Month: December 2022

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Four Tips For Teachers Who Want To Transition To A Job In EdTech

Four Tips For Teachers Who Want To Transition To A Job In EdTech

The teaching profession is experiencing a mass exodus. Reduced pay and pandemic strain have taken their toll. In a 2022 poll from the Nationwide Training Association, extra than 50 percent of teachers claimed that they prepare to go away the career sooner than originally anticipated. So what are these academics executing in its place? Several are getting into the edtech sector. With the guidance under, it can be a seamless changeover.

1. How To Get Your Foot In The Doorway At An EdTech Organization

A couple years ago, the Countrywide Middle for Education and learning Studies at the Institute of Schooling Sciences noted that about 20{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} of academics have a next position outside the house of college. Presented today’s inflation, that number is most likely increased now. For lecturers who want to make excess money, and are on the lookout to changeover to edtech, they can accomplish both by obtaining a element-time job with an edtech organization.

Quite a few edtech businesses count on teachers functioning as consultants to deliver their trainings and style their supplemental products, like lesson strategies and implementation guides. Starting off off with a freelance position at an edtech organization is a good way to see irrespective of whether this industry is a good healthy and to start out setting up associations.

2. How To Land A Mid-Amount EdTech Career

Many veteran educators seeking to go away the job be concerned that their educating practical experience won’t convert when they depart the classroom and that they’ll have to start off in an entry-stage role, even just after many years or many years of working. This doesn’t have to be the scenario. Instructors need to think deeply and at a superior level about the do the job that their instructing positions involve. It’s possible many years of creating great models and classes is working experience in “instructional structure.” Differentiation ideas for students with I.E.P.s and programming for skilled understanding communities is “strategic preparing.”

Be imaginative in determining transferable abilities. A whole lot goes into staying a successful teacher, but outsiders could not be aware of it all. Make it crystal clear what you have accomplished, and body it in language that edtech companies’ career descriptions use.

3. How To Locate Edtech Career Openings

Following getting in the classroom for several years, you may be out of the loop on occupation postings. A wonderful spot to start wanting is the EdSurge careers board, and social media is also practical. Jeff Patterson, founder and CEO of edtech business Gaggle, is a fantastic observe on LinkedIn. He posts edtech job openings at the time or twice a 7 days, and hosts absolutely free on line edtech position fairs. It’s also practical to comply with the accounts of any providers that you would perhaps be interested in, considering the fact that they commonly write-up work openings throughout their social accounts.

Use your individual networks far too. If you have former colleagues who are now performing in edtech, arrive at out to them. Enable them know that you’re thinking about transitioning out of instructing and see if you can agenda informational interviews to find out a lot more about their perform and get their information on generating the transfer.

4. How To Opt for The Most effective EdTech Part For Previous Academics

There is a great deal of variety inside edtech. Some providers are building instructional software program to upskill grownup staff, when other individuals emphasis on instructing tots to count. To decide the kind of enterprise that is the best match for you, think about your instructing working experience. What ages were being you teaching? Which issue(s)? Find corporations serving those people grades and academic places. Even far better, get started with corporations whose merchandise you employed in your classroom.

There is also a good deal of variety inside edtech businesses. There are income people today, entrepreneurs, grant writers, scientists, and coders all performing on the exact same solution. Among all of the roles, there are a few that are likely to be excellent fits for lecturers.

Product sales can be a great starting off posture soon after the classroom. Organizations know that former instructors will be equipped to persuade present-day educators on the worth of their edtech product better than somebody who has not been an insider in K-12. The transition out of the classroom to edtech gross sales is simple, considering the fact that the setting does not transform considerably. A man or woman in a revenue position spends a great deal of their time conversing to academics and administrators in educational facilities and district offices.

Another situation based on connecting with educators is customer achievement. This is a fantastic position for previous instructors too, considering the fact that, in this posture, they’ll be centered on helping recent instructors navigate and get the most out of an edtech merchandise.

Don’t be concerned if shopper good results or income are not your ideal occupation paths. After your foot is in the doorway at an edtech enterprise with one particular of these roles, you can quickly changeover to other positions in time.

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Identifying the challenges of online education from the perspective of University of Medical Sciences Students in the COVID-19 pandemic: a Q-methodology-based study | BMC Medical Education

Identifying the challenges of online education from the perspective of University of Medical Sciences Students in the COVID-19 pandemic: a Q-methodology-based study | BMC Medical Education

This cross-sectional analyze was executed using the Q methodology during the subsequent six techniques utilizing Barry and Proops method [19].

