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1 – 10 of over 218000Alexandra J. Lamb and Jennie Miles Weiner
While educational infrastructure is consistently identified as a key lever for educational change, it is often overlooked in research and practice and specifically in…
Abstract
Purpose
While educational infrastructure is consistently identified as a key lever for educational change, it is often overlooked in research and practice and specifically in relation to technology in schools. By using educational infrastructure as a lens to examine a group of districts' implementation of 1:1 programs, this work provides opportunities for understanding and approaching technology programs in new, and potentially more effective, ways.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the concept of educational infrastructure (Mehta and Fine, 2015; Peurach and Neumerski, 2015), this multiple-case study explores the ways superintendents and district technology leaders understand and enact 1:1 technology initiatives to support educational change.
Findings
The authors find these leaders see 1:1 technology as both embedded in, and engaged in changing, the physical, cultural, instructional and leadership infrastructures. This suggests that 1:1 technology can act as an infrastructure itself and has the potential to support changes to teaching and learning across the system.
Originality/value
This study offers a new perspective to understand and enact the opportunities of 1:1 technology. Specifically, it helps to reframe technology programs away from discrete classroom or school-based interventions to consider and attend to the system-level resources they require and thus increase benefits they can produce. While always useful, such considerations are particularly important in the current context and the proliferation of online learning for so many.
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Fauzilah Md Husain and Omer Hassan Ali Mahfoodh
This qualitative study examined English for Professionals students' experience of the internship programme and their perceptions of the relevance of the internship…
Abstract
Purpose
This qualitative study examined English for Professionals students' experience of the internship programme and their perceptions of the relevance of the internship programme to their current and future courses and to their future career choices.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a qualitative inquiry in which qualitative data were collected using journal writing. Using purposeful sampling, 40 English for Professionals students in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) were selected. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
This study revealed that the internship programme was beneficial to interns because it helped them to gain real-world experience and knowledge about the environment of real workplace. Interns' negative experience can affect their career selection. The majority of the participants revealed that the internship programme is relevant to most of their undergraduate courses. The participants revealed that the internship programme was effective as it helped them to explore their career choices and to select future courses that match their interests.
Originality/value
Taking into account students' negative experience and their perceptions of the relevance of internship to their courses and career choices, improvement of undergraduate programmes can be done. Unlike samples in previous studies, the sample in this study is English for Professionals students. The study provides significant findings which are related to interns' perceptions of the relevance of the internship programme to their career choices. Unlike all data collection methods used in previous studies, journal writing was used to collect qualitative data in this study.
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Heni Trisnowati, Djauhar Ismail and Retna Siwi Padmawati
This paper aimed to review globally the empowerment programs for the prevention and control of smoking behavior among youths, to examine the role of empowerment in health…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aimed to review globally the empowerment programs for the prevention and control of smoking behavior among youths, to examine the role of empowerment in health promotion, to explore the stages of health promotion through community empowerment strategies including planning, implementation and evaluation. Finally, this paper will develop a model of youth empowerment to prevent and control smoking behavior that reflects theory and experience drawn from the literature.
Design/methodology/approach
This review synthesized articles on community empowerment and health promotion, youth empowerment programs for tobacco prevention and control globally from books and electronic databases from the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) library in the publication period 2000–2020. Relevant literature was selected and critically reviewed which reflected the role empowerment in health promotion, stage of community empowerment strategy as described by Laverack and youth empowerment concept in tobacco control as described by Holden.
Findings
Documents that specifically discuss empowerment programs for smoking prevention and control are still limited. The findings document that youth empowerment in tobacco control do not fully integrate the theory empowerment as described by Laverack and Holden. This paper provides information about the stages of youth empowerment, and a conceptual framework of youth empowerment for the prevention and control of smoking behavior. Youth empowerment is done through the direct involvement of youth in programs starting from program design, planning, implementation and evaluation. Indicators of the success of the empowerment process are reflected in the increase in the empowerment domain. Meanwhile, the output of empowerment can be seen from the individual- or group-level changes.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a model of youth empowerment for the prevention and control of smoking behavior among youths based on theory and experience in the field.
