A cross-sectional study on personal values of medical students: the differences from their instructors, their associations with mental wellbeing, and the influences of gender.

BACKGROUND: Personal values of Thai medical students have been observed to be diverging from those of their seniors, but the differences remain uncharacterized. Despite its potential association with mental wellbeing, the issue remain unexplored in the population. This study aimed to explore (1) the difference in personal values between medical students and instructors and (2) the association between student's value adherence to mental well-being and the interaction by gender. METHODS: An online survey was performed in 2022. Participants rated their adherence to five groups of values, namely, Self-Direction, Hedonism, Achievement & Power, Universalism & Benevolence, and Tradition. Participants also rated their mental wellbeing. Comparisons were made between the personal values of students and instructors. The association between the personal values of students and their mental wellbeing and the interaction between values and gender were analyzed in linear regression. RESULTS: Compared to instructors, students rated higher on Universalism & Benevolence, marginally higher on Hedonism, and lower on Tradition. Students' ratings on Self-Direction, Universalism & Benevolence, and Tradition predicted better mental wellbeing. Their rating on Hedonism predicted poorer mental wellbeing, the effect of which was marginally stronger in males. Ratings on Achievement & Power marginally predicted poorer mental wellbeing in females. CONCLUSION: Difference in personal values between medical students and instructors have been observed. Some of these values hold potentials over student's mental wellbeing. Curricular and medical school environmental accommodation for the changes in the characters of learners may be necessary to mitigate the adverse effects on their mental wellbeing and foster development of desirable professional characteristics.

Caring for nursing students is caring for patients: A multicentre cross-sectional study on the relationship between nursing students' caring and the perception of instructors' caring.

BACKGROUND: Caring in nursing is a fundamental aspect, yet teaching and fostering caring behaviours in nursing students remain challenging. Clinical instructors play a crucial role in this process. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were a) to describe nursing students' caring behaviours and perceptions of instructor caring, b) to assess sex-related and year of course differences in students' caring behaviours and perceptions of nursing caring, and c) to investigate the association between nursing students' caring and their perception of instructors' caring. DESIGN: A multi-centre, cross-sectional observational study was conducted. SETTING: The study involved undergraduate nursing students from four teaching hospitals of a university in Northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 316 nursing undergraduate students participated in the study (83.9 % female, 16.1 % male, 23.1 % 1st year, 48.1 % 2nd year, 28.8 % 3rd year). METHODS: Participants completed online self-reported surveys assessing caring behaviours, empathy, burnout, and perceptions of instructor caring. Caring behaviours, expressive and instrumental caring, were measured using the Caring Behaviour Inventory (CBI), and perceptions of instructor caring were assessed using the Nursing Students' Perceptions of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) questionnaire. RESULTS: Students' caring behaviours were positively associated with their perceptions of instructor caring, particularly in relation to a supportive learning climate and instructor flexibility. Female students displayed higher scores in expressive caring, while students in their second and third years demonstrated increased instrumental caring behaviours. Responding to Individual Needs was significantly lower in third-years students, compared to first- and second-year ones. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the crucial role of clinical instructors in shaping nursing students' caring attributes. However, the influence of sex on caring behaviours remains unclear, necessitating further investigation. These findings underscore the significance of nurturing caring behaviours in nursing education and offer insights for selecting, training, and supporting clinical instructors, to foster more compassionate and competent nurses.

If you are learner-centered and you know it, raise your hand: Perspectives on and implementation of pedagogical changes by science instructors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) faced significant hardships while trying to learn through emergency remote teaching (ERT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research aims to investigate if science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructors thought about and enacted more learner-centered teaching practices to alleviate some of this stress encountered by their students. Using semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, we utilized inductive and deductive qualitative research methods to examine two questions: (1) To what extent were STEM instructor's perceived pedagogical changes learner-centered during ERT?; and (2) To what extent were STEM instructor's teaching behaviors and discourse practices learner-centered during ERT? Our findings revealed that during ERT, STEM instructors described using a variety of pedagogical changes that we identified as learner-centered under the Weimer framework, including ideas such as enacting flexible late policies and increased usage of formative assessment. Interestingly, we found that many of these learned-centered changes were happening outside of the classroom. Classroom observations assessing instructor behaviors and discourse demonstrated that STEM instructors enacted practices that aligned with Weimer's five constructs of learner-centered teaching. Our research highlights implications of learner-centered teaching practices for STEM instructors as well as researchers.