Phase 1 and 2: defining the concourse

At this phase, a concourse space was fashioned with the identification of the matter or idea of the analyze. The offered sights on the situation elevated for the concourse can be formed from a assessment of texts and authorities in this field [19].

In this review, the matter and notion for the concourse were being the problems of on the web education and learning all through the COVID-19 pandemic. The concourse provided a collection of various supplies associated to the investigation subject that was mentioned among the students. The pupils (P-established) who also experienced contributed before to the enhancement of the initial set of statements. Thirty-one particular learners participated in semi-structured interviews, and we tried using to establish their subjectivity about the investigation matter working with the Q approach [20].

In this analyze, the concourse (sample of people) provided college students of the University of Health care Sciences (paramedical learners) who had enough data about online training for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stage 3: screening and assortment of statements (Q-sample)

In the course of the semi-structured interviews with 31 learners, 70 statements ended up extracted about the perceived difficulties of online schooling. The Q goods ended up picked quite diligently so that things did not overlap, and at the exact time, no point of view need to be missing. Thus, the variety process usually takes the most time and hard work of all the measures of the Q methodology. For that reason, exploration group taken out related unrelated, and ambiguous statements from the Q set. Eventually, 50 statements had been selected.

Phase 4: picked P-established

Students who participated in the concourse (interviews) had been chosen as a sample of individuals to take part in sorting in the Q examine (P-established). In the present study, learners have been picked by purposive sampling to include college students who experienced an academic, skilled, experimental marriage or prior information about the subject of study. This range of samples designed the contributors with much more varied mentalities enter the examine. It is advised that in Q experiments, the variety of members to form statements should really be less than the number of statements close to the analyze issue [21]. In the present examine, the range of individuals who rated the troubles of on the web education packages was 31 (Table 1).

Desk 1 The Q-established statements and issue arrays in the analyze of worries on the net instruction among pupils

Phase 5: Q-sort

At this stage, the normal distribution table in the type of a Likert scale from − 5 to + 5 was developed offline. Suggestions on distributing the expressions on the typical distribution table have been delivered. In the first phase, the intent of the examine is the quantity of statements picked by means of the interview. In the second phase, position the statements in 3 columns: “I agree”, “I have no viewpoint,” and “I disagree. In the third phase, the statements (necessary) are distributed in the ordinary Likert distribution diagram (− 5 to 5+), detailing the motive for deciding upon the two ends of the Likert scale from their issue of look at and lastly moving into the demographic facts. So, in Q, the sorting process is subjective [19]. In other text, sorting things in the regular distribution make it possible for each and every participant to existing their internal standpoint via sorting.

Stage 6: examination and interpretation of components

Students’ knowledge obtained from Q sorting were being entered into PQ-Method program model 2.35. The system of analysis and interpretation was executed in three levels: (a) identification of factors, (b) conversion of elements into element arrays (c) interpretation of variables applying element arrays.

  1. A)

    Element Identification

The extraction of components in PQ-Method software was performed by the subsequent sequential techniques: (a) principal element examination, (b) identification of latent things, (c) varimax rotation and analysis of loading aspects for unique values earlier mentioned 1.00, d) estimation of the percentage of variance described by the discovered variables and (e) differentiation of interpretable components with at minimum two correlated Q forms [22].

  1. B)

    Transform element to element arrays

The correlation among each Q sort and just one discovered element indicates the degree of interaction in between the Q sorts and the recognized factors [19, 23]. The handbook flagging in PQ-Approach program was used for this examine. The correlation coefficients of at the very least .364 had been thought of as the reduce-off issue (the absolute value of the issue load is increased than ((frac2.58sqrtN)). That factor load was 99{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} significant, respectively, and the value of N was equivalent to the quantity of Q statements (N = 50). Sorted for identified elements [24]. Specs specified on a component are employed to create a aspect array for that element. The variable array represents the sorting of that factor (point of watch) applying z-scores. The component array for each individual issue determined the degree to which each individual expression was in the spectrum, so a extra precise interpretation of just about every component (subjectivity) was attained according to the placement of every single expression. (P-worth< 0.05 vs. 0.01) is also determined from the Z score to distinguish expressions [25].