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Refugees face multiple barriers to employment, such as previous work experience and qualifications not recognized. The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences offers a…
Abstract
Purpose
Refugees face multiple barriers to employment, such as previous work experience and qualifications not recognized. The Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences offers a higher vocational education and training (VET) dual program for highly-skilled refugees, in which education and work is combined. After completion of the two-year program, participants have gained new skills, learned (vocational) language, have work experience in the Netherlands and have a Dutch diploma. These are the factors that are decisive for successful employment integration.
Design/methodology/approach
This explorative study aimed to get insights into the participants' views and experiences with the dual program. A qualitative design has, therefore, been chosen. This article is based on 20 in-depth interviews with refugee-students. The transcribed qualitative data were systematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8 qualitative data analysis software.
Findings
Overall, students were positive about the opportunity to study further and to work simultaneously. They valued the close connection with employers, learned new skills, improved their (vocational) language, and it gave them professional prospects that fit their ambitions. Based on the experiences of students, it seems that the dual program enhances work-related capabilities. However, the University should make more use of existing professional knowledge and experiences. Recognition of prior learning is crucial for employment integration but also contributes to a sense of inclusion.
Originality/value
Higher VET dual programs for highly-skilled refugees are innovative and can contribute to their integration into the labor market. The associate degree is a recognized diploma between higher education and secondary vocational education.
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Abena Dadze-Arthur and Anita Mörth
This paper's twofold purpose is, first, to present ZELPH ['sɛlf], a self-assessment instrument that enables those developing the pedagogy of work-integrating study…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper's twofold purpose is, first, to present ZELPH ['sɛlf], a self-assessment instrument that enables those developing the pedagogy of work-integrating study programmes in higher education (HE) systematically to surface the intended and unintended outcomes of their programme's approach to integrating professional practice into an academic course. Secondly, the paper reports on a small pilot study with programme staff from five different HE institutions in various countries who tested ZELPH.
Design/methodology/approach
ZELPH operationalises aspects of key theories on work-integrating learning pedagogy, and thereby enables a simplified depiction of the reality of combining classroom-based and worksite-based learning. Programme staff from Germany, the UK, France, South Africa and Taiwan applied the instrument to their respective work-integrating study programmes and evaluated its perceived value and feasibility.
Findings
The findings suggest that ZELPH offers value as a practical instrument, in particular to those less familiar with developing work-integrating learning pedagogy as well as to those keen to compare programmes across national, cultural and institutional contexts.
Originality/value
ZELPH contributes to addressing the lack of practically applicable instruments to support the design and international benchmarking of work-integrating learning pedagogy in HE.
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Qianhui Rao and Eunju Ko
This study aims to explore the impact of the use of the WeChat Mini Program by luxury brands on consumers' fashion impulsive purchasing and brand loyalty.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of the use of the WeChat Mini Program by luxury brands on consumers' fashion impulsive purchasing and brand loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
The stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) model is adapted to construct a model (i.e. stimulus: patron status, informativeness and entertainment; organism: perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness; responses: impulse buying behavior and luxury brand loyalty). An online survey was conducted by 200 Chinese participants who experienced WeChat Mini Program and luxury brand purchase.
Findings
The results indicate that luxury consumption related factors, task-related factors and mood-related factors in WeChat Mini Program have positive effects on consumers' impulsive purchasing behavior through perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides a new understanding about factors influencing consumers' behaviors and brand loyalty in WeChat Mini Program.
Originality/value
The mobile social platform has been considered as an advanced tool for advertising. As the most popular mobile social media used by over 1 bn monthly active Chinese users—WeChat, little research attention has been attracted by researchers. To stress the WeChat Mini Program's role in the S-commerce background can fill the gap between the literature of the utilization of new marketing tools in retailing, marketing and the whole fashion industry. In terms of marketing management, the paper conducted research that participated by new generation consumers and offers some practical managerial implications for brands, retailers and marketers to generate new business models and marketing strategies.
