Nadia Dario, Monica Mollo, G. Savarese, L. Carpinelli
{"title":"Through teachers’ eyes: adaptability and transformations in their practices and relationship with students during COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"Nadia Dario, Monica Mollo, G. Savarese, L. Carpinelli","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1322103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1322103","url":null,"abstract":"This research critically and empirically analyzes the intricate interaction between the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Italian educational system and the quality of the teacher-student relationship. The main focus is on the experiences of Italian educators who had to deal with the upheavals caused by the pandemic within an educational system.The primary purpose of this study is to explore (a) how did teachers’ educational practices change during the first lockdown and (b) how did the teacher-student relationship evolve during the first lockdown from the teachers’ point of view.The study uses a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews and diary collection (conducted via platforms). Participants are Italian primary and secondary school teachers aged between 25 and 60.In this study, the thematic analysis of the content of the interviews and diaries reveals: the initial responses of educators, the transition to distance learning, the challenges and potential of virtual education, the students’ evaluation, future perspectives, and the topic of the relationship with students (particularly addressed in the diaries).By delving into the transformation of the teacher-student relationship under extraordinary circumstances, this research enriches the discourse on its quality, capturing the psychological nuances of learning-teaching experiences, and uncovers the multifaceted transformations in teaching methodologies, tools, and assessments.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139382989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mario Andrés Ramos, Raul Camacho, P. Buitrago, Robert David Urda, Julio Pastor Restrepo
{"title":"Software Defined Radio, a perspective from education","authors":"Mario Andrés Ramos, Raul Camacho, P. Buitrago, Robert David Urda, Julio Pastor Restrepo","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1228610","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1228610","url":null,"abstract":"The evolution of communication systems has brought about a paradigm shift, particularly in radiocommunications, where software has increasingly taken precedence over hardware. This transition has not only reduced implementation costs but has also significantly enhanced the flexibility of equipment architecture. A prime example of this trend is the emergence and consolidation of software-defined radio (SDR) technology in recent decades. This study provides a comprehensive contextualization of SDR technology, offering insights into its current state in terms of development tools and market equipment. Additionally, two learning scenarios are presented that employ different teaching methodologies. In one of these scenarios, communication theory is exclusively approached from a theoretical perspective. In the second scenario, knowledge acquisition is encouraged through the implementation of low-cost laboratories that incorporate SDR technology. The study indicates that implementing SDR technology boosts student motivation and learning, with 73.13% believing it enhances engineering education and 96% showing increased motivation. Those using SDR in practical laboratories perform better on knowledge tests, but statistical analysis shows that the difference is not statistically significant.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"107 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139383310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María Dolores Fernández Tilve, María Laura Malvar Méndez, Juan José Varela Tembra
{"title":"Emotional competence profile in secondary school counselors: controversy or need?","authors":"María Dolores Fernández Tilve, María Laura Malvar Méndez, Juan José Varela Tembra","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1277638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1277638","url":null,"abstract":"It is out of doubt that little attention is paid to the emotional competences of secondary school counselors in research activity, as well as in their initial and ongoing training. It seems that emotional well-being is still a pending issue that may even generate some controversy, even though, today, it is defined as a clear strategy in mental health plans. Undoubtedly, we are facing a content that facilitates the contrast of points of view and social commitment as an inherent part of the democratic process. Therefore, it was decided to carry out a study, of enormous relevance, with the purpose of knowing the perceptions of secondary school counselors within the Autonomous Community of Galicia regarding emotional competences for an ideal counseling practice in complex times and moments with great challenges in the field of educational equity. Specifically, an evaluation study was carried out on the level of training received by school counselors in emotional competences and thus be able to have a diagnosis, identifying possible strengths and weaknesses. A study with a quantitative based methodology which uses the questionnaire for data collection as a main research technique. The findings obtained suggest that the quality of the teaching and learning processes in secondary schools would be substantially improved if the emotional competence profile of the counselors was considered. In particular, the interest that emotional competences arouse in counselors is confirmed, at the same time, they recognize that they can help them properly to manage the relationship processes and, the personal balance. This research, one of the first carried out in Galicia on emotional competences in secondary school counselors, provides empirical data of great interest for future training plans that are more in line with social and professional expectations, since it provides an x-ray unique, revealing, valid and real statement of the state of the matter.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"4 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139381063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with disabilities: education, development, and well-being of culturally and linguistically diverse families","authors":"Kristina Rios, Paul Luelmo, Saury Ramos Torres","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1344955","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1344955","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"83 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139381455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fay Hadley, L. Harrison, Leanne Lavina, L. Barblett, Susan Irvine, Francis Bobongie-Harris, Jennifer Cartmel
