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Impact of Childbirth Education on Delivery Mode and Maternal Anxiety in Low-Risk Primiparous Women: An Integrative Review
Introduction: Motherhood is a significant rite of passage; however, many pregnant people feel underprepared. The prevalence of cesarean birth among nulliparous women due to pregnancy-related anxiety is a major concern of perinatal care providers. The current prevalence estimate for having at least one anxiety disorder during pregnancy or the postpartum period is one in five. The prevalence of anxiety in childbearing women and cesarean rates continue to rise. A rapid increase in cesarean birth with no medical indication, also known as cesarean section by maternal request, is occurring and projected to continue an upward trend of 29% by 2030 due to its overuse and the unmet educational needs of pregnant people. Research Aim: To identify the impact of enhanced antenatal education on delivery mode and maternal anxiety in low-risk primiparous women. Methods: A keyword search with Boolean operators was conducted using SCOPUS and PubMed databases. Results were assessed for inclusion and resulted in the extraction of 15 original studies. Respective study findings and demographics were organized according to themes of the social cognitive model. Results: Results from studies including 14,630 pregnant women concluded that enhanced antenatal education prepared women for childbirth through psychological preparation for labor, thus building maternal confidence in their ability to labor and give birth vaginally. The results also found that enhanced antenatal education aided in coping with fears and anxiety related to childbirth, thus decreasing maternal anxiety. This integrative review demonstrated that attendance to an antenatal education course impacted mode of delivery by increasing vaginal births, decreasing maternally requested cesarean births and decreasing maternal anxiety. Discussion: Based on these results, enhanced antenatal education should be offered to childbearing women who desire to have a vaginal delivery and/or decrease their perinatal anxiety. The concept of standardizing the content of childbirth education courses warrants further inquiry. More randomized controlled trials dedicated to each of the outcomes would impact the quality of this body of literature
A Quantitative Examination of Teachers’ Perception of Children’s Socio-Emotional Development in Reggio Emilia and Alberta Flight Framework-Driven Early Childhood Education and Care Centers
This quantitative cross-sectional study examines teachers’ perceptions of children’s socio-emotional development in Reggio Emilia and Alberta Flight framework-driven Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers. Two research questions guide the investigation: Are there significant differences in teachers’ perceptions of socio-emotional development between children attending Reggio Emilia and Alberta Flight centers? Is there a significant difference in teachers’ perceptions of the socioeconomic status of children in these centers? The study gathered teachers’ perceptions of children’s socio-emotional development and explored differences between curricular frameworks. Responses were received from 47 Alberta Flight schools and 26 Reggio Emilia schools. Data analysis, including t-tests and principal component analysis, revealed two factors. Results indicate no significant differences in teachers’ perceptions of children’s socio-emotional development between curricular frameworks, including Prosocial Competence and Attention Competence. Additionally, no significant differences in socioeconomic factors among children were found. These findings suggest that while curricular frameworks vary in philosophy and approach, there is no statistically significant difference in children’s socio-emotional development, as perceived by teachers. The study has implications for theory and practice in early childhood education, challenging existing theories, and highlighting the importance of evidence-based practices. Practitioners should prioritize strategies that foster positive social interactions and emotional regulation, while policymakers should consider equity and access in policy design. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and qualitative insights into teachers’ perceptions and practices
Measuring International School Early Year Teachers’ Actual and Perceived Knowledge of Strategies to Support Oral Language Development in Early Years
This dissertation investigates the actual versus perceived knowledge of oral language development strategies among early years teachers in international schools. Employing Prestwich’s (2012) Teacher’s Knowledge of Oral Language Development (TKOLD) survey, it assesses teachers’ knowledge in critical areas such as promoting extended discourse and the use of specific vocabulary and rare words to promote oral language development with young learners. This research, the first of its kind among international school early years teachers, collected demographic data and actual and perceived knowledge of strategies to support oral language development. Though the survey response rate was lower than desired and did not reveal statistically significant findings the responses did show some disparity between what teachers know and believe they know. The data recommends further studies and advocates targeted professional development training in specific deficit areas to narrow this knowledge gap. In conclusion, this study did not find substantial evidence to support any of the hypotheses. However, some moderate effect sizes and trends suggest potential areas for further researc
Differentiated Instruction and Student Learning in Primary Classrooms
Differentiated instruction is crucial for meeting the varied needs of students by tailoring teaching methods, materials, and assessments to individual abilities, readiness and learning styles. Supported by theoretical foundations, this thesis focuses on the investigation of how differentiated instruction impacts primary students\u27 learning outcomes and motivation, focusing on the effectiveness of different strategies, such as flexible grouping, in improving performance and understanding in subjects like mathematics and reading comprehension. It is also integrated into a range of teaching approaches such as project-based learning and school wide enrichment model. In international schools, differentiated instruction must be implemented with cultural sensitivity, taking into account students\u27 diverse backgrounds and language skills to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment. This includes using culturally relevant materials, providing resources that support different language needs, and applying flexible grouping. These methods will help to build up student\u27s confidence and intrinsic motivation to learn. To evaluate the success of differentiated instruction, teachers should establish clear, measurable goals, use both formative and summative assessments, and analyze student progress and feedback. However, research on differentiated instruction faces limitations, such as a narrow focus on primary students, small sample sizes that affect generalizability, and limited exploration of social-emotional outcomes. Future research should address these gaps by exploring long-term social-emotional effects, evaluating the impact of teacher practices and professional development, and investigating how student agency influences the effectiveness of differentiated instruction
Backstage Barriers and Beyond
Join artist Gasby Brown and Bethel University President Ross Allen for a lively conversation of the didactic exhibition now on display in the Bethel University Library which celebrates the separate but equal activist story singers: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Lena Horne, Mahalia Jackson, and Alicia Keys.
