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This paper presents a framework which captures the complexity and multi-dimensional process of learning in action learning (AL) on an accredited executive Master's programme. The framework extends current knowledge by presenting a holistic participant perspective of learning. Underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology, the study supporting the framework's development adopted a qualitative narrative approach. Data were generated using in-person individual and group interviews with a total of 13 executive-level graduates from four cohorts of the programme. Data were analysed iteratively, culminating in the development of a conceptual framework for learning. The framework provides insight into the depth and richness of learning and change that can occur for participants on programmes adopting an AL approach in Higher Education. It highlights the importance for participants of having a trusted supported space for their learning. Furthermore, it illuminates the role of emotion and the paradox of vulnerability in the learning process. The conceptual framework, which encompasses emotional, social and relational dimensions, extends knowledge of AL by providing a unique and holistic view of participant learning on an AL programme. Additionally, through an enhanced understanding of the learning process as undergone by participants, the research informs academics in facilitating action learning programmes.

Background: Interprofessional education represents an opportunity for healthcare and design students to deepen their understanding of users and enhance skill development through collaborative experiences. Embedding these collaborative experiences within entire curricula moves the notion of experiential learning from stand-alone projects towards the nuanced learning opportunities only available with sustained regular contact. Methods: Occupational therapy doctoral students were integrated into two cohorts of Master of Industrial Design (MSID) student courses for one academic year. Interviews were conducted to gather qualitative information about the student experiences, which were then transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Results: Industrial design students reported positive learning experiences when collaborating with occupational therapy students that deepened understanding of user-centeredness, improved communication skills, and more well-developed student projects than would have been possible alone. Conclusion: The contribution of occupational therapy and industrial design students into collaborative courses and projects may result in a greater topical understanding and more advanced skill development than any singular discipline's program. Further research to compare development against students without collaborative experiences is needed to understand the magnitude of a collaboration's potential impact.

Purpose: The case studies were examined in the context of a lack of confidence in what constitutes truth and knowledge. Design/methodology/approach: A case study design taken examining specific instances where the emergence of populist political tactics in an unfettered media world has undermined public belief in what counts as knowledge and to cast doubt on the validity of the idea of truth. Findings: From the examples used, it was seen that not just scholarship, but scholars themselves, found themselves under attack when presenting views that, however rigorously reasoned and supported by research fact, were deemed unacceptable by the extreme political right. Practical implications: The knowledge creation purpose of universities is under threat and "business as usual" as a response will not address that threat. Originality/value: This calls into question the future of universities and their professoriates in a post-truth world and asks what the academy can do to adapt to continue serve the common good when knowledge gives way to the powerful influence of the evidence-free rhetorical sound bite in the formulation of public policy and public opinion.

This article describes the results of a survey that gathered data on perceptions and use of e-books from undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff at two Maryland research universities in 2019. It follows two previous surveys in 2012 and 2014 by the same team of investigators, with slight changes in personnel, and compares results across time, by user affiliation with the university, and by STEM versus non-STEM disciplines. The study concludes with a discussion of the major findings and their implications for academic libraries and publishers, as well as areas for further inquiry.

A qualitative study investigating the experiences and effects on practice of Eritrean healthcare professionals studying for a postgraduate degree by distance learning is reported. The programme is delivered via online learning together with in-country teaching visits. Two focus group discussions with 19 postgraduate students were conducted. Online learning is challenging due to intermittent connectivity and power cuts, but students have developed their own solutions to overcoming these difficulties. Thematic analysis generated four themes. Students who are embedded within the Eritrean context are experiencing a process of self-development, both academic and personal. This self-growth is facilitating the development of resilience and confidence building, enabling students to have a positive influence on health service provision, thus impacting on the Eritrean context. Students are developing life-long skills that will support the continuing development of healthcare systems in Eritrea long after they have completed their distance learning programme.

