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The study delves into the behavioral shifts observed in "digital students" transitioning from distance to onsite learning during the Generation Z era, influenced significantly by the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technological advancements have reshaped students' perspectives, rendering educational and organizational engagements more accessible via platforms like video conferencing. However, the return to onsite learning has prompted a notable culture shock, leading to heightened levels of stress and anxiety among digital students. This research aims to examine the psychological ramifications of stress and anxiety on post-pandemic student attitudes toward extracurricular organizational intention. Employing the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-42) and conducting multiple linear regression analysis on a sample of 420 respondents, the study reveals a significant negative impact of stress level (-35.6%) on students' intentions to engage in organizational activities. Additionally, anxiety levels contribute to a variation of -6.8%. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between psychological factors and student participation, underscoring the imperative to address stress and anxiety to foster robust involvement in campus organizational endeavors.

Purpose: Given the research gaps identified in a literature review, this study aims to uncover how the intensity of learners' motivational behavior and its predictors vary with grade level. Methodology: A large-scale survey was conducted to examine motivational behavior and its predictors among EFL learners across three education levels and ten grades in Taiwan: primary school (Grades 3 to 6), junior high school (Grades 7 to 9), and senior high school (Grades 10 to 12). A total of 12,441 valid cases were collected from both rural and urban areas in Taiwan. ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: The results showed a significant effect of grade level on the intensity of motivational behavior. Specifically, learners' intensity of motivational behavior tended to decline with grade level (years of study). The significant predictors of motivational behavior also differed with grade level. Significance: In addition to theoretical and methodological contributions to L2 motivation research, this study can enhance understanding of factors that could enhance learners' motivational behavior and offer implications to assist EFL teachers in developing motivational teaching strategies.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) anxiety on multi-dimensional 21st-century skills and lifelong learning among undergraduates. A quantitative method using a correlational research model was used to examine the relationships between AI anxiety, 21st-century skills, and lifelong learning levels, considering various demographic and educational variables. Data were collected from undergraduates in educational faculty programs in Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) during the 2023-2024 academic year. Findings revealed a moderate level of AI anxiety among students, a strong perception of possessing relevant 21st-century skills, and a moderate recognition of the importance of lifelong learning. Significant differences in AI anxiety were observed based on gender, with females reporting higher anxiety levels. Age, country of origin, university, faculty program, class level, GPA, use of AI-based products or services, and daily internet use for professional development also influenced students' 21st-century skills and lifelong learning levels. No significant correlations were found between AI anxiety and the other constructs, while a moderate positive correlation was identified between 21st-century skills and lifelong learning. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering 21st-century skills for lifelong learning and suggest that AI anxiety may not significantly impact students' skill acquisition or learning behaviours.

This study was an exploration of COVID-19 anxiety and its relationship with teacher burnout. The study was a cross-sectional survey research design with a convenience sample drawn from a population of K-12 public school teachers. A non-parametric statistical test, Kruskal-Wallis, showed a statistically significant difference in teacher burnout across the three grade levels: X[superscript 2] (2, N = 61) = 6.20, p = 0.045. Teacher burnout was lowest amongst elementary school teachers (M = 47.00) when compared to middle school (M = 74.00) and high school teachers (M = 71.00). Implications include a need for increased administrative support and decreased stress levels for teachers.

The metaverse which is considered as the digital big bang of humanity and the next evolution of the internet is anticipated to offer a living environment for civilization 5.0 and beyond in various domains including education. Each novice technology that enters our daily lives generates also fear, anxiety, and problems as well as hope, benefit, and attraction. The purpose of this research is to investigate what ethical problems the metaverse may cause in higher education institutions and how healthy metaverse universities can be created within the framework of ethics. Interpretative phenomenological research design was employed in the study and data was collected from the field experts and lecturers in higher education. The study indicated thirteen VR/AR/XR experts' and lecturers' visions on the metaverse-based ethical issues and practical implications that could be applied within the scope of five thematic nodes comprising metaverse awareness, security and data, safety and wellness, social equality and diversity, and accessibility. It is expected that the study will contribute to the design of a healthy and good metaverse in the future of higher education institutions pursuant to ethical values.

This research paper delves into the origins of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) speaking anxiety in Moroccan high school students and offers potential remedies to reduce or prevent its occurrence, with a particular emphasis on encouraging a willingness to speak. The study involved 37 high school teachers who completed a questionnaire regarding their strategies to mitigate speaking anxiety and promote communication willingness among Moroccan EFL high school students. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. The findings reveal that anxiety stems from various factors, including linguistic issues (such as limited vocabulary, grammar challenges, and fluency), personal factors (such as learner personality and motivation), and teacher-related factors (including feedback quality and classroom activities). Moreover, the research suggests that teachers should prioritize strategies like providing positive feedback, offering praise, and incorporating collaborative work or task-based learning to reduce students' EFL speaking anxiety. Additionally, teacher participants proposed additional strategies focused on a variety of activities and methods to foster a welcoming classroom atmosphere.

Writing anxiety has been identified as a significant obstacle for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in China, with previous studies indicating that it can negatively affect writing performance. Despite this, most research on writing anxiety in the Chinese EFL context has focused on the relationship between writing anxiety and writing performance, with limited attention paid to exploring writing anxiety during the writing process and its sources in depth. This study applied a qualitative method to explore Chinese EFL learners' writing anxiety in the writing process. Thematic analysis was used for analyzing data collected through semistructured interviews with 18 Chinese EFL learners. The results revealed seven primary themes, including lack of knowledge about the writing topic, inexperience with the genre, challenges with brainstorming or coming up with ideas, trouble with structuring or arranging information, difficulty with integrating sources, linguistic difficulty, and negative or no feedback from instructors. The findings indicated that writing anxiety accompanies throughout the writing process. EFL learners need strategies to alleviate writing anxiety, including clear instructions on how to approach writing tasks, provision of appropriate resources, individualized feedback, and a supportive learning environment.

