Students In Taiwan Research Articles

Bibliotherapy experiences of female undergraduate students in Taiwan

ABSTRACT This study described the bibliotherapy experiences of female undergraduate students in Taiwan, particularly the effects of bibliotherapy on their self-healing and growth. Twelve female undergraduate students aged 18–25 years from three universities participated in this study. Several themes were emerged from data analysis: (1) enriching connotations, expanding cognition and improving self-understanding; (2) soothing emotions, healing, and developing self-compassion; (3) correcting deficiencies and solving problems; and (4) the process of bibliotherapy. The implications of the present findings are presented.

Body as Mediator?Institutionalizing Bodily Disciplinary Techniques, Identities and Reflexive Practices of Female High School Dance Class Students in Taiwan

Body as Mediator?Institutionalizing Bodily Disciplinary Techniques, Identities and Reflexive Practices of Female High School Dance Class Students in Taiwan

The concepts of sustainability value and the application of big data in enhancing the ability of sustainability marketing

PurposeWe seek to contribute to the literature by comparing and analyzing the relationship between Australian and Taiwanese students regarding environmental value attitude, action intention and green marketing intention. Specifically, by comparing the green marketing intention of hospitality and tourism (H&T) students in the East with that in the West.Design/methodology/approachA well-designed curriculum examines student thinking and behavior (learn). This study compares and analyzes the value and attitude and the application of big data to green marketing among Taiwanese and Australian university students using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 633 H&T students in Taiwan (389) and Australia (244).FindingsThis study also shows how the national differences between Australia and Taiwan have interference effects on the relationship between value attitudes and action intentions and between action intentions and the green marketing intention. We also combined the application of big data and related variables and estimated the mediating effect of related variables to evaluate the impact on action intentions and green marketing of big data applications.Practical implicationsThere are significant differences in the sustainable behavior and intentions of H&T higher education students that reflect the educational differences between the East and the West. These different results may be due to a lack of natural resources and the relatively smaller size of Taiwan. With the strengthening of environmental action intention (AI) and green marketing intention (GMI), Taiwanese hospitality and management (H&M) students' sense of crisis increases, and their performance in GMI is slightly higher than that in Australia.Originality/valueThese findings indicate that it is necessary to consider students' ecological concepts, environmental knowledge, environmental value attitude and environmental action intention to improve their intentions to engage in green marketing under the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework. We also found that environmental knowledge has a mediating effect on the relationship between ecological concepts and environmental value attitude.

Examining the Influence of Sports Appreciation on Sports Engagement and Behaviors: The Moderating Role of Sport Type among Taiwanese Pupils

This study examines the impact of sports participation and appreciation on sports identification and engagement with sports spectatorship with the sport type as a moderator through a perspective of the social and emotional development of elementary school students in Taiwan. This research specifically explores the influence of baseball and badminton activities on students’ engagement and connection with sports. An experimental design, supplemented with questionnaires, was utilized, involving 111 students from middle and upper grades who either participated in a recreational sports camp or did not. This study aimed to uncover quasi-causal relationships among active sports participation, personal identification with sports, and spectator behaviors. Pre- and post-camp surveys indicated that participation in sports camps significantly enhanced sports identification and interest in spectating, particularly in baseball, because of more frequent viewing opportunities. The findings highlight the importance of the type of sport and the level of identification with it in sustaining an ongoing interest in sports spectatorship. Interestingly, introducing spectatorship at badminton camps resulted in decreased sports identification and engagement intentions, suggesting that programs must be tailored to developmental needs and meet the abilities of young learners to be effective.

Using the Chinese Version of Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale to Identify the Psychometrics Properties and Typology of Perfectionism Among Gifted Junior High School Students

The study aimed to explore the Chinese version of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale suitable for gifted junior high school students and to classify the types of perfectionism. The Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale was translated into Chinese to evaluate the factor structure and typology of academically gifted students in Taiwan. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure with 31 items in a 212 junior high school student sample. The validation study included a total of 498 academically gifted students. Factor analyses produced three rather than the six previously predicted factors. With some modifications, confirmatory factor analysis and accepted composite reliability supported the same three-factor structure. The study used 18 items to validate the three-structure and discovered three types of perfectionists: healthy, unhealthy, and non-perfectionist. The study supported the tool’s effectiveness in determining the state and typology of perfectionism in gifted students.

