Digital Divide and Job Search Behaviour: An Empirical Study of Educated Urban Youth in Aizawl, Mizoram

This study explores the influence of digital access and skills on job search behaviour among educated youth in Aizawl, Mizoram. Using empirical data from 304 respondents, it examines the nature and frequency of job applications, utilization of online platforms like hnainpui.com, and preferred modes of application. Findings reveal that while nearly half of the respondents use online modes to apply for jobs, a significant proportion remains digitally excluded. Only 16.8% reported using the state-supported employment portal hnainpui.com. These patterns suggest a pressing need for digital literacy initiatives to improve employment outcomes and labour market efficiency in the region. This study investigates the influence of the digital divide on the job search behaviour of educated urban youth in Aizawl, Mizoram. In a rapidly digitizing world, digital access and literacy are crucial in determining employability and access to job opportunities. Using primary data collected from 304 graduates and postgraduates who completed their degrees within the last three years, the research explores their preferred modes of application, frequency of job applications, and use of the state-run job portal hnainpui.com. Findings reveal that while 49.3% of the respondents use online modes to apply for jobs, a substantial 43.4% still rely on offline applications. Only 16.8% had used hnainpui.com, highlighting low awareness and possibly usability challenges. Moreover, 52% had not applied for any jobs in the past six months, signalling a deeper issue of limited digital engagement and structural constraints. Key challenges identified include digital illiteracy, lack of awareness about online platforms, inadequate internet infrastructure, and a reliance on intermediaries. To address these gaps, the study recommends improving digital literacy through workshops, simplifying employment portal interfaces, and launching targeted awareness campaigns. A mobile-first approach, better portal integration with social media, and digital job fairs could further enhance engagement. Bridging this digital divide is essential to improving labour market participation and employment outcomes for Aizawl’s youth

Teacher Leadership and Collaboration in Leading Curriculum Innovation: A Case Study on Effective Practices

This case study investigates the role of teacher leadership and collaboration in facilitating curriculum innovation within the educational settings of Davao de Oro and Davao City. The research focuses on the effective practices that improve educational outcomes and how teacher collaboration and leadership drive curriculum reform. The study is guided by three key objectives: exploring teachers' lived experiences in implementing curriculum innovations, identifying coping mechanisms to overcome the challenges associated with curriculum changes, and uncovering insights and strategies that support curriculum reform. The study also seeks to address three central research questions regarding the challenges teachers face in implementing new curriculum practices, the strategies they use to cope with these challenges, and the lessons they have learned that can guide future curriculum innovations. Theoretical grounding for this study is provided by Transformational Leadership Theory, which emphasizes the role of leaders in creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. The theory underscores the importance of teacher leaders in driving educational change and promoting cooperative practices. This research employed a qualitative-case study  approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather data from six public master teachers  in the Department of Education, who were selected based on their extensive experience in teaching and leading curriculum initiatives. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data, allowing for an in-depth understanding of how teacher leadership and collaboration contribute to successful curriculum innovation. The findings highlight key strategies used by teachers to overcome challenges and provide valuable insights for educators and administrators seeking to foster a culture of curriculum innovation in schools. By documenting the practices of effective teacher leaders, this study contributes to the broader understanding of how teacher collaboration and leadership can drive meaningful curriculum reforms in diverse educational contexts.

Aid to Fragile States: Role of Aid Delivery Programs in Promoting Social Development through School Education in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2020

Foreign aid has been crucial in helping fragile states, especially Afghanistan after 2001, when the international community made significant investments in rebuilding state institutions. Between 2001 and 2020, billions of U.S. dollars were allocated to sectors like security, governance, and economic & social development. This paper uses primary and secondary data as well as existing literature to examine the impact of foreign aid on social development, with a focus on school education. The findings show that education received a relatively small share of aid compared to other sectors and that Afghanistan remains economically dependent on foreign aid largely because of ineffective donor and government policies and the predominance of short-term, externally driven programs. Although the paper focuses on development outcomes, it recognizes that larger political and conflict-related dynamics (state legitimacy and fragile governance, strategic interests and donor politics, armed conflict and insecurity, and limited local ownership and parallel systems) influenced the effectiveness of aid in Afghanistan