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Patricia Yee, Andrea Nee and Kamal Hamdan
Through the perspectives of a project director/principal investigator and external evaluator, this chapter explores the methods, strategies, and processes used to design…
Abstract
Through the perspectives of a project director/principal investigator and external evaluator, this chapter explores the methods, strategies, and processes used to design and conduct ongoing, comprehensive evaluation of the Math and Science Teacher Initiatives at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Initiatives include an undergraduate program for students interested in STEM teaching careers, multiple alternative route programs to teacher certification in math and science and a fellowship program for master science teachers. Using a collaborative evaluation framework (O’Sullivan, 2004), the authors highlight the benefits of conducting multiprogram evaluation from a collaborative lens and describe the systematic processes used to engage stakeholders, from the design phase of the evaluation through data collection, analysis, and reporting of participant impact and outcomes. The strengths of the program and evaluation approach, along with specific strategies and methods utilized, will be explored. The chapter will conclude with challenges, lessons learned, and best practices, as well as implications for the field of teacher education and leadership within a STEM context.
Jay C. Thibodeau, Elliott Levy and Karen K. Osterheld
This chapter describes an evening program of study to supplement the introductory accounting course. It uses cases, skits, and interactions with professionals to reinforce…
Abstract
This chapter describes an evening program of study to supplement the introductory accounting course. It uses cases, skits, and interactions with professionals to reinforce the meaning of the conceptual framework of accounting, expose students to ethical issues and conflicts, and demonstrate the lucrative career opportunities available in accounting, which we believe will ultimately help attract the “best and brightest” students to the accounting major and profession. We provide a detailed discussion to facilitate the adoption of the program by introductory accounting instructors at other institutions. Feedback received from all parties, including students, faculty, and accounting professionals, suggests that this curriculum innovation has exceeded the expectations of these stakeholders.
Oluseun Olubajo, Will Hughes and Libby Schweber
The purpose of the study is to explore the dominant ideas in research on the management of time in construction. The focus of research has been to improve techniques for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to explore the dominant ideas in research on the management of time in construction. The focus of research has been to improve techniques for optimising the timing and sequence of activities.
Design/Methodology/Approach
A critical review of research on construction time management, challenging the typical focus. We examine the assumptions different authors make, underline the limitations of the dominant research approaches and examine the prospects for developing a new approach to researching these issues.
Findings
The dominant approach in literature focuses on unique activity traits in construction planning and measurable patterns between time-related variables. This assumes that time in construction can be managed by changing the way activities are calculated. These approaches have not been correlated with improvement in performance. Social practice theory may help to explain how programmes figure as one of many objects used during construction.
Research Limitations/Implications
The focus is on reviewing indicative literature from key journals in construction management. The implication is that research is needed about how such documents are used in practice, which goes further than optimising plans in theory.
Practical Implications
Future research could focus on understanding the context of construction planning practice and shift the debate from a focus on optimisation to practice.
Originality/Value
An interpretivist approach with a focus on how tools such as planning documents are used on site. Social practice theory may provide a clearer explanation of the place of construction planning within the practice of construction management. This could provide solutions that deal effectively with stakeholder expectations around timely completion of construction projects.
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This chapter critically examines the provision and underlying partnership structure of a range of online and distance teacher preparation courses introduced in Scotland…
Abstract
This chapter critically examines the provision and underlying partnership structure of a range of online and distance teacher preparation courses introduced in Scotland from 2014 to 2018. These courses reflect a period of teacher shortages and were developed by Universities in partnership with local authority employers, particularly in rural areas. This chapter explores the geographic and policy context before analysing the national and local policy drivers that led to the expansion of online and distance provision. The structures of a range of programmes introduced by the University of the Highlands and Islands, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Dundee are considered in detail. This is reflected against the national policy drivers of teacher shortages in rural areas, the challenges of recruiting secondary science and technology teachers and the introduction of national funding from the Scottish Government for ‘New Routes into Teaching’. The Government aim of recruiting highly qualified graduates into teaching as a career is contrasted with the local requirement to support a wider more equitable access to a teaching career, for people already committed to living in rural Scotland. This chapter concludes with an analysis of the processes and technology utilised in these programmes before considering the future of online and distance teacher preparation in Scotland.
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