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This research employed a mixed-methods approach to explore the best practices of ordinary national educational testing (O-NET) to improve the quality of basic education. The methodology was divided into four phases, the first of which was a survey and analysis of the current situation at ONET. The sample group was made up of representatives of the school under the office of the basic education commission (OBEC), primary education, comprising the school administrators and teachers teaching in four subjects. Phase 2, "multiple case study," is qualitative research by selecting specific case studies for 10 primary schools based on criteria for selection and collecting data through in-depth interviews. A semi-structured interview form was completed by 30 key informants. Phase 3, the synthesis (draft) of best practices, and phase 4, the checking and proposing of best practices by 25 assessors. The results showed the best practices in using the test results of O-NET to improve the quality of basic education were 4 components: i) school management (16 practice guidelines); ii) learning management (10 practice guidelines); iii) student promotion (6 practice guidelines); and iv) parent communications (3 practice guidelines). The best practices were in accuracy, propriety, feasibility, and utilization; all were at the highest level.

The "Global Best Practices" concept is subjective and varies from many perspectives based on the indicators used. As such, there needs to be a standardized and universally accepted definition of global best practices in education, which hinders the effective identification, adoption, and benchmarking of these practices across countries and educational institutions. This ambiguity challenges teachers, students, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to understand and apply global educational best practices. Hence, this explorative study investigated the conceptual definition and criticisms surrounding the concept of global best practices in education. A narrative literature review methodology was employed to systematically search, select, and analyze 34 relevant sources. The findings reveal that the conceptual definition of global best practices in education encompasses practical and contextually relevant approaches that transcend national boundaries. These practices have significant implications for curriculum development, teaching methodologies, assessment practices, and overall education quality, fostering inclusive environments, adopting innovative approaches, internationalizing institutions, and integrating diverse perspectives. However, the concept faces criticisms about its potential to legitimize neoliberalism's logic of differential worth, methodological assumptions in producing policy-relevant knowledge, and the need for a critical redefinition of international education. Both the concept and its criticisms have implications for educational policy and practice in addressing inequalities, critically examining assumptions, considering political implications, and promoting individual goals and holistic development. This study's outcomes contribute to the ongoing discourse on global best practices in education and provide insights for policymakers, practitioners, and future research endeavors.

Convinced of the major advantages and effectiveness of an interdisciplinary approach in teaching, colleagues from American Studies, Economics, and Greek Studies offered a joint seminar for master's degree students on "Individual Goals and the Common Good: Perspectives on Utility Concepts from Ancient Greek Literature, American Studies, and Economics." We intended to expose the students to a new approach to significant texts and authors that address these key economic concepts and to integrate the perspectives from the three disciplines. In this essay, we describe the development of our methodological approach, the individual and common goals that guided us, the challenges that we encountered, and the extent to which we achieved our goals.

Increasing community awareness and knowledge about environmental problems is the primary goal of environmental education. This study explores the best practices of the Youth for Environment in Schools--Organization (YES-O) in selected schools in the National Capital Region, Philippines. A qualitative study involving interviews and focus group discussions directed the collection and analysis of data. The study discovered that the implementation of the YES-O program was successful due to the following best practices: (a) personal advocacy, (b) resource availability, (c) flexibility, (d) integrated school efforts, (e) participatory approach, and (f) monitoring and evaluation strategies, which were all supported by the emerging themes. Meanwhile, capacity building and strong networks emerged as important themes supporting the YES-O program implementation in secondary schools. The schools can continue their practices to sustain the implementation of the program. However, schools should take into account certain indicators that require improvement to enhance their performance. These may include strengthening their networking, linkages, and partnership strategies to better engage and synergize environmental education given the mandated programs, projects, and activities of the YES-O program implementation.

This paper explores recent advancements and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with a specific focus on Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT 3.5, within the realm of higher education. Through a comprehensive review of the academic literature, this paper highlights the unprecedented growth of these models and their widereaching impact across various sectors. The discussion sheds light on the complex issues and potential benefits presented by LLMs, providing a comprehensive overview of the field's current state. In the context of higher education, the paper explores the challenges and opportunities posed by LLMs. These include issues related to educational assessment, potential threats to academic integrity, privacy concerns, the propagation of misinformation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) aspects, copyright concerns and inherent biases within the models. While these challenges are multifaceted and significant, the paper emphasises the availability of strategies to address them effectively and facilitate the successful adoption of LLMs in educational settings. Furthermore, the paper recognises the potential opportunities to transform higher education. It emphasises the need to update assessment policies, develop guidelines for staff and students, scaffold AI skills development, and find ways to leverage technology in the classroom. By proactively pursuing these steps, higher education institutions (HEIs) can harness the full potential of LLMs while managing their adoption responsibly. In conclusion, the paper urges HEIs to allocate appropriate resources to handle the adoption of LLMs effectively. This includes ensuring staff AI readiness and taking steps to modify their study programmes to align with the evolving educational landscape influenced by emerging technologies.