Studies show undergraduate students typically view the idea of research negatively, with students reporting feelings of anxiety, difficulty, detachment, and reduced perceptions of relevancy to their own life. Course-based undergraduate experiences (CUREs), where students have an opportunity to engage in authentic research experiences, can reach large number of students in a convenient fashion, thus, are well-positioned to shift student perceptions of research. The purpose of this study is to explore changes in attitudes towards research in a large sample of undergraduate students' after completing one semester of a CURE, either in-person or online due to COVID-19. This study used a within-subjects pre-posttest design. Data collection took place over eight semesters from fall 2019 through spring 2022 at a large metropolitan public university in the southeast region of the United States. Students enrolled in the CURE were asked to complete the Attitude Towards Research scale at the beginning and end of the semester covering the following factors: usefulness of research (F1), anxiety (F2), affect indicating positive feelings about research (F3), life relevancy of research to the students' daily lives (F4), and difficulty of research (F5). Wilcoxon signed rank tests for paired data were conducted and Mann-Whitney U tests assessed whether there were any differences between students who completed the course face-to-face versus online. Across all eight semesters, 1,003 students (74% female, 91% Seniors) provided valid pre-posttest data. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all semesters (online and face-to-face) for research anxiety, positive attitude towards research, research relevance to own life, and research difficulty from the ATR scale (p<0.05). For usefulness of research for profession (F1), statistically significant differences were observed in four out of the eight semesters (p<0.05). Changes in students' attitudes towards research did not differ between course modality (face-to-face versus online) except for F1. The mean change in F1 was different between students taking a face-to-face (mean: 0.22, ±SD 1.02) versus online version (mean: 0.07, ±SD 0.72) of the course (z = 2.35, p = 0.02). Findings from this study demonstrate the potential of a CURE at reducing anxiety, lowering perceived difficulty, enhancing overall impressions, and students' overall attitudes toward research and research-based education. Continued consideration and evaluation of how and what is delivered in CUREs to students is required to advance the pedagogy of research methods.

This study aims to investigate students' speaking anxiety in English classes in the second semester of Universitas Borneo Tarakan. Specifically, this study examines the factors that influence students' speaking anxiety and strategies to minimize it based on what the students have experienced. Thirty-eight students were selected as research subjects using a specialized sampling method. The researchers used a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological approach by conducting interviews, questionnaires, and observations with students who have anxiety in speaking English. The results showed two factors, including internal factors, i.e., discouragement (feeling shy), lack of confidence, and fear of making mistakes, and external factors (limited vocabulary and friends/classmates). And there are two strategies shown in this study (preparation and relaxation). The conclusion of this study is that speaking anxiety can occur and hinder students' speaking performance. Therefore, strategies are needed to do so in order to make it easier for students to speak.

Certified dietary managers (CDMs) lead their food services team by ensuring food quality, safety, and palatability while applying nutrition principles to food purchasing, storage, preparation, and service. Despite labor shortages and forecasted growth in both healthcare and food services management jobs, approximately 30% of credentialing exam candidates forego their exam within the first year after completing a didactic career technical education program approved by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals. Moreover, very few return to pursue their exam after the first year. This study explored, through the lens of the theory of planned behavior, the perceived obstacles contributing to CDM program graduates' reluctance to sit for the national board certification. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive and convenience sample of eight participants from various regions of the United States to gain insight into internal and external factors contributing to their exam hesitancy. Thematic analysis yielded several themes, including a lack of control over internal and external barriers to taking the exam. Participants reported facing family and work constraints exacerbated by the pandemic and the lack of financial resources to meet exam preparation and registration costs. They expressed feelings of exam-related anxiety, being ill-prepared, unsupported by their programs and employers and discouraged by the observed stressful working conditions of current CDMs. This study helps establish a foundation for remedial action by stakeholders, educational program leaders, and CDM employers in support of certification candidates. Findings raise questions about the prevalence of credentialing exam barriers in other disciplines and pave the way for future investigations about exam hesitancy.

The effects of COVID-19 have resulted in peritraumatic stress experiences within various groups, including teachers. With this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of peritraumatic stress and the factors associated with each level of PTSD among teachers in South Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted in South Africa among teachers using an online survey. A sample consisted of a total of 1,008 primary and secondary teachers responded to the COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index and the occupation-specific survey. Descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. There was evidence of high levels of distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic among teaching professionals in South Africa. Therefore, there is a need to create mental health awareness among teaching professionals and to create systems that support the uptake of psychological services among the members of this population.

Anxiety can affect learners' performance in several ways. It can be a helpful motivational tool to assist students in learning a language. At the same time, anxiety can become a serious factor in hindering language acquisition. This study examines the relationship between students' writing performance and anxiety levels across three different proficiency groups of students. The participants were fifty EFL students enrolled in a Business English Writing course, and the target writing genre was inquiries and acknowledgments of inquiry letters. The two main instruments used to collect data were students' writing samples and closed-ended questionnaires. The data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's coefficient correlation. This study showed a significant difference in writing anxiety between the high and the low-proficiency groups. In contrast, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences in anxiety between the high and the mid-proficiency groups. In addition, the study's outcomes indicated that the students' level of anxiety varied across the three groups of students. It was found that the students with a high level of anxiety performed less professionally than those with lower writing anxiety. The findings provide insights into teaching and learning writing, particularly into ways to decrease learners' anxiety and improve their learning outcomes.

