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The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant disruptions and transformations in the operations of preschools across Malaysia. Consequently, parents’ decision-making process when choosing a preschool for their children has become less straightforward. This study aims to elucidate the factors that influence parents’ selection of preschools. A questionnaire survey was conducted involving 70 parents of preschool children enrolled in four kindergartens in Malaysia. Descriptive and ANOVA analyses were employed to assess the levels of various factors and their interrelationships. Our findings uncovered nine key post-COVID-19 elements that impact parents’ decisions when selecting a preschool: culture, religion, teachers, curriculum, safety, practical considerations, management, reputation, and facilities. These factors exert varying levels of influence on parents’ preschool choices. Among these factors, safety, the curriculum and educational philosophy, and the practical aspects of a preschool emerged as the top three considerations for parents. The results revealed a significant disparity in parents’ preschool selection based on income levels. Lower-income parents displayed less enthusiasm for preschools that required substantial parental support for blended online learning than their higher-income counterparts. These findings offer valuable insights into the criteria parents use to choose a preschool for their children, shedding light on their specific needs and expectations.

The paper examined the role of traditional handicraft in tourism promotion and economic empowerment in Nigeria. The paper highlighted concept of handicraft and craftsmanship. The types of Nigerian traditional handicrafts; the cultural significance of arts and handicrafts were highlighted. The potentials of traditional handicrafts in tourism development and economic empowerment such as job creation, revenue generation; and increase in foreign exchange earnings to the country were established based on the revenue literature. Challenges in the development of arts and craft industries in Nigeria and strategies to overcome them were examined. The reviewed literature established that handicrafts are essential parts of tourists’ experience in a destination. It was revealed that traditional handicrafts play significant roles in preserving the cultural heritage of a region as it symbolizes cultural identity. The reviewed literature indicated that traditional handicrafts attracts tourists to a destination as they are interested in purchasing crafts with symbolic meanings, as souvenirs to take to their homeland as memory of the place visited. Handicrafts also has the potential for job creation by providing source of income to those who engage in producing them, and also increase the foreign exchange earnings of the country as the foreign tourist purchase them. However, in Nigeria the performance of the arts and handicraft sector is far below its potentials due to the various challenges faced by the sector which among others include: lack of funding and non-financial support if form of policies by the government and its agencies to favor the growth of the sector; lack of collaboration between the handicraft producers and stakeholders in the tourism sector on product design to meet the market demands (needs of the tourists, poor marketing strategies which result in low patronage of arts and craft products; and scarcity strategies to overcome the challenges were also suggested which among others includes: Government granting both financial and non-financial support in form of funding and policies to favor the development of the arts and handicraft sector; collaboration and synergy between the art/craft sector and tourism sector for mutual benefits and promote cultural tourism, development of art/craft centres where artisans of the same trade can network and improve the quality of their products and also form co-operative society to make it easier to approach government for financial and non-financial help; and also develop marketing strategies for quick and profitable sales of their products both locally and globally.

Internationalization in higher education has become a pivotal aspect of academic governance, necessitating strategic and dynamic approaches to ensure effective engagement in the global educational landscape. This study investigates the current state of IZN operations of public and private universities in Albay, looking into academic governance structures with an emphasis on internationalized curriculum, exchange programs, research collaborations, grants and funding, and cultural integration. Adopting a lens informed by the Internationalization Theory, Strategic Intent Theory, and Dynamic Systems Theory, this study provides a comparative analysis of the academic governance strategies utilized in the universities of Albay. It embraces a comparative analysis that eschews direct ranking in favor of highlighting synergy and moves beyond the juxtaposition of institutional IZN outcomes to an intricate depiction of how these universities marshal their unique resources, capacities, and strategic orientations to cultivate a synergistic and internationalized academic environment. The findings offer a tapestry of engagement levels, with distinctive responses to challenges such as limited resources and policy constraints and the adept utilization of opportunities within each institution’s respective framework. Informed by qualitative data, the research suggests that an ecosystem of diverse yet symbiotic approaches to IZN can amplify the international standing and effectiveness of the higher education sector in Albay. The study culminates in a robust academic governance model that advocates for comprehensive IZN infrastructure development, a concerted approach to collaborative network building, strategic policy advocacy, innovative resource mobilization, and an adaptable strategic planning that is attuned to the dynamic nature of international academic pursuits. Taken together, the study presents nuanced, actionable recommendations designed to elevate the international profiles of universities in Albay. It underscores the potential for diverse institutional models to coalesce into a coherent strategy that not only enhances the province’s IZN capabilities but also contributes to the global discourse on higher education governance.

The aims to study is describe the implementation of the independence curriculum at Aisyiyah BA Cimanggu Cilacap Kindergarten, which is guided by Ministry of Education and Culture Number 56 of 2022. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of education policy study it involves. The results of the study show that the implementation of Ministry of Education and Culture Number 56 of 2022 at Aisyiyah BA Cimanggu Cilacap Kindergarten is carried out through three activities: first, lesson planning. In this activity, you will: (1) formulate goals; (2) choose the learning experiences that students want to receive; (3) determine teaching and learning activities; (4) determine the people involved in the learning process; (5) determine the tools and materials for learning; (6) pay attention to the availability of physical facilities; and (7) plan the evaluation and development process. Second is the implementation of learning. In this activity, it is carried out by (1) conveying the goals and motivation of students; (2) presenting information; (3) organizing students into study groups; (4) guiding work and study groups; (5) evaluating; and (6) giving awards. Third, learning assessment In the assessment process, activities are carried out to: (1) determine research plans and objectives; (2) determine the appropriate assessment technique; (3) carry out the assessment process; (4) analyze the assessment; and (5) adapt learning. ‎

Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but it often presents significant challenges. Southeast Asian international graduate students, in particular, face considerable academic and cultural hurdles when transitioning to U.S. higher education. These stressors, including language barriers, financial difficulties, and academic adjustments, can negatively impact their mental health and academic performance. This study aims to illuminate these challenges and identify effective support strategies.

It is essential to recognize the diverse experiences of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) students, who are included in this study. The SEAA community is rich in culture and heritage, contributing significantly to the U.S. landscape. This research seeks to understand the unique challenges faced by SEAAs and to foster a more inclusive academic environment.

This study has identified key academic and cultural stressors by examining the experiences of Southeast Asian international graduate students. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted support services to enhance student well-being and academic success. It is crucial to shift from a deficit-oriented perspective to one that centers on the voices and experiences of SEAA students. By listening to their stories, higher education institutions can develop effective strategies to support their academic journeys and create a more inclusive campus community.