Exploring emotional and social competencies in undergraduate students: Perspectives from CALD and non-CALD students
- Authors: Yu, Mong-Lin , Brown, Ted , Hewitt, Alana , Cousland, Robert , Lyons, Carissa , Etherington, Jamie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Educational Researcher Vol. 50, no. 3 (2023), p. 601-624
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- Description: With the internationalisation of higher education, students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds represent a significant proportion of the university student body in Australia. Research literature indicates that the unique cultural and linguistic challenges experienced by these students may adversely impact their academic performance and social integration in university settings. However, less is known about how the socio-emotional competencies of undergraduate CALD and non-CALD domestic English-speaking students compare. This cross-sectional quantitative study compares the emotional and social competencies in a cohort of CALD and non-CALD occupational therapy undergraduates. Data were collected at one Australian university from a group of 360 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) course. Participants completed the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory– University edition (ESCI-U). Multivariate regression analyses were used to compare between CALD and non-CALD students, controlling for students’ year level of study, age, and gender. Key findings from the regression analysis included the observation of indicate that non-CALD students having significant higher scores than CALD students on all the ESCI-U socio-emotional subscales, especially the Emotional Self-control, Achievement Orientation, Empathy and Teamwork from western perspectives. No difference was found between CALD and non-CALD student on two cognitive competencies- systems thinking and pattern recognition. These findings should be interpreted with caution considering CALD students may interpret the questions differently and demonstrate the competencies in different ways. Specific emotional and social competencies that need to be strengthened in students are discussed and recommendations are made to inform the preparation of evidence-based curricula.
Continuity of care experiences : a national cross-sectional survey exploring the views and experiences of Australian students and academics
- Authors: Newton, Michelle , Faulks, Fiona , Bailey, Carolyn , Davis, Jenny , Vermeulen, Monique , Tremayne, Anne , Kruger, Gina
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Women and Birth Vol. 35, no. 3 (2022), p. e253-e262
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- Description: Background: Continuity of Care Experiences (CoCEs) are a component of all entry-to-practice midwifery programs in Australia and facilitate an understanding of the central midwifery philosophy of woman-centred care and continuity of the therapeutic relationship. The aim of this research was to explore how CoCEs are viewed and experienced by students and academics across Australia. Methods: Students enrolled in Australian midwifery programs and academics who teach into these programs were invited to participate in a cross sectional, web-based survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and free text responses were analysed using content analysis. Findings: Four hundred and five students and 61 academics responded to the survey. The CoCE was viewed as a positive and unique learning experience, preparing students to work in midwifery-led continuity models and developing confidence in their midwifery role. Challenges in recruitment, participation in care, and balancing the workload with other course requirements were evident in reports from students, but less understood by academics. Significant personal impact on finances, health and wellbeing of students were also reported. Discussion: The value of CoCEs as an experiential learning opportunity is clear, however, many students report being challenged by elements of the CoCE within current models as they try to maintain study-work-life balance. Conclusion: Innovative course structure that considers and embeds the CoCE requirements within the curricula, in addition to a collective commitment from regulatory bodies, the maternity care sector and Universities to facilitate CoCEs for students may address some of the significant student impacts that are reported by this research. © 2021 Australian College of Midwives
Making #blacklivesmatter in universities: a viewpoint on social policy education
- Authors: Bennett, Bindi , Ravulo, Jioji , Ife, Jim , Gates, Trevor
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of sociology and social policy Vol. 41, no. 11/12 (2021), p. 1257-1263
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- Description: Purpose The purpose of this viewpoint article is to consider the #BlackLivesMatter movement within the Aboriginal Australian struggle for equality, sovereignty and human rights. Indigenous sovereignty has been threatened throughout Australia's history of colonization. We provide a viewpoint and recommendations for social policy education and practice.Design/methodology/approach. We provide commentary and interpretation based upon the lived experience of Black, Indigenous and Other People of Color (BIPOC) co-authors, co-authors who are Allies, extant literature and practice wisdom as social policy educators. FindingsUniversities are sources of knowledge production, transmission and consumption within society. We provide critical recommendations for what social policy education within universities can address human rights and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.Originality/valueCulturally responsive inclusion for BIPOC has only just begun in Australia and globally within the context of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. This paper adds critical conversation and recommendations for what social policy programs might do better to achieve universities' teaching and learning missions.
