Background Evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on existing health inequalities is emerging. This study explored differences in mental health, sense of coherence (SOC), sense of community coherence (SOCC), sense of national coherence (SONC), and social support between low and high socioeconomic (SES) groups, and the predictive value of these predictors for mental health. participants and procedure A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey in the Netherlands in October 2021, comprising a total of 91 respondents (n = 41, low SES; n = 50, high SES). results There were no differences in mental health, SOC, SOCC, SONC, and social support between the groups. SOC was a predictor for mental health in both groups and SOCC for the low SES group. conclusions We found that both SOC and SOCC predict mental health during the pandemic. In the article we reflect on possible pathways for strengthening these resources for mental health.
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To tackle the continuous criticism of a lack of coherence and being disconnected from practice, teacher education programs have started to focus on the study and practice of teaching on campus. Yet, without theory, candidates may develop a technical view of teaching, lacking the understanding of the theoretical rationale behind the practices. Additionally, learning about research methods is a part of many teacher education programs as it helps candidates to become reflective and creative teachers who are able to learn systematically about their practice. Against this background, we investigate how the studying and practicing of teaching and attention to theory and research within campus courses influence teacher candidates’ perception of coherence in their teacher education program. Data from 270 candidates from Norway, Sweden and the US (California) were analyzed. Stepwise regression analyses show that, after controlling for the program candidates belong to, the study and practice of teaching and the opportunity to learn about theory contribute to explaining differences in perceptions of coherence between courses and opportunities to connect the various parts of the program. However, it seems that other variables come into play when candidates are asked about coherence between field experiences and campus courses. We furthermore find that learning about, reading, discussing, or analyzing research methods within methods courses is not a significant predictor of candidates’ perception of coherence. This finding seems to contrast the call for more attention to research methods in teacher education.
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In this study we examined how physical features of a natural setting influenced perceived coherence and three positive outcome variables: preference, pleasure, and (self-reported) restoration. Furthermore, we examined the mediating role of perceived coherence. One hundred thirty-one students evaluated three (virtual) natural environments: an environment with metal furniture, an environment with wooden furniture, and an environment without furniture. Results showed that metal furniture negatively influenced perceived coherence as well as preference, pleasure and restoration, compared to wooden furniture and no furniture. Perceived coherence of the environment with wooden furniture was significantly higher than the environment with metal furniture, but significantly lower than the environment without furniture. We did not find support that preference for, and experienced pleasure and restoration in the environment with wooden furniture differed from the environment without furniture. Perceived coherence mediated the effect of (metal) furniture on preference, pleasure, and restoration. Scientific and practical implications are discussed.
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Het verzamelen, interpreteren en produceren van informatie met multimedia (tekst gecombineerd met afbeeldingen) is een belangrijke vaardigheid die studenten zich eigen moeten maken. Met name in het natuurwetenschappelijk onderwijs, zoals Biologie (de context van dit onderzoek), spelen afbeeldingen en diagrammen een steeds belangrijkere rol. Het gegeven dat studenten meer leren van de combinatie van tekst en afbeeldingen dan van enkel afbeeldingen of enkel tekst, wordt het multimedia-effect genoemd. Waar veel onderzoek zich richt op het multimedia-effect bij leren, is er relatief weinig bekend over de effecten van multimediagebruik in toetsen. Een meta-analyse uit 2019 laat een overall positief effect zien op de nauwkeurigheid van de antwoorden van studenten (response accuracy). Echter, de resultaten van empirische studies lopen onderling sterk uiteen. De invloed van multimedia in toetsitems wordt significant beïnvloed door de functionaliteit van de afbeelding in een toetsitem. Mogelijk dat afbeeldingen in feedback die een student ontvangt na het maken van een item ook invloed hebben op het leereffect van de feedback. Diepgaand onderzoek naar het multimedia-effect in de toetsitems en de feedback kan de validiteit en effectiviteit van toetsen verhogen. Een within-group design waarbij enkel de functionaliteit van de afbeelding wordt onderzocht en andere moderators zo goed mogelijk gelijk worden gehouden ontbreekt tot op heden. Een mogelijk multimedia-effect bij feedback is nog nauwelijks onderzocht. Dit project richt zich op bovenstaande hiaten in de onderzoeksdata om zo te komen tot richtlijnen voor de itemconstructeurs bij multimediagebruik in toetsitems en voor studenten bij het beantwoorden van items. Hiervoor zullen drie experimentele onderzoeken in de context van de lerarenopleiding Biologie opgezet worden. In elke studie zal gevarieerd worden met de functionaliteit van afbeeldingen in de toetsitems en de feedback. De effecten ten aanzien van prestaties en cognitieve belasting worden gemeten met eye-tracking, toetsen en thinking aloud protocollen.
