The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences
The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences (EPESS) is a peer-reviewed and online free journal. As an open access journal, the Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences (EPESS) does not charge article submission or processing fees.The manuscripts which are accepted for publication in the EPESS are invited from the conferences. EPESS will be published in the last 8 months of the year (May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December) starting from 2025. The journal will continue its academic life by publishing 8 issues per year. The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences (EPESS) welcomes any research papers on education and social sciences using techniques from and applications in any technical knowledge domain: original theoretical works, literature reviews, research reports, social issues, psychological issues, curricula, learning environments, and review articles. The articles should be original, unpublished, and not in consideration for publication elsewhere at the time of submission to the EPESS. The full paper versions of the conference papers are published in the EPESS. EPESS only publishes full texts of conferences organized by International Society for Research in Education and Science (ISRES) Period Months May June July August September October November December
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Auditing AI-Based Systems in Banking Information Security: Auditors’ Perceptions and Expectations
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in banking information systems poses new types of security, control and oversight challenges. The research aims to explore how IT auditors perceive and evaluate the tasks, risks and expectations related to auditing AI-based systems. The study uses a qualitative methodology to collect data from the professional community, with a particular focus on issues of transparency, verifiability, explainability and information security. The research presents the main risks identified by auditors – such as opacity of models, uncertainties in data quality, lack of reproducibility of decision processes and potential biases – as well as the opportunities that arise from the application of AI, such as increased efficiency, automated controls or improved anomaly detection. It also identifies the factors that determine the auditability of AI systems in the field of banking information security, including the quality of documentation, the regulation of model development processes, monitoring mechanisms and organizational maturity. The results contribute to the professional discourse on the methodological and practical frameworks of AI auditing and may inform the development of future regulatory, supervisory and audit practices. The study also highlights that the role and competencies of auditors are also changing with the spread of AI-based systems, creating new knowledge and skill needs in the profession.
Copyright (c) 2026 The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Employee Well-being on Job Performance and Organisational Development
As employment expectations continue to rise due to competitive pressures, technology advancements, and changing work environments, employee well-being has grown in importance in contemporary organisations. While productivity and efficiency were the main focus of traditional management approaches, modern organisations are realising that employees psychological, physical, social and workplace experiences have a significant impact on job performance and long-term organisational development. This study explores employee well-being as an idea encompassing psychological, physical, social, and occupational well-being, based on recent research in organisational behaviour and management. Job performance is considered a broad concept involving task-related, contextual and adaptive performance. To demonstrate how various aspects of employee well-being affect motivation, engagement, flexibility, and spontaneous performance behaviours, the paper develops a conceptual model. A qualitative research method will be employed, in which open-ended questions will be used to explore employees’ perceptions and experiences regarding well-being and its impact on job performance. The aim of the study is to help understand how well-being influences workplace behaviour and organisational outcomes. The findings are expected to contribute to management and business development literature by highlighting employee well-being as a strategic organisational resource and by offering practical implications for managers seeking to enhance performance through sustainable, employee-centred practices.
Status, Belonging, and Digital Engagement: Interpreting the Influencer Phenomenon
This study examines the motivational foundations of aspiring to become an influencer by focusing on different dimensions of online presence. Rather than interpreting the influencer phenomenon as a purely media or marketing outcome, the paper conceptualises influencer aspiration as a motivational process embedded in online social environments. Using data from a voluntary and anonymous online survey (N = 1,146), the motivation to become an influencer was operationalised as a binary outcome variable and analysed in relation to three online presence-related factors: perceived belonging to online communities, the desire for strong online visibility and follower base, and economic engagement with online content creators. To explore these relationships, a binary logistic regression model was estimated. The results indicate that all three dimensions of online presence are significantly associated with influencer aspiration, with the strongest effect observed for the desire for online visibility. At the same time, the model's limited predictive performance suggests that aspiring to become an influencer is not a deterministic outcome of online engagement, but rather a complex, multi-dimensional motivational phenomenon. Overall, the findings highlight that influencer aspiration is closely linked to the quality of online experiences, including community attachment, status-oriented visibility, and engagement with the digital content economy, rather than to the mere intensity of online activity.
