers and community.

Comparative Analysis Between Sharia Pawnshops and Conventional Pawnshops in The Economic Empowerment of Indonesian Communities

Sharia Pawnshops and Conventional Pawnshops are two financial entities that play an important role in strengthening the empowerment of Indonesian society. For years, they have been offering credit services with the aim of improving people's financial situations. However, the two institutions operate using different principles and methodologies. The aim of this scientific work is to analyze and then determine which one is more empowering to the community, between conventional pawnshops and sharia pawnshops. This research is included in qualitative research, with data sources containing all material that can be used as a guideline for research emphasis, namely the comparison between sharia pawnshops and conventional pawnshops in empowering Indonesian society. Sharia pawnshops play a bigger and more effective role in empowering the community, especially by providing financial products based on Islamic sharia principles. Sharia pawnshops prohibit all types of interest and focus on contract terms, honesty and security required in buying and selling transactions based on Islamic law.

The Role of Educators in the Formation of Students' Leadership Character in the Leadership Material of Khulafaur Rasyidin

This study aims to find out the role of educators in implementing leadership characters in the subject of Islamic Cultural History in grade VII MTsN 7 Agam in the material of Khulafaur Rasyidin Leadership. This type of research is qualitative research with the subject of this research being Islamic Cultural History educators and students of grade VII MTsN 7 Agam. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. Then this study uses data analysis through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawn. The results of this study show that the role of educators is as partners, resource persons, and companions. Educators play the role of partners, namely cooperation between educators and other educators, parents or other parties who are tasked with paying attention to the development of students. Educators act as resource persons tasked with providing information to students about many things related to learning and so on. Meanwhile, educators as companions are in charge of providing direction and advice related to the field or discussion being pursued.

Optimising Business Operations: Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) with Management Information Systems (MIS)

The current landscape of business operations is largely dominated by the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with Management Information Systems (MIS), which results in higher efficiency and innovative solutions for common and complex organisational challenges [1] [2]. Owing to this, the following research paper aims to explore the multifaceted benefits and challenges associated with this integration. Alongside this, it seeks to provide insights for not just future research within the field, but also for practitioners and scholars alike. The study begins with a comprehensive introduction to the relevance of IoT and MIS, highlighting their evolution and the complexities that may arise in their integration. After this, it moves further, delving into the technological foundations of IoT, and examining its core components, architecture, and emerging trends. Discussing the theoretical frameworks that surround information systems, it then seeks to illustrate both historical and contemporary integration issues and conducts a deep-seated analysis of current research on IoT- MIS Integration, extrapolating on the advantages, risks, and tangible benefits. The qualitative research is backed up by real-world case studies of well-known companies such as GE and Walmart, which present a strong insight into successful IoT-MIS integration and the challenges encountered during implementation. These examples reveal key takeaways, best practices, and strategic recommendations for businesses looking to harness the full potential of this integration. Lastly, strategic recommendations are presented, including best practices for effective integration and mitigation strategies for associated risks. The paper eventually concludes by outlining future research directions, identifying emerging trends in IoT and MIS integration, and formulating relevant research questions. With the aforementioned, the paper aims to contribute to the overall comprehension of IoT-MIS integration and presents a balanced view of its potential usability in modern-day content. Furthermore, the findings thus attained offer a valuable guide tool for firms willing to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, allowing them to emphasize the quintessential importance of strategic planning, investment in technology, and a commitment to robust security measures. Thus, this study serves as a roadmap for organizations which aspire to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and data-centric business environment.

Overview of Coping Strategies for Caregivers of Elderly Individuals with Dementia at Senior Care Darmawan Park Sentul

Dementia is a clinical condition that is mostly experienced by the elderly and can be identified by progressive cognitive decline that disrupts one’s ability to be independent. Elderly people with dementia require special services from others as caregivers who can provide good care in everyday life. However, caregivers often experience personal difficulties in caring for elderly people with dementia. Hence, they need strategies to deal with potential problems. This paper is a qualitative research with a case study approach. The aim of this study is to describe the coping strategies of caregivers of elderly dementia at Darmawan Park Sentul Senior Care. The respondents of this study were two caregivers who worked for elderly people with dementia in Senior Care. Results shows that both subjects developed two coping strategies: problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. The dominant coping strategy used by both respondents in this study was emotion-focused coping. The aspects of emotion-focused coping that are still used by both respondents are seeking social emotional support and self-control. The form of effort most often used by both respondents in dealing with their problems was telling the closest people around them, such as their family, friends, co-workers, and superiors, to get advice, attention, and suggestions.

