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"Students"

The adoption of online teaching and learning in educational settings poses a notable challenge to teachers as they are required to implement student-centered pedagogy in online learning environments. This is often hindered by teachers' insufficient preparation in this area. The current study hinges on two underexplored aspects that may explain this challenge among faculty teaching in teacher training colleges, both related to the link between professionals and their workplace: innovative work behavior and personal accountability. This study sought to examine higher education teachers’ perceived innovative behavior and personal accountability as precursors of their reported distance learning practices during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Data were gathered from 303 faculty members from public teacher training colleges. Data were analyzed by using Partial Least Squares—Structural Equation Modeling. Based on our findings, innovative teachers reported using more student-centered approaches in distance learning than traditional practices. Another finding showed that high levels of external accountability were associated with traditional teaching routines focused on setting clear rules for student behavior in online environments and enforcing these rules. Hence, teachers who placed an emphasis on delivering timely reports to their managers and believed they should be evaluated by their students’ final grades, were more inclined towards traditional approaches to teaching. Internal accountable teachers tended to employ adaptive instructional practices, underscoring the quality of the learning process. Implementations and directions for future research are discussed. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023.

Research in environmental education points out the need for an improvement in pre-service teacher education training in this area. This proposal follows PBL methodology and focuses on the development of an environmental education project whose final product is the organization of a science fair for elementary school students. The 5-week project addresses the topic of urban biodiversity decline and uses the butterfly garden as an initiative to mitigate it. Four months after the program ended, a survey was administered to the 86 participating pre-service teachers. A mixed-methods approach was used, collecting quantitative data on perceptions of urban biodiversity decline, the One Health concept, and environmental education, along with qualitative keyword responses to open-ended questions about the butterfly garden’s impact and the project’s value for self-learning and professional development. Participants reported positive perceptions regarding butterfly gardens after participating in our environmental program, recognizing them as both a valuable educational resource and an effective initiative to mitigate urban biodiversity decline. Respondents showed a strong pro-environmental attitude, taking seriously their role in transmitting environmental values. Using a butterfly garden for teaching purposes offers insight into environmental literacy, connection with nature, and improvements in well-being and is a powerful platform for deep and meaningful pedagogical learning. © 2025 by the authors.

One of the central goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is represented by inclusive and equitable education. This study investigates the impact of the educational programs funded by the European Union on the socio-economic situation of Romanian students by focusing on eight key dimensions: poverty, social inequalities, juvenile crime, nutrition, discrimination, employability, quality of life, and health. The study is based on a quantitative descriptive research design. The data were collected from a representative sample of 1220 pre-university teachers. To identify the differences between students who benefited from the EU-funded educational project implementation and students who did not have this opportunity, t-Student and ANOVA tests were used. cluster analysis (k-means) was applied to classify cases based on the evolution of socio-economic indicators, and binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing the probability that students belong to groups with better performance in relation to the analyzed dimensions. Our findings revealed that while EU-funded education projects have significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of students, a series of disparities still persist among students coming from low-income families. The findings underline the need for more targeted policies. The advanced statistical analyses revealed the importance of early educational interventions through EU-funded educational programs. Also, they revealed the need for integrated, targeted strategies to increase the chances of supporting social equity and reducing inequalities. © 2025 by the authors.

The technical training associated with urban water cycle management has a markedly multidisciplinary character. In Spain, training in this field to cover the different professional profiles involved in urban water management ranges from specific intermediate and higher Vocational Education and Training Programmes to related subjects included in various university degrees, as well as specialised master’s degrees in a very specific discipline involved in water management. Paradoxically, the companies in the sector are finding it difficult to find intermediate and higher technicians with training in line with their current needs to meet the challenges they must face in order to manage the sewerage and supply networks as efficiently as possible. It is necessary to incorporate, in Vocational Education centres, innovative methods and means that facilitate the acquisition of the skills required by key sectors for sustainability, such as urban water management. The incorporation of resources that help students to understand complex concepts in this field through the operation of pilot-scale equipment and installations that simulate those they will encounter in their professional performance can be of great value in facilitating the acquisition of the desired competences. In this work, a bibliographical review of the use of pilot plants for teaching purposes, in relation to technical aspects involved in the field of urban water management circumscribed to urban supply and sanitation networks, is carried out in order to assess the degree of their implementation as a training resource, which aspects are most frequently addressed, and the contribution they make to the improvement of teaching–learning processes. © 2025 by the authors.