The Impact of Business Communication on Crypto Market Prices
Blockchain technology has gained increased prominence in recent years, as more people follow developments in crypto-market prices, and the business communication of blockchain developers can presumably also influence price movements. In many cases, it is said that the market has already priced in the value of a given cryptocurrency in advance, something that is very likely driven by business communication. This research aims to examine the main channels of price-formation mechanisms from the perspective of business communication, such as roadmap scheduling, the relationship between sentiment and price, credibility, and who communicates the news and how consistent that communication is in a given case. In addition, the study investigates the typical channels through which forks affect prices, such as fundamentals, uncertainty, and volatility. Based on the research results, it can be stated that if communication was accurate and a hard-fork upgrade genuinely improved the blockchain as developers announced, this may support price appreciation in the long term, while the effect is less noticeable in the short term. In the case of a soft fork, price increases are less perceptible because they involve a smaller-scale modification of the blockchain’s structure.
Transforming Financial Services in Sub Saharan Africa: The Interplay of Fintech, Insurtech and Financial Inclusion
This paper examines the evolution of Financial Technology (FinTech) and Insurance Technology (InsurTech) within the financial services industry and their role in promoting financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).The study focuses on a balanced panel of 22 SSA countries observed over a ten-year period from 2011 to 2021.Financial inclusion is analysed through indicators related to banking efficiency, resource allocation, labour investment, training efficiency, and green credit development. To address potential endogeneity issues inherent in panel data analysis, the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique is employed. The empirical findings reveal that the adoption of FinTech significantly enhances labour investment efficiency within banks across SSA. Results further indicate improved resource allocation and greater training efficiency, suggesting that digital financial innovations support more productive banking operations. The study also finds evidence that FinTech contributes positively to the expansion of green credit, supporting environmentally sustainable financing in the region. In contrast, the rapid growth of digital technologies combined with low levels of digital literacy, particularly among rural populations, limits the effectiveness of InsurTech in reducing insurance service costs. These challenges hinder the full potential of InsurTech to improve insurance accessibility and affordability in SSA. The study concludes that greater investment in financial education and workforce training programs related to InsurTech is essential to ensure smoother adoption, improved insurance penetration, and sustainable financial inclusion across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The U.S.-China Textile and Apparel Trade: A Trade Competitiveness Analysis for the Period 1992-2022
This study looks at how the U.S. and China have interacted in the textile and apparel sector over a thirty-year period, from 1992 to 2022, and tries to make sense of the structure and nature of that relationship. Instead of focusing only on trade volumes, the paper uses three different tools “TCI (the trade complementarity index), ESI (the export similarity index) and Balassa’s RCA (revealed competitive advantage, RCA)” to see whether the two countries behave more like competitors or whether their trade tends to fit together in a complementary way. One of the evidences comes from the TCI results: China’s export profile in textiles and clothing lines up quite closely with import of the U.S., suggesting a relationship in which the U.S. mostly plays the role of import country and China the supplier. The ESI results, on the other hand, show that the two countries’ export structures are not very similar, especially in third markets, which implies that head-to-head competition between them is not particularly strong outside their bilateral trade.The policy implications that follow from these findings point in different directions for each country. On China’s side, the evidence shows that it holds a strong position in this sector and continues to meet much of the demand coming from the United States. At the same time, heavy depency on the U.S. market also appears to carry certain risks. Diversifying its export destinations, rather than becoming overly dependent on a single large buyer, would help China protect itself against potential changes in U.S. demand or shifts in American trade policy.For the United States, the analyses revealed that the situation was almost the exact opposite. The persistent comparative disadvantage in textiles and apparel, combined with its low export similarity with China, suggests that competing directly with Chinese producers on cost or product range is unlikely to yield strong results. A more practical path for the U.S. would be to redirect its resources toward industries where it already holds stronger advantages, instead of trying to match China within a sector that has long been structurally unfavorable for American producers.
Understanding the Impact of Direct Marketing Channels on Consumer Purchasing Decisions
This study aims at examining the impact of the four marketing channels which are, direct selling, online marketing, direct mail, and telemarketing on the consumer purchasing decisions of mobile services of the Orange Telecommunications Company (OTC) in Amman. The research employs a questionnaire survey of a representative sample of 435 OTC consumers, and the Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 to test the research hypotheses. Results show that all four marketing techniques directly impact consumer purchase decisions while the most important factor to trigger decisions is OM. Although this channel remained relevant, the impact was not as great as the others’. Direct marketing strategies are important to the behavior of consumers. Moreover, the role of OM is important to the engagement of consumers. It is further suggested that OTC utilize more online marketing to reach a bigger audience based on the results of the study. At the same time, OTC should keep on using direct selling and telemarketing at a diverse level. According to the study, consumer behavior and preference should be utilized by the OTC and other companies in the telecommunications industry who want to make use of smart marketing and expand their base.
