bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development Through Mobile Learning
Authors: Shah Shachi , Ramanan V. Venkat
Published: June 2017

Growing planetary challenges demand environmental consciousness and energetic workforce. The environmental education and education for sustainable development are essential for the knowledge workers so as to intellectually empower them with cognitive skills, analytical abilities and problem solving capabilities leading to the efficient development and implementation of sustainable development policies and programmes. Increasing Access through Mobile Learning for EE and ESD is the need of the hour, especially for developing countries where the use of mobile technology is increasing at a phenomenal rate. Mobile learning will augment the efficacy of participatory teaching and learning methods that motivate and empower learners to change their behaviour and take action for environment and sustainable development. M-Learning enables learners to merge their learning experiences in a shared collaborative environment. This paper shows how mobile learning can transform the delivery of EE and ESD.
Cloud Computing
Authors: Upreti Vijay Shankar
Published: June 2017

The chapter aimed at describing cloud computing technology and its components and how developing countries find opportunities of future growth through the adoption of cloud computing in the areas of e-governance, e-business/commerce, e-health or e-education. Chapter details the benefits of cloud computing due to its nature of reduced cost, pay-as-you-go, elastic, scalable, higher availability and managed offerings. The chapter also outline challenges in Cloud Computing infrastructure implementation in the developing countries, even though there is a huge demand for cloud based solutions. The chapters has references to multiple case studies, trends and articles to showcase how developing countries are moving fast in the adoption of cloud computing.
Relationships Between Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Style, and School Culture
Authors: Segredo Mirta R. , Cistone Peter J. , Reio Thomas G.
Published: June 2017

Research regarding the association between emotional intelligence, leadership style and organizational culture has been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to explore these relationships in elementary school settings. A non-experimental ex post facto research design was utilized to investigate four research hypotheses. Fifty-seven principals and 850 teachers within a large urban school district in southeast Florida were surveyed. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed positive associations between school culture and both transformational and transactional leadership, and negative associations between school culture and passive-avoidant leadership. Significant positive associations were found also between school culture and the principals' emotional intelligence after controlling for leadership style. The hierarchical linear regressions revealed significant associations between leadership style and school culture after controlling for school grade as well. The results suggest that emotional intelligence merits consideration in the development of leadership theory. Practical implications include suggestions that principals employ both transformational and transactional leadership strategies, and focus on developing their level of emotional intelligence. The associations between emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, contingent reward and school culture found in this study validate the role of the principal as the leader of school reform.
Designing for Teaching and Learning in an Open World
Authors: Derderian Ani
Published: June 2017

Concepts about tasks have been considered as the major part of analysis in different teaching approaches. Instructors are being more interested in the use of task-based instruction in foreign and second language teaching. Task-based instruction and teaching strategies are implemented by emphasizing meaning. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss some major principles of open architecture in the application of task based instruction in areas such as second language vocabulary acquisition, grammatical rules, and expressing new ideas. This manuscript examines the following topics (a) Task based (supported) instruction, (b) Open Architecture teaching design, and (c) The role of technology in language learning.
Purchase Intention of Males and Females Through Social Media
Authors: Liang Chih-Chin
Published: June 2017

Social media use pervades daily life, leading to a dramatic transformation in communication styles. Three factors affecting purchase intentions through SM modified from technology acceptance model include experience (experience on purchasing through social media, perceived usefulness on purchasing through social media, perceived ease of use on purchasing through social media), company (corporate credibility, product/service information), and social (social influence on purchasing through social media, electronic word of mouth on purchasing through social media). Three hundred and thirty-two respondents (male: 171, female: 161) from Taiwan were surveyed using a structure questionnaire. Analysis results indicate that significantly influence shopping intention with respect to social media. Additionally, males and females differ in purchasing intention. Social influence affects purchase intention for females, but not for males. Product/service information affects social influence for females, but not for males.
Perceived Positioning of ‘Made in China'
Authors: Zameer Hashim , Wang Ying , Yasmeen Humaira
Published: June 2017

