scholarly journals Virtual exchange: from students’ expectations to perceived outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 139-155
Author(s):  
Elke Nissen ◽  
Catherine Felce ◽  
Catherine Muller
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Learning Potential ◽  
Language Practice ◽  
Communicative Skills ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Transferable Skills ◽  
Perceived Outcomes ◽  
Specific Learning

What do students expect before starting a Virtual Exchange (VE) with peers? Are their initial expectations mirrored in the final outcomes they perceive after the VE experience? Or, else, do students acknowledge benefits and acquired skills which they did not expect at first? This study draws on qualitative and quantitative data collected across a variety of VE settings within the Erasmus+ EVOLVE project (16 VEs and 248 students in total). In a mixed-methods approach, it confronts students’ expectations and perceived outcomes in order to outline the learning potential of VE, beyond the specific learning objectives set in the different Higher Educational (HE) courses in which a VE was implemented. It brings to light that the overlap between students’ expectations and the benefits they see is only partial. The declared outcomes deviate more from the course learning objectives than the initial expectations do, and they are, unsurprisingly, more nuanced and manifold. Expectations of intercultural and language practice and skills development are more often aligned with outcomes voiced by students than is the case for digital and disciplinary skills. What stands out is a great occurrence of transferable skills in the outcomes, including collaborative, relational, and communicative skills that are not always promoted in the course objectives.

scholarly journals Health and Wellbeing Needs and Priorities in Mining Host Communities in South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Approach For Identifying Key SDG3 Targets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Health and wellbeing needs and priorities in mining host communities in South Africa: a mixed-methods approach for identifying key SDG3 targets

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J. Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

Working With Business: Counselor Expectations, Actions, and Challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele C. McDonnall
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Rehabilitation Counseling ◽  
Master's Programs ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Workforce Innovation ◽  
Almost All

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to (a) explore state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency expectations for counselor engagement with business, (b) determine what VR counselors are actually doing in terms of interacting with businesses, and © identify challenges VR counselors experience to working with business.Method:A mixed-methods approach, including both quantitative data from surveys and qualitative data from interviews, was used. Surveys were conducted with 47 VR agency administrators and 121 counselors, and interviews were conducted with 6 administrators and 19 counselors.Results:Almost all VR agencies had a clear expectation that counselors will engage with business, but the specific expectations varied by agency. Counselors spend approximately 20% of their time interacting with businesses, and most counselors reported providing one or more service to businesses on a regular basis. Challenges experienced by counselors were lack of time, lack of comfort, and lack of preparation to engage with business.Conclusion:Given the current expectations for business engagement and the increased importance of business engagement with the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (2015), it is vital that rehabilitation counseling master’s programs increase their focus on working with business.

scholarly journals Speech-language therapists supporting foundation phase teachers with literacy and numeracy in a rural and township context

2010 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Wium ◽  
Brenda Louw ◽  
Irma Eloff
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Selection Procedures ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Support Programme

Language is required for learning, but teachers often find it difficult to facilitate listening and language skills while they have to adapt to a new national curriculum with an outcomes-based approach for which they have not necessarily been adequately trained. A multi-faceted support programme was developed for foundation phase teachers to facilitate listening and language for literacy, with a particular focus on the language required for numeracy. The aim of the research was to determine the value of this particular support programme for foundation phase teachers in a semi-rural and township context. A mixed methods approach with a concurrent, equal status triangulation design was used, where qualitative data were transformed to quantitative data in order to be compared in a matrix. The results show that the participants benefited to varying degrees from the programme. The combination of workshops, practical and mentoring components proved to be an effective means of support. The results indicate a need for pre-training selection procedures as more effective support can be provided to homogeneous groups.

Stages of food security: A co-produced mixed-methods methodology

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Logan Cochrane
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Pilot Implementation ◽  
Insight Into

This article presents the stages of food security methodology, an adaptation of stages of progress developed by Dr. Krishna. Studies of food security are primarily survey based, applying a common set of generalist indicators across a range of agroecological areas and for a diverse array of people; these findings have provided a wealth of information and insight into the trends, challenges and the extent of food security on national, regional and global scales. Ethnographic and qualitative approaches have provided detailed, contextualized findings about the interrelated and complex nature of food security at the micro level. This co-produced, mixed methods approach brings together participatory qualitative approaches and co-produces quantitative data collection tools, which provide generalizable data geared towards supporting the development or refinement of policies and programmes to strengthen food security. Based upon a pilot implementation of the methodology in Ethiopia, advantages and limitations are discussed, as well as reflections on why co-production as a participatory approach was adopted, in contrast to other participatory processes. The findings demonstrate the ways in which co-produced approaches can offer unique insight, complementing and enhancing existing knowledge about complex challenges.