A reflective exploration of international academic exchanges: Analysing impacts and envisioning transformative international learning experiences

The phenomenon of international mobility has emerged as a prominent aspect of higher education internationalization worldwide. However, it is crucial to recognize that the essence of internationalization extends beyond the sheer number of international students enrolled. A pivotal focus lies in the multicultural competencies these students cultivated during their extended residence and study abroad periods. This empirical study endeavors to ascertain the genuine accomplishments of international students concerning multicultural exploration and the development of a global mindset while pursuing degrees overseas. Key considerations encompass the daily experiences of these students in communities with diverse cultures, their adaptation to academic life on campus amidst classmates and professors from various cultural backgrounds, and the evolution of their multicultural competencies and global perspectives. Through critical reflection, this paper presents a conceptual framework to enhance comprehension of multicultural competencies within the context of higher education's internationalization trends. The research methodology involved qualitative interviews conducted with international students in Taiwan, and the ensuing data underwent analysis using content analysis techniques. The findings underscore the intricate nature of multicultural competencies in higher education, encompassing multiple processes and challenges. To foster more successful international study experiences, this study advocates for collaborative efforts from host institutions and peers alongside international students' comprehensive understanding of the host country's culture.

Assessment of opioid knowledge and attitudes among senior medical students in Taiwan’s pain education curriculum: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

IntroductionWhile the opioid crisis has been a significant concern in North America, Taiwan has not encountered a similar crisis. This study investigated medical students’ perceptions of opioid therapy for chronic pain management in Taiwan.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among third- and fourth-year medical students who had completed an 18-hour pain medicine curriculum, in comparison with those who did not take the course in Mar 2022 and May 2023. The survey assessed their knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of the opioid crisis in the United States and Taiwan.ResultsIn total, 135 (88.2%) of 153 senior medical students who had completed the curriculum responded to the survey. They exhibited a better understanding of opioids (P < 0.001) and held a more negative attitude toward opioid use (P = 0.011) compared with 105 students who did not take the course. Additionally, out of 240 respondents, 177 (73.8%) acknowledged the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States, while only 70 (29.2%) disagreed with the notion of an ongoing opioid crisis in Taiwan. Furthermore, 90% of all students expressed agreement with the need for further education on chronic pain management after graduation.ConclusionAmong senior medical students in Taiwan, those who completed an elective pain medicine curriculum demonstrated enhanced knowledge of opioids, a more cautious attitude toward opioid use, and a willingness to receive further education on chronic pain management. Over 70% of students remained uncertain or incorrectly believed that there was an opioid crisis in Taiwan.

Effectiveness of simulation-based augmented reality in enhancing pediatric nursing and clinical reasoning competency among students: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThis study developed simulation-based augmented reality (AR) to enhance pediatric nursing and clinical reasoning competency among students in Taiwan. MethodsA quasi-experimental repeated measures study was conducted with 45 participants. The pediatric nursing knowledge test and clinical reasoning scale (CRS) were evaluated three times: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA showed that pediatric nursing knowledge and CRS both had significant differences in the three time points. The highest-scoring CRS domain was 'awareness of clinical cues' and the lowest was 'conformation of clinical problems'. ConclusionsSimulation-based AR is effective in improving students’ knowledge and clinical reasoning competency.

Development and exploration of news media literacy scales in Taiwan

The purpose of the study is to explore how the promotion of news media literacy positively affects media criticism as well as the control and judgment of self-behavior. Potter developed the Chinese News Media Literacy Scale (NMLS), based on his theoretical framework of media literacy cognition. Potter is an outstanding scholar in media literacy. Senior high school students in Taiwan validated the NMLS for reliability and validity. The NMLS consists of 45 questions covering four topics: intellectual skills, personal locus, media knowledge structure, and news context reading. The Chinese version of the NMLS demonstrated good reliability, considerable validity, appropriate discrimination, and an appropriate level of difficulty, making it suitable for Taiwanese students. Female respondents exhibited higher news media literacy than their male counterparts. Public senior high school students showed higher news media literacy compared to those from private schools. The time spent reading news positively correlates with improvements in news media literacy. The findings indicate that news media literacy education significantly enhances students' critical understanding of news and media literacy skills, with varying effects across different genders and types of schools. The limitation of the study is that the sample mainly comes from Taiwan, which may not fully represent other cultural contexts. The findings can guide educational policy in schools, particularly in designing and implementing news media education curricula, taking into account the differences in gender and school types. This research expands the literature on news media literacy, especially in terms of scale development and its application to a specific cultural context like Taiwan, and introduces new insights into the impact of gender and school type on media literacy.