Marketing a product to global consumers is a challenge due to intense competition and consumer biases toward specific country in global market. This paper has been used to address the specific challenge of country made in label in context of ‘Made in China' because China is largest manufacturer and exporter in the world. A conceptual framework has been drawn using extant literature to determine the perceived positioning of ‘Made in China' label. For conceptualization of this study means-end theory has been used which determine product characteristics at superior level. The proposed conceptual framework provides strong managerial insights and indicates that positioning of ‘Made in China' label is significantly influenced at cognitive, normative and affective level. Authors believe this framework as a valuable guideline for brands those are thinking to approach global consumers. This study is also comprised of the mechanism that can be used by firms to handle the perceived positioning of ‘Made in China'.
Food Consumption Patterns in Times of Economic Recession
Authors: Theodoridou Glykeria , Tsakiridou Efthimia , Kalogeras Nikos , Mattas Konstantinos
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing consumers' purchasing behaviour for food, in times of crisis. Intercept survey was conducted in a random selected sample consisted of 553 consumers between January and May 2016 in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki. Multivariate data analysis was performed to explore the factors influencing consumers' purchasing behaviour, identify consumers with similar behaviour based on their socio-demographic characteristics and their attitudes towards food consumption in times of crisis. Results demonstrate that the factors affecting consumers' purchasing behaviour are (a) Product's Feature and Natural contents, (b) Economic issues, (c) Identity & Sensory Appeal, (d) Mood, (e) Weight Control & Health and (f) Convenience. Furthermore, cluster analysis was employed to classify consumers with similar buying behaviour towards food, five groups of consumers were identified: (a) neutrals, (b) influenced by psychological issues, (c) influenced by economic issues, (d) low diet/healthy eaters and (e) influenced by availability and easy access.
Lack of Both Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain–Containing Proteins 1 and 2 Primes T Cells for Activation-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Kasimsetty Sashi G. , Shigeoka Alana A. , Scheinok Andrew A. , Gavin Amanda L. , Ulevitch Richard J. , McKay Dianne B.
Published: June 2017

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)–containing proteins Nod1 and Nod2 play important roles in the innate immune response to pathogenic microbes, but mounting data suggest these pattern recognition receptors might also play key roles in adaptive immune responses. Targeting Nod1 and Nod2 signaling pathways in T cells is likely to provide a new strategy to modify inflammation in a variety of disease states, particularly those that depend on Ag-induced T cell activation. To better understand how Nod1 and Nod2 proteins contribute to adaptive immunity, this study investigated their role in alloantigen-induced T cell activation and asked whether their absence might impact in vivo alloresponses using a severe acute graft versus host disease model. The study provided several important observations. We found that the simultaneous absence of Nod1 and Nod2 primed T cells for activation-induced cell death. T cells from Nod1 × 2−/− mice rapidly underwent cell death upon exposure to alloantigen. The Nod1 × 2−/− T cells had sustained p53 expression that was associated with downregulation of its negative regulator MDM2. In vivo, mice transplanted with an inoculum containing Nod1 × 2−/− T cells were protected from severe graft versus host disease. The results show that the simultaneous absence of Nod1 and Nod2 is associated with accelerated T cell death upon alloantigen encounter, suggesting these proteins might provide new targets to ameliorate T cell responses in a variety of inflammatory states, including those associated with bone marrow or solid organ transplantation.
Isolated Ileal Perforation in Infancy: A Lethal Initial Presentation of Hirschsprung’s Disease
Authors: Iskandarani Fadi , Hammoud Chawki , Srour Sarah , Pelizzo Gloria , Nakib Ghassan , Calcaterra Valeria , Khanafer Amir
Published: June 2017

A rare case of ileal perforation, as a fatal initial presentation of total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) in infancy is reported. A 10-week-old boy, was brought to the emergency department with symptoms of complicated intestinal obstruction. He looked ill, was lethargic, markedly dehydrated and had a severely distended abdomen. An abdominal X-ray revealed multiple air fluid levels seen in a distended small intestine. During exploratory laparotomy the ileum was massively dilated with distal segment perforation. Ileal perforation repair was performed. A totally collapsed microcolon was identified. Biopsies were taken from the high rectum, sigmoid and hepatic flexure. Appendectomy and ileostomy were performed. All biopsies, as well as the appendix, showed absence of ganglion cells. Despite this procedure the patient progressively deteriorated and later died due to sepsis. Ileal perforation in infants is a rare, but potentially fatal initial presentation of TCA. Early detection is essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
Posttraumatic Bone Marrow Lesion Volume and Knee Pain Within 4 Weeks After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B. , Lohmander Stefan , Frobell Richard B.
Published: June 2017

Context: 

After an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, a majority of patients have a traumatic bone marrow lesion (BML, or bone bruise). The clinical relevance of posttraumatic lesions remains unclear.

Objective: 

To explore the cross-sectional associations between traumatic BML volume and self-reported knee pain and symptoms among individuals within 4 weeks of ACL injury.

