Significant Statements Research Articles

Literacy Curricula, the Common Core, and Defending an Unpopular Profession: The Lived Experiences of Undergraduate Preservice Literacy Teachers

This study explored the lived experiences of eight pre-service teachers, specifically their understandings of teaching Common Core-aligned English language arts (ELA) and their feelings about becoming teachers of literacy amid the current era of accountability. Phenomenological methods were used to interview participants and analyze data for significant statements made by all eight pre-service teachers involved. Major themes to emerge include that pre-service teachers felt prepared to design ELA lessons but unprepared to develop an ELA curriculum; they felt the Common Core State Standards had changed everything about teaching; and they were anxious about becoming teachers during a time of great educational change. These findings can illuminate some of the tensions, successes, and challenges that pre-service teachers face, and may help teacher educators to tailor instruction to meet the needs of their students at a time when enrollment numbers in teacher education programs are at historic lows.

Incivility experiences in clinical practicum education among nursing students

BackgroundNursing students' incivility experiences not only cause stress and burnout but also have other negative effects on general clinical training, hindering their learning or even affecting their career decisions. ObjectivesThis study aimed to comprehensively and thoroughly examine the specific phenomena and implications of incivility experienced by nursing students during clinical practicum. DesignBased on the hermeneutical philosophy, this study utilizes an exploratory and qualitative design to describe the incivility experiences among nursing students undertaking clinical practicum. SettingThis study was conducted at Y nursing college located in W city of South Korea. ParticipantsThe participants were nursing students attending nursing colleges who were able to describe, in detail, their incivility experiences in clinical practice. These 32 senior-year students completed an entire course of clinical practice. MethodsData were collected through focus group interviews from September to November 2017. The focus group comprised 6 subgroups, with four to seven individuals each. For data analysis, the research manager compared the transcriptions with the recordings to confirm their accuracy. Qualitative content analysis methods were used to analyze the transcription contents. ResultsBased on the data analysis, 5 themes and 12 subheadings were derived from 131 significant statements. The derived themes included lack of respect, lack of role models, excessive demands, hostile behavior, and mean behavior. ConclusionsNursing students felt neglected and disrespected during clinical practicum, and clinical practice guides made unreasonable demands rather than presenting examples as role models during the learning process. The students also experienced mean behaviors such as refusal and hostile acts. The findings of this study imply the necessity to promote clinical practicum environments that can reduce incivility experiences and empower nursing students undertaking clinical practicum education.

Societal Factors of Private Tutoring in English: Evidence from Bangladeshi Higher Secondary Students

This study used the phenomenological qualitative research design to provide insights into the lived experiences of nine Bangladeshi higher secondary students in mainstream schools to determine the current practices of PT-E phenomenon, that had been motivated them to be enrolled in private tutoring sessions besides their formal schoolings. Each participant participated in one-to-one in-depth semi-structured interview. From nine verbatim transcripts 237 significant statements and four themes were emerged. The data represented that academic credentials, peer pressure, role of English in Bangladesh and parental involvement seem to be highly influential factors that influence school students to participate in PT-E.

Perspectives of Chinese Cancer Patients Toward Disclosure of Cancer Diagnosis to Their Minor Children.

One of the issues that cancer patients with minor or adolescent children face is whether to inform children about their cancer diagnosis. Their perspectives toward this issue are underexplored in China. The aim of this study was to explore Chinese cancer parents' perspectives toward informing children of their diseases. Eighteen cancer patients with children younger than 18 years were recruited using purposive sampling. Semistructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's approach. Six main themes with 2 to 6 subthemes emerged: (a) inappropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children, (b) appropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children, (c) communication content between cancer patients and their children in regard to cancer, (d) attitude on ways of disclosing cancer diagnosis to children, (e) reflections on parenting style, and (f) unmet needs for information and support. Perspectives of Chinese cancer parents toward truthfully disclosing their diagnosis vary, but all are for the purpose of protecting their children. Study findings indicate that Chinese cancer parents have culture-specific considerations, such as concepts of death and filial piety, which differ from studies in Western countries. Meanwhile, there are barriers between cancer parents and children in communicating about the illness and unmet needs for information and support. Psychosocial assessments and consultations, education, and interventions need to include a focus on the dependent children of adult cancer parents.