Examination of the personal characteristics (i.e., gender, participation styles) of participants and the technical infrastructure (i.e., device type, internet connection type) of Instructional Discussion Forums (IDFs) can provide functional clues for mitigating social anxiety in these settings. In this context, this research investigated variances in learners' participation styles and social anxiety in IDFs in terms of gender and ICT availability. In addition, it explored the predictive relationships between participation styles and social anxiety. A sample of 272 freshman undergraduate students discussed various topics related to Internet ethics for three weeks through an IDF. The results indicated that participation styles differed by gender and ICT availability in several respects. First, handheld devices and cellular internet connections exerted a medium-size effect on social anxiety. Further, "to get information" and "to fulfill requirement" purposes in the "Why" dimension of participation styles had a small predictive relationship with social anxiety, as did "analytical" and "practical" participation approaches in the "How" dimension. Of these, only the "to get information" purpose negatively predicted social anxiety. Overall, participation styles accounted for 19.1% of the variance in social anxiety. Based on the findings, future directions and practical implications are suggested for both researchers and practitioners.

This study investigated vocational students' mental health by identifying the prevalence of depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders and associated risk and protective factors among 16- to 18-year-old students attending a vocational college in Malta. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) was also investigated. A sample of 422 students completed standardised self-report mental health tools and a demographic and personal variables' questionnaire. A total of 64.4% of students were found to be struggling with at least one of the mental health conditions assessed while 36.7% reported a suspected eating disorder. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and stress (moderate, severe or extremely severe) were 43.3%, 48.8% and 29.3% respectively. Students had a lower HRQOL than the reference population as indicated by European norm data. Only 13.5% of participants sought help from mental health services. Risk factors include female gender, poverty, being LGBTQ, not living with both parents, past negative school experiences, poor relationships and presence of suspected or diagnosed conditions or disabilities, amongst others. Having supportive relationships with family, peers and school personnel emerged as protective factors.

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent globally and it is much more prevalent among adolescents because of their exposure to a variety of stressors. Research shows that emotional and biopsychosocial well-being changes over the course of their schooling, with a general increase in anxiety, highlighting the need to further investigate the risk factors that contribute to worry and anxiety symptoms among college student populations. In Mauritius, there has been a rise in the number of adolescents who are recipients of psychiatric treatments at the local government hospitals as well as an increase in the number of cases reported to the school authorities. The present study aimed to identify the causal factors of anxiety among adolescents, and its effects in the educational context. Further, the role of educational social workers in overcoming anxiety was explored and the aim was achieved using the exploratory approach. A focus group discussion using a semistructured questionnaire was conducted with ten (10) people including educational social workers and educational psychologists recruited through convenience sampling. A thematic analysis of the data shows academic anxiety as an emerging factor, followed by bullying and lastly, family issues. The findings revealed impacts at the school level such as students' inability to concentrate in class, non-participative and also showing emotional distress. While educational social workers provide counselling to students and parents, a need for teacher empowerment and peer counselling are proposed as future avenues.

Teaching English speaking has become a centre of attention among scholars and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) practitioners for a few decades. However, the issue of teaching English speaking in "Kampung Inggris"/English Village remains under-researched, notably viewed from the tutors' challenges and solutions in the Indonesian English as a foreign language (EFL) milieu. This study addressed this gap. Two English tutors from "Kampung Inggris"/English Village got involved as the participants. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with thematic analysis. The findings reported that there were five challenges encountered by tutors when teaching English speaking, namely tutors' inability of exploring English language teaching materials, tutors' insufficient English vocabulary, tutors' ineffective time management during language teaching practices, demotivated tutees to learn English, and perceived teaching anxiety. In addition, the tutors stipulated four solutions to cope with such challenges, namely building a good rapport between tutor and tutees, tutors' self-motivation to English vocabulary enrichment, selecting appropriate and providing updated English language teaching materials, and motivating English language tutees. Therefore, teaching English speaking should not only rely on immersing students in fluency-based activities but also manage tutees' psychological factors to attain more effective teaching English speaking objectives.

Understanding the predictor of learning achievement among college students is crucial to adopting the appropriate learning strategy. Academic buoyancy is one of the predictors of learning achievement, playing a vital role in helping students navigate academic setbacks and adversities. However, the previous studies failed to reveal a robust link between the two variables. Therefore, this study aims to explain the nexus between academic buoyancy and students' learning achievement more clearly by introducing the mediating variable, motivational constructs, which include selfefficacy, persistence, and anxiety. This study involved 493 college students in Indonesia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the research hypotheses. The results show that academic buoyancy directly affects learning achievement. Furthermore, motivational constructs (self-efficacy, persistence, and anxiety) significantly mediate the relationship between academic buoyancy and learning achievement. This study contributes to the literature by explaining how academic buoyancy affects learning achievement through motivational constructs as a mediating variable. Furthermore, the university must promote students' academic buoyancy and motivational constructs by providing counseling services and encouraging students to recognize and address the adversities during lecture activities.

