Pub Date : 2023-08-01DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-06-2023-0148
Duke D. Biber, Rachel Rothman
PurposeThe purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate an online mental health literacy training program for college female mentors.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduate female participants (n = 10) completed in asynchronous mental health literacy training. Participants completed the Heads Up Checkup (HCU) and mental health literacy scale (MHLS). Participant usage data were collected for the training course and analyzed using means and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed by axial coding and thematic categorization.FindingsThe mean MHLS score, based on mean (M) and standard deviation (SD), was high for the participants (M = 145.69, SD = 8.41). Six qualitative themes from the training effectiveness feedback were used: (1) help-seeking, (2) stress management, (3) tailored guidance to resources, (4) understanding warning signs, (5) body image awareness and (6) engaging with mentees.Research limitations/implicationsThere are a few limitations to this study including the small sample size, unrestricted time frame for completion of the asynchronous training and the need for long-term follow-up of the intervention effects.Practical implicationsThis pilot study provides initial support for the mental health literacy training program when implemented with undergraduate females.Social implicationsGiven inadequate mental health literacy in college females regarding such topics, continually training undergraduates about these warning signs is necessary. Future research could consider implementing this program with all gender identities, various age groups and in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities. This program could also be replicated using a pre- and post-test design to evaluate direct impact of the training on outcome variables.Originality/valueAll the participants discussed how the training prepared them in aiding mentees in help-seeking and identifying appropriate mental health resources. Participants also indicated how the training enabled personal and others-oriented stress management, which supports a mental health literacy training program that reduced stress in medical students.
{"title":"Mental health literacy training for college female peer mentors: a pilot study","authors":"Duke D. Biber, Rachel Rothman","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-06-2023-0148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-06-2023-0148","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate an online mental health literacy training program for college female mentors.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduate female participants (n = 10) completed in asynchronous mental health literacy training. Participants completed the Heads Up Checkup (HCU) and mental health literacy scale (MHLS). Participant usage data were collected for the training course and analyzed using means and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed by axial coding and thematic categorization.FindingsThe mean MHLS score, based on mean (M) and standard deviation (SD), was high for the participants (M = 145.69, SD = 8.41). Six qualitative themes from the training effectiveness feedback were used: (1) help-seeking, (2) stress management, (3) tailored guidance to resources, (4) understanding warning signs, (5) body image awareness and (6) engaging with mentees.Research limitations/implicationsThere are a few limitations to this study including the small sample size, unrestricted time frame for completion of the asynchronous training and the need for long-term follow-up of the intervention effects.Practical implicationsThis pilot study provides initial support for the mental health literacy training program when implemented with undergraduate females.Social implicationsGiven inadequate mental health literacy in college females regarding such topics, continually training undergraduates about these warning signs is necessary. Future research could consider implementing this program with all gender identities, various age groups and in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities. This program could also be replicated using a pre- and post-test design to evaluate direct impact of the training on outcome variables.Originality/valueAll the participants discussed how the training prepared them in aiding mentees in help-seeking and identifying appropriate mental health resources. Participants also indicated how the training enabled personal and others-oriented stress management, which supports a mental health literacy training program that reduced stress in medical students.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46343329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-01DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-11-2022-0239
Pragya Gupta, Renuka Mahajan
PurposeThe study aims to ratify skills necessary to bridge the gap between the existing models and emerging needs of a technology-enabled workspace; especially in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThis paper extends the ongoing debate on a relevant employability framework suitable both for higher education institutes and corporates. To remain resilient to future catastrophes similar to the ongoing pandemic, the relevancy of established employability skills to suit the changing scenario needs to be established.FindingsThe partial least squares (PLS) technique has been used to present a framework confirming the importance of digital competencies, business fundamentals and behavioral skills. In-depth discussions with specialists ratified the proposed framework and recommended potential changes in curriculum and pedagogy.Research limitations/implicationsThis study validates an explicit and comprehensive employability skill framework and useful recommendations in teaching strategies, which may provide a broad skill base for graduates to prepare for the volatile business environment in the long run.Practical implicationsThe study has been able to put forth significant employability skills as deemed significant by the three stakeholders. This will provide guidance to higher educational institutions (HEIs) to come up with a broad skill-base for the fresh graduates and prepare them for the volatile business environment and encourage life-long learning to remain productive in the long run.Originality/valueThe study is unique as it incorporates the perceived importance of the competencies assumed by each stakeholder, namely, employers, faculty and management graduates, which was unfortunately lacking in earlier researches.