Domain-Specific Risk Perception in IT Security Decisions: Empirical Examination of the Modified Domain-Specific Risk-Taking (DOSPERT) Framework
The aim of this paper is to examine the applicability of a modified version of the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking (DOSPERT) questionnaire for measuring risk-taking decisions related to IT security. Based on a domain-specific decision theory approach, the research analyzes the internal structure of decisions related to information and communication technologies (ICT), with a particular focus on the role of perceived benefits, perceived risks, and the probability of action. The empirical study was conducted with 772 university students using a self-reported questionnaire. The results show that IT security risk-taking is primarily explained by perceived benefits, while the role of perceived risk and probability of action becomes secondary in a multivariate model. Based on psychometric analyses, the inclusion of the ICT-specific domain is theoretically justified in the DOSPERT framework, but further refinement of the measurement tool is warranted to more accurately capture the specificities of IT security decisions. The study contributes to the intersection of behavioral decision theory and information systems research by focusing on theoretical and methodological issues in the measurement of risk decisions.
A Simple Neural Network Model of University Preferences: Two Algorithms and a Case Study
In this paper, we make use of two algorithms/methods, namely the neural networks and the multi-objective evolutionary fuzzy classifier to develop a simple model of university preferences. We use technology, teaching quality, research productivity, managerial quality, physical capital and social capital as the input variables. We first construct a neural network with a hidden layer and determine the degrees of importance of the input variables in relation to the university preferences having dichotomous values signifying the positive and negative attitudes towards the relevant higher educational institutions. With the setup and the data, it turns out the teaching quality is the most influential factor followed by the managerial quality. The second algorithm we make use of is the multi-objective evolutionary fuzzy classifier. We choose 90% of the data for training and the rest (10%) testing purposes. We obtain a 93.33% accuracy, which is quite high. In sum, machine learning algorithms turn out to be fairly successful in modeling university preferences. The classification performance of the algorithms is remarkable. In an extended framework, we can reasonably expect that the forecasting models based on machine learning algorithms would also yield high degrees of accuracy. In addition to the algorithms exemplified in this paper, algorithms such as support vector machines, random forest and bagging are likely to produce results that could be of practical significance for managerial policy makers.
Multi-objective evolutionary fuzzy classifier
Degrees of importance of input variables
Copyright (c) 2025 The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Algebraic Thinking and Habits of Mind: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Foundations and Pedagogical Challenges
Algebraic thinking, a cornerstone of mathematical literacy, supports learners in recognizing patterns, articulating relationships, and forming generalizations across representations. However, persistent challenges—particularly in understanding variables, equivalence, and structural relationships—reveal that its development requires more than procedural fluency. Emerging research highlights the role of algebraic habits of mind—cognitive dispositions such as doing and undoing, building rules to represent functions, and abstracting from computation—in fostering flexible reasoning about mathematical structures. This study presents a systematic review conducted within the TÜBİTAK 1001 Project (No. 223K317), synthesizing 41 empirical and theoretical studies published between 1990 and 2024. Following the updated PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the review addresses three objectives: (1) identifying the conceptual components of algebraic thinking, (2) examining recurring cognitive and pedagogical challenges in developing algebraic habits of mind, and (3) deriving implications for instructional design that cultivates structural reasoning and representational fluency. Findings indicate that difficulties often stem from fragmented representational understanding, limited structural awareness, and procedural teaching orientations. The review underscores the importance of integrating multiple representations, scaffolding generalization and justification, and aligning instruction with reasoning-centered practices. These insights inform the design of evidence-based professional learning programs aimed at supporting teachers in cultivating algebraic thinking and algebraic habits of mind.
