Math SCRABBLE (Strengthening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Reinforcing Rational Numbers and Integers, Applying Basic Operations for Building Learner’s Excellence in Mathematics)

This action research explores the impact of an innovative game-based intervention entitled “Math SCRABBLE (Strengthening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Reinforcing Rational Numbers and Integers, Applying Basic Operations for Building Learner’s Excellence in Mathematics),” on the academic performance of grade 7 students at Mount Carmel College of Casiguran, Inc., academic year 2024-2025. The research employs a quasi-experimental design with purposive sampling consisting of an experimental and control group, wherein the experimental group undergoes the intervention. A validated 30-item pre-test and post-test was the main instruments for this study and administered to 52 participants (26 experimental group and 26 control group) to measure the academic performance of both group. This game-based intervention was designed to foster critical thinking and strengthen mathematical skills over 20 days. Results revealed significant differences among learners exposed to Math SCRABBLE (Strengthening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Reinforcing Rational Numbers and Integers, Applying Basic Operations for Building Learner’s Excellence in Mathematics). The experimental group’s post-test mean score increased to outstanding, compared to the control group’s Did Not Meet Expectations. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between the two groups’ performances post-intervention, with a very large effect size indicated. Additionally, a dependent t-test for the experimental group showed a notable improvement from their pre-test mean score. The study’s findings highlighted the effectiveness of Math SCRABBLE (Strengthening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Reinforcing Rational Numbers and Integers, Applying Basic Operations for Building Learner’s Excellence in Mathematics) as an innovative educational tool addressing mathematical challenges and enhancing foundational skills. It also offers valuable insights for educators, emphasizing the importance of engaging and interactive pedagogies in improving learner outcomes in mathematics.

How do mothers in political leadership positions maintain work-life balance during COVID-19 Pandemic? Experiences from the Smallest Political Unit in Southern Philippines

Being a mother is already a tough responsibility; how much more when she is also the political leader of a community during a global health crisis? This article aims to describe how women Punong Barangays (PBs) in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines, navigate their dual responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It looks into their practical approaches, key factors behind their success in mitigating challenges as community leaders, and how they perceived the work-life balance based on their experiences. Gathered through purposive sampling of mothers chosen based on their involvement as leaders of their community during the pandemic, phenomenological analysis was conducted. The findings show that personal commitment to resolving role-specific challenges, combined with effective time management, is important in maintaining work-life balance. Also, protecting the family’s health, spiritual, and emotional aspects helped women PBs become resilient despite conflicting duties. It was found that women leaders were present in public service duties, while being absent from home. Their sacrifices ensured crisis response, but it also came at a personal cost. Significantly, women leaders perceived their involvement during the pandemic as having a sense of purpose. It also suggests that balancing being a mother and a political leader in a community during the global health crisis is not about being present in both tasks.  Family and organizational support, and commitment to service are critical factors in this study. It argues that the concept of work-life balance had a different meaning because of the nature of their job during the pandemic.

Investigating the Relationship Between Access to Technology and Academic Performance of Undergraduates in the Digital Art Programme at Public Universities in JiLin Province, China: From Pilot Study to Correlation Analysis

This study examines the relationship between access to technology and the academic performance of undergraduate students in the Digital Art programme at public universities in Jilin Province, China. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data were collected from a structured survey distributed to a representative sample of students. The study investigates key technological factors, including the availability of digital tools, internet access, and proficiency in digital software, and their correlation with students’ academic achievements. Statistical analyses, such as correlation and regression, were applied to determine the strength and significance of these relationships. The findings indicate that access to technology positively impacts students’ academic performance, with digital proficiency and stable internet connectivity emerging as significant predictors of success. These results suggest that improving technological resources and training could enhance students’ learning outcomes. The study contributes to the discourse on digital education and provides practical recommendations for policymakers and educators to bridge technological gaps in higher education.

Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation in Exploiting Opportunities, Competitive Advantage, Innovative Ideas, and Performance in Corporate Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) represents an essential factor in company performance. The current study gives an essential message to assessing the direct influence of entrepreneurial spirit upon exploiting opportunities, competitive advantage, and growth in corporate entrepreneurship. The main goal of this paper is to define the concept of entrepreneurial orientation and its impact on effective corporate entrepreneurship. Moreover, it attempts to explain the concept and effect of the entrepreneurial orientation dimension (innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk-taking, autonomy, and competitive aggressiveness) on corporate entrepreneurship performance. The study gleaned that an entrepreneurial orientation is crucial for establishing competitive advantage, profitability, economic growth, and performance, and it improves the proactive capability to seek out opportunities and deal with conflicts, allowing organizations to join new markets and focus more on internal growth. Furthermore, commercial activity enhances and supports firms’ ability to better position themselves and separate themselves from competitors. It suggests that entrepreneurship businesses develop an entrepreneurial orientation early in their life cycle.