Design: 

Cross-sectional exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Setting: 

Orthopaedic departments at 2 hospitals in Sweden.

Patients or Other Participants: 

As part of a randomized trial (knee anterior cruciate ligament nonoperative versus operative treatment [KANON] study), 121 young active adults (74% men, age = 26 ± 5 years, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, weight = 76 ± 13 kg) with an ACL tear were studied.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

The BML volume in the proximal tibia and distal femur was segmented using magnetic resonance images obtained within 4 weeks of injury. A radiologist evaluated the presence of depression fractures on the images. Pain and symptoms of the injured knee (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] pain and symptoms subscales) were obtained the same day as imaging. We used linear regression models to assess the associations.

Results: 

Most knees had at least 1 BML (96%), and the majority (57%) had a depression fracture. Whole-knee BML volume was not related to knee pain for the entire cohort (β = −0.09, P = .25). Among those without a depression fracture, larger whole-knee BML volume was associated with increased knee pain (β = –0.46, P = .02), whereas no association was found for those with a depression fracture (β = 0.0, P = .96). Larger medial (β = –0.48, P = .02) but not lateral (β = –0.03, P = .77) tibiofemoral BML volume was associated with greater pain. We found no association between BML volume and knee symptoms.

Conclusions: 

We confirmed the absence of relationships between whole-knee BML volume and pain and symptoms within 4 weeks of ACL injury. Our findings extend previous reports in identifying weak associations between larger BML volume in the medial compartment and greater pain and between BML volume and greater pain among those without a depression fracture.
Testing the impact of known variables on the attitudes held by Setswana L1-speaking university students towards their L1
Authors: Ditsele Thabo
Published: June 2017

Previous language attitudes studies among public university students in South Africa have shown that these five variables – gender, age group, year of study, level of study and field of study – influence students’ attitudes towards languages. Thus, the aim of this survey was to establish if testing these variables on Setswana L1-speaking university students (n = 247) will confirm previous studies, seeing that this is the first study to gather data exclusively among Setswana L1-speaking university students at five universities (both public and private) in Tshwane and Johannesburg up to doctoral level. Never before had data been gathered among students at private universities in South Africa, and this gap had weakened generalisations that previous surveys could make about all university students. Mixed methods were used to gather data, which were analysed using means, chi-square test and percentages. The five variables were tested for statistical significance in influencing language attitudes. All but one variable (gender) had statistically significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) with at least one of the closed-ended questions. Generally, respondents valued their L1 and deemed it relevant in their lives and society they live in.
Knowledge management in small software development organisations: A South African perspective
Authors: Shongwe Mzwandile M.
Published: June 2017

Background: Software organisations have been experiencing software development failures since the beginning of software development. Globally, latest Standish Group CHAOS reports indicate that only 29% of projects are successful. In South Africa (SA), the ITWeb report (2013) indicates that only 11% of all projects are successful. Intervention strategies such as software process improvement (SPI) frameworks and new software development methodologies such as agile methods have been introduced to address this issue. These intervention strategies do not seem to be effective because software development projects continue to fail. To address this issue, software organisations are turning to knowledge management (KM). This is because software development is a knowledge-intensive task.Objectives: The study aimed to investigate KM practices in small, medium and micro (SMMEs) software development organisations in SA and to determine if KM has benefited the organisations.Method: Fifteen software development project managers from 15 software development SMMEs were interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.Results: The study found six KM practices in the organisations: knowledge acquisition, creation, storage, sharing, organisation and application. The study found that KM has benefited organisations by making them effective, efficient and productive.Conclusions: The study concluded that software development organisation have adopted KM, although informally, and that KM practices have improved organisational routines and processes.
On base sizes for algebraic groups
Authors: Burness Timothy C. , Guralnick Robert M. , Saxl Jan
Published: June 2017

Let

G

be a permutation group on a set

\Omega

. A subset of

\Omega

 is a base for

G

if its point-wise stabilizer is trivial; the base size of

G

is the minimal cardinality of a base. In this paper we initiate the study of bases for algebraic groups defined over an algebraically closed field. In particular, we calculate the base size for all primitive actions of simple algebraic groups, obtaining the precise value in almost all cases. We also introduce and study two new base measures, which arise naturally in this setting. We give an application concerning the essential dimension of simple algebraic groups, and we establish several new results on base sizes for the corresponding finite groups of Lie type. The latter results are an important contribution to the classical study of bases for finite primitive permutation groups. We also indicate some connections with generic stabilizers for representations of simple algebraic groups.
Solution of the parametric center problem for the Abel differential equation
Authors: Pakovich Fedor
Published: June 2017

