Mixed methods analysis of an exploratory apprenticeship model employment program for young adults with developmental disabilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Benjamin C. Schwartzman

BACKGROUND: Individuals with developmental disabilities experience lower employment, higher underemployment, and higher job switching rates than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated: (1) the vocational and support experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities, and (2) the differences in participant outcomes between an apprenticeship-model employment program and the comparison group. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess outcomes and experiences of participants in the apprenticeship model employment program (N = 22) and a community-based “Job Club” (N = 11). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. Independent samples T-tests and paired samples T-tests were utilized to analyze within-group and between group differences. RESULTS: Parent interview data regarding past and current experiences of the participants in the apprenticeship model employment program suggest 6 major themes. Independent samples T-tests determined that the apprenticeship program participants were significantly less employed than the comparison group at pre-, then similarly employed as the comparison group at post-intervention. Within-group analyses determined that some aspects of participant confidence in their vocational skills and problem-solving skills significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, according to parent report. CONCLUSIONS: The apprenticeship model of employment appears to be a promising model in need of further study with a larger sample size.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S110-S110
Author(s):  
Meggan Jordan ◽  
I Magaly Freytes ◽  
Tatiana Orozco ◽  
Stuti Dang ◽  
Constance R Uphold

Abstract Research shows that caregiver interventions that combine problem-solving with psycho-education are the most effective for addressing stroke caregiver concerns. The Resources and Education for Stroke Caregivers’ Understanding and Empowerment (RESCUE) program, designed to reduce caregiver stress, depression, and burden, developed as a result of this evidence. A 4-week telephone and web-based clinical demonstration project led by registered nurses was established as part of the VHA Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care’s Non-Institutional Long Term Care Initiative. The goals of this clinical demonstration were to improve problem-solving skills and provide individualized support for stroke caregivers. A single-group pre and post-test design was used and 72 caregivers of veterans with stroke completed the intervention; qualitative and quantitative methods were used for evaluation. The outcome variables were caregiver depressive symptoms, problem-solving abilities, burden, health-related quality of life and care recipient functional abilities. Post-tests were conducted 2-6 weeks after the intervention. The evaluation found that there were statistically-significant decreases in caregiver depressive symptoms and burden from pre- to post-test assessments. Caregivers’ negative problem orientation significantly decreased. The other components of problem-solving abilities did not change. Qualitative data revealed how the program increased caregivers’ confidence in problem-solving which led to new strategies to relieve stress. Interviews also revealed how the intervention affected caregivers in unexpected ways, such as improved intimate relationships and new perspectives on caregiving. The preliminary effectiveness and barriers and facilitators of implementing a stroke caregiver program will be discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uraiwan Rattanapan Noonkong ◽  
Anamai Damnet ◽  
Kanjana Charttrakul

Successful communication requires “Pragmatic Competence” or abilities to use appropriate language in transferring one’s needs while maintaining a positive relationship with the interactant (Thomas, 1995; Leech, 1983). This study was an attempt to investigate the pragmatic competence of Thai Engineering students when making complaints and apologies through twelve sessions of a pragmatic consciousness-raising approach (PCR). Perceptions toward the innovative teaching activities were also examined. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data from forty-five engineering students (n=45) at a university in Thailand. Pre-test and posttest written discourse completion tests (WDCTs) were administered and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Three native speaker raters scored the performances through WDCTs using assessment criteria from Hudson (2001) and Duan (2008). For data analysis, paired-samples t-test was employed to compare the mean scores of students, while the researcher employed a Grounded Theory’s color coding technique (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) to generate the findings on students’ perceptions about the innovative methods implemented. The results revealed significant development of students’ pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic abilities in both complaints and apologies. Furthermore, participants perceived the PCR class to be beneficial in four areas: having more awareness of the impacts of social factors in language use, realizing the favor of indirect strategies, more understanding of nonverbal communication, and provision of motivating class atmosphere. However, some participants concerned about three aspects: inadequate confidence to use expressions learned in class in real communication, insufficient endeavor to develop grammar knowledge, and the test abilities of the roleplay test. The results confirm the teachability of pragmatic and the benefits of PCR in EFL contexts; whereas, students’ concern about learning through the approach might be helpful for further teaching practices. 