Methodological Challenges in Assessing the Quality of Inclusive Education
Introduction: Assessing the quality of inclusive education is a critical yet complex task, particularly in countries undergoing education reform. In the Republic of Macedonia, inclusive education has been elevated in national policy through the Law on Primary Education (2019) and supported by donor-funded projects promoting equity and access. However, the practical assessment of inclusion remains challenging, as traditional metrics—such as enrolment and attainment—do not capture the full scope of participation, differentiated instruction, or social inclusion (Black-Hawkins & Florian, 2011; UNESCO, 2020). Methods: This study critically examines methodological approaches to evaluating inclusive education with particular reference to the Macedonian context. It reviews international tools such as the Index for Inclusion (Booth & Ainscow, 2011), UNESCO’s Inclusive Education Monitoring Framework, and OECD inclusion indicators, alongside recent evaluation reports and pilot studies from Macedonia. Emphasis is placed on mixed-methods approaches, including school self-assessment, stakeholder interviews, and classroom-level observations. Results: Findings suggest that while Macedonia has adopted inclusive education as a strategic goal, the evaluation mechanisms remain underdeveloped. Quantitative indicators (e.g., number of inclusion support teams or individualized education plans) offer limited insight without qualitative data that reflect classroom realities and stakeholder experiences. In some municipalities, locally adapted tools inspired by the Index for Inclusion have shown promise but lack systematic integration. Discussion/Conclusion: A national framework for evaluating inclusive education in Macedonia should balance system-level indicators with school-level processes and community voices. The paper argues for a participatory and reflexive evaluation model that combines standardized data with context-rich qualitative evidence. Such an approach would better inform policy, support teacher practice, and contribute to building an inclusive culture across schools.
Challenges and Difficulties at Work and Work-Related Stress Among Newly Qualified Nurses
The nursing profession involves emotional strain, time pressure, responsibility and the need to recognise teamwork standards in specific conditions. These stress-inducing factors pose a particular challenge for young employees. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of difficulties and the level of stress at work among nurses entering the profession. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the form of an MSForms survey among 89 nurses using the Stress Perception Questionnaire and an original survey questionnaire. The results of the study were analysed using Excel and SPSS software. The result was considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: In the area of exposure to stressors, 67.42% of respondents felt overworked at least once a week, and for 79.78%, a lack of resources and support made it difficult to perform their tasks. 56.18% of nurses worked overtime. Sixty-four point zero four per cent of all respondents indicated that their remuneration was inadequate for their workload, while 83.15% of respondents confirmed their satisfaction with the support of their superiors and colleagues. The respondents experienced a moderate level of general stress (KPS_WO: M = 59.52), with slightly elevated emotional tension (KPS_NE: M = 22.40). The frequency of excessive workload correlated significantly with the intensity of stress, with no significance for the control scale. Conclusions: Organisational and relational stressors in the work environment are related to the stress experienced by respondents starting their nursing careers. The occurrence of difficulties in the workplace points to the need for interventions that build a safe working environment and reduce the risk of stress escalation.
The Role of Innovation and Human Creativity in the Life of Economic Actors
Our aim is to present the contribution of human creativity to the innovation of economic actors based on opinion of regional market players. In this study we wanted to review the connection between human creativity and innovation. This topic appears periodically during research activities; its processing can be seen as significant. Therefore, we are going to think through and focus attention on innovation’s human side, and the ability of creativity without a full literature review. Furthermore, we briefly touched on the sources of creativity, how imagination and different mindsets can help to create innovation, how creativity can be improved, how proper environment might be nurtured and what the leaders and organisations can do to support that. We conducted a 22-question survey among regional market players and used the results to provide evidence of how creativity plays a role in life of the economic actors and gained insight into their innovation management processes. Our study contributes to the expansion of understanding the literature in this topic and provides an opportunity for economic actors to improve the connection of creativity and innovation in their organisation. The study may draw the attention of local higher education institutions to how they can support economic actors in this area through their third mission activities.
Exploring the Impact of Innovation Support Mechanisms on RDI Result Utilization: Survey Evidence from Hungary
The effective economic and societal exploitation of research, development, and innovation (RDI) project outcomes plays a critical role in the performance of national innovation ecosystems. In recent years, national policy frameworks in Hungary have introduced a wide range of support schemes designed to promote diverse commercialization strategies. These mechanisms include resource mobilization support, utilization through RDI grants, independent technology transfer, as well as collaborative approaches involving industrial or academic partners. This study investigates the extent to which these distinct forms of support facilitate the practical application and utilization of project-based research results. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey administered to domestic innovation-oriented organizations (n = 287), assessing their experiences with various utilization pathways. Quantitative statistical methods were applied to explore the relationship between support types and utilization outcomes. The findings indicate that consortium-based and industry-partnered models are significantly associated with enhanced market-oriented exploitation, whereas independently pursued commercialization efforts tend to lead primarily to academic or scientific outputs. Furthermore, the institutional presence of structured innovation management functions emerged as a key moderating factor influencing utilization success. This study contributes to the ongoing refinement of innovation policy instruments by offering empirical insights into the effectiveness of targeted support mechanisms, and by highlighting critical enablers of successful RDI result exploitation in the Hungarian innovation landscape.