Developing a Laboratory Activity Based on the Content of 3D Wave Visualization in Learning Earthquake

3D Wave Visualization is a simulation that shows the traveling of earthquake waves in the layer of the earth. It was made by the NSF SAGE EarthScope Consortium. Based on the pre-assessment survey by three (3) in-service principals and eight (8) in-service science teachers, one of the difficult topics in the 2nd quarter of grade 8 was the earthquake. It shows that earthquake is a challenging topic and it is difficult to engage the students with abstract concepts. Some students cannot imagine how waves travel. This led the researcher to develop a laboratory activity based on the content of the 3D Wave Visualization to enhance the conceptual understanding of the Grade 8 students on earthquakes. The developed laboratory activity was evaluated in terms of content, format, presentation & organization, accuracy, and up-to-date information and rated as Excellent. It was administered to the forty (40) grade 8 students currently enrolled for the academic year 2024-2025 in one of the public schools in Balindong Lanao del Sur. In addition, a pilot test was conducted and it revealed that the mean scores of the pretest and post-test were 9.93 (SD=1.77and 19.76(SD=3.11). The actual implementation revealed that the mean scores of the pretest and post-test were 14.56(SD=2.59) and 23.08(SD=1.69) respectively. This indicates that the mean difference is 8.52. It signifies that there was a significant difference in the pretest and post-test results of the student’s performance during the actual implementation. This implies that the intervention significantly improved the conceptual understanding of the respondents. This study concludes that utilizing 3D wave visualization as a laboratory activity increases the performance of the students

Impact of Communication Channels on Community Participation in Government-Funded Schools Projects in the Morogoro Region

This study assesses the impact of communication channels on community participation in government-funded schools in the Morogoro Region, employing an interpretivist philosophical framework and a qualitative research approach. The study's population consisted of ward education officers (2), head of schools (10), ward councilor (1), and ten (10) school board chairman, making a total of 23 participants. The findings reveal a significant disconnect between traditional communication methods, such as notice boards and community meetings, and their effectiveness in engaging diverse community members. While these channels are commonly used, they often fail to reach marginalized groups, highlighting the need for more inclusive strategies. Interviews and focus group discussions with educational stakeholders, including headmasters and ward education officers, reveal challenges such as low attendance at community meetings and barriers like language and literacy that hinder effective communication. The findings suggest that while radio broadcasts and mobile communication present opportunities for broader engagement, their success relies on culturally and linguistically appropriate content. The study underscores critical policy gaps, emphasizing the necessity for reform that integrates innovative communication methods alongside traditional approaches. By aligning with international frameworks, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the research advocates for tailored training programs for educators and community leaders to enhance messaging effectiveness. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complexities of communication in fostering community participation, ultimately advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and sustainability in educational development efforts

Community and parental involvement in the education of learners with disabilities in a Rwandan community

Communities and parents play pivotal roles in shaping educational settings and preparing students for the complexities of the modern world. Their involvement in education is crucial for enhancing educational outcomes and fostering the social development of learners with disabilities. This study examines the roles of community and parental involvement in educating learners with disabilities in the Mbuga community, Rwanda. A phenomenological approach was adopted, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The collected data was transcribed and analyzed thematically. A sample of 10 students with disabilities, 10 parents, 10 community members, and teachers was drawn through convenience sampling from the Mbuga community in Rwanda. Epstein’s parental involvement model guided this study with its dimensions. Effective community and parental involvement encompasses various dimensions, including academic achievement, participation in school activities, and advocacy for educational equity. The study findings revealed that the community and parents play a critical role in encouraging and supporting learners with disabilities, helping them improve their performance and reach their full potential. Through collaborative efforts among parents, communities, and educational institutions, a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of learners with disabilities is promoted. Parental involvement cultivates a supportive home environment conducive to learning that enhances academic performance and social-emotional development. The study recommends consistent, two-way communication between school authorities and parents to improve learning outcomes. &nbsp

