scholarly journals Maintaining the diversity of the professional healthcare workforce through higher education qualification routes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Thomas ◽  
Vicky Duckworth
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Tuition Fees ◽  
Student Views ◽  
Education Professional ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

In England many professional healthcare qualifications, including nursing, are only achievable through higher education, for which tuition fees are payable from this year (2017-18) onwards. This paper is concerned about maintaining both the number and diversity of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of a diverse and ageing population. It reviews student views and the available statistical evidence about the impact of the introduction of tuition fees on applicants, and literature and empirical evidence about what higher education institutions are doing to recruit and retain students from different backgrounds to meet the health needs of the population. It concludes that because professions such as nursing have traditionally recruited from a diverse population minimal knowledge or practical expertise has been developed to widen participation in healthcare education in general and nurse education in particular. Moving forward, the healthcare and higher education sectors will need to work in joined up ways to develop strategies to both attract and retain a wide range of diverse students to higher education professional healthcare qualification courses – and maintain the supply of qualified healthcare professionals.

scholarly journals Improving the management and care of refugees in Australian hospitals: a descriptive study

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Ross ◽  
Catherine Harding ◽  
Alexa Seal ◽  
Geraldine Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Provider Perceptions ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
The Impact

Objectives The aim of the present study was to investigate healthcare provider perceptions of the impact of refugee patients at two public hospitals, one rural and one urban, in designated refugee resettlement areas. Healthcare professionals’ views regarding improvements that could be made in this area were also sought. Methods Two-page anonymous questionnaires containing demographic, quantitative and open-ended questions were distributed to 150 healthcare providers at each research site. Results Response rates at the rural and urban sites were 50% and 49%, respectively. Refugees were seen at least monthly by 40% of respondents. Additional support was requested by 70% of respondents. Confidence was associated with being born overseas (P = 0.029) and increased time working with refugees (rs = 0.418, P < 0.001). Only 47% of respondents felt confident managing social and psychological needs of refugees. Midwives saw refugees more than nursing and allied healthcare staff combined, and this was significant at the rural hospital (P < 0.001). Rural respondents reported that working with refugees enhanced their practice (P = 0.025), although felt significantly less confident (P < 0.001) than urban respondents. Themes that arose regarding barriers to care included language and cultural barriers, paucity of knowledge and issues accessing available services, including appropriate interpreters, Medicare eligibility and patient factors, including lack of patient trust in government systems. Desire for support was more pronounced in the rural setting (P = 0.001). Conclusions Refugees were seen frequently in both settings and most respondents requested additional support, highlighting that caring for refugees in Australian hospitals is a significant challenge. Additional support and education should be targeted to those caring for refugees most frequently, particularly midwifery services, to reduce barriers to care. What is known about the topic? Refugees are a vulnerable group, often with complex health needs. These needs are often unmet because of issues including language and cultural barriers. What does this paper add? Refugees were seen frequently in the two public hospital settings involved in the present study and most often by midwifery services. Healthcare professionals require more support, more information about available services and better access to interpreter services. These issues were more pronounced in the rural setting where very limited research exists. What are the implications for practitioners? Implementing additional support and education regarding refugee health needs could increase knowledge and confidence when managing refugees, reducing barriers to care and improving quality of care.

scholarly journals Facilitation strategies for enhancing the learning and engagement of online students

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 101-118
Author(s):  
Tracey Muir ◽  
◽  
Tracy Douglas ◽  
Allison Trimble ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Online Students ◽  
Tertiary Sector ◽  
Online Instructors ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Instructor Presence ◽  
The Impact

The opening up of online education in the Australian tertiary sector has made higher education accessible for a wide range of students, including those living in rural and regional areas. While student numbers continue to grow as a result of this opportunity, there are increasing concerns regarding low student retention and progression rates for online students in comparison with on-campus students. Reasons for this vary, however, online students report a sense of isolation and disconnection with their studies highlighting the need for educators to utilise effective facilitation to enhance student connections to an online community. In this paper, we investigated facilitation strategies using two case studies. This illustrated how two online instructors used design-based research to evaluate the impact of facilitation strategies on instructor presence, instructor connection, engagement and learning in maths education and human biology subjects. Findings indicate that focusing on social, managerial and technical facilitation strategies resulted in an increased instructor presence and active involvement, which in turn were influential in motivating students to engage with learning online. The findings have implications for higher education providers and instructors who are tasked with engaging online students. This identifies the importance of targeted online facilitation to enhance learner-instructor and learner-content engagement.