Author(s):  
Vania Martínez ◽  
Daniel Espinosa-Duque ◽  
Álvaro Jiménez-Molina ◽  
Graciela Rojas ◽  
Paul A. Vöhringer ◽  
...  

The rapid internet penetration in Latin American countries has made it possible to implement digital mental health interventions. “Cuida tu Ánimo” (Take Care of Your Mood) is an internet-based program for the prevention and early intervention of depression in adolescents. A pilot study was conducted in Chile and Colombia to study the feasibility and acceptability of the program and estimate its effects. There were 199 participants (53.3% women; mean age = 14.8 years, SD = 1.0) recruited from two schools in Chile and two schools in Colombia. Qualitative and quantitative methods were applied for data collection and analyses. Although the levels of acceptance were moderate to high across all variables, adherence was lower than expected. The participants deemed important for an intervention of this type offered a higher level of interaction with team members through internet-based and face-to-face activities. Post-intervention outcomes show a reduction in depressive and anxious symptoms in adolescents in Chile, while there were no significant changes in the level of symptomatology in adolescents in Colombia. The women used the program more than the men. Results show the need to improve the intervention by increasing its levels of customization and developing strategies to achieve better adherence. The contradictory results of the program in Chile and Colombia suggest the importance of other variables beyond the content of the intervention, such as the setting or context of the intervention.


Author(s):  
Simin Hall ◽  
Catherine T. Amelink ◽  
Samuel Conn ◽  
Eugene Brown

Online offerings of abstract engineering courses such as thermodynamics provide a medium to present course material using pedagogy that employs problem-based learning (PBL). This shift requires a student-centered approach to course design and delivery that addresses several key elements in the educational setting, including students’ self-efficacy as it relates to problem-solving and students’ epistemic beliefs as they relate to interacting with peers, instructors, and instruction. This paper reports results from a mixed-method study that collected data useful in design of an online course focused on teaching problem solving skills among students. The data were collected through qualitative and quantitative methods used to determine how students approach problem solving, the role of instructor in facilitating problem solving, and the role of peers and students’ use of technology as it relates to accomplishing course work related to problem solving. Results reveal that students are confident in their problem-solving skills but rely primarily on the instructor to show them how to solve problems. Analysis and discussion focus on how to change the manner in which the content of the course is designed and presented to improve students’ self-efficacy in problem solving and students’ epistemic beliefs through active engagement with materials and collaboration with peers and instructor.


Patan Pragya ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Chhabi Ram Baral

Urban poverty is one of multidimensional issue in Nepal. Increasing immigration from the outer parts of Kathmandu due to rural poverty, unemployment and weak security of the lives and the properties are core causes pushing people into urban areas. In this context how squatter urban area people sustain their livelihoods is major concern. The objectives of the study are to find out livelihood assets and capacities squatters coping with their livelihood vulnerability in adverse situation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied for data collection. It is found that squatters social security is weak, victimized by severe health problems earning is not regular with lack of physical facilities and overall livelihood is critical. This study helps to understand what the changes that have occurred in livelihood patterns and how poor people survive in urban area.


