An investigation of first grade elementary teacher candidates’ perceptions of their teaching profession competencies: A mixed method study

Although teaching profession has lost its prestige over the years, the recent studies demonstrate that teaching still ranks among the top of most respected of professions. Teacher candidates’ individual characteristics play a crucial role in choosing teachers and designing curriculum for educating teacher candidates. The present study is of vital importance to identify the perceptions of first grade teacher candidates enrolled in Faculty of Education towards teaching profession and whether they have teaching competencies needed or not. In this research, a mixed research, sequential explanatory mixed design was utilized in which both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed together. The quantitative data were collected through using teaching competency scale for teacher candidates and afterwards quantitative data was statistically analyzed. It was thus attempted to draw a general picture of the research problem. According to the results obtained, an in-depth analysis of teacher candidates’ perceptions of teaching competencies was required. Employing quantitative data, purposive sampling was identified and semi-structured interviews were carried out with the participants in the purposive sampling. The unidimensional scale developed by [1] and adapted into Turkish by [2] was employed for data collection in the quantitative stage of the research. When viewing teacher candidates’ perceptions on their teaching competencies, first grade teacher candidates stated that they perceive themselves competent in terms of attitude and values and vocation skills. © 2018 by authors, all rights reserved

Cultural Competency in Capacity Building

Discusses different capacity building approaches to improving cultural competency that are informed by community participation and multicultural organizational development

How to (Un)-Learn Cultural (In)-Competency in Social Work: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Cultural Competency Trainings in Community Mental Health

This research project seeks to investigate the ways in which professional cultural competency training in social work settings perpetuates mainstream stereotypes of racialised clients and to deconstruct how non-white communities are represented in within these models. Using critical race theory (CRT) and social justice lenses, the study entails conducting a critical discourse analysis (CDA) with thematic and framing analyses to deconstructed a community mental health organisation’s cultural competency training derived from a ‘cultural competency resource kit’ by the Alberta Health Service’s (2009). The research engages in an exploration of existing cultural competency literature in social work in order to highlight themes of whiteness and diversity. The findings of the study address gaps in existing cultural competency scholarship and unpack dominant discourses of whiteness and homogenisation that continue to perpetuate racial oppression and injustice for racialised individuals and communities who access social services. The paper concludes by acknowledging that the idea of ‘cultural competency’ can never be congruent with critical social work pedagogy and practice and provides clinical implications for future social work practice

Adapting To Change in the Swiss German Media Industry: Identifying and Developing Competencies Needed by Journalists and Editors To Cope with Future Market Needs - A Collective Case Study

The global media industry has undergone a tremendous change and massive upheaval during the last two decades. On the one side, media consumption has changed immensely and on the other side, media convergence appeared, a phenomenon which describes the merge of different media production genres (print, TV, radio, digital). Using a qualitative collective case study approach, this study was able to explore and depict competencies needed by journalists for coping with media convergence in the Swiss German media industry. The requirements for convergent work are the following seven competency themes: technical skills, social and emotional skills, cognitive skills, writing and linguistic skills, publishing and production skills, innovation and creativity, and leadership and management. This report also gives an overview of the most effective strategies to develop these competency themes and provides a competency development model. A competency specific mixture of learning methods, according to the blended learning approach, is suggested to lead to the best results in gaining media convergence excellence

Training in Mathematics Education from a Sustainability Perspective: A Case Study of University Teachers’ Views

Humankind is faced with major global challenges to ensure the future of our planet. Target 4.7 of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education) of the 2030 Agenda establishes the importance of ensuring that all learners acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to promote sustainable development through education for sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and global citizenship, amongst others. The research presented in this article is based on an exploratory study on the views of a group of university teachers from the area of Didactics of Mathematics in the Faculty of Education Sciences at Universidad de Cadiz with regard to Education for Sustainability and its integration in the field of training future teachers in mathematics education. It aims to analyse the perceptions teachers have regarding the subject of study, the work methodologies they use, etc. in greater depth. The authors of the research later interviewed three teachers in the area of Didactics of Mathematics who teach in different education degrees: bachelor's degree in early childhood education, bachelor's degree in primary education, and master's degree in teacher training for compulsory secondary education and baccalaureate. Three instruments were used to collect data: the syllabi of the subjects for which the teachers were responsible, an initial exploratory questionnaire, and a semi-structured personal interview. The instrument employed to analyse the information was the Tool for Methodological Analysis through Sustainability (Herramienta de Analisis Metodologico desde la Sostenibilidad, HAMS in Spanish). The results show the different views and positions the university teachers in the area of Didactics of Mathematics at Universidad de Cadiz have with respect to integrating sustainability into future teachers' training in mathematics education. It is concluded that the effective integration of sustainability into mathematics education requires university teachers to change and to work together from the same perspective-the one they intend to promote