Exploring the Nature-Creativity Connection Across Different Settings: A Scoping Review

AbstractThe widespread benefits of creativity have become more salient in recent years. This has led to scholarly interest in finding ways to foster creativity. Nature immersion may be one way to enhance creativity, particularly as many individuals involved in creative pursuits have found nature to be a source of inspiration and a haven for restoration. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR 22 item checklist, we conducted a scoping review to examine the evidence on the relationship between nature and creativity as well as any underlying mechanisms facilitating this relationship. A scoping review was deemed appropriate given the infancy of the topic and the need to understand the broad landscape. Our aim was to present a range of interdisciplinary applications of nature interventions on different types of creative performance. We found 45 publications exploring the relationship between nature and creativity, with the majority (n = 36, 80%) published within the past seven years. Overall, the quantitative studies in our scoping review provided evidence of a significant positive relationship, or effect, between nature and creativity. These relationships held across various types of nature including for wilderness, rural and urban settings, as well as in different applications of creativity such as in the arts, workplace, education, and laboratory conditions. Qualitative and case study research also supported the positive relationship between nature and creativity including in diverse nature settings and in different applications such as in visual arts, design, writing, music, free play in kindergartens, and work. Qualitative studies highlighted potential mechanisms behind this relationship, including time in solitude, appreciation of impermanence, relaxation and inspiration, and disconnection from technology. Moreover, the degree of exposure to nature may be an important consideration for creative performance with more immersive, real-life experiences typical of outdoor nature, tending to be more effective than indoor spaces with window views or indoor plants. These preliminary findings suggest that more opportunities to connect with nature, especially in the outdoors, may help to stimulate creativity in a wide range of settings including education, the creative arts, and workplaces, although more high-quality research examining the sustained effects of nature on creativity is needed.

The Narrowing of Self as Perceived by People in the Early Stages of Dementia-The Second Report.

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the sense of self that occurs amongst those who have been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia, where the individual attempts narrowing their world. The research was conducted using qualitative induction research methods, and data were collected using semi-structured interview methods. The interviews were conducted between 2017 and 2019. The 15 participants were residents with families in a Japanese city of about 950,000 people. The diagnosis was Alzheimer's disease in all cases. Of the 15 participants, six were male and nine female. The average age was 69.9 years. The average score on the MMSE was 19.8 points. The average period since the first diagnosis was 2 years. The average interview time was 51 minutes. The narrowing self perceived by these people diagnosed with mild dementia was composed of the "neglected self" and "closed self." While living in a safe world in which they had given up on their own possibilities and experienced narrowing, they were unable to give up and harbored regret, anger, resentment, and feelings of absurdity. We believe that this study will help us understand the experiences of people in the early stages of dementia and contribute to providing nursing care that is more tailored to the individuals involved.

O PAPEL DO PROFISSIONAL DE ENFERMAGEM NA ATENÇÃO A CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Among the professionals involved in the health care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), nurses stand out as the first to establish contact, maintaining significant proximity with this patient. However, the theme of nursing care aimed at childhood autism is still little disseminated in the scientific community and in the practice of nursing professionals, especially when the focus is the mental health of children and adolescents with ASD. The objective of this study is to investigate the fundamental role of nursing professionals in the care of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with an emphasis on promoting the mental health of both these individuals and those who live directly with them. To this end, a qualitative and descriptive research was carried out based on a systematic bibliographic review using the descriptors “Autism Spectrum Disorder”, “Nursing”, “Mental health”, "Child", "Adolescent" in the scientific platforms Google Scholar, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO and MEDLINE. A total of 1,098 articles were identified, of which 1,090 were obtained from the Google Scholar database, 4 from MEDLINE, 3 from SCIELO, 1 from PUBMED and none from LILACS. Of this total, 28 were considered eligible after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A huge gap was found in Brazilian research regarding the promotion of mental health of children and adolescents with ASD by nursing professionals. Therefore, it is considered urgent to conduct scientific studies that offer nurses more knowledge about ASD, helping them to develop a critical, analytical and humanized perspective.

Masculinity Unveiled: Exploring the Translation of Male Characters in the Twilight Saga Across Cultures

This study aims to identify the manifestations of masculinity portrayed by the main characters in the Twilight Saga novel series and to examine the appraisal system utilized to articulate masculinity and its subsequent translation. This research employed qualitative descriptive research. This research was oriented towards translation products. Data sources, including documents and informants, were selected through purposive sampling. The novels Twilight Saga Series, along with their translated versions, served as primary documents. Informants comprised experts in translation and linguistics. Linguistic and translation data form the basis of the research, encompassing shifts in translation and expressions of masculinity alongside evaluation schemes. Data analysis employed domain, taxonomy, component, and cultural theme analyses. The research findings revealed the presence of both invoked and inscribed expressions of masculinity. Five distinct types of masculinity emerge: sexual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and interpersonal. Graduation and attitude constitute the appraisal system for these expressions, with judgment being the most prevalent attitude type in Edward and Jacob's manifestations of masculinity. The research shows two shifts in masculinity type and appraisal systems. While both characters exhibit strong masculinity, the author provides more detailed descriptions of Edward's masculinity than Jacob's. Edward Cullen's masculinity is heavily influenced by his family background, particularly emphasizing physicality over other forms of masculinity. The study identifies data shifts, encompassing changes in masculinity type and appraisal system. Suggestions for future research include exploring translation methods and ideologies not addressed in this study and investigating prototype translation models for translating masculinity.