{"title":"Investigating stakeholder perceptions of graduate employability","authors":"Pragya Gupta, Renuka Mahajan","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-11-2022-0239","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-11-2022-0239","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe study aims to ratify skills necessary to bridge the gap between the existing models and emerging needs of a technology-enabled workspace; especially in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThis paper extends the ongoing debate on a relevant employability framework suitable both for higher education institutes and corporates. To remain resilient to future catastrophes similar to the ongoing pandemic, the relevancy of established employability skills to suit the changing scenario needs to be established.FindingsThe partial least squares (PLS) technique has been used to present a framework confirming the importance of digital competencies, business fundamentals and behavioral skills. In-depth discussions with specialists ratified the proposed framework and recommended potential changes in curriculum and pedagogy.Research limitations/implicationsThis study validates an explicit and comprehensive employability skill framework and useful recommendations in teaching strategies, which may provide a broad skill base for graduates to prepare for the volatile business environment in the long run.Practical implicationsThe study has been able to put forth significant employability skills as deemed significant by the three stakeholders. This will provide guidance to higher educational institutions (HEIs) to come up with a broad skill-base for the fresh graduates and prepare them for the volatile business environment and encourage life-long learning to remain productive in the long run.Originality/valueThe study is unique as it incorporates the perceived importance of the competencies assumed by each stakeholder, namely, employers, faculty and management graduates, which was unfortunately lacking in earlier researches.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42904381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-01DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0025
Sara Maria Yepes Zuluaga
PurposeIn the current labour context, employability is an important tool for recently graduated who are entering the labour market and must face major challenges that include a decrease in job opportunities, the rapid evolution of technology, and the need for lifelong learning.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyses the impact of the socio-emotional competencies of 470 senior students and graduates of five engineering majors at a higher education institution in Medellín, Colombia. In the sample examined, the data were analysed using inferential statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsEmotional intelligence (EI) was proven to be a predictor of engineers' employability, which, in turn, depends on three factors: personal strengths that increase employment potential, self-perceived employment opportunities, and career development as a realization of employment potential.Originality/valueThese results show that the higher education system should implement activities to develop students' EI competencies, thus providing them with powerful tools to deal with different situations in the labour market.
{"title":"Socio-emotional competencies as predictors of employability in engineering","authors":"Sara Maria Yepes Zuluaga","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0025","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn the current labour context, employability is an important tool for recently graduated who are entering the labour market and must face major challenges that include a decrease in job opportunities, the rapid evolution of technology, and the need for lifelong learning.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyses the impact of the socio-emotional competencies of 470 senior students and graduates of five engineering majors at a higher education institution in Medellín, Colombia. In the sample examined, the data were analysed using inferential statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsEmotional intelligence (EI) was proven to be a predictor of engineers' employability, which, in turn, depends on three factors: personal strengths that increase employment potential, self-perceived employment opportunities, and career development as a realization of employment potential.Originality/valueThese results show that the higher education system should implement activities to develop students' EI competencies, thus providing them with powerful tools to deal with different situations in the labour market.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42520010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-01DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-01-2023-0015
Jahangir Wasim, Moustafa Salman Haj Youssef, I. Christodoulou, R. Reinhardt
PurposeThis research aims to identify the intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur and the perception of entrepreneurial failure among different groups of students. There has been significant research discussing the motivations behind becoming an entrepreneur. However, such a research study is often focused on individuals who are already in the entrepreneurial process. Therefore, this research focuses on the understanding of the entrepreneurial process specified on the intentions of becoming an entrepreneur and the associated risk, in the context of a learning process.Design/methodology/approachThe perspectives of students towards becoming an entrepreneur and their perception of associated risk are identified. A comparative exploratory case study method is used. Three cases developed in the light of empirical evidence consist of Business, Law and Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.FindingsMajor results show that the law and STEM students were on the same line in terms of motivational factors, such as being career driven. In contrary, the business students were more driven by personal factors such as leaving something behind and building something meaningful.Originality/valueWhilst studies have attempted to understand entrepreneurial intentions, little work has considered students and their views on becoming entrepreneurs. Even with studies that looked at this subject matter, the focus was mainly business students. The authors build on previous work and construct the authors' views based on multi-disciplinary student base to know more about their intentions to become an entrepreneur. The science and law students were more influenced by external factors, whereas business students were focused more on their personal goals. Such classification of the diverse intentions based on student discipline opens a new and promising research avenue to better develop entrepreneurial education not only for business students but across all disciplines in higher education.
