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1 – 10 of 228Zhuo Min Huang, Heather Cockayne and Jenna Mittelmeier
The study explores diverse and critical understandings of “international” in a higher education curriculum context, situated in a curriculum review of a postgraduate taught…
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores diverse and critical understandings of “international” in a higher education curriculum context, situated in a curriculum review of a postgraduate taught programme entitled “International Education” at a university located in England. Our study problematises and decentres some dominant, normalised notions of “international”, exploring critical possibilities of engaging with the term for higher education internationalisation.
Design/methodology/approach
We examined a set of programme curriculum documents and conducted a survey exploring teaching staff’s uses and interpretations of “international” in their design and delivery of course units. Through a thematic analysis of the dataset, we identify what “international” might mean or how it may be missing across the curriculum.
Findings
Our findings suggest a locally-developed conceptualisation of “international” beyond the normalised interpretation of “international” as the inclusion or comparison of multiple nations, and different, other countries around the global world. More diverse, critical understandings of the term have been considered, including international as intercultural, competences, ethics, languages and methods. The study provides an example approach to reflective scholarship that programmes can undergo in order to develop clarity, depth and purposefulness into internationalisation as enacted in a local curriculum context.
Originality/value
The study provides a first step towards establishing clearer guidelines on internationalising the curriculum by higher education institutions and individual programmes in order to challenge a superficial engagement of “international” within internationalisation. It exemplifies a starting point for making purposeful steps away from normalised notions and assumptions of international education and facilitates development towards its critical, ethically-grounded opportunities.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine how social media can be an effective tool for academic libraries to support their communities in the digital environment and relay…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how social media can be an effective tool for academic libraries to support their communities in the digital environment and relay information about their cultural functions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper involves a literature review to discuss the implementation of academic libraries’ cultural functions through social media account. This paper also observes some academic libraries’ accounts that use social media to carry out their cultural functions.
Findings
Social media provides opportunities for academic libraries in performing and developing their cultural functions. Academic libraries already use social media to deliver and communicate their cultural functions. However, some challenges might arise and necessitate a review of the library’s resources and the skills of library professionals.
Originality/value
This paper fills the lack of empirical studies analyzing the implementation of academic libraries’ cultural functions through social media accounts and contributes to the literature about the cultural functions of libraries in the digital environment. This paper can help those academic libraries wanting to leverage, bring innovation and increase their cultural functions in the digital environment through their social media accounts.
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Ziyuan Xu, Yuanyuan Cao and Hirotaka Matsuoka
The impact of various factors on how TV sports audiences perceive sport event sponsors’ billboards around sports facilities has been the subject of extensive research. Despite…
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of various factors on how TV sports audiences perceive sport event sponsors’ billboards around sports facilities has been the subject of extensive research. Despite numerous factors that impact the effectiveness of sponsor signage at sporting events, there has been a lack of research regarding the language used for such signage around sports facilities’ billboards. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of billboard advertisement language on TV sports audiences’ recognition, recall and search intention to sponsor signage.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed an online experimental design. Participants (n = 925) were recruited from two linguistically different regions: Chinese and English. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: watching tennis video matches with billboard advertisements presented in either the Roman alphabet exclusively or in a combination of the Roman alphabet and Chinese characters.
Findings
This study revealed that although language cannot significantly impact audiences’ unaided recall of a brand, it does have a discernible effect on brand recognition and search intention among audiences. Additionally, people are more likely to search for brands in their native language. Participants from various regions tend to have different recognition rates and search intentions for sport sponsors.
Originality/value
This is the first manuscript examining the use of different languages in relation to audiences’ recognition and recall of sports sponsorship. It provides empirical evidence of the importance of carefully considering the language used in sponsor signage around stadium billboards to optimize the efficacy of sponsorships at sports events.
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Amir Ghajarieh and Afarin Aghabozorgi
This study aims to analyze translanguaging practices and beliefs of Iranian English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers and find discrepancies between the practice and perception…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze translanguaging practices and beliefs of Iranian English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers and find discrepancies between the practice and perception of educators in bi/multilingual species in Iranian educational settings.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involved interviewing ten teachers and observing six of their sessions, which yielded qualitative data.
Findings
The results showed that the participating teachers produced recurring themes such as the significance and limitations of translanguaging, techniques for training multilingual learners and the restrictions imposed by policies that discourage the use of L1 in language institutes in Iran. A noteworthy observation made in this investigation was that educators who possessed competency in three or more languages exhibited greater endorsement of translanguaging in both their perceptions and practices.
Practical implications
This study has significant implications for instructors, teacher trainers and policymakers operating within multilingual environments. It serves as a pioneering study that invites a productive synergy between Western and Asian researchers in exploring bi/multilingual spaces within Asian educational contexts.
Originality/value
This study brings a fresh perspective to the current body of research on teacher agency in bi/multilingual educational settings. By utilizing qualitative methods, it offers unique and original insights. Particularly noteworthy is the discovery that educators who are proficient in three or more languages are more inclined to support translanguaging. This observation adds a distinctive understanding of translanguaging in language education. It opens up new possibilities for exploring the application and efficacy of the translanguaging approach in Asian bi/multilingual spaces in education.
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Mohammad Saeed Abdallah ALsheyab
The basis for this study on electronic transferable records (ETRs) in the context of digitalizing cross-border trade is established in this chapter. It illustrates how the growing…
Abstract
Purpose
The basis for this study on electronic transferable records (ETRs) in the context of digitalizing cross-border trade is established in this chapter. It illustrates how the growing trend toward paperless trade and technological improvements is changing trade operations. This chapter focuses on the need to look into ETRs because of their capacity to influence business transactions while navigating complex legal issues. The specific goals of the study are outlined, including a review of the advantages, legality, difficulties and best practices of ETRs. This study aims to shed light on the possible advantages and disadvantages of ETRs, the legal framework that controls their use and the best practices for their efficient implementation. This study also seeks to provide informative recommendations for businesses and people that are considering using ETRs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study explores the evolving world of ETRs and their crucial function in international trade. Multidimensional technique is used to examine the transformative potential of ETRs from a variety of research angles. The research design is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the literature that includes a wide range of reliable sources, including academic papers, business reports and legal documents. The comprehensive retrieval of essential material is ensured through keyword searches in renowned academic databases and industry resources. The qualitative synthesis of secondary sources further enhances this methodology and allows for a complex examination of the implications of ETRs. The case study analysis provides practical information on the benefits, hazards and practical applications of ETRs. Multifaceted aspects are uncovered via a thematic approach and qualitative investigation, including potential advantages, hazards, implementation plans and regulatory frameworks.
Findings
ETRs offer a range of potential advantages for cross-border trade, encompassing augmented efficiency, reduced costs and heightened security. Nonetheless, their implementation also presents legal challenges and risks, spanning security and privacy concerns, legal ambiguities and technical complexities. Consequently, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to meticulously assess and mitigate these risks through the integration of robust security protocols, staying informed about legal developments and adhering to pertinent regulatory stipulations. In spite of these hurdles, the trajectory of ETR adoption is anticipated to remain on an upward trajectory, driven by increasing recognition of their potential benefits and the concurrent evolution of legal frameworks and technical standards.
Research limitations/implications
Research limitations included the following: lack of adoption of ETRs internationally; and legal diversity and different legal systems results in different consideration of the ETRs. It makes reaching a unified ETR system more difficult.
Practical implications
It is necessary to develop clear policies and procedures and establish well-defined policies and procedures governing ETR use. These should encompass security guidelines, data protection measures and adherence to legal mandates. Regular review and updates are imperative. Stay current on legal developments: In light of the continuously evolving legal and regulatory landscape pertaining to ETRs, businesses and individuals must stay abreast of pertinent changes and seek professional counsel when necessary. Collaborate with partners and stakeholders: To ensure harmonization and standardization in ETR deployment, active collaboration with partners, regulators and industry associations is vital.
Social implications
Enhance awareness and education: Investment in awareness and educational initiatives is crucial. Decision-makers should organize training programs, workshops and seminars to enhance understanding of ETRs’ potential benefits in cross-border trade among stakeholders. Socially, the use of ETR can achieve several political advantages for the society. It minimizes risks of corruption through enhancing tracing and auditing abilities for relevant authorities making it more difficult to engage in corrupt practices. That can promote integrity within government and public procurement system.
Originality/value
The development of standardized technical frameworks and interoperable platforms for ETRs could enhance their seamless integration into existing trade systems. Additionally, investigating the integration of emerging technologies like blockchain, IoT and AI into ETR ecosystems could unlock innovative solutions to security, authenticity and data management concerns. This study examines how ETRs can radically alter how trade is conducted on a global scale. This paper examines ETRs’ role in improving cross-border trade digitization by examining their advantages, legal difficulties and implementation techniques. The conclusions will aid firms, decision-makers and attorneys in navigating the constantly changing world of trade agreements. The study’s ultimate goal is to offer takeaways that support effective, secure and legally compliant integration of ETRs, ensuring that they operate as a catalyst for improved global trade efficacy and efficiency.
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Early childhood and early elementary are key times when children develop internal and external antifat attitudes; thus, it is necessary to better understand the available…
Abstract
Purpose
Early childhood and early elementary are key times when children develop internal and external antifat attitudes; thus, it is necessary to better understand the available children’s literature around fatness.This paper aims to examine children's picture books with fat protagonists to better understand the current landscape of children's literature. Drawing on relevant literature around fat characters and the fat studies movement, this critical content analysis considers five children’s books featuring fat protagonists.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses critical content analysis to analyze texts featuring fat protagonists, including two rounds of initial reading and analysis. Using lenses of critical literacy and critical multicultural analysis, the author looks for common themes, silences and absences in the texts, images and peritext.
Findings
This paper identifies themes of characters initially internalizing antifatness, then pushing back against antifat bias toward existing with joy and without stigma. Several of these texts even draw on the history of fat activism, highlighting societal critique and a potential activist component of children’s literature with fat protagonists.
Research limitations/implications
The study has a small number of books, due to the limited number of texts that fit the study parameters.
Practical implications
The paper concludes with examples of scaffolding for teachers and parents to have conversations with young children about antifat bias while also acknowledging notable absences, particularly boy protagonists.
Social implications
These themes illustrate the power of young children to push back against antifat bias and critique oppressive social structures.
Originality/value
There have been very few studies looking at antifatness in children’s picture books. With more books with fat protagonists coming out in the 2020s, this study offers an understanding of the themes present, while also emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach to literature with fat protagonists.
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Carl Edlund Anderson and Rosa Dene David
This paper aims to present a theoretical model for restructuring Colombia’s educational initiatives in response to current socioeconomic needs. More equitable and decolonized…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a theoretical model for restructuring Colombia’s educational initiatives in response to current socioeconomic needs. More equitable and decolonized education could help learners decouple their capacities to imagine the future from colonialized paradigms, thereby opening spaces for more active engagement in their own futures.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors take a critical, postmodern approach focused on empowering people to transcend constraints from a colonial past and recognizing that the purpose of knowledge, although reflecting power and social relationships, is to help people improve society. Notions of situated and futures literacies nourish an approach toward a decolonized and glocalized educational model.
Findings
The current Colombian educational system tends to favor a single focus – local, national or international – at the expense of the others. The authors argue that educational policy and planning should account for three realms of knowledge: locally situated literacies, nationally situated literacies and globally situated literacies.
Originality/value
Deconstructing obsolete and colonized methodologies could not only help prepare Colombian learners for active engagement both within and beyond their modern-day borders but could also help transform other educational systems originally designed to support societies and economies that no longer exist, including those of the Global North.
