University Training Research Articles

The integration of ICT pedagogy: A panacea to mathematics teacher training in South African universities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) pedagogy involves exposing pre-service teachers (PSTs) to the integration of ICT across the curriculum as a teaching and learning strategy. Research in university teacher training indicates that there is little to no instruction on ICT integration in the teacher training programmes of South African universities. While today's PSTs appear to be skilled ICT users, it is a misconception to assume that they have developed adequate skills outside their teacher training programmes. Therefore, universities need to capitalise on ICT pedagogy for mathematics PSTs by equipping them with essential technology tools for teaching. ICT integration into mathematics teaching and learning promotes collaboration, communication, and knowledge-sharing among learners. Although there is access to ICT tools at universities today, it is important to note that access is not synonymous with competency; hence, mathematics PSTs require skills to integrate these ICT tools into their teaching. Adopting a critical literature review, this chapter aims to analyse the approaches that can be used to teach pre-service mathematics teachers to integrate ICT into their instruction. This will be achieved by exploring the importance of exposing PSTs to ICT pedagogy, investigating the extent and ways in which technology is used in teacher-training institutions, understanding how these institutions prepare mathematics PSTs for the integration of ICT in their future classrooms, and exploring the approaches teacher educators can use to teach mathematics PSTs to integrate ICT in their teaching.

Pan-immune inflammation value and systemic inflammatory index as a measure of systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis: A retrospective study.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized by systemic inflammation. In recent years, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) were shown to be important indicators of inflammation. The aim of the present study is to investigate NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, PIV together in patients with psoriasis. This retrospective case-control study encompassed seventy-one individuals diagnosed with psoriasis and seventy healthy controls who underwent evaluation at the Dermatology clinics of Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023. Inflammatory process indicators such as NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, PIV were computed for analysis. A notable discovery from our research was the indication of a direct relationship between SII and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores. A statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets (P < .05). The area under the curve of the SII score for psoriasis was 0.611. The optimal cutoff value of SII to predict psoriasis activation was 442.7, with 55.7% sensitivity and 45.7% specificity (95% confidence interval 0.518-0.704, P = .024). A positive correlation was observed between SII, PIV and PASI (P = .004, r = 0.34; P = .006, r = 0.32 respectively).There was no statistically significant distinction observed in the PLR indices between the groups (P > .05). The present study investigation demonstrates the potential utility of SII, SIRI, and PIV in assessing psoriasis patients. Moreover, the findings suggest that SII and PIV could function as an autonomous prognostic marker for individuals diagnosed with psoriasis.

Использование компетентностно-ориентированных заданий при реализации концепции вузовской комплексной подготовки кадров по спортивным играм

One of the actively developed areas for the effective use of a competency-oriented approach in the higher education environment is the application of competency-oriented tasks in the educational process. The purpose of the study is to experimentally determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using competency-oriented tasks in the process of implementing the concept of university comprehensive training of personnel in sports games. Research methods and organization. Research methods: study and analysis of specialized literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. The research was conducted in 2023-2024 at the base of the Kuban State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism with the participation of coaches in sports games undergoing retraining at the university and student players. Research results and conclusions. The results obtained indicate a significant effectiveness of using competency-oriented tasks in the implementation of the scientific and technological concept of comprehensive training of personnel (coaches and athletes) in sports games within the educational environment of the Kuban State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, which confirms the feasibility of further development of this promising area of research. Competency-oriented tasks, for which statistically significant differences in the level of formation of the studied competencies have been identified, should be appropriately applied in pedagogical control of the quality of the educational process in physical culture and sports universities.

Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality in the University environment: an analysis of scientific production

Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality offer digital alternatives for implementing innovative educational processes, significantly expanding opportunities in university education due to the available resources and the psycho-evolutionary development of students. This study aimed to analyze the scientific production on this topic in Scopus using bibliometric techniques. Following the PRISMA statement, the final sample comprised 1,257 articles published between 2014 and 2023, utilizing various bibliometric analyses. The results indicate a surge in production over the last five years, with most articles indexed in the areas of social sciences, engineering, and medicine, aligning with the subject matter of the journals with the highest number of publications. While the United States and China are the most prolific countries, the leading authors and institutions are predominantly from Spain. In addition to meta-analyses and systematic reviews, the most cited articles focus on the use of augmented and virtual reality in health sciences within universities. Makransky and Akçayir (bibliographic coupling) are highlighted as the most influential authors, along with the duo Cabero and Barroso in the field of educational sciences (co-citation). Emerging research areas (co-occurrence) are oriented towards factors affecting learning processes with these digital resources, such as motivation and anxiety management. In conclusion, further research is needed to explore the potential of these resources for university training due to their positive effects on learning.