E-learning has taken the lead over face-to-face instruction in higher education as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift forced faculty members to adapt to new roles and responsibilities to design and apply online instruction and assessments that require specific skills. This research aims to examine faculty experiences with online assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU). We used the quantitative study method to analyze faculty experience with online assessment practices during the pandemic using a structured questionnaire composed of 24 items to assess five main areas: faculty awareness, faculty satisfaction, challenges, best practices and suggestions for improvement. This study included one hundred and fifty-five faculty members between September and December 2020. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Findings demonstrated high faculty awareness and satisfaction with IAU online assessment practices. However, they expressed they were challenged by their need to receive more faculty development programs on using online assessment and accurately assessing learning outcomes. Moreover, participants pointed out several best practices such as investing in learning management system tools for assessment and student feedback provision. Finally, the primary recommendation for enhancing online assessments was to provide faculty access to professional development training programmes. This study provides a reference for future research on studentcentered online learning and assessment practices, accreditation of online assessment practices and strategies for assessing and compensating for learning loss during the pandemic.

This article is a summary of information provided in a workshop encouraging educators to explore creating brave spaces in schools and communities through literacy. Educators are introduced to a culturally responsive pedagogy that prioritizes fostering inclusive literacy environments and supporting students with dignity. Teachers are encouraged to nurture diverse voices and promote meaningful, inclusive literacy experiences that foster belonging and growth for all students.

This scoping review explored university supervisors' roles, responsibilities, challenges, and changes over 70 years. Using the PRISMA-ScR method and 90 analyzed publications, the results yielded articles from every decade and from educator preparation programs across the United States. The findings highlight historical perspectives and controversies surrounding field supervision. These include influences throughout the decades from areas outside education, including psychology and business. Finally, recommendations for preparing and elevating the role of university supervisors are shared.

In the past several decades, the number of college students who experience mental health concerns has increased astronomically. During that time, acts of campus violence have increased as well. Unfortunately, many colleges have been unable to effectively meet the needs of students with mental disorders. This article explores the challenges surrounding the mental health and wellness of college students. It also analyzes the impact of such challenges on students and the institution. Additionally, this paper examines best practices that colleges may implement to assist students in distress and discusses implications for higher education leaders.

Cooperative Extension is in a unique position to address health and wellness concerns across the country, particularly in rural areas with local Extension services. One innovative model, the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching (HEART) Initiative, unites Extension, community organizations, and community members in collaborative activities to address the complex, multifaceted components of substance use disorder. The model utilized a multidisciplinary team and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach with evidence-based practices to increase Extension's abilities to guide and tailor programming to local needs and to create significant impacts. Cooperative Extension's long history of engagement in the community, with state and federal linkages, creates a trusted source for partnering on behavioral health crises. This multidisciplinary team model increased Cooperative Extension's scope and capacity to respond to substance-related disorders and can be replicated in other areas.

This study identifies the best online teaching practices to benefit first-year visual arts students, notably to include instructor-created videos. Such instructor-created videos provide a firm foundation for these students to succeed in their first year of college. The introduction of Web 2.0, focusing on user-generated content, has shown potential to address this issue in online higher education. This study will examine the impact of instructor-created videos to improve learning outcomes, satisfaction, and persistence. It focuses on key areas such as Communities of Practice (CoP), Project-Based Learning (PBL), and instructional design in the visual arts. This study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design to examine the difference in student grades before and after instructor implementation of instructor-created multimedia elements in their courses. Findings highlight the value of instructor-created multimedia elements, particularly for 'C' students, including implementation and challenges. By considering these factors, instructors can create effective and engaging online courses for visual arts education that may improve student performance, retention, and persistence to graduation.

Teachers face many challenges, including that of educating English language learner (ELL) students. These students are often placed in regular classrooms and create extra demands on the classroom teacher. Many strategies can be employed with ELLs that relate to best teaching practices. Potential trouble areas are discussed, as are the strategies that classroom teachers may use in educating ELLs. When teachers use these best practices with their students, student achievement is increased and better academic results are obtained. Case study examples garnered from the writer's own teaching experiences serve as illustrations throughout this article.

