Enrollment in master level programs has been increasing nationwide, particularly in online programs which tend to enroll older and more ethnically diverse students who are likely to be balancing work, finances, and family responsibilities with their educational pursuits. The challenges related to this balance has resulted in higher attrition rates and lower completion rates. In this quantitative study, the relationship between employer support and first-year retention for master's students enrolled in online programs at a for-profit university was examined. Bean and Metzner's model of nontraditional student attrition was used as the theoretical foundation. Archival data from the online institution were examined to determine the extent that 1st year retention is predicted by employer support when controlling for demographics, student background, external factors, integration/socialization, and intent to graduate. Findings from the logistic regression analysis showed 4 variables that significantly predict 1st year retention, employer support, household income, overall satisfaction, and importance of graduating from the institution. Students who received employer support were almost 2 times more likely to be retained at 1-year. Positive social change can result from having educational institutions encourage students to seek employee educational benefits. Having students seek these employer benefits may lead to higher graduation rates, higher pay, and job satisfaction for employees.

Bakgrund: Sedan år 2007 leder distriktssköterskeutbildningen till en magisterexamen som en följd av Sveriges undertecknande av Bolognadeklarationen. Distriktssköterskan ska därmed kunna tillämpa och värdera teorier, vetenskaplig kunskap och beprövad  erfarenhet samt tillämpa ett evidensbaserat arbetssätt. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att beskriva distriktssköterskors upplevelse av sitt kritiska tänkande och sin analysförmåga i förhållande till vetenskaplig kunskap och ett evidensbaserat arbetssätt samt vilka förutsättningar och vilken efterfrågan som fanns till detta i det dagliga arbetet i primärvården. Metod: Studien hade en beskrivande design med kvalitativ ansats och genomfördes via semistrukturerade intervjuer med åtta distriktsköterskor verksamma inom primärvården. Materialet analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Analysprocessen resulterade i fem kategorier med ett tema som sträckte sig över tre av de fem kategorierna. Temat En avsaknad av drivkraft och strukturella förutsättningar för användandet av sina akademiska kunskaper i det dagliga vårdarbetet bildades ur kategorierna Magisterexamen gör ingen skillnad för distriktsköterskors arbetssätt eller profession samt Brist på tid hindrar användande av tillägnad vetenskaplig kunskap och vetenskapligt förhållningssätt. De kategorier som inte gick under temat benämndes  Distriktsköterskors upplevda förväntningar och farhågor inför den vetenskapliga metoddelen av utbildningen och Stolthet över ökad förmåga att granska och söka kunskap. Slutsats: Distriktsköterskor i primärvården upplever att deras fördjupade kunskaper inom vetenskaplig metod höjer statusen på distriktsköterskeyrket men kommer inte till nytta i det kliniska arbetet inom primärvården. De upplever att arbetsgivaren varken efterfrågar eller ger dem förutsättningar för att tillämpa dessa kunskaper. Lärosäten och arbetsplatser bör tydliggöra hur distriktsköterskorna inom primärvården ska kunna använda sin kompetens fullt ut. / Background: Since the year 2007, the education for district nurses leads to a master's degree as a result of Sweden's signing of the Bologna Declaration. After finishing the studies the district nurse should be able to apply theories, scientific knowledge and proven experience in working with patients and apply evidence-based practice. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe district nurses' perception of their critical thinking and analytical skills in relation to scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice and what conditions and demands there were for this in their daily work in primary care. Method: The study had a descriptive design with a qualitative approach and was carried out through semi-structured interviews with eight district nurses working in primary care. The material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis process resulted in five categories with an overall theme that stretched across three of the five categories. The theme A lack of motivation and structural conditions regarding the use of their academic knowledge in their daily work was formed from the categories were A masters’ degree makes no difference to district nurses' work or profession and Lack of time prevents the use of scientific knowledge and a scientific approach. The categories which was not covered by the theme was named District nurses’ perceived expectations and fears about the scientific method part of the training and Pride over increased ability to review and to seek knowledge. Conclusion: The district nurses in primary care experience that their advanced knowledge in scientific method raise the status of their profession but is of no use in clinical practice in primary care. They feel that the employer does not ask for or give them opportunities to apply these skills. Universities and workplaces should make clear how the district nurses in primary care should be able to fully use their skills.

A Iniciação Científica (IC) possibilita a introdução do estudante de graduação na investigação científica, conduzindo-o mais cedo à Pós-Graduação. A pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar as diferenças entre titulados da Pós-Graduação na UFRGS em 2012 no que se refere ao tempo e idade de titulação, bem como diferenças na produção científica até o ano de titulação entre dois grupos: discentes que tiveram experiência de IC na graduação (grupo IC) e que não tiveram (Grupo NIC). Verificou-se grande ocorrência de discentes do grupo IC na modalidade acadêmica. Em geral o grupo IC se titulou mais jovem que o NIC, e em três Grandes Áreas os discentes do grupo IC se titularam em menos tempo e com menor idade que o grupo NIC, bem como obtiveram mais produção científica em diversos casos. / Scientific Initiation allows to introduce undergraduate students in scientific research, leading them earlier to the Graduation. The objective of the research is investigate differences among graduated students of UFRGS in 2012 concerning to time and age of graduation and differences in scientific production between two groups: group with scientific initiation experience (IC group) and group with no scientific initiation experience (NIC group). There was high occurrence of students in IC group in academic modality. In general the IC group concluded the graduation younger than NIC group. In three big areas, the students of IC group concluded their studies in less time and younger than the NIC group and obtained more scientific production in many cases.

A Iniciação Científica (IC) possibilita a introdução do estudante de graduação na investigação científica, conduzindo-o mais cedo à Pós-Graduação. A pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar as diferenças entre titulados da Pós-Graduação na UFRGS em 2012 no que se refere ao tempo e idade de titulação, bem como diferenças na produção científica até o ano de titulação entre dois grupos: discentes que tiveram experiência de IC na graduação (grupo IC) e que não tiveram (Grupo NIC). Verificou-se grande ocorrência de discentes do grupo IC na modalidade acadêmica. Em geral o grupo IC se titulou mais jovem que o NIC, e em três Grandes Áreas os discentes do grupo IC se titularam em menos tempo e com menor idade que o grupo NIC, bem como obtiveram mais produção científica em diversos casos. / Scientific Initiation allows to introduce undergraduate students in scientific research, leading them earlier to the Graduation. The objective of the research is investigate differences among graduated students of UFRGS in 2012 concerning to time and age of graduation and differences in scientific production between two groups: group with scientific initiation experience (IC group) and group with no scientific initiation experience (NIC group). There was high occurrence of students in IC group in academic modality. In general the IC group concluded the graduation younger than NIC group. In three big areas, the students of IC group concluded their studies in less time and younger than the NIC group and obtained more scientific production in many cases.

No description available.

This discussion explores the opportunities, challenges, and tensions of integrating curriculum studies scholarship into methods courses at the elementary pre-service level.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / This study described the education courses in Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN Ed) degree and post-master’s certificate (PMC) in nursing education programs and determined which of the eight NLN Core Competencies, used to certify nurse educators, were represented. Data regarding the required credit hours, practicum hours, distance accessibility, and preparation for the Certified Nurse EducatorCM (CNE) Examination also were collected. The study used a descriptive design using a web scraping technique. