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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 September 2020

Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro, Ricardo Godinho Bilro and Fernando José de Aires Angelino

The purpose of this paper is to review studies on the use of virtual reality (VR) and gamification to engage students in higher education for marketing issues to identify the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review studies on the use of virtual reality (VR) and gamification to engage students in higher education for marketing issues to identify the research topics, the research gaps and to prepare a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is performed based on two search terms applied to Web of Science, resulting in a final pool of 115 articles. A text-mining approach is used to conduct a full-text analysis of papers related to VR and gamification in higher education. The authors also compare the salient characteristics presented in the articles.

Findings

From this analysis, five major research topics are found and analysed, namely, teaching methodologies and education, experience and motivation, student engagement, applied theories in VR and gamification. Based on this and following the theory concept characteristics methodology framework, the paper provides directions for future research.

Originality/value

There is no comprehensive review exploring the topics, theories, constructs and methods used in prior studies concerning VR and gamification applied to higher education services based on all the articles published in well-regarded academic journals. This review seeks to provide deeper insights, to help scholars contribute to the development of this research field.

Propósito

En este documento se revisan los estudios sobre el uso de la realidad virtual (RV) y la Gamificación para involucrar a los estudiantes en la educación superior en marketing, se identifican los principales temas de investigación tratados, las lagunas de investigación y se sugiere una agenda futura de investigación.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Una revisión de la literatura basada en dos búsquedas en Web of Science (WOS) permitió identificar 115 artículos. La minería de textos se utilizó para realizar un análisis de texto completo de los artículos relacionados con RV y gamificación en la educación superior. Los autores también compararon las características más destacadas de los artículos.

Hallazgos

A partir de este análisis, se encuentran y analizan cinco grandes temas de investigación: metodologías de enseñanza y educación, experiencia y motivación, compromiso de los estudiantes, aplicadas a la RV y la gamificación. Basándose en esto y siguiendo el marco del TCCM, el artículo proporciona una agenda futura de investigación.

Originalidad/valor

No hay una revisión exhaustiva que explore los temas, las teorías, construcciones y métodos utilizados en estudios anteriores relativos a RV y gamificación aplicados a servicios de educación superior basados en todos los artículos publicados en revistas académicas. Esta revisión proporciona una panorámica más detallada y sugiere a los académicos nuevas líneas de trabajo para seguir desarrollando este campo de investigación.

目的

本文的目的是回顾为了提高学生参与高等教育而使用虚拟现实(VR)和游戏化的营销方面的研究,以确定它们的研究主题,研究差距,并以此准备未来的研究议程。

文章设计/方法

本文的文献综述是基于Web of Science的两个搜索词进行的,最终搜索出115篇文章。本文采用文本挖掘方法,对与高等教育中的虚拟现实和游戏化相关的论文进行全文分析。作者还比较了这些文章中呈现的显著特征。

研究结果

从这一调查中,我们发现并分析了五大研究主题,即教学方法与教育、体验与动机、学生参与、虚拟现实应用理论和游戏化。在此基础上,遵循理论概念、特征、方法论框架,为今后的研究提供了方向。

本文独创性/价值

目前,在权威学术期刊上发表的所有文章,都没有对以往关于虚拟现实和游戏化应用于高等教育服务的研究的主题、理论、结构和方法进行全面的综述。本文旨在提供更深刻的见解,以帮助学者们为这一研究领域的发展做出贡献。

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 December 2021

Alfredo Alfageme, Salvador Seguí-Cosme and Yazmín Monteagudo-Cáceres

To uncover age inequalities in participation in higher education (HE) in Spain, the socio-demographic profile of Spanish adult undergraduates is compared to that of the general…

Abstract

Purpose

To uncover age inequalities in participation in higher education (HE) in Spain, the socio-demographic profile of Spanish adult undergraduates is compared to that of the general population of the same age group (25–54). Specific attention is devoted to differentials between face-to-face and distance adult students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is mainly based on a comparative analysis of quantitative data generated by an online survey conducted by the authors among students over the age of 25 enrolled in Spanish public universities. Concurrent secondary sources have been considered as well.

Findings

Employment and family obligations appear as powerful conditioners of adults' access to HE, their choice of study mode (face-to-face or distance) and their area of study. The possession of previous HE qualifications also appears as an important factor differentiating adult undergraduates from the general population.

Research limitations/implications

The online survey is intended to reveal the main socio-demographic barriers to adult access to HE in Spain, rather than to draw a statistically representative profile of the target universe. The standard methodological recommendations have been followed to control the expected low response rate for the online questionnaire.

Practical implications

The study points to the need to deeply articulate current university-level compensatory mechanisms with macro-level age-sensitive social policies.

Social implications

Life course policies aimed at reducing age educational inequalities are advanced.

Originality/value

The social conditioners of adult participation in HE are addressed through a conceptual framework combining the life-course perspective with the prevalent research approach, centred on the notions of lifelong learning and non-traditional learners' unequal access.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2020

Charles Arcodia, Margarida Abreu Novais, Nevenka Cavlek and Andreas Humpe

This paper aims to investigate participants’ motivations and perceptions of a field trip. Specifically, this paper examines if and how students’ perceptions change with time and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate participants’ motivations and perceptions of a field trip. Specifically, this paper examines if and how students’ perceptions change with time and it explores the main factors for ensuring success in an experiential learning tourism program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gathered and compared data collected in two points in time – immediately at the end of the experience and two months afterward. T-tests for paired samples were used to examine potential differences in perceptions and principal component analysis was used to identify the key factors determining the success of the experience.

Findings

The findings indicate that there are various motivations behind participation and that time barely affects perceptions of the experience. Furthermore, three factors emerged as important for meeting expectations, namely, social and professional connections, learning and traditional yet engaging teaching.

Research limitations/implications

While the outcomes are useful, they need to be thoughtfully applied because of the small data set. It is important to repeat similar investigations to allow more certainty in the propositions formulated. Furthermore, future studies should evaluate a broader variety of outcomes to determine whether perceptions remain constant. The implications are that educators and destination managers can easily apply these conclusions for the benefit and the findings can inform other field trips and broader experiential initiatives.

Originality/value

Despite research on learning outcomes and perceptions of experiential learning having expanded considerably, a fundamental question that remains unanswered is how perceptions of such experiences change and, consequently, when the most appropriate time is to assess participant perceptions.

研学旅游与体验式学习:学生对田野实践的认知

摘要

研究目的

本文的研究目的是为了探讨学生对于研学旅游中田野实践的参与动机和观念。特别地, 本文检验了学生的观念是否以及如何随时间变化, 并探讨了影响体验式研学旅行项目成功实施的关键因素。

研究设计/研究架构/研究方法

该研究在两个时间点收集数据, 一是在完成体验式学习之后立即进行数据收集, 二是在两个月后再次进行数据收集。研究主要采用配对样本T检验来检验认知的潜在差异, 采用主成分分析法来识别影响该体验能否成功的关键因素。

研究结论

研究结果表明, 参加体验式研学旅行的人们有着不同的动机, 时间基本不影响参与者对研学体验的认知。此外, 三个因素显得十分重要:社交和专业联系、学习、传统的参与式教学。

研究局限/研究启示

尽管本研究的结果有重要的实践价值, 但由于样本量相对较小, 需要谨慎应用此研究结果。本研究认为, 有必要在未来的研究中进行类似的重复研究, 以确保所得出的结论具有稳健性。此外, 未来的研究应当考虑更多的结果, 从而判断参与者的认知是否稳定。本文的研究意义有三:教育工作者以及旅游目的地经理人可以轻松应用这些结论来盈利, 可以启发其他类型的田野实践, 启发更一般的体验式学习项目。

原创性/研究贡献

近来, 虽然关于体验式学习成效、体验式学习认知的研究迅速增加, 但一个尚未被解答的根本性问题是:体验式学习的认知是如何变化的, 因此, 在哪个时间点去评估参与者的认知是最合适的?

Turismo educativo y aprendizaje experimental: percepciones de los estudiantes sobre las excursiones

Propósito

El propósito de este estudio es investigar las motivaciones y percepciones de un viaje de campo. Específicamente, en este articulo se examina si las percepciones de los estudiantes cambian con el tiempo y se determinan los principales factores para asegurar el éxito de un programa de aprendizaje experimental de turismo.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El estudio reunió y comparó datos recopilados en dos puntos en el tiempo – directamente después de la experiencia y dos meses después. Se aplico la prueba “t” para muestras emparejadas para examinar las posibles diferencias en las percepciones y se utilizó el análisis de componentes principales para identificar los factores clave que determinan el éxito de la experiencia.