레스토랑 관련 행동 모방 연구

When mimicking the behavior of other consumers, there are a variety of choices in the restaurant selection decision process. The restaurant search is a typical example of mimicking psychology and mimic purchase behavior, and the psychology of visiting restaurants depending on the reputation of people is included in mimic behavior. Nevertheless, there is a lack of interest in customers’ mimicking psychology and behavioral research inherent in restaurant searches in the food service industry. This study conducted a focus group interview to understand mimicking psychology and mimic behavior in restaurants. Nine males and 18 females aged from their 20s to 50s participated in the focus group interview. Data were analyzed based on Colaizzi’s six steps method deriving 103 significant statements, 13 formulated meaning, and four themes: to find authentic taste, to reduce opportunity cost, to get gracious hospitality, and to experience the latest culture. Ultimately, these were integrated as “searching for value for money.” The results will help to identify the factors affecting decision making in restaurants as well as changes in consumer consumption patterns, and will contribute to the development of strategies to meet the diverse needs of customers.

The lived experience of motor recovery of elbow flexion following Oberlin nerve transfer: A qualitative analysis

Introduction Nerve injuries to the upper trunk, lateral cord and musculocutaneous nerve can result in the loss of active biceps contraction. Oberlin nerve transfer surgery is often performed to re-animate the biceps muscle. Outcome studies following this surgery almost exclusively focus on muscle strength. To date, no research has focused on the lived experience of motor recovery following Oberlin nerve transfer. Methods A focus group discussion ( n = 6) allowed participants to give their accounts of successful restoration of active elbow flexion. Qualitative analysis of the transcript identified ‘significant statements’ which were used to generate themes and capture participants’ lived experience. Results Four main themes were identified as being important components of the lived experience: ‘pain’, ‘patience and positive thought’, ‘functionality and daily lifestyle’ and ‘the biceps muscle’ itself. Each theme was identified to have several subthemes and constituent parts. Conclusions The lived experience of motor recovery is complex, multifaceted and individual to the patient. This study has identified areas where clinicians may be able to better tailor their care to the individual and suggested adjuncts to therapy have been included.

Nursing is for men: a descriptive phenomenological study

Background: The reasons men come into nursing is because of career stability, career progression and financial security.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the lived-experience of a group of male nursing students as to the attraction of nursing as a career choice.Method: A descriptive phenomenological approach using Colaizzi's seven step data analysis within the phenomenological empirical framework was used.Findings: The central theme developed from the transcripts was Nursing is for Men. Seven sub-themes were identified from the significant statements which included: Nursing is for me; wanting a new career; the jobs in the bag; striving to succeed; Men together; Family approval and Mate-ship realigned.Conclusion: The men in this study found the decision to become a nurse and undertake their nursing education challenging. Moreover, it was reconciling with family, friends and work colleagues that many felt was the biggest obstacle.

