Students In Kerala Research Articles

Alternative and mainstream education in Kerala

This study compares students' life skills from alternative education with those from mainstream schools in Kerala. Education is an essential virtue that transforms the unlettered child into a responsible and mature adult. Consequently, the present study explores the opportunities for alternative education to enhance school education in India, particularly in Kerala. This study demonstrates the importance of alternative education as a powerful tool for meeting the changing needs of public education in the era of a globalized economy. The tool used for the study was the Life Skills Inventory (LSI) developed by the investigator. The study results revealed that alternative education students in Kerala have more life skills than those in mainstream schools. Study results indicate that alternative education improves the socioeconomic status of a nation as well as the quality of life of individuals.

Social media usage and academic achievement of higher secondary students

The COVID-19 lockdown has led to an increase in the usage of mobile phones and social media among adolescents. As adolescents utilise mobile phones and social media for educational and pleasure purposes, they grow increasingly attached. As a result, it's critical to dig deep into the relationship between teenage social media usage and academic success. The goal of this study was to design a social media usage scale (SMUS) for adolescents and utilise it to measure social media participation among higher secondary school students. Academic success can therefore be related to social media use. Researchers created and standardised a social media usage scale to gauge the prevalence of social media use amongst higher secondary school pupils. For the purpose of evaluation, SMUS implimented with 1068 students in Kerala's higher secondary schools. The majority of students, according to the findings of the survey, utilise social media. Social media use is not affected by location or gender, though. The findings show that there is a slight positive correlation between social media use and academic success.

Online Education and English Language Learning Among Tribal Students of Kerala

Kerala, a South Indian state, has tribal population in all her districts. About 1.5% of the total population of the state constitute tribal population. They depend upon natural environment and resources for their survival. Children from the same community usually depend on government funded schools for their education. Education for this deprived section during the COVID-19 pandemic was a massive exclusion and an uphill task. Digital divide and medium of communication (Standard Malayalam) were some of the critical concerns to knowledge acquisition among tribal children. This paper primarily focuses on the challenges of online education among tribal students with a clear emphasis on the English language acquisition. This study was conducted in four most tribal populated districts of the State, namely, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Idukki. This is a qualitative explorative study that explores the experiences of the tribal students’ English language learning challenges from the teachers’ perspective in these districts.

Perceptions of Teacher Education Students in Kerala about Information Literacy Skills: An assessment

Information literacy skills are essential for individuals to be life-long learners and to be the catalysts of information societies. The review of literature shows that there is a dearth of studies on assessment of information literacy (IL) skills of teacher education students, particularly in India. Assessments of both perceptions of teacher educations students about their IL competencies and their actual level of IL skills were made in many western countries either using standardised tools or locally developed tools. The present study is intended to address the gap in literature in the area of perceptions of student-teachers in Kerala about their IL competencies. A survey was conducted among the students of teacher education institutions (TEIs) in government, government aided and unaided sectors. Sample was selected from students specialising in Languages, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences across Kerala. The questionnaire for the purpose was adapted from previously tested ones following ACRL Standards, and adapted to make it appropriate for the Indian context. Analysis of 772 responses revealed that teacher education students in Kerala have high level of perceptions about their IL competencies. Previous investigations reported that when assessments are made, usually students over-estimate or under-estimate their IL self-efficacies. Therefore, it is recommended that another study to be conducted to assess the actual IL skills of these students.

Information literacy skills of teacher education students in Kerala: An assessment using ACRL standards

Information literacy skills of teacher education students in Kerala: An assessment using ACRL standards

Professional values among BSc nursing students and their perception of the status of nursing as a profession

