Relevant Skills Research Articles

Factors Affecting Teachers Quality in Higher Vocational Colleges in Maoming City, China

Purpose: For learning environments like schools and colleges, predicting students' success is one of the most important issues since it aids in the creation of practical systems that, among other things, promote academic achievement and prevent dropout. Theoretical framework: A rigorous analysis and processing of this data might provide us with knowledge about the students' knowledge and how it relates to academic assignments. In this study, classroom management, teacher qualification and in-service training with the effect so mediating variable of teacher quality have been used to measure students’ performance. Design/methodology/approach: 364 respondents have been participated by using questionnaire are data collection methods and the data are analyses by using SMART-PLS. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that the classroom management on students’ performance in-service training, and teacher qualification have significant relationship with teacher quality. The strength and the relationships of the variables might be re-examined by future researchers, including adding more variables from strategic, organizational, and environmental dimensions to determine the accuracy of the model. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in understanding the school quality management as this is the first study with the set of such variables. In other words, this study attempts to increase the understanding of the relationship between school quality management strategies on students’ performance. Originality/value: Education authorities should encourage all teachers to develop themselves through regular participation in seminars and conferences organized in their field of expertise in order to update their knowledge and acquire relevant teaching skills to help them impart appropriate knowledge to their students. In addition, the education department should provide schools with basic teaching equipment to make the teaching and learning process easier in schools.

Factors Affecting Students Performance Mediated by Teachers Quality in Higher Vocational Colleges in Maoming City, China

Purpose: For learning environments like schools and colleges, predicting students' success is one of the most important issues since it aids in the creation of practical systems that, among other things, promote academic achievement and prevent dropout. They gain from the automation of several student-related tasks that deal with large amounts of data gathered via software tools for technology-enhanced learning. Theoretical framework: A rigorous analysis and processing of this data might provide us with knowledge about the students' knowledge and how it relates to academic assignments. In this study, classroom management, teacher qualification and in-service training with the effect so mediating variable of teacher quality have been used to measure students’ performance. Design/methodology/approach: 364 respondents have been participated by using questionnaire are data collection methods and the data are analyses by using SMART-PLS. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that the classroom management on students’ performance in-service training, and teacher qualification have significant relationship with teacher quality. The strength and the relationships of the variables might be re-examined by the future researchers, including adding more variables from strategic, organizational, and environmental dimensions to determine the accuracy of the model. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in understanding the school quality management as this is the first study with the set of such variables. In other words, this study attempts to increase the understanding of the relationship between school quality management strategies on students’ performance. Originality/value: Education authorities should encourage all teachers to develop themselves through regular participation in seminars and conferences organized in their field of expertise in order to update their knowledge and acquire relevant teaching skills to help them impart appropriate knowledge to their students. In addition, the education department should provide schools with basic teaching equipment to make the teaching and learning process easier in schools.

Enhancing Accounting Students' Competence through Information Technology-based Financial Reporting: A Community Engagement Initiative in Sidoarjo


 
 
 
 
 
 In this digital era, the demands for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have led to the increasing need for accounting students to acquire additional hard skills in operating simple accounting programs like spreadsheets. To address this need, a community engagement program was conducted in partnership with a vocational school in Sidoarjo to provide training on information technology-based financial reporting. The methods included surveys, discussions, problem formulation, planning, demonstrations, and learning evaluation. The program aimed to enhance students' basic knowledge and expertise in accounting, enabling them to compete in the Industrial Revolution era. The outcome of the program showed significant improvement in students' ability to utilize spreadsheets for data processing and financial statement preparation. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of incorporating technology in accounting education to equip students with relevant skills for the modern job market.
 Highlight:
 
 Integration of Information Technology: The study highlights the increasing demand for accounting students to possess skills in utilizing information technology, particularly spreadsheets, for data processing and financial reporting.
 Community Engagement Approach: The research employs a community engagement initiative to address partners' problems, including surveys, counseling, and providing solutions to enhance students' competencies.
 Benefits for Accounting Students: The program's main benefit is the enhancement of basic knowledge and expertise of accounting students in Sidoarjo, empowering them to compete effectively in the modern era.
 