  1. III)

    Factor interpretation using factor arrays

Distinct Q expressions were identified, and factors were interpreted textually. The defining expressions for a factor were those that had a rating value of “+ 5”, “+ 4”, “4-,” 5- “in factor arrays that had different scores (P < 0.05) in a given factor Compared to their scores on other factors, the post-P-set interview was conducted at the end of Q sorting to confirm the diagnosis and interpretation of item subgroups among the identified factors.

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Why Interest in Homeschooling is Growing

Why Interest in Homeschooling is Growing

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Homeschooling, also recognised as property education, is a form of education where youngsters are educated at residence somewhat than in a conventional school environment. This can be conducted by dad and mom, tutors, or on line faculties and can follow a wide range of academic techniques, which include but not constrained to conventional curricula, unschooling, project-dependent and Montessori techniques.

Why Is Homeschooling Turning into A Well-liked Decision?

Fascination in homeschooling has grown appreciably in new yrs for a range of good reasons. In this article are a number of essential variables that have contributed to the developing desire in homeschooling:

Versatility And Customization

Just one of the main positive aspects of homeschooling is the means to tailor the training to the individual wants and studying design and style of the university student. In a regular college placing, students are usually demanded to stick to a set program and curriculum, which may possibly not be appropriate for all learners.

Homeschooling enables mom and dad and instructors to style and design a personalized schooling prepare that meets the certain wants and goals of the youngster. This overall flexibility can be specially useful for children with discovering disabilities or advanced learners who may well not prosper in a traditional school setting.

Enhanced Basic safety And Wellbeing Concerns

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, several parents have turned to homeschooling as a safer substitute to traditional schooling. With the possibility of transmission of the virus in crowded school rooms and educational facilities, this process provides a way for young children to proceed their education and learning in a safer and extra managed natural environment.

For family members with children who have well being situations that make it difficult for them to attend regular universities, this can be a feasible and advantageous possibility. Small children with continual wellness problems or disabilities may well facial area difficulties in a classic environment, this sort of as trouble accessing sure locations of the university or participating in selected things to do. This grants these kids to acquire an education and learning in a a lot more comfy and accommodating setting wherever their requires can be a lot more very easily fulfilled.

Instruction Excellent

A further purpose for the rising interest in homeschooling is the perception that it can present a greater excellent schooling than regular faculties. Some dad and mom believe that that it makes it possible for for far more customized and individualized instruction, as the pupil is ready to obtain a person-on-1 consideration and help from their lecturers.

Homeschooling presents the opportunity to pick out educational materials and methods that align with the student’s values and beliefs, which may well not constantly be an choice in regular educational institutions. This versatility enables the college student to have a far more personalized and individualized education and learning that is tailored to their distinct passions. By deciding on elements and approaches that align with them, the college student can have a much more significant and fulfilling academic expertise.

Religious And Philosophical Beliefs

For some, this is an possibility to align their children’s education and learning with their personalized beliefs and traditions. This can be particularly essential for households with strong religious or philosophical convictions that might not be mirrored in the curriculum or lifestyle of conventional universities. Homeschooling makes it possible for for the incorporation of these values and beliefs into the child’s training in a way that could not be probable in a encounter-to-experience college environment.

In addition to religious or philosophical beliefs, homeschooling can also provide the opportunity for families to prioritize specific values or goals in their children’s training. For case in point, a family might select to prioritize environmental sustainability in their child’s schooling, and it can allow for them to integrate this concentration into their curriculum and activities. Similarly, they may prioritize palms-on, experiential understanding, and homeschooling instructors can present the adaptability to incorporate these strategies into their child’s training.

Option Education and learning Possibilities

Homeschooling permits kids to acquire a custom made and customized education and learning that fulfills their particular requirements and aims, regardless of their locale or entry to standard educational institutions. This can be particularly significant for families dwelling in rural or underserved parts wherever obtain to substantial-excellent education and learning may perhaps be constrained.

It can also be a great solution for households who are in search of choice education options. These alternatives might contain choice curricula or ways, such as unschooling or Montessori solutions, which could not be available in common colleges. By selecting to homeschool, families can have the adaptability to check out and go after choice instruction selections that align with their values and aims.

Homeschooling is a rising development that presents a adaptable and customizable substitute to common instruction. No matter whether pushed by problems about safety, good quality of education and learning or philosophical beliefs, much more and more family members are turning to it as a viable possibility for their children’s education.

The best homeschools not only deliver quality schooling but also empower their pupils to flourish and establish their person capabilities. Although it might not be the suitable preference for every family, this nonetheless gives a assortment of gains and possibilities that have contributed to its developing recognition.

