This chapter seeks to clarify the contextual factors and challenges inherent in quality assurance practices at two prominent national universities in Vietnam. It further provides recommendations to improve the effectiveness of quality assurance within these institutions. This chapter is organized into three primary sections. The initial part…

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education is a high priority in many countries, seen to enable future economic growth and competitiveness. An integrated STEM approach seeks to combine these disciplines to solve real-world problems. Teachers play a central role in this endeavour. This paper reports on a research project which…

Background: Comprehensive health education in schools can effectively prevent drug use and related outcomes, but successful implementation remains challenging. Contextual determinants, including intervention-setting compatibility, focus on the intervention, available resources, and leadership support, influence implementation success. This study…

According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), an substance use disorder (SUD) involves patterns of symptoms caused by using a substance that an individual continues taking despite its negative effects. Though there are 11 specific DSM-5 criteria for an SUD, they…

Previous research indicates that learners appear to connect with nature and have heightened environmental perceptions after participating in environmental education programs (EEPs). Positive changes in attitudes toward nature are important because they can precede environmentally responsible behaviors, such as individuals' leadership on…

Beyond correlational studies exploring the benefits of nature exposure, there have been studies assessing interventions that aim to improve nature connection in children and adolescents. A feeling of connection with nature or 'nature connectedness' describes our attitude towards nature, primarily reflecting the emotional, cognitive, and…

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness, from a system's perspective, of offering group counseling options in college counseling centers. Methods: We achieve this through a data-driven simulation-based approach with the aim of providing administrators with a quantitative tool that informs their decision-making process. Results: Our simulation…

Since 2016, Park School in Denmark has consistently used Japanese lesson study as an approach to the professional development of its mathematics teachers. The school has moved beyond the initial adaptation of lesson study, and no longer includes external support. In this article, I investigate how three groups of teachers participated in the…

The role of school principal, often deemed crucial for school success, is under strain due to high stress levels, isolation, and demanding responsibilities, especially in high-poverty districts, leading to a significant turnover rate. This study employed a mixed methods approach, involving an electronic questionnaire completed by 156 principals,…

For young people, schools are platforms for learning and strengthening competencies about nature preservation; despite being faced with the same learning opportunities, learning outcomes are very heterogeneous. We were interested in environmental knowledge gains and retention after participation in a student-centred learning programme, and in…

This study examines the relationship between Japanese children's inquiry skills and their participation in various after-school programs. Inquiry skills--encompassing the ability to explore, analyze, and synthesize information--are essential competencies in 21st-century education. However, limited research has explored how different types of…

This research aimed to determine preschool teachers' views, the current situation, and schools regarding STEM education. A case study, which is a qualitative research approach, was used for this research. The study group was determined by the purposeful sampling method. The research study group comprises 10 preschool teachers with STEM education…

The integration of guided inquiry, outdoor learning, and diverse school environments is essential for enhancing students' Science Process Skills (SPS), particularly in biodiversity topics. This study aims to improve students' SPS through the implementation of Environment-Based Guided Inquiry in Outdoor Learning on biodiversity. The research was…

Humans use stories to explain natural processes, to explore alternatives, to resolve issues, and to imagine different possibilities and futures. Stories are a fundamental way people connect to their natural surroundings. But are some stories better for this than others? This study uses an experimental design to explore the impact of three types of…

This dissertation explores the transformative evolution of online learning, focusing on its role in K-12 online education and the critical issue of student engagement. Tracing its origins from early correspondence courses to today's dynamic, technology-driven platforms, this research examines how online learning has revolutionized educational…