Hysteresis Effects on Post-Crisis Economic Recovery: Recent Evidence from Central European Economies
This study investigates hysteresis effects in unemployment within the European Union, with a particular focus on the Visegrád Four (V4) countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—over the period 2000Q1 to 2024Q2. Using Eurostat quarterly unemployment data, we employ Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests with structural breaks for 2008–2009 and fractional integration methods to test the hysteresis hypothesis against the natural rate framework. The results provide little evidence of hysteresis: unemployment rates in both the EU27 and V4 countries are stationary once structural breaks are accounted for, with estimated fractional differencing parameters below unity. This implies that shocks such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic had transitory rather than permanent effects on unemployment. Among the V4, all four countries display mean reversion, with differences in adjustment speeds but no persistence consistent with hysteresis. These findings support the natural rate hypothesis and suggest that unemployment dynamics in Central Europe are more resilient than often assumed. Policy implications emphasize the importance of stabilizing demand during downturns but indicate that long-term scarring in labor markets has been limited.
Examining Project Success Factors and Success Criteria in a Company from the Perspective of Project Leaders
Within the project management literature, there is a decades-long history of interpreting and investigating the success of projects, and of uncovering the details behind the success of projects. The present project success research study covered the project leaders of a pharmaceutical development and manufacturing company in the corporate sector in Hungary. The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the success factors and success criteria of projects with the help of using the results of the relevant project management literature and the relevant project success research. A questionnaire survey was used as a quantitative research method to assess project leaders' perceptions of success factors and success criteria. The questionnaire survey investigated what success factors project leaders consider important in achieving project success and what success criteria they use to judge the success of projects. The study shows that the understanding of project success often goes beyond the classic project triangle (time, cost, quality) and the human factors, including stakeholder satisfaction, play an important role. The results of this research can contribute to a deeper understanding of project management practices and can also support the development of a project culture at organizational level.
Examining the Relationship of Hungarian Students with Agile Approaches
A number of abilities and skills may be required to perform the tasks of a given job efficiently, effectively, and successfully. However, there is one trait that has been appearing in more and more job advertisements in recent years, and across a wider spectrum, as a requirement or at least an advantage: agility. Whether a job applicant is truly agile - and not just claiming to be - usually only becomes apparent later, when they have proven themselves through their work and attitude. However, whether someone is familiar with the basics of the agile approach or is able to identify with them without specific knowledge, can be determined relatively quickly. In the research that forms the basis of this study, we attempted the latter: we examined Hungarian university students' identification with the four pillars and values of the Agile Manifesto, which was originally created in the world of software development in 2001 but is now much more widely known. Our main goal was to gain a better understanding of the relationship between future employees and the agile approach, and to gain insight into whether agility is rather distant from them or whether working according to the agile approach is unlikely to cause them any particular difficulty.
Utilization of Algebraic Habits of Mind According to Types of Algebraic Demands
This study aims to explore the utilization of algebraic habits of mind according to types of algebraic demands. To this end, algebraic demands in middle school mathematics textbooks were examined and evaluated through content analysis, employing a document analysis design. The research design of this study is document analysis. The findings indicate that algebraic demands can be categorized into four groups: (1) demands requiring the construction of rules, (2) demands requiring the application of a constructed rule to a specific case, (3) demands requiring the validation of a rule, and (4) demands requiring the use of a known rule. Results show that different types of algebraic demands directly influence the ways in which algebraic habits of mind are activated. For instance, when students are asked to explain why a given rule holds, explicit justification is expected; however, when students are engaged in constructing the rule themselves, justification emerges naturally within the process. Thus, the same habit of mind may function differently depending on the nature of the algebraic demand. In conclusion, the study highlights that algebraic thinking extends beyond the mechanical application of rules. It emphasizes the importance of exposing students to diverse types of algebraic demands in order to enrich their algebraic habits of mind. Accordingly, teachers are encouraged to develop awareness of these habits, to critically consider the nature of algebraic demands in textbooks, and to design learning environments that foster their effective development.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Support Education Rooms
In the digital era, educational systems are undergoing a structural transformation driven by technological innovation, reshaping every stage of learning—from instruction to assessment. A key component of this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into educational environments. AI functions as an assistant for teachers and a learning companion for students, enhancing flexibility, personalization, and interactivity in the learning process. This study investigates the potential impacts of AI assistants on diverse student profiles within Support Education Rooms. Using a scenario-based analytical framework, the research explores how AI tools can be effectively implemented for five student groups: those with dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), visual impairments, and giftedness. The methodological approach follows a practice-oriented recommendation model developed through a comprehensive literature review. The analysis suggests that AI-based tools may offer varying levels of benefit depending on the student profile. For instance, speech recognition and text-to-speech technologies can improve reading fluency among students with dyslexia, while social interaction simulators may enhance communication skills for students with ASD. Accessibility applications foster independent learning for visually impaired students, and task management assistants can extend attention span in learners with ADHD. Moreover, adaptive AI tutoring systems provide enriched, self-paced learning experiences for gifted students.