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Pet insects and elderly people with chronic diseases

Pet insects and elderly people with chronic diseases

Introduction

Frailty is defined as a vulnerable state resulting from age-associated declines in physiological reserves and functions, such that the ability to cope with internal or external stressors is comprised.1 Frailty increases the risk for poor health outcomes for the elderly, as it directly or indirectly affects morbidity and mortality. Korea became an aged society in 2017; as of 2020, 15.7{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} of the total population were aged 65 or older. In 2025, 20.3{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} of the total population will be aged 65 or older and Korea will become a post-aged society.2 As the elderly population increases in the community, the number of frail elderly people increases, which in turn increases the burden not only on an individual’s physical and mental health, but also on public health services. The socioeconomic burden is also a significant issue. Medical expenses for the elderly account for 1/3 of total medical costs in Korea;2 indeed, in a previous study, the cost of supporting prefrail and frail community-dwelling elderly individuals is increased around $179 up to $32,549.96, compared with robust individuals.3 Thus, healthcare providers need to find practical, non-invasive, and cost-effective treatments for the prefrail and frail elderly.

Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is an effective treatment that improves the mental and physical health of the elderly.4 However, the majority of AAI methods use mammals such as dogs, cats, or horses (and sometimes fish or birds).5 A previous study shows that pet insects have a beneficial effect on the psychological health of community-dwelling elderly persons. Rearing pet insects improves depression, cognitive function, and quality of life in relatively healthy elderly persons,6 and has positive effects on executive functions and performance in elderly women.7 However, the aforementioned studies only targeted relatively healthy elderly individuals aged 65 to 70; neither included frail elderly individuals of more advanced age.

Pet insects are easy to rear, cost less than other animals, and do not need a large space. Prefrail and frail elderly individuals, especially those aged 75 and older, may lack the physical capability and/or finances to feed and rear mammals; also, they are at increased risk of falls or injuries caused by mammals.8 To the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the effects of pet insects on the physical and mental health in frail elderly individuals of advanced age. Thus, this pilot study aimed to ascertain the effects of pet insects on physical performance and psychological health in a population of community-dwelling frail elderly individuals living with a chronic disease.

Materials and Methods

Study Design

The protocol for this 8-week prospective single-arm interventional pilot study was complied with Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the institutional review board of Kyungpook National University Hospital (protocol no. KNUH 2021–08-021). Prefrail and frail community-dwelling adults attending a daycare facility for the elderly, located in Gochang County, South Korea, were enrolled. All subjects were asked to submit informed consent to participate in this research. An interventional program using pet insects was conducted from October 2021 to December 2021.

Subject Eligibility

The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) adults aged 70 years and older; (ii) frailty index ≥1 on the Korean version of the FRAIL (K-FRAIL) scale;9 (iii) able to move and walk by him/herself with or without equipment; (iv) no limitation in activities of daily living (ADL);10 (v) diagnosed or treated for at least one of the following diseases: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, neurodegenerative disease, or malignant neoplastic disease; (vi) regardless of psychiatric diseases, including major depression, insomnia, cognitive impairment, bipolar disorder; and (vii) completed both pre- and post-tests.

The exclusion criteria were as follows: (i) patients with limited self-care, (ii) confined to a bed or chair for more than 50{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} of waking hours (ie, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≥3);11 (iii) hospitalized due to an acute illness (including pneumonia, acute myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and cerebral hemorrhage) within the previous month; (iv) severe dementia corresponding to a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score ≥3;12 (v) changes in medications that affect mood or sleep during the study period; (vi) entomophobia; and (vii) withdrawal of written consent to participate.

Study Intervention

The pet insect intervention was an 8-week program comprising six face-to-face meetings (a baseline visit and five supportive sessions). At the baseline visit (visit 0), screening tests for physical performance and psychometric assessments were performed. Next, family medicine specialists provided education about the importance of exercise and diet to prevent frailty, and provided individual health counseling if requested.

