Redfame Publishing: E-Journals
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Testing of the Master-Class Methodology in Teaching Artistic Disciplines in Higher Education Institutions
Get PDFThe purpose of the study is to establish the effectiveness of the master class methodology for the formation of knowledge, practical skills, creative competencies, and reflective abilities of students of various art specialties. The design of the study is experimental with cluster randomization. The sample included 211 students of five art specialties, divided into experimental (n = 108) and control (n = 103) groups. A two-version pre–post test in art disciplines, expert evaluation of creative works according to 4 criteria (originality, technical excellence, innovation, integrity of the idea), and standardized motivation questionnaires were used. T-tests, a mixed linear model, and calculation of effect sizes were used to analyze the data. At the initial stage, no significant differences between the groups were found (p > .05). After a five-month intervention, students in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher scores in knowledge and practical skills (g = 1.21), quality of creative work (g = 1.20–1.56), motivation and reflective skills (p < .01). It was found that the effectiveness of the method is modified by specialty, course of study and previous artistic experience, with the greatest effect recorded among design students and those who had no previous artistic training. The study confirmed that the master class method is an effective tool for improving art education, as it combines learning knowledge, developing creativity, and forming reflection
Amphorae to Barrels: Disappearance and Appearance
Get PDFAmphorae dominated Mediterranean trade for over two millennia, though their role appears to diminish sharply during the medieval period (c. 500–1500 AD). This research examines whether amphorae truly disappeared and identifies the social, religious, and technological factors that contributed to their decline. Drawing on archaeological evidence from the Uluburun and Yassi Ada shipwrecks, alongside historical and cultural analysis, the study shows that amphorae did not vanish abruptly but were gradually replaced. The spread of Christianity reduced their presence in funerary and ritual contexts, while evolving Eucharistic practices diminished their symbolic role. At the same time, wooden barrels—introduced from northern Europe—offered greater durability, portability, and standardized capacity, proving more efficient for large-scale commerce. Monastic viticulture and expanding Anglo-French trade networks reinforced this shift, incorporating barrels into medieval economic life. Rather than a disappearance, the decline of amphorae represents a broader transformation in material practice, reflecting changing religious traditions, technological adaptation, and the logistical demands of long-distance trade
Do Female Consumers Care About the Continuance Use of Grocery Applications? Antecedents, Drivers, and Consequences of Hedonic Value and User Experience
Get PDFThe continued usage of mobile applications (apps) is imperative beyond initial adoption for operators to attain sustainability and profitability. Yet, female grocery shoppers seem to be frequently downloading grocery apps, then discontinue usage. Not much attention has focused on the decomposed hedonic values behind the continuance use intention of grocery shopping apps among female users. To close the identified research gap, this study examined mediating (decomposed hedonic values) and moderating (user experience) roles by integrating the Experiential Value Theory and the Expectation-Confirmation Model. 314 online self-administered surveys were obtained among female grocery shopping app users. PLS-SEM was used to test the proposed mediation and moderation relationships using the latest version of SmartPLS. Findings show that (a) all direct relationships were supported, (b) the decomposed hedonic value experiences did not mediate the confirmation-satisfaction relationship, and (c) the grocery app user experience moderated the satisfaction and hedonic value relationships. The theoretical significance is the empirical extension of the ECM by incorporating the mediating role of hedonic value experiences in post-adoption behaviour, as well as confirming the moderating effect of user experience on the decomposed hedonic value and satisfaction relationship. The implications for grocery app businesses and academicians are provided
Furry Ambassadors: A Critical Metaphor Analysis of Panda Diplomacy in Chinese Mainstream Media
Get PDFThis study adopts the theoretical framework of Critical Metaphor Analysis (Charteris-Black, 2004) to systematically examine the symbolic metaphors and their discursive functions constructed in Chinese mainstream English-language media’s coverage of “panda diplomacy”. Through corpus coding by NVivo14.0, the study identifies five categories of positive metaphors (national and ideological symbols, personified roles, functional symbols, cultural totems and connective structures) and three categories of negative metaphors (concealment, manipulative tools and threat narratives). The results show that Chinese media construct a national identity characterized by “peaceful development”, “win-win cooperation” and “non-threat” through positive metaphors such as “messenger of peace”, “cultural calling card” and “bridge of friendship”. Meanwhile, by quoting and rebutting negative metaphors such as “political tool” and “ideological weapon”, the media form a “quotation-rebuttal” discursive structure that indirectly reinforces the legitimacy and justifiability of China’s diplomacy. This study further points out that positive and negative metaphors are not equally weighted but together constitute a dual-track discursive pathway for national identity construction: on the one hand, actively constructing a national identity characterized by cultural affinity and global responsibility; on the other hand, responding to external doubts through strategic rebuttals, reflecting the media’s discursive capacity and agenda-setting awareness in the international public sphere. This research provides both theoretical and empirical reference for studies on national identity, critical metaphor analysis and diplomatic discourse