Professional values are the values reflected in our relationship with clients, colleagues and the significant others. The ‘Code of Ethics’ for nurses provide directions for relationship of nurses to clients, community and the profession and it delineates the fundamental values of professional nursing. Objectives: To describe and correlate the professional values of B Sc Nursing students and their perception on status of nursing as a profession; to compare the professional values and perceptions of I, II, III and IV year students; to find out the relationship of professional value and perception scores of students with their socio-economic status. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was done in selected Nursing Colleges in Kerala with total sample size 580, using multi-stage random sampling. Data collection tools used were Socio-Demographic Factors Inventory; Professional Value Scale for Nursing Students and Semantic Differential Scale on Perception on Status of Nursing as a Profession. Results:Analysis showed that majority, 239 (41.2%) of subjects had ‘very good’ level of Professional values. The perception of students about the status of nursing was interpreted by the sores given by them for items in the Semantic differential scale from 0 to 7. The characteristics which received score 7 by majority of subjects were ‘Essential for society’ (79.8%); Responsible (68.6%) and Ethical (51%). Statistically significant correlation(r = 0.187, P =0.001), was found between professional value score and perception score. Professional values were highest among IV year students and the perception score was highest among I years. Socio-economic status had significant relationship with perception of students, but not with their professional values. Conclusion: The study concluded that B Sc Nursing students in Kerala had very good level of professional values. They perceived nursing as essential for society, responsible and ethical, as well as ‘dependent’ rather than autonomous and ‘mechanical work’ rather than intellectual work.

Effectiveness of Online Learning: A study conducted among Engineering Students in Kerala

Effectiveness of Online Learning: A study conducted among Engineering Students in Kerala

Internalizing and Externalizing Behavioural Problems among Higher Secondary Students in Kerala

Adolescence is the period of life between the ages of 10-19 years (WHO). This is a stage identified as a period of “storm and stress” in one’s life. Adolescence has been included as an increase in the prevalence of both internalizing as well as externalizing problem behavior is generally demonstrated (Moffitt, 1993). The purpose of the present study was to find out the extent of various behavioural problems in adolescents. The study was a cross sectional descriptive in nature. 143 adolescents (76 males and 67 females) were randomly selected from the district of Thrissur, Kerala. The age range of the sample was 15-18 years. Youth Self Report (YSR/11-18) developed by Achenbach was used to assess behavior problems of adolescents. Student t test was used for statistical analysis of the data. The obtained result indicates that male and female adolescents come under the clinical range of internalizing behavior problems (nearly 75%) and externalizing behavior problems (below 50%). The mean scores, SD, and t value of all the scales were calculated. Significant differences among male and female adolescents were observed in withdrawal/ depression (t=2.199; p

IMPACT OF INCREASED USAGE OF ELECTRONIC GADGETS ON VISION, SLEEP, HEARING AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS DURING COVID-19 ERA

BACKGROUND: Electronic gadgets have become an inseparable part of our life. During the COVID-19 era there has been a tremendous increase in the use of these electronic gadgets for learning and communication. These gadgets are also known to cause harmful effects to our health. Hence there is a need to promote cautious and informed use of these gadgets. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the impact of increased usage of electronic gadgets on vision, sleep, hearing and emotional aspects during COVID-19 era. Materials and Methods: A pre-validated questionnaire was to send to 300 medical students across Kerala and the received responses were statistically analyzed. RESULT: A tremendous increase in the usage of the electronical gadgets such as smart phones, tablets, television, laptops and desktops was observed. The study showed an increase in the use of headphones along with laptops. Increased usage of tablets was seen to affect sleep quality. CONCLUSION: During COVID-19 era the usage of smart phones, tablets, television, laptops and desktops has increased and it was also associated with negative impact on health of medical students in Kerala

Risk of eating disorders and its association with body image concerns, depression, anxiety and stress among medical students in a college in Kerala

Background: Eating disorders are one of the most under-recognised psychiatric conditions which can lead to considerable morbidity. With their high workloads, academic pressure, and peer influence, medical students may be more likely to develop eating disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of eating disorders among medical students in a college in Kerala. It was also planned to find its association with body shape concerns, depression, anxiety and stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 472 undergraduate medical students and interns at a medical college in Kerala. Socio-demographic proforma, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Body Shape Questionnaire-8C (vBSQ-8C), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21(DASS-21)-were administered after obtaining informed written consent. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-square test and Pearson correlation. Results: The prevalence of risk of eating disorders among medical students was 19.1%. Depression, anxiety and stress were significantly associated with the risk of eating disorders (p=0.034, p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the risk of eating disorders, body shape concerns and body mass index (p=0.001). Conclusion: A considerable risk of eating disorders was noted among medical students in Kerala. Body shape concerns and symptoms suggestive of depression, anxiety, and stress showed a significant association with the risk of eating disorders. Increased awareness and early identification can help institute timely interventions.