The Abel differential equation

y'=p(x)y^2+q(x)y^3

with

p,q\in \mathbb R[x]

is said to have a center on a segment

[a,b]

if all its solutions, with the initial value

y(a)

small enough, satisfy the condition

y(b)=y(a)

. The problem of description of conditions implying that the Abel equation has a center may be interpreted as a simplified version of the classical Center-Focus problem of Poincaré. The Abel equation is said to have a “parametric center” if for each

\epsilon \in \mathbb R

the equation

y'=p(x)y^2+\epsilon q(x)y^3

has a center. In this paper we show that the Abel equation has a parametric center if and only if the antiderivatives

P=\int p(x) dx,

Q=\int q(x) dx

satisfy the equalities

P=\widetilde P \circ W

,

Q=\widetilde Q\circ W

for some polynomials

\widetilde P,

\widetilde Q,

and

W

such that

W(a)=W(b)

. We also show that the last condition is necessary and sufficient for the “generalized moments”

\int_a^b P^id Q

and

\int_a^b Q^id P

to vanish for all

i\ geq 0.
Designing a New Video Game App as an aid for Introduction to Programming classes that use C Programming Language
Authors: Pantoja Maria
Published: June 2017

This paper describes the use and development of a mobile application as an aid for an introduction to programming class in C, for first year engineering students. One of the biggest problems in teaching programming, and in particular in C is the concept of memory allocation and pointers. To help visualizing these concepts we developed an application in the form of a video game that works on both Android and iOS devices. The paper is inspired  Digital Game Based Learning (DGBL) pedagogical theory, studying the kind of learning that happens when playing computer and video games, how to use this medium as a tool for learning, and how to design games for learning. Research has shown benefits in using mobile applications to better engage students and help them learn at their own pace and levelWe did some preliminary performance testing on students from two different groups. One group of computer engineering students and another one of non-engineering majors, both groups learning to program, with no previous knowledge of programming, to evaluate the benefits of the application. The results of this test show that there is an improvement in the students understanding in C, and we also noted a very positive attitude of students toward using something as familiar to them as mobile phones to help them understand the material.
Outcome assessment of the online English learning and management system: A project on educational technology application to English learning in Taiwanese polytechnic higher education
Authors: Huang Da-Fu
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the result of a three-year action research plan involving the innovative application of “LiveDVD”, a web-based English learning system loaded with VODs and embedded into the English learning program of a polytechnic university in Taiwan. Over the implementation period, the LiveDVD action plan essentially involves use requirement on students along with creation of learning and assessment materials for the target VODs and outcome management. Outcome assessment indicators include (1) the association between use activeness of LiveDVD and pass status of English proficiency certificates and (2) the causal relations between LiveDVD-related variables and English learning outcome.  A survey questionnaire on LiveDVD and the management platform were employed to collect relevant data. The chi-squared test of group independence and an SEM-based path analysis were performed to address the outcome indicators respectively. The findings of the project include: (1) use of LiveDVD is positively and significantly associated with the pass status of English proficiency certificates and, (2) use motivation has direct effect on English proficiency and create the significant mediation effect on English proficiency certificates.  This project yields significant implications especially for vocational higher education in Taiwan in the innovative application of educational technology to English education coupled with an effective outcome management model.
Freshman African engineering student perceptions on academic feedback – A case study from Digital Systems 1
Authors: Kuriakose Rangith
Published: June 2017

Providing effective and quality feedback to students in higher education has been identified as an integral part of quality teaching by many researchers in the field of education.  However, student perceptions vary drastically as to what they perceive academic feedback to really be. Therefore, this paper aims to present freshman engineering student perceptions of academic feedback from an African perspective. The reason for targeting this group is due to their high dropout rate in higher education in South Africa (around 60%). Quantitative data was collected from freshman engineering students enrolled for a module termed Digital Systems 1 at the Central University of Technology in South Africa. A questionnaire was used as the main data collection instrument featuring 21 close ended questions. The results presented in this paper indicate that almost two-thirds (65%) of the respondents believe that a “grade” written on a test script does not constitute academic feedback. The majority of the respondents (76%) expect some kind of academic feedback regarding their work, either in writing or orally from their lecturer. A good majority (86%) of students perceived that getting written comments on their assessments would encourage them to approach the lecturer to seek further clarification. A key recommendation of this study is to find a mechanism or technique of providing constructive feedback to all enrolled students, even in large classes. This needs to be done from the outset of the module in order to reduce the current high dropout rates among freshman engineering students.
Impact of a teacher development programme on approaches to teaching in higher education
Authors: González-Geraldo José Luis , Monroy Fuensanta
Published: June 2017