Resultados

los resultados indican que hay varias motivaciones detrás de la participación y que el tiempo prácticamente no afecta las percepciones de la experiencia. Además, tres factores surgieron como fundamentales para cumplir con las expectativas de los estudiantes: conexiones sociales y profesionales, aprendizaje y enseñanza tradicional pero dinámica.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

Si bien los resultados son útiles, deben aplicarse cuidadosamente debido al pequeño conjunto de datos. Es importante repetir investigaciones similares para permitir mayor certeza en las proposiciones formuladas. Además, los estudios futuros deberían evaluar una variedad más amplia de resultados para determinar si las percepciones permanecen constantes. Las implicaciones son que los educadores y los gerentes de destino pueden aplicar fácilmente estas conclusiones para beneficio y los hallazgos pueden informar otras excursiones e iniciativas experimentales más amplias.

Originalidad/valor

Si bien la investigación sobre percepciones del aprendizaje experimental se ha ampliado considerablemente, una pregunta fundamental que queda sin respuesta es cómo cambian las percepciones de tales experiencias y, en consecuencia, cuándo es el momento más apropiado para evaluar las percepciones de los participantes.

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2018

Oswaldo Morales, Andrew N. Kleit and Gareth H. Rees

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a country’s mixed history of colonialism and cultural heritage as a background to the management of a mining company’s community…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a country’s mixed history of colonialism and cultural heritage as a background to the management of a mining company’s community engagement. Mining-related social conflicts have intensified in Peru as mining expansion challenges Andean people’s traditional livelihoods. It is generally thought that resolving such conflicts requires a set of long-term strategies and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study has been developed using an inductive methodology through content analysis of newspaper reports, official documents and the academic literature. It follows a complex and evolving situation, blending social and cultural theory and norms with actual events to provide insight into the conflicts’ historical, social and cultural forces.

Findings

Mining conflicts are complex business and strategic problems that call for a more thorough analysis of causal variables and a deeper understanding of the underlying cultural and historical forces. Transactional community engagement responses may not always be adequate to maintain a mining project’s social licence.

Originality/value

Based on the information presented, students can use the case as a means to examine and critique community engagement approaches to social conflict resolution through this summary of a real-life example of social conflict in Peru’s mining industry. The case may also be used as the basis for teaching forward planning and contingency management for long-term projects involving stakeholders and potential conflict. The case has been used as a resource for teaching communications, risk evaluation and community engagement strategies as part of a Master’s in the Energy Sector Management programme in Peru.

Propósito

Este caso propone una introducción a la historia del colonialismo y multiculturalismo en el Perú relacionado con el manejo de las relaciones comunitarias por parte del sector minero. Los conflictos sociales provenientes de la actividad minera se han intensificado en el Perú debido a que esta industria insiste en desafiar el estilo de vida de los pueblos andinos. Se piensa que una solución de estos conflictos requiere un conjunto de estrategias y compromisos a largo plazo.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El estudio de caso se ha desarrollado utilizando una metodología inductiva a través del análisis de contenido de informes periodísticos, documentos oficiales y la literatura académica. Se analiza una situación compleja, mezclando la teoría y las normas sociales y culturales con los acontecimientos actuales para proporcionar una visión de las fuerzas históricas, sociales y culturales que sustentan los acontecimientos que ocurren.

Hallazgos

Los conflictos mineros son problemas de negocios complejos y estratégicos que requieren un análisis más profundo de las variables causales y una comprensión más profunda de las fuerzas culturales e históricas subyacentes. Las respuestas transaccionales de participación de la comunidad no siempre son adecuadas para mantener la licencia social de un proyecto minero.

Originalidad/valor

Basados en la información presentada, los estudiantes pueden usar el caso como un medio para examinar y criticar los enfoques de participación comunitaria en la resolución de conflictos sociales a través de un ejemplo real de conflicto social en la industria minera peruana. El caso también puede utilizarse como base para enseñar la planificación anticipada y la gestión de contingencias para proyectos a largo plazo que involucren a las partes interesadas. El caso se ha utilizado como recurso para la enseñanza de comunicaciones, estrategia, evaluación de riesgos y de participación comunitaria como parte de un programa de Maestría en Gestión del Sector Energético en Perú.

