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1 – 10 of over 5000Latifa Sebti and Brent C. Elder
In this article, we highlight ways in which disability critical race theory (DisCrit) (Annamma et al., 2013), inclusive education and community-based participatory research (CBPR…
Abstract
Purpose
In this article, we highlight ways in which disability critical race theory (DisCrit) (Annamma et al., 2013), inclusive education and community-based participatory research (CBPR) can be used within professional development schools (PDS) to provide students with disabilities with more access to inclusive classrooms. At a grade 4–6 elementary school, we developed a model of a critical PDS to promote inclusive education and facilitate the transition of students of color with disabilities from self-contained to inclusive classrooms. We conducted semi-structured interviews and used action plan meetings with school administrators, teachers, professionals and students with disabilities and their parents to assess the impact of our critical PDS model. Findings suggest this model had a positive impact on administrators’ and teachers’ critical consciousness, ideological and instructional practices, students of color with disabilities’ social, academic and personal outcomes, as well as a schoolwide culture of inclusion and social justice. This study can inform tailored professional development efforts to improve educators’ inclusive practices.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted semi-structured interviews and used action plan meetings with school administrators, teachers, professionals and students with disabilities and their parents to assess the impact of our critical PDS model.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest this model had a positive impact on administrators’ and teachers’ critical consciousness, ideological and instructional practices, students of color with disabilities’ social, academic and personal outcomes, as well as a schoolwide culture of inclusion and social justice.
Practical implications
This study can inform tailored professional development efforts aiming to improve educators’ inclusive practices.
Originality/value
We developed a model of a critical PDS to promote inclusive education and facilitate the transition of students of color with disabilities from self-contained to inclusive classrooms.
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Although building professional capital improves student learning and the effectiveness of schools in educating students, it needs to be explored in the area of primary schools in…
Abstract
Purpose
Although building professional capital improves student learning and the effectiveness of schools in educating students, it needs to be explored in the area of primary schools in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the practices of primary school principals to develop the professional capital of teachers and the associated challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study was used to collect data from nine teachers and five principals of Ethiopian primary schools using a maximum variation sampling. Data obtained from interviews and two focus groups were subjected to thematic analysis.
Findings
Principals and teachers reported that to develop the human capital of teachers, principals provided teachers with opportunities to attend training, encouraged informal collaboration for professional improvement and encouraged the practice of continuous professional development programs. For the development of social capital among teachers, the principals also formed various social groups, encouraged frequent interactions between school stakeholders and created a caring school culture to strengthen the interactions between school stakeholders. For building the decision-making capital of teachers, principals promoted an environment in which teachers' professional judgment and wisdom are respected and so forth. The challenges to develop professional capital were related to teachers and principals, schools and education bureaus.
Originality/value
Building teachers' professional capital increases school effectiveness, although primary schools still need to investigate this further. Therefore, by improving knowledge and information on approaches to building professional capital in teachers, this study is important to administrators and other relevant school stakeholders. This also helps principals transform their leadership behavior to be more pedagogical in leading teaching and learning and enhance teachers' ability to build and exercise effective social and professional behaviors towards their students in their daily practices.
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Paula Marcelo-Martínez, Carmen Yot-Domínguez and Ingrid Mosquera Gende
Social networks (SNs) play a significant role as environments supporting teacher professional development. The purpose of this to analyze the motivation and participation roles…
Abstract
Purpose
Social networks (SNs) play a significant role as environments supporting teacher professional development. The purpose of this to analyze the motivation and participation roles that Spanish teachers have when participating in SNs for their professional development in three professional stages: preservice teachers, beginning teachers and experienced teachers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a mixed-method approach, combining two validated surveys, one applied to 217 preservice teachers and other to 68 beginning teachers and 384 experienced teachers, with 15 interviews. A qualitative exploratory sequential strategy has been followed along with an ex post facto quantitative survey-type study of a descriptive and inferential nature.
Findings
Preservice and beginning teachers use SNs to access materials and resources with which to learn, presenting an observer and passive role in their interaction on SNs. Experienced teachers log in to learn about experiences but begin to participate more actively in SNs for searching for specific resources, establishing contacts with other teachers, contributing with their own educational materials and helping other teachers with their doubts or even forming their own communities.
Originality/value
These findings help understand how the evolution in teacher expertise accompanies the level of involvement in their social network interactions. The results allow us to better understand how different levels of teaching experience influence the way Spanish teachers access and participate in SNs, in some cases consuming and in others producing digital content.