EVOLUTION NURSING: THEN, NOW, AND WILL BE…” PERCEPTIONS OF FILIPINO REGISTERED NURSES ON THE NURSING PROFESSION

This study aims to understand the perceptions of Filipino’s registered nurses about nursing in the past, present and in the future. Colaizzi’s methodological approach to phenomenological inquiry was utilized in analyzing the data gathered from this study. The participants of the study are Filipino Registered Nurses who are residing or working either in Filipino or abroad. After significant statements were extracted from the transcripts of the responses and the analysis of the formulated meanings emerged into four themes. The four clustered themes emerged were: EXTINCTION: A course before time, with five subthemes, Nurses are assistants to doctors, Limitation in the scope of learning and practice, Nursing: A woman’s job, Nursing: A calling to serve, and Human touch against mechanical works; ENHANCEMENT: A profession of the modern time, with five subthemes, Enthusiasm in the nursing career, Nurses are respected healthcare providers, More empowered, more opportunities, In search for greener pastures, and Dependence on technology; EMERGENCE: A 21st Century breakthrough in care, with three subthemes, Age of Innovative and technological development, Globally-competent nursing practice, and Computerized Documentation and Recording; and ENCOMPASSING: Nursing as a Caring Profession. These Filipino registered nurses lived and described their rich experiences from a phase of the 4 E’s: Extinction, Enhancement, Emergence and Encompassing Phase. It is quite evident that the nursing profession has greatly evolved through time. As time passed by, the amount of care is not diminished but further enhanced with the advent of modern technology. This study enlightens our eyes to the reality of the nursing profession of the modern times and how it will be in the future.

UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AFTER BEING PREPARED WITH SIMULATION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

As people with Alzheimer's gradually lose their ability to find words, express thoughts and follow conversations, they also have more difficulty understanding others. Communication changes during the middle stages include trouble finding the right word, repeating questions, losing the train of thought, reverting to a native language and relying on nonverbal communication. The middle stages of Alzheimer's are typically the longest and can last for many years. As dementia progresses, the person with Alzheimer's will require a greater level of care (Middle-StageCaregiving,2017). The care of the patient with AD, especially in the moderate stage (middle-stage) of the illness, requires an expertise, as care needs are changing, and is the disease stage most nursing students may encounter in a clinical rotation. Simulation in nursing education is used as an experiential teaching strategy, with high fidelity mannequins, as a means for nursing students to experience clinical situations in a safe environment before experiencing the situation in a real clinical setting. Studies have demonstrated that simulations that focus on care of older adults can lead to improved clinical judgment and empathy among nursing students. Much of the research focusing on gerontological education includes studies detailing negative student attitudes toward older adults and the effects of curriculum and learning activities on attitudes (Gutheil, Chernesky, & Sheratt, 2006; Holroyd, Dahlke, Fehr, Jung, & Hunter, 2009; Koh, 2012; McLafferty & Morrison, 2004; Scerri & Scerri, 2013). The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of experiences of senior nursing students who have cared for patients with AD during their clinical rotations one year after they experienced a simulation during their laboratory rotation, junior year. Design and Philosophy: This study used Colaizzi's (1978) method of descriptive phenomenology which is based on Edmund Husserl's philosophy of phenomenology. Sample: Purposive sampling was used to ensure nursing students who had this experience are chosen. The sample criteria of three was chosen as part of this assignment. Themes: Utilizing Colazzi's (1978) method of data analysis, 55 significant statements emerged from transcribed interviews of the nursing student's experiences caring for a patient with AD after being prepared with simulation.

Implications for the missing low-mass galaxies (satellites) problem from cosmic shear

ABSTRACT The number of observed dwarf galaxies, with dark matter mass ≲1011 M⊙ in the Milky Way or the Andromeda galaxy does not agree with predictions from the successful ΛCDM paradigm. To alleviate this problem, a suppression of dark matter clustering power on very small scales has been conjectured. However, the abundance of dark matter halos outside our immediate neighbourhood (the Local Group) seem to agree with the ΛCDM–expected abundance. Here we connect these problems to observations of weak lensing cosmic shear, pointing out that cosmic shear can make significant statements about the missing satellites problem in a statistical way. As an example and pedagogical application, we use recent constraints on small-scale power suppression from measurements of the CFHTLenS data. We find that, on average, in a region of ∼Gpc3 there is no significant small-scale power suppression. This implies that suppression of small-scale power is not a viable solution to the ‘missing satellites problem’ or, alternatively, that on average in this volume there is no ‘missing satellites problem’ for dark matter masses ≳5 × 109 M⊙. Further analysis of current and future weak lensing surveys will probe much smaller scales, k > 10h Mpc−1 corresponding roughly to masses M < 109M⊙.