Analysis of Students' Scientific Arguments in Physical Chemistry Laboratory Course
Building scientific arguments based on conducted laboratory experiments is a crucial aspect of chemistry education. Scientific arguments involve systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to support or refute specific hypotheses. This process not only enriches students' understanding of scientific concepts but also enhances their ability to communicate ideas and findings in a logical and structured manner. This study aims to analyze the quality of arguments constructed by students in a physical chemistry laboratory course on the ternary liquid equilibrium topic. The research methodology employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. A sample consisting of 42 fourth-semester students from chemistry education programs was divided into 9 lab groups. Data collection was carried out through observation and document analysis, which were then analyzed qualitatively. The results indicate that the scientific arguments in lab reports constructed by students generally fall at level 1 (claim) and level 2 (claim + data or claim + warrant), with a greater emphasis on mathematical aspects than on chemistry aspects. Additionally, the use of “cookbook” lab procedures leads students to analyze the phenomena observed during the learning process adequately. Therefore, the researchers suggest developing inquiry-oriented lab procedures to address these issues.
Digital Loneliness and Internet Addiction: Educational Challenges for Mental Health
Loneliness and internet addiction have become significant challenges to mental health in contemporary society. Loneliness, defined as a subjective feeling of discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships, is witnessing a worrying global increase, with serious consequences for mental and physical health. Simultaneously, internet addiction, characterized by excessive and compulsive use that disrupts daily functioning, is on the rise, especially among adolescents and young adults. These two phenomena are often interconnected; lonely individuals may use the internet to fulfil social needs, which can lead to addiction, while internet addiction can increase feelings of loneliness due to withdrawal from real-life social interactions. The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between loneliness and internet addiction among individuals aged 18 to 35. We have developed our own measurement instrument, tailored to the specific needs of the research, using elements from the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Internet Addiction Test. We expect that the results will contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics between loneliness and internet addiction and provide empirical data for the development of effective preventive and intervention programs. In the context of increasing digitalization and changes in the way social interaction occurs, understanding these phenomena is crucial for improving individuals' mental health and well-being.
Language Development Learning Outcomes: Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning with Mind Mapping
Developing effective and student-centered learning environments in teacher education is crucial for shaping competent future educators. This study examines the impact of integrating Project-Based Learning (PBL) with mind mapping strategies on students’ learning outcomes in the Child Language Development course within the Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) program at Yogyakarta State University (UNY). A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 70 first-semester students, divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received PBL combined with mind mapping interventions, while the control group followed conventional instruction. Quantitative data were collected through pretests and posttests using validated multiple-choice instruments, and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and normalized gain (n-Gain). Additionally, qualitative reflections from students and lecturers were recorded to capture learning engagement and classroom dynamics. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group’s performance (p < .001) with a moderate average n-Gain score (0.56), compared to a low score (0.12) in the control group. Observations indicated that students in the experimental group displayed higher creativity, motivation, and collaboration during project completion. The findings affirm that combining PBL with mind mapping enhances cognitive understanding and active participation in language-related learning. This approach not only supports 21st-century learning competencies but also promotes independent and enjoyable learning experiences. The study concludes with pedagogical recommendations for implementing integrated PBL–mind mapping models in teacher education curricula.
Development of Augmented Reality (AR) Based Learning Media for Geometry
Students’ limited understanding of surface area and volume in three-dimensional geometry is influenced by insufficient instructional time and a lack of innovative learning media. This development research aims to produce an augmented reality (AR)–based learning application that is valid and practical for geometry instruction. The study employed the ADDIE development model, which consists of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. During the implementation phase, peer teaching was conducted involving 17 graduate students from the Mathematics Education Department at Universitas Negeri Malang. The results indicate that the AR learning application was successfully developed for three-dimensional geometry topics. Data analysis shows that the average validity score of the developed media was 3.35, while the average practicality score was 3.87. These findings suggest that the AR-based learning media are valid and practical for supporting students’ understanding of surface area, volume, and geometric elements.
