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Non scholae sed vitae: Teaching Beyond Classroom Walls Through Group Mentoring
Nabil M. Halabi,
Ghena H. Lababidi,
Bilal R. Kaafarani
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
114-119
Received:
13 August 2020
Accepted:
1 September 2020
Published:
21 September 2020
Abstract: Mentoring is an ever-growing phenomenon which is manifest within STEM specifically, as well within undergraduate education at large. Despite its centrality to career success, mentoring is not very well institutionalized and is often de-prioritized by university departments. In addition, contemporary mentoring focuses mainly on the dyadic mentor-mentee relationship, while largely neglecting other alternative forms. Based off of these facts, the PI created a new initiative, the Mentoring Talks, wherein group mentoring is provided for students and faculty at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The creation and implementation of this initiation at the AUB was designed specifically based on documented educational theory. Furthermore, speakers at said talks stem from a wide range of occupations, yet nevertheless share one aspect in common; their perseverance in the face of adversity. Seminal review papers highlight key qualities of effect group mentoring; these characteristics are detailed in this commentary, as well as an outline of how each one is actualized by the Mentoring Talks initiative. These attributes include providing an equitable environment for mentoring, kindling an atmosphere of social support, emphasizing mentee self-valuation and expanding mentees’ networking opportunities. It is the intention of the PI that this initiative will inspire similar lectureships in universities across the world, in order to further strengthen institutional mentoring and ultimately help students achieve career and life success. Special consideration is also given to the challenges of providing group mentoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the shift from in-person to digital methods of communication and lectureship.
Abstract: Mentoring is an ever-growing phenomenon which is manifest within STEM specifically, as well within undergraduate education at large. Despite its centrality to career success, mentoring is not very well institutionalized and is often de-prioritized by university departments. In addition, contemporary mentoring focuses mainly on the dyadic mentor-men...
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Research on the Development Opportunities and Students' Employment of Higher Vocational Education Colleges in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
120-127
Received:
5 July 2020
Published:
28 September 2020
Abstract: This paper expounds the development opportunities of higher vocational education institutions in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the necessity of accelerating the adjustment and improvement of teaching methods, based on the data analysis of auto maintenance industry, logistics transportation production, finance and the other fields of skilled personnel in this Area. Since the implementation of the Outline of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, the newly registered similar industries in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have increased dramatically, showing a substantial increase. On the one hand, it is found that some enterprises and employers are reduce the number of posts and personnel so as to reduce the input cost of human resources, and reduce unnecessary production links so as to avoid invalid production costs, so as to improve work efficiency. On the other hand, they are in urgent need of high-level technical and technical talents who can fight when they come. The graduates of higher vocational colleges were never favored by employers, and their orientation and direction were unclear. Compared with the graduation certificates of ordinary colleges and universities with the same major, they were "second-class certificates". In fact, the graduation certificates of higher vocational colleges are showed the characteristics of "practical certificates".
Abstract: This paper expounds the development opportunities of higher vocational education institutions in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the necessity of accelerating the adjustment and improvement of teaching methods, based on the data analysis of auto maintenance industry, logistics transportation production, finance and the other fields o...
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Micro-scale Experiments in the Increasingly Fashionable Laboratory in High Schools
Sheila Ruiz Botella,
Susana Ibáñez
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 5, October 2020
Pages:
128-132
Received:
26 August 2020
Accepted:
15 September 2020
Published:
28 September 2020
Abstract: Objective: Experimental activities in laboratories are an important part in teaching and learning chemistry. Nevertheless, its implementation may be limited by the lack of material, instrument and above all the risk involved in doing so in the laboratory. Not only because of the cost of the reagents, but also because of the safety of the students in the classroom. That is why the use of simple micro-scale experiments turns out to be a benefit for the teaching of chemistry to high school students. Methods: Micro-scale practices also facilitate the implantation of constructivist laboratory practices, presented as small investigations, displacing traditional laboratory practices. The design of practices from a constructivist approach allows working all or some aspects of the scientific method. A constructivist methodology will increase the student’s interest in the subject and bring them closer to the scientific method, which will provoke the development of their observation capacity, the ability to make hypotheses, the skill in the design of experimental setups, discussing results, drawing conclusions and relating empirical data to theoretical principles. In contrast, traditional practices are usually prescription-type practices completely lack the scientific method. Since there are numerous difficulties in implementing practices with a constructivist methodology, both methods may be considered according to the space, time, and materials possibilities. Conclusion: The micro-scale experiments is useful for different reasons: reduces chemical use by promoting waste reduction of the source, save money, improves safety, may be carry out in class and sometimes at home, decreases experiment time and student carry out the experiments by themselves which is important for a significant learning.
Abstract: Objective: Experimental activities in laboratories are an important part in teaching and learning chemistry. Nevertheless, its implementation may be limited by the lack of material, instrument and above all the risk involved in doing so in the laboratory. Not only because of the cost of the reagents, but also because of the safety of the students i...
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