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This paper examines the engagement of public relations (PR) in advancing sustainability within Turkey, exploring both current contributions and future potential. It analyzes how…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the engagement of public relations (PR) in advancing sustainability within Turkey, exploring both current contributions and future potential. It analyzes how PR professionals and scholars conceptualize sustainability, revealing divergent perspectives within the industry. The study delves into the perceived roles and responsibilities of PR professionals in driving sustainable initiatives, highlighting the key challenges hindering their impact. Ultimately, the research identifies essential knowledge and skills needed to empower Turkish PR to effectively contribute to a more sustainable future.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a qualitative research approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews with two distinct groups: experienced PR professionals holding director positions in agencies and corporate communication departments, and PR professors with at least five years of teaching experience in Turkey.
Findings
The findings reveal a dynamic, yet complex, landscape of sustainability within the Turkish PR industry. While PR professionals are actively integrating sustainability into strategic initiatives and emphasizing measurable impact, they face barriers to full integration, and their conceptualization of sustainability often differs from that of PR scholars. The findings point to a critical need for targeted education and professional development to better equip Turkish PR practitioners to drive sustainable development.
Originality/value
Methodologically, the incorporation of representative groups, consisting of senior communication professionals and professors, offers valuable insights that can inform improvements in PR practices, enhance PR education, and advance the understanding of sustainability within the field of communication within the specific context of Turkey.
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Agostino Marengo, Alessandro Pagano, Jenny Pange and Kamal Ahmed Soomro
This paper aims to consolidate empirical studies between 2013 and 2022 to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. It aims to examine published…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to consolidate empirical studies between 2013 and 2022 to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. It aims to examine published research characteristics and provide insights into the promises and challenges of AI integration in academia.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing 44 empirical studies published as peer-reviewed journal papers. The review focused on identifying trends, categorizing research types and analysing the evidence-based applications of AI in higher education.
Findings
The review indicates a recent surge in publications concerning AI in higher education. However, a significant proportion of these publications primarily propose theoretical and conceptual AI interventions. Areas with empirical evidence supporting AI applications in academia are delineated.
Research limitations/implications
The prevalence of theoretical proposals may limit generalizability. Further research is encouraged to validate and expand upon the identified empirical applications of AI in higher education.
Practical implications
This review outlines imperative implications for future research and the implementation of evidence-based AI interventions in higher education, facilitating informed decision-making for academia and stakeholders.
Originality/value
This paper contributes a comprehensive synthesis of empirical studies, highlighting the evolving landscape of AI integration in higher education and emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches.
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Madhusudhan Margam and Parbati Pandey
This study aims to investigate future trends evident in the literature. It systematically reviews continuing professional development (CPD) practices, covering a range of CPD…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate future trends evident in the literature. It systematically reviews continuing professional development (CPD) practices, covering a range of CPD channels, benefits and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a systematic literature review approach following the PRISMA 20 framework. Literature published between 2017 and 2023 was sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases and the researcher's prior collection. An extensive search strategy was devised, yielding 1,740 results for initial screening. Finally, 25 studies were thoroughly scrutinized, each fulfilling the criteria for inclusive and exclusive with descriptive and interrogative analysis.
Findings
The trend observed in literature over the years indicates a dynamic professional development of library and information science (LIS) professionals. This evolution encompasses foundational qualitative studies, expansive global assessments and technology-driven interventions, reflecting the field's adaptability to the evolving needs of LIS professionals. However, several impediments hinder professionals from actively participating, such as financial constraints, lack of institutional and senior support, difficulties in the workplace, the absence of well-defined CPD policies, personal commitments, family obligations and diverse staff attitudes. The study proposes seamless integration of information and communication technology, a global perspective and well-structured CPD programs focusing on lifelong learning that will shape the future of LIS professionals.
Originality/value
This study offers valuable insights into the present state of professional development among LIS professionals toward global collaboration and a dedication to lifelong learning, aiming to aid stakeholders in formulating suitable strategies and policies.
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Abdulhakim Masli, Mohamed Alfatiemy, Ismail Elshahoubi and Mohamed Elheddad
This study aims to investigate the extent of compliance of university accounting programs in Libya with the International Education Standard (IES 3) and the extent of the impact…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the extent of compliance of university accounting programs in Libya with the International Education Standard (IES 3) and the extent of the impact of the skills included in programs of accounting education in Libya aligned with IES 3 requirements on students' academic performance and then to identify factors that can hinder the implementation of professional skills in accounting education in Libya.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was prepared and circulated among accounting graduates from public universities in Libya. A total of 116 useable responses were received from many of these universities. An exploratory factor analysis based on a pairwise polychoric correlation matrix was carried out to validate the scale. Also, it applies the regression analysis for a robustness check.
Findings
The findings indicate that the skills included in accounting education programs in Libya partially comply with the instructions of IES 3 (Intellectual, Interpersonal and Communication, Personal and Organizational). They provide empirical evidence that the accounting education program in Libya is a partial tool for implementing professional skills in accounting education in Libya. The findings of this study also show that there is no statistically significant relationship between the skills included in programs of accounting education in Libya aligned with IES 3 requirements and the academic performance of students.