Inspiring engineering education: Service learning in manufacturing projects for ecological entities

Inspiring engineering education: Service learning in manufacturing projects for ecological entities

Research on the training system of reserve talents of police College in universities from the perspective of integration of sports and education

This study focuses on the construction of reserve talents training system of university police college under the perspective of sports and education integration. Under the background of the current education reform, the integration of sports and education, as an important way to improve the comprehensive quality of students, is particularly key to the police college. This paper deeply probes into the current situation and existing problems of reserve talent training in university police college, and puts forward some strategies, such as integrating sports and police education, optimizing curriculum setting and teaching methods, strengthening practical teaching and training base construction. The research results show that the training system of reserve talents in the perspective of the integration of sports and education not only significantly improves the students' physical fitness and police skills, but also enhances their teamwork ability and practical coping ability, which provides a strong support for the training of police talents in the new era.

"The ladies in bloomers who gardened at Kew": Pioneer professional women gardeners in late nineteenth century England.

"The ladies in bloomers who gardened at Kew": Pioneer professional women gardeners in late nineteenth century England.

Which Procedure Yields Better Outcomes: Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Mini Gastric Bypass? Seven Years Outcome Analysis

Background and Objectives: Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for achieving sustainable weight loss, improving quality of life, and resolving obesity-related comorbidities over the long term. However, data from long-term studies remain scarce and contradictory. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data over a 7-year follow-up period involving 211 patients diagnosed with morbid obesity who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or mini gastric bypass (MGB) at Samsun University Training and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery, between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2018. Changes in weight, remission of associated comorbidities, postoperative complications, re-admission rates, and revision requirements were compared among the patients. Results: Of the 211 patients, 20.4% were male, and 79.6% were female. During the study period, 61.1% of patients underwent SG, 29.4% underwent MGB, and 9.5% underwent RYGB. There was no statistically significant difference among the three surgical techniques in terms of weight change parameters, comorbidity remission, postoperative complications, and readmission rates. However, revision rates were significantly higher among patients who underwent SG (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: SG, MGB, and RYGB techniques are comparable and reliable methods in terms of long-term weight loss, surgical outcomes, and complications. After a 7-year follow-up period, all three techniques were found to be similar in terms of HT, T2DM, and GERD remission; however, SG was observed to have a higher revision requirement compared to the other surgical techniques.

Hip adduction and abduction strength values in NCAA Division I American football players: Strength values and a comparison across position groups.

Hip adduction and abduction strength values in NCAA Division I American football players: Strength values and a comparison across position groups.

Assessment of the level of effectiveness of the hybrid form of teaching Russian as a foreign language at the stage of pre-university preparation

Introduction. At the post-novice stage of development of the methodology of teaching Russian as a foreign language there is an active search for the most effective organizational forms of teaching, which necessitates the use of a hybrid form, involving joint synchronous work of learners who are in the classroom, as well as connecting to the class by means of technical means of video communication. The purpose of the article is to assess the level of effectiveness of the hybrid form of teaching Russian as a foreign language based on a survey of foreign students of the pre-university training program who are present in full-time classes and planning to study in basic educational programs in engineering areas of training. Materials and methods. The paper uses the method of analysis of scientific publications of foreign and Russian authors published during the last 5 years and devoted to the study of the features of hybrid learning, pedagogical research in the form of written anonymous questionnaire survey of foreign students of the pre-university training program of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, as well as statistical processing methods used for nominative data: measures of central tendency (Mo), position measures (Me, Q1, Q3, Min, Max) and measures of variability (IQR, Ex, As). Research results. It was found that the respondents demonstrate a high level of loyalty to the hybrid learning format, provided that there is a teacher with the necessary competencies (according to the criteria of preference (K1), comfort (K2) and success (K3) of hybrid learning, the values of the mode and the third quartile coincide with the maximum KEYWORDS numerical value according to the given scales MoК1,К2,К3=10, Q3К1,К2,К3=10). In the context of the study of hybrid and distance learning, there is no relationship between the form of education, the level of assimilation of educational information by students at the stage of its explanation, the frequency of their responses at the stage of practice and consolidation, as well as the quality of their communicative interaction (according to the criterion K4 (interaction between the student-respondent and the teacher) MoK4=3, MeK4=3, according to criterion K5 (the quality of interaction along the line “student in the classroom – a student who is in a remote space”) MoК5=3, Q3K5=3, according to criterion K6 (an alternative academic choice between a hybrid and a distance learning format) Q3K6=3; where the numerical indicator “3” indicates that the respondent has no preferences when choosing a distance or hybrid form of education). Conclusion. Modern conditions, in which the process of teaching Russian as a foreign language at the stage of pre university training takes place, stipulate the necessity of applying effective forms of teaching in daily teaching practice, one of which is a hybrid form