Training scholars in dissemination and implementation research for cancer prevention and control: A mentored approach

Abstract Background As the field of D&I (dissemination and implementation) science grows to meet the need for more effective and timely applications of research findings in routine practice, the demand for formalized training programs has increased concurrently. The Mentored Training for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer (MT-DIRC) Program aims to build capacity in the cancer control D&I research workforce, especially among early career researchers. This paper outlines the various components of the program and reports results of systematic evaluations to ascertain its effectiveness. Methods Essential features of the program include selection of early career fellows or more experienced investigators with a focus relevant to cancer control transitioning to a D&I research focus, a 5-day intensive training institute, ongoing peer and senior mentoring, mentored planning and work on a D&I research proposal or project, limited pilot funding, and training and ongoing improvement activities for mentors. The core faculty and staff members of the MT-DIRC program gathered baseline and ongoing evaluation data regarding D&I skill acquisition and mentoring competency through participant surveys and analyzed it by iterative collective reflection. Results A majority (79%) of fellows are female, assistant professors (55%); 59% are in allied health disciplines, and 48% focus on cancer prevention research. Forty-three D&I research competencies were assessed; all improved from baseline to 6 and 18 months. These effects were apparent across beginner, intermediate, and advanced initial D&I competency levels and across the competency domains. Mentoring competency was rated very highly by the fellows––higher than rated by the mentors themselves. The importance of different mentoring activities, as rated by the fellows, was generally congruent with their satisfaction with the activities, with the exception of relatively greater satisfaction with the degree of emotional support and relatively lower satisfaction for skill building and opportunity initially. Conclusions These first years of MT-DIRC demonstrated the program’s ability to attract, engage, and improve fellows’ competencies and skills and implement a multicomponent mentoring program that was well received. This account of the program can serve as a basis for potential replication and evolution of this model in training future D&I science researchers

The impact of care competency training for primary care nurses in South Africa

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 184-200).To effectively support the primary health care transformation of the South African health system, human resource development is needed. Nurses, at the forefront of primary care service delivery, urgently need support and advancement to fulfill their role. This study aimed to investigate the impact of core competency training on primary care nurse competence. To begin this investigation, a framework or core competencies was generated through two reference group meetings. This work was followed by a Delphi study to further define core competence in primary care nursing and how best to measure such competence. Nine core competencies were defined which led to the development and piloting of a core competency evaluation tool including a self-lest and observation tool. This early work was followed by the implementation and evaluation of a novel core-competency training program. This program was implemented within district health systems with working clinic nurses. It involved tour distinct sites in three different provinces. A total of 162 nurses took part in the study, including an intervention and reference group. The goal was to assess the impact of training in a real world setting. Using the self-lest and observation tools, this study showed that competence does improve with this type of training. Additionally, competence is most reliably assessed through observation since test familiarity and possible contamination decrease the usefulness of repeated self-test measures. Further assessment or this novel training program and ref1nement of the measurement tool are recommended. This study can serve to inform health policies, particularly regarding human resource development within emerging district health systems. It provides a practical and effective training approach for increasing nurse performance of primary care core competencies

The impact of care competency training for primary care nurses in South Africa

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 184-200).To effectively support the primary health care transformation of the South African health system, human resource development is needed. Nurses, at the forefront of primary care service delivery, urgently need support and advancement to fulfill their role. This study aimed to investigate the impact of core competency training on primary care nurse competence. To begin this investigation, a framework or core competencies was generated through two reference group meetings. This work was followed by a Delphi study to further define core competence in primary care nursing and how best to measure such competence. Nine core competencies were defined which led to the development and piloting of a core competency evaluation tool including a self-lest and observation tool. This early work was followed by the implementation and evaluation of a novel core-competency training program. This program was implemented within district health systems with working clinic nurses. It involved tour distinct sites in three different provinces. A total of 162 nurses took part in the study, including an intervention and reference group. The goal was to assess the impact of training in a real world setting. Using the self-lest and observation tools, this study showed that competence does improve with this type of training. Additionally, competence is most reliably assessed through observation since test familiarity and possible contamination decrease the usefulness of repeated self-test measures. Further assessment or this novel training program and ref1nement of the measurement tool are recommended. This study can serve to inform health policies, particularly regarding human resource development within emerging district health systems. It provides a practical and effective training approach for increasing nurse performance of primary care core competencies

Training Needs Analysis For Identifying Vocational Teachers' Competency Needs in ICT Expertise Program in Vocational High Schools in Bali Province