University study is a period of psychological vulnerability for many individuals. International college students may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing distress and developing a mental illness due to challenges of relocation and acculturation. The aim of this meta-analytic review was to synthesize the literature on the mental health correlates and outcomes of domestic and international tertiary students. A total of 35 studies were identified via search PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. Results showed that, among 283,412 participants, very small but non-significant effects were found between domestic and international students on anxiety: r = 0.04; depression: r = -0.01; psychological distress: r = -0.01; and wellbeing: r = -0.01. Most studies were of relatively poor quality. Among high-quality studies, international students reported fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress than domestic students. On the other hand, domestic students declared higher wellbeing scores on quality-of-life measures. Despite these mixed findings, many students in the included studies reported poor mental health and wellbeing. Further research examining the mental health and wellbeing of domestic and international students is needed, with particular attention to the underlying needs and stressors that affect each subgroup to develop effective supports and countermeasures.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of interactive learning module technology (ILMT) in teaching Kazakh as a second language in secondary schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This research was carried out at Russian-medium secondary schools during the academic year 2021-2022. There were two groups in the sample: the experimental (n=63) and control (n=61). The experimental group received an education based on the ILMT while the control group received an education based on the curriculum's traditional technique. The study used a mixed research design and was divided into two sections: quantitative and qualitative. A semi-experimental pre- and post-test control group design was adopted in the quantitative section. The qualitative section employed phenomenology. The quantitative data were acquired using the students' knowledge assessment test and analyzed using comparative analysis. An interview questionnaire and observations were used to obtain qualitative data which was then evaluated using content analysis. The experimental group outperformed the control group in terms of mean post-test knowledge assessment test scores. The ILMT in teaching Kazakh as a second language is efficient in improving the quality of mastering Kazakh language by Russian-speaking students. Content analysis showed that the ILMT helps to reduce students' anxiety and increase independence which is necessary for the development of students' communication skills.

Identifying student teachers' attitudes and anxiety toward artificial intelligence (AI) in regard to their field of study might be helpful in determining whether and how AI will be employed in their future classrooms. Hence, this study aims to compare pre-service STEM and non-STEM teachers' attitudes and anxiety toward AI. In this quantitative research, the causal-comparative research design was adopted. The study involved 520 pre-service teachers from a faculty of education at a public university in Türkiye. Among all, 51.5% were pre-service non-STEM teachers while 48.5% were pre-service STEM teachers. Data were collected through the Turkish versions of "the General Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence Scale" and "the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale". Diagnostic analytics were performed, and descriptive statistics and MANOVA were performed to analyse the data. As a result, pre-service teachers, in general, were mostly positive about AI, but undecided to be anxious about AI. STEM student teachers had more positive attitudes toward AI than non-STEM student teachers, and non-STEM student teachers were more anxious toward AI than STEM student teachers. The results imply that non-STEM teacher education curricula should be redesigned to be AI-integrated to better prepare teachers of the future as teachers with TPACK integrated with AI.

This study assessed the influence of a 10-week teacher emotionally supportive quasi-experimental intervention on the perceived teacher emotional support (PTES), basic psychological needs (BPNs) satisfaction, emotions of anxiety and enjoyment, and emotional engagement of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Strategies targeting the three dimensions of TES, that is, positive climate, teacher sensitivity, and regard for students' perspectives, were deployed exclusively in an experimental group (N = 63), which was compared to a control group (N = 58) in which a more typical teaching approach was followed. Classroom observations and questionnaires were used to capture three time points of changes in learner behaviors. The results of multivariate analyses revealed significant positive changes over time in students' self-reported PTES behaviors, BPNs satisfaction, emotions, emotional engagement and observed behaviors solely in the experimental condition. Learner BPNs satisfaction showed the largest group differences by mid-term treatment. With the continuous deployment of the treatment, the between-group differences peaked toward the end of the experiment for all learner behaviors. The largest variance at this stage was in learner PTES. These experimentally driven findings provide compelling evidence for the advantages of TES pedagogical interventions for second language learners.

Despite the growing recognition of the impact of affective factors on second/foreign language (L2) learning, there remains a paucity of knowledge regarding academic burnout in L2 learning. Moreover, the intricate interplay between L2 burnout, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and negative L2 emotions remains inadequately explored. Given the increasing acknowledgment of network analysis as an advanced and appropriate method for unraveling the complex relationships among psychological constructs in applied linguistics, the current study aimed to investigate the network structure of burnout, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and negative emotions among 841 Chinese undergraduates who were learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The results of the network analysis revealed that shame, emotional exhaustion, and avoidance emerged as the most central nodes within negative emotions, burnout, and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, respectively; shame, emotional exhaustion, and avoidance were also the most powerful bridging nodes linking the aforementioned three constructs. Notably, the robust bridging association between emotional exhaustion and anxiety was observed. Overall, Chinese EFL students may experience high levels of burnout and negative emotions and apply counter-productive regulation strategies in English learning, but these reactions are intertwined rather than independent of each other. Students who are overwhelmed by anxiety and shame are more prone to burnout symptoms, while those dominated by anger are more likely to vent it out. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed.

This study reports on the experiences students registered for a first-year, undergraduate English Studies module and English Studies lecturers had with the Invigilator app during an online examination in the first semester of 2023. Current research indicates that e-proctoring induces anxiety and uncertainty in students when they write online examinations. However, there is a paucity of research on the VUCA elements that the Invigilator app triggers in students and in lecturers during online examinations. The study was informed by a critical data surveillance framing, and it used convenience sampling to collect data through semi-structured interviews with seven lecturers (n = 7) for various undergraduate English Studies modules. Additionally, it employed purposive sampling to collect data from five (n = 5) email queries sent by five first-year, undergraduate English Studies module students to their lecturers when they experienced problems with the Invigilator app during their online examination. The findings indicate that lecturers and students struggled with the Invigilator app as an e-proctoring tool. Future research should focus on other less-invasive and better AI-proof assessment methods of maintaining academic integrity in online assessments.