 Keyword: Information Technology, Accounting Education, Spreadsheet, Financial Reporting, Industrial Revolution
 
 
 
 
 

New horizons in the role of digital data in the healthcare of older people.

Healthcare improvements have resulted in increased population longevity and hence multimorbidity. Shared care records to improve communication and information continuity across care settings hold potential for older people. Data structure and coding are key considerations. A workforce with expertise in caring for older people with relevant knowledge and skills in digital healthcare is important.

Examining industry expectations for content knowledge in mechatronics across career and professional certificate programs

Technological advancements, ever-evolving necessary skillsets, and an aging workforce have all contributed to a growing labor crisis wherein there are not enough qualified candidates available to fill vacant jobs in the manufacturing sector – in essence, a skilled labor shortage. Certificate programs (earned independently in a two-year college, while working in industry, or concurrently with an undergraduate degree) in hybrid fields like mechatronics provide a conduit for producing qualified candidates that ideally are equipped with the skills required by industry. However, it is important to gauge what industry expects from such graduates; in other words, pragmatically, what do they expect these students to know after completing a given certificate? The current study surveyed a range of mechatronics industry professionals on their expectations for content knowledge on a list of relevant skills for two different certificate programs in mechatronics (i.e., career pathway (two-year) and professional (four-year) certificates). Results showed that expectations differed for the two certificates on certain topics, especially related to feedback and control systems. It is hoped that these findings will enable the subsequent development and refinement of certificate programs to best ensure that students are mastering the critical requisite skills to be successful in their manufacturing careers.

Community-Engaged Pedagogy in the Psychology Classroom: Shelter Dogs go to College

Background Community-engaged pedagogy has the potential to benefit both students and the community. Objective The purpose of this project was to design a new undergraduate psychology course according to recommended community-engaged practices and to explore learning outcomes associated with it. The Canine Learning and Behavior (CLB) course, taught by faculty and community co-educators, offered undergraduate psychology students the opportunity to train shelter dogs and write shelter-specific grant applications. Method Learning outcomes were assessed via course grades and self-evaluation questions for students enrolled in the CLB ( n = 21) and in a comparably challenging Sensation and Perception (SnP, n = 47) course, taught within the same semesters by the same faculty instructor. Results In comparison to participation in the SnP course, participation in the CLB course was associated with higher content comprehension, confidence in and familiarity with relevant skills (i.e., dog training and grant writing), as well as awareness of and sense of responsibility to the needs of the community. Conclusion The employment of community-engaged pedagogy can benefit various stakeholders, including students, the community, and in this specific case, shelter dogs. Teaching Implications This proof-of-concept study may encourage psychology educators to integrate community-engaged pedagogy into their curriculum.

Evaluation of structured doctoral training programs in German life sciences: how much do such programs address hurdles faced by doctoral candidates?

IntroductionWays to improve the quality of doctoral education are debated internationally. In Europe, the United States, and other countries, there have been policy initiatives to address these. One approach has been the implementation of so-called structured doctoral training programs (doctoral programs) including formal structures such as courses, supervision agreements, external examiners for grading the thesis. However, there is little known about how doctoral programs implement the debated structures. As a result, the question arises whether existing programs already address the challenges of doctoral education and implement policy demands.MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the structure of 82 life science doctoral programs in Germany in a document analysis and a survey of program experts. We focused on (1) interdisciplinary aspects and (2) the international orientation of these programs. We evaluated the (3) courses offered, (4) formal characteristics of supervision, and (5) examination regulations of the doctoral programs.ResultsThe results showed that the doctoral programs already address these five aspects to some extent. However, there is variability as a function of institution and details of policy demand realizations are very heterogeneous. Some doctoral programs provide opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation, but only few promote international orientation. Offered courses cover some relevant academic skills, but courses on, e.g., teaching, open access and public outreach are still rare. Structured regulations on supervision, e.g., through regular meetings and supervision agreements, are also rarely implemented. Lastly, most supervisors remain strongly involved in examining doctoral theses.DiscussionWe conclude that there is still a crucial need for improvement of doctoral programs through more extensive implementation of policy demands. We detail cross-national and -disciplinary practical implications for coordinators of doctoral programs.