The aims of this study to reveal (1) the description of characteristic vocational teacher, (2) the criterion competency, (3) the account of important competency, (4) the description of actual competency performance, (5)the identification of competency gaps, (6) the determination of training priority order, (7) the recommendations regarding with training methods and training organizerThis study employed a mixed method with exploratory sequential combination. The research subjects comprised the Vocational Technical Teachers with ICT expertise program especially for Network and Computer Engineering expertise competence. This study devised competency needs for training program incorporating Training Needs Analysis. The data were collected through FGD, questionnaires and an interview guide. The data were analysed using Fuzzy Delphi method to determine criterion competency by screening process. Analytic Hierarchy Process method was conducted for determining the important competency. 360-degree rater as evaluation teaching performance. Importance Performance Analysis diagram were used for describing the competency gaps. The determination of Training Priority Order based on quadrant in IPA diagram. The results of this study showed that: (1) Vocational teachers from multiple expertise program are still lack of ICT knowledge and practice mastery especially in network engineering field because they had no ICT educational background. They still look confused and nervous in teaching and practicing in front of the class. (2) criterion competency consists of pedagogy-andragogy aspect with 11 domain areas and 34 sub-domain, professional aspect with 3 domain areas and 7 sub-domain, vocational aspect with 3 domain areas and 8 sub-domain and technology aspect with 4 domains. (3) the order of importance in terms of competency aspect is pedagogy-andragogy with weight of 0.466, vocational around 0.300, professional with weight of 0.172, technology approximately 0.063. (4) the lowest performance in pedagogy-andragogy aspect is ability in guidance and supervision internship program with 3.19 total performance, Whereas in professional aspect is the competency in application of vocational content with 3.35 total performance, in vocational aspect is competency in networking and collaboration with 2.82 total performance and In technology aspect is ability using and utilizing ICT for self-development with 3.56 total performance. (5) the competency gaps fall into the vocational knowledge & skills, application of content, content knowledge, networking and collaboration, continuing professionalism development and entrepreneurship. (6) TPO based on competencies needs has described in IPA diagram most of training needs is located in vocational and professional aspect. (7) In House Training, specific training, and short courses training were recommended as effective training methods. The training organizers may come from P4TK BMTI, P4TK BOE, Private Institutions, Universities/LPTK, Industry.:CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Research Background B. Problem Identification C. Research Focus D. Formulations of the Problem E. Research Objectives F. Significances of the Research CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW A. Theoretical Review 1. The Concept of Vocational 2. Philosophy of Vocational Education 3. Theory and Assumption of Vocational Education 4. The Theory of Adult Learning 5. Adult Learning Frameworks in Vocational Education 6. Andragogy in Vocational Education 7. Employability Skills 8. Human Resource Management –Vocational Teacher 9. The Professional of Vocational Teacher 10. Needs Analysis 11. Competencies Needs Analysis 12. Training Needs Analysis 13. Fuzzy Delphi Technique 14. Analytic Hierarchy Process 15. Vocational Teacher Performance Evaluation 16. Importance Performance Analysis B. Conceptual Framework C. Relevance Research D. Research Question CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHOD A. Research Approach B. Qualitative Method 1. Research Location 2. Source of Data 3. Data Generating Technique 4. Analysis Data Technique 5. Data Credibility 6. Preliminary Findings Formulation C. Quantitative Method 1. Data Collecting Technique 2. Research Instruments 3. Analysis Data Technique D. Time and Place Research E. Data Analysis in Qualitative Quantitative Method CHAPTER IV FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION A. Findings 1. Vocational Teacher Conditions 2. Teachers Competency with Balinese Local Wisdom 3. The Criterion Competencies of Vocational Teacher 4. The Importance Competencies of Vocational Teacher 5. The Actual Competency of Vocational Teacher 6. Competency Gaps Analysis using IPA 7. Training Priority Order B. Discussion C. Limitation of Research CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Conclusions B. Recommendations REFERENCE

Critical Counseling Competencies For The English-Speaking Caribbean

The development of competencies for counseling persons from varying cultures around the world is an important topic of discussion within the field of counseling psychology (Turner-Essel, & Waehler, 2009; Ng & Noonan, 2012; Gerstein & AEgisdottir, 2007). Mental health and socio-emotional needs know no geographical boundaries and as such require attention in many populations which have limited formal services for these concerns. If we are to follow the multicultural competence guidelines within our discipline (Sue, Arredondo & McDavis,1992; Vera & Speight, 2003) we must meet these needs in a way that first seeks to understand our clientsâ cultural backgrounds and provide services which match or appreciate their experience of the world. The present study utilized the Delphi method to develop a list of counseling competency areas for mental health professionals practicing with residents of the English-Speaking Caribbean (ESC). Thirty-three counseling experts in the ESC completed 1-3 rounds of an interactive survey in which they provided 272 competency suggestions and ranked the importance of each competency area. Experts assigned critical ratings via Likert scale responses to 11 Knowledge competency areas, 13 Awareness competency areas, and 24 Skills competency areas. The cultural and professional significance of these competency areas are analyzed and described. Further, strengths and limitations of the current study are presented. Finally, implications for research, training, and practice are discussed