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Inés Rueda Sampedro, Ana Fernández‐Laviada and Angel Herrero Crespo

Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship surrounding the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of the advantages and disadvantages of entrepreneurship surrounding the entrepreneurial intention on a university context.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesis it is used a quantitative research. With a structural equations approach, it is explored the psychological mechanisms that could affect to the entrepreneurial intentions of university students.

Findings

The results obtained show that the advantages related to entrepreneurship, in particular personal rewards, influence positively on the entrepreneurial attitude. However, the disadvantages, in particular economic aspects, have a negative effect. Additionally, the authors test that the gender and the academic training have a moderate effect on the variables which influence on the entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship in two important aspects. First, it goes into detail about the influence that perceived advantages and disadvantages of starting a new business has on entrepreneurial intentions. Second, the authors examine relevant and special collective, university students that try to decide their professional future and, hence, it is a critical period to decide the startup of a new business.

Propósito

Con la Teoría de Comportamiento Planificado como marco de referencia este trabajo analiza la influencia de las ventajas e inconvenientes asociados al emprendimiento sobre la intención emprendedora en un contexto universitario.

Diseño/metodología

Para la contrastación empírica de las hipótesis planteadas se realiza una investigación de naturaleza cuantitativa mediante la cual se exploran los mecanismos psicológicos que podrían guiar las intenciones de emprendimiento de los estudiantes universitarios.

Resultados

Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que las ventajas asociadas al emprendimiento, en especial las recompensas personales, influyen positivamente en la actitud emprendedora, mientras que los inconvenientes asociados al emprendimiento, y en particular los aspectos económicos, ejercen un efecto negativo. Asimismo, se constata que el sexo y los estudios cursados tienen un efecto moderador en las variables que afectan a la intención emprendedora.

Originalidad/Valor

El presente trabajo aporta dos contribuciones fundamentales a la literatura sobre emprendimiento. Por un lado, profundiza en la comprensión de la influencia que tienen en la decisión de emprender las percepciones de los individuos respecto a las ventajas e inconvenientes de crear un negocio propio. Por otro lado, se examina un colectivo de especial relevancia en el ámbito del emprendimiento, como son los estudiantes universitarios, que se encuentran en situación de encaminar su futuro profesional y, por tanto, en un momento crítico para la decisión de crear una empresa propia.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 May 2020

Rebeca Cordero-Gutiérrez and Eva Lahuerta-Otero

The purpose of this study is to examine the different results and the level of success obtained with advertising campaigns developed on Facebook to promote postgraduate programs…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the different results and the level of success obtained with advertising campaigns developed on Facebook to promote postgraduate programs to create awareness and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combined the data envelopment analysis technique to measure advertising efficiency with multidimensional scaling (MDS) representation, thus offering alternatives for practitioners and organizations on how to evaluate social advertising performance.

Findings

Investments on social paid advertising are an affordable and effective way both to promote postgraduate programs and create engagement with prospective students. Facebook advertisements maximize visibility, which improves social and online positioning and encourages student recruitment.

Practical implications

Higher education institutions can efficiently promote their programs with a minimal social investment contributing to dissemination and engagement. Compared to other forms of traditional or digital advertising, social media ads can be efficient and affordable with wider segmentation and targeting options. Moreover, results are immediate and measurable and campaigns can be instantly modified to better suit the audience’s requirements.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it offers a new, alternative way of measuring efficiency, in addition to the classic ratios of payment models in digital advertising that combine clicks and impressions, on a sector where there are few empirical studies. Moreover, it can be easily applied to many other sectors in public and private organizations.

Propósito

El objetivo de esta investigación es examinar los diferentes resultados y el nivel de éxito obtenido con las campañas publicitarias desarrolladas en Facebook para promover programas de postgrado que aumenten la notoriedad y la participación de los mismos.

Diseño/método/enfoque

Combinamos la técnica de análisis de envolvente de datos (DEA) para medir la eficiencia de la publicidad con la representación de escalado multidimensional (MDS), ofreciendo alternativas tanto a profesionales como a organizaciones sobre cómo evaluar el rendimiento de la publicidad social.

Hallazgos

Las inversiones en publicidad social pagada son una forma asequible y efectiva tanto para promover programas de postgrado como para crear un compromiso con los posibles estudiantes. Los anuncios en Facebook maximizan la visibilidad, lo que también mejora el posicionamiento social y en línea, fomentando la captación de estudiantes.