Nursing degree students’ clinical placement experiences in Australia: A survey design
- Authors: Luders, Elise , Cooper, Simon J. , Cant, Robyn , Waters, Donna , Tower, Marion
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nurse Education in Practice Vol. 54, no. (2021), p.
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- Description: Aim: This study aimed to evaluate Australian nursing students’ views of placements at seven tertiary education institutions with the use of the Placement Evaluation Tool (PET). Background: Clinical placements are a core element of healthcare education programs around the world (Chuan and Barnett, 2012) with undergraduate nursing students required to complete a prescribed number of hours as part of their degree. The quality of nursing clinical placements varies with a range of positive and negative learning experiences. Design: A survey design was used with a contemporary survey tool– the Placement Evaluation Tool (PET). Using Qualtrics software (Qualtrics, 2005) the on-line survey was distributed to approximately 6265 undergraduate nursing students at six Australian universities and one Technical and Further Education (TAFE) college where Bachelor of Nursing degree students were enrolled. Three Australian States were covered. Sites were selected where a project team member was employed. Methods: A total of 1263 nursing students completed the Placement Evaluation Tool (PET) − 19 items (rated 1–5), one global rating (rated 1–10) − following placement in three Australian States (July 2019−February 2020). Most - 618 (48.9%) completed a placement in acute care with placements positively rated overall. Results: The total PET mean score was 78.3% with 29.8% being ‘extremely satisfied’ (10 out of 10 – Item 20). However, 11.0% were dissatisfied with global ratings of four or less, whilst ratings between States differed significantly (p = <0.001). One third of respondents answered a free text statement relating to placement experiences, with significantly more comments from older students (p = <0.001) and from those with ratings in the lower range (p = <0.001). Three core themes emerged: 1. Staff Attitudes to Students, 2. Environment and 3. Lifestyle. Conclusions: Whilst students’ clinical experiences in Australia tend to be positive a minority reported exposure to negative staff attitudes, in unsafe environments, with lifestyle detriments. Further work is required to understand and enhance student experiences. © 2021. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Elise Luders, Simon Cooper, Robyn Cant" is provided in this record**
Measuring the quality of nursing clinical placements and the development of the Placement Evaluation Tool (PET) in a mixed methods co-design project
- Authors: Cooper, Simon J. , Cant, Robyn , Waters, Donna , Luders, Elise , Henderson, Amanda , Willetts, Georgina , Tower, Marion , Reid-Searl, Kerry , Ryan, Colleen , Hood, Kerry
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Nursing Vol. 19, no. 1 (2020), p.
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- Description: Background: The quality of nursing clinical placements has been found to vary. Placement evaluation tools for nursing students are available but lack contemporary reviews of clinical settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a feasible, valid and reliable clinical placement evaluation tool applicable to nursing student placements in Australia. Methods: An exploratory mixed methods co-design project. Phase 1 included a literature review; expert rating of potential question items and Nominal Group Technique meetings with a range of stakeholders for item development. Phase 2 included on-line pilot testing of the Placement Evaluation Tool (PET) with 1263 nursing students, across all year levels at six Australian Universities and one further education college in 2019–20, to confirm validity, reliability and feasibility. Results: The PET included 19-items (rated on a 5-point agreement scale) and one global satisfaction rating (a 10-point scale). Placements were generally positively rated. The total scale score (19 items) revealed a median student rating of 81 points from a maximum of 95 and a median global satisfaction rating of 9/10. Criterion validity was confirmed by item correlation: Intra-class Correlation Co-efficient ICC =.709; scale total to global score r =.722; and items to total score ranging from.609 to.832. Strong concurrent validity was demonstrated with the Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision Scale (r =.834). Internal reliability was identified and confirmed in two subscale factors: Clinical Environment (Cronbach’s alpha =.94) and Learning Support (alpha =.96). Based on the short time taken to complete the survey (median 3.5 min) and students’ comments, the tool was deemed applicable and feasible. Conclusions: The PET was found to be valid, reliable and feasible. Use of the tool as a quality assurance measure is likely to improve education and practice in clinical environments. Further international evaluation of the instrument is required to fully determine its psychometric properties. © 2020, The Author(s).