The widespread availability of internet access in daily life has resulted in a greater acceptance of online assessment methods. E-assessment platforms offer various features such as randomizing questions and answers, utilizing extensive question banks, setting time limits, and managing access during online exams. Electronic assessment enables real-time monitoring, customization, and scalability of feedback, benefiting students, academic staff, and administrative personnel. However, students encounter specific challenges in the electronic assessment environments. These challenges include limited control over test settings and the isolated nature of taking exams without peers. Furthermore, the technological proficiency of both instructors and students, along with resource constraints (computers, mobile devices, internet), can impede the effective utilization of these assessment tools. Technical issues like slow internet connection or disconnections can have significant consequences, especially in online exams, posing difficulties for corrections. The main goal of this study is to develop a Likert-type scale capable of measuring anxiety related to technical issues, social isolation, and the test interface experienced in e-assessment contexts. The study consists of two separate groups: the first group comprising 359 participants and the second group consisting of 356 participants. Both groups include undergraduate and pedagogical formation certificate program students from a university in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkiye. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Item parameters were examined using item analysis based on classical test theory. As a result of the study, a two-factor scale structure comprising 21 items measuring social and technical anxiety was developed. These two dimensions account for 59.89% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.93, the McDonald's omega coefficient was 0.93, and the construct reliability was 0.99.

This study investigated the concerns and perceptions associated with COVID-19 and its variants among faculty, students, staff, and administrators at an R2 research university. Participants: n = 189 participants from the university community. A Qualtrics™ survey was used to draw responses from the university community. The results of this study revealed that (1) Approximately 2/3 of survey respondents are concerned about the appearance of Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants; (2) 53.7% of respondents were inclined to get vaccinated after the new COVID-19 variants surfaced; (3) 22.2% of respondents tested positive for COVID-19 after becoming fully vaccinated; (4) 70.4% of respondents said they would get the booster shot for COVID-19; (5) 77.2% of respondents felt that there would be a new COVID variant identified this year beyond Delta and Omicron; and (6) Less than 20% of survey respondents feel safe on campus during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. There remains a general feeling of vulnerability while on campus two years into the COVID-19 pandemic.

The present study aimed to assess the potentiality and apprehensions of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. It also investigated the challenges of AI integration into education from the teachers' perspectives. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Through random sampling, a total of 63 members of faculty were recruited from Kuwait University. An online questionnaire was administered to the study participants. The data was analyzed through SPSS version 26, using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. The results showed that there was a remarkably high consensus about the potentiality of AI for education. The teachers' readiness to adopt AI was low. Data analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing were the most important aspects of linking education and AI. The participants highlighted that for the empowerment of students, AI system use cases, evaluation of the intelligence of AI systems, and identification of the technical limitations of AI systems were crucial. Greater were challenges and difficulties in using AI such as the lack of availability of suitable educational materials, unavailability of required expertise in the field, and the complexity of the subject. However, no statistical difference attributed to gender, academic degree, and academic department in terms of facing challenges was found.

This study, designed as a basic qualitative research, aims to evaluate the perspectives of Turkish teachers regarding the nationally implemented large-scale assessments in specific subjects. By employing purposive sampling methods, particularly maximum variation sampling, 14 teachers with different seniorities and branches from various high schools were included in the research. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher. Through the application of descriptive analysis, it was found that teachers viewed these assessments more as a preparation for changes in the higher education transition system and as a tool for achieving standardization across the country rather than as an accountability policy instrument. Despite the low-stakes nature of this assessment, it was observed that teachers exhibited responses like those documented in the literature for high-stakes accountability. Additionally, it was found that teachers prepared students for the exams primarily through practice exercises and experienced anxiety before the exams due to the limitation of their autonomy and the comparison of their students and themselves. Furthermore, most participants believed that the assessment results were not effective in determining students' learning, primarily held the students accountable for the results, and considered such assessments as a source of stress. Based on the findings, recommendations were made for practitioners and researchers.

Second language learners, particularly those with lower proficiency, often struggle with insufficient practice and heightened anxiety when speaking. This case study investigates the impact of one-on-one online conversation lessons on a university student's speaking skills and language anxiety. The participant, a university student with low proficiency in the target language, engaged in eight online lessons. Quantitative measurements of speaking skills and anxiety levels were taken using pre- and post-tests. Results indicated that the online lessons effectively improved the participant's speaking abilities and reduced their anxiety. Qualitative analysis of lesson and interview transcripts highlighted specific factors contributing to these changes, such as the role of feedback. This study adds to the field of technology in language learning by demonstrating the potential of online conversation lessons with corrective feedback as an effective individual learning modality for lower-level second language learners.

An increasing number of research is focusing on L2 grit, which plays a significant role in SLA. But few studies examine the factors that affect L2 grit. This study investigates the internal predictors influencing L2 grit in Chinese college students, specifically focusing on L2 willingness to communicate (WTC), L2 anxiety and L2 joy. A structural equation model (SEM) is constructed to examine these relationships. There are 148 valid final questionnaire survey participants. The findings reveal that both L2 WTC and L2 joy positively and directly predict L2 grit; while L2 anxiety has a direct negative effect on L2 grit; and there is a significant correlation among L2 WTC, L2 anxiety as well as L2 joy. This research contributes to the field by promoting further studies on L2 grit, and adds to pedagogical implications for teachers to take appropriate teaching methods that enhance students' level of L2 grit so as to promote foreign language learning.