College instructors' experiences with undergraduate students who have mental health symptoms: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: to synthesize peer-reviewed research exploring postsecondary instructors' experiences with undergraduate students with mental health (MH) symptoms. METHODS: English-language, peer-reviewed primary research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were included. Themes and subthemes were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten articles met criteria. Three themes emerged: Instructor Actions in the Moment, with subthemes Talking with Students, Making Referrals, and Doing Nothing; Processing the Complex Emotional Impact, with subthemes Caring and Confidence, Powerlessness and Apprehension, Struggle with Boundaries, and Worry about Safety; and Needs Unmet by the Institution, with subthemes Wanted Disclosure, Wanted MH Training, Wanted Clear Policies, Wanted Institutional Support, and Wanted Robust Campus Counseling Services. Lack of resources was the major reported impediment. CONCLUSIONS: Several implications for institutions emerge. MH education should be provided for instructors. Institutions should ensure MH policies are clear and easily accessible. Institutions should acknowledge instructors' efforts with students. Finally, training on applicable laws surrounding student MH should be available.

How intrinsically motivating are swimming instructors/lessons in the Netherlands? An observational study through the lens of self-determination theory.

Background: It is desirable that (more) children continue swimming after having completed their swimming lessons to preserve their swimming skills and water safety, and as part of an active, healthy lifestyle. This may be encouraged by stirring children's intrinsic motivation for swimming during swimming lessons. However, it is currently unknown how intrinsically motivating swimming lessons are in Western countries. Purpose: This study examined to what extent swimming instructors in the Netherlands cater to the basic needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which, according to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), promote intrinsic motivation. Additionally, it examined whether an SDT-based teaching program prompts instructors to better meet these needs, and to what extent the teaching program, the education and experience of the instructor, and the group size predict the employment of SDT in swimming lessons. Methods: A total of 128 swimming lessons given by equally many instructors were observed in the Netherlands and rated on a modified version of the SDT teaching style scale to assess autonomy, competence, and relatedness support. The swimming lessons referred to four teaching programs, one of which was explicitly based on SDT. Results: Instructors exhibited autonomy-thwarting, weakly competence-supportive, and relatedness-supportive behaviors. The SDT-based teaching program scored higher on the provision of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in lessons. This finding was significant for autonomy. Teaching program was the only significant predictor of SDT employment by instructors. Conclusion: Further improvement is desirable in catering to the basic needs, particularly autonomy, which can be achieved by deliberately implementing the principles of SDT into teaching programs for swimming.

A Preliminary Study of Gut Microbiota in Airline Pilots: Comparison With Construction Workers and Fitness Instructors.

INTRODUCTION: The term "WORKbiota" has been used to describe the impact of occupational exposure and work types on human microbiota composition. Airline pilots, construction workers, and fitness instructors encompass three diverse professional groups, each with distinct work environments and lifestyle factors that may significantly influence their intestinal "WORKbiota." OBJECTIVES: The current preliminary investigation was aimed to compare the relative abundance of specific gut microbes among airline pilots, construction workers, and fitness instructors to shed light on any significant differences. By scrutinizing these diverse professional groups, our objective was to enhance our understanding of how occupational factors influence gut microbiota while identifying possible implications for occupational medicine. METHODS: A convenience sample consisting of 60 men representing three different professional domains - airline pilots, construction workers, and fitness instructors (with 20 individuals in each group) - was selected during regular outpatient occupational health consultations. The abundance of selected gut microbiota constituents, including Escherichia coli, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp., was quantified using quantitative SYBR Green quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in stool samples. RESULTS: There were no significant variations among the groups concerning Escherichia coli, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Bifidobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp. However, Lactobacillus spp. and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were significantly more abundant in the microbiota of fitness instructors compared to both airline pilots and construction workers, with no significant differences observed between the latter two groups. Notably, the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila demonstrated a progressive decline from fitness instructors to construction workers and ultimately to airline pilots, who exhibited the lowest levels. CONCLUSION: Airline pilots' gut microbiota was characterized by a lower abundance of health-promoting bacterial species, including Lactobacillus spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Akkermansia muciniphila. Future research is essential to determine whether targeted interventions, such as probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, could potentially enhance gut microbiota composition and overall health in particular occupational groups.