Assessment in American Higher Education: The Role of Admissions Tests

2019 ◽  
Vol 683 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Zwick
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
College Performance ◽  
Admissions Tests ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Test Optional ◽  
The Impact

In this article, I review the role of college admissions tests in the United States and consider the fairness issues surrounding their use. The two main tests are the SAT, first administered in 1926, and the ACT, first given in 1959. Scores on these tests have been shown to contribute to the prediction of college performance, but their role in the admissions process varies widely across colleges. Although test scores are consistently listed as one of the most important admissions factors in national surveys of postsecondary institutions, an increasing number of schools have adopted “test-optional” policies. At these institutions, test score requirements are seen as a barrier to campus diversity because of the large performance gaps among ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Fortunately, the decentralized higher education system in the United States can accommodate a wide range of admissions policies. It is essential, however, that the impact of admissions policy changes be studied and that the resource implications of these changes be thoroughly considered.

scholarly journals The EUA education policy: quality assurance strategies

Osvitolohiya ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 143-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iryna Sokolova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Quality Culture ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

The Bologna Reform Process, which became the focal point of reform in most European countries, brought a wide range of quality concerns into the central arena of higher education discourse. Quality Assurance processes were supposed to support an increased institutional attention. The aim of this paper is to create a better the EUA's Input to EHEA Policy Making. EUA carries out a variety of activities that are underpinned by the belief that the main responsibility for quality assurance lies within higher education institutions. EUA Policy Statement on Quality and Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area аre identified and described in the article.It is determined the impact of the EUA in shaping European quality culture through the development of educational policy and decision-conceptual documents, the annual European Quality Assurance Forums to consolidate internal and external stakeholders, expand the dialogue format in the context of the EHEA changing landscape and the best practices implementation for quality assurance. The keynote presentations of the EQAF (2006-2016) focused on current trends in quality assurance. The quality culture approach promoted by EUAdiffers clearly frommore traditional quality management strategies, shifting attention to more development-oriented and value-based aspects. Based on the results of the projects different approaches towards quality, quality culture, or formal quality assurance and accreditation procedures are focusedin the paper. The Institutional evaluation programme in higher education, realizedin 45 countries, is described. Other programs and projects that define the tasks of quality management are characterized in thepaper. Trends in quality assurance are presented in the article taking into account the national and European contexts. This paper outlines EUA key objectives for 2017-2019. Support the creation of thequality culture in higher education institutionsis one of them.

scholarly journals Higher education institutions as a driver of sustainable social development: Polish experience for Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inna Khovrak
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Environmental Status ◽  
Polish Experience ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Economic Technology ◽  
The Impact

The basis for sustainable and environmentally friendly development is gradually becoming aware of the importance of working more ethically and transparently and in a more humanistic way, as well as addressing the needs of people and society. In this case, the key challenge for higher education institutions (HEIs) is to train the conscious and responsible citizens who can take care of the country’s future. This article focuses on comparing the ability of HEIs in Poland and Ukraine to promote sustainable development (SD) by implementing the concept of social responsibility (SR). The research is based on the methods of statistical analysis, sociological survey, case study, abstract-logical, tabular and graphical method. The paper argues that HEIs have a wide range of tools to promote SD. These tools should be divided into three groups, namely: 1) including SD issues in educational programs; 2) developing knowledge and solutions for SD; 3) creation and participation in SR initiatives. The proposed mechanism of the impact of HEIs on SD through the implementation of the concept of SR will allow HEIs to take an active part in the life of the region and the country, namely: identify the needs, engage the stakeholders, facilitate the interaction, disseminate the effective practices, and develop SD strategies. The practical value of the obtained results is that the implementation of SR initiative by HEIs will promote the environmentally friendly development of the country and regions. As a result, it will increase the impact of HEIs on economic, technology and cultural development, human capital formation, solving social problems, building civil society, improving the environmental status.

scholarly journals Does the Fear of Debt Deter Students from Higher Education?

2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
CLAIRE CALLENDER ◽  
JONATHAN JACKSON
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Classes ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Funding Policies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Participation In Higher Education ◽  
The Impact

Concerns over the impact of debt on participation in higher education (HE) have dominated much of the debate surrounding the most recent reforms of financial support for full-time students in England, including the introduction of variable tuition fees. Yet few studies have attempted to explore this issue in a statistically robust manner. This article attempts to fill that gap. It examines the relationship between prospective HE students' attitudes to debt, and their decisions about whether or not to enter HE. Using data derived from a survey of just under 2,000 prospective students, it shows how those from low social classes are more debt averse than those from other social classes, and are far more likely to be deterred from going to university because of their fear of debt, even after controlling for a wide range of other factors. The article concludes that these findings pose a serious policy dilemma for the Westminster government. Their student funding policies are predicated on the accumulation of debt and thus are in danger of deterring the very students at the heart of their widening participation policies.