Implicaciones prácticas

Las instituciones de educación superior pueden promover eficazmente sus programas con una inversión social mínima que contribuya a la difusión y el engagement. En comparación con otras formas de publicidad tradicional o digital, los anuncios de los medios sociales pueden ser eficientes y asequibles, con una segmentación y opciones de orientación más amplias. Además, los resultados son inmediatos y cuantificables y las campañas pueden modificarse instantáneamente para adaptarse mejor a las necesidades del público objetivo.

Originalidad/valor

Esta investigación es única ya que ofrece una nueva y alternativa forma de medir la eficiencia, además de los ratios clásicos de los modelos de pago en la publicidad digital que combinan clics e impresiones, en un sector en el que hay pocos estudios empíricos. Además, puede aplicarse fácilmente a muchos otros sectores en organizaciones públicas y privadas.

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Enrique Ogliastri, Carlos Pombo and Elvira Salgado

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the anniversary issue marking 30 years of academic publication.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the anniversary issue marking 30 years of academic publication.

Design/methodology/approach

This anniversary issue contains 12 articles from 11 countries and 17 academic institutions which present literature reviews, meta-analyses, and novel studies. It also contains testimonials about the history of the journal from Enrique Ogliastri (Editor and/or Director between 1998 and 2018), Elvira Salgado (Editor between 2002 and 2013), and Carlos Pombo (Chief Editor, 2013 to the present).

Findings

The history of the journal may be divided into five stages: first, the foundation at the Universidad de Chile (1988-1998); second, the move to the Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá) and the preparation of a proposal to the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) for inclusion among the scientific journals of the world (1999-2004); third, a period of consolidation in Latin America (2004-2007); fourth, the acceptance of the journal in ISI and the development of an electronic platform with free access to the journal (2008-2013); and fifth, the entry of the Emerald group as editorial partner (2013-2018).

Originality/value

The 12 articles present literature reviews, meta-analyzes, and novel studies.

Propósito

El propósito de este editorial es presentar el tema del aniversario.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se publican doce artículos provenientes de once países y 17 instituciones académicas. Se presentan los testimonios de Enrique Ogliastri (editor y/o director entre 1998 y 2018), Elvira Salgado (Editora entre 2002 y 2013), y Carlos Pombo (jefe editorial 2013-2018).

Hallazgos

Se publican doce artículos provenientes de once países y 17 instituciones académicas. Se presentan los testimonios de Enrique Ogliastri (editor y/o director entre 1998 y 2018), Elvira Salgado (Editora entre 2002 y 2013), y Carlos Pombo (jefe editorial 2013-2018). La historia de la revista de CLADEA se podría dividir en cinco etapas: la fundación en la Universidad de Chile (1988-1998); pasó a cargo de la Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá), un período de puesta a punto para presentar al Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) la solicitud de ser analizada e incluida entre las revistas científicas del mundo (1999-2004); el período de consolidación en América Latina (2004-2007); la aceptación en ISI y el desarrollo de una plataforma electrónica de acceso libre a la revista (2008-2013); y el ingreso del grupo Emerald como socio editorial (2013-2018).

Originalidad/valor

Los 12 artículos presentan revisiones de literatura, metanálisis y estudios novedosos

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2022

Ana Gabriela Víquez-Paniagua, Juan Carlos Leiva and Ronald Mora-Esquivel

The aim of this study is to examine the influence of locus of control, the university environment and the social environment on the entrepreneurial attitude of female Latin…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the influence of locus of control, the university environment and the social environment on the entrepreneurial attitude of female Latin American university students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a quan–qual design. The quan section analyzes the data of 10,781 female university students from 11 Latin American countries included in the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey 2018. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied. The qual section applies in-depth interviews for sequential methodological triangulation analysis.

Findings

The evidence indicates that locus of control, the university environment and the social environment positively impact the entrepreneurial attitude of female Latin American university students. The most influential factor was locus of control.

Originality/value

This empirical study focuses on female university students and their propensity for business venturing and determines the main influences on their entrepreneurial attitudes.

Objetivo

Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar la influencia del locus de control, el entorno universitario y el entorno social en la actitud emprendedora de las estudiantes universitarias latinoamericanas.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El estudio aplica un diseño quan–qual. La sección quan analiza los datos de 10.781 estudiantes universitarias latinoamericanas de once países, incluidas en la Encuesta Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey 2018. Se aplicó un análisis de regresión jerárquica múltiple. La sección cualitativa aplica entrevistas en profundidad para un análisis de triangulación metodológica secuencial.