Mediating attentional control between depression and problematic Internet use in female adolescents: the role of attentional focusing and shifting.

Female adolescents are more prone to depression compared with male adolescents, and depression is often associated with poor attentional control and problematic internet use (PIU). Attentional control includes both focusing and shifting functions. Focusing refers to the ability to direct attention to a task despite distractions. Shifting refers to the ability to flexibly switch attention between different tasks. This study examines the mediating role of attentional focusing and shifting between depression and PIU. Female high school and college students (n = 476) in Taiwan participated in a survey administered at three time points over a seven-month period. The single- and two- mediator models examined their joint mediation effects. The results showed that the direct effect of depression on PIU was significant. The indirect effects also showed that attentional focusing was a negative partial mediator in the relationship between depression and PIU, while attentional shifting was not one. Informed by attentional theory and digital emotion regulation, addressing depression to mitigate its negative impact on attentional control and negative emotions is crucial. The potential impact, whether harmful or beneficial, of adolescents carefully selecting their online activities to reduce the risk of PIU remains contentious. Given the focus on Taiwanese adolescent girls during the COVID-19 pandemic, further research is needed to extend the applicability of the theory to other periods without being affected by COVID-19.

A cross-sectional study of perception toward university social responsibility and environmental sustainability practices in medical university students under promotion of sustainable thinking within the university.

This study aims to assess the associations among students' perceptions of climate change, university social responsibility (USR), and environmental sustainability practices at a medical university. It also aims to identify the factors associated with these elements. A cross-sectional self-report study was conducted with a total sample of 416 undergraduate students from a medical university in Taiwan during October 2019. Data gathered comprised sociodemographic characteristics, perceptions of climate change issues, environmental sustainability practices, measure for perception toward USR, and transportation modes. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, two-sample t test, and multiple linear regression models were used. Results of multiple linear regression demonstrated that the level of certainty in climate change existence (extremely and mostly certain vs somewhat or not certain at all, 1.45 [0.68]), score for usage of nonpublic transportation (per 1-point increase, 0.52 [0.25]), and students' perception toward USR (per 1-point increase, 0.14 [0.04]) were associated with the total score of environmental sustainability practice (R-square = 11.47%). In addition, school year (non-freshmen vs freshmen, -1.64 [0.65]) and environmental sustainability practices (per 1-point increase, 0.23 [0.06]) were associated with the total score of students' perception of USR (R-square = 6.57%). Promoting environmental sustainability among university students can be achieved by implementing USR-oriented courses or activities. Our research is pioneering in investigating and discussing the perceived USR and environmental sustainability practices among university students in Taiwan.

The mediated model of PTSD between ADHD symptoms and alcohol abuse in a population of college students in Taiwan

PurposeImpulsivity, inattention, childhood trauma, PTSD, and depressive symptoms were the high-risk factors of alcohol abuse in ADHD symptoms. There is a lack of a comprehensive framework of trauma and PTSD in ADHD symptoms with alcohol abuse to explain why ADHD college students become problematic alcohol drinking. Method521 college students were recruited from online platforms (e.g., Facebook, LINE, or Google) after informed consent (females, 67.9%, n = 354; averaged age = 20.34, S.D. = 1.98). All of them completed the questionnaires, which included symptoms of ADHD, inattention and impulsivity, depressive symptoms, childhood trauma, PTSD symptoms, and problematic alcohol drinking. One-way ANOVA and path analysis were applied to examine the significance of eight paths. ResultsOur results supported the mediating effects of childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms in ADHD symptoms with problematic alcohol drinking. DiscussionThe effect of complex PTSD between impulsivity and problematic alcohol drinking is still unclear. In addition to impulsivity and inattention to ADHD symptoms with problematic alcohol drinking, the impact of hyperactivity also needs to be considered. ConclusionsEffective treatment for ADHD symptoms with alcohol abuse could focus on self-control training and emotional regulation in the future.