On the next day (visit 1), entomologists provided the pet insects. Based on a previous study, the oriental garden cricket (Teleogryllus emma) was chosen as the pet insect because its chirping sound is familiar to the elderly and is easy to care for.6 The entomologists provided five to eight adult crickets, shortly after fully grown with wings (Figure 1), and related equipment, including properly designed cages, sufficient fodder, and care instructions. The pet insects were provided to each participant, and to the daycare facility, so that the participants could make contact with the crickets during the whole study period. Every 2 weeks, the participants attended support programs (2 h/session). The five sessions were as follows. (i) visit 1: “how to rear crickets”, “building a cage for the crickets”, (ii) visit 2: “how to get close to crickets”, (iii) visit 3: “the ecology of insects”, (iv) visit 4: “observing the crickets closely”, “how crickets make sounds”, and (v) visit 5: “sharing our experiences with pet insects”. Through weekly phone calls, researchers checked compliance with insect rearing and any inconveniences or side effects related to pet insects.

Figure 1 The lifespan of the oriental garden cricket (Teleogryllus emma). Fully-grown adult crickets, shortly after their wings were grown, were provided to the participants.

During the last visit, the family medicine specialists conducted individual counseling about test results, and also performed follow-up tests.

Physical Performance Tests

In accordance with standardized protocols, trained physicians evaluated physical performance using the timed up-and-go (TUG) test for functional mobility and the handgrip strength test for muscle strength. The TUG test was performed as follows: after showing participants how to do the test, each participant was observed and timed while he/she rose from a standard armchair, walked to a line 3 meters away, turned around, walked back to the chair, and sat down again. After repeating the TUG twice, the average time (s) was noted.13

The handgrip strength test was performed using a digital hand dynamometer (Model EH101, Camry LLC, El Monte, CA, USA). The participant was instructed to sit with his/her shoulders adducted, elbows flexed at 90°, and forearms in a neutral position; they then squeezed the dynamometer with maximum isometric effort for at least 5 seconds, using his/her dominant hand.14 Maximal force (kg), stratified by gender and age, was noted; the average value after two attempts was used.

Psychometric Assessment Tests

The psychometric assessment was conducted by skilled physicians and research assistants via direct interview. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to identify depression. PHQ-9 is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring depression, and the degree of changes in depressive symptoms. A PHQ-9 score lower than 5 is considered normal; a score of 10 or higher is the recommended cut-off score for detecting major depressive disorders.15

The Korea Dementia Screening Questionnaire-Cognition (KDSQ-C) and Mini-Cog test were utilized to evaluate cognitive function. The KDSQ-C is a screening tool for dementia in the elderly, which has high validity and reliability. It comprises 15 cognitive dysfunction items, with a maximum score of 30; a higher score indicates poorer function and greater frequency. The cut-off point of 8 has a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.73 for dementia.16,17 The Mini-Cog test, which combines two cognitive tasks (three item word memory and clock drawing), is useful for screening dementia. A total score of five points is calculated by summing the score of the 3 item recall (0–3 points) and clock drawing exercise (0 or 2 points). A cut-off < 3 has been validated for dementia screening.18–20

The Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument (BEPSI) was used to measure interactional models of stress. It comprises five items, and the scores for each item (Likert’s scale 1–5 points) are summed to calculate an average. A score < 1.8 corresponds to low stress. The validity of the Korean version of the BEPSI has been reported previously.21–23

The Profile of Mood States (POMS) is an instrument used to identify transient and variable affective states. A total of 65 questions (Likert’s scale, 0–4 points) are divided into six subscales: Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Vigor-Activity, Fatigue-Inertia, and Confusion-Bewilderment. The validity and reliability of the Korean version of POMS have been confirmed.24,25

The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and average sleep duration for the last 2 weeks were evaluated. The ISI, a screening questionnaire for insomnia, comprises seven items. A total score of 0–7 is interpreted as an absence of insomnia, 8–14 as sub-threshold insomnia, 15–21 as moderate insomnia, and 22–28 as severe insomnia.26,27 Sleep duration was also assessed through an open-ended question: “How many hours did you sleep on an average night during the recent 2 weeks?” Self-reported sleep duration shows good agreement with accelerometer or polysomnography data.28

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests were performed using blood samples obtained after an 8 h fast (baseline). The following parameters were measured: high sensitivity C-reactive protein; thyroid function (free T4, thyroid stimulating hormone); hemoglobin A1c; the erythrocyte sedimentation rate; complete blood count; liver function (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, albumin, total protein, lactate dehydrogenase); uric acid levels; calcium, phosphorus, and glucose levels; renal function (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine; sodium; potassium); and lipids (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride).