Impact of different job types on serum cytokine levels in apparently healthy individuals: A comparative study among airline pilots, construction workers, and fitness instructors.

BACKGROUND: The impact of occupational factors on serum cytokine concentrations has not been extensively explored. In this preliminary investigation, we measured the amounts of 12 cytokines in the serum of healthy individuals, comparing three diverse professional categories (aviation pilots, building laborers, and exercise trainers) with distinct work settings and lifestyle factors. METHODS: The study sample comprised 60 men from three distinct professional fields - airline pilots, construction laborers, and fitness trainers (20 participants per category) - who were enlisted during regular outpatient occupational health appointments. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-α, and IFN-γ were measured on a Luminex® platform using a specific kit. Cytokine levels were compared among the three professional groups to determine any significant differences. RESULTS: Among the three occupational groups, fitness instructors demonstrated elevated IL-4 concentrations in comparison to both airline pilots and construction laborers, with no significant difference between the latter two professions. Additionally, a stepwise increase in IL-6 levels was identified, commencing with fitness instructors presenting the lowest quantities, succeeded by construction workers, and culminating with airline pilots, who displayed the most elevated concentrations. CONCLUSION: Serum cytokine levels in healthy individuals can exhibit variations based on their occupation. Given the unfavorable cytokine profile detected in airline pilots, it is crucial for the aviation sector to tackle potential health concerns within their employees.

Instructors' self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and challenges in transitioning to online learning.

Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study investigated instructors' online teaching self-efficacy during the sudden, COVID-19-induced transition to online teaching. The pandemic has forced instructors to shift to online teaching, arming them with valuable hands-on experience in this alternative teaching mode. This study examined instructors' online teaching self-efficacy, perceived benefits, intention to implement online teaching strategies in their future teaching, and the challenges encountered during this transition. A total of 344 instructors completed the developed and validated questionnaire. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression modeling, using the stepwise estimation technique. The findings demonstrate that affiliated universities, the quality of online learning, and previous use of learning management systems (LMS) are significant predictors of instructors' online teaching self-efficacy. Online teaching self-efficacy, along with gender, quality of online learning, and professional training are significant predictors of the perceived benefits of online learning during emergencies. Meanwhile, the quality of online learning and professional training are significant predictors of instructors' intention to implement online teaching strategies and learning technology tools. Instructors ranked remote assessment as the most challenging factor in online teaching during emergencies, and internet access or internet speed as the first and most complicated hindrance for students in this transition. This study helps in understanding instructors' online teaching self-efficacy during the sudden transition and the positive consequences of shifting to the online mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the higher education field. Recommendations and implications are discussed.

An Evaluation of Virtual Training for Teaching Dance Instructors to Implement a Behavioral Coaching Package.

Few dance instructors receive formal training on how to teach dance skills using behavioral coaching methods and may employ an authoritarian teaching style that utilizes coercive feedback, which can adversely affect dancers' experiences. A behavior analytic approach to dance education may provide dance instructors with strategies that increase the accuracy of dance movements and positively affect dancers' satisfaction with their dance classes. Using a concurrent multiple-baseline design across five dance instructors, we evaluated the outcomes of a virtual training informed by the behavioral skills training framework on dance instructors' implementation of an introductory behavior analytic coaching package consisting of four strategies: task analyzing, emphasizing correct performance with focus points, assessing performance through data collection, and using behavior-specific feedback. We selected these strategies to provide dance instructors with a solid foundation to behavioral coaching methods. It is promising that all dance instructors who participated in virtual training met mastery criteria and maintained their performance at a 1-month follow-up. Future research may consider exploring virtual adaptations that promote more efficient training methods for teaching dance instructors to implement behavioral coaching methods.