Experiences of medical teachers in flipped learning for medical students: a phenomenological study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the experience of medical teachers in the process of adapting flipped learning method through a phenomenological approach.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with five medical teachers from two medical colleges and one medical school were conducted in December, 2017. Data analysis was done according to Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological methodology.ResultsA total of 160 unique significant statements were extracted. These statements generated 17 formulated meanings that were categorized into seven theme clusters and four theme categories. Main themes were: (1) teacher with high levels of passion and motivation; (2) hurdles of flipped learning: students were still passive, struggling in preparing for flipped learning; (3) positive changes from flipped learning: changes to classroom environment and teachers’ reflection through experience; and (4) challenges of flipped learning: remaining tasks for teachers, expansion of flipped learning.ConclusionThrough phenomenological approach, researchers were able to elucidate categories about the experience of medical teachers when attempting flipped learning. Although medical teachers did not have the exact same idea on how flipped learning was conducted and implemented, the perception of flipped learning, or difficulties in class activities, they were still wondering how they could teach students well. This study might draw more attention to flipped learning and stimulate educational and institutional supports to improve teaching and learning in medical schools.

Domains of health-related quality of life in age-related macular degeneration: a qualitative study in the Chinese cultural context

ObjectiveTo explore which areas of health-related quality of life were affected in Chinese patients, and to identify whether the areas are well covered by validated questionnaires.DesignA qualitative study based on...

대학생의 영어 학습 경험에 관한 연구

This study was conducted to find the nature of English learning experienced by college students who have studied the language as a required subject for 9 years since they were third grade in elementary school. The participants in this study were eight college students from the area of Busan and Gyeongsangnam-Do. The data were collected from June to November, 2016, and 2~3 times in-depth interviews were performed, and Giorgi(1997)’s phenomenological method was applied to analyze the data. As a result, 219 significant statements were derived, which were grouped 27 sub-components, and then were divided into 7 categories of themes. The 7 themes are ‘pleasant initial encounter with English’, ‘English learning as a simple labor of brains’, ‘feeling like studying English not for the language learning but for getting good grade’, ‘evaluating oneself and forming positive/negative perception of English on what others do’, ‘taking a view that the real life English and studying it at school are distinct’, ‘believing that English as a strong weapon for life even it’s often a source of problem’, and ‘having a mind of one’s own learning goal and the way of learning English’. From the research findings, this study have found what are the essential meanings of learning English for college students. It will be a toehold to plan the efficient English learning coaching program for the elementary, middle, and high school students, including their parents based on the results. And it will help to design the curriculum which will be suitable for the Korean students.

Study design and the estimation of the size of key populations at risk of HIV: lessons from Viet Nam

BackgroundEstimation of the size of populations at risk of HIV is a key activity in the surveillance of the HIV epidemic. The existing framework for considering future research needs may provide decision-makers with a basis for a fair process of deciding on the methods of the estimation of the size of key populations at risk of HIV. This study explores the extent to which stakeholders involved with population size estimation agree with this framework, and thus, the study updates the framework.MethodsWe conducted 16 in-depth interviews with key informants from city and provincial governments, NGOs, research institutes, and the community of people at risk of HIV. Transcripts were analyzed and reviewed for significant statements pertaining to criteria. Variations and agreement around criteria were analyzed, and emerging criteria were validated against the existing framework.ResultsEleven themes emerged which are relevant to the estimation of the size of populations at risk of HIV in Viet Nam. Findings on missing criteria, inclusive participation, community perspectives and conflicting weight and direction of criteria provide insights for an improved framework for the prioritization of population size estimation methods.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the exclusion of community members from decision-making on population size estimation methods in Viet Nam may affect the validity, use, and efficiency of the evidence generated. However, a wider group of decision-makers, including community members among others, may introduce diverse definitions, weight and direction of criteria. Although findings here may not apply to every country with a transitioning economy or to every emerging epidemic, the principles of fair decision-making, value of community participation in decision-making and the expected challenges faced, merit consideration in every situation.