Statistical Analysis

A paired t-test was used to compare data obtained before and after the 8-week intervention. Spearman correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationships between psychometric tests and physical function. Logistic regression analysis using the forward stepwise selection method was performed to identify factors that contribute significantly to physical performance. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS (version 25.0) program (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

Baseline Characteristics

A total of 31 elderly subjects were recruited and screened during the enrollment period. After excluding eight participants who withdrew written consent (N = 3) or were lost to follow-up (N = 5), a total of 23 elderly subjects were selected for the final analysis. The mean age was 82.78 years; 78.3{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} were women; 43.5{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} lived with one or more cohabitants; 52.2{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} did not have any formal education; and 30.4{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} had been diagnosed with hypertension, 13.0{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} with dyslipidemia, and 69.9{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} with other comorbidities (including osteoporosis, stroke, stable angina, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and malignancies). Laboratory test results were generally fair; none of the subjects had severe abnormal findings that required emergency treatment or hospitalization (Table 1).

Table 1 Baseline Characteristics

Physical Performance

The mean baseline TUG test time (s) was 13.16 ± 6.53. After the intervention, the mean time fell significantly to 12.81 ± 6.22 s (Δ = −0.35 ± 0.73 s, P = 0.034). The mean handgrip strength (kg) test result was 15.81 ± 7.10 kg at baseline, which increased to 16.54 ± 6.67 kg after the intervention (Δ = 0.73 ± 0.99 kg, P = 0.002) (Table 2).

Table 2 Changes in Physical Performance Before and After the 8-Week Pet Insect Intervention

Psychological Assessment

The ISI score for severity of sleep disturbance was 9.48 ± 8.54 at baseline and 6.57 ± 7.12 after the 8-week intervention (Δ = −2.91 ± 5.64, P = −0.021). Average sleep duration (h) was 6.48 ± 2.06 at baseline, increasing to 7.35 ± 1.87 (Δ = 0.87 ± 1.98, P = 0.047) after the intervention. Other psychological tests did not reveal significant changes (Table 3).

Table 3 Changes in Psychological Assessments Before and After the 8-Week Pet Insect Intervention

Relationship Between Psychometric Assessment and Physical Performance Tests

Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis was performed to compare changes in psychometric data and physical performance test results before and after the intervention. There was a positive correlation between the KDSQ-C and TUG test scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.470, P = 0.024), and a negative correlation between the ISI and handgrip strength test scores (Spearman’s ρ = −0.447, P=0.033). There were no significant correlations between other psychometric assessment and physical performance tests (Table 4).

Table 4 Correlation Between Differences in Psychometric Assessment Scores and Physical Performance Test Scores

Factors Related to Improvements in Physical Performance

Logistic regression analysis using the forward stepwise selection method were conducted using TUG and handgrip strength test data as dependent variables, and other covariates as independent variables. In step 1 of the forward stepwise selection, the baseline ISI score (OR=1.323; 95{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} CI, 1.025–1.708, P = 0.031) was significantly associated with the probability of positive changes in both the TUG and handgrip strength tests after the intervention. In step 2, the baseline ISI score (OR=1.413; 95{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} CI, 1.069–1.869, P = 0.015) and the presence of other comorbidities (OR=0.036; 95{e4f787673fbda589a16c4acddca5ba6fa1cbf0bc0eb53f36e5f8309f6ee846cf} CI, 0.002–0.832, P = 0.038) were significantly associated with the probability of positive changes in both the TUG and handgrip strength tests after the intervention (Table 5).

Table 5 Factors Related to Improvements in the Physical Performance of Prefrail and Frail Elderly People After the 8-Week Intervention

Discussion

Frailty is a vulnerable state caused by an age-associated decline in physical and psychological function. It is important to develop an efficacious, cost-effective, and easily applicable intervention for frailty. This study is a single-arm 8-week interventional pilot study designed to assess the efficacy of pet insects on physical function and psychological health among frail and prefrail elderly Koreans. Interestingly, we noted small but significant changes in physical function of the upper and lower extremities, as well as in the quality and duration of sleep, after the individuals spent 8 weeks rearing pet insects. Among various factors, we found that the ISI and the presence of other comorbidities were significantly related to improvements in both the TUG test and handgrip strength. Thus, pet insects are an effective and easily applicable AAI for prefrail and frail elderly people, especially those with sleep disorders.