This study examines the effects of corrective feedback (CF) on language learners' writing anxiety, writing complexity, fluency, and accuracy, and compares the effectiveness of feedback from human teachers with an AI-driven application called Poe. The study included three intact classes, each with 25 language learners. Using a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures, one class received feedback from the teacher, one from the Poe application, and the third received no response to their writing. Data were generated though tests and a writing anxiety scale developed for the study. Data analysis, conducted using one-way ANOVA tests, revealed significant effects of teacher and AI-generated feedback on learners' writing anxiety, accuracy, and fluency. Interestingly, the group that received AI-generated feedback performed better than the group that received teacher feedback or no AI support. Additionally, learners in the AIgenerated feedback group experienced a more significant reduction in writing anxiety than their peers. These results highlight the remarkable impact of AI-generated CF on improving writing outcomes and alleviating anxiety in undergraduate language learners at East China University of Political Science and Law . The study demonstrates the benefits of integrating AI applications into language learning contexts, particularly by promoting a supportive environment for students to develop writing skills. Educators, researchers, and developers can use these findings to inform pedagogical practices and technological interventions to optimize the language learning experience in primary school settings. This research highlights the effectiveness of AI-driven applications in language teaching. It highlights the importance of considering learners' psychological well-being, particularly anxiety levels, when developing effective language learning interventions.

This experimental study investigates the impact of ChatGPT-simplified authentic texts on university students' reading comprehension, inferencing, and reading anxiety levels. A within-subjects design was employed, and 105 undergraduate English as a foreign language (EFL) students engaged in both original and ChatGPT-simplified text readings, serving as their own controls. The findings reveal a significant improvement in reading comprehension scores and inferencing scores following ChatGPT intervention. However, no significant change in reading anxiety levels was observed. Results suggest that ChatGPT simplification positively influences reading comprehension and inferencing, but its impact on reading anxiety remains inconclusive. This research contributes to literature on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and sheds light on ChatGPT's potential to influence language learning experiences within higher education contexts. The study highlights the practical application of ChatGPT as a tool for helping students engage in authentic text readings by making text more comprehensible. Based on the findings, several multifaceted implications that extend to various stakeholders in the field of language education are provided.

This collaborative, descriptive research project in urban Texas looked at the at the development, implementation, and student perception of effectiveness of a multi-stage pedagogical intervention in a classroom to help preservice teachers become more confident during discussions of controversial identity issues; specifically, ableism, classism, heterosexism, racism, and sexism. Researchers developed classroom experiences based upon worldview threat and defense as well as mindfulness, using qualitative analytic strategies to "foresee" and "assert" the effectiveness of these experiences via mid- and end-point course evaluation surveys. Participants felt more confident and capable when talking to others with differing worldviews due to the experiences and tools provided.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the efficacy of music therapy in alleviating anxiety among university students. This is achieved by employing the theory of planned behaviour. A survey comprising 350 participants was disseminated to evaluate their subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, attitudes, intentions to engage, and actual involvement in music therapy, as well as their degrees of anxiety. The information gathered was examined using structural equation modelling. The findings validated that favorable attitudes, robust subjective standards, and elevated perceived behavioral control fostered students' inclination to engage in music therapy. In addition, it is unsurprising that students who intended to participate ultimately followed through and carried out the task. The structural equation modelling analysis ultimately demonstrated that engaging in these sessions significantly decreased students' levels of anxiety. While effective in the examined context, the research acknowledges geographic and demographic limitations, suggesting the need for broader investigations. This study adds to the growing evidence supporting the integration of music therapy into mental health services, particularly for university students facing academic stressors.

The shift from online to offline learning during the post-COVID-19 pandemic prevents pre-service EFL teachers from producing spontaneous oral utterances due to speaking anxiety. The article aims to determine the most preferential strategies that effectively cover speaking anxiety and identify a significant variation among the strategies. To meet such objectives, a survey research design was conducted. A Likert-scale questionnaire was distributed to 64 pre-service EFL teachers using online Google Forms. The responses were quantitatively analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc. The findings showed that pre-service EFL teachers favoured using cognitive strategies to overcome speaking anxiety. Additional results reveal that cognitive and metacognitive strategies were impactful in reducing anxiety; meanwhile, a combination of compensatory, affective, and social strategies also demonstrates slight effectiveness. Therefore, providing pre-service EFL teachers with training to develop cognitive and metacognitive strategies for coping with speaking anxiety is recommended.

Research shows that oral dialogue has a positive impact on educational leadership wellness and practice. Having regular focused and informal conversations about educational issues and daily challenges is instrumental in reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional distress among educational leaders. However, diverse tensions related to personal and professional situations, along with the lack of conversational competence, can affect educational leaders' wellness and practice. This article presents solid elements that demonstrate how constructive dialogue, through oral conversations with open-ended inquiries to understand perspectives, can positively impact educational leaders' well-being and, consequently, their professional performance. [Note: The issue number (1) shown in the footer on the PDF is incorrect. The correct issue number is 2.]

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the anxiety levels of parents with gifted children. The participants were selected using a convenient sampling method. The sample of this study consisted of 550 parents of gifted middle school students attending 12 Science and Art Centers throughout Turkey in the 2022-2023 academic year. This study utilized the "Anxiety Scale for Parents of Gifted Children," developed by the researchers in this study, which consisted of 30 items, to obtain quantitative data. A Personal Information Form was used for demographic information. The scale's validity was assessed through face, content, and construct validity, and its reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, item discrimination, and test-retest analyses. Expert opinion and a pilot study were conducted for face and content validity, whereas EFA and CFA were performed for construct validity. The data of 300 randomly selected participants (229 females and 71 males) were used for EFA, while the data of the remaining 250 participants (189 females and 61 males) were used for CFA. As a result of the EFA, eleven items were excluded, and CFA was conducted. The analysis yielded the following fit indices for the scale: RMSEA= 0.054, GFI= 0.912, CFI= 0.937, and IFI= 0.939. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was .890. Based on the analyses, a valid and reliable scale comprising 19 items and five factors was developed to assess the anxiety levels of parents with gifted children.