Exploration on the Path of Course Ideological Construction of Graduate Student's Professional Course "Administrative Studies"

Curriculum ideological and political education is a vivid embodiment of ideological and political education throughout the whole process of education. With the fundamental task of "foster virtue through education" as its purpose, the theoretical framework is based on four dimensions: knowledge cultivation, ability improvement, quality system and political and academic collaboration. To enrich the teaching content, flip the teaching mode, improve the evaluation system, and expand the learning scene as the practice, to explore the ideological and political education construction path of "The study". Political education construction path of "The study of administration" course is of great significance to effectively improve the quality of postgraduate education, teaching and talent. postgraduate education, teaching and talent training, and promote the realization of the talent training goals of value shaping , knowledge imparting, and ability training in colleges and universities and the private sector and ability training in colleges and universities.

Exploring the Impact, Challenges, and Satisfaction of Online Learning among Nursing Trainees in Northern Ghana

Background: The use of technology in many fields, including teaching, learning, and computerized assessment within higher education institutions, has increased due to the rapid development of many fields in our current era, mainly information and communication technology, characterized by high speed. Aim: This research aims to assess the impact of online learning and examination among Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College, Tamale students. Methods: The study used a descriptive institutional cross-sectional survey with 293 respondents selected using a stratified sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was transformed into a Google form and used as the main tool for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, and results were presented in tables and figures. Results: About 81.0% would accept online examinations, and 75.2% of the respondents indicated that writing exams online allows fulfilling courses. The study showed that 82.4% of the respondents agreed that online learning helps them be more productive, 77.9% were satisfied with the learning experience compared to others, and 67.9% indicated that face-to-face learning impacts their learning more. The study showed that 118(40.7%) indicated that they are inability to ask questions and express themselves, 40(13.8%) indicated that they lack instructor or tutor support, financial factors affect the use of online learning and examination, and 84(29.0%) indicated that lack of knowledge on Information Technology (IT). Also, (37.9%) indicated that the availability of required technology and adequate access to the Internet could facilitate online learning and examination (36.6%), and the provision of data (26.6%) could facilitate online learning and examination. Conclusion: The study found that respondents accept online learning as a method they will indulge in. However, it was revealed that online learning does not impact their academic performance. Also, challenges like the unavailability of the required technology, incompatibility of some phones and laptops, lack of adequate internet access, heavy workload of online courses, and lack of enough skills to learn online exist.

The Cost of The Use of Prophylactic Anticoagulant Drugs in the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Late Period of Neurosurgery Practice

Objective: After being reported for in Wuhan, China, -stranded RNA coronavirus, COVID-19 leading to the deaths of thousands of people. Patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 typically exhibit respiratory and digestive system symptoms. However, coagulopathy, which indicates a poor prognosis, may also develop in some patients receiving care in ICUs.This article aims to examine the economic consequences of prophylactic anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug use on neurosurgery practice during the late period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study retrospectively examined patients hospitalized for surgical treatment in the Neurosurgery Clinic of Ordu University Training and Research Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2022. A total of 38 out of 320 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, and cost analysis was specifically performed on these patients. Data were obtained from the hospital's data system. Results: An increase in costs was observed in both spine surgery and cranial surgery due to drug use. The Kruskal-Wallis Test showed a significant difference in bed costs between patients who received anticoagulant or antiplatelet-anticoaggregant medication and those who did not (P=.000). Conclusion: The use of prophylactic anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs significantly extended the length of hospital stay for patients in both pre-operative and post-operative periods, resulting in increased costs for the social security institution.

