scholarly journals “Broadening horizons” optional modules in the Nottingham MPharm degree

Author(s):  
Sue Chan

In Year 3 of the MPharm degree at the University of Nottingham, many of the students undertake 20-credits of “broadening horizons” optional modules, chosen from a wide and diverse range from across the university. This study presents student views regarding their module choices and on their performances with such diverse module choices of varied levels. Follow-up surveys and focus group discussions with alumni will determine the contribution of this breadth to a student’s education, in providing them with a different perspective on life, to their chosen profession and future career paths.Keywords: Electives, optional modules, MPharm, pharmacy

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Klomsri ◽  
Matti Tedre

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly used in Tanzanian education. Knowing how to operate ICT alone is incomplete without knowing how to use it as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem-solving. In recognition of this challenge, information literacy (IL) has been identified as a key attribute to students as they progress through their learning paths. Based on a mixed methods strategy, using questionnaires and focus group discussions, this study measured the level of IL skills among University of Dar es Salaam’s (UDSM) postgraduate students, to gain insights into the students’ perceptions and experiences with information problems. A total of 102 students from four institutions answered the online questionnaire and 22 students participated in six focus group discussions. The questionnaire scores of the students were poor in the majority of IL categories, suggesting ineffectiveness of the current IL training in imparting IL knowledge and skills. The study ends by discussing recommendations to improve current IL practices at the university.


Author(s):  
Eda Üstünel ◽  
Kenan Dikilitaş

This chapter explores educational training-based partnerships between universities in relation to in-service teacher education practices to enhance the quality of the professional development activities currently in practice. With this in mind, the nature and content of the collaboration between different universities located in Turkey are depicted through the analysis of triangulated data sets from written reports, focus group discussions, and the Likert scale questionnaire in order to elaborate on the impact of exchange of information and visitations on the trainers' professional development. The chapter accomplishes the self-reported impact of university-university collaboration on the participating trainers as well as one-day T-PLUS (Trainers' Professional Learning and Unlimited Sharing) meeting during which the trainers exchange ideas about teacher training and professional development tools and procedures in focus group discussions. The results indicate positive stance towards such a collaboration model that emerged as a result of the written reports and the Likert scale questionnaire.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60
Author(s):  
Mohd. Ali Muhamad Don ◽  
Muhamad Rahimi Osman

In Malaysia, waqf management including those in universities, is under the authority of the State Islamic Religious Council as a sole trustee waqf. This is to protect the waqf assets from any interventions by the heirs. Even so, one Malaysian university is said to manage the waqf scheme without the supervision of the Islamic Council which contradict with the provision of the State of Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) as the sole trustee of waqf. Thus, this study explores the management of waqf by several universities in Selangor and relation to SIRC as the sole trustee of waqf. A qualitative research approach was employed to collect data from focus group discussions and interviews with selected participants from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Selangor IRC), selected universities and waqf experts in Malaysia. The findings show that University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Putra Malaysia waqf funds are managed under the Selangor IRC monitoring while University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia endowment or waqf fund is managed privately by the university. The impact of this is that several waqf management issues arose. Hence, the authors recommend the Model theory of al-wilayah to be applied in the management of waqf in the universities. Through this model, SIRC and the university can play a more significant role in the management of waqf, thereby promoting the development of waqf in Malaysia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Regien Biesma ◽  
Mary-Claire Kennedy ◽  
Teresa Pawlikowska ◽  
Ruairi Brugha ◽  
Ronan Conroy ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Medical schools increasingly incorporate teamwork in their curricula but medical students often have a negative perception of team projects, in particular when there is unequal participation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a novel peer evaluation system improves teamwork contributions and reduces the risk of students “free loading”. Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) with qualitative follow up enrolled 37 teams (n = 223 students). Participating teams were randomised to intervention group (19 teams) or control group (18 teams). The validated Comprehensive Assessment Team Member Effectiveness (CATME) tool was used as the outcome measure, and was completed at baseline (week 2) and at the end of the project (week 10). The team contribution subscale was the primary outcome, with other subscales as secondary outcomes. Six focus group discussions were held with students to capture the team’s experiences and perceptions of peer assessment and its effects on team work. Results The results of the RCT showed that there was no difference in team contribution, and other forms of team effectiveness, between intervention and control teams. The focus group discussions highlighted students’ negative attitudes, and lack of implementation of this transparent, points-based peer assessment system, out of fear of future consequences for relationships with peers. The need to assess peers in a transparent way to stimulate open discussion was perceived as threatening by participants. Teams suggested that other peer assessment systems could work such as rewarding additional or floating marks to high performing team members. Conclusions Other models of peer assessment need to be developed and tested that are non-threatening and that facilitate early acceptance of this mode of assessment.