English as an additional language (EAL) adult literacy learners have special needs and unique characteristics. The various challenges they face include decoding, comprehending, and developing basic skills for reading and writing. At the same time, it is extremely important to understand EAL adult literacy programming, as the right approaches for EAL adult literacy learners literacy learners might become a turning point in their future learning. EAL students bring positive experiences, strengths, and needs to the adult EAL classroom. Teachers need to acknowledge and address these strengths and needs.

This study considers the experience of education abroad alumni through a social justice lens. We leverage literature that places systemic change at the fore, underscoring the importance of addressing deeply ingrained attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions that perpetuate systemic inequalities or hinder progress. Practitioners and scholars have called into question the problematic, essentialist roots of study abroad while advocating for increased accessibility to education abroad. Building upon this priority, this article is oriented with a critical consciousness framework. The findings show the profound transformative impact of the study abroad experience on the personal lives of alumni, the level of career integration in their professional development, and the direct correlation between program design as it relates to social justice orientations. This project addresses a gap in the scholarship by focusing on longitudinal, qualitative data for action and the influence of alumni in increasing access to education abroad for the next generation.

The learning management system (LMS) is widely used in educational settings to support teaching and learning practices. The usage log data, generated by both learners and instructors, enables the development and implementation of learning analytics (LA) interventions aimed at facilitating teaching and learning activities. To examine the current status of the development and empirical impacts of learning analytics-incorporated interventions within LMSs on improving teaching and learning practices, we conducted a systematic review that examined 27 articles published from 2012 through 2023. The outcomes of this review provided valuable insights into the design and development of learning analytics-incorporated interventions implemented on LMSs and empirical evidence of the impacts of these interventions, along with implications to inform future design and applications.

Research objectives were to 1) investigate the current state and best practice of the instruction relying on flipped learning; 2) develop the instructional model based on flipped using technology-based learning to enhance the digital literacy for undergraduate students of Rajabhat University and 3) examine the effects of the model. The sample for fulfilling the 1st objective contained 119 instructors teaching educational technology or related fields within the faculty, 397 students, and 10 experts. Data were collected through 60 first-year students and three types of research tools: the developed model, a test of digital literacy, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, that is, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and t-test were employed in data analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1) The current state of the instruction resulted from the instructors was found to be at an overall lower level (M = 2.43, SD = 0.63) as well as of the students (M = 2.46, SD = 0.65). The participants reflected that the best practice of the instruction included the flipped learning model and learning processes using technologies. 2) The developed model consisted of principle; objectives; learning processes; media, technologies and learning sources; and evaluation. Flipped learning included online and on-site approaches. Learning processes included 6 stages: making knowing learning process; studying from technologies and online learning sources; reflecting and questioning memos; exchanging knowledge; producing tasks; and evaluating. 3) The results of using the developed model showed that 3.1) digital literacy of the students after learning was found to be significantly higher than that of before the study at 0.05; 2) digital literacy of the students in the experiment group was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group at 0.05; and 3) students' satisfaction was found to be positively highest level (M = 4.81, SD = 0.22).

Professional learning should be designed in a way that is responsive to the needs of teachers and intentionally planned with adult learning principles in mind. This article outlines one practitioner's professional journey to redefine how professional learning is designed with best practices in adult learning in mind. Strategies utilized during this professional journey are shared within the article, along with reflections and observations. The article underscores the importance of continuously refining and adapting current professional learning practices to meet the dynamic needs of adult learners in order to forge the future of professional learning.

This paper examines the relationship between early childhood music and maths. The emphasis is on children as intuitive pattern makers as they explore, categorise and imagine their worlds. We argue for the careful listening of childhood languages and reason that music and maths are expressive languages that young children use to investigate and experiment. This concept is based on Malaguzzi's idea of the hundred languages of children. Children's explorations of patterns, whether music, maths or other media will follow the principle of symmetry. We observe the intersectionality of language/s. Data are drawn from video and teaching materials prepared for early childhood teachers in-service training in Australia. Framing the discussion with Vygotskian and developmental theories we identify the patterns a child makes in a music discovery video and categorise the child's actions to combine both musical and mathematical concepts within the one action. The aim of the research is to revisit early childhood curriculum and pedagogy, rethinking sources of knowledge and the value of treating arts and sciences as being of equal importance as children discover and define their worlds.