Job Involvement as a Mediating Factor Between Empowerment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Among Clinical Instructors at Nursing Technical Institutes.

Introduction: Empowerment is an important motivator for clinical instructors to develop organizational citizenship behaviors. Job engagement may serve as a moderator, amplifying the impact of empowerment on organizational citizenship behavior. Objective: This study examines the effect of job participation as a mediator between empowerment and organizational citizenship behavior among clinical teachers at nursing technical institutes. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was performed on a convenience sample of 161 clinical instructors from six technical nursing institutes connected with five Egyptian Universities. For data collection, a self-administered questionnaire, including measures for assessing job engagement, empowerment, and citizenship behavior, was employed. This ran till November 2019, starting in June. Results: Most clinical instructors had a high level of job involvement (82%), 72.0% had high empowerment score, and 55.3% had high citizenship behavior. Empowerment, job involvement, and citizenship scores were positively correlated. The female gender predicted empowerment positively. The workplace was also a powerful predictor of job engagement and empowerment ratings. Importantly mediated the link between empowerment and citizenship behavior was occupational engagement. Conclusions: Employment participation was a crucial moderator of the link between autonomy and citizenship behavior. The nursing institutes' administration needs to empower clinical instructors with more autonomy and participation in decision making through psychological support and fair salaries. It is proposed that an additional study be conducted to assess the efficacy of empowerment initiatives as a pathway to job engagement, resulting in higher civic behavior among clinical instructors.

Reflective teaching and academic optimism as correlates of work engagement among university instructors.

As teaching is a complex and demanding activity especially in university and higher education contexts, exploring the correlates of work engagement in university contexts seems to be a promising research area. As an attempt to further clarify this research area, this study sought to examine the significance of reflective teaching and academic optimism as correlates of work engagement among university instructors in Iran. Having been selected via convenience sampling, a sample of 289 Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) university instructors participated in this survey. The electronic versions of the scales of teacher academic optimism, reflective teaching, and work engagement were administered to the participants. Initially, the construct validity of the scales was verified for the university contexts via performing confirmatory factor analysis. Then the hypothesized structural relationships among the constructs were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results demonstrated that both reflective teaching and academic optimism significantly predicted work engagement among English university instructors. Some notable implications are finally discussed based on these findings.

The importance of in-country African instructors in International experiential training programs; a qualitative case study from the university of Minnesota.

BACKGROUND: For effective delivery of international experiential training programs, many universities in the global north, have created partnerships with universities in the global south especially in Africa to enhance their capacity and diversity of learning for their students. However, there is hardly any literature that exhibits the importance of African instructors in international experiential learning programs. This study aimed at establishing the importance of African instructors in international experiential learning programs. METHODS: This was a qualitative case study that examined the importance of instructors and experts from Africa in influencing student learning processes and outcomes in the GCC 3003/5003 - Seeking Solutions to Global Health Issues. Semi-structured interviews with (2) students, (2) University of Minnesota lead faculty for the course, and (3) in-country instructors/experts from countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa were conducted. Data was analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) Filling gaps in knowledge, (2) Orchestrating partnerships for practical exposure, (3) Improving the quality of training, and (4) orchestrating professional personal growth for students. The African in-country course instructors/experts contributed to student learning by providing a true picture reflection of happenings on the ground. CONCLUSION: The importance of in-country African instructors' can be viewed as that aimed at validating students' ideas to apply to the local settings, streamlining students' focus, providing a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement to a particular topic, coupled with bringing an in-country context experience in the classroom.

Experiences of Forest Healing Instructors Who Met Cancer Patients in Forest Healing Programs: FGI Research.