While 83% of Canadian universities identify global citizenship education as a top five priority and 97% provide opportunities for their students to participate in study abroad, only 3% of students take advantage in any given year. Faculty-led study abroad courses that are for-credit, short in duration, focused in a student's disciplinary area of study, peer based, well supervised, and based on pre-established partnerships and relationships with local stakeholders can be effective in providing global citizenship education. This paper explores the facilitation of faculty-led international study abroad for those studying in kinesiology and related fields. We make eight recommendations based on having led hundreds of students in for-credit kinesiology courses in international settings over the past 20 years. These recommendations are: (1) engaging students in faculty research; (2) group dynamics; (3) preparation; (4) local partnerships; (5) decision-making and communication; (6) teachable moments; (7) preparing to return home; and (8) assessment as learning. These recommendations, while not exhaustive, are meant to provide colleagues with "insider information" based upon our collective experience.

This article presents philosophical-ethical arguments concerning the extent to which NCAA inter-collegiate ("American" or U.S.) football is a public good and some implausible implications of the claim that it constitutes a public good and ought to be publicly subsidized as part of a component of U.S. higher education generally as is currently the case. Underlying this main argument is one concerning who or what should have the responsibility for subsidizing the necessary costs of the sport, including its associated healthcare and medical costs.

This article describes the results of a survey that gathered data on perceptions and use of e-books from undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff. The investigators analyzed the results based on user affiliate status and subject discipline and compared the results with the findings of a similar, smaller-scale study conducted in 2012. The study concludes with a discussion of the major findings and their implications for academic libraries and publishers, as well as areas for further inquiry.

A survey of more than 1,300 faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students in the humanities and social sciences at the University of Maryland generated a wealth of data on use and opinions of e-books among those users. While the initial purpose of the survey was to gather data that would aid humanities and social sciences librarians in making collection development decisions for their academic departments, the data will also be useful to all academic librarians who make decisions about e-books for their institutions.

This paper describes a 10-month trial of a mobile learning organiser, developed for use by university students. Implemented on a wireless-enabled Pocket PC hand-held computer, the organiser makes use of existing mobile applications as well as tools designed specifically for students to manage their learning. The trial set out to identify the most-used tools for such a learning device and their patterns and problems of usage. The primary uses of the organiser were communication, time-management and access to content. No single application took precedence. The results from an analysis of questionnaire surveys and focus groups indicate that there was a demand for institutional support of mobile learning, in particular to provide course content and timetabling information. Wireless connectivity was crucial to the usefulness of the organiser. Usability issues relating to the hardware and software had considerable impact on the students' usage and satisfaction with the system.

The effect of the following on bridging the theory-practice gap in nursing education was examined: (1) theory taught by preceptors or nurse educators; (2) nurse educator/preceptor collaboration on content; and (3) immediate clinical placements following theory learning. Preceptors were more effective, collaboration was ineffective, and delay was not detrimental either to medical or rehabilitation placements. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

Group interviews with nursing teachers, students, and clinical preceptors identified concerns about the theory-practice gap: shortness of clinical placements, sequencing of theory and practice, lack of clinical-educational collaboration, and lack of clarity regarding teacher roles. Ways to minimize the gap were also identified. (SK)

Finds no significant learning style elements that were different between genders in at-risk, underachieving readers. Advocates offering at-risk students a rich choice of learning opportunities so that they can choose the learning/teaching styles that best suit them. (SR)

Several recent issues and trends in online education have resulted in consolidation of efforts for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), increased Open Educational Resources (OER) in the form of asynchronous course repositories, with noticeable increases in governance and policy amplification. These emerging enrollment trends in alternative online education are highlighted as a means of tackling the overarching question of how best to deal with accepting these online courses and credentialing. Barriers to acceptance and a policy framework are discussed, as well as key recommendations for spearheading marketing efforts for institutions of all sizes, in an effort to create wider acceptance and implementing competency-based transfer credit policy among distance learning administrators and institutional leaders.

A study of enrollment and degree rates in science, agriculture, and non-sciences in developing and developed countries suggests patterns are similar, with science and agriculture degrees somewhat higher for some developing nations. Results suggest that emphasis on science and agriculture are less crucial than overall enrollment in producing adequate graduates. (Author/MSE)

Describes a model self-improvement reading course for teachers incorporating the communications model, the skills model, and the sustained silent reading model. Concludes that basic reading skills instruction led to improvement in reading skills and that lesson plans incorporating course objectives were produced. (RS)