Visual Thinking Strategies in medical education: a systematic review

BackgroundArts-based pedagogical tools have been increasingly incorporated into medical education. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a research-based, constructivist teaching methodology that aims to improve visual literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills through the process of investigating works of art. Harvard Medical School pioneered the application of VTS within medical education in 2004. While there are several studies investigating the use of VTS, there is a need to systematically assess the different programs that exist for medical education and their efficacy in improving relevant clinical skills. This systematic review aims to critically analyse the available evidence of the effectiveness of VTS in medical education to guide future research and provide a framework to adapt medical curricula.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases (through November 2022) was conducted to identify studies of VTS-based interventions in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Two reviewers independently screened citations for inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The extracted data was then narratively synthesized.ResultsOf 5759 unique citations, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. After reference review, one additional study was included. Therefore, 11 studies were included in our review. Of these, eight reported VTS-based interventions for undergraduate medical students and three reported interventions in residency training, specifically in dermatology and ophthalmology. The main goal of most studies was to increase observational or visual diagnostic skills. Three of the studies in undergraduate medical education and two in postgraduate achieved a statistically significant improvement in observational skills in post-course evaluations. Some studies reported increased tolerance for ambiguity and empathy.ConclusionsAlthough the studies varied considerably in study design, learning objectives, and outcomes, findings consistently indicate that the VTS approach can serve as a vehicle to develop crucial clinical competencies, encouraging more in-depth visual analysis that could be applied when observing a patient. Despite some limitations of the included studies (lack of control groups, self-selection bias, or non-standard outcome measures), the results of this review provide support for greater inclusion of VTS training in the medical curriculum.

Development of an information model of personnel development in the process of training at the workplace

The improvement of competences in relation to the solution of everyday tasks of production practice is best carried out in the process of training at the workplace due to the combination of acquired theoretical knowledge with practical experience. An urgent task of evaluating the effectiveness of training at the workplace is the diagnosis of the level of preparedness of the personnel of a multimedia company for scientific and technical activities, which can be carried out on the basis of the use of an appropriate information model of personnel development. The purpose of the article was to implement the development of a system model for the formation of professional skills in specialists of multimedia technologies of the polygraphic profile. The article proposes a method of informational support for personnel development through on-the-job training. As a framework that explains the knowledge and skills for the effective implementation of training in the workplace, the current content of competencies is considered. The key areas of personnel qualities related to multimedia technologies are systematized. As part of the conducted research, an information model was created and competence formation was tested within the framework of the relevant modules. The impact of engineering and organizational skills on improving the competencies of multimedia technology specialists is considered. The main components of success in the formation of professional skills of personnel as a result of training at the workplace are considered and analysed. As a result of the work carried out, recommendations were made on the diagnosis of the levels of training of personnel of multimedia and computer companies to improve their own scientific and technical activities, the choice of the content of professional training of specialists in the multimedia profile, the application of a systematic approach to the formation of relevant skills and abilities. A morphological matrix of the formation of technical creativity skills of the personnel of a multimedia company in the process of training at the workplace was created. With the help of Shannon’s information system, a mathematical model of the formation of relevant special modules of competences was obtained. Emphasizing the technical component, the influence of engineering and organizational skills in the process of training at the workplace is considered. The entropy level of the learning system was calculated before and after receiving information. The dependence of entropy on the level of acquired knowledge was analysed. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the formation of practical recommendations for the management of computer and multimedia companies for the organization of training at the workplace, as a result of which employees receive positive incentives for the development of relevant competencies.