Psychometric properties of the nursing critical thinking in clinical practice questionnaire in clinical nurse educators

The Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire is an instrument designed to measure the critical thinking capacity of nurses working in clinical areas. However, there is little existing research on the potential applications of this instrument specifically in clinical nurse educators involved in the training of university nursing students. Therefore, we used a descriptive cross-sectional design to examine the psychometric properties of the questionnaire in clinical nurse educators. We evaluated the construct and convergent validity, assessed the reliability of the questionnaire, and performed a confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 639 clinical nurse educators took part in this study. Results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a good fit to the model (CFI 0.97, NFI: 0.95). The total Cronbach’s alpha was 0.97. The four factors had an internal consistency > 0.7. The interclass correlation coefficient values were 0.78 [95% CI 0.75–0.81] for the whole instrument and 0.70–0.75 for the various dimensions, and all were statistically significant at p < 0.05. These findings suggests that the Nurse Critical Thinking in Practice Questionnaire is a useful tool for measuring critical thinking levels in clinical nurse educators. This enhances the knowledge of all agents involved in the learning process, making it easier to implement in clinical practice.Clinical Trial Registration: This study was prospectively registered at the two Institutional review boards.

Psychological Resilience Mediates the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Depressive Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder

Background: This research aimed to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of psychological resilience (PR) on the association between childhood trauma (CT) and the development of depression. Methods: This study included 94 cases who consecutively applied to the outpatient psychiatry clinic of Rize Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Training and Research Hospital in Turkey between 1 June 2023 and 1 December 2023 and were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In addition, 83 healthy individuals (control group) were also included. Participants administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results: In the context of this research, the mediating effect of PR between CT and depression development was investigated. When examining the mediating role of PR on the association between CT and depression, it was found that CT statistically significantly influenced disease severity directly (B = 0.158, SE = 0.0398, z = 3.98, p &lt; 0.001, 95% CI [0.0759, 0.232]), while it also influenced disease severity indirectly through PR (B = 0.193, SE = 0.028, z = 6.88, p &lt; 0.001, 95% CI [0.1343, 0.244]). It was revealed that PR mediated the association between CT and depressive symptoms partially. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PR has a mediating effect on the relationship between CT and MDD. These results provide new contributions to the existing literature. Interventions that increase psychological resilience may positively contribute to the treatment of patients with MDD who have suffered from CT.

Regeneration through education? Citizenship education, Flemish teacher training and the legacy of the world wars, 1918–1950

This paper explores the interplay between citizenship education and the promotion of national consciousness in Belgium’s teacher training institutions from 1918 to 1950, with particular attention to the aftermaths of the First and Second World Wars. Analyzing archival materials from two Flemish teacher training colleges—the Episcopal Normal School Saint-Joseph in Torhout and the State Normal School in Lier—this study investigates how post-war educational discourses and practices in Belgium were shaped by —at times conflicting—impulses toward national patriotism, regional nationalism and international solidarity. Specifically, the paper examines the tensions in citizenship education arising from divergent historical perspectives, including patriotic fervor, regional Flemish identity, and post-war internationalism, which influenced the training of teachers as agents of civic and moral formation. Findings reveal that teacher training curricula were not only mechanisms for instilling patriotic values but also sites of ideological contestation, reflecting the ambiguities surrounding national consciousness and identity in a linguistically and ideologically divided country. The study contributes to international scholarship on the role of education in shaping national identity and post-conflict civic recovery, shedding light on the uniqueness of Belgium in the political project of nation-building through the mediation of its schooling system.

Ethiopia’s quest for a ‘professional’ police force: A dream deferred?

ABSTRACT Over 75 years have passed since Ethiopia had a relatively ‘modern’ police force and a training college. Despite this lengthy past, based on the findings of this study and the argument the author suggests, the creation of a ‘professional’ police organisation with members who possess specialised knowledge and skills, enjoy professional autonomy, are oriented towards the provision of service to the community, and are held to higher standards of accountability continues to be the ‘unmet’ aspiration. The core purpose of this article is to examine the progress and or regression in the process of professionalising the police during the imperial, Derg, and EPRDF regimes. To address this objective, both primary and secondary data were gathered via interviews and document analysis instruments, respectively. The primary data were gathered from legal documents, police trainers, retired police officers, lawyers and researchers. Books, journal articles, theses/dissertations and magazines served as secondary data sources. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The analysis proceeded with the use of thematic techniques. The finding of this study is an important call to the Ethiopian government to make necessary investments to improve police expertise and curtail needless political meddling in its operational-organisational affairs.