Causal relationships between baseball-team participation and academic performance among students

The understanding that students on varsity baseball teams exhibit lower academic performance amid the growth of baseball in Taiwan is well established. However, some studies have indicated a positive correlation between sports participation and academic achievement. Therefore, this study delved into the causal relationships between baseball-team participation and academic performance among ninth-grade students in Taiwan. It further explored the influence of various background factors based on the three facets of family capital on their academic performance. Data collected from an education longitudinal survey of secondary school students. Through bivariate analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis, the following findings emerged: (a) Baseball-team students exhibited 47.5 points lower academic performance than non-baseball-team ones. (b)The low academic performance was not exclusively a result of the poorer academic performance of indigenous students. (c)The hypothesis that three dimensions of family capital impact on academic performance was supported. (d) Baseball-team participation contributed to the low academic performance, which was not caused by the low eighth-grade results of the students. They exhibited low BCT scores after their 8th-grade results was controlled.

Predicting network members from partial contact records on social media: A machine learning approach

Surveys conducted on social groups often generate incomplete information due to imperfect response rates. Drawing on Facebook data from a nationally representative sample of graduating college students in Taiwan, we examined the extent to which partial contact records predict which Facebook users belong to a specific class. We first used data from classes with low to middle response rates to train a model for classmate prediction. Based on data from classes with high or perfect response rates, we simulated data by using four different sampling methods with various response rates, and applied the trained model on simulated data to classmate prediction. With a minimal response rate of 40 percent, we achieved an accuracy rate of 90 percent and a true positive rate of 86 percent. Chronological order sampling had the best prediction performance, followed closely by popularity sampling, then by random sampling, and lastly by unpopularity sampling.

Impact of liminality and rituals on professional identity formation in physician training.

The transition from medical student to practicing physician affects the complex processes of professional identity formation and professionalism, which have a lasting effect on the physician's career development. This study explored two different transitional processes of medical students in Taiwan, the associated rituals during this transitional period (the 'liminal phase') and their effect on the formation of professional identity. Using snowball sampling, we recruited 13 medical students from two training systems: six from the traditional postgraduate year programme and seven from the accelerated postgraduate year (A-PGY) programme. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed to identify significant themes that encapsulated trainees' experiences. A consistent and mutually confirmed discussion ensured the identification of robust recurring themes. A comparative analysis of the two training modalities provided critical insights into the relative impact of the training dynamics. The A-PGY cohort, subjected to an altered 'incorporation' ritual, encountered an influx of unexpected symbolic social power, complicating their transformation within the liminal phase. Without a defined internship like in the PGY system, A-PGY trainees exhibited confusion and inconsistencies in professional identity formation marked by conflicting internal and external perceptions. This ambiguity affected their clinical training, social integration and overall development of professionalism. The absence of a structured, sequential liminal phase increased conflict and diminished motivation, culminating in an incomplete self-crafting journey for A-PGY trainees. This study highlights the impact of the well-sequenced implementation of rituals in liminality on professional identity formation. A good transition training programme for medical students should compass sequential rituals in the liminal phase, including clear starting and ending points, supervision by seniors, guided reflection and plenty of opportunities for observation and imitation in context. Optimal training and pivotal elements in a medical training system warrant delicate design and further research when developing and changing the structure of the training programme.

The Effect of Critical Thinking on Adolescent-Parent Career Congruence among Undergraduate Students in Taiwan: Friendship Quality as the Mediator

This research paper presents empirical evidence aimed at establishing a causal relationship between explicit critical thinking skills and adolescent-parent career congruence among undergraduate students. Additionally, it seeks to identify the mediating role of friendship quality in this relationship. The study employs structural equation modeling as a method to establish causality. The findings of this research have implications for educators and instructors in higher education, as well as career exploration consultants in schools. The study provides valuable evidence on the most effective approach to promoting adolescent-parent career congruence by utilizing critical thinking skills and fostering high-quality friendships.