Do education and the labor market speak the same language?

Abstract This paper addresses the need for terminology convergence and the systematic use of up-to-date descriptors and concepts in the European higher education and labor market environments. Rapid developments in the language industry are remodelling the translation profession in particular and generating new processes, new training needs and, therefore, a new skills demand. Changing market expectations, cross-occupational mobility and multifaceted professional profiles in the translation industry claim to exploit the full potential of standard and multilingual taxonomies like ESCO – the European Classification of Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations. This research draws on the European Master’s in Translation (EMT) competence framework for 2018–2024 to perform a descriptive analysis of the English and Spanish entries for the occupation of “translator” in ESCO’s latest 2020 version. Findings suggest that ESCO’s content could be aligned with the professionally oriented EMT framework to overcome shortcomings in representing translators’ identity and present the reality of the translation market, while matching its content more accurately to the most relevant skills and competences generally developed in current translator training programs.

Collaborative leadership to support sustainability in practice for dietitians as allied health professionals.

Allied health professionals (AHPs) have an important role to support the Greener National Health Service (NHS) agenda. Dietitians are AHPs who are already demonstrating strong influence on food sustainability advocacy. There is call for more collaboration across the health professions to optimise "green" leadership in the pursuit of planetary health. The present study aimed to investigate the perceived role of AHP leaders and future leaders around more sustainable healthcare practices. A mixed methods approach using audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with strategic AHP leaders (n = 11) and focus groups with student AHPs (n = 2). Standardised open-ended questions considered concepts of (i) leadership, (ii) green agenda, (iii) collaboration and (iv) sustainability. Purposive sampling used already established AHP networks. Thematic analysis systematically generated codes and themes with dietetic narratives drawn out specifically as exemplars. The findings represent diverse AHP voices, with six of 14 AHPs analysed, including dietetic (future) leaders. Three key themes emerged: (1) collective vision of sustainable practice; (2) empowering, enabling and embedding; and (3) embracing collaborative change. Dietetic specific narratives included food waste, NHS food supply chain issues, and tensions between health and sustainability advice. The present study shows that collaborative leadership is a core aspiration across AHP leaders and future leaders to inform the green agenda. Despite inherent challenges, participant perceptions illustrate how "change leadership" might be realised to support the net zero agenda within health and social care. Dietitians possess the relevant skills and competencies, and therefore have a fundamental role in evolving collaborative leadership and directing transformational change towards greener healthcare practices. Recommendations are made for future leaders to embrace this agenda to meet the ambitious net zero targets.

Factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects as construction contract administrators (CCA)

PurposeVarious studies have been conducted to explore the factors that are important to be considered for the effectiveness of construction contract administration (CCA) but lack in the context of graduate architects. The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects in CCA and possible methods to enhance their work efficiency through developing the relevant skills in a changing construction environment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper identified the factors that influence the effectiveness of graduate architects in CCA through the quantitative methods. General skill elements that are perceived as essential for the effectiveness of CCA had been investigated through a survey of graduate architects in the construction industry. One hundred and twenty-seven completed questionnaires returned were analyzed and tested using descriptive analysis and relative important index (RII).FindingsThe result from the study showed that the factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects as CCA are building construction skills, design management skills, project management skills, soft skills and dispute resolution skills.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study can be utilized for developing models/tools in the future that would improve the work performance of graduate architects in CCA. Educators may utilize this study to improve their syllabus to cater to the market's demand and facilitate students' entry into the labor market.