BACKGROUND: Demand for urban forest programs for the healing of cancer survivors is increasing. To develop a forest healing program for the integrated care of cancer patients, it is necessary to analyze the experiences of forest healing instructors who have conducted programs for cancer patients. METHODS: This qualitative study applied focus group interviews (FGIs; four interviews with sixteen participants) to describe and understand the experiences of forest healing instructors who run forest healing programs for cancer patients. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: "prepared encounters and unexpected encounters," "yearning for healing," "people who need special care," and "things to prepare for cancer patient programs." CONCLUSION: Forest healing instructors had difficulty facilitating programs for cancer patients owing to prejudice and a lack of knowledge about the characteristics of cancer patients. Moreover, differentiated programs and places that align with the specific needs of cancer patients are needed. It is necessary to develop an integrated care forest healing program for cancer patients and educate forest healing instructors about the needs of cancer patients.

Engaging stakeholders to develop a suicide prevention learning module for Louisiana firearm training courses.

BACKGROUND: Firearm suicide is a significant public health problem in the United States of America among the general and veteran populations. Broad-based preventive strategies, including lethal means safety, have been emphasized as a key approach to suicide prevention. Prior research has identified ways to improve the reach and uptake of lethal means safety messages. However, few resources have been created with these lessons in mind. METHODS: Louisiana firearm owners and instructors were recruited through a larger project, Veteran-Informed Safety Intervention and Outreach Network, as well as a publicly available database of firearm instructors to participate in focus groups to provide feedback on an existing suicide prevention learning module (developed in Utah) for use by firearm instructors. Their feedback was used to adapt the module, which included a brief video and PowerPoint presentation. Firearm owners and instructors were then invited back for another round of focus groups to provide feedback on this adapted learning module. Team-based rapid qualitative analysis was conducted to identify themes across transcripts from these four focus groups. RESULTS: Firearm owners and instructors agreed on several key themes, including the importance of messenger relatability and aligning the lethal means safety message with firearm owner values. Feedback suggested these themes were adequately addressed in the adapted learning module and contributed to overall module acceptability. The final theme, present across the original and adapted learning modules (i.e., Utah and Louisiana), was openness to further information and training on firearm suicide prevention. CONCLUSION: Consistent with a public health approach to suicide prevention, the current study used stakeholder engagement to develop a suicide prevention learning module perceived as representative, accurate, and acceptable to Louisiana firearm owners and instructors. These findings can be used to inform firearm suicide prevention efforts in other states.

Investigating the Experiences of Online Instructors while engaging and empowering non-traditional learners in eCampus.

The purpose of the qualitative study was to investigate instructors' experiences of engaging non-traditional learners in eCampus. Online education was rapidly growing in many higher education institutions, especially during the pandemic. However, a high attrition rate could negatively impact student success. Research findings showed that engagement was a significant factor to increase students' online retention. Due to the flexibility and accessibility of online education, there was a high demand among non-traditional learners. However, limited research has been conducted to explore instructors' experiences while engaging non-traditional learners in eCampus. In the general qualitative study, twelve online instructors were recruited, and interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. The findings showed that instructors faced both challenges and opportunities while increasing engagement among non-traditional learners in online programs. These indicated the need for the diversity of course design, relationship and community building, the flexibility of engagement criteria, and the unpredictability of emotional engagement. Institutional support and resources were recommended to improve the future teaching practices and the success of online learners with underrepresented backgrounds.

Investigando a formação das professoras de modalidades aéreas de circo na região metropolitana de Campinas-SP / Researching the circus aerials disciplines teachers'training in the metropolitan region of Campinas-SP / Investigando la formación de profesores de modalidades aéreas de circo em la región Metropolitana de Campinas-SP

A prática do circo como opção educativa, de condicionamento físico, recreativa ou artística, mostra uma notável expansão no contexto nacional nas últimas duas décadas. De modo particular, temos observado o aumento da prática das modalidades aéreas em escolas, academias e outros espaços públicos e privados. Com base nessa constatação, o objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a formação de professoras(es) de modalidades aéreas de circo na Região Metropolitana de Campinas (SP). Para isso, realizamos um levantamento de estabelecimentos que ofereciam aulas regulares, em seguida aplicamos um questionário semiestruturado (online) a 36 professoras responsáveis. Os resultados indicam que o primeiro contato com as modalidades aéreas se deu majoritariamente na universidade e em escolas de circo. O "tecido acrobático" é a modalidade mais oferecida, e a prática recreativa representa o campo de atuação mais comum, com relevante demanda da atividade como forma de condicionamento físico ou promoção da saúde. Verificamos uma formação diversificada, que inclui formação artística e o diploma de ensino superior para a maioria das participantes.

