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1 – 10 of 938Esther Asiedu, Ebenezer Malcalm, Afia Nyarko Boakye and Cornelius Kwarkoh Kwarkoh Amoah
The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of the reflective practice of business students on how it helps to develop their employability skills through various…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of the reflective practice of business students on how it helps to develop their employability skills through various university strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a simple random sample to select undergraduate level 400 students from the Universities under study (the University of Ghana, University of Professional Studies Ghana, Lancaster University Ghana and Webster University Ghana). Only final-year students with an informed judgement on the reflective practice and various institutional practices to acquire graduate employability skills were participated. The independent variables of the study are institutional strategies (curriculum design, extra curriculum, work-integrated learning, career development centre, university collaboration with the industry, student engagement, internship job placement), the moderator is the reflective practice and the dependent variable of the study is graduate employability.
Findings
The study found that the moderation role of reflective practice had a significant effect on institutional strategies (extracurriculum, career development centre, university collaboration with the industry, student engagement and internship job placement) and graduate employability.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to only undergraduate business students from four universities ignoring other disciplines and postgraduate students.
Practical implications
The practical implication is that reflective practice must be an integral tool for various universities if they want students to use their strategies to sharpen their employability skills.
Social implications
The social implications of the study emphasise the reflective practice of graduate students in universities. This implies that firms and other institutions must consider reflective practice for the maximum output of their employees.
Originality/value
The concept of employability is a bit complex as it concerns many stakeholders of the educational process; the students, academic staff, employers, policymakers and higher education; the private sector; and the government. Although examining students' employability development skills is of great importance, students' reflective practice tends to be overlooked in most studies. Therefore, the focus of this study examines how the reflective practice of graduate students promotes employability through the various university strategies, which had not been considered.
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Rida Afrilyasanti, Eko Suhartoyo and Utami Widiati
Through the action research study, this paper aims to examine how e-portfolios improve students’ critical, reflective and creative thinking as part of higher-order thinking skills…
Abstract
Purpose
Through the action research study, this paper aims to examine how e-portfolios improve students’ critical, reflective and creative thinking as part of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). Besides, this paper also explores how e-portfolios enhance students’ speaking skills. The study is carried out to improve the current state by identifying and solving problems in specific contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
This investigation was designed to seek the improvement of the students’ higher-order thinking and speaking skills after the implementation of the e-portfolio. Action research was chosen because action research is suitable to bring change and improvement in the system or assume to bring progress in the system. This study was designed in two phases, featuring reflection and connection between previous and new data.
Findings
By completing this action research study, the authors assisted students in improving their higher-order thinking and speaking skills. The improvement was related to the indicators for learning success, which were explained in this research. The HOTS criteria include the capacity to analyze essential facts and arguments that the students presented in their spoken works logically and critically.
Research limitations/implications
HOTS encompasses critical, logical, creative and metacognitive thinking skills. Future research should go further into the usage of e-portfolios in the development of students’ metacognitive capacities. Moreover, because this investigation was carried out using action research methods, it is crucial to recognize that no generalizability can be offered for the findings.
Practical implications
The study’s findings should also benefit practitioners and instructors endeavoring to enhance students’ e-portfolios, critical thinking and digital skills in the classroom.
Social implications
The discussion focuses on important development topics. Everyone, not just students, should be encouraged to participate in creating and developing our technological future. The analysis offers unique and essential perspectives into what to explore for such a substantial attempt as implementing digital technology, specifically to construct an e-portfolio.
Originality/value
Despite the widespread usage of e-portfolios in English as a foreign language (EFL) instruction, there is a lack of research on how e-portfolios can enhance EFL students’ HOTS and speaking abilities. Hence, this study addresses a deficiency in existing research by examining the potential of e-portfolios to enhance students’ HOTS and oral communication skills within the context of EFL.
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Shiyong Xu, Jia Yu and Jinyi Zhou
Drawing on the social cognitive model of career self-management (CSM model) and deep learning theory, the authors' study aims to investigate the effect of knowledge sharing on…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the social cognitive model of career self-management (CSM model) and deep learning theory, the authors' study aims to investigate the effect of knowledge sharing on career adaptability and explore how and when this effect occurs. The authors proposed a moderated sequential-mediation model linking knowledge sharing, knowledge depth, self-efficacy and career adaptability, moderated by reflective thinking.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a field survey involving 611 employees working in different enterprises in China to test the authors' predictions. For supplementary validation, the authors conducted a scenario-based experiment with a distinct sample of 148 employees from Chinese enterprises. The authors used hierarchical regression analysis, ANOVA analysis and moderated sequential-mediation analysis to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results indicated a positive effect of knowledge sharing on career adaptability, sequentially mediated through knowledge depth and self-efficacy. Additionally, reflective thinking strengthened the positive effect of knowledge sharing on knowledge depth and further moderated the sequential mediating effect.
Originality/value
Previous research has predominantly focused on the perspective that individuals act as “recipients” from the environment in developing career adaptability. Instead, the authors adopt a “giving” perspective by investigating the influence of knowledge sharing on career adaptability, which advances the existing knowledge on the predictors of career adaptability.