scholarly journals Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

2013 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 464-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Asher ◽  
Lynda M. Duke ◽  
Suzanne Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Search System ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Discovery Service ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Search Effectiveness

In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on students’ usage of these tools. Regardless of the search system, students exhibited a marked inability to effectively evaluate sources and a heavy reliance on default search settings. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

scholarly journals Perception of Nurses on the Establishment, and their Willingness to Work in Assisted Living Facilities in Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Aboh Irene Korkoi
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Assisted Living Facilities ◽  
Data Sampling ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach

Aim: This study explored the perception of Ghanaian nurses on the establishment and their willingness to work in assisted living facilities. Methods The study used a mixed-methods approach in which qualitative data was collected first before the quantitative data. Data was collected through Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires from 248 respondents with age ranging from 20 to 58 years from October 2016 to January 2017 with 8 missing from the quantitative data. Four pertinent questions were asked in both set of data. Sampling was convenient and purposive from 4 different health facilities in the metropolis. Data from the FGDs were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Quantitative data was entered in SPSS version 23 and cleaned. Both sets of data were coded and analyzed. Results The nurses appreciated the increase in the number of the aged in their communities; they think community members prepare towards their ageing by using their children as security, and the idea of assisted living was enthusiastically supported by 66% of the population, but with the proviso that it would need to be ran by a private entrepreneur, then they would be willing to work in such a facility. Discussion: The nurses also think that families are now becoming more nuclear; that is why caring for the aged has become a problem, thus creating a need for assisted living facilities.

scholarly journals Personalising psychotherapies for depression using a novel mixed methods approach: an example from Morita therapy

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Victoria Rose Sugg ◽  
Julia Frost ◽  
David A. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Sampled Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Morita Therapy

Abstract Background Current quantitative methods for personalising psychotherapies for depression are unlikely to be able to inform clinical decision-making for hundreds of years. Novel alternative methods to generate hypotheses for prospective testing are therefore required, and we showcase mixed methods as one such approach. By exploring patients’ perspectives in depth, and integrating qualitative and quantitative data at the level of the individual, we may identify new potential psychosocial predictors of psychotherapy outcomes, potentially informing the personalisation of depression treatment in a shorter timeframe. Using Morita therapy (a Japanese psychotherapy) as an exemplar, we thus explored how Morita therapy recipients’ views on treatment acceptability explain their adherence and response to treatment. Methods The Morita trial incorporated a pilot randomised controlled trial of Morita therapy versus treatment as usual for depression, and post-treatment qualitative interviews. We recruited trial participants from general practice record searches in Devon, UK, and purposively sampled data from 16 participants for our mixed methods analysis. We developed typologies of participants’ views from our qualitative themes, and integrated these with quantitative data on number of sessions attended and whether participants responded to treatment in a joint typologies and statistics display. We enriched our analysis using participant vignettes to demonstrate each typology. Results We demonstrated that (1) participants who could identify with the principles of Morita therapy typically responded to treatment, regardless of how many sessions they attended, whilst those whose orientation towards treatment was incompatible with Morita therapy did not respond to treatment, again regardless of treatment adherence and (2) participants whose personal circumstances impeded their opportunity to engage in Morita therapy attended the fewest sessions, though still benefitted from treatment if the principles resonated with them. Conclusions We identified new potential relationships between “orientation” and outcomes, and “opportunity” and adherence, which could not have been identified using existing non-integrative methods. This mixed methods approach warrants replication in future trials and with other psychotherapies to generate hypotheses, based on typologies (or profiles) of patients for whom a treatment is more or less likely to be suitable, to be tested in prospective trials. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN17544090. Registered on 23 July 2015.

scholarly journals School-based supervision enhances the professional development of teachers

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Victor C Ngwenya
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Developmental Aspect ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
School Based ◽  
Eclectic Approach ◽  
Professional Development Of Teachers

The issue addressed in the study reported on here was the establishment of a clinical school-based model of supervision which was pragmatic and developmental-oriented for the professional development of teachers, a concept currently advocated by the supervisory corps. Since a mixed methods approach was used in the study, a closed-ended 3-point Likert-type questionnaire (1 to 31) was used to collect quantitative data with one question (32), gathering qualitative from 102 respondents who were purposively and systematically selected. The developmental aspect embedded in the school-based supervisory model demands that the process is constant and continuous, ruling out traditional supervisory models which demanded more control, compliance, predictability and accountability. Consequently, this would render the traditional inspectorate teams redundant. Supervisors armed with various models of supervision would be compelled to adopt an eclectic approach to supervision contingent to the situation.

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