{"title":"Higher education student intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur","authors":"Jahangir Wasim, Moustafa Salman Haj Youssef, I. Christodoulou, R. Reinhardt","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-01-2023-0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-01-2023-0015","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis research aims to identify the intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur and the perception of entrepreneurial failure among different groups of students. There has been significant research discussing the motivations behind becoming an entrepreneur. However, such a research study is often focused on individuals who are already in the entrepreneurial process. Therefore, this research focuses on the understanding of the entrepreneurial process specified on the intentions of becoming an entrepreneur and the associated risk, in the context of a learning process.Design/methodology/approachThe perspectives of students towards becoming an entrepreneur and their perception of associated risk are identified. A comparative exploratory case study method is used. Three cases developed in the light of empirical evidence consist of Business, Law and Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.FindingsMajor results show that the law and STEM students were on the same line in terms of motivational factors, such as being career driven. In contrary, the business students were more driven by personal factors such as leaving something behind and building something meaningful.Originality/valueWhilst studies have attempted to understand entrepreneurial intentions, little work has considered students and their views on becoming entrepreneurs. Even with studies that looked at this subject matter, the focus was mainly business students. The authors build on previous work and construct the authors' views based on multi-disciplinary student base to know more about their intentions to become an entrepreneur. The science and law students were more influenced by external factors, whereas business students were focused more on their personal goals. Such classification of the diverse intentions based on student discipline opens a new and promising research avenue to better develop entrepreneurial education not only for business students but across all disciplines in higher education.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46027269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-31DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0047
Auf Tumwebaze Alicon, Kassim Kalinaki
PurposeDespite the sporadic evolution of artificial intelligence, the most valuable asset of any organization in the modern world is human resources. This study aims to reveal that partnerships between higher education institutions (HEIs) and employers will ease the process of employee mid-career development in Uganda's corporate employment sector by promoting work-based postgraduate training, and this additionally promotes human resources (HR) capacity-building for organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesis is that contemporary employees seek out an academic mid-career development postgraduate programme that is blended to fit into the employees' work schedule. The study was a descriptive quantitative study, and a closed-ended questionnaire was sent out to groups of corporate employees online (N = 70) and 41 responded, giving a response rate of 58.5%.FindingsFindings indicate a need for a flexible program for mid-career development and transition, the low standard deviation of (Neutral = 0.95, Disagreed = 2.64 and Agreed = 3.3) implies an insignificant deviation from the mean of responses. Indeed, over 95% agree that pursue further studies is needed but in a more flexible way.Research limitations/implicationsThe study design was limited by the sample selection process and study design. In the future, the authors recommend a mixed study for both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of such studies.Practical implicationsIrrespective of gender, hierarchy and experience, employees want flexible study modes for their postgraduate. This implies that institutions of higher learning should work with the labour industry and position themselves as work-based information and communication technology (ICT)-Integrated learning theatres.Originality/valueThe move towards a collaborative strategy between academia and the employment industry is very evident in this study.