{"title":"Engaging stakeholders to inform policy developments in early childhood education and outside school hours care","authors":"Fay Hadley, L. Harrison, Leanne Lavina, L. Barblett, Susan Irvine, Francis Bobongie-Harris, Jennifer Cartmel","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1212952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1212952","url":null,"abstract":"The application of engagement strategies to ensure democracy of decisions is increasingly valued and adopted by governments to ensure trust in the process and ownership of the outcome. This paper describes the approach and methods used to engage early childhood education and care (ECEC) and outside school hours care (OSHC) stakeholders in the contemporizing and updating of Australia’s national Approved Learning Frameworks (ALFs): Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and My Time Our Place: Framework for School Age Care (MTOP). Theoretical underpinnings of a robust stakeholder engagement strategy ensured a range of methods were developed to communicate with and encourage participation by the diversity of stakeholders who are invested in ECEC and OSHC in Australia – broadly defined as approved providers, teachers, educators, families, children and young people, regulatory authorities and other professionals who provide support and advice. A mixed-method, sequential 3-Stage design was developed to gather the insights, responses, and perspectives of stakeholders who provided, worked in, used, attended, or supported ECEC and/or OSHC settings. Stakeholder feedback included survey ratings and written comments, focus group and panel discussions, educator documentation and video-diaries, and the writings, talking, and drawings of children and young people. Evaluation methods focus on the number, diversity, and depth of stakeholder responses. In conclusion, we reflect on the usefulness, benefits, limitations, and effectiveness of our approach to participatory engagement to inform government policy development and decision making.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"46 43","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139382278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How mathematicians characterize and attempt to develop understanding of concepts and definitions in proof-based courses","authors":"Rachel Rupnow, Timothy Fukawa-Connelly","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1284666","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1284666","url":null,"abstract":"Mathematics education research has long focused on students’ conceptual understanding, including highlighting conceptions viewed as problematic and looking for ways to develop more desirable conceptions. Nevertheless, limited research has examined how mathematicians characterize understanding of concepts and definitions or promote activities beneficial for students. Based on interviews with 13 mathematicians, we present thematic characterizations of what it means to understand a concept and definition, highlight activities mathematicians believe assist students’ learning, and examine their reasons for promoting these activities. Results include mathematically grounded descriptions of what it means to understand a concept but general descriptions of approaching and supporting learning. Implications include a need for attending to intended meanings for “understanding” in context and how this impacts appropriate activities for developing understanding, as well as a careful examination of the extant research literature’s claims about seemingly unified notions of conceptual understanding.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139383402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Design and implementation of virtual laboratories for higher education sustainability: a case study of Nankai University","authors":"Nan Zhang, Yin Liu","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1322263","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1322263","url":null,"abstract":"Laboratory learning has a vital role in science education. With the application of information technologies in educational domain, virtual experiment has become an effective supplement to traditional experimental teaching. Moreover, virtual experimentation can expand experimental field, enrich teaching content and reduce experimental risk, which provides strong support for the sustainable development of higher education. Using cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), computer simulation and interaction, we developed two public virtual laboratories and 41 virtual-simulation-experiment projects. They are integrated into an interactive learning environment, that is, virtual experiment learning management platform. The method is based on ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). In this paper, one virtual-simulation-experiment project is taken as a case study. The project includes 4 virtual practical activities mapped to the medical courses; and they were implemented in the third year of the bachelor’s degree. The proposed virtual learning environment has been evaluated by learners for 2 years. The results achieved and similar findings from other studies, show that the use of virtual learning environment has a positive impact on the learning process and outcomes.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"91 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139381250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Klára Kovács, Beáta Dobay, Szabolcs Halasi, Tamás Pinczés, Imre Tódor