This study aims to examine how collaborative instructional practices between classroom teachers and industry professionals refine students’ learning in digital media art design and teachers’ instructional practices. A qualitative case study was applied to draw participants’ (classroom teachers, industry professionals, and students) perspectives concerning the impacts of collaborative teaching on teaching and learning refinement. Classroom observations and document analysis were also applied to validate the findings. The findings of the study identify common patterns, effective collaborative practices, and areas for improvement in teachers’ instructional practices (such as upgrading learning content using industry standards, implementing project-based learning using real-industry contexts, and emphasizing feedback and assessment on students’ performance and portfolios) and students’ learning (such as accomplishing tasks using industry procedures, facilitating critical thinking and problem-solving abilities). The study findings provide insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers to optimize the training process and develop well-rounded, highly skilled designers for China's high-tech industrialization, contributing to the growth of its innovation sector. © 2025, OpenED Network. All rights reserved.

The implementation of the manufacturing power strategy is a crucial plan for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization. Industrial robotics is a core field in modern manufacturing, and cultivating craftsmanship among industrial robotics students is essential for promoting the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry and fostering high-quality economic development. This study investigated the craftsmanship of industrial robotics students at a higher vocational college using the Craftsmanship Questionnaire for College students in Higher Vocational Colleges developed by Deng Hongbao et al. The results indicated that the average score of industrial robotics students was 4.06±0.56, which is considered good. Although craftsmanship scores improved with grade level, the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences based on gender, student cadre status, and internship experience (P<0.05). Based on the analysis, the following recommendations are proposed: enhancing classroom teaching to improve craftsmanship cognition; emphasizing practical training to cultivate craftsmanship skills; and leveraging campus culture to internalize craftsmanship values among students. © 2024 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).

As a breakthrough to open up a new track of education development and shape new advantages, the digital transformation of education promotes the reform of higher education teaching towards being mixed and normalized. Based on the theoretical value and practical demands of high-quality classrooms in the new era, this study builds the blended learning environment with the help of generative artificial intelligence platforms, relying on the public course”Modern Educational Technology” for teacher training students. It integrates curriculum ideology and politics, designs and implements project-based learning activities, aiming to improve students’ abilities of information-based instructional design and information-based instructional resources development and promote deep learning. The research shows that project-based learning in blended learning environment can improve college students’ ability to apply what they have learned to develop project works flexibly, and the level of deep learning has also been improved, especially in learning strategy and learning outcome. At the same time, this study also puts forward relevant practical measures to provide a reference for improving the learning efficiency of college students. © 2024 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).

The level of student engagement is a critical factor in determining a student's continuation at a university. Adult learners, one of the fastest-growing student demographics in higher education, often bring unique life experiences that interconnect with their online classes, family responsibilities, work, and other commitments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots in online learning environments have proven effective in revolutionizing student engagement through intentional communication and providing timely academic assistance. This four-part chapter explores how AIdriven practices can transform Career and Technical Education (CTE) by addressing systemic inequities and advancing social justice in urban education. The chapter emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably, particularly in the context of lifelong learning and community empowerment. Furthermore, AI can enhance andragogical practices in urban settings by improving strategic planning, resource allocation, and personalized learning experiences. © 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.

Higher education has had a long and growing association with professional practice. Yet the need to unpack and demystify the day-to-day workings has never been greater, especially for new pracademics - academics entering from professional practice. Mapped to the Advance HE Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023) and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), this invaluable guide will help you navigate your new academic career, covering all key aspects to support a successful transition. Key features include the following: Hints, tips, narratives, and examples from experienced pracademics from a diverse and broad range of professions and higher education institutions. Support and guidance on the academic role, teaching, learning and assessment, supporting students, researching and supervision, academic well-being, and continuing professional development. A 'go-to' Learning Activity Compilation. Practical strategies and guidance to swiftly adapt to your academic practices. A detailed glossary to quickly locate key terms. Packed full of practical guidance, this go-to guide will act as the perfect companion to help you navigate through your new pracademic career. It is essential reading for anyone taking part in an accredited academic initial professional development programme, as well as those more experienced academics who want to refresh their knowledge and understanding. © 2025 Mary Kitchener. All rights reserved.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-driven vocational pedagogy in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offers transformative potential in preparing students for the modern workforce. AI enhances skill acquisition, making learning more efficient and improving employability. This chapter explores the convergence of AI and vocational pedagogy in shaping workforce development. It defines key concepts, including AI, vocational pedagogy, and TVET, while examining AI's role in enhancing learning, assessment, and workforce readiness. The chapter also discusses the impact of vocational pedagogy on skill development, the integration of technology in TVET, and AIdriven workforce transformation in Nigeria. Challenges faced by TVET educators in adopting AI and its benefits in equipping students with essential competencies are highlighted. The chapter concludes with recommendations for leveraging AI to create a sustainable, industry-relevant vocational education system. © 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.