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Amir Emami, Zeinab Taheri and Rasim Zuferi
This paper aims to investigate the interactive relationship between learning styles and cognitive biases as two essential factors affecting information processing in online…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the interactive relationship between learning styles and cognitive biases as two essential factors affecting information processing in online purchases.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is applied in nature but extends the knowledge in the area of consumer behavior. By using the correlational research method, the present study uncovers the relationship between various sorts of decision biases and learning styles among online buyers.
Findings
According to the results, the most affected learning style among all is reflective observation. Several biases influence people with this learning style, namely, risky framing, attribute framing and aggregated/segregated framing. In the case of active experimentation, online customers can undo its effect. Therefore, online sellers should be aware of their target customers with such a learning style. In addition, online purchasers with the reflective observation learning style are more prone to aggregation and segregation of sales information.
Originality/value
The findings enhance the understanding of consumer buying behavior and the extent to which learning styles impact cognitive biases and framing effects in online shopping.
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The integration of digital technologies into education has brought about a profound transformation, fundamentally reshaping the learning landscape. The purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
The integration of digital technologies into education has brought about a profound transformation, fundamentally reshaping the learning landscape. The purpose of this study is to underscore the importance of investigating the factors influencing students’ engagement (SE) in this evolving digital era, particularly within formal digital learning environments. To address this need, the study is grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) and presents a comprehensive model comprising interconnected elements: digital competence (DC), smartphone use (SPU), perceived autonomy (PA), digital formal learning (DFL) and SE.
Design/methodology/approach
The research conducted an investigation within Saudi Arabian universities, collecting a robust data set of 392 cases. This data set underwent rigorous analysis to validate the proposed model. To untangle the intricate relationships within the framework, the study used partial least squares structural equation modelling. Given the distinct dimensions of the two constructs under study, the researcher used a disjoint two-stage approach to establish reflective-formative higher-order constructs (HOC).
Findings
The findings revealed that digital literacy and digital skills (DS) constitute the foundational constituents of DC. Simultaneously, the study identified facilitation, distraction and connectedness as integral components of SPU. Importantly, the study established that DC, SPU, PA and DFL significantly influence SE. Furthermore, the research illuminated the mediating roles played by SPU, PA and DFL in the complex relationship between DC and SE.
Originality/value
This study advances the literature by delineating the dynamic interplay between DC, SPU and SE in digital learning. It extends SDT within educational contexts, emphasizing the role of internal motivations and DS. Methodologically, it innovates through reflective-formative HOCs, deepening the analysis of complex educational constructs. Managerially, it guides institutions in enhancing DC and integrating smartphones effectively into learning, advocating for tailored strategies to foster engaging and autonomous digital learning environments, thereby enriching both theoretical understanding and practical application in education.
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Ridwan Daud Mahande, Nurul Mukhlisah Abdal and Nasir Nasir
This paper aims to investigate the effect of learning styles on HyFlex learning towards equity of learning in higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of learning styles on HyFlex learning towards equity of learning in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used, with data collection through a structured online questionnaire. The study participants were undergraduate students (n = 451) studying at various public and private universities in Indonesia. Measurement analysis is used to test the validity of the instrument used. Analysis of structural equations is used to test the relationships between the constructs under study.
Findings
Survey instruments have satisfactory internal validity and consistency. The learning style of students in higher education positively influences the use of HyFlex’s three learning modalities. All three modalities of HyFlex learning positively affect learning equity, especially the asynchronous online modality. However, the synchronous online effect is insignificant. Active/reflective learning styles only affect face-to-face mode but do not significantly affect the two online modalities, synchronous and asynchronous. Some of the learning style dimensions have an indirect effect on equity through three HyFlex learning modalities. Face-to-face and online asynchronous mediate well the indirect relationship between learning style and equity. The impact of gender and higher education status was not shown to strengthen the relationship between learning styles, HyFlex learning modalities and equity.
Research limitations/implications
This study will provide valuable understanding for lecturers, educators and developers to adapt and develop HyFlex learning strategies based on the positive dimensions of the Felder–Silverman learning style that can support equitable and inclusive learning. The study forms a foundation for researchers to investigate more constructs that could improve HyFlex learning in future studies.
Originality/value
This research is a pioneer in using learning styles to investigate trends in using three HyFlex learning modalities, particularly emphasising modalities that can provide equitable learning.
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Huiwen Shi and Lok Ming Eric Cheung
While most language departments of the university offer service-learning (SL) subjects based on language teaching, such as “Teaching Chinese as a Second Language in Local Schools”…
Abstract
Purpose
While most language departments of the university offer service-learning (SL) subjects based on language teaching, such as “Teaching Chinese as a Second Language in Local Schools” and “Serving the Community through Teaching English,” this paper aims to argue that teaching students to teach language(s) is yet to be the best strategy to serve the service recipients.