The practice of the circus as an educational, fitness, recreational or artistic option shows a notable expansion in the national context in the last two decades. In particular, the practice of aerial disciplines has been increasing in schools, gyms and other public and private places. Based on this finding, the objective of this study was to analyze the training of teachers of aerial circus modalities in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas - SP. For this, we carried out a survey of establishments that offered regular classes, then we applied a semi-structured questionnaire (online) to 36 teachers. The result shows the first contact to circus happened mostly at the university and in circus schools. The "silk" is the most popular discipline; and the recreational represents the most common motivation, with an important demand for fitness and health promotion. We noted a diversified training, including artistic education and higher education degree for most of them.

La práctica del circo como opción educativa, de acondicionamiento físico, recreativa o artística muestra una notable expansión en el contexto nacional en las últimas dos décadas. En particular, la práctica de modalidades aéreas ha aumentado en escuelas, gimnasios y otros espacios públicos y privados. Con base en ese hallazgo, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la formación de profesores de modalidades aéreas de circo en la Región Metropolitana de Campinas - SP. Para ello, realizamos una encuesta a los establecimientos que ofrecían clases regulares, y aplicamos un cuestionario semiestructurado (en línea) a 36 docentes. El contacto inicial con las modalidades aéreas se dio mayoritariamente en la universidad y en las escuelas de circo. La tela acrobática es la modalidad más común, y la práctica recreativa representa el campo de actuación más habitual, con una demanda relevante de la actividad de condicionalmente físico y promoción de la salud. Notamos una formación diversificada de las docentes, que incluye la educación artística y el diploma de educación superior para la mayoría.

Construcción y atributos del profesionalismo en una escuela de enfermería en chile

Objetivo: Construir una definición consensuada de profesionalismo que contenga los atributos esenciales del ser profesional en una Escuela de Enfermería. Material y Método: Diseño descriptivo cualitativo, que utilizó el análisis de contenido en tres fases secuenciales: 1) Revisión integrativa entre los años 2009 y 2019 en las bases de datos Pubmed, CINAHL, Nursing (Proquest), en referencias de los estudios seleccionados y en páginas de sociedades científicas internacionales, sin límites de idioma. De los 33 textos completos seleccionados, se identificaron definiciones de profesionalismo y sus atributos por medio de las cinco etapas propuestas por Whittemore y Knafl; 2) Exploración con enfoque cualitativo, cuya muestra intencionada fue con informantes claves de la carrera de Enfermería: estudiantes de último año, académicos, egresados y empleadores; 3) Integración de la información recolectada a través de una construcción grupal, generando registros de definiciones y atributos comunes que se relacionaron bajo un sistema de categorías hasta lograr la saturación. Finalmente, se planteó una propuesta de la definición conceptual y los atributos del profesionalismo, validados por un participante de cada categoría. Resultados: Los atributos identificados fueron: la entrega de un cuidado humanizado, basado en sólidos conocimientos científicos, con liderazgo, responsabilidad y respeto a personas, familias y comunidades. Conclusiones: Se definió profesionalismo con cinco atributos del ser profesional que coinciden con la literatura internacional. Es relevante que académicos, tutores clínicos y preceptores hagan propios estos atributos, porque a través del modelaje de estos, contribuyen a formar a los futuros profesionales.

Objective: To construct a consensual definition of professionalism that includes the essential attributes of being a professional in a school of nursing. Materials and Methods: Qualitative descriptive design using content analysis in three consecutive phases: 1) Integrative review between 2009 and 2019 in the databases Pubmed, CINAHL, Nursing (Proquest), in the references of the selected studies and in the pages of international scientific societies, without language limitations. From the 33 full texts selected, definitions of professionalism and its attributes were identified through the five stages proposed by Whittemore and Knafl; 2) Exploration with a qualitative approach, whose intentional sample included key informants from the nursing study program, such as final year students, instructors, graduates and employers; 3) Integration of the information collected through a group construction, generating records of definitions and common attributes, which were related under a system of categories until saturation was reached. Finally, a proposal was made for a conceptual definition and attributes of professionalism, validated by a participant in each category. Results: The attributes identified were the provision of humanized care based on sound scientific knowledge, with leadership, responsibility and respect for individuals, families and communities. Conclusions: Professionalism was defined using five attributes that are consistent with the international literature. It is relevant that instructors, clinical tutors and preceptors embrace these attributes, because they ultimately contribute to the training of future professionals.

