1. The role of teacher education in the science literacy developmentEva Klemenčič, Mateja Ploj Virtič, Janja Majer Kovačič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: One of the aims of education is to produce wise and responsible citizens who are aware of their impact on the environment and can address and solve daily life problems. From this point of view, science education leading to science literacy is helpful for all students, regardless of their future careers. In this paper, we first review the definitions of science literacy in the literature and present the strategies for its development. In Slovenia, we refer to the ongoing national project NA-MA POTI. Most of the strategies studied focus on primary and secondary schools. However, for the development of science literacy in primary and secondary education, teachers themselves must achieve a sufficient level of science literacy. The research was conducted with a small group of prospective teachers, focusing on three components of science literacy: asking research questions, making hypotheses, and designing an experiment. In addition, we analysed the curricula of the science didactics courses in the teacher education program. The findings show a great need for a systematic change in the curricula. Finally, proposals and ideas for improving the curricula for the didactics of science and the syllabus of the Subject teacher study program are presented. Keywords: science literacy, teacher education, didactics of science, didactics of technics & technology, curricula Published in DKUM: 02.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 0 Full text (369,52 KB) This document has many files! More... |
2. Innovative professional learning communities and sustainable education practices through digital transformationMaja Vičič Krabonja, Simona Kustec, Vesna Skrbinjek, Boris Aberšek, Andrej Flogie, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Education is the most important part of sustainable society development. Traditional
approaches to permanent lifelong educator training often fail to produce lasting changes in teaching
practices (UN, Goal 4). This paper examines how educator involvement in a professional learning
community (PLC) ensures equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities
for all and a sustainable digital transformation of the teaching and learning process. Participation in
PLC and the use of contemporary learning environments positively impact the quality of educators’
work, thereby enhancing the overall educational process. This study utilised a quantitative methodology, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. Results indicate
that a balanced integration of formal PLC structures and guidance, combined with elements of a
non-formal, broader PLC and external incentives and support (such as projects), can surpass mere
exchanges of best practices, foster innovation, and support the sustainable digital transformation
of educators. This approach leads to a sustainable shift in pedagogical paradigms. The PLC_IP
model (focused on including digital technologies and effective teaching strategies) enhances collective
educator efficacy, contributing to improved teaching quality. For PLCs to achieve sustainability, they
must be dynamic entities that adapt to the evolving educational landscape, ensuring their continued
relevance and impact with rising completion rates over time. Our findings underscore the importance
of innovative PLCs in driving sustainable educational development and improvement and provide a
framework for future research and practical applications in educational settings. In addition, PLCs
can strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable
development (UN, Goal 17). Keywords: professional learning communities, ESD, training, sustainable changes, sustainable education, education practices, schools Published in DKUM: 27.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 0 Full text (1,57 MB) This document has many files! More... |
3. Effects of a serious smartphone game on nursing students` theoretical knowledge and practical skills in adult basic life support : randomized wait list-controlled trialNino Fijačko, Ruth Masterson Creber, Špela Metličar, Matej Strnad, Robert Greif, Gregor Štiglic, Pavel Skok, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Retention of adult basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills after professional training declines over time.To combat this, the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association recommend shorter, more frequent BLS sessions. Emphasizing technology-enhanced learning, such as mobile learning, aims to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival and is becoming more integral in nursing education.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether playing a serious smartphone game called MOBICPR at home can improve and retain nursing students’ theoretical knowledge of and practical skills in adult BLS.
Methods: This study used a randomized wait list–controlled design. Nursing students were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a MOBICPR intervention group (MOBICPR-IG) or a wait-list control group (WL-CG), where the latter received the MOBICPR game 2 weeks after the MOBICPR-IG. The aim of the MOBICPR game is to engage participants in using smartphone
gestures (eg, tapping) and actions (eg, talking) to perform evidence-based adult BLS on a virtual patient with OHCA. The participants’ theoretical knowledge of adult BLS was assessed using a questionnaire, while their practical skills were evaluated on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters using a manikin and a checklist.
Results: In total, 43 nursing students participated in the study, 22 (51%) in MOBICPR-IG and 21 (49%) in WL-CG. There were differences between the MOBICPR-IG and the WL-CG in theoretical knowledge (P=.04) but not in practical skills (P=.45) after MOBICPR game playing at home. No difference was noted in the retention of participants’ theoretical knowledge and practical
skills of adult BLS after a 2-week break from playing the MOBICPR game (P=.13). Key observations included challenges in response checks with a face-down manikin and a general neglect of safety protocols when using an automated external defibrillator.