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There is some evidence to suggest that the historical challenge associated with recruiting and retaining Black and Brown Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM…
Abstract
Purpose
There is some evidence to suggest that the historical challenge associated with recruiting and retaining Black and Brown Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) collegians is tied to early their teaching and learning experiences in Mathematics. This paper describes an National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project (NSF #2151043) whose goal is to attract, prepare and retain math teachers of color in high need school districts ensure that those teachers remain in the field long enough to make a meaningful impact on the minds and hearts of BIPOC students who are often, extrinsically, and intrinsically, discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM professions.
Design/methodology/approach
This mixed-methods study, which began in the summer of 2023, seeks to recruit, prepare, support and retain nineteen (19) Black and Brown math teachers for two (2) high need urban school districts. The expectancy value theory will be used to explain the performance, persistence, and choices of the teachers, while grounded theory will be utilized to understand the impact of the intensive mentorship and wellness coaching that applied over the first year of their preservice preparation and subsequent in-service years.
Findings
Measures of project efficacy won’t begin until 2025 and as such there are no findings or implications to draw from for the study at this time.
Originality/value
The intention of this paper is to augment the body of knowledge on recruiting and retaining Black and Brown math teachers for urban schools where the need for quality STEM teachers is critical.
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Higher education institutions have a critical role in creating and disseminating the knowledge required to address the complex global challenges faced by global society, as…
Abstract
Purpose
Higher education institutions have a critical role in creating and disseminating the knowledge required to address the complex global challenges faced by global society, as summarized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role of higher education is linked with the concept of internationalization, which has recently been called upon to help contribute to tackle the global challenges and meet the SDGs, particularly through more attention to “Internationalization at Home” (IaH). This paper aims to examine the role of higher education in addressing the SDGs, especially with respect to the links between IaH and the SDGs.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study of the International Campus of Zhejiang University (iZJU) is conducted to illustrate how iZJU, which is a pioneer of “Internationalization at Home” and an exemplar of sustainable campus in China, contributes to the value of the SDGs and makes an impact.
Findings
The authors examine the practice of IaH at iZJU in the dimensions of organization, curriculum, people and campus, and the authors find evidence from the iZJU model in addressing the value of the SDG4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.
Originality/value
First, the authors contribute to the literature on the role of higher education in addressing the SDGs, especially with respect to the links between IaH and the SDGs. Second, the authors contribute to the IaH literature by examining IaH from a Chinese perspective, as there has been little exploration of what IaH means beyond the European context. Third, the authors build on the analytical framework in the IaH literature in the dimensions of organization, curriculum and people and extend with a new dimension of campus. Fourth, the authors show that IaH is a comprehensive approach to include both curriculum internationalization and campus internationalization.
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Wagdi Rashad Ali Bin-Hady and Jamal Kaid Mohammed Ali
This study probed the impact of using learning technologies (LT) on developing Yemeni English as a foreign language (EFL) students' autonomy and creativity toward English language…
Abstract
Purpose
This study probed the impact of using learning technologies (LT) on developing Yemeni English as a foreign language (EFL) students' autonomy and creativity toward English language learning. Also, the research gauged if LT impacts learners' autonomy and creativity across gender and university-type variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a valid and reliable questionnaire, comprising 20 close-ended items, which was administered to 109 Yemeni EFL undergraduate students.
Findings
The researchers found that LT positively impacts learners' creativity and autonomy, with mean scores of 4.09 and 3.86, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed a medium correlation between creativity and autonomy with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.63 at a probability of Sig = 0.00. Likewise, the results revealed that LT impacted female learners' creativity more significantly than their male counterparts (Sig = 0.047). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found pertaining to the impact of LT on students' autonomy across public and private universities (Sig = 0.213).
Social implications
EFL teachers are advised to encourage their students' autonomy and creativity throughout their lifelong learning journey in order to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world.
Originality/value
This study investigates the impact of learning technology on Yemeni EFL students' autonomy and creativity.
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