In an era of worsening environmental crises, students may not perceive themselves as able to impact and change the inevitably upcoming futures. Accordingly, a common goal of educational systems has been to develop students' agency beliefs and sensemaking in a complex world. Simultaneously, students are facing unprecedented levels of future anxiety, and educational institutions undervalue the importance of futures thinking. To take on a constructive approach on futures thinking, we examine how students' systems thinking skills develop during a futures education course in which they write their own visions of a hopeful future. By looking at the thematic spheres of society, nature, and technology, we analyse how students develop systemic understandings of the complex system that is the context of the study: the city of the future. The study examines how students' written future visions develop throughout the course, and how those changes indicate development in systems thinking. The results show that the futures education course allowed students to improve their understandings of the interconnectedness of the topics they raised, fostering more complete and active understandings of the futures, here shown through the multidimensional development of systems thinking. Students developed a deeper understanding of the interrelationships of society, nature, and technology, and advanced understandings of the pathways to change and the actions needed to achieve their futures.

Student academic stress can impact class participation. Integrating psychological treatment into learning strategies can help manage academic stress. The objective of this research is to enhance students' metacognitive and self-efficacy by reducing their learning difficulties and cognitive anxiety. This will be achieved by integrating Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) into learning strategies, which will help to alleviate academic stress during the learning process. The study is designed as a quasiexperimental study using a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design. The study was conducted at Bandung City State High School with the participation of 70 class XI MIPA students from two different classes, 35 in the experimental class and 35 in the control class. Both classes utilized problem-based learning (PBL), with the experimental class receiving the IBSR technique at the beginning of learning and various stages of core PBL activities. A questionnaire rating scale with 8 scales was used to collect data on academic stress, learning difficulties, cognitive anxiety, and student self-efficacy. Additionally, students' metacognitive abilities were measured using an open-ended essay. After two weeks of learning, the IBSR psychological intervention in the experimental class had lower student learning difficulties and cognitive anxiety than the control class. The IBSR psychological intervention in the experimental class on students' self-ability and metacognitive abilities also had higher results than the control class. The research suggests that teachers should consider psychological interventions when implementing learning innovations that improve student learning performance.

Public speaking often imposes a nerve-wracking atmosphere in the L2 classrooms. Consequently, an alternative to the anxiety-arousing activity by using advanced technology for pedagogy is urgent. Prior publications reported the use of virtual reality (VR) for training public speaking and alleviating students' public speaking anxiety (PSA). However, no latest review in this area has been published. This present study employed a systematic review to delineate the trends in the latest decade (between 2011 and 2023), synthesizing research outcomes, methodologies, loci, participants, treatment duration, and research focuses. This systematic review was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conceptual and theoretical studies were removed, yielding 16 studies with empirical data to be thoroughly examined. Most studies indicated the effectiveness of VR for teaching public speaking and reducing speech apprehension. Several gaps were disclosed, such as the inconsistency of the research findings regarding whether the short duration of VR exposure resulted in the statistically non-significant effects, the unequal distribution of research loci which were mostly reported from the US, the UK, and Europe, and the major focus on English as L1 instead of L2 public speaking training. The results of this review suggest that more pertinent studies in countries with EFL or L2 learning contexts and longer treatment duration be conducted and reported in the globally renowned English-language journals to verify the effectiveness of VR technology in treating PSA.

This study employed qualitative analysis to investigate the technology anxiety experienced by Iranian EFL teachers conducting online classes, taking into account their digital literacy levels. A digital literacy questionnaire was administered to a group of EFL teachers teaching English online at two branches of a language institute in Iran using the virtual classroom software BigBlueButton. Based on the questionnaire responses, 12 teachers were categorized as high (N = 6) and low (N = 6) digital literates. Through semi-structured interviews and reflective journals, the study delved into teachers' anxiety regarding online teaching, identifying three primary types of anxiety: pedagogical anxiety, technological anxiety, and social anxiety. The findings revealed that pedagogical anxiety stemmed from disruptions in teaching and learning processes, technological anxiety arose from challenges such as internet disconnections, and social anxiety related to judgments based on technological proficiency. While effective language instruction was a shared concern among high and low digital literate teachers, their approaches to managing anxiety varied significantly. High digital literate teachers demonstrated greater resilience in addressing online teaching challenges, whereas low digital literate teachers experienced reduced confidence and struggled with virtual classroom management. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing technology-related anxiety among language teachers in online education to enhance teaching efficacy and student outcomes. It suggests integrating digital literacy courses and providing expert support to alleviate teaching and technology-related anxiety and stress among EFL teachers, leading to more effective teaching practices.

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of stress, anxiety and depression in the relationship between psychological vulnerability and childhood trauma experiences among university students. For this purpose, structural equation model was used in the study. A total of 465 students, including 329 (70.01%) females and 139 (29.9%) males, were selected using the random disproportionate cluster sampling method. In the study, data were collected using Psychological Vulnerability Scale, Childhood Trauma Scale, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale Short Form (DASS21) with personal information form. Analyses were carried out using AMOS 20.0 and SPSS 20 programmes. The data obtained as a result of the study were tested with the structural equation model. Examining the model established between psychological vulnerability, childhood trauma experiences, stress, depression and anxiety scores, it was found that anxiety, stress and depression have a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma experiences and psychological vulnerability.

