Archive for year: 2024

This research aims to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by generation Z in the context of the knowledge worker phenomenon, as well as identify potential gaps in skills that may affect their readiness for knowledge-based work. While generation Z is recognised as digital natives with strong technological capabilities, there is a potential gap between their technical skills and the non-technical skills required in knowledge-based work. These gaps include interpersonal skills, effective communication, as well as problem-solving and strategic decision-making. This research is important to provide in-depth insights into how generation Z can capitalise on the opportunities available and overcome the challenges they face in the knowledge worker era.

This research uses a quantitative descriptive approach with literature studies and surveys. The sample consisted of 100 students of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Yogyakarta State University (UNY) who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through survey questionnaires and literature studies and analysed using descriptive statistics and synthesis of findings from the literature.

The research revealed that Generation Z has a competitive advantage in terms of technological skills and adaptability to change. However, there is a significant gap in non-technical skills such as communication and problem solving. Recommendations to address this gap include developing a more holistic education and training curriculum, which not only focuses on technical skills but also interpersonal and managerial skills that are essential in a knowledge-based work environment.

This essay examines the impact of China’s Provincial Quotas Policy (PQP) on the equality of opportunity for high school students to enter the same university. It begins by introducing key definitions such as the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao), the “985” and “211” Projects, batches of university admissions, and PQP. Subsequently, it presents the debates surrounding PQP. Opponents argue that it leads to an uneven distribution of enrollment quotas, regional inequities, and issues like “Gaokao migration.” Supporters contend that it has mitigated the widening gap in access opportunities and reduced the gender gap. Through an analysis of the Gaokao Enrollment Rate (GER) and case studies of the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), it is found that the allocation of university enrollment slots in each province does not proportionally align with the number of applicants or the population. Using SPSS to analyze the factors influencing the formation of PQP, it is determined that factors such as GDP, population, the number of high school graduates, and the number of local high schools play significant roles. The significance of the data is discussed in relation to Gaokao and social mobility, as well as the connection between Gaokao and the Hukou policy. Finally, the complements to PQP, including special admission schemes and awarded points for minority candidates, are introduced. The conclusion is that while there are efforts to address the inequality, if the issue of geographic stratification remains unresolved, educational inequality in China may persist.

Students’ self-efficacy and attitudes are crucial in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS). When students approach these disciplines with optimism and a strong belief in their capabilities, they tend to find learning more accessible and enjoyable. This study evaluated the self-efficacy and attitude toward HUMSS-specialized subjects among the Senior High School students in Tuao High School for the school year 2023-2024. It employed the embedded design and assessed four sources of self-efficacy: mastery experience, social persuasion, vicarious experience, physiological and emotional states, and overall attitude levels. It also compared these factors across various student profiles and examined the correlation between self-efficacy and attitudes. Utilizing a modified questionnaire for self-efficacy and the Modified Fennema-Sherman Attitude Scales for attitudes, results showed high self-efficacy and moderately favorable attitudes toward specialized subjects. No significant differences were observed based on sex, birth order, or monthly family income. However, a significant relationship was noted between self-efficacy and attitudes towards these subjects. Further research into the long-term impact of self-efficacy and attitudes can inform educational practices, leading to targeted interventions, personalized teaching methods, and enhanced teacher training, promoting academic and career success.

The phenomenon of the increasing elderly population in Indonesia raises various challenges, one of which is how to ensure their emotional well-being and happiness. Siti Khadijah Nursing Home in Kesambi, Cirebon City, seeks to provide solutions through an Islamic spiritual education program. This study aims to explore the concept, implementation, challenges, responses, and impacts of Islamic spiritual education on increasing the happiness of the residents of the nursing home. The method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document studies. Data analysis was conducted using triangulation techniques of sources, methods, and theories to ensure the validity of the findings. The results showed that the Islamic spiritual education program involving congregational prayer, reading the Qur’an, praying together, and spiritual counseling significantly increased the happiness of the elderly. The main challenges in implementing the program were limited human resources, facilities, and support from the residents’ families. The residents’ responses to the program were very positive, with active participation in every activity carried out. In conclusion, Islamic spiritual education has proven effective in increasing the happiness of the elderly, but improvements are still needed in terms of resource management and family involvement. Recommendations are given to strengthen external support and optimize spiritual-based programs to achieve sustainable elderly welfare.

Ethnomathematics is an exploration of mathematics in the activities of people’s lives, especially culture. Mathematics is part of culture and is universal, as well as concrete ethnomathematics objects that can support and help students understand mathematics that is abstract in nature. Therefore, learning mathematics based on culture will be more interesting so that it can make students more active and think creatively in exploring their findings. Method This type of research is qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. The methods used to obtain data are field study methods, exploration, observation, interviews and documentation. In this study, it focused on the crafts of farming activities on farmers in Waidamo Village and involved two lecturers, 3 lecturers with various expertise and 2 students to assist researchers in exploring the geometric elements found in the crafts of farming activities. The purpose of this study is to explore ethnomathematics in farming activities. The data analysis technique used is triangulation, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. Data reduction is used to sharpen, classify, and discard data that is not needed in the study. The data obtained from the results of interviews, observations, and documentation are reduced by selecting the information needed to obtain valid data. Based on the results of the study, the ethnomathematics found were counting activities, rituals and comparing.