Utilizing Information Services to Educate Millennial Parents on Sharenting Trends in Indonesia: A Wise Parenting Alternative
Sharenting, the practice of parents sharing their children’s photos, milestones, and personal information on social media, has become increasingly common among millennial parents worldwide, including in Indonesia. While sharenting offers several benefits, such as fostering family connections, maintaining long-distance relationships, and documenting children’s milestones, it also raises significant concerns regarding children’s privacy, data security, and emotional well-being. The rapid growth of social media usage has introduced new challenges, yet many Indonesian parents, especially from the millennial generation, remain unaware of the risks associated with sharenting. This study aims to explore the potential of utilizing information services to educate millennial parents in Indonesia about sharenting trends, to promote responsible digital parenting practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a survey of 200 millennial parents and semi-structured interviews with 5 parents. The survey revealed that 80% of parents engage in sharenting, primarily through Instagram and Facebook. However, a significant gap in awareness was found, with only 30% of respondents reporting a clear understanding of privacy settings and the risks involved in sharenting. The semi-structured interviews revealed parents' desire for more guidance on how to manage their children's online presence and the ethical considerations of sharenting. The study concludes that information services, particularly those focused on digital literacy and privacy management, play a crucial role in empowering parents to make informed decisions about sharenting. These services can help mitigate the risks associated with sharenting by providing practical tools and knowledge to manage privacy settings effectively. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of developing targeted digital literacy programs tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by Indonesian parents. By promoting awareness and responsible online behavior, these services can contribute to wiser and more ethical parenting in Indonesia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape
Practical Guidelines for Inclusive Higher Education: The Voices of Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
In Higher Education (HE), inclusion occurs when equity and respect for diversity guide institutional approaches, enabling conditions of support and self-determination. Building on that premise, this qualitative study translated the categories proposed by the HiLives project (2022) for inclusive HE into practical guidelines based on Student voices, connecting them to international quality principles such as the Think College Accreditation Standards (TCAC) (2021). A focus group was conducted with students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) enrolled in a three-year Portuguese inclusive program, to explore their experiences in both academic and internship contexts. Using a deductive-inductive approach, thematic analysis was conducted with categories developed from the HiLives framework (2022) and aligned with Think College's international accreditation standards (2021). These categories ensured the results were both contextually relevant and comparable on a global scale. The results stressed the importance of accessible teaching, tailored support, and fostering a sense of belonging to the academic community. Internships highlighted the value of hands-on experience, dedicated supervision, and recognition as active team members, positioning them as a gateway to employment. Person-centered planning also emerged as a structuring principle, aligning individual goals with the educational pathway. From these findings, guidelines were developed, translating both European and international quality frameworks into clear and actionable recommendations. The main contribution of this study lies in the proposal of a framework stemming from students with IDD voices, providing an innovative reference for HE institutions seeking to establish or enhance inclusive programs.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities
Paula Angela Coelho Henriques dos Santos
Key Features and Selection Criteria of Mathematical Activities: Perspectives of Teacher Educators and Teachers
This study aims to explore the key features of mathematical activities and the criteria valued in their selection from the perspectives of mathematics teacher educators and teachers. Designed as a qualitative study, data were collected through four focus group discussions conducted both online and face-to-face with 22 participants, including 10 teacher educators and 12 teachers selected via criterion sampling. The transcripts were analyzed using a two-stage coding process. In the first stage, open coding was applied to examine the data line by line and generate initial codes. In the second stage, axial coding was carried out to relate codes, construct categories, and organize them around the research questions. Coding was conducted independently by two researchers and verified through expert review to ensure reliability. The findings reveal both commonalities and distinctions between the two participant groups. Both teacher educators and teachers emphasized the importance of activities being goal-oriented, clearly structured, supported with accessible materials, and fostering active student participation. However, teacher educators highlighted dimensions such as didactic quality, conceptual depth, collaborative learning, and contextual richness, whereas teachers focused more on practical applicability, classroom management, workload balance, and the inclusion of assessment components. These results suggest that teacher educators tend to prioritize design principles and the quality of the learning process, while teachers emphasize classroom functionality and practical considerations.