Demographic shifts: how an increasing “active Third Age” could come to shape the future of our cities

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
James Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Third Age ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

Purpose – This paper is adapted from a Royal Institute of British Architects Building Futures project and is intended to stimulate discussion around the impact that the ageing population could have on the way cities of the near future are designed (and lived in); specifically the positive contribution that an active, older generation could make to both society and the economy in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Following a public debate and a series of roundtable discussions with experts across a wide range of disciplines from architecture and urban design to gerontology, in both academia and practice, the project team developed a series of potential future scenarios; speculations that draw out the potential positive contribution that an active Third Age could make, both socially and economically. Findings – The author has made a series of practical recommendations for architecture and design professions related to the speculative scenarios presented that they believe would begin to harness the potential of an active Third Age whilst mitigating some of the likely challenges. It is imperative that ageing becomes part of the mainstream debate on city design and planning. Research limitations/implications – Whilst the scenarios presented respond directly to trends – key drivers of change – identified and evidenced, they remain speculations to stimulate debate and are not themselves grounded in rigour. Practical implications – The practice of architecture, urban design and planning must better recognise the implications of an ageing population and look for ways of harnessing the opportunities that this presents, whilst addressing the clear challenges. Urban policy must also better reflect a shifting demographic landscape and adapt appropriately to encourage the necessary innovation in this area if they are to make a successful transition to an older population in the coming decades. Social implications – The author hopes that this work begins to reposition ageing – and particularly active ageing – as a positive opportunity for both society and the national economy, shifting the debate from one currently focused on challenges and the potential public sector burden. Originality/value – There is little in the way of progressive thought as to how architecture, planning and urban policy can better accommodate an older population and ensure that cities embrace the whole population for the duration of their lifetime, whatever that may be.

scholarly journals Student Perceptions of the Impact of Bursaries and Institutional Aid on their Higher Education Choices and the Implications for the National Scholarship Programme in England

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
CLAIRE CALLENDER ◽  
DAVID WILKINSON
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Tuition Fees ◽  
Institutional Aid ◽  
Education Decisions ◽  
Government Reforms ◽  
Student Funding ◽  
The Impact ◽  
To Receive

AbstractVariable tuition fees and bursaries, funded by higher education institutions, were introduced in England to promote student choice and provider competition, while bursaries would off-set higher fees and safeguard access. Both have been central to government reforms of undergraduate student funding since 2004. This article assesses student perceptions of the impact of bursaries on their higher education decisions and choices, and considers the implications for the 2012/13 National Scholarship Programme. It concludes that most students do not think their choices are affected by bursaries, although those who are cost-conscious, expect to receive higher bursaries, especially of £1,000 or more, and attend Russell Group universities are more likely to think bursaries are influential and important. The reconfiguration of institutional aid from 2012/13 may overcome some perceived barriers to the effectiveness of financial support, but is likely to exacerbate others, and create new impediments and inequalities.

scholarly journals Charging for Higher Education: Estimating the Impact on Inequality and Student Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghazala Azmat ◽  
Ştefania Simion
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Outcomes ◽  
Labor Market Outcomes ◽  
University Education ◽  
Tuition Fees ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
State Schools

AbstractOver the last two decades, undergraduate university education in England moved from being state-funded and free for students, to costing all students substantial amounts in tuition fees. In this paper, using detailed administrative longitudinal microdata that follow all students attending state schools in England (approximately 95% of student population), we causally show that, despite the substantial reforms, enrollment fell only by 0.5 percentage points, where the effect is largely borne by those in wealthier groups, reducing the enrolment gap across socio-economic groups. Since tuition fees were introduced in conjunction with the government offering generous means-tested maintenance (cash) grants, as well as loans, our results highlight the importance of reducing financing constraints. Beyond enrollment, we find that the reforms have limited impact on students’ higher education choices, such as relocation decisions, university choice, and field of study. Finally, by tracking the students after graduation, we show similarly small effects on labor market outcomes.

scholarly journals The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Achievement and Student Views: The Case of AutoCAD Programming Course

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halil Coşkun Çelik ◽  
Haydar Ertaş ◽  
Aziz İlhan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Vocational School ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Academic Achievements ◽  
Student Views ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of project-based learning on academic achievements of vocational school of higher education students and to investigate their views on the topic. In the study, a mixed descriptive design where qualitative and quantitative data were both collected and analyzed. The quantitative part was conducted with relational screening method and the qualitative part was conducted with descriptive analysis method. The study group included 13 freshmen students attending the vocational school of higher education, building inspection program in a university located in Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey during the 2016-2017 academic year spring semester and selected with convenience sampling method. The study was conducted during the 14 weeks long period where the related programming course was instructed. In the study, quantitative data were collected with an achievement test that measured the academic achievements of the students in AutoCAD programming course. The qualitative data were collected with a structured interview form designed to collect the student views on the related course. Quantitative data were analyzed with the t-test and the descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the qualitative data. In conclusion, it was determined that project-based learning had a positive impact on academic achievement. Furthermore, students expressed that they achieved meaningful learning as a result of the project-based learning application and the method was adequate for the instruction process, improved their interest in the course and related the content with daily life.

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