The Bologna process involved a strategic change that included in its policy agenda a move towards a student-centred scenario. In addition, a reasonable association may be assumed to exist between teaching development programmes and student learning outcomes. This research study focused on the impact that a brief yet intense formal and non-qualifying teaching programme, delivered as a seminar and supported by the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) in Spain, had on teachers’ approaches to teaching measured by the most recent Spanish adaptation of the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (S-ATI-20). Results showed that there was a positive and statistically significant impact of the training programme on approaches to teaching measured by the information transmission/teacher-focused scale (ITTF). The poor attendance rate to this non-compulsory programme, course duration, participant profile, psychometric structure of the questionnaire used, and the relationship between teaching development programmes and approaches to teaching are discussed.
Enquiry Based Learning: A Valuable Mechanism at Level 9?
Authors: Wright Angela Siobhan
Published: June 2017

This paper examines ‘Enquiry Based Learning’ (EBL) as an engagement strategy for assessment at ‘taught masters’ level 9.  The master students in question are adult learners in full time employment and the empirical data was gathered from these students.  First, an outline of the key features of EBL is presented and, from there, an investigation of how it is viewed when applied to a specific problem statement by the masters students.  EBL creates a memorable atmosphere in the classroom and encourages deep learning (Ramsden, 1992).  EBL also encourages active learning, which is more enjoyable for the students (Eison, 2010), especially adults – offering more control (Whowell, 2006).  Learning should not be passive or a spectator sport; students learn most effectively by active engagement (Karmas, 2006), with an interesting project, hence, the use of EBL.  It is vital that we move beyond a conceptualisation of education as the simple acquisition of knowledge to one which equally emphasises, nurtures and assesses innovation and expertise in the utilisation and application of knowledge, (Boland, 2010).  The findings of this research are relevant and important as they inform practice and feed into future programme reviews when considering the inclusion of EBL for assessment.
Facilitating epistemological access by developing students experiences of undergraduate research
Authors: Vahed Anisa , Singh Shalini
Published: June 2017

Quality supervision at undergraduate level provides the impetus for students tocomplete their reseach projects successfully and to progress to higher levels of postgraduate studies.  Yet very little work has been documented on developing students' experiences of undergraduate reserach.  Proponents of undergraduate research claim that quality supervision enables students to engage with their own project; develop higher-order research related skills such as critical thinking; to plan and organise their research work in real-world settings; and to develop problem solving and anlytical skills.  Fundamentally these capabilities can be applied to professional practice, thereby enabling students to be better prepared for a knowledge-based economy, which is a national imperative in the higher education research agenda.  This paper assessed epistemological access of undergraduate students in terms of developing their research potential.  A case study research design within a qualitative framework was used.  Data were collected by means of focus groups and students' reflective reports, which were thematically analysed.  Overall, the salient features of this paper showed that students' described the teaching of research as the theory and the supervision of research as the practice, which assisted them in developing their skills, abilities and dispositions to make informed decisions to self-manage their undergraduate research projects and practice.
Liberalism and race equality in higher education: The shift from the mandatory to the persuasive
Authors: Pilkington Andrew , Crofts Melanie
Published: June 2017

This paper examines a twenty year period to explore the salience of race equality in higher education in the UK. While research evidence accumulates to demonstrate that staff and students from minority ethnic groups continue to experience considerab;e disadvantage, universities throughout the period have typically remained remarkably complacent. Such complacency partly stems from the dominance in the academy of a liberal as opposed to radical pperspective on equality. Universities typically see themselves as liberal and believe existing policies ensure fairness and in the propcess ignore adverse outcomes and do not see combating racial inequalities as a prioroty. The paper distinguishes two ideal typical approaches, the 'mandatory' and the   'persuasive' to the promotion of race equality and suggests that the period has witnessed the transition along a continuum from the mandatory to the persuasive. Regardless of which approach is preferred, universities are urged to have no truck with a deficit model and to see it as their responsibility to ensure more equitable outcomes.
Assessment of microproject-based teaching/learning (MicroPBL) experience in industrial engineering degrees
Authors: Pernía-Espinoza Alpha , Sodupe-Ortega Enrique , Martinez-de-Pison-Ascacibar Fco. Javier , Urraca-Valle Ruben , Antoñanzas-Torres Javier , Sanz-García Andres
Published: June 2017