{"title":"Positioning higher education institutions as work-based ICT-integrated learning theatres for employee mid-career development; a strategy for HR capacity building","authors":"Auf Tumwebaze Alicon, Kassim Kalinaki","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0047","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDespite the sporadic evolution of artificial intelligence, the most valuable asset of any organization in the modern world is human resources. This study aims to reveal that partnerships between higher education institutions (HEIs) and employers will ease the process of employee mid-career development in Uganda's corporate employment sector by promoting work-based postgraduate training, and this additionally promotes human resources (HR) capacity-building for organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesis is that contemporary employees seek out an academic mid-career development postgraduate programme that is blended to fit into the employees' work schedule. The study was a descriptive quantitative study, and a closed-ended questionnaire was sent out to groups of corporate employees online (N = 70) and 41 responded, giving a response rate of 58.5%.FindingsFindings indicate a need for a flexible program for mid-career development and transition, the low standard deviation of (Neutral = 0.95, Disagreed = 2.64 and Agreed = 3.3) implies an insignificant deviation from the mean of responses. Indeed, over 95% agree that pursue further studies is needed but in a more flexible way.Research limitations/implicationsThe study design was limited by the sample selection process and study design. In the future, the authors recommend a mixed study for both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of such studies.Practical implicationsIrrespective of gender, hierarchy and experience, employees want flexible study modes for their postgraduate. This implies that institutions of higher learning should work with the labour industry and position themselves as work-based information and communication technology (ICT)-Integrated learning theatres.Originality/valueThe move towards a collaborative strategy between academia and the employment industry is very evident in this study.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49396297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-28DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-01-2023-0006
E. M. Azila-Gbettor, Christopher Mensah, M. K. Abiemo
PurposeThe study aims to examine the moderating influence of perceived co-worker support in the nexus between compulsory citizenship behaviour, job involvement and social loafing amongst university interns.Design/methodology/approachFour hundred and sixty-two) respondents took part in the study by completing a self-reported questionnaire distributed via online WhatsApp platform. The respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. The data were processed and analysed using IBM SPSS version 24 and PLS-SEM, respectively.FindingsResults reveal interns’ experience of compulsory citizenship behaviour positively influences their social loafing and negatively influences their job involvement. Furthermore, the support received from co-workers’ reduces the negative influence of compulsory citizenship behaviour on interns’ (1) social loafing and (2) job involvement. Research limitationsThe study’s main limitations have been identified as the type of organisation in which the internship was completed and the number of years of internship experience. Future research may seek to address this problem by obtaining data from a cohort that is categorised based on the nature of the organisation and duration of the internship. Practical implicationsPerceived co-worker support has been found to reduce the negative effects of interns’ compulsory citizenship behaviour on their job outcomes. It is recommended that organisations establish a supportive work environment to assist interns. This can be achieved through various means, such as engaging in team-building activities and assigning mentors, among other strategies.Originality/valueOne of the first to have examined a model linking compulsory citizenship behaviour, job involvement, social loafing and perceived co-worker support amongst interns in a higher education environment.
{"title":"Compulsory citizenship behaviour and job outcome among unpaid interns: the buffering role of perceived co-worker support","authors":"E. M. Azila-Gbettor, Christopher Mensah, M. K. Abiemo","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-01-2023-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-01-2023-0006","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe study aims to examine the moderating influence of perceived co-worker support in the nexus between compulsory citizenship behaviour, job involvement and social loafing amongst university interns.Design/methodology/approachFour hundred and sixty-two) respondents took part in the study by completing a self-reported questionnaire distributed via online WhatsApp platform. The respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. The data were processed and analysed using IBM SPSS version 24 and PLS-SEM, respectively.FindingsResults reveal interns’ experience of compulsory citizenship behaviour positively influences their social loafing and negatively influences their job involvement. Furthermore, the support received from co-workers’ reduces the negative influence of compulsory citizenship behaviour on interns’ (1) social loafing and (2) job involvement. Research limitationsThe study’s main limitations have been identified as the type of organisation in which the internship was completed and the number of years of internship experience. Future research may seek to address this problem by obtaining data from a cohort that is categorised based on the nature of the organisation and duration of the internship. Practical implicationsPerceived co-worker support has been found to reduce the negative effects of interns’ compulsory citizenship behaviour on their job outcomes. It is recommended that organisations establish a supportive work environment to assist interns. This can be achieved through various means, such as engaging in team-building activities and assigning mentors, among other strategies.Originality/valueOne of the first to have examined a model linking compulsory citizenship behaviour, job involvement, social loafing and perceived co-worker support amongst interns in a higher education environment.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43737776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-24DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-04-2023-0084
Shahrokh Nikou, Monika Luukkonen
PurposeDue to high demand for international talents and skilful workforces, many countries around the world, especially the ageing populations are now looking for new ways and strategies to attract more international talent. Drawing on push-pull factor theory, integrated with theory of reasoned action (TRA), this research examines international students' intention to stay or to leave the host country after completion of the students' studies.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model has been proposed and evaluated aimed at understanding the factors that influence the decision-making of international students studying in Finland. Data were collected from a sample of 292 international students in Finland and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and examine the relationships between various constructs in the model.FindingsThe SEM results show that several factors influence students' decision to stay or leave the host country after graduation. Aspects related to host country, institutional and economic factors and social influence (norms) directly impact students' attitude towards staying. In addition, attitude towards staying not only has a direct impact on the intention to stay, but also mediates the relationship between different pulling factors and students' intention to stay in the host country. Moreover, challenges and barriers (such as local language, challenge of finding employment and challenge of assimilating into the community or making friends) have a negative impact on the decision to stay in the host country.Originality/valueThis study uses push-pull theory in the Finnish context, contributing to the growing body of literature on international education policies and practices. The findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to supporting international students, one that considers the students' unique needs and experiences in the host country and provides the students with the necessary resources and support to succeed.