- Description: This work was funded by the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (Australia and New Zealand) – 2019. The funding body had no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, or in writing the manuscript.
What's in a name? Clarifying the nomenclature of virtual simulation
- Authors: Cant, Robyn , Cooper, Simon J. , Sussex, Roland , Bogossian, Fiona
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Simulation in Nursing Vol. 27, no. (2019), p. 26-30
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- Description: Clinical simulation is an essential component of health professional education. Digital technologies can provide students with near-reality, interactive virtual simulation learning experiences on static and mobile appliances. Clarification is needed, however, regarding the various types of virtual simulation and the different program components. We drew on published literature to define virtual simulation modalities and to offer definitive terminology to clarify the nomenclature and composition of virtual simulation. Reporting should include description of ‘Fidelity’ ‘Immersion’ and ‘Patient’ to add clarity and utility to research in the field.
Educational leadership that fosters 'student voice'
- Authors: Smyth, John
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of leadership in education: Theory and practice Vol. 9, no. 4 (2006), p. 279-284
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- Description: This special issue focuses on a controversial topic that has been kept off the official agenda for far too long in educational circles. The question of how to pursue forms of leadership that listen to and attend to the voices of the most informed, yet marginalized witnesses of schooling, young people, has to be the most urgent issue of our times.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001901
From supervising practica to mentoring professional experience : Possibilities for education students
- Authors: Zeegers, Margaret
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Teaching Education Vol. 16, no. 4 (2005), p. 349-357
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- Description: This paper explores the possibilities presented in examining taken for granted aspects of pre-service teacher practicum practices, especially in terms of naming and positioning within teacher education, as they present at a regional university in Ballarat, Australia. The University of Ballarat has introduced a new P-10 teacher education course which is about to enter its fourth year. The course has focused some of its attention on traditional aspects of paid supervisory and assessment roles of practising teachers in relation to student teachers. As a result, changes have been made, with reconfigured foci on the roles of both practising teachers and undergraduate students, as well as those of other staff who support the new programme. One such focus is on what Schön described as "indeterminate zones of practice," and the result has been a research programme exploring those zones as part of mentorship in relation to mandated supervision and assessment requirements for graduate registration. Examination of data provided by transcripts of focus groups conducted with the students, mentors, community coordinators, and university teachers involved in the programmes suggests possibilities that may serve to inform efforts to meet a major part of the challenge to better prepare pre-service teachers in finding innovative and relevant ways to improve practicum experience from the outset of undergraduate education. Those involved in the programme at the University of Ballarat have examined assumptions underlying participants' roles in relation to partnerships within communities of practice in relation to the roles of university and educators in the field, as well as critically examining concepts of mentoring that guide reflection on practice and scaffold student learning. Such considerations go beyond concerns of individual pre-service teacher classroom performances, focusing on the generalizability of pre-service teacher experience in relation to the profession as a whole. © 2005 School of Education, University of Queensland.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001329
School leadership that is informed by students' and teachers' voices of hope : Reclaiming our lost ways from an Australian perspective
- Authors: Smyth, John
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of School Leadership Vol. 15, no. (2005), p. 130-142
- Full Text: false
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- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001468
Discursive influences on clinical teaching in Australian undergraduate nursing programs
- Authors: McKenna, Lisa , Wellard, Sally
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nurse Education Today Vol. 24, no. 3 (2004), p. 229-235
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- Description: Clinical teaching is a vital, yet multidimensional component of Australian undergraduate nursing courses. Unlike other parts of curricula, clinical teaching relies on the both higher education and health care sectors to meet prescribed goals and for effective student learning to occur. As such it is influenced by discourses from within both education and health. Whilst there is considerable literature related to undergraduate nursing clinical teaching; it mainly deals with practical aspects such as effectiveness of clinical teaching or discussions of models employed. Only a small pool of literature exists that discusses the construction of clinical teaching including the factors that have influenced the development of practices both in the past and present. Using the work of Foucault, this paper examines dominant and competing discourses influencing clinical teaching through their constructions within the literature. These are discourses of academia, nursing, and economics. The discussion situates these discourses and discusses how some of the resultant issues surrounding clinical education remain largely unresolved. Crown Copyright © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000838