An assessment program to evaluate microproject-based teaching/learning (MicroPBL) methodology on the technical subject ‘Manufacturing Technology’ was implemented for four consecutive academic years. Students from three different engineering degrees were involved providing feedback through different surveys that allowed us to perform a proper evaluation. More specifically, students’ surveys were anonymous after each academic year, except the last one, in which non-anonymous pre and post-surveys were conducted. The surveys were meant to evaluate the acquisition of specific competences (using technical questions about the subject) as well as generic competences (using questions concerning soft-skills). We also checked the students’ satisfaction with the methodology and with the signature in general. Using non-anonymous surveys allowed us to correlate results with the student’s final scores. Students’ self-assessment concerning their knowledge about technical aspects drastically changed after the course.  The average of the subject’s final score from student’s perception was slightly higher than the actual value. Student’s self-perception on soft-skills was also increased at the end of the course. The MicroPBL methodology demonstrated beneficial for the case of this technical subject as it maintained high motivation levels in students, which were directly related to students’ success rates and final scores.
A successful institutional policy of quality postgraduates at the UABC
Authors: Huber Gerardo , Moctezuma Patricia , Ocegueda Juan Manuel
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes the postgraduate institutional policy in the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) implemented since 2003. Aligning the educational model of the UABC with the parameters of the National Program of Postgraduate Quality (PNPC in spanish), the results-based budget and the matrix of indicators of the logical margin and articulating them to the maximum qualifications of national recognition granted to the full time professors at higher education institutions, its results are explained by the continuity of the policy and organizational capacity of the institutional management, which has resulted in the improvement of the quality and coverage in the postgraduate level, achieving from 2013 that 100% of its programs are recognized for their quality and the first institution of the 34 state public universities existing in the country to reach it sustainably. This policy implemented by the UABC also should be reflected in the satisfaction of graduates and employers, in the contribution in the generation of knowledge through journals high impact factor, the degree of linkage with the productive sector measured through collaboration agreements and management of resources for public-private-social projects, which will be topics for future research.
The New Function of the Student Leisure in Russian Education
Authors: Narkhov Dmitry Yur`evch , Narkhova Elena Nikolaevna , Khorova Polina Andreevna
Published: June 2017

The aim of this work is to study the dynamics of the impact that the students’ leisure activities have on the value system formation of modern students. The object of the empirical analysis is musical and theatrical art as a form of multi-dimensional socio-cultural influences. Noting their interdependence, the authors on a particular empirical material prove the change in the value of leisure in the modernization of higher education in Russia, and establishment of a new function - the formation of common cultural competences and worldview attitudes of the future professionals. Special attention is paid to the role and importance of leisure activities of students for the society, and necessity of researching them for the formation of cultural policy. We show the results of the monitoring studies by the authors identifying the ideas that modern students have about leisure preferences, and refute the myth about the lack of demand for works of world and national classics. An increase of students’ reflection degree on works which address social problems has been revealed in motivation for choosing a cultural work. Student society is increasingly becoming an acting subject in society, and this is reflected in sudents' leisure preferences.
Public University Models for Education – from Innovation to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Oneill Peter , Kimberley Nell , Teng Chih Wei
Published: June 2017

The management of Australian public universities has changed dramatically over the last two decades with the decrease in public funding across teaching and research sectors. This has forced a strategic repositioning of universities and likewise a rethink on value generation and its translation into various revenue streams. The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of current government innovation policy and university capabilities to support the translation of innovation, and in so doing explore the possibilities of a Quadruple Helix innovation approach to building new models for education. The paper begins by examining the significant role innovation plays in developing economic wealth, and a discussion of the triple helix framework that identifies the complex collaborative relationships between universities, government and industry. The development of a Quadruple Helix Innovation Model, which places the user at the centre of the relationship, highlights the importance of capabilities in the transmission mechanisms driving innovation. We argue that the measurement of appropriate capabilities formed through collaborations amongst key stakeholders will be critical to new business models. Universities are encouraged to embrace the user value driven business models to provide the innovation, execution and disruption necessary to quadruple the impact on national growth.
An Action Day for First-Semester Students, fostering Self-Reflection, Networking and many other Skills
Authors: Zehetmeier Daniela , Thurner Veronika , Böttcher Axel
Published: June 2017