Practical implications
Findings may help the government, higher education officials and accounting faculty members in Libya pay more attention to accounting education to improve its effectiveness and meet the requirements of IES 3. Therefore, it fills an information gap in the accounting literature by investigating university accounting programs and their compliance with IES 3 in Libya, a context that is still poorly understood.
Originality/value
Little is known about accounting education in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries, where the literature shows that little research has been conducted on accounting students in the countries of this region, particularly in Libyan universities.
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Khurram Shahzad, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Asfa Muhammed Din Javeed, Mujahid Latif and Omar Shabbir
The purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to discover the published information on the effects of e-learning technologies on innovative competency…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to discover the published information on the effects of e-learning technologies on innovative competency development of university librarians and smart library services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on bibliometric research methodology. The data were retrieved from the leading database Web of Science to analyze the scholarly publications on the topic during 1965–2023. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software were used to analyze the bibliometric data on the subject.
Findings
Results displayed that the topic of e-learning technologies in the domain of librarianship has been greatly used by several authors as a title to publish their research work. The dominance of countries such as the USA, China and the UK in research output reveals their leadership in advancing research and innovation in the field of e-learning technologies for university libraries.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first bibliometric study that has been conducted to measure the productivity of literature at the international level on the effects of e-learning technologies on innovative competency development of university librarians and smart library services.
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This paper aims to propose a new research agenda that integrates the often-overlooked insights and experiences of compliance professionals into anti-money laundering (AML) policy…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a new research agenda that integrates the often-overlooked insights and experiences of compliance professionals into anti-money laundering (AML) policy formulation and academic research. It seeks to highlight the importance of a bottom-up approach in developing AML strategies that are not only theoretically robust but also practically effective and grounded in real-world application.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a comprehensive literature review and theoretical analysis, this study outlines six broad research focus areas. These areas are explored through the lens of existing theoretical frameworks that underscore the significance of practical insights, interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive policymaking in enhancing AML efforts.
Findings
This paper highlights a significant gap in current AML research and policymaking, namely, the underrepresentation of compliance professionals’ perspectives. It argues that integrating these frontline insights can lead to more nuanced and effective approach to AML.
Practical implications
Adopting the proposed research agenda could significantly enhance the practical applicability of AML policies, leading to more effective prevention and detection of financial crimes. It encourages the development of support systems for compliance professionals, fostering a workforce that is both competent and resilient.
Social implications
By promoting a more inclusive and practice-based approach to AML policymaking, this paper advocates for a societal shift in how money laundering is tackled.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the AML discourse by proposing a shift towards a more inclusive research and policymaking paradigm that values the contributions of compliance professionals. It extends the existing literature by suggesting a comprehensive framework for bridging these divides, thereby offering a novel perspective on enhancing the effectiveness of AML strategies.
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Samuel Kotey and Shanmugapriya T.
This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing trade artisans’ choice of skills selection as apprentice’s trainee in the Ghanaian construction sector and to identify and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing trade artisans’ choice of skills selection as apprentice’s trainee in the Ghanaian construction sector and to identify and address the challenges associated with traditional apprenticeship. Trade artisans with technical know-how in construction and general workplace skills from the traditional apprenticeship training (TAT) in the area of construction were selected from selected sites and training centers.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopted the purposive sampling technique with the aim of gathering knowledge from individuals with expertise in the research area, particularly trade craftsmen who have been trained through the TAT system and are directly involved in construction-related works. Partial least square structure equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analytical approach and principal component analysis were used to reduce the dimensionality of the data set and preserve as much information as possible.
Findings
Three major components, namely, personal and social interest, job assessment and stability and family and faith were identified as the variables that influence an artisan's choice of a skill trade. These influenced the choice of apprenticeship training by young trainees in choosing apprenticeship as a mode of training. Personal interest, living situation of artisans and parents’ educational attainment are the most influencing factors that determine artisans’ choice of selected trades. Moreover, the study also shed light on the challenges inherent in traditional apprenticeship systems, such as the lack of formal technical education, limited access to modern technology and information and poor working conditions.
Practical implications
The study underscores the imperative for stakeholders to enhance apprenticeship programmes within the construction sector. This involves providing more stable job opportunities, improving working conditions and offering access to modern technology and information. Such enhancements not only attract more young individuals to apprenticeship training but also ensure the sustainability and relevance of the workforce in meeting industry demands.
Originality/value
The study finally developed a model that could be used as a foundation for future PLS-SEM evaluation and identified the factors that influence the selection of apprenticeship training by trade artisans.
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