Развитието на човешки капитал в бизнес-организациите и съвременното управление на човешките ресурси

Opportunities for increasing the potential of Bulgarian industrial sector organizations for human capital development are explored. The leading thesis is that the strategic goal of organizations to achieve and increase their competitiveness requires adequate policies and resulting mechanisms aimed at increasing the share of human capital holders. Significant scientific statements on human capital are presented. Key policies and mechanisms in human resource management in industrial organizations are analyzed in a coherent manner. The real problem fields limiting the development of human capital in organizations are systematized and some solutions to overcome them are argued.

Exploring mentorship programs and components in nursing academia: A qualitative study

Objective: Nursing education institutions globally have issued calls for mentorship to address the nursing faculty shortage; however, little is known about the current state of mentorship for faculty members in Canadian schools of nursing. The purpose of this study is to describe the current state of mentorship in Canadian schools of nursing and explore definitions and goals of mentorship programs, mentorship models and components, and mentorship evaluation.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Within the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing there are 81 English-speaking schools of nursing and 2,284 permanent faculty members spread over four regions. Participants were recruited from the 81 schools of nursing through the CASN newsletter list serve and publically accessible email addresses. Inclusion was limited to English speaking faculty. Purposive sampling aimed to capture variation across rank and tenure, school, size and areas within Canada. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to explore the participant’s (n = 48) perspectives and involvement with mentorship. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo was used to code and analyze the data for significant statements and phrases, which were organized into themes and sub-themes.Results: Mentorship remains largely informal in nursing academia without common definitions or goals. Current mentorship in nursing academia employed dyad, peer, group, constellation, and distance mentorship models. Common mentorship program components included guidelines, training, professional development workshops, purposeful linking of mentors and mentees, and mentorship coordinators. Evaluation of mentorship in nursing academia, where it exists, remains mostly descriptive, anecdotal, and lacks common evaluative metrics.Conclusions: Our results confirm mentorship in Canadian schools of nursing remains largely informal. In developing mentorship programs, academic leaders need to consider the mentorship models and components to meet their specific needs. Further rigorous evaluation of mentorship programs and components is needed to identify if mentorship programs are achieving specified goals.

Test anxiety: perceptions of American community college nursing students

BackgroundNowadays, there are common phenomena among college nursing students who reported increasingly test anxiety. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to increase understanding of American community college nursing students and their experiences using anextended time and other form of supportive accommodation to address test anxiety.MethodsThis study utilized focus group interview and carefully selected eight participants to join this research. The authors completed coding, categorizing, and identification of themes based on Moustakes’ (1994, in Phenomenological research methods. Sage, Thousand Oaks) approach to data analysis. A transcription of the focus group recording was read to inform a general impression of the experiences of our participants. A final list of significant statements was developed, and from this list the authors grouped them into larger units of information and from these units, identified common themes (Creswell 2013 in Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches. Sage, Thousand Oaks).ResultsImplementation of, and data analysis from, an eight-member focus group interview revealed six themes: (a) students’ feelings of being anxious and overwhelmed, (b) the impact of nursing school stress, (c) the perceived benefits of using test accommodations, (d) environmental influences, (e) challenges and supportive structures for securing accommodations, and (f) metaperception of stigmatization.ConclusionsIn this study, students reported a benefit from using extended time for testing and noted the importance of the testing environment as an essential feature of the accommodation. Challenges faced by students included the ordeal of getting a diagnosis and potential for stigmatization. Participants indicated teachers provided essential support during this process. Study results suggest extended time accommodation provides an added level of fairness in the process of learning evaluation.