The TUG and handgrip strength tests are useful for evaluating the frailty of the elderly.29–33 As frailty progresses, the elderly tend to show decreased physical ability and cognitive function, increased fall risk, loss of autonomy, and increased mortality.34–36 In this regard, evaluating frailty can allow provision of targeted treatment options; thus diagnosis and evaluation of frailty are of clinical importance. The TUG is an easily applicable, reliable, and time-efficient method of assessing physical performance and mobility.37 The reference values for the elderly are 8.1 seconds for those in their 60s, 9.2 seconds for those in their 70s, and 11.3 for those in their 80s−90s.38 Handgrip strength is a tool for assessing physical performance and detecting poor mobility among the elderly; low handgrip strength might be associated with cognitive decline.39,40

The cut-off values for low handgrip strength are <26−30 kg for men and <16–20 kg for women.41 The participants in this study are older, frailer, and have more comorbidities than those in previous studies, as indicated by the TUG (13.16 s) and handgrip strength (15.81 kg) results, which were below the reference values. Therefore, the results of this study are meaningful because they reflect the effect of rearing pet insects on the physical and mental status of vulnerable elderly people.

AAI has a positive influence on the physical function of older adults. Older adult pet-owners have fewer limitations with regard to ADL, fewer visits to a doctor, engage in more frequent physical exercise, and have a more heightened sense of community.42,43 Despite these benefits, mammals such as dogs and cats may be associated with an increased risk of falls, injuries, and infectious diseases.8 In this regard, pet insects are a safe and effective choice for improving the physical function of vulnerable older adults. The frail adults in this study showed a significant improvement in both the TUG and handgrip strength tests after the intervention. The possible reasons for these results are as follows. First, animal-human interaction using pet insects may improve cognitive function through the focus required to care for and feed them regularly, or arrange/clean their environment.6,7 In addition, animal-human interactions improve emotional health; indeed, pet insects might have certain benefits with respect to improving cognitive function.8 Considering that maintaining balance and mobility is closely linked to complex integration and coordination, including cognitive and motor processes,44 the improvement in physical functions noted in this study are reasonable. Second, impairment of balance and mobility are associated with decreased balance confidence.44 AAI with pet insects could increase balance confidence by motivating the elderly to perform more daily physical activity and to attempt new tasks, including feeding and rearing pets. Third, the TUG and handgrip strength tests are good indicators of sarcopenia. Although rearing insects does not need a strong physical effort, it requires sophisticated executive activities to handle the small insects. Executive function activities are related to attention, problem-solving, and working memory. In a previous study, the rearing of pet insects had an advantageous effect on executive function in older women.7 Improvements in TUG and handgrip strength might reflect increased daily physical activity involving both the upper and lower extremities.

The ISI score decreased and sleep duration increased, which were significant improvements; indeed, the environment, nutritional status, and amount of activity affect regular sleep patterns.45,46 A previous study involving 100 elderly people in nursing homes showed that AAI has a transient beneficial effect on sleep duration.46 AAI has beneficial effects in that it encourages the elderly to move more as they care for their pets; these improvements might help sleep patterns. However, we found no significant changes in other psychological parameters, including depression, cognitive function, stress, or mood. Although changes were generally positive, the number of participants was too small to achieve statistical significance. Further studies with a larger study population are warranted.

One interesting result of this study was that changes in KDSQ-C correlated positively with the TUG, and changes in ISI correlated negatively with handgrip strength. A previous observational study used measurements of sleep and physical performance to show an association between sleep behaviors and neuromuscular performance in older women; shorter sleep duration and longer waking time at night are related to a greater risk of poorer physical performance.47 Physical function is linked closely to psychological health; thus cognitive function and sleep should be considered when providing appropriate medical services for the frail elderly.

Logistic regression analysis, using all factors as dependent variables, was conducted to identify factors associated with significant improvement in physical function after the intervention. It turned out that the baseline ISI score, as well as comorbidities (osteoporosis, stroke, stable angina, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, malignancies), were all related factors. Baseline ISI was associated with a higher probability of improved physical performance, whereas the presence of other comorbidities was associated with a lower probability. In other words, elderly people with insomnia, but without complicating comorbidities, are more likely to show improved physical function after AAI using pet insects. This is interesting since the participants in the present study showed a significant improvement in physical function, ISI, and sleep duration after the intervention. Considering that elderly people with psychoneurological diseases show improved sleep patterns and reduced anxiety after AAI,48,49 and that anxiety and insomnia are closed linked mental disorders,50 AAI might improve physical performance by improving mental health. This result suggests that AAI will have beneficial effects on the physical and psychological health of mobile frail patients without advanced disease.