{"title":"The push-pull factor model and its implications for the retention of international students in the host country","authors":"Shahrokh Nikou, Monika Luukkonen","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-04-2023-0084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-04-2023-0084","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDue to high demand for international talents and skilful workforces, many countries around the world, especially the ageing populations are now looking for new ways and strategies to attract more international talent. Drawing on push-pull factor theory, integrated with theory of reasoned action (TRA), this research examines international students' intention to stay or to leave the host country after completion of the students' studies.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model has been proposed and evaluated aimed at understanding the factors that influence the decision-making of international students studying in Finland. Data were collected from a sample of 292 international students in Finland and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and examine the relationships between various constructs in the model.FindingsThe SEM results show that several factors influence students' decision to stay or leave the host country after graduation. Aspects related to host country, institutional and economic factors and social influence (norms) directly impact students' attitude towards staying. In addition, attitude towards staying not only has a direct impact on the intention to stay, but also mediates the relationship between different pulling factors and students' intention to stay in the host country. Moreover, challenges and barriers (such as local language, challenge of finding employment and challenge of assimilating into the community or making friends) have a negative impact on the decision to stay in the host country.Originality/valueThis study uses push-pull theory in the Finnish context, contributing to the growing body of literature on international education policies and practices. The findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to supporting international students, one that considers the students' unique needs and experiences in the host country and provides the students with the necessary resources and support to succeed.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48650187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-18DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0039
F. C. Queiroz, Christian Luiz da Silva, Nilton César Lima, Solange Marlene Thomaz, Jamerson Viegas Queiroz
PurposeDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social distancing, the Virtual Mobility Program (Promover) implemented in 2021 in Brazil aimed to allow students enrolled in Brazilian federal universities to take curricular components at other institutions of the system remotely. The main objective of this research was to identify the most important factors, in students' perception, that affected their satisfaction with virtual mobility (VM) and the factors that drive the intention to continue mobility.Design/methodology/approachData collection was performed through 433 questionnaires answered online. R software was used for descriptive analysis and SmartPLS to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables through Structural Equation Modeling.FindingsA positive relationship was verified between the constructs, and the hypothesized relations were confirmed at statistically significant level, revealing the students' satisfaction with VM and their intention to continue exploring this online learning option through Promover. The results showed that the motivations for VM are linked to the pursuit of knowledge and more opportunities for training and work. Plus, the use of VM proved to be a motivator for student engagement and e-learning effectiveness.Originality/valueThe findings can be useful as they highlight the opportunity to expand VM programs for students, even after the return to on-campus academic activities.
{"title":"Virtual mobility in higher education in Brazil: factors of influence on satisfaction and continuity","authors":"F. C. Queiroz, Christian Luiz da Silva, Nilton César Lima, Solange Marlene Thomaz, Jamerson Viegas Queiroz","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-02-2023-0039","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social distancing, the Virtual Mobility Program (Promover) implemented in 2021 in Brazil aimed to allow students enrolled in Brazilian federal universities to take curricular components at other institutions of the system remotely. The main objective of this research was to identify the most important factors, in students' perception, that affected their satisfaction with virtual mobility (VM) and the factors that drive the intention to continue mobility.Design/methodology/approachData collection was performed through 433 questionnaires answered online. R software was used for descriptive analysis and SmartPLS to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables through Structural Equation Modeling.FindingsA positive relationship was verified between the constructs, and the hypothesized relations were confirmed at statistically significant level, revealing the students' satisfaction with VM and their intention to continue exploring this online learning option through Promover. The results showed that the motivations for VM are linked to the pursuit of knowledge and more opportunities for training and work. Plus, the use of VM proved to be a motivator for student engagement and e-learning effectiveness.Originality/valueThe findings can be useful as they highlight the opportunity to expand VM programs for students, even after the return to on-campus academic activities.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48186025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-17DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-05-2023-0106
E. Huber, Ngoc Chi Lê, Thi-Huyen Nguyen, T. Wall
PurposeDigital technologies can enable engagement online as well as in physical infrastructures like large lecture theatres. Avoiding a tech-first approach to curriculum design, this article reviews a key resource for the use of a pedagogy-first, co-design approach in a specific instance of developing curriculum for connected learning at scale.Design/methodology/approachThis article summarises key guidance for applying a co-design approach to a large educational transformation project (connected learning at scale) and reflects on the application in the UK (a developed economy) and in Vietnam (one of the fastest growing economies).FindingsThe guidance is found to reflect similar co-development processes in the UK and Vietnam, but adds additional layers of infrastructure and support to enable rich co-design processes. These are seen as proportionate given the impact of large-scale curricula.Originality/valueThis is the first time a review has been conducted from the perspective of different countries.