Implementation of Hospital Management information Systems for Health Services

This study aims to describe and analyze the implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (SIMRS) based on Regent Regulation No. 59 of 2022 and identify supporting and inhibiting factors. The research location was at the Tulungagung Dr. Iskak Regional General Hospital (RSUD). The data analysis technique in this study used qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. This study found that the implementation of a Hospital Management Information System (SIMRS) in RSUD dr. Iskak Tulungagung succeeded in improving operational efficiency and quality of health services. This success aligns with G. Edward III's theory of public policy implementation, which emphasizes the importance of communication, disposition, resources, and bureaucratic structure. Effective communication through training and discussion ensures policy understanding, while a positive management disposition supports system acceptance. Adequate technological infrastructure and a clear bureaucratic structure allow implementation to be carried out gradually and systematically. However, there are still challenges, such as differences in the technological literacy of health workers and the need to increase network capacity in high-operating units. This study is expected to provide recommendations for improving the implementation of SIMRS at RSUD dr. Iskak Tulungagung through technology training, providing incentives, improving infrastructure, and periodic monitoring and evaluation to improve the efficiency of health services. &nbsp

Integrating Simulation-Based and Hands-On Experiments: A Guided Inquiry Learning Packet on Magnetic Induction

Students often struggle with magnetic induction due to its abstract nature and complex relationships between flux, emf, and current. Simulations are known to be effective tools in enhancing understanding complex and abstract physics concepts. But simulations alone limit the complete development of procedural skills of students during physical experiments. On the other hand, guided inquiry learning promotes scientific literacy among learners as it encourages exploration, formulation of hypotheses, and  analyzing evidence. Combining guided inquiry-based learning with simulations and hands-on activities can furtherly enhance understanding and achievement by promoting exploration and active engagement. This study developed a guided inquiry learning packet that integrates simulation-based and hands-on activities to enhance student understanding and academic performance on Magnetic Induction. The packet combines PhET simulations with  hands-on activities to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The developmental research design supported by both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed to investigate the effect of this integrated approach on students’ conceptual gain and academic performance. The overall evaluation confirmed that the learning packet meets high standards of validity and acceptance, with the overall mean score reflecting an excellent rating. The impact of the guided inquiry learning packet on students' academic performance was assessed using the devised achievement tests, activities, and problem sets. The results from the six sections that used the learning packet revealed that students' academic performance significantly improved and the average class gain across all sections ranged from 0.48 to 0.62, reflecting a notable improvement in academic performance

Developing a mindfulness-based program to enhance student wellbeing: Evidence review and conceptual framework for program development

The demanding nature of the legal education can provide a stimulating and challenging experience for law students. With this, various studies have documented elevated levels of mental health concerns and psychological distress among law students exacerbated by the adversarial and isolating nature of the system which may affect students’ ability to cope and thrive. Meanwhile, mindfulness based programs could help law students acquire the skills to regulate emotions, be resilient and practice self-compassion. This concept paper aims to explore the prevalent challenges of law students affecting their wellbeing and how mindfulness-based strategies could help them deal with these challenges. The findings of the study would be supportive not only of institutional efforts but also of individual mechanisms of coping

Social Impact of Synod of Diamper on Kerala Christians and Society

The important value of the Synod is that its decrees served as a historical account that brought to light many of the ancient practices of the Thomas Christians, and it served as the source of the later discipline of the church in India.  At the same time the strict measures taken by Archbishop Menezes to burn and destroy ancient Syriac books and missals led to the destruction of documents about the history, customs, tradition and canonical discipline of the Thomas Christians.  There were social as well as religious abuses in Malabar and the Synod took firm steps to correct them.  In this sense the good intention of Archbishop Menezes was to be appreciated.  The decisions of the Synod to evangelize the low castes and to uplift their social status were praiseworthy. Some influences of the Synod still exist. The Synod of Diamper caused the beginning of the administration of the diocese and parishes by the Bishop and the hierarchy was established.  The Decrees of the Synod influenced the emergence of the present Christian culture of Kerala. In the social field, the Synod of Diamper created a new awareness.  The Synod touched all areas of social degradation.  It gave a separate identity to the Thomas Christians among the Hindus.  They were taught equality of men before God.  In short the acts and decrees of the Synod revolutionized the Kerala society of the 17th century, especially the social situation of the St.Thomas Christians