The present paper investigated how inclusive vocational excellence (IVE) practices specific to vocational education and training (VET) can be described in an effective and transparent manner. A framework for the description of such practices was proposed, and then 44 descriptions of practices were collected with this framework from an international sample of providers of such practices from four countries. Expert raters have rated the quality of these descriptions, in terms of how much they respect the proposed structure, provide relevant information about the proposed practice, provide relevant information about the manner in which the practice was implemented and offers a clear and explicit description, further usable by other interested VET institutions. Statistical analyses have then revealed that the framework generates more consistent descriptions for some domains than for others. Implications for practice are discussed. [Note: The volume and issue number (24, 1[47]) shown in the header on the PDF is incorrect. The correct volume and issue number are 25, 1(49).]

The main research purpose focused on investigating the instructional strategies to produce educational media systematically. The qualitative research methods were conducted by in-depth interviews with the experts and undergraduate students on effectively designing these instructional strategies. The participants consisted of two groups; 1) nine experts in the field of instructional strategies. 2) twelve undergraduate students. Research instruments were two semi-structured interviews with open questions; 1) two sets of interview questions designed for those specialists, and 2) the interview questions designed for an excellent student. Collected data was analyzed and categorized into key issues. The results were presented in descriptive analysis. The findings revealed as following: 1) two main popular instructional media types as follows; 1.1) digital media and 1.2) handmade media 2) the instructional strategies as follows: 2.1) ADDIE included analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. 2.2) 3P included pre-production, production, post-production 2.3) project-based learning 2.4) design-based learning, and 2.5) creative-based learning. 3) teaching techniques and methods encourage students such as case studies, best practices, creative practice, questions, discussion, brainstorming, team-based/group, etc. 4) organized activities to encourage students with active learning, creative knowledge, and instructional media systematically. 5) online tools and new technology could be active learning tools and motivate learners to create new media. Moreover, learning engagement, social media, and immediate feedback could engage students efficiently. 6) media evaluations should be evaluated on the design, production processes, and results. 7) the crucial factors consist of 1) instructional strategies/teaching techniques 2) teachers 3) students 5) materials, equipment, and supporting tools 6) learning environments 7) the work process. 8) the limitations are as follows; 1) teachers 2) students 3) time-limited 4) budget-limited.

As institutes of higher education (HE) strive to meaningfully address diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a relevant and timely framework for course design to support all learners. Using UDL as an instructional design framework, educators can proactively address learner variability and reduce barriers for students in HE environments. This self-study describes how UDL experts applied a process of UDL design to their courses. The best practices were identified across three phases: (a) a literature review to identify UDL-aligned practices used by HE instructors, (b) individual and collective reflection on UDL-based practices by the UDL experts, and (c) application of UDL to three HE courses delivered in different formats. The practice brief presents a comprehensive overview of various strategies that HE instructors can use in their courses, in alignment with the three UDL principles.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is a 21st century learning approach that is extremely important to students and children nowadays. Many developed countries have emphasized this approach to early childhood education (ECE). Although there are some challenges in promoting children's cognitive development in preschool, there are some best practices that early childhood educators can use as a guideline in planning, implementing, and evaluating their development at school. Four databases were used to find the best practices consist of Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science, and Science Direct. These databases are consulted to analyze published articles that produce findings on the best practices and challenges of implementing STEM activities that have been recorded either in kindergarten or preschool environments. The findings revealed there were 23 themes for the best practices and 10 themes for challenges that were successfully analyzed. In order to ensure that STEM education can be implemented with better quality in the future, educators should know the best way to implement the activities by practicing the best practices. In addition, educators also need to take action wisely when there are challenges in implementing STEM activities so that children can acquire meaningful experience when participating in the activities.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing lessons that is grounded in data and recognized as best practice under IDEA and ESSA. The use of the method allows for greater intervention with students socially, emotionally, and academically. UDL allows intentional and purposeful work with populations that are normally marginalized and at risk. UDL lesson planning creates an environment that addresses the least restrictive environment, is culturally responsive, and allows an environment that is trauma informed for all students.

The academic benchmarking process is broadly employed by private secondary education providers and educational stakeholders in Tanzania to examine the benefits and drawbacks of service delivery. The study explored the use of academic benchmarking in providing quality education in Tanzanian secondary schools. Employing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 188 participants and subsequently analysed both descriptively and thematically. The study found that the academic benchmarking process plays a significant role in ensuring the provision of quality education through internal assessment, comparisons, and the adoption of best practices from benchmarked schools. Further, the findings reveal that six types of academic benchmarking are utilized in Tanzanian secondary schools. According to the study, proper academic benchmarking in secondary schools will improve educational results among secondary school graduates. Furthermore, academic benchmarking in secondary schools affects school rankings, which reflect a school's potential to do well at the end of national examinations. The study concludes that academic benchmarking enhances the provision of quality education by influencing future performance and commitments to work on secondary schools' goals, vision, and mission. Moreover, the study provides both theoretical and practical insight to the understanding of the necessity of academic benchmarking in secondary schools.