Conclusions: Playing the MOBICPR game at home has the greatest impact on improving the theoretical knowledge of adult BLS in nursing students but not their practical skills. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating diverse scenarios into adult BLS training. Keywords: serious smartphone game, adult basic life support, teaching, games, gaming, education, nurses, nursing, educational, mHealth, mobile health, applications, smartphones, randomized controlled trial, technology-enhanced learning, life support, knowledge retention, practical Published in DKUM: 27.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 0 Full text (778,28 KB) |
4. Assessing the incorporation of the `Five moments for hand hygiene` into nursing procedure textbooksAdrijana Svenšek, Dominika Muršec, Nino Fijačko, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Aim
Our aim was to conduct a thorough comparison between the hand hygiene information included in international nursing textbooks and the Slovenian nursing textbook's equivalent content as it relates to nursing procedures.
Background
Hand hygiene practices are crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections, which affect millions of patients annually. The idea behind "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" is to encourage assessing success and boosting self-efficacy.
Design
Comparison of hand hygiene content in international nursing textbooks with the content in a Slovenian nursing textbook.
Methods
A study was conducted between March 2023 and March 2024 to compare hand hygiene content in international nursing textbooks. The study included textbooks from the USA and UK, as well as Slovenian (SI) textbooks. The final phase involved comparing hand hygiene performance practices against the WHO Five Moments for Hand Hygiene.
Results
The study reviewed 470 nursing procedures across three textbooks, identifying four common ones: female indwelling urinary catheterisation, small-bore feeding tube insertion, enema administration and subcutaneous injections. The USA textbook had the highest number of steps, while the UK textbook had the lowest. Clean protective gloves are not recommended for all nursing procedures, only for small-bore feeding tube insertion and enema administration. The US textbook omitted 12 steps for the female indwelling urinary catheter procedure, while the UK textbook included 10 steps. The SI textbook omitted 8 steps.
Conclusions
Hand hygiene is crucial for healthcare infections prevention and control. The study found differences in the frequency of hand hygiene in these nursing procedures. WHO's Five Moments for Hand Hygiene guidelines are not universally accepted, with inadequate hygiene often observed before patient contact. Future research should review foreign textbooks and update existing ones. Keywords: WHO, hand hygiene, nursing education, nursing procedures Published in DKUM: 26.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 1 Full text (808,68 KB) |
5. Mobile applications for learning hand hygiene : a comparative analysisDominika Muršec, Adrijana Svenšek, Lucija Gosak, Sonja Šostar-Turk, Urška Rozman, Gregor Štiglic, Mateja Lorber, 2024, review article Abstract: Infection control is crucial for high-quality patient care. One of the most effective and commonly used infection control procedures is hand hygiene which, it is known, requires repeated refresher training. There are many ways to educate healthcare professionals about hand hygiene, including the use of mobile applications (apps). Our aim is to review such hand hygiene apps, and to identify which have been available since 2021 and to assess their quality. We conducted a review using the PRISMA diagram to document our app selection process in the Google Play Store and Apple store in March 2024. For the evaluation of apps, we used the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale questionnaire (uMARS). Of 16 apps only five adhere to WHO hand hygiene guidelines. Timers were included in 12 of the 16 apps and reminders were included in 10 of 16 apps. The highest overall uMARS scoring app was Give Me 5–Hand Hygiene (4.31 ± 0.28), while Wash your hands! (1.17 ± 0.14) had the lowest score. We found that more than half of the apps were unavailable from the 2021 review. We believe that app-based education could effectively sustain hand hygiene knowledge in healthcare settings. Keywords: hand hygiene, innovative education, WHO Published in DKUM: 25.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 2 Link to file |
6. Supply chain and logistics planningMatevž Obrecht, Tea Vizinger, Michał Adamczak, Piotr Cyplik, Dejan Dragan, Bojan Rosi, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, Vasja Omahne, Bojan Rupnik, reviewed university, higher education or higher vocational education textbook Keywords: supply chains, planning, sustainable development, logistics, higher education textbooks Published in DKUM: 21.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 1 Full text (6,06 MB) |
7. Differences in understanding the importance of factors influencing collaboration in supply chains in view of educational background and work experiencesSonja Mlaker Kač, Irena Gorenak, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: In the article we theoretically discuss collaboration in inter-organizational relationships and present research results. Our basis is social exchange theory and relationship commitment-trust theory. We point out the importance of the antecedents of collaborative behavior between partners in supply chains. We present the results of our research. The research was made in 2013, in the primary, secondary and tertiary sector of Slovene economy. We included companies of all sizes, both local and foreign ones with a presence in Slovenia. The results show the differences in understanding the importance of collaboration in supply chains and factors that influence collaborative behavior in view of education and work experience of employees working in supply chains. Keywords: collaborative behavior, partners, supply chains, education, work experience, logistics Published in DKUM: 20.11.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 2 Full text (369,72 KB) This document has many files! More... |