The Spatial and Transport impacts of Automated Driving (STAD) project is conducted in close collaboration of some 30 triple helix partners. We would like to use the Pitstopvoucher to reflect on the collaboration between the academic partners (including Hogeschool Rotterdam) and private and public partners. This so-called intervision process involves 3 steps. In step 1 we identify the main issues to be discussed. The preliminary issues identified are (a) how can we further improve coherence at a program level between subproject and (b) how can we develop into a consortium in which public and private partners truly behave as partners rather than users and how to ensure a smooth interaction with academic partners. Step 2 is the preparation of a meeting including deciding on the main issue for discussion, the parties to be invited and the logistic organization. Step 3 is the meeting itself.
KnowledgeFlows in Marine Spatial Planning - Sharing Innovation in Higher Education(KnowledgeFlows) aims at further enforcing the European higher education community to meet the growing demands for knowledge, skills and innovation within the still emerging field of marine or maritime spatial planning (MSP).Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is an emerging governmental approach towards a more effective use of the sea. MSP is of great interest in Europe and can be considered a societal process to balance conflicting interests of maritime stakeholders and the marine environment. Many different activities take place at sea, ranging from shipping, fisheries, to offshore wind energy activities. Simultaneously, new and evolving policies focus on strategies to integrate different marine demands in space and resources. MSP is now legally binding in the EU and is much needed approach to manage and organize the use of the sea, while also protecting the environment.KnowledgeFlows will contribute to the development of new innovative approaches to higher education and training on MSP by means of problem-based learning schemes, transdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced e-learning concepts. KnowledgeFlows builds on results from former project outputs (Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership for Marine Spatial Planning SP-MSP), such as the online learning platform MSP Education Arena (https://www.sp-msp.uol.de).The strategic partnership consists of a transnational network of experts both in research and in practice based in the north Atlantic, Baltic Sea and North Sea Regions including Aalborg University (DK, lead partner), The University of Oldenburg (D), the University of Liverpool (U.K.), the University of Nantes (F), the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research (D), the Breda University of Applied Sciences (NL), University of Ulster (U.K.), and the Finnish Environment Institute (FI). Gothenburg University, also being a higher education organisation, will be associated partner.Furthermore, three international organisations, the Marine Spatial Planning Research Network, the Baltic inter-governmental VASAB and the pan-Nordic Nordregio will be involved in the partnership as associated organisations deeply rooted in the MSP community of practice.The further improvement of curricula, exchange of knowledge and experts, and transparency and recognition of learning outcomes to reach higher qualifications in MSP are key components of KnowledgeFlows. A mutual learning environment for MSP higher education will enable problem-driven innovation among students and their educators from research and governance also involving stakeholders. Related activities on intellectual outputs, multiplier events and lecturing will be carried out by all participating organisations.The intellectual outputs are related to three major contributions to the European higher education landscape:1) an advanced level international topical MSP course (Step-up MSP)2) digital learning facilities and tools (MSP Education Arena)3) designing problem-based learning in MSP (MSP directory)The advanced level inter-institutional topical MSP course will include different teaching and training activities within a problem-based learning environment. Digital learning facilities enabling communication and training will include a further enrichment of the MSP Education Arena platform for students, practitioners and lecturers for including modules forcollaborate learning activities, documentation and dissemination, mobilisation/recruitment, thesis opportunities, placements/internships. Designing problem-based learning in MSP will include topics as; the design of didactics and methods; guidance for lecturers, supervisors and students; evaluation and quality assurance; assessment.Five multiplier events back to back or as part of conferences within the MSP community will be organised to mainstream the outputs and innovative MSP didactics among other universities and institutions.Different teaching and training activities feeds into the intellectual output activities, which will include serious gaming sessions (MSP Challenge (http://www.mspchallenge.info/) and others), workshops, excursions, courses/classes as well as a conference with a specific focus on facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and approaches among students at bachelor´s, master´s and doctoral level and the MSP community of practice.Project management meetings (twice a year) will assure coherence in project planning and implementation. As the core focus of the strategic partnership is on collaboration, mutual learning, and innovation among educators, students, and practitioners in order to meet actual and future needs regarding knowledge exchange and training within the MSP community, the project will be designed to have long lasting effects.Results