The Innovation Paradigm of New Industrialization in the Conditions of the Integrated World Economic Way

The article emphasizes the importance of the concept of «technical and economic paradigm», which characterizes the certain stage of the world economy development associated with the corresponding technological revolution. The paper reveals the feature of the modern technical and economic paradigm development connected with new concepts determining a priority of general values. The author states the hypothesis that in the conditions of the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution elements (so-called 4.0 industry), it is fair to consider the innovation paradigm of development as the foundation of the new industrialization which preceds this revolution. The author considers new industrialization as the process contributing to the global technological parity of Russia and the countries-technological leaders. The most significant statements from this post of view are allocated: consideration of new industrialization as a process of continuous innovations and distribution of breakthrough technologies, computerization of production, robotization, cross-disciplinary nature of high technologies, the ecology of technologies, intellectualization of the potential of all persons occupied in industrial production, etc. The author analyses strategic documents connected with the development of innovative activities in Russia. The paper emphasizes that the indicators characterizing these activities do not allow to rank Russia as a country having the developed innovative economy. The article reveals the possibilities of the activation of innovative activities in Russia connected to the development of the approved private priorities in the main spheres of activity with the state priorities of social development; with construction of integrated strategy of a scientific and technological, institutional and industrial development of the country; with creation of the system of scientific monitoring allowing to adjust the necessary corrective actions in time. The article emphasizes a dominant nature of the institutional environment predetermining a success of socio-economic and innovative development of national economy. New integrated world economic way is forming in the conditions of the increasing importance of an innovation paradigm. The successfulness of its implementation is determined by a ratio of the inclusive (involving) and extractive (taking out) economic and political institutes.

A broken promise? Evaluating South Africa’s reconciliation process twenty years on

To help explain public sentiment about reconciliation among contemporary South Africans, two major issues are discussed. The first is how reconciliation was articulated and ‘performed’ by key leaders during the early transition. The second relates to factors shaping South Africans’ current perceptions of reconciliation. By recalling significant statements made by political leaders, and outlining the roles of the National Peace Accord and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is shown that reconciliation was initially accepted by South Africans when it was defined as an acceptance of their interdependence, and was seen as being based on a commitment to justice and inclusivity. The post-apartheid leadership was mandated to build on these commitments in order to create a more just society over time. However, data from various public opinion surveys reveal that, despite important achievements, the government’s failure to pay reparations, combined with state corruption and denial from the white community, have created increasing disillusionment with reconciliation.

Patient Experiences When Preparing for Discharge Home after Total Knee Replacement

Purpose: Following total knee replacement (TKR), patients must prepare quickly for discharge to home via education and rehabilitation. Patient needs may not fully be met prior to discharge after TKR surgery. The purpose of this descriptive study using transcendental phenomenology methods was to understand patients’ experiences when preparing to return home after TKR surgery. Method: Data was collected using semi-structured interviews that occurred 1 to 2 days prior to discharge in patients’ hospital rooms. Four participants were interviewed prior to discharge and interviews were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysis and data collection were concurrent, permitting subsequent interviews to be altered as needed based on results from previous participants. Thematic analysis of the interview transcriptions was conducted to identify significant meaning statements through a process of horizonalization. Significant statements were organized into shared themes among participants. Results: Three themes emerged: being supported for discharge home; having confidence in self, family and health care staff; and persevering: overcoming obstacles. Participants overall felt prepared for their surgery and the post-operative phase. The following factors increased readiness for discharge: having prior positive experience with TKR through the experiences of others, attending pre-operative education, interacting with knowledgeable staff, and having the appropriate support at home. Some patients were unprepared for the amount of pain they experienced after surgery. Conclusions/Recommendations: Health care providers should educate patients about safety for the home environment, adaptive techniques for functional tasks, and when to resume normal activities at home. Other implications include encouraging patients to attend pre-operative education, addressing patients’ previous experiences with TKR, both positive and negative, as well as providing realistic information regarding pain after surgery.