This quantitative-correlational study aimed to examine the relationship between online game addiction and mental well-being of high school students from Angeles City, in the Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain data from the respondents, the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale--Short-Form and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were utilised. After obtaining data from purposively selected 162 high-school students, it was observed that there was a positive and significant relationship between online game addiction and mental well-being. The study highlighted that individuals who are highly dependent on online games are more likely to experience higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Based on the findings, implications for theory and practice, particularly in learning and development, are presented, along with recommendations for schools, teachers, students, and future research directions.

Research on mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which have become prevalent among pre-adolescents and lead to impaired functioning in family, academic, and social domains, is critically important. One prominent theoretical approach to explaining anxiety and depression symptoms is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its Psychological Inflexibility Model. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between psychological inflexibility levels in pre-adolescents and their anxiety and depression levels. The Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale--Child Version (RCADS) and the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y8) Child Form were used as data collection tools. Data were collected from 327 sixth-grade students (178 male and 149 female) attending three different public schools in Gaziantep, and a simple linear regression model was established with the obtained data. The findings indicated that psychological inflexibility significantly predicts internalizing disorder levels (R = 0.716, R Square = 0.513; p <0.01), total anxiety levels (R = 0.668, R Square = 0.446; p <0.01) and depression levels (R = 0.692, R Square = 0.479; p <0.01) of pre-adolescents. These results contribute to the literature on explaining anxiety and depression in pre-adolescents, and future studies should investigate the relationship between psychological inflexibility and externalizing problems such as aggression and anger.

Since the full-scale war in Ukraine began in February 2022, many Ukrainians have migrated abroad. Canada, with its tradition of welcoming refugees and other displaced persons and its large Ukrainian community, has accepted thousands of Ukrainian migrants. After arriving in Canada, some decided to enroll in community colleges to improve their labor-market skills and to facilitate their transition to life in Canada. This empirical study draws on the psychological resilience theory and the social support theory to examine the challenges these students face, the coping mechanisms they use, and the support they receive from their colleges and Canadian society. The findings reveal that the participants experience stress, anxiety, helplessness, and isolation, owing to concerns about family members in Ukraine and difficulty adapting to a foreign environment. Financial worries also loom large because of their families' loss of property and income, as well as their limited job opportunities in Canada.

Fluency development is one of the prominent components of a well-balanced language course. In particular, speaking fluency interests second language (L2) researchers who have continuously tried to look for the finest approach for helping L2 learners attain a certain level of fluency to achieve effective communication. To this end, the primary purpose of this research is to explore what factors affect English-speaking fluency and what strategies can effectively boost its development among a cohort of Vietnamese university students. The participants were 142 English majors who filled out a questionnaire measuring their perceived self-efficacy concerning English-speaking fluency. Four teachers and six students joined the semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the most influential factors were linguistic elements, followed by performance, and affective factors. The most effective strategy for enhancing fluency was task repetition. Notably, the findings revealed a mismatch between teachers' and students' understandings of speaking fluency, which may negatively impact the achievement of fluent speech. Based on these results, pedagogical implications are discussed for English teachers and students regarding fluency development.

This case study aims to report on the psychological assessment and intervention for a 4-year-old preschooler with selective mutism. A comprehensive assessment that involves parents and teacher interview, classroom observation, Seguin Form Board Test (SFBT), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales Third Edition (Vineland-3), Behaviour Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition Standard Version Rating Booklet (CARS 2-ST), and School Speech Questionnaire were conducted. The psychological assessment revealed that the child fulfils the criteria for selective mutism. Play-based intervention sessions were then conducted, which involved gradual exposure to the child's teacher and peers and facilitation of verbalization related to child's interests and classroom routines. The child demonstrated improvement in her frequency of verbalizing in the classroom following the intervention, as supported by the improved score in the School Speech Questionnaire (SSQ). This case study illustrates the advantages of a collaborative approach that engages parents, teachers, and peers in the management of selective mutism during early childhood.

The present study investigated the effects of gamified grammar and vocabulary learning using Kahoot!, Quizizz, and Quizlet on learning performance, motivation, enjoyment, anxiety, and classroom dynamics and engagement in an English course. The investigation also involved the effects of gamified learning on gender, proficiency, and learning outcomes. Gamified learning was implemented for eight weeks, consisting of Cycle 1 (grammar) and Cycle 2 (vocabulary). Data were collected using survey questionnaires, grammar and vocabulary tests, and English proficiency tests. The results indicated high positive effects on the five survey constructs and significant increases were noted for learning motivation and classroom dynamics and engagement while reducing learning anxiety. The effects remained constant for female and male students, yet high-level students would likely enjoy and be engaged more in gamified learning than low-level students. Despite these highly perceived effects, they were not significant predictors of students' grammar learning outcomes. Only the degrees of students' learning enjoyment and anxiety can help estimate students' achievement in vocabulary learning.

The present study examined the mediating role of self-regulation in the relationship between preschool children's anxiety and life skills. Children's anxiety, self-regulation, and life skills were assessed using the "Children's Anxiety Scale-Mothers' Form," "The Self-Regulation Skills Scale for Children aged 4 to 6 (Mothers' Form)," "The Early Childhood Life Skills Scale," and the data obtained from 303 participants who participated in the survey were tested through PLS to SEM. Although preschool children's anxiety is not directly related to life skills, self-regulation fully mediates the relationship between anxiety and life skills. The results provided preliminary evidence for the mechanism by which children's anxiety affects self-regulation and life skills. These findings suggest that the relationship between anxiety and life skills varies according to children's self-regulatory abilities. The findings have practical implications for supporting the development of self-regulation in preschool children.