Influence of Institutional Inclusive Policy on Curriculum Adaptation and Participation of Students With Disabilities on Academic Activities in Public Universities in Kenya

Globally, it is estimated that close to 140 million learners are out of school and among them are those with disabilities as a result of physical, mental and sensory impairments. Out of that number, it is further estimated that 70% of learners with disabilities can attend and benefit from regular education programs as long as effective institutional changes that are guided by sound inclusive policies are done. So, this study examined institutional inclusive policies on curriculum adaptation, and how the policies affect the way Students with Disabilities participate academically. The study was guided by the social model theory of disability. A descriptive research design and a comparative approach were used to scientifically compare curriculum adaptation in Kenyatta and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Universities which were purposively chosen as the sample owing to their longer establishment. Lecturers teaching and Students with Disabilities enrolled in different programs were targeted. The two registrar academics in charge of admission and the two coordinators of the disability offices from both universities were purposively selected. Data collection instruments were interviews, questionnaires, observation guide, focus group discussions and document analysis. The findings showed that the appropriate adaptation of the University curriculum has not been fully made to respond to the diverse academic needs of all learners with various disabilities.

Curriculum Adaptation for Blended Learning in Resource-Scarce Contexts

Drawing on three action research case studies involving several African universities, this article critically explores how academics converted their previously pure classroom-based courses for delivery through blended learning. The case studies reflect resource-scarce contexts where limited access to digital technology and the internet poses unique challenges to universities seeking to scale-up management education to the geographically distant and culturally diverse student population. Results from analyzing the case studies, through the concept of curriculum adaptation, were drawn upon to develop a theoretical framework for use by academics planning to transition from face-to-face to blended learning environments. The article uncovers the difficulties of, and opportunities for, creating learning communities that enable classroom-based, face-to-face teaching to be blended with online learning in ways that foster locally relevant, purposive interactions among academics and students, while scaling-up access to management education. The article concludes with a discussion of opportunities for management educators to introduce online learning in their existing classroom-based management courses.

Development and Implementation of Curriculum Adaptation During The Covid-19 Pandemic

<p class="06IsiAbstrak">The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has penetrated all people globally, including the Indonesian people who feel that the teaching and learning culture must follow health protocols. Still, the learning process must continue even though it is limited. This study aims to determine curriculum adaptation during the Covid-19 pandemic, teacher strategies, and its impact on MI Salafiyah Tajungsari and SDN Sitiluhur 02. This type of research used qualitative field studies with data sources for school principals, curriculum development teams, and teachers. Methods of data collection using observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, concluding, and verification. The technique of testing the validity of the data used triangulation of sources and methods. The research findings showed that MI Salafiyah Tajungsari uses an emergency curriculum with essential materials, while SDN Sitiluhur 02 uses a curriculum that simplifies critical competencies. The learning strategies used by teachers include online and offline. The difference lies offline. Offline at MI Salafiyah Tajungsari held limited face-to-face meetings, while offline at SDN Sitiluhur 02, students carried out the tasks assigned by the teacher and submitted their work to school. The impact of the adaptation curriculum has made the competency target of the school not maximally achieved.</p>

Using Production-Oriented Approach in Business English Courses: Perceptions of China’s English-Major and Non-English-Major Undergraduates

In light of pedagogical innovation, this study reports a two-stage survey with 172 participants from English-major and non-English-major programs on their needs of production-oriented approach and perceptions of effective implementation strategies in business English courses at a Chinese university. The results of the study suggest that while the two student groups used different learning methods, both valued communication with native speakers. While the two groups had different needs in business English reading, writing, and speaking activities, they also preferred listening to business news broadcasts. The two groups liked learning in case studies and case-based methodology. Based on the needs, a production-oriented teaching procedure is designed. For teaching activities, the students preferred simulation and role-play. As to their favorite teaching and learning materials, English-majors mentioned English news reading and videos, whereas non-English-majors liked theme-based reading materials. For curriculum adaptation and post-course practice, they suggested using communicative activities and more recent cases. The majority of the groups considered the teaching activities, materials, and activities as effective. Based on the different needs and perceptions, effective and tailored implementation strategies for a production-oriented approach in business English courses for the two student groups at this Chinese university context are suggested. Informed by production-oriented pedagogical theories, the results of the study may have significant implications for business English teaching reform and theoretical development in Chinese universities as well as other cultural and education settings in further innovating and refining the teaching and learning process.