Abstract 4125940: Hypertensive Disorders During Pregnancy: Patient Perspectives on Care, Barriers, and a Path Forward

Background: The future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) after a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is well established. Blood pressure (BP) assessment and management after delivery is one essential part of downstream risk mitigation of future CVD. This requires intentional follow-up by clinicians and understanding by patients. We sought the perspectives of patients regarding solutions to barriers for health care interventions and self-care support after a HDP diagnosis. Methods: Phone interviews were conducted three to six months following a delivery from a random sample of women diagnosed with HDP, determined by ICD-10 codes. Interview questions were designed by a multidisciplinary team that included those who specialize in women’s CVD health and pregnancy. Interviews were conducted by a senior qualitative researcher. Questions aimed to discover health care and self-care steps taken following HDP diagnosis, reasons why these were not started or used consistently, education recalled, and areas for improvement. Results: A total of 20 women were interviewed from ages 21-42 (20-29, n=10; 30-39, n=8; and 40-42, n= 2) among 9 different hospitals (1 quaternary, 3 tertiary care hospitals, and 5 small-medium-rural community hospitals). Of the respondents, 50% were diagnosed during their third trimester, 25% in their second trimester, 20% in their first trimester, and 5% within a week after delivery. A total of 8 (40%) of the women were induced early given HDP concerns. Table 1 describes health care and self-care steps taken for HDP during and after pregnancy. If health care and/or self-care for HDP did not start or did not continue beyond the fourth trimester (>12-weeks post-delivery), reasons included BP stabilized or returned to normal, the clinician ‘wasn’t concerned’, and/or they didn’t have a history of a hypertension diagnosis. Table 2 lists suggested areas from those interviewed for improving support to women with HDP. Conclusion: This study suggests a high prevalence of unclear education with low patient recall and incomplete follow-up after delivery among women with HDP, with health care support and self-care diminishing after the fourth trimester. Understanding the perspectives of women with HDP and its associated risk factors can help in developing effective clinician and patient education and clinical pathways to reduce barriers for long-term care and CVD risk mitigation.

Impact of Cross - Cultural Exchanges on Dual - Cultural Identity: Taking “The Mutual Learning between Chinese Culture and Chinese - Greek Civilizations” as an Example

Background: In the context of globalization, cross - cultural communication has become a prominent feature, and , as a symbol of Chinese culture, play an increasingly important role in cross - cultural communication. This study explores the impact of cross - cultural wushu communication on dual cultural identity through the case of Greek students participating in Chinese wushu communication. Methods: The study adopts a qualitative research method, with semi - structured interviews as the main data collection tool. The sample includes 12 Greek students and 2 wushu teachers. The interview data is analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The results show four main themes and eight sub - themes. The strong interest of Greek students in Chinese culture is the main motivation for them to learn wushu. They showed a hard-working spirit during the learning process and overcame numerous difficulties. Wushu cultivation has cultivated students' self - discipline, perseverance, and respect for etiquette. The contact with wushu cultural elements has enhanced the understanding and comparison of Chinese and Greek cultures and strengthened dual cultural identity. Conclusion: Cross - cultural wushu communication has a positive impact on dual cultural identity and is an important way for skill transmission and cultural understanding and comparison. However, this study also has a small sample size as a limitation. Future studies can expand the sample and further explore this topic.

Pathways for Enhancing the Teaching Quality of Financial Education through Research Practices

Objective: This study investigates how integrating research practices into financial education can enhance students' learning outcomes, practical skills, and innovation capacity. With the rapid evolution of the financial sector due to globalization and technological advancements, financial education must move beyond traditional theoretical approaches to prepare students for complex real-world challenges. The objective of this research is to explore specific pathways for incorporating research-driven practices into financial curricula to better align education with industry demands. Methods: The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Surveys were distributed to 461 students and 121 faculty members from four universities—two research-intensive institutions and two applied colleges—aiming to capture diverse perspectives on the integration of research into teaching. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression models, and qualitative analysis of interviews with selected participants. The regression analysis focused on the relationship between the frequency of research participation and the development of practical skills and innovation capacity. Results: The regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between research participation and improved learning outcomes (β=0.52, p<0.01), practical skills (β=0.47, p<0.01), and innovation capacity (β=0.43, p<0.01). Students who participated in research projects demonstrated a deeper understanding of financial theories, stronger data analysis and decision-making skills, and greater creativity in problem-solving. These results suggest that research engagement significantly enhances students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Conclusion: Integrating research practices into financial education bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation among students. Universities should prioritize research-based learning, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary research, university-business collaborations, and digital platforms to expand student access to research experiences. Future studies should explore the role of interdisciplinary research in further enhancing financial education outcomes, particularly through fields such as data science, behavioral economics, and artificial intelligence.