Backstage Barriers and Beyond © 2024 by M. Gasby Brown is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0https://spark.bethel.edu/primetime-presentations/1004/thumbnail.jp
The Monstrous In Our Techno-Social World: Black Mirror Season 6. Produced by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones. Netflix, 2023
The sixth season of the technologically-dystopian anthology series, Black Mirror, was released on Netflix on June 15, 2023. The five new episodes, or films as producers Charlie Brooker and Annabelle Jones prefer to call them, were the first offerings of Black Mirror to appear on our respective “black mirrors”since before the start of the global pandemic. In the latest installment of eerie reflections about how technology saturates and shapes our social worlds,the showrunners both provide vintage Black Mirror and a new trajectory of what is possible for the series, even to the point of ostensibly breaking some of theirown rules
Life Space Crisis Intervention: A Comprehensive Approach to Supporting Students in Crisis
This paper explores the behavioral model Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI). It is a trauma-informed approach designed to address the behavioral and emotional needs of students who are impacted by trauma that are displaying challenging behaviors. A review of existing literature highlights LSCI’s effectiveness in reducing disruptive behavior, improving emotional regulation, and facilitating the reintegration into less restrictive educational settings. However, the research also reveals gaps, such as the need for longitudinal studies, more diverse settings of sample groups, and clearer mechanisms for successful implementation. In response, this paper presents two practical tools: a brochure and a professional development PowerPoint. These materials aim to educate staff on LSCI’s processes, address misconceptions, and support mid-year hires. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research to be conducted to gather a large data set to understand the full capacity of LSCI’s impacts and broader school-wide implementation, emphasizing the importance of consistent training and a trauma-informed school culture to maximize LSCI’s impact on student success
Impact of Cell Phone Use on Student Engagement and Academic Success
This paper examines the impact cell phone use has on student engagement and academic success in high school students. Through a comprehensive study of literature reviews, this paper aims to evaluate the positive and negative effects of cell phone use in the classroom and the policies deemed effective at increasing learner engagement and academic success. This paper offers insights for administrators, educators, and parents to better understand and address the challenges and opportunities that cell phones pose in the classroom setting
Transformational Leadership Characteristics of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg
This thesis examines how Skanderbeg utilized transformational leadership principles. To identify Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg’s leadership characteristics, the researcher used a qualitative interpretive biography, a subcategory of narrative inquiry. Skanderbeg inspired his followers through his vision, charisma, and steadfast commitment to the cause of Albanian independence from Ottoman domination. He had a special ability to unify feudal lords, foster a strong sense of common identity, and awaken a deep level of loyalty among his troops. Skanderbeg’s transformational leadership left a deep-seated imprint on Albanian history, exemplifying how visionary leadership can inspire a nation to rise against adversity and strive for a common goal. While there are many articles that focus on Skanderbeg’s life story as well as countless papers proving or disputing the legend and the lore that continues to surround this great leader’s life, the researcher specifically focused on Skanderbeg’s leadership from a transformational leadership perspective in juxtaposition to other leadership styles such as shepherd, transactional, paternalistic and authoritarian to explore and identify the ways in which his leadership has influenced and continues to impact Albanian national identity
Inflammation Effects of Curcuma Longa on RAW264.7 Cells
Inflammation is how the body is able to combat infections and stimulate tissue repair. An inflammatory response can be triggered by many factors but one of the most prevalent factors are macrophages. Macrophages add to the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of inflammation. If the body experiences inflammation for long periods of time it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, body pain, weight gain, etc. Studies have been done that show the anti inflammatory benefits of Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) on the inflammatory immune response. It was found that RAW264.7 cells are good for demonstrating the anti inflammatory responses exhibited by turmeric.IFN-γ and LPS both demonstrate inflammatory responses in the cells and are useful when comparing the effects of turmeric on RAW264.7 cells