Design/methodology/approach
SL is widely understood as an experiential learning pedagogy that integrates academic focus, reflection and community service and is shown to be impactful. In Hong Kong, the first university that has made SL a graduation requirement is the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (the University). Considering this, new SL courses have proliferated over the past decade. Adopting a narrative inquiry approach, this paper examines personal narratives from a new SL subject aiming to raise awareness of refugees in Hong Kong. The data includes students’ reflective journals, co-created personal narratives and podcasts and semi-structured interviews.
Findings
This paper finds that crafting and recording narratives of shared experiences deepens cultural understanding, cultivates empathy and facilitates language learning in a genuine setting.
Social implications
Ultimately, this paper advocates a well-designed SL that combines language, content and technology as a powerful, transformational experience for both college students and service recipients.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on a brand new SL course, “Storytelling for Understanding: Refugee Children in Hong Kong,” offered in Semester 1, 2022–2023. The subject was developed by the two authors from a language division affiliated to the University. The deliverables were podcast recordings, co-authored and co-edited by the students and the children.
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Tammy Kraft and Omar Hernández Rodríguez
This article aims to identify and describe the research outcomes of studies that have employed the theoretical framework of lesson study (LS) in initial science teacher…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to identify and describe the research outcomes of studies that have employed the theoretical framework of lesson study (LS) in initial science teacher preparation programs. The focus is on the impact of LS on preservice teachers’ (PST) pedagogical and content knowledge, beliefs, routines and norms for professional learning and instructional practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic approach was employed to compile pertinent literature by initially searching scholarly databases using specific keywords and phrases related to prospective science teacher preparation. Seventeen studies, encompassing both qualitative research and mixed-methods research, met the inclusion criteria and significantly contributed to the study’s findings. The authors independently conducted a coding process, applying a predefined code scheme based on Lewis et al.'s (2019) theoretical framework. The outcomes of the coding process were compared, and reliability tests were conducted to ensure the consistency of the coding.
Findings
In preservice science teacher (PSST) education, LS proves transformative, enriching pedagogical and content knowledge, shaping beliefs, fostering collaboration and influencing instructional practices. Its collaborative, reflective and iterative nature significantly contributes to the professional growth of preservice science teachers, preparing them for effective, student-centered teaching practices. Further investigation is warranted in the realm of LS, particularly concerning preservice science teachers and their beliefs.
Originality/value
This literature review on science PSTs is one of the pioneering efforts to employ the professional development framework crafted by Lewis et al. (2019).
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This study intends to conceptually and technically examine the literature on work integrated learning (WIL) through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study intends to conceptually and technically examine the literature on work integrated learning (WIL) through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. The present study addresses eight distinct research questions: (1) descriptive features of the extracted literature on WIL, (2) publications trends and thematic evolution in the field of WIL, (3) the most relevant and high-impact sources on WIL, (4) the most global cited articles on WIL, (5) the most relevant and high-impact authors on WIL, (6) the most relevant countries on WIL, (7) outcomes of Bradford’s Law of Scattering and Lotka’s Law of Scientific Productivity and (8) trending research avenues for future studies in the field of WIL.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employed systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis mapping techniques to analyze 1,295 articles extracted from the Scopus database. The analysis utilized Biblioshiny software and VOSviewer software as the primary tools.
Findings
The findings reveal that WIL constitutes a steadily expanding subject discipline, showcasing a notable 23.28% annual growth in scientific production spanning from 2002 to 2023 (July). Australia, South Africa and Canada emerged as the most productive countries within the field of WIL, as evidenced by their cumulative scientific production. The thematic map of keyword analysis suggests several burgeoning avenues for future researchers in the WIL domain, including education, reflective practices, curriculum, employability skills, international students, learning and self-efficacy.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the WIL discourse by providing a comprehensive literature review. The present study’s findings hold significance for graduates, universities, employers, the higher education industry, policymakers, regulators and the broader community.
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Mike Schraeder and Charles Coco
The article discusses salient factors related to fostering effective and wholesome learning experiences. These factors, based on the reflective insights of the authors, are…
Abstract
Purpose
The article discusses salient factors related to fostering effective and wholesome learning experiences. These factors, based on the reflective insights of the authors, are discussed with the intent of encouraging further discussion and exploration that may contribute to even more effective and more wholesome learning experiences. In addition, these insights are shared with the intent of assisting new or emerging educators/trainers in facilitating effective and wholesome learning experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
The tone of the article is reflective in nature, summarizing key insights of the authors gleaned from over 40 collective years in higher education, as well as two decades of work-related experience in the corporate world.
Findings
The insights and reflections during the later stage of the authors’ careers in higher education led to the identification of five major themes or factors related to facilitating effective and wholesome learning experiences. These include: 1. Relevant and Applicable; 2. Engagement, Interaction, and Critical Thinking; 3. Organization and Clarity; 4. Fostering Trust Through Communication, Responsiveness, and Feedback; 5. Flexibility and Augmentation
Originality/value
While many of the factors highlighted in the article align with related literature, the reflective insights of the authors contribute to a more nuanced discussion of several factors. The nuanced nature of the discussion is influenced by the collective experiences of the authors from over 40 years of collective experience in higher education, combined with 20 years of collective experience in the corporate world.
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