High quality teaching in higher education : a challenge and a possibility

A shared concern in higher education establishments is the quality of teaching taking place and thereby, the quality of students leaving the college/university. While keeping in mind that quality cannot be easily defined, this paper aims to raise awareness on a number of challenges which could be impinging on the quality of education in the higher education sector. There are a number of external factors which could be attributed to the quality of teaching. However, the focus of this paper is limited to the teaching and learning process in the higher education classroom setting. In the first section of the paper, the author raises awareness on the dynamic and complex nature of the teaching and learning process which could be affecting the quality of education in the higher education classroom. The emphasis is on the main stakeholders - the lecturers and the students – and the relationship between the two. Next, the author outlines a number of challenges which could be affecting the process. The aim is to reflect upon the teaching and learning that go on in the higher education classroom, so as to be able to align future actions. Finally, the author proposes concrete practices which can be adopted in order to overcome the challenges and improve the quality of teaching, and thereby, the quality of students leaving higher education. High quality teaching in a higher education classroom has got its challenges but it is a possibility.peer-reviewe

BSE Practice and BSE Self-Efficacy Among Nursing Students in Aceh, Indonesia

Purpose: To survey the level of BSE practice among female nursing students in Aceh, and the degree of self-efficacy in those who did practice it.Method: Seventy-six nursing students from the Public Nursing College, Syiah Kuala University in Aceh who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Stratified proportionate random sampling was used to determine the required number of first, second, and third year students. BSE self-efficacy of the students was measured by the BSE Self-Efficacy Questionnaire which was modified from an existing tool developed by Khatun (2010). In addition, the students' doing BSE or not was measured by BSE Practice Questionnaire which was developed by the researcher. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.Result: Only 39.5% of the students practiced BSE with more than half of the students saying they did not practice BSE (60.5%). The main factors that influenced the students' performing BSE were not having a family history of breast cancer, single, and no history of breast illness. Among the thirty students who practiced BSE, most of them did not practice it routinely (70%), nor at the correct time (86.7%), and their confidence in performing BSE was at a moderate level overall, with a high level for BSE procedural efficacy and moderate level for barrier management efficacy.Conclusion: A majority of the Acehnese nursing students did not practice BSE, and those who did had only a moderate level of BSE self-efficacy. Therefore, the results of this study suggest emphasizing the need to teach nursing students about BSE in their undergraduate courses, with future follow-up research regarding the success of the educational program

The Development of a Cultural-Based Educational Program to Enhance Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Self-Efficacy

Purpose: To develop the educational program which is appropriate with Islamic culture in order to enhance BSE self-efficacy of nursing students and thus promote BSE practice. Method: This study is a development research study which is consisting of three phases including: 1) reviewing several existing BSE educational programs; 2) program design based on SCT and Islamic culture; and 3) program validation by three experts. Result: Based on previous studies, the most appropriate theory to enhance self-efficacy was Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) because this theory provides several strategies to increase the self-efficacy. Further, the program that used Islamic culture was more appropriate to increase BSE practice among Muslim women. As a result, the newly developed program was developed used SCT and Islamic culture. This program was comprised of four sessions including: 1) exploring Islamic mandate on prevention and individual responsibility in health promotion, and culture-related beliefs toward BSE, 2) health education by conducting lecturing session and watching a video about BSE procedures, 3) BSE training activities including BSE demonstration and return demonstration, 4) follow-up by conducting a meeting. Conclusion: The cultural-based educational program for enhancing BSE self-efficacy and promoting BSE is a program using multifaceted methods. It designed based on a review of the literature from previous studies and were supported by research findings on experimental studies in other population

Book Review

Review of the following: Risk-Taking BEHAVIOR. (J. Frank Yates, ed., Wiley 1992) [244 pp.] Acknowledgements, author index, figures, preface, references, series preface, subject index, tables. LC 91-21229, ISBN 0-471-92250-1. [Cloth $64.95. 1 Wiley Drive, Somerset NJ 08875

The Making of a Eurasian: Writing, Miscegenation, and Redemption in Sui Sin Far

This paper examines the literary itinerary of Sui Sin Far/Edith Eaton with a specific focus on the shaping of her Eurasian authorship

The Reconciliation of Government Transaction Statistics: National Accounts, Commission on Audit, and Office of Budget and Management Reports

This article is part of the NEDA-PIDS Seminar-Workshop on the Philippine System of National Accounts. It discusses the government data system focusing on the Office of Budget and Management, Bureau of Treasury and Commission on Audit. Accounts of government are classified. It also lays down issues and problems regarding the current methodology utilized in the treatment of government transactions.balance of payments, data and statistics, national account

Book Review

Review of the following book: ELAINE VAUGHAN, SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING THE NONEXPERT\u27S PERCEPTION AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL Risks. (Garland Pub. Co. 1990) [249 pp.] Abstract, appendices, bibliography, figures, tables. LC: 90-13855, ISBN: 0-8420-0422-1. [Cloth $59.00. 136 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.