{"title":"Co-design for connected learning at scale: a cross-cultural review of guidance","authors":"E. Huber, Ngoc Chi Lê, Thi-Huyen Nguyen, T. Wall","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-05-2023-0106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-05-2023-0106","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDigital technologies can enable engagement online as well as in physical infrastructures like large lecture theatres. Avoiding a tech-first approach to curriculum design, this article reviews a key resource for the use of a pedagogy-first, co-design approach in a specific instance of developing curriculum for connected learning at scale.Design/methodology/approachThis article summarises key guidance for applying a co-design approach to a large educational transformation project (connected learning at scale) and reflects on the application in the UK (a developed economy) and in Vietnam (one of the fastest growing economies).FindingsThe guidance is found to reflect similar co-development processes in the UK and Vietnam, but adds additional layers of infrastructure and support to enable rich co-design processes. These are seen as proportionate given the impact of large-scale curricula.Originality/valueThis is the first time a review has been conducted from the perspective of different countries.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47463981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-13DOI: 10.1108/heswbl-03-2023-0075
Abdurahman Ahmed Endris, Y. Molla
PurposeMost educational institutions worldwide have suddenly switched to online instruction due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and English language teaching took its part in this transition. The immediate transition from face-to-face to fully online instruction affects its effective implementation, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia where online learning is in its early stage. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate postgraduate EFL students’ perceptions and practices of online learning. Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a descriptive survey design. Using simple random sampling, 91 postgraduate EFL students were selected from four universities. Online questionnaires were employed to collect data. To analyze the data, both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (one sample t-test) statistics were used.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the students had favorable perceptions of online learning. Despite the students' positive perceptions, the results of the study showed that the practice of online learning in the universities was limited; especially the practice of synchronous online learning was low.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that the concerned bodies at the universities should consider implementing a blended (both synchronous and asynchronous) learning system to deliver an online learning approach.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies in a higher education context in Ethiopia, which tries to investigate the postgraduate EFL students' perceptions and practices of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper is original because it investigated the status of online learning during the pandemic in a developing country like Ethiopia; it provides a real and convincing idea of a new way of learning in the post-COVID-19 context. The study can also be useful for related future research in the context of a pandemic-like COVID-19.
{"title":"University students' perceptions and practices of online learning in Ethiopia","authors":"Abdurahman Ahmed Endris, Y. Molla","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-03-2023-0075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-03-2023-0075","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeMost educational institutions worldwide have suddenly switched to online instruction due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and English language teaching took its part in this transition. The immediate transition from face-to-face to fully online instruction affects its effective implementation, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia where online learning is in its early stage. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate postgraduate EFL students’ perceptions and practices of online learning. Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a descriptive survey design. Using simple random sampling, 91 postgraduate EFL students were selected from four universities. Online questionnaires were employed to collect data. To analyze the data, both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (one sample t-test) statistics were used.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the students had favorable perceptions of online learning. Despite the students' positive perceptions, the results of the study showed that the practice of online learning in the universities was limited; especially the practice of synchronous online learning was low.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that the concerned bodies at the universities should consider implementing a blended (both synchronous and asynchronous) learning system to deliver an online learning approach.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies in a higher education context in Ethiopia, which tries to investigate the postgraduate EFL students' perceptions and practices of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper is original because it investigated the status of online learning during the pandemic in a developing country like Ethiopia; it provides a real and convincing idea of a new way of learning in the post-COVID-19 context. The study can also be useful for related future research in the context of a pandemic-like COVID-19.","PeriodicalId":45549,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48545838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}