Over the years, we observed that students have difficulties when moving from school to university. In order to support our first-semester students,we designed and performed an action day at the beginning of their first semester. This day is designed to create identification with the subject, to get them actively engaged, and to let students get in contact with each other in an unstressed atmosphere. Furthermore, we intend to assess students’ initial level of competences relevant for studying successfully. The first four applications achieved good results. Passive students turned to a more active attitude, as they understood that they are responsible for their academic success right from the beginning. In a survey the majority of students agreed that the action day helped to get in contact with their fellow students. Interviews with lecturers confirmed this statement. Moreover, through the assessments, lecturers get insights into their students’ competences at a very early stage. This helps to adjust the teaching to students’ needs or offer additional support to them. Taken together, we designed an approach that offers our students a better start into their life at our university and we will continue performing this action day.
Driving institutional change: challenge based learning for the University of the 21st Century
Authors: Mas Xavier , Pastor Lluís , Merino Marta , González Loles , Martínez-Aceituno Toni
Published: June 2017

The main challenge faced by higher education is overcoming the gap between university education and the demands of society and the professional world. This gap cannot be accounted for merely in terms of a shortcoming in the relationship between the competencies of academic programmes and the real training needs of lifelong learners, but also involves the mismatch between the design of training models and students' expectations. The UOC has launched the PLA-Niu project in response to this problem. It aims to transform the subjects in the University's programmes into activities designed strictly based on competencies which are aimed at resolving challenges inspired by the professional sphere; to implement a new means of selecting, designing and managing learning resources based on content curation for learning, organising it into specific aggregators for each activity; and to provide a system that enables the production and organisation of training in an agile, flexible and personalisable manner. In this paper, we set out the experience of applying the PLA-Niu in the University as a whole, and present its characteristics, explain the strategies and measures involved in its implementation, and share the reflections of those involved from a critical perspective.
Teacher training: a model for introducing innovative digital methodologies for learning Mathematics
Authors: Barana Alice , Fioravera Michele , Marchisio Marina
Published: June 2017

This paper shows a model of teacher training developed by the XXX of the ZZZ, aimed at introducing teachers to the use of innovative methodologies for learning Mathematics and for developing disciplinary and cross-cutting competences. The learning methodologies proposed are mainly based on Problem Posing and Problem Solving, the use of an Advanced Computing Environment, of a Virtual Learning Environment and of an Automated Assessment System. The training model, designed in blended modality, mainly relies on the creation of an online community of practice, where teachers, supported by tutors, collaborate in the creation of interactive learning materials for their classes. They acquire competences not only in the use of learning technologies, but also on sharing and collaborating in virtual environments; they learn how to develop self-tailored didactic methodologies. The key strengths of this model are highlighted and the results, achieved after the experimentation in several projects, are discussed, showing the effectiveness of the model.
Innovative 3D Animations for Teaching Electromagnetic Field Theory and its Mathematics in Undergraduate Engineering
Authors: Hennig Markus , Mertsching Bärbel
Published: June 2017

In this work, an innovative approach for the design and structuring of teaching videos systematically using 3D animations is presented. The approach focuses on the quantitative description of electromagnetic fields and the mathematical methods and competencies required for this purpose, exemplarily with regard to an undergraduate electrical engineering course during the initial phase of corresponding degree programs. An essential part of this course is the spatial and time-dependent description of electromagnetic fields. For this purpose, students have to work with multiple integrals in 3D space and in different coordinate systems. Such subjects are typically covered only later in mathematics courses and without a technical context, therefore leading to major difficulties for many students. The videos presented in this work are intended to support students and lecturers to work with these subjects in an instructive fashion. The 3D animations allow for effectively clarifying complex connections between technical and mathematical aspects. The videos and their specific design are discussed with regard to didactic and technical considerations. Additionally, their integration with existing interventions for the course is described.
How about equality and equity in higher music education? A theoretical framework for researching quality of music teaching and learning
Authors: López-Íñiguez Guadalupe , Jääskeläinen Tuula
Published: June 2017

While quality development has an important role in higher education in Finland, its connection with equality and equity in teaching and learning music is not often mentioned. Most of the discussions about equality in education have focused on how to equalize access to and participation in education, but there are disagreements about what the very concepts of equality and equity mean in education. When striving to achieve equality in higher music education, the use of learner-centered pedagogies may promote an engaging and satisfying learning experience. We illustrate a more holistic approach in teaching and learning music by adapting the equality-equity model developed by Espinoza (2007) to give an overview of dimensions of equality and equity with reference to the different stages of the educational process at the music university level. Constructivist research and phenomenographic research in teaching and learning music suggest that the conceptions held by teachers and students about teaching and learning can be relevant factors in the pursuit of change in educational practices. On this basis, we develop a theoretical framework and suggest some remedies for the research of teaching and learning in music universities aimed at developing more holistic quality in higher music education.
An educational software for teaching soil consolidation
Authors: García Ros Gonzalo , Cánovas Vidal Manuel , Sánchez Pérez Juan Francisco , Alhama Manteca Iván
Published: June 2017

