“In my blood”: External factors for international stem postdoctoral scholars’ career decisions | Author : Kathryn J. Watson, Sylvia L. Mendez | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This instrumental case study (Stake, 1995) explores the external factors that influence international science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) postdoctoral scholars in the United States to pursue a career in STEM. Interviews with 20 international STEM postdoctoral scholars were analyzed deductively to shed light on their unique backgrounds and experiences. Three themes emerged: (a) parents were highly encouraging, (b) a love of science was nurtured in school, and (c) they were eager to engage in and promote scientific innovation. These findings illustrate the ways in which family, schools, and community influence the STEM career trajectories of international postdoctoral scholars. |
| The relationship between physical activity level, digital game addiction, and academic success levels of university students | Author : Aydin Ilhan | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This study examined the relationship between physical activity, digital game addiction, and academic success among university students. Participants were university 704 students from Turkiye who did physical activity and played digital games. The sample group consisted of 704 university students (342 women and 362 men), selected through random sampling. Data were collected using demographic information forms, a digital game addiction scale, and an international short-form questionnaire about physical activity. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc tests. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between academic success and both physical activity and digital game addiction. Men exhibited higher levels of digital game addiction compared to women, but there was no significant gender difference in physical activity levels. Students who were categorized as academically successful had lower levels of both digital game addiction and physical activity. |
| An exploratory analysis of the association between coronavirus anxiety and teacher burnout | Author : Lester A. C. Archer | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This study was an exploration of COVID-19 anxiety and its relationship with teacher burnout. The study was a cross-sectional survey research design with a convenience sample drawn from a population of K-12 public school teachers. A non-parametric statistical test, Kruskal-Wallis, showed a statistically significant difference in teacher burnout across the three grade levels: ?2 (2, N = 61) = 6.20, p = .045. Teacher burnout was lowest amongst elementary school teachers (M = 47.00) when compared to middle school (M = 74.00) and high school teachers (M = 71.00). Implications include a need for increased administrative support and decreased stress levels for teachers.
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| Online teaching and learning at Chinese universities during COVID-19: Insiders’ perspectives | Author : Youliang Zhang, Yidan Zhu, Tongjie Chen, Tongfei Ma | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :During attempts to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in China, higher education programs shifted their traditional educational models to online models. This paper aimed to explore how Chinese universities organized online teaching and learning during the pandemic. It investigated the factors affecting the implementation of online teaching and provided policy recommendations for improving the quality of education in the post-pandemic period. The primary data for this study came from in-depth interviews with nine students and five teaching and administrative staff at eight major universities in mainland China. Literature was obtained in both English and Chinese from January 2020 to September 2021. Peer-reviewed journals, policy reports, and university documents regarding online education in Chinese universities were reviewed, and their challenges and countermeasures were investigated. The paper found that the implementation of online education was affected by various sources, including technologies, teachers’ teaching skills, network information literacy, and students’ learning motivations and self-directed learning skills. Based on the insiders’ views, the paper suggested that to promote the quality of online education in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutes and programs could develop their infrastructure construction, improve teachers’ quality of teaching, and focus on students’ learning motivations. |
| Meta-narrative review of gender portrayal in Disney movies for young children and its pedagogical implications | Author : Xuan Jiang, Linlin Zhang, Diana Rivero, Brittany Torres | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Many of Disney movies have been criticized for perpetuating traditional gender stereotypes which constrain opportunities for children at large. Its recent characters have also incurred heated discussions on gender portrayal. Moreover, stereotypes of gender roles, developed early on, can exert an immediate impact on individuals’ behaviors and utterances and a long-term impact on individuals’ perceived options academically, professionally, personally, and socially. Recognizing the significance of this matter, this paper employed a meta-narrative review to collect and conceptually and empirically synthesize previous literature on the impact of Disney movies on young children’s gender awareness. Through an academic database search, 49 articles were collected using combinations of the keywords Disney character, Disney movie, young children, early childhood education, classroom practices, and gender. Furthermore, this review, in the pedagogical implication section, highlights the authors’ call for teachers to develop critical mindfulness of gender and shares hands-on activities for children to play with Disney characters in a reconstructive and agentic way. |
| Mock board examination results as predictors in the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants | Author : Yzekeil P. Camacho, Micah P. B. Oberes, Danica M. R. Tina, Artchelene D. Pepania, Mylene P. Alfanta, Eligen H. Sumicad Jr | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This study was conducted to determine whether the mock board examination performance can predict a candidate’s performance in the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (LECPA). It covered the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) graduates from a higher education institution in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, who took the mock board examination and were first-time LECPA takers from the October 2022 to May 2023 batches. Participants were directly included in the study. A simple linear regression analysis was utilized to determine whether a candidate’s performance on the mock board could predict their LECPA performance. The model summary revealed a value of .474, which is below .5. Therefore, the study concluded that the mock board examination can predict overall LECPA performance. This result implied that higher scores on the mock board examination correlate with a higher probability of passing the LECPA. Based on these findings, the learning institution should regularly improve the mock board examinations. Suggestions include aligning the difficulty level of the mock board with the LECPA and having the assessment conducted by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examiner other than the mock board lecturer. |
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