8. Clinical reasoning needs to be explicitly addressed in health professions curricula : recommendations from a European consortiumIoannis Parodis, Lina Andersson, Steven J. Durning, Inga Hege, Jure Knez, Andrzej Kononowicz, Marie Lidskog, Tadej Petreski, Magdalena Szopa, Samuel Edelbring, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Clinical reasoning entails the application of knowledge and skills to collect and integrate information, typically with the goal of arriving at a diagnosis and management plan based on the patient’s unique circumstances and preferences. Evidence-informed, structured, and explicit teaching and assessment of clinical reasoning in educational programs of medical and other health professions remain unmet needs. We herein summarize recommendations for clinical reasoning learning objectives (LOs), as derived from a consensus approach among European and US researchers and health professions educators. A four-step consensus approach was followed: (1) identification of a convenience sample of the most relevant and applied national LO catalogues for health professions educational programs (N = 9) from European and US countries, (2) extraction of LOs related to clinical reasoning and translation into English, (3) mapping of LOs into predefined categories developed within the Erasmus+ Developing, implementing, and disseminating an adaptive clinical reasoning curriculum for healthcare students and educators (DID-ACT) consortium, and (4) synthesis of analysis findings into recommendations for how LOs related to clinical reasoning could be presented and incorporated in LO catalogues, upon consensus. Three distinct recommendations were formulated: (1) make clinical reasoning explicit, (2) emphasize interprofessional and collaboration aspects of clinical reasoning, and (3) include aspects of teaching and assessment of clinical reasoning. In addition, the consortium understood that implementation of bilingual catalogues with English as a common language might contribute to lower heterogeneity regarding amount, structure, and level of granularity of clinical reasoning LOs across countries. These recommendations will hopefully motivate and guide initiatives towards the implementation of LOs related to clinical reasoning in existing and future LO catalogues. Keywords: clinical reasoning, curriculum development, curriculum mapping, health professions education, medical education Published in DKUM: 08.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 1 Full text (323,61 KB) This document has many files! More... |
9. Impact of social networks on the labor market inequalities and school-to-work transitionsMahmut Özer, Matjaž Perc, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Countries invest in education systems in order to increase the quality of their human capital. In this context, it is seen that especially after the expansion of the higher education systems, countries try to increase higher education graduation rates in order to improve the quality of human resources in the labor market. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to facilitate the transitions from school-to-work, and to increase social welfare by meeting the human resources needs of the labor market. The facilitation of school-to-work transitions has a direct impact on youth unemployment. School-to-work transitions are influenced not only by the quality of education from primary to higher education but also by the dynamics of the labor market. Social network analysis can provide important insights into this dynamics, and in doing so reveal that there are indeed many factors that play a key role in determining who gets a job and why, including, first and foremost, social contacts. An analysis of job search channels reveals that partners, friends, and relatives are those social contacts that are most decisive for employment outcomes. Research reveals that employers use social-contact-based reference channels much more frequently than formal channels for recruitment. Thus, employers frequently use such reference channels in recruitment. It has also been shown that the use of social-contact channels reduces employers' costs of finding suitable employees and increases productivity since employees hired through these channels also stay longer in their firms. We here explore the full potential of social network analysis to better our understanding of school-to-work transitions, to reveal in no uncertain terms the importance of social contacts, and to show how these insights can be leveraged to level the labor market for all involved. An important take-home message is that the labor market dynamics is strongly affected by the Matthew effect, such that the inequalities and the gaps between opportunities only grow and widen as the underlying social networks evolve. It is therefore important to mitigate these effects well before school-to-work transitions come into play, namely during the education. In particular, we assert that minimizing the inequalities during education should effectively mitigate the uneven impact of social networks on school-to-work transitions. Keywords: employment, higher education, inequality, labor market, Matthew effect, social network Published in DKUM: 04.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 7 Full text (272,06 KB) This document has many files! More... |
10. Teachers’ perception of environmental crisis in selected Slovenian regionsAndreja Kozmus, Mateja Pšunder, 2024, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: Attention to the environmental agenda in Slovenia is growing in line with perceived environmental changes and is also being translated into school practice. Teachers are particularly important in educating about and raising awareness of the environmental crisis among young people. Within the framework of the ZELEN.KOM project, among other activities and with multiple respondents, we have identified 204 sets of perceptions of the environmental crisis among teachers, including their concerns about it, and the extent to which they are willing to be educated about it. We were interested in the differences between teachers according to individual variables (gender, age, place of residence and level of education). We found that teachers recognise and are very concerned about environmental issues in Slovenia; overall, there are no significant differences in their responses to the individual variables. In future it would be worthwhile to explore the transition from teachers’ declared views on the environmental crisis to their active, sustainable action. Keywords: education, environmental crisis, sustainability, teachers' perceptions, teachers' education Published in DKUM: 02.10.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 2 Full text (451,80 KB) This document has many files! More... |