Author(s):  
Eda Üstünel ◽  
Kenan Dikilitaş

This chapter explores educational training-based partnerships between universities in relation to in-service teacher education practices to enhance the quality of the professional development activities currently in practice. With this in mind, the nature and content of the collaboration between different universities located in Turkey are depicted through the analysis of triangulated data sets from written reports, focus group discussions, and the Likert scale questionnaire in order to elaborate on the impact of exchange of information and visitations on the trainers' professional development. The chapter accomplishes the self-reported impact of university-university collaboration on the participating trainers as well as one-day T-PLUS (Trainers' Professional Learning and Unlimited Sharing) meeting during which the trainers exchange ideas about teacher training and professional development tools and procedures in focus group discussions. The results indicate positive stance towards such a collaboration model that emerged as a result of the written reports and the Likert scale questionnaire.


2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (02) ◽  
pp. 288-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. B. Masvaure ◽  
L. Gavin ◽  
P. E. Terry

Summary Objective: This qualitative study was designed to assess program needs and evaluate and improve HIV/AIDS prevention efforts at the University of Zimbabwe. Methods: We conducted eight focus group discussions with 70 students and conducted key informant interviews with formal and informal opinion leaders. Four mixed-sex focus group discussions, two all-female, and two all-male sessions were held. Results: We found a pervasive sense of despondency and powerlessness among students. Consistent across focus groups, but particularly within the women’s groups, respondents revealed that financial and accommodation needs and peer pressure were causing many male and female students to engage in prostitution. Focus group discussions also revealed condom use with regular partners is low and that students dating partners who are employed find it hard to insist on condom use in the relationship. Conclusions: Participants stated programs had positively influenced their reduction in the number of sexual partners and intentions to get tested for HIV.


Open Praxis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony John Mays

The study derives from a multi-year project implemented by OER Africa. The project sought to understand how OER might be used as a catalyst for pedagogical transformation in African universities. Within a non-determinist and interpretivist theoretical framework and an over-arching project methodology of participatory action research, the study made use of an analytical autoethnographic approach to capture and analyse data and to make recommendations. The approach was informed primarily by hermeneutics and systems thinking and involved multiple in-country engagements and the triangulation of information derived from document review, observation and iterative focus group discussions and individual interviews. The key finding of this study is the suggestion that engagement with OER is unlikely to move from being an individual to an institutional focus unless such engagement is aligned with the overall vision, mission and business model of the university.


10.17158/496 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma V. Sagarino ◽  
Villalyn B. Baucan ◽  
Rebecca P. Habla

<p>Artwork as a medium of expression reveals themes such as politics, culture, practices, beliefs, environment and many more. The value of artwork may lie on the appreciation given by the viewers. Thus, this study justified whether the youth of today possessed the ability to recognize and understand the messages conveyed through an artwork. Six paintings of two artists from Davao City, Philippines were explored and unveiled. The paintings were shown to 20 purposively chosen students from the University of the Immaculate Conception, Davao City. After the viewing, two separate Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted. The two artists were also interviewed as to the themes and messages they have embodied through their paintings. The common theme conveyed by Engr. Mendros is anchored on Biblical verses. It is understood that his viewers were able to interpret the messages– “The Creation” and Jesus Walking on Top of the Water” because the study participants were composed of Philosophy students who were ex-seminarians. They were able to relate to most of the symbols reflected in the paintings. Mr. Espinosa had revealed Filipino culture and some political issues and many of his viewers were able to express the messages as they were able to relate with them as well.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Keywords:</strong>Education, artwork, Dabawenyo artists, paintings, Davao City, Philippines</p><div> </div>


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Bech ◽  
Jens Jørgen Lykkegaard ◽  
Tine Lundbak ◽  
Heidi Morsø Schrøder ◽  
Line Mette Birkeland ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Ramdani Ramadani

<p><em>This article discusses the Management of incoming and outgoing Dynamic Archives letters at the University of Indo Global Mandiri. In this article, we discuss the importance of competent human resources in the field of filing, namely those who are experts in filing. The data collection techniques we use are deeper approach interview techniques and focus group discussions. Management of dynamic records of incoming and outgoing mail is all forms of archiving that are temporary in nature because only the temporary need is different if it is important because it involves the law and legality of an institution. Regarding the dynamic processing of incoming mail and mailing out using the Manual is very good. But along with the changing times are increasingly advanced. Any manual work will be abandoned.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Keywords: Dynamic archives, management of incoming and outgoing mail, college archives.</em><em></em></p>


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