Objetivo: Construir uma definição consensual de profissionalismo que contenha os atributos essenciais para um profissional em uma escola de enfermagem. Material e Método: Estudo descritivo qualitativo que utilizou a análise de conteúdo em três fases sequenciais: 1) Revisão integrativa entre 2009 e 2019 nos bancos de dados Pubmed, CINAHL, Nursing (Proquest), nas referências dos estudos selecionados e nas páginas de sociedades científicas internacionais, sem limitações de idioma. A partir dos 33 textos completos selecionados, foram identificadas as definições de profissionalismo e seus atributos por meio das cinco etapas propostas por Whittemore e Knafl; 2) Exploração de abordagem qualitativa com amostra intencional que incluiu informantes-chave do programa de estudos de enfermagem, como alunos do último ano, docentes, graduados e empregadores; 3) Integração das informações coletadas por meio de uma construção em grupo, gerando registros de definições e atributos comuns que foram relacionados sob um sistema de categorias até atingir a saturação. Finalmente, foi feita uma proposta de definição conceitual e de atributos de profissionalismo, validada por um participante de cada categoria. Resultados: Os atributos identificados foram a prestação de cuidados humanizados, com base em conhecimento científico sólido, com liderança, responsabilidade e respeito pelos indivíduos, famílias e comunidades. Conclusão: O profissionalismo foi definido por meio de cinco atributos que são consistentes com a literatura internacional. É importante que os docentes, tutores clínicos e preceptores adotem esses atributos, já que eles contribuem para a formação dos futuros profissionais.

Factores facilitadores y obstaculizadores del aprendizaje a través de la simulación

Objetivo: Identificar los factores que facilitan y dificultan el aprendizaje a través de la simulación y el ECOE, desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes y los docentes en la carrera Técnico en Enfermería de Nivel Superior. Material y Método: Estudio cualitativo con diseño fenomenológico, donde se aplicó encuesta en línea y se desarrollaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia y participaron diez estudiantes y diez profesores pertenecientes a la carrera en una universidad privada en la ciudad de Santiago (Chile). Para llevar a cabo el proceso de análisis, codificación y clasificación de los datos, se utilizó el software de análisis NVivo. Se consideraron los principios y responsabilidades de la Declaración de Singapur sobre Integridad en la Investigación. Resultados: Los elementos favorecedores para las habilidades procedimentales son la metodología; la práctica y repetición; los profesores; los insumos y materiales y la motivación. Los elementos obstaculizadores fueron el nerviosismo, la falta de insumos y el tiempo escaso. Las limitaciones se dieron por el contexto sanitario, que implicó recoger información a distancia. Conclusiones: Se identificaron aspectos favorecedores y obstaculizadores para el logro de las habilidades procedimentales en la formación de técnicos en enfermería. Estos resultados pueden ser considerados insumos para realizar propuestas de diseño curricular que aborden aspectos didácticos, metodológicos y humanos.

Objective: To identify the factors that facilitate and hinder learning through simulation and OSCE, from the perspective of students and instructors in the field of licensed practical nurses (known as TENS in Chile). Materials and Methods: Qualitative study with a phenomenological design, in which an online survey was administered, and semi-structured interviews and focus groups were carried out. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used and ten students and ten instructors belonging to a TENS training program of a private university in Santiago de Chile participated. NVivo analysis software was used to carry out the data analysis, coding, and classification process. The principles and responsibilities of The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity were considered. Results: Facilitating elements for procedural skills were methodology, practice and repetition, instructors, supplies and materials, as well as motivation. Hindering elements were nervousness, lack of supplies and time scarcity. Limitations were caused by the healthcare setting, which involved having to collect information remotely. Conclusions: Facilitating and hindering aspects for the achievement of procedural skills in the training of TENS nurses were identified. These results may contribute to outline curriculum design proposals that address didactic, methodological, and person-related aspects.