Resultados

La evidencia indica que el locus de control, el entorno universitario y el entorno social impactan positivamente en la actitud emprendedora de las estudiantes universitarias latinoamericanas. El factor más influyente fue el locus de control.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio empírico se centra en las estudiantes universitarias y su propensión a emprender y determina las principales influencias de su actitud emprendedora.

Objetivo

Este estudo tem como objetivo examinar a influência do locus de controle, ambiente universitário e ambiente social na atitude empreendedora de estudantes universitárias latino-americanas.

Desenho/metodologia/abordagem

O estudo aplica um desenho Quan-qual. A seção Quan analisa os dados de 10.781 universitárias latino-americanas de onze países, incluídas na Pesquisa GUESSS, 2018. Foi aplicada uma análise de regressão múltipla hierárquica. A seção qual aplica entrevistas em profundidade para uma análise de triangulação metodológica sequencial.

Resultados

As evidências indicam que o locus de controle, o ambiente universitário e o ambiente social impactam positivamente a atitude empreendedora das universitárias latino-americanas. O fator mais influente foi um locus de controle.

Originalidade/valor

Este estudo empírico centra-se nas estudantes universitárias e na sua propensão para um empreendimento empresarial e determina as principais influências da sua atitude empreendedora.

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2019

Diana Peña Gil, Mercedes García García and Celia Camilli Trujillo

Dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) are conducted by universities around the world as innovative methods that improve students’ quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to…

Abstract

Purpose

Dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) are conducted by universities around the world as innovative methods that improve students’ quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to assess the DAI program’s effect on the stress levels, well-being and social skills of first-year students from different degree programs at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with 64 first-year students (M=19.20, SD=1.57). The intervention consisted of three weekly sessions of 1-h duration interacting with a therapy dog. The investigation followed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design with measures of attitudes toward DAI, perceived stress, well-being and social skills.

Findings

The results indicated significant improvements in all studied variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents some limitations. In the design, the authors lack a control group. Another limitation is related to the sample, which was small. The authors also acknowledge that only one measure of each outcome variable was administered. Likewise, during the interventions, external observations should be added that generate qualitative records focused on student–dog interactions. In addition, physiological measures of stress, such as cortisol levels, should be included in the analysis to further support the obtained results. Nevertheless, as this was a pilot study, future investigations should aim to create a program using a larger sample of both participants as well as and dogs, with a linear/longitudinal design to measure both the mid- and long-term effects.

Practical implications

In addition, this pilot study was implemented to assist in the validation and adjustment of the DAI program for UCM students.

Social implications

By using a DAI program, college students have had the opportunity to reduce their stress and develop their social skills, as well as improve their quality of life as individuals and students. Although the implementation of Compludog was small, it was also promising as a pedagogical practice at UCM.

Originality/value

It was applied for the first time in a Spanish university and provided access to therapy dogs within this context.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2021

José Daniel Barquero Cabrero, David Caldevilla Domínguez, Almudena Barrientos Báez and Juan Enrique Gonzálvez Vallés

This study aims to determine whether the communication of Universities in Madrid (Spain) on social networks through their official channels has caused positive results in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether the communication of Universities in Madrid (Spain) on social networks through their official channels has caused positive results in students’ perceptions of their trust in university institutions during the first semester of the 2020–2021 term and to measure whether the implementation of happiness management strategies in the communication within university governance affected students’ happiness levels, as well as on the recognition of their belonging to the university.

Design/methodology/approach

With an exploratory-correlational approach and a quantitative study, this study conducted a statistical-descriptive analysis based on the premise of a general linear regression model with correlations between the variables, using a data collection instrument, whose construct and content validity was previously assessed by experts, which was answered by 564 students of the Degrees in Communication and Marketing from the Complutense University of Madrid, University of La Laguna, and ESERP Business and Law School. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were implemented to analyze the correlation between variables; Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Pearson and Spearman’s coefficients were also used.

Findings

Those students who used social networks to receive news from university institutions about the COVID-19 pandemic deem these channels official, sound and credible. Similarly, the use of official information from university institutions on social networks increases students’ happiness levels.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies aiming to provide scientific evidence of the relationship between happiness management and university governance. This research’s practical implications lead to attributing added value to these types of means for the university governance that seeks students’ happiness.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

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