Author(s):  
Sri Mures Walef

This research is motivated by problems in the learning process, namely students have difficulty in expressing their ideas into writing or essays. The formation of words or sentences used by students is inaccurate or inappropriate, as well as the use of punctuation and spelling. In learning activities writing the teacher is more likely to apply teaching writing by prioritizing the results of the process. This study aims to improve narrative writing skills using the scientific method of class VI SDN 07 VII Koto Talago, Guguak District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency. The method used in this study is qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative research is research that intends to understand phenomena, about what is experienced by research subjects such as behavior, perceptions, motivations, actions and others. The results of the study describe learning using the Scientific method can improve student learning outcomes which initially in pre-cycle only reached 64 who are in sufficient qualifications. In the first cycle increased to 74 who were in qualifications more than enough, after the second cycle, the students' scores increased again being an average of 90 who are in excellent qualification. The increase includes three indicators, namely (1) narrative characteristics, (2) use of punctuation, (3) capital letters. Third, improving narrative writing skills using the Scientific method of class VI SDN 07 VII Koto Talago District of Guguak, Lima Puluh Kot Regency can be achieved due to several factors including teachers and students. Based on the results above it can be concluded that the narrative text writing skills using the scientific method increased, from sufficient qualifications to more qualifications until they were in excellent qualifications. Thus it can be concluded that, through the cooperative method the type of make a match improvement in students' essay writing skills increased significantly from stage to stage.Key Words: escritura de narrativas, métodos científicos


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shohre Nourizadeh Dehkordi ◽  
Ali Ghorbani ◽  
Maryam Shahabi ◽  
Seyedeh Zahra Nazardani

BACKGROUND Evaluating the master’s degree program in Sports Physiotherapy in order to improve the quality of education in this field. The need to pay attention to the effectiveness and efficiency of the education and improving the system of higher education by becoming more aware of the factors involved is necessary. The aim of this study is to evaluate the educational program for master’s degree in Sports Physiotherapy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the educational program for master’s degree in Sports Physiotherapy. METHODS This is a hybrid study in which qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection were used. The research team consisted of faculty members and sports physiotherapy students. In the first part of the study, due to a lack of standard questionnaires, the method of an expert panel was used to build the tools. In the second part, the questionnaire was distributed among 22 professors and students, and the data was collected. RESULTS The findings showed that according to the viewpoints of the faculty members and students, the courses in the program are necessary and facilitates the students to become qualified in meeting their future professional requirements. The findings of other research indicate the desirability of the content, implementation, and educational facilities of the program from the viewpoint of the professors, and unfavourable from the viewpoint of the students. Moreover, from the perspective of the professors and students, the teaching methods is appropriate to the type of course and there is no need to add a new course to the program. The findings of student evaluation methods showed that these methods were considered to be favourable from the viewpoint of the professors, and unfavourable from the viewpoint of the students. CONCLUSIONS As a result, the program of Sports Physiotherapy was evaluated, in terms of its favourability, with the existing courses. Nevertheless, the addition of practical and clinical units helps to improve the quality of the curriculum.


2013 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 006-008
Author(s):  
Heather Stuckey

Qualitative research is a primary way to understand the context of diabetes in a person′s life, beyond the medical outcomes. Identifying the qualitative issues such as patients′ knowledge about diabetes, their beliefs and attitudes, and their relationship with health care professionals can serve as data to determine the obstacles and, in turn, resolutions to those issues in diabetes management. Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods are described, with the discussion that both methods are complementary, not conflicting, to further the field of diabetes research.


Risks ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Ignatowski ◽  
Łukasz Sułkowski ◽  
Bartłomiej Stopczyński

Nepotism and cronyism are forms of favoritism towards certain people in the workplace. For this reason, they constitute a problem for organization managers, ethicists and psychologists. Identifying the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the increase of nepotism and cronyism may provide a basis for organizations to assess their extent and to take possible measures to prevent their negative effects. At the same time, the research presented in the article may provide a basis for further research work related to nepotism and cronyism at the times of other threats, different from the pandemic. The aim of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on growing acceptance for nepotism and cronyism in Polish enterprises. Qualitative and quantitative methods have been included in the conducted research. Qualitative study aimed at improving knowledge of nepotism and cronyism and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these phenomena, followed by a quantitative study conducted in order to verify the information obtained in the qualitative study. This research has demonstrated that Nepotism and cronyism in the workplace, are phenomenon that are basically evaluated negatively. They adversely influences social and economic development, but the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nepotism and cronyism is not significant.


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