Educational Equity: Study Abroad for Underrepresented Minority and First-Gen Public Health Students

For public health students, global education supports development of core skills towards becoming effective leaders and advocates for health equity. Despite the growing number of undergraduate students participating in experiential study abroad opportunities, there remains a stark educational disparity: racial and ethnic minority students continue to be underrepresented. Less than 20% of Hispanic/Latinx and African American students participate in study abroad (NAFSA, 2022). This situation is especially urgent given the shortage of diverse public health professionals. It is imperative for the educational pipeline to address the structural limitations that hinder access to academic opportunities for diverse and disadvantaged students. To meet the challenge, our institution created a course expressly for underrepresented minorities and first-generation public health students. This article describes the course’s intentional design, implementation, and assessment of long-term outcomes. Findings highlight the impact of this experience for minority and first-gen students as they entered graduate education and the public health workforce. All participants voiced benefits in developing relevant career skills, global citizenship, and personal growth. As public health educators, our focus on health equity must include equitable access to innovative experiences for underserved public health students as fundamental to public health pedagogy.

Empirical Evaluation of a Differentiated Assessment of Data Structures: The Role of Prerequisite Skills

There can be many reasons why students fail to answer correctly to summative tests in advanced computer science courses: often the cause is a lack of prerequisites or misconceptions about topics presented in previous courses. One of the ITiCSE 2020 working groups investigated the possibility of designing assessments suitable for differentiating between fragilities in prerequisites (in particular, knowledge and skills related to introductory programming courses) and advanced topics. This paper reports on an empirical evaluation of an instrument focusing on data structures, among those proposed by the ITiCSE working group. The evaluation aimed at understanding what fragile knowledge and skills the instrument is actually able to detect and to what extent it is able to differentiate them. Our results support that the instrument is able to distinguish between some specific fragilities (e.g., value vs. reference semantics), but not all of those claimed in the original report. In addition, our findings highlight the role of relevant skills at a level between prerequisite and advanced skills, such as program comprehension and reasoning about constraints. We also suggest ways to improve the questions in the instrument, both by improving the distractors of the multiple choice questions, and by slightly changing the content or phrasing of the questions. We argue that these improvements will increase the effectiveness of the instrument in assessing prerequisites as a whole, but also to pinpoint specific fragilities.

Impacts of maker technologies on classroom learning outcomes: A mixed methods explanatory study

The integration of making activities in classrooms provides a crucial opportunity for all students to gain equitable participation access to learning activities. However, for making to be incorporated into more classrooms, teachers must be adequately prepared with relevant knowledge and skills. This study is the first to compare the science learning outcomes associated with making to those stemming from standard learning curricula and experiences within a classroom setting. We examine the learning outcomes of 219 students across multiple sections of one teacher’s 9th-grade science classes. While five sections of students were taught using the school’s standard learning curriculum, four sections of students engaged in an integrated maker curriculum. A mixed methods approach offers a comprehensive look at the affordances and limitations of maker-based classroom science instruction by coupling student science learning outcomes with student and teacher reflections on instruction and learning. Findings indicate that students had better learning outcomes in science class when learning occurred through maker technologies than the school’s standard learning curriculum.

Pre-service teachers’ latent profile transitions in the evaluation of evidence

Teachers are expected to consider scientific evidence to inform their teaching, which requires skills, knowledge, and affirmative beliefs regarding the utility of science for teaching practice. We analyzed preservice teachers' profiles regarding evidence evaluation and whether taking a course on information-seeking and research methods resulted in a transition from a nonscientific to a scientific profile. The results revealed positive effects regardless of preservice teachers' beliefs. The higher the teachers’ self-reported skills and knowledge is, the higher is the probability of transitioning to a scientific profile. Our findings highlight the importance of promoting relevant skills and knowledge in teacher education.