{"title":"Demands, resources and institutional factors in the work of academic staff in Central and Eastern Europe: results of a qualitative research among university teachers in five countries","authors":"Klára Kovács, Beáta Dobay, Szabolcs Halasi, Tamás Pinczés, Imre Tódor","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1326515","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1326515","url":null,"abstract":"The increased stress, pressure, and organizational change draw attention to the importance of doing research on workplace stress and resources, as well as other sources of stress among university teachers. Based on the job demands-resources theory (JD-R theory) this paper investigates the workplace factors affecting the health and wellbeing of Central and Eastern European (CEE) academics. A further question is, what are the institutional factors that (could) improve or worsen their wellbeing, as well as how they are able to cope with the stress on an individual level.For the analyses, seven focus group interviews were conducted with academics from nine higher education institutions in Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia (N = 41).According to our results of the focus group interviews the most important workplace difficulties, challenges, and resources are related to teaching roles, interpersonal relationships, support by the management, and infrastructural conditions.Institutions can contribute to the wellbeing and health of the academics primarily by offering free or at least discounted participation in sports, cultural and leisure events, as well as mental health counseling, but it is important for these not to be self-serving (the colleagues from the university should not participate in the programs to make up for the missing audiences of the otherwise overfunded organizations of the institution) and haphazard: without a targeted health strategy, these are not sufficiently effective.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"11 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139381020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alejandro Álvarez-Vanegas, Marco Rieckmann, Marisol Lopera Pérez, Patricia M. Aguirre
{"title":"Teaching with A Rounder Sense of Purpose: a survey study on education for sustainable development competences in Latin America","authors":"Alejandro Álvarez-Vanegas, Marco Rieckmann, Marisol Lopera Pérez, Patricia M. Aguirre","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1205478","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1205478","url":null,"abstract":"Through support and guidance in fostering competences in ESD, educators can help students to evolve into engaged citizens capable of addressing the current ecological crisis. However, in order to provide effective guidance, educators need to become proficient in sustainability. In this line, this study investigates (i) the depth of knowledge about sustainability (including teaching for sustainability), (ii) stances toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and (iii) competences that Latin American university educators perceive they possess. A survey was designed, including elements from previously validated instruments and using the competences framework A Rounder Sense of Purpose. It was answered by educators from Latin America (N = 197), mainly Colombia and Ecuador. Through a statistical analysis, ranks were developed, and further analyses were made. Although this research is based on the self-perception of respondents, findings suggest that educators have some knowledge about ESD. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of action. Additionally, there are inconsistencies between the competences they aim to develop in their students and the ones they currently possess. Such an assessment had not been done specifically for the Latin American context, and the A Rounder Sense of Purpose framework of competences had yet to be explored with a large sample of educators. The results of this research will allow for the offering of a more adequate and pertinent capacity-building program for university educators.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"47 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139381694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Morris Ndeezi, Gloria A. Pedersen, Benjamin Alipanga, Ibrahim Luberenga, Brandon A. Kohrt, Roscoe Kasujja
{"title":"Integrating EQUIP competency-based training into a university curriculum: a qualitative inquiry with students and faculty at Makerere University in Uganda","authors":"Morris Ndeezi, Gloria A. Pedersen, Benjamin Alipanga, Ibrahim Luberenga, Brandon A. Kohrt, Roscoe Kasujja","doi":"10.3389/feduc.2023.1290630","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1290630","url":null,"abstract":"Competency-based training has gained prominence in clinical psychology education, emphasizing practical skills acquisition. The EQUIP competency-based approach, recognized for its effectiveness in in-service training, raises questions about its feasibility and utility in pre-service education.Faculty and supervisors were trained in and applied EQUIP competency-based assessment and techniques with current graduate students. A cohort comprising 15 graduate students, 12 faculty members, and supervisors from Butabika National Referral Mental Health and Teaching Hospital participated in focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Qualitative data was collected from 1st August 2022 to 4th August 2022. Thematic analysis identified three central themes.The first theme reveals participants’ recognition of EQUIP’s feasibility in standardizing competence levels and addressing curriculum gaps. An extended training period, approximately 15 h, was identified as crucial to enhance educators’ and supervisors’ confidence in implementing the approach. The second theme emphasizes the pivotal role of role-play in competency-based training, transforming initial apprehension into constructive learning. Lastly, feedback emerged as a crucial component, with participants highlighting its role in fostering self-assuredness and refining skills.The study emphasizes the importance of robust training in competency-based methodologies. The EQUIP approach’s potential in clinical psychology education is evidenced by its alignment with research outcomes. Beyond this, the study advocates for longitudinal research to assess sustained engagement with EQUIP resources and their long-term impact. This research not only advances the discourse on competency-based training but also sets the stage for continuous improvements in clinical psychology education.","PeriodicalId":52290,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Education","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139382633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}