Making connections between macro and micro-level practices help teacher candidates to better understand the interdisciplinary nature of the system in which they work. Therefore, we present a collaborative approach to support an increase in early intervention and early childhood special education teacher candidate knowledge and application of best practices. We use a case study to illustrate example approaches and resources (e.g., coaching and reflective practice) that address both macro and micro-level considerations for leaders as they support cross-disciplinary collaboration and teaching practices. Implications for leaders are included to support their preparation of early intervention and early childhood special education teacher candidates.

Building on previous research that has demonstrated close connections between constructivism, technology, and artificial intelligence, this article investigates the constructivist underpinnings of strategically integrating GenAI experiences in higher educational contexts to catalyze student learning. This study presents a new model for leveraging GenAI tools, for individualized, formative, peer-simulated feedback in graduate-level courses in higher education. This exploratory study presents graduate student reflections about the process and product created using ChatGPT for formative feedback with an instructor-generated prompt for an organizational behavior course. An analysis of student reflections and examples of ChatGPT-generated peer-simulated feedback, as well as an examination of ethical considerations, offer insights into the learning potential of utilizing GenAI tools for peer-simulated feedback in graduate-level courses.

Effective student feedback can have a significant influence on student motivation, learning and performance. However, feedback practices can be difficult to implement, thereby inhibiting the potential of feedback for student learning. Despite numerous attempts to improve the quality of feedback and student feedback literacy, difficulties persist, including disparate perceptions and expectations between teachers and students, while consistency, effectiveness and timeliness are often cited as areas requiring improvement. This review evaluates the key challenges faced by tutors in delivering student feedback and examines several approaches to delivering more effective student feedback. These include the principle of feedforward, a modified praise, question and revise (PQR) system referred to as the WWW system, directive versus facilitative feedback, dialogue as feedback, peer review, formative versus summative, constructive alignment and the use of digital and AI technologies. These approaches are evaluated in the context of effective feedback processes that influence student motivation, engagement, self-reflective learning and performance. These feedback approaches are further discussed in relation to the challenges faced by teachers and students in contemporary higher education, highlighting areas where further research may be needed.

The study examines data from surveys and interviews with teacher candidates and local education mentors at a Midwestern university who were involved in a Grow Your Own program; this article focuses on results for the teacher candidates. Using data based on demographics, financial need, and academic performance, the researchers identified eight educator preparation candidates from under-represented backgrounds. Each teacher candidate was invited to receive an academic scholarship of $1,500 per semester for two terms, fall 2022 and spring 2023, with the understanding each scholarship recipient would be paired with a university mentor and an in-district mentor from one of two rural school districts with close proximity to the Midwest university. Teacher candidates were required to attend introductory meetings, professional learning, and culminating sessions in order to receive and retain the scholarship funds. Researchers sought to understand perceptions on mentoring, financial support, and professional development from the teacher candidates while investigating the impact of mentoring on retention. The qualitative case study included a pre- and post-survey for scholarship recipients. The scholarship recipients also participated in a focus group interview. Findings included the importance of the scholarship funds to the teacher candidates that went beyond financial implications, and being selected to participate made them "feel special." The relationships formed with the university faculty and the local education mentors became a "network" allowing the teacher candidates to feel confident and valued; they became the educators they will continue to rely on throughout their careers. The professional development provided opportunities for participants to see, in real-time, the concepts that were discussed in abstract during their education courses.

This qualitative case study examines the Education Faculty Perspectives (EFPs) of the Karakoram Public International University in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, on teachers' experiences of a recently introduced education reform (an Honor's Bachelor of Education program [B. Ed Hons] mandated by Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2010. The B. Ed Hons has replaced the existing pre-service programs nationwide. Our analysis identified several paradoxical themes about borrowing of the B. Ed Hons: at the "talk"/rhetoric level, the program was welcomed as a transformative shift in teacher education; at the "walk"/implementation level, its practicality and sustainability became complicated; at the decolonisation level, the discourses on the colonial nature of knowledge and North-South dependency were muted. Implications for moving from borrowing external "best practices" to producing local solutions are highlighted. The analysis suggests the contextual realities and challenges should be addressed, individual and structural capacities developed, and an incremental, critical-constructive approach to both external and local ideas be pursued, and decolonization discourse included.