Objetivo: Identificar os fatores que facilitam e dificultam a aprendizagem através da simulação e do ECOE, da perspectiva dos estudantes e professores no âmbito dos técnicos de enfermagem (conhecidos como TENS no Chile). Materiais e Método: Estudo qualitativo com desenho fenomenológico, onde foi aplicado uma pesquisa on-line e foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e grupos focais. Foi utilizada uma amostragem não- probabilística por conveniência e participaram 10 estudantes e 10 professores pertencentes à um programa de formação de TENS de uma universidade privada em Santiago do Chile. Para realizar o processo de análise, codificação e classificação dos dados, foi utilizado o software de análise NVivo. Foram considerados os princípios e responsabilidades da Declaração de Singapura a Integridade em Pesquisa. Resultados: Os elementos facilitadores das competências processuais foram a metodologia, a prática e repetição, os professores, os materiais e a motivação. Os elementos que dificultam são o nervosismo, a falta de materiais e o tempo escasso. As limitações foram causadas pelo contexto da saúde, o que implicou a recolha de informação à distância. Conclusões: Foram identificados os aspectos favoráveis e obstáculos à obtenção de competências processuais na formação de técnicos de enfermagem. Estes resultados podem ser considerados como contributos para propostas de concepção curricular que abordem aspectos didáticos, metodológicos e humanos.

Incorporating reading strategies for EFL undergraduate learners in Saudi Arabia: A think-aloud study.

BACKGROUND: In language learning, reading is a skill that enables interaction with a text in whatever field of knowledge the learner is pursuing. Readers tend to use strategies such as comprehension, interpretation and conception of decoding written language and texts to enhance their reading capacity. This research explores the reading strategies applied by Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners and compares the reading abilities of male and female EFL students. METHODS: The study interviewed three EFL students about the reading strategies they applied while reading passages and texts. Then an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reading test was handed over to 26 randomly selected students. RESULTS: The study found that the reading strategies used by the students interviewed involved skimming, scanning, guessing the meaning from context, identifying the mean idea, and summarizing the body of the text in question. Moreover, the study revealed that both male and female students scored low in the IELTS tests that the researchers conducted. The average mean score they reached was 7.15 out of 20. However, even in the low scoring ratio, female students (M=7.69) outperformed male students (M= 6.62) and the difference between them remained significant, P=.000. CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends that the language instructors help EFL learners in developing their reading strategies and applying them every time they read any text.

The perceptions of diagnostic radiography clinical tutors transitioning from being radiographers to clinical educators in public hospitals in the Ethekwini district.

INTRODUCTION: This small-scale, qualitative research study explored the perceptions of Diagnostic Radiography clinical tutors transitioning from being radiographers to clinical educators in public hospitals in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal. Clinical instructors are known for having practical knowledge of teaching, but few understand the basic principles, theories, and concepts of the teaching and learning process. METHOD: This exploratory qualitative study involved seven Diagnostic Radiography clinical tutors sampled purposively, from whom data were gathered using individual interviews. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to analyse the data. FINDINGS: The theoretical framework used in the study was derived from Schlossberg's Transition Theory which comprises four main elements namely, Situation, Social supports factor, Strategy, and Self-factor. The findings of the study indicated that most participants have had major challenges in the transition process, which have led to negative experiences and only a few had positive experiences. Participants postulated that clinical tutors and teaching institutes must create a forum for clinical tutors whereby they will engage with the university to discuss the issues and challenges of students during clinical training and assist each other with teaching skills. CONCLUSION: Clinical tutors who participated indicated that they faced challenges that affected their ability to supervise students, which affected their clinical learning progress. This, therefore, calls for an extensive intervention of both the learning institution, the hospital management, and other relevant stakeholders to best figure out how these challenges can be addressed. This will allow for a smooth transition and improve students' supervision and ability to learn at the clinical venues.