An Investigation of Pre-Service Science Teachers' Views on Artificial Intelligence Supported Instruction: A Qualitative Study
Today, with the advancement of technology, the use of artificial intelligence in education has increased. The aim of this study is to explore the views of pre-service science teachers towards artificial intelligence-supported teaching. The research was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group of this research consists of four pre-service science teachers from the fourth grade of science teaching at a university in Turkey in the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. The data will be collected with a semi-structured interview form and analyzed by thematic analysis method. The data to be obtained contributed to understanding the pre-service teachers' use of artificial intelligence, their awareness of artificial intelligence- supported teaching, the advantages of using artificial intelligence applications in the course, pre-service teachers' views on their concerns about artificial intelligence and their level of competence to use the applications. This study aims to provide a pre-service teacher-centered perspective on artificial intelligence applications in science courses.
A Bibliometric Review of Counselors’ Professional Competency Literature
Research on counselor professional competencies has gained attention due to its crucial role in shaping effective counseling practices and strengthening professional identity. Although a growing body of literature exists, the motivations, contexts, and findings remain diverse. Therefore, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis to map the patterns and directions of research on counselor professional competencies. A total of 241 documents, comprising 223 journal articles and 18 reviews, were extracted from the Scopus database covering the period from 1957 to 2025. We employed RStudio, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel for citation, content, and network analyses. The bibliometric analysis was complemented by a systematic review of relevant publications. The results reveal that the United States dominates the research output, followed by Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Co-authorship patterns show relatively low levels of international collaboration. The cartography analysis identified three major research clusters: (1) ethics and professional practice in genetic counseling, (2) clinical supervision and counselor professional development, and (3) clinical competencies, counseling practice, and therapeutic effectiveness. This study represents the first bibliometric review of counselor professional competencies, addressing gaps in the literature and offering directions for future research, particularly in the integration of supervision, cultural competence, and the development of professional identity in diverse socio-cultural contexts.
Flourishing in Academic Life: A Phenomenological Study of Students' Empowerment and Meaningful Living
The phenomenon of flourishing has gained significant attention in the context of higher education, given the increasing challenges faced by students, such as academic pressure, the need for self-development, and maintaining a balance in social life. Within the campus environment, flourishing not only reflects academic success but also encompasses emotional and social well-being, enabling students to thrive optimally. However, understanding how students perceive and achieve flourishing remains limited, particularly in the context of higher education in Indonesia. This study aims to understand the phenomenon of flourishing in students' academic lives, focusing on their experiences in achieving empowerment and meaningful living. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed to explore students' subjective experiences in depth. Ten students from the University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, were selected as participants through purposive sampling, based on their engagement in academic and non-academic activities as well as their self-perception of life success. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic phenomenological analysis. The findings reveal that flourishing in students' academic lives is influenced by key factors such as social support, stress management, academic achievement, and involvement in meaningful activities. Participants described flourishing as a dynamic experience involving a balance between challenges and resources, self-confidence, and a sense of meaningful living. The study highlights that flourishing is not solely determined by academic success but also by personal growth through social interactions and activities that foster individual development. These findings emphasize the importance of creating a campus environment that supports students' well-being through programs focusing on emotional and social aspects. In conclusion, flourishing among students is a multidimensional process requiring both internal and external support. This study recommends more inclusive educational policies to support students' psychological well-being.
The Essence of Students' Adaptive Reasoning Ability in Mathematics Learning: A Systematic Literature Review
Adaptive reasoning is an essential ability in learning mathematics, which helps students face challenges in problem-solving. This study aims to identify the essence of adaptive reasoning skills through a systematic literature analysis using the content analysis method of a number of articles published in Scopus and Sinta-accredited journals during the period 2013-2024. The main focus of this study was to explore research contributions related to adaptive reasoning, including year of publication, research subject, research design, methods, and learning approaches used, characteristics, and influencing factors. From a total of 66 articles, 19 publications met the inclusion and exclusion criteria after the screening process. After further analysis, 17 articles were selected as the primary sources in this study. Reporting of the study refers to the modified PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines as the standard for conducting systematic literature reviews. The authors highlighted, evaluated, and discussed the importance of the SLR approach in this study. The findings show that most of the studies used experimental designs (29.41%) and qualitative description investigations (23.53%), with the main focus on junior high school students (35.29%). Learning methods such as STEM, CPS, and PBL proved effective in improving adaptive reasoning skills. The results provide important insights into adaptive reasoning in mathematics learning, as well as the importance of innovative learning strategies to support its development.