The Development of a Metaverse Exhibition with Communication Activities to Enhance Digital Information Literacy on GO Green via the MCOT Throughout Thailand Facebook Page
Get PDFThis research aimed (1) to explore the needs of the sample group in developing a metaverse exhibition combined with communication activities to enhance digital information literacy on Go Green via the MCOT Throughout Thailand Facebook page; (2) to develop and evaluate the quality of the metaverse exhibition with communication activities; (3) to assess the awareness of the sample group; and (4) to evaluate the satisfaction of the participants toward the media and activities developed on the online platform. Sample group in this study consisted of 100 followers of the MCOT Throughout Thailand Facebook page, selected through simple random sampling by lottery from those who had engaged with the media and communication activities and voluntarily agreed to complete the questionnaire. Research findings revealed that the participants expressed a high level of need for a metaverse exhibition combined with communication activities to enhance digital information literacy on Go Green via the MCOT Throughout Thailand Facebook page. Subsequently, the researcher developed the media combined with the communication activities and had them evaluated by experts for quality. Expert evaluation indicated that the quality of the content and media presentation was rated at a good level. The assessment of participants’ perception showed that their post-exposure perception after viewing with the media and activities was significantly higher than their pre-exposure perception at the .05 level of significance. Furthermore, the participants’ satisfaction with the media and activities was rated at the highest level. Therefore, the developed media and activities were effectively shared on its Facebook page
Framing the Gaza Crisis: A Comparative Analysis of Trudeau’s and Biden’s Social Media Narratives
Get PDFThe Gaza Strip crisis, particularly following the October 7, 2023, escalation has garnered global attention and elicited a diverse range of political responses. As state leaders increasingly rely on digital platforms to communicate their positions, understanding how crises are framed on social media has become crucial for research in political communication. This study applies framing theory to analyze how former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former U.S. President Joe Biden framed the Gaza Strip crisis through their official X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Using a qualitative framing analysis, the study examines 112 original tweets – 45 from Trudeau and 67 from Biden – posted between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025. The research identifies key framing strategies, including problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and treatment recommendations, to assess how both leaders framed the crisis's humanitarian, political, and security dimensions. Findings reveal both convergences and divergences in their framing strategies. Both leaders emphasized the humanitarian crisis, advocating for the application of international law, humanitarian assistance, and the establishment of ceasefires. However, while Trudeau's framing prioritized humanitarian concerns and diplomacy, Biden's tweets placed greater emphasis on terrorism, security, and Israel's right to self-defense. Trudeau's messaging was often more conciliatory, aligning with Canada's tradition of peacekeeping and humanitarian aid, while Biden's framing reflected the United States' strategic alliances and counterterrorism priorities. This study contributes to the growing body of research on political communication in digital spaces by demonstrating how social media serve as a strategic platform for crisis framing, diplomacy, and shaping public opinion. The findings underscore the influence of digital political framing in shaping global narratives and policy debates. The study concludes by proposing recommendations for future research on the evolving role of social media in political communication
Digital Labor Trapped in "Audience Metrics": The Professional Identity and Confusion of Chinese Journalists
Get PDFWith the advent of social media, the work of journalists is no longer limited to news interview and writing, and artificial intelligence technology is increasingly applied to news gathering and information distribution. These digital platforms and emerging technologies have brought unprecedented changes to journalism. Through in-depth interviews with 23 Chinese new media journalists, this study conducted a qualitative analysis to explore the interaction between journalists' role perception, professional identity and continuous changes in the industry in the digital media era. The research finds that at the level of news production, journalists seek the balance and self-consistency of "adhering to traditional news values and pursuing traffic and audience goodwill" in the daily high-intensity KPI workload. The unequal ability to use technology and the pressure of traffic competition make journalists confused about their role perception. The weakening of professional concept and the gradual loss of professional spirit have caused the crisis of journalists' professional cognition. The continuously transforming environment of China's news industry urgently needs to reflect and re-examine the erosion of the public value of journalism by the market and audience