Adapting a European standard to assess English foreign language pre-service teachers’ language proficiency in Vietnam: perspectives from universities and pre-service teachers

ABSTRACT The Common European Framework of Reference has been adopted and adapted globally in language teacher education. In Vietnam, pre-service teachers of the English language are required to reach the advanced level (C1) of the Common European Framework of Reference - Vietnamese Version as a condition to graduate and become language teachers. This article examines the perspectives of universities and pre-service teachers on this requirement. It draws on 37 interviews with university leaders, lecturers, and pre-service teachers. The findings indicate how universities and pre-service teachers respond to the National Foreign Language Policy. The active role of universities in finding ways to improve pre-service teachers' English proficiency and the proactive efforts of pre-service teachers in meeting the required standard can be seen as a positive indicator. However, the findings show a number of both visible and hidden dissonances between the reality and Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training's expectation, between pre-service teachers and leaders and between a cohort of pre-service teachers who aim for globally recognised standardised level and the university training systems which are only capable for institutional localised tests. The study shows that some preservice teachers stressed the importance of pedagogical knowledge over language competence.

Model to Improve the Quality of Services and the Skills of Young University Students

Introduction This study explores how the Computer Laboratory Office (CLO) of the Faculty of Systems Engineering and Computer Science at the University of San Marcos can provide high-quality services and at the same time improve the skills of university students in providing these services. for which an innovative model is created. Objectives The research aimed to develop a sustainable model integrating the ISO 9001:2015 standard, Knowledge Management, Information Technologies (e.g., Support Information Systems, Dashboards), Empowerment, and the Servqual model. The objective was to improve service quality, ensure continuous improvement, and analyze user perceptions through a dashboard. Methods Over an eight-year period, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, framework development, and empirical testing. The model was implemented in the CLO, gathering user feedback and conducting statistical analyses to evaluate its impact on service quality and the technical and soft skills of students. Results The model significantly enhanced the competencies of students providing services and improved the quality of services offered to users. Notably, the CLO achieved ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for three processes. Statistical records demonstrated the model's effectiveness, reinforcing its success. It can be concluded that knowledge management implies better quality of service and in turn positively affects user satisfaction Conclusions This research developed an innovative model that enhances service quality and student skills in pre-professional practice. By integrating ISO 9001:2015, ICT, Empowerment, and the Servqual model, it filled a critical gap in the literature and demonstrated its potential for replication in other university training centers, ensuring sustainable quality improvement and student growth.

The effect of total quality management practices on innovation: evidence from selected agricultural technical and vocational education training colleges in Ethiopia

Innovation is the adaptation of management systems to the changing conditions of the environment and is a key factor for organizations survival and growth. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of total quality management practices on innovation. The researcher employed a cross-sectional descripto-explanatory research design and also a quantitative research approach was used to collect and analyze primary data. In order to collect primary data a survey instrument was adapted from business quality management practices literatures and by using stratified sampling techniques 150 questionnaires were distributed to employees, senior and functional managers of the Colleges and only 140 questionnaires were fully filled and returned with a 93% response rate. The survey data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between total quality management practices dimensions on innovation. The findings of multiple regression analysis insured that in the Colleges all of the seven total quality management practices dimensions (management leadership, employee involvement, training and education, employee empowerment, customer focus, information and analysis and continuous improvement) have positive and significant relationship with innovation at 95% confidence level. From the seven total quality management practice dimensions, management leadership dimension with beta value of 0.174 was the most influential total quality management practice dimension to have positive and significant effect on innovation followed by customer focus with beta value of 0.131. Information and analysis dimension was the third influential dimension with beta value of 0.115, followed by continuous improvement dimension with beta value of 0.113. Employee involvement dimension was the fifth influential dimension with beta value of 0.111, followed by training and education with beta value of 0.092. Finally employee empowerment dimension was the least influential dimension to have positive and significant effect on innovation with beta value of 0.080. Also, regression result also shows that in the Colleges, the fore mentioned seven dimensions of total quality management practices explained 88.3% of the variations in innovation. Therefore the researcher recommended that the management bodies of the colleges should give their employees a high degree of autonomy in order to do their job and participate in the implementation of total quality management practices so as to increase their innovativeness. Additionally, the management bodies of the Colleges should establish their quality management systems according to the requirement of ISO 9001:2008 standards to increase innovation in the colleges.