Application and Practice of Emerging Educational Technologies in the Inclusive Education of Students with Autism

This article provides an in-depth discussion of the current status, advantages and challenges of the application of novel educational technologies in the inclusive education of students with autism. Autism is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising incidence in recent years, making it a global public health issue. Inclusive education emphasizes providing equal educational opportunities for all students, but traditional educational methods have limitations in supporting students with autism. Emerging educational technologies (including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics, and somatosensory interaction) offer new hope for inclusive education for students with autism. These technologies have significantly improved the learning outcomes and social integration abilities of students with autism through personalized learning plans, immersive experiences, and emotional interactions. However, their application also faces many challenges, such as high technology costs, uneven resource distribution, insufficient professional training for teachers, and low technology acceptance. In the future, with the advancement of technological integration and innovation, the strengthening of cooperation between families and schools, and the further clarification of policy support and research directions, it is expected to promote the widespread application and optimization of these technologies, create a more inclusive and efficient educational environment for students with autism, and help them develop in an all-round way.

Duway: An Inquiry on the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Tagakaolo Women in Polygamous Marriage

Polygamous marriage involves a husband having the right to choose multiple wives in addition to their first marriage. In the Tagakaolo tribe, men are allowed to choose multiple wives after an agreed-upon dowry, leading the women as passive recipients of this practice. Hence, this qualitative phenomenological study aimed to uncover the lived experiences, psychosocial well-being, and insights of these women. By using the in-depth interviews and FGD guided by a semi-structured interview guide, this study gathered data from a total of twelve (12) Tagakaolo women, selected purposively. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis to unravel themes. The findings revealed three (3) themes in the lived experience of study participants on polygamous marriage: crying in silence, getting used to the “Duway” practice, and abiding with the customs and traditions.  The psychosocial well-being of the participants is also described by the following themes: embracing the situation as brought by fate, practicing open communication solves issues, and maintaining a passive attitude. As for the insights, these themes emerged: communication is the lifeline of a relationship, polygamous marriage is never easy, and polygamous marriage is only amiable if with agreement in writing. The findings imply that while polygamy is respected and honored by the Tagakaolo Tribe, it has detrimental implications on women’s psychological, social, and emotional well-being.

The Impact of Multimodal Instruction on Listening Proficiency Among Non-English Major University Students

This study examines the effectiveness of multimodal instruction in enhancing listening skills among non-English major university students in Shanxi, China. Using a mixed-methods design, the research combines quantitative analysis of CET-4 and MALQ assessments with qualitative data from classroom observations and interviews. Results demonstrate significant improvements in the experimental group’s listening comprehension, particularly in inference skills and detail recognition (Chen et al., 2023; Zhang & Liu, 2022). Thematic analysis reveals enhanced learner engagement and confidence through multimodal approaches (Wang & Zhao, 2021). Findings support the integration of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities in language instruction, with implications for curriculum design and pedagogical strategies (Li et al., 2023; Sun, 2024).

Ethical and innovative integration of generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: challenges and proposals for an institutional policy

The article looks at the integration of technologies into teacher training at Higher School of Education Paula Frassinetti. Since 1999, Higher School of Education Paula Frassinetti has invested in technological infrastructures and participated in various research projects in Information and Communication Technologies, with the aim of transforming pedagogical practices and creating innovative learning communities. Recently, generative Artificial Intelligence has brought new challenges, requiring the definition of principles for its ethical and responsible use. The proposal to build an institutional Artificial Intelligence policy emphasises the need to involve students, teaching staff and collaborators in a collaborative process. For students, it is suggested to create classroom debates and collect data on the use of Artificial Intelligence tools. For teachers, we recommend collaborative reflection on the use of this technology in academic contexts and participation in experience-sharing sessions. For staff, the proposal includes reflection on the use of Artificial Intelligence in institutional processes and the collection of data on their competencies. The institutional Artificial Intelligence policy should be a living document, adaptable to technological changes and the needs of the academic community. Everyone’s participation is crucial to identifying potential or problems and finding innovative solutions. The collective construction of Artificial Intelligence policies will promote an educational environment that is more dynamic, inclusive and prepared for future challenges. The recommendations include promoting good practices, training students and teachers, and monitoring the use of this technology to ensure balanced and ethical integration.

The Use of Educational Technology Platforms in the Management of Chinese Colleges and Universities: A Post-Epidemic Example

COVID-19 Deployment of technology-based learning systems has grown exponentially in this setting, and Chinese universities and colleges’ management practices have changed significantly because of the historic impact on the world educational system brought about by the pandemic. The current status of teaching education platforms in post-pandemic Chinese college and university governance is the main focus of this research, which also deeply investigates their particular applications in teaching management, student management, administrative management, and other fields.

Understanding the Experiences of Middle-Aged Filipino Parents of Children with Undiagnosed Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Rural Northern Philippines

This qualitative study investigated the everyday realities of six Filipino couples in the Northern Philippines caring for children with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs).  Employing in-depth interviews and Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis, the study revealed two dominant themes.  “Navigating the Demands of Developmental Caregiving” reveals a nuanced interplay of challenges that these parents face daily. The exploration of how navigating an ambiguous diagnostic landscape filled with significant socioeconomic and geographic limitations shapes parental roles, caregiving responsibilities, and the development of coping mechanisms. The second theme, “Finding Meaning in the Face of Uncertainty,” highlighted the adaptive coping strategies employed, specifically fostering strong family bonds and seeking solace from God. Results demonstrate an urgent need to create culturally fit interventions, improved diagnostic services, and comprehensive community support programs that cater to the unique needs of these middle adulthood couples (i.e., the competing demands from different areas of their life: their established careers, potential caregiving for aging parents, and the ongoing responsibilities of raising children). Future research should evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions and explore the effectiveness of different support models.