Communication Strategies, Difficulties, and Speaking Tasks in Foreign Language Learning

This study explored the communication strategies of college students majoring in one of five modern foreign languages (i.e., English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish) and their relation to communication confidence. It also explored the association between their strategy use and the difficulty regarding the speaking components, and students’ feedback on pedagogical tasks to improve their speaking ability. A questionnaire survey of communication strategy was distributed to 538 college students in Taiwan, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 students. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the majored language and the use of communication strategies. Specifically, a one-way between-groups MANOVA revealed that the participants adopted the message reduction/alteration and fluency-oriented strategies frequently and equally, regardless of the language they studied. English and Spanish learners employed social affective, phonological awareness, and negotiation for meaning while speaking strategies more frequently than German learners. Students who reported difficulties in fluency, lexical resources, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation while speaking the major language employed social affective strategies less frequently. Finally, students’ preferences for particular tasks reflected the speaking components they wished to foster. It is concluded that lexical and grammatical knowledge should be emphasized first to build communication confidence and strengthen fluency.

Patient considerations for orthodontists: A comparative study of university students in Malaysia and Taiwan

Background/purposePatients' considerations when choosing an orthodontist are influenced by many factors, including background, ethnicity, and location. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify factors influencing patients’ considerations when selecting an orthodontist in both Malaysia and Taiwan. Materials and methodsIn total, 248 dental students from Taipei Medical University and 110 dental students from Manipal University College Malaysia were selected for this study. Participants' considerations when selecting an orthodontist were assessed using a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire collected data regarding participants’ demographic characteristics and their preferences regarding clinical settings, orthodontist attributes, administrative systems, and the influence of social media. The gathered data were analyzed and compared using independent t-test, ANOVA, and chi-squared for both cohorts. ResultsThe present results revealed significant differences between the Malaysian and Taiwanese participants with several variables, including orthodontist experience, recommendations, pain-free treatment procedures, treatment duration, friendly reception, sources of information about orthodontists, and preferred social media platforms. Notably, among the Taiwanese participants, “person responsible for treatment costs,” was significantly correlated with the orthodontist's age, the orthodontist's work experience, information sources, travel distance, and content posted by orthodontists on social media. By contrast, among the Malaysian participants, this variable was correlated with the work experience of orthodontists. ConclusionSignificant differences were observed between the Malaysian and Taiwanese participants in terms of their considerations when choosing an orthodontist. Participant's gender significantly influenced orthodontist preferences among the Malaysian participants, whereas the individual responsible for treatment costs was identified to be the most crucial factor influencing the Taiwanese participants.

Enhancing Vocabulary Proficiency and Self-Directed Learning through YouTube: A Study in an EFL Context

This study investigates the impact of using YouTube channels, specifically Ray Du English and BBC Learning English, on the vocabulary acquisition and self-directed learning motivation of non-English major students in Taiwan. The research aims to enhance traditional teaching methods and broaden students&amp;#39; international perspectives by leveraging the diverse and engaging resources available on YouTube. The study involves 128 first-year students from the Departments of Communication and Electrical Engineering at a university in southern Taiwan. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative pretests and post-tests with qualitative questionnaires and focus group interviews, was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of YouTube-assisted learning. Findings indicate that YouTube videos significantly improve vocabulary proficiency and self-directed learning motivation, with notable differences between the two student groups. Communication majors showed substantial vocabulary gains, while Electrical Engineering majors exhibited higher autonomous learning motivation. Overall, students expressed positive attitudes toward integrating YouTube into their learning process, highlighting its potential to make vocabulary learning more engaging and effective.

Lost in translation: is Taiwan’s bilingual policy in graduate school a myth?

PurposeThis study intended to bridge this gap by investigating the perspectives of international students regarding Taiwan’s bilingual education policy and its impact on their willingness to enroll in graduate programs in Taiwan. Additionally, the comparisons among international students from diverse backgrounds were examined.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a qualitative research design, the study included nine participants from three countries, with each country contributing three students. Three sessions of semi-structured interviews were conducted, supplemented by the analysis of 15 documents from 8 organizations and universities.FindingsResults indicated predominantly negative views toward Taiwan’s bilingual education policy, with little impact reported by two participants and none by others. Furthermore, themes derived from document analysis deviated from participants' viewpoints.Originality/valueA focus on students from southern Asia, which was the major source of international students in Taiwan, becomes critical. In the same vein, little literature has been found concerning graduate students' perceptions toward bilingual education policy, which should be thoroughly explored as well.