Overview analysis of the regulation of insider trading in Zimbabwe during the corona virus pandemic

PurposeIt is important to note that insider trading is currently outlawed under the Securities Act 17 of 2004 (Chapter 24: 25) as amended (Securities Act) in Zimbabwe. This Act enumerates some practices that may give rise to insider trading liability in the Zimbabwean financial markets. Nonetheless, numerous challenges, such as the lack of adequate financial resources, the lack of sufficient persons with the relevant skills and expertise on the part of the enforcement authorities, lack of political will, inadequacy of insider trading provisions, poor cooperation and collaboration between the relevant authorities and the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic have negatively impeded the effective regulation and combating of insider trading in Zimbabwe. To this end, the author explores the stated challenges and recommend measures that could be used by regulatory bodies and other relevant enforcement authorities to enhance the regulation and combating of insider trading in the Zimbabwean financial markets. This study aims to enhance the detection and combating of insider trading in Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research methodology is used through the analysis of relevant legislation and case law.FindingsIt is hoped that the findings and recommendations made in this study will be considered by the Zimbabwean policymakers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does not use empirical research methodology.Practical implicationsThe findings and recommendations made in this study could enhance the combating of insider trading activities in Zimbabwe.Social implicationsThe study seeks to curb insider trading in the Zimbabwean financial markets and financial institutions in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic-related regulatory and enforcement challenges.Originality/valueThe study provides original research on the regulation and combating of insider trading activities in Zimbabwe.

PERSPECTIVES ON MUSIC EDUCATION IN ESTONIAN SCHOOLS

The content of education at schools meeting the demand for culturally, socially and politically relevant knowledge, skills and competencies for a particular society has remained an issue of debate in all times. Estonia started development of a new national curriculum (NC) in 2020/2021 and both – the content of learning as well as its organization from kindergartens up to the end of gymnasia became a serious issue. The main topic for debates were the proportions of compulsory and optional subjects, especially at the final level (grades 10–12). Music and other art subjects must prove their positions during recent pandemia and military conflicts. The aim of the study is to map expectations of different target groups concerning the future of music education creating the basis for development of music culture in society.The students (n=203) were asked to write essays, analyzing why learning music at high school level is meaningful or not for their personal development. The people responsible for pan-Estonia cultural organizations were interviewed (n=10) and the data were analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study can be used for development of music syllabi in NC of all levels of general education under the present conditions and for teacher training.

Building Accounting and Entrepreneurship Skills in Orphanage Children

Orphanages have an important role in providing protection and education for children in need. However, they often face challenges in preparing children for the real world after they leave the orphanage. Accounting and entrepreneurship skills are important aspects in equipping children with the ability to manage finances and develop their business potential. This service aims to help orphanage children develop basic accounting skills and a basic understanding of entrepreneurship. We strive to provide them with a foundation of knowledge that will assist them in managing their personal finances and open up opportunities to grow their business in the future. This service activity is carried out through a series of interactive workshops which include a basic understanding of accounting, recording simple transactions, making simple financial reports, and introducing basic concepts of entrepreneurship. Workshops are held periodically over a period of time to ensure deep understanding and practical application by children. The results of this community service activity show an increase in the understanding of orphanage children about the basic principles of accounting and the concept of entrepreneurship. They can understand the importance of accurate financial records and the opportunities to develop small businesses in their surroundings. The participants showed great enthusiasm in following the workshop and actively participated in the discussions and practical exercises. This service activity succeeded in building basic accounting skills and knowledge of entrepreneurship in orphanage children. With this knowledge base, they have the potential to manage their finances more wisely and develop small businesses that can have a positive impact on their future. Thus, this approach has the potential to make a positive contribution in equipping orphanage children with relevant and useful skills.

Teaching power skills to improve physician self-efficacy, reduce burnout, and improve patient outcomes

If doctors had a way to improve their patients' healthcare experience, improve service feedback, reduce complaints, increase treatment adherence and reduce non-attendance, while at the same time combatting burnout and compassion fatigue in clinicians and enhancing collaborative working between staff and care teams, and all for zero direct cost, could anyone argue against such an intervention? In this paper, we present the views of the educators and clinicians at Maudsley Learning that training in communication and psychological 'power skills' is not only feasible, but crucially important for physicians at all stages of training to improve both patient care and the wellbeing of clinicians themselves. We explore some of the key relevant skills and present examples of high-fidelity simulation training that demonstrate the efficacy of this modality in improving individual skills and confidence as well as inter-team and interdisciplinary working.