This study has several limitations. First, the number of participants was small and there was no control group. The period of recruitment coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic period, and social distancing measures had strengthened. This restricted the recruitment numbers. Thus, this study was designed as a pilot study prior to further randomized controlled trials. Second, we could not perform laboratory tests after the intervention because only a limited number of researchers were allowed to revisit the facility. Third, the 8 week study period was relatively short. A short study duration may not be sufficient to confirm improvements in physical and psychological function after AAI. However, this period was inevitable because in general crickets live only for up to 2 months. Further studies with extended study periods are needed using different pet insects which have longer life expectancies.

Despite these limitations, this study has certain strengths. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study to assess the effects of AAI using pet insects on both the physical and psychological function of the frail elderly people. Furthermore, various biomarkers were utilized to obtain objective baseline characteristics, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this pilot study provides evidence that pet insects are an effective AAI and have beneficial effects on the physical function and sleep patterns of prefrail and frail elderly people. It is expected that frail elderly people with sleep disorders, but without complicated comorbidities, are more likely to benefit from AAI. AAI using pet insects is easily applicable, cost-effective, less space occupying, and simple. Further randomized controlled trials of AAI using pet insects, with larger diverse populations and extended study periods, are necessary.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Cooperative Research Program for Agricultural Science & Technology Development (Project No. PJ0157382021), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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The Purposes of Civic Education

The Purposes of Civic Education

Although many think civic education’s purpose is to teach people how to vote, it is a more complex process. The goal of civic education is to teach individuals the value of civic engagement, interpersonal communication skills, and an awareness of the issues facing their communities. The purpose of civic education is to teach individuals the importance of civic engagement, interpersonal communication skills, and an understanding of their communities issues. These goals are essential because there are many different types of civic problems which require different kinds of solutions. In addition, there are also many different scales and settings in which we need to address these problems.

Educating one is also educating the other

Educating for one is also educating for the other purposes of civic education. The most important of these is developing an informed citizen. To be a citizen in a democratic society requires knowledge, skills, and dispositions. These traits are not inherited but are fostered through study and example.

In a democratic society, a citizen must be able to participate effectively and exert influence on political issues. In addition, a citizen must be able to analyze and explain the social and economic processes that shape our lives. Identifying and using emotional symbols is also a vital civic skill.

Good civic education book will teach citizens about their country’s relationship to the rest of the world, the best practices for government, and the benefits of participating in transnational organizations. However, it should be done in a manner that is understandable to the general public.

Teaching people to address collective action problems in multiple settings and scales

There are many ways to go about it. The most straightforward approach is to incentivize participants to do so. Depending on the nature of the problem, the motivation may be a tangible product or service or a financial incentive. The most effective approaches involve both.

By teaching people to do something based on their interests, they find a way to achieve their goals. There are many ways to do this, such as facilitating social connections, distributing information, and promoting education. A group with shared interests may have conflicting ideas and opinions. They may need a bit of coaching to find a common goal.

Addressing anti-democratic outcomes and citizens’ apathy

During the last few decades, several countries have seen an accelerating decline in voter turnout. It is a troubling trend, as it represents a significant threat to the democratic process. Moreover, the percentage of young people who vote has dropped in many countries. As a result, several commentators have argued that this crisis and the future of democracy are in jeopardy.

One of the most common reasons for this lack of participation is the failure of representation. In the past, young people may have gotten involved in issues of concern by writing to elected representatives, voting, or participating in other forms of voter engagement. Similarly, many European countries have faced a growing level of political extremism, with support for far-right and far-left parties.

Reimagine civic education

iCivics is a digital platform for civics education, providing free and standards-aligned resources for teachers and students. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor founded it in 2009 to cultivate a new generation of students for citizenship. Today, iCivics serves over 7 million students in all 50 states. Its mission is to empower students to build a stronger, more democratic society. Its projects include the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship, which brings high school students from across the country to promote civics education.

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Reid Elementary School name change considered in recent meeting | Education

Reid Elementary School name change considered in recent meeting | Education

Frances Hazel Reid’s very long career as a newspaperwoman and historian led to a faculty remaining named following her in 2003, but a name alter is becoming regarded as thanks to Reid’s association with a Accomplice sympathizer group.

Reid, a Purcellville resident who died at 94 in 1994, was a Loudoun Periods-Mirror personnel from 1921 until eventually soon prior to her death, according to Heritage Matters, a Richmond-primarily based historic group employed by Loudoun County Public Colleges to analysis the names of educational institutions involved with white supremacy or white supremacist sympathizers.