Parents’ Support of the Educational and Language Development of Children with Hearing Impairment (HI) in Eswatini
Get PDFParental involvement in supporting the educational and language development of children with hearing impairment (HI) in most African countries remains unknown. This is despite the acknowledgement of the influence of families on children’s achievement. This study therefore, sought to explore the involvement of parents in supporting the educational and language development of children with HI. A multi-case study research design was used in order to compare and contrast findings from two special schools. Two interview guides which were generated by the authors based on literature review were used to collect data through semi-structured interviews from twelve purposively sampled parents and through Focus Group discussions (FGDs) with thirteen purposively sampled teachers. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that parents of children with HI in Eswatini outsource their responsibility to support the educational and language development of children with HI to teachers in special schools. This is partly because most parents are unable to use sign language to communicate with their children with HI. There are also perceptions of apparent parental disinterest in educational support for children with HI due to several barriers. In conclusion, the study recommends that schools for children with HI should arrange sign language workshops for parents in order to encourage support in the educational and language development of children with HI
The Cloud-Based Remote Learning via Digital Media Ecosystem to Enhance Learning Engagement among Undergraduate Students in Engineering Education
Get PDFThis research aimed to develop the Cloud-Based Remote Learning Digital Media Ecosystem (CbRL-DM Ecosystem) to enhance undergraduate engineering students’ learning engagement. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, consisting of three phases: 1) A scoping review exploring the consistency between digital media exposure, technological infrastructure, and engagement strategies among Thai higher education students; 2) Development of the CbRL-DM Ecosystem; and 3) Assessment of learning outcomes among 45 first-year engineering students in Thailand. We assessed learning outcomes through pretest and posttest scores using paired t-tests for analysis. The findings revealed: 1) The scoping review identified digital media behaviors among Thai undergraduate students, including the use of Line, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Google Workspace, which align with the technological infrastructure of Thai higher education institutions; 2) The CbRL-DM Ecosystem consists of three components: (1) Instructors, who manage the classroom by pre-designing lessons and communicating through remote learning while applying effective engagement strategies such as verbal and non-verbal communication technique (e.g., gestures, eye contact, tone), gamification technique, and collaboration technique; (2) Digital media, hosted on public cloud platforms (including LINE, Gmail, Google Classroom, Meet, Jamboard, Quizizz, Google Drive, and other tools like Google Add-ons); and (3) Students, who engage in self-regulated learning and learning by doing; 3) Undergraduate engineering students showed significantly higher levels of learning engagement and academic achievement after using the intervention, with statistical significance at the .05 level. Future research should integrate AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek into the CbRL-DM Ecosystem to empower personalized learning experiences
School-based Mentoring - An Analysis of Austrian Mentees on Mentoring Practices in Teacher Education Programmes
Get PDFThe study points out the importance of practical mentoring in schools and the mentee's (n=114) assessment of the mentoring process in relation to the five-factor model (MET) according to P. Hudson (2005, 2010) during their internship. The students surveyed (n=114) from an Austrian university college of teacher education were in the second, third or fourth year of a bachelor's degree programme in primary school teaching. The survey took place at the end of their work placement. Highly significant differences between the cohorts (second vs third/fourth year of study) can be documented for all five factors within the mentoring practices, in particular for trust (p=0.002) and paying attention (p=0.008), for supporting reflection (p=0.006), in discussions about goals (p=0.014) and points of view (p=0.009), in supporting teaching strategies (p=0.008), in designing classroom management (p=0.002), in evaluating teaching activities (p=0.006), in providing written feedback (p=0.001) and in articulating expectations (p=0.009). Further significant differences are described in the article. The results with the differences illustrate that person-orientated mentoring takes place into account the number of semesters already completed and focuses on different aspects that promote a learning and development process