Adapting Nephrology Training Curriculum in the Era of COVID-19

Purpose of review: The COVID-19 pandemic has widespread implications not only for clinical practice but also for academic medicine and postgraduate training. The need to promote physical distancing and flexibility within our department has generated important revisions to the core curriculum for the Adult Nephrology Training Program in Vancouver, Canada. Sources of information: We reviewed available educational resources and objectives to develop curricular adaptations informed by staff and trainee feedback. Methods: Many facets of the program including clinical rotations, scholarly activities, evaluation, and wellness have been impacted, and thus revised for online delivery where possible. Trainees have personalized a learning plan based on individual goals and supplemented by a list of internet-based resources for independent review. Changes in learning objectives and methods for specific rotations have occurred and are described. Ongoing evaluation will be undertaken. Key findings: Curriculum adaptation in the era of COVID-19 is necessary to ensure ongoing high-quality education for future nephrologists. We describe existing changes to formal training in British Columbia (BC), which will be tailored as the pandemic evolves, and anticipate them to have lasting impact on the way we structure training programs in the future. Standardization and harmonization of modified curriculum may be possible across Canada with sharing of these learnings. Limitations: Formal evaluation of these changes in terms of knowledge acquisition and examination performance has not yet been undertaken. Next steps will include assessing and documenting the impact of this curricular transformation to further optimize scheduling, educational yield, and trainee wellness.

Inclusive Practices and Their Effects on Learners’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools within Buea Municipality

Persons with disabilities face diverse challenges in educational institutions which greatly affect their access and full participation in academic programmes. The purpose of this study therefore is to find out the Effects of Inclusive Practices on the Academic Performance of Learners with disabilities in public primary schools within Buea municipality. This study was guided by three objectives. To investigate the extent to which teachers’ acceptance of persons with disabilities has been implemented in public primary schools; To find out how far curriculum adaptation for persons with disabilities has affected learners’ academic performance; and To assess the effects of environmental adaptation on the academic performance of learners’ with disabilities in public primary schools within Buea municipality. A survey research design was used to gather data from two public primary schools. The sampled population of the study included 20 teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select the two public primary schools that admit persons with various special educational needs. The research instrument used for collecting data was the questionnaire. This questionnaire was structured under a yes/no format. Collected data was analyzed using mean standard deviation and findings obtained indicated that teachers’ acceptance, curriculum and environmental adaptations have greatly affected the academic performance of learners with disabilities. Thus, this study recommends, there should be action plans to guide and direct the implementation of inclusive educational practices to the entire primary school settings and/or systems. Primary institutions should be constructed with ramps, large classroom space, wash rooms and toilets to ease movements and maneuvering of persons with disabilities. This finding also will help policy makers and educational authorities make better decisions as concerns primary educational pedagogy. With all these archived, it further will enable learners with disabilities to be confident in themselves, learn freely like their peers and many persons with disabilities will be enrolled in public primary schools.

Avoiding Fumbles: Online Patient Handoff Training

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid curriculum adaptation to online delivery. Given the importance of accurate clinical patient handoffs, we adapted simulation-based medical student training in clinical patient handoffs. We scored the accuracy of the information students presented. We also elicited student feedback to determine their perceptions of the event and their evaluations of the effectiveness of the training. Methods: Twenty-six third-year medical students participated online via Zoom. Students participated in groups of three or four students. They sequentially encountered a standardized patient. Clinical information and physical exam findings were handed off from student to student until the encounter was complete. The student group then debriefed with faculty. Students were evaluated based on the proportion of clinical information handed off to the following student. Students also evaluated the training session. Results: The first student handoff included 73.4% of the available information. In subsequent handoffs, the percentage fell to 43%. All students said they felt the training was helpful in practicing patient handoffs and interactions with colleagues. Negative student comments focused on perceived deficiencies in session planning and standardized patient training. Conclusions: This rapidly developed simulation session demonstrated that clinical training in patient handoffs can be adapted to an online environment. In order to ensure success, faculty should carefully consider logistical adjustments required to transition from a patient contact setting to an online environment. Meticulous preparation and attention to detail will ensure that training is successful.