Cross-Cultural Pedagogical Perspectives: A Collaborative Study with Indian Scholars in Childhood Education

This collaborative study explores cross-cultural pedagogical perspectives in childhood education through partnerships with scholars from India. This research aims to explore how cultural factors influence teaching methodology, curriculum design, classroom management techniques, and assessment strategies in early childhood education settings. This research involved 15 informants, including education experts, educators, and practitioners from various cultural backgrounds in India, using qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The results of this study underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in designing effective pedagogical strategies, as well as the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering cross-cultural understanding and knowledge exchange. This study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers seeking to create culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments for young learner world.wide

Breast cancer management pathways during the COVID-19 pandemic: outcomes from the UK ‘Alert Level 4’ phase of the B-MaP-C study

Abstract: Background: The B-MaP-C study aimed to determine alterations to breast cancer (BC) management during the peak transmission period of the UK COVID-19 pandemic and the potential impact of these treatment decisions. Methods: This was a national cohort study of patients with early BC undergoing multidisciplinary team (MDT)-guided treatment recommendations during the pandemic, designated ‘standard’ or ‘COVID-altered’, in the preoperative, operative and post-operative setting. Findings: Of 3776 patients (from 64 UK units) in the study, 2246 (59%) had ‘COVID-altered’ management. ‘Bridging’ endocrine therapy was used (n = 951) where theatre capacity was reduced. There was increasing access to COVID-19 low-risk theatres during the study period (59%). In line with national guidance, immediate breast reconstruction was avoided (n = 299). Where adjuvant chemotherapy was omitted (n = 81), the median benefit was only 3% (IQR 2–9%) using ‘NHS Predict’. There was the rapid adoption of new evidence-based hypofractionated radiotherapy (n = 781, from 46 units). Only 14 patients (1%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during their treatment journey. Conclusions: The majority of ‘COVID-altered’ management decisions were largely in line with pre-COVID evidence-based guidelines, implying that breast cancer survival outcomes are unlikely to be negatively impacted by the pandemic. However, in this study, the potential impact of delays to BC presentation or diagnosis remains unknown