The educational tool SICOMED_3D has been created to simulate problems of soil consolidation by prefabricated vertical drains. Thanks to its nice interface of windows, the introduction of data is very fast and easy for the students, while providing users with simple handling and powerful calculations. Its graphical environment allows to get representations of the excess pore pressure, local settlements and total surface settlement. SICOMED_3D can also generate an animation that recreates the evolution of the surface settlement during the consolidation process. The software presents, like commercial softwares, the most common options (e.g., save and open cases files, save animations and representations, etc.). Although the program is created to be used in several fields, among others as an engineering or research tool, the main use of interest for this work is for educational purposes. Another important application is as low-cost laboratory practices, as students can experiment by modifying the soil properties, including the depth of penetration of the vertical drain, in a quick, simple and intuitive way.
Evaluating Learner Engagement in Arts Education: Perspectives from Music and Drama in Education
Authors: Marrucci Luca , Piazzoli Erika
Published: June 2017

In this paper we aim to investigate learner engagement and how it can be evaluated, in the context of higher education research. Specifically we consider learner engagement evaluation in Arts Education, where the educational focus is on the process, rather than the product – drawing on music and drama in education research and practice. First, we position the notion of evaluation as opposed to assessment, with attention to its etymological roots. Second, we discuss the multifaceted notion of engagement as process, exploring the nature of learner engagement and a number of possible engagement indicators. We then synthesize these categories into descriptors which, we argue, can be useful to evaluate learners’ engagement in arts education practices. Third, we ground theory into practice by offering two examples drawn from the authors’ PhD case study research, respectively in music education and drama in education. We conclude that engagement is a multifaceted construct, which we frame as a mutual exercise of agency – whereby the teacher and the students act in a partnership as co-artists.
Public Higher Education Governing Boards Composition and Regional Difference in U.S.
Authors: PARK HYUNJU , Zhu Qiong
Published: June 2017

Using The Public Higher Education Boards Database designed by Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2008, this paper reviewed prior studies of governing boards and investigated regional differences of boards' characteristics including board type, selection method, board composition, provision condition, term length, supervision, and meeting frequency. The results show tha: (1) highly centralized state university governance with more political control exist in West and Middle West; (2) governing boards in Northeast are more autonomous with high percentage of alumni and self-perpetuating members and less political affiliations; (3) more faculty participations appear in South and West, and most Middle West boards do not have removal process and longer length of term.
Developing engineering students’ engagement with Circular Economy practices
Authors: Ormazabal Marta , Jaca Carmen , Prieto-Sandoval Vanessa , Lleó Álvaro
Published: June 2017

The Circular Economy has become a topic of high interest for policy makers, scholars, and business managers because it is shown as a new paradigm to achieve the sustainability of our society. However, the main efforts in Circular Economy cannot be reduced to professional or experts’ acts. Nevertheless,  we consider that if we pretend to meet the current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, we have to teach present generations the principles to achieve the economic, social and economic sustainability in the short and long term. This paper enhances the use of guided and official student clubs at the university to teach and engage engineering students with the Circular Economy practices.
Is student procrastination related to controlling teacher behaviours?
Authors: Valenzuela Rafael , Codina Nuria , Pestana Jose Vicente , González-Conde Joan
Published: June 2017

Even motivated students procrastinate, for procrastination is triggered by a volitional (rather than by a motivational) problem. However, many factors, such as learning context, teacher interpersonal style, and also type of motivation may influence the occurrence of procrastination. The aim of the present study was to assess the relations between first-year university students’ procrastination and controlling teacher behaviour. Four types of controlling teacher behaviour and three distinct measures of procrastination were ecvaluated and their correlations assessed. Findings revealed small but significant associations between (a) conditional use of rewards and decisional procrastination, and between (b) excessive personal control and procrastination linked to avoiding tasks. Results suggest that controlling teacher behaviours might influence students’ psychological experiences in learning negatively. Teachers who do not refrain from constant use of conditional rewards may deffer students’ decision processes regarding their own autonomous academic learning, and excessive personal control may favour students’ perceptions of external regulations, decreasing intrinsic motivation and autonomous self-regulated learning and, thus, making it more likely to engage in alternative activities, procrastinating academic learning.