Academic Stress Management in E – Learning Era’: How self aware are tertiary students in Kerala

The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of E-learning platforms’ on the mental state of undergraduate students in Kerala. The subjects chosen for the study were 100 University undergraduate students (male-50, female-50) from various colleges studying in Kerala. A questionnaire was employed to elicit the response from students. For the purpose, ‘Self Awareness Inventory – 30’, a 30 item self-awareness questionnaire was distributed among the participants. The students were expected to rate themselves on coping with academic stress during the covid pandemic times. The result of the study revealed that there is a significant number of students experienced high academic stress in the pandemic learning environment.

Channelling employability perceptions through lifelong learning: an empirical investigation

PurposeGraduates' attitudes towards learning, although subject to change, is a crucial indicator of their understanding and involvement in lifelong learning activities. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether lifelong learning enhances human capital worth to predict perceived employability. An enquiry into the attitudinal differences on lifelong learning among male and female students was also looked into.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical examination using Warp-PLS was conducted on the propositions among 286 engineering graduate students in Kerala, India, from January 2020 to March 2020.FindingsThe Warp-PLS examination reveals a positive association between lifelong learning and perceived employability and warrants the mediating role of lifelong learning in the association between human capital and perceived employability. A gendered variation on attitudinal differences towards lifelong learning is also looked into, and no difference between males and females is found.Originality/valueThe impact of lifelong learning on employability has been conceptually discussed before. This paper is the first attempt to empirically prove the same with a proper theoretical explanation.

A Cross-sectional Study on Empathy and Factors Associated with Individual Variations in Empathy Levels among College Students in Central Kerala

Introduction: Empathy is a social skill that exerts influence on the quality of social relationships. An empathetic person is able to understand the emotions of others, accurately express their feelings, comprehend other’s situations and act appropriately. Added to the volatile nature of the age, the youth face challenges from social exclusion, gender based violence and the lack of access to rights and opportunities. Aim: To measure empathy levels among college students aged 18-28 years in Kerala and to find out the factors associated with individual variations in Empathy levels among them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 610 college students of both gender randomly selected from Pathamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Trivandrum districts in South Central Kerala, India. Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), short version of Malach-Pines (2005) and Burnout Measure was used for collecting information from study participants. Data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (Chicago, USA). Results were expressed as percentages and proportions. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 21±1.6 years. The mean empathy score and burnout score of study participants were 58±11.9 and 41.03±12.3, respectively. The empathy score among study participants was found to be significantly associated with age of study participants and burnout. Conclusion: The present study revealed a good prevalence of empathy and humanistic values among college students in Kerala. However, certain factors like burnout that can affect total individual empathy scores need to be addressed.

Assistive Technologies for Physically Challenged Students in Kerala: a study on user’s awareness and perception

The aim of the study was to investigate the physically challenged student’s awareness and use of assistive technologies in the schools of Kerala. The survey questionnaire tool was used to collect data from 111 physically challenged students, who are studying in 45 schools in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts. The analysis revealed that 55 (49.5%) students are aware of assistive technologies. Girls are more aware and updated (50.5%) than the boys (49.5%). All the physically challenged students who participated in the study opined that they didn’t get any instruction on using the library services and e-resources. It was found that school authorities (87.4%) are the major sources for giving training to physically challenged. It was also noted that no student is confident enough about the ability to use assistive technologies and devices and 24.3 per cent students considered their ability to use assistive technologies are average. Among the students, 66 (59.5%) have an e-mail account and almost all the students responded positively on the availability of computer education in their schools and the response rate is 96.4 per cent.

Tobacco use among college students in Kerala, India

Background & objectives:Despite tobacco use among college students being a major health concern, data remain sparse from India. It is in this background that this study aimed to report the prevalence of tobacco use and its psychosocial correlates among college students in the State of Kerala, India.Methods:A total of 5784 students from 58 colleges from Ernakulam district, Kerala, selected by cluster random sampling and were provided with self-administered questionnaire. In addition to socio-demographic profile, the questionnaire incorporated alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST, for assessing tobacco use and its severity, lifetime use of other substances); Kessler’s scale (psychological distress) and Barkeley’s scale (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms). Screening questions were used for assessing lifetime suicidality and sexual abuse.Results:The lifetime prevalence of tobacco use was 8.6 per cent (21.5% males and 1.4% female). Among users, hazardous and dependent use defined using ASSIST scores was 63.3 and 2.9 per cent, respectively. Tobacco use was associated with older age, being male, urban residence, having a part-time job, use of alcohol and illicit drugs and academic failures.Interpretation & conclusions:Although the prevalence of tobacco use in our study was relatively low, the proportionately higher rates of hazardous use and its association with the negative correlates suggest that more needs to be done to prevent its deleterious consequences.

A cross-sectional survey of stressors and coping strategies among the first-year medical students in Kerala

Introduction: Compared to the general population medical students have to face more stress, which, if not handled properly, may negatively affect the career of future doctors and community health drastically. To counter this stress, they need appropriate coping strategies. Studies on stress and coping strategies among medical students in India are very few to date and show wide demographic variations in their results. Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey to find out stressors using a validated Medical Students’ Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) and we used Brief COPE scale to assess the coping strategies adopted by the first-year medical students in Kerala. Descriptive statistics was used to compile and summarize data. Result: Most common stress inducer was found to be ‘academic related stressor’ domain, in which we observed that 88% students had moderate to high level of stress. In this domain, more common stressors were ‘examinations’ and ‘large amount of content to be learnt’. ‘Planning’ was ranked first with mean score (SD) of 5.72 (1.42), while ‘substance use’, 2.07 (0.45) was least adopted coping method by them. Conclusion: Academic stressors were found to be the most common stressor domain in first-year medical students. Timely reduction of such stress using various measures is expected from the educators. Maximum students employed constructive coping strategy i.e. ‘planning’ but maladaptive ‘self-distraction’ coping was also seen in substantial number of students who can be helped by guiding them for proper coping methods. Keywords: Brief COPE, Coping strategy, MSSQ, Stressor.

Gender-Specific Correlates of Alcohol Use Among College Students in Kerala, India

Background:Studies of alcohol use among college students in India have reported a male preponderance, but a recent large study suggested that alcohol use is increasing in young females. This increase in use among the young females is of concern as they experience poorer outcomes and a higher risk for addiction. Hence, we aimed to examine the gender-specific correlates of alcohol use among college students in the district of Ernakulum, Kerala.Methods:From 58 colleges, 5,784 students completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed use of alcohol, use of tobacco and illicit drugs, psychological distress, suicidality, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and history of sexual abuse.Results:Of the questionnaires, 342 had incomplete responses and had to be discarded, and the rest (n = 5,442, 94.1%) were analyzed. lifetime alcohol use was reported by 39% males and 12.6% females. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis using a full model, male students using alcohol compared to male non-users were older, non-Muslim, had poor academic performance, and used other substances. Female users, compared to female non-users, were non-Muslim, had urban residence, used tobacco, and had higher psychological distress, higher suicidal thoughts, and higher lifetime exposure to sexual abuse.Conclusion:Gender-specific differences extend across sociodemographic and psychological domains. Incorporation of these may improve the effectiveness of public health strategies addressing alcohol use.

A Study on Tobacco Product Use Among High School Students in Kerala

A Study on Tobacco Product Use Among High School Students in Kerala

Usage of Social Media and Its Perceived Impact on the Social Life of the College Students in Kerala

Social Media has undoubtedly become a powerful tool among the students. Social Media provides them the freedom to do whatever they want, to find new friends, to interact with people, to share information and knowledge and to create profile or identities. Social networking sites provide students with a new platform for learning but it also has a darker side of which if one is not aware of can bring potential dangers. The youth spent long hours on different social media platforms which has affected their academics, impaired their sleep patterns ,missed out their schools and meals and often produces stress, anxiety and fear about their identities. Students are also entrapped by the ploys of social networking. This happens when it develops an addiction in them that inculcates bad habits. So the students should be educated properly regarding the usage of Social Media and develop the cognitive and intuitive ability to analyze how much they want to spend on the different platforms in Social Media. Most of the studies conducted examine the impact of social networking sites on the academic performance of students. This study focuses on the usage of Social Media and its perceived impact on the social life of students in Kerala.

Case Study – How to Bridge the gap between present Education System and employability in Kerala State

The talent and competency of students in Kerala are widely accepted all over the country. The IQ and EQ level are more than that of national average. Students who passed out from professional institutes are with distinction but majority are unemployed. Hypothesis test is carried out within group and between groups to identify whether the internship is necessary in industries for an Engineering graduate to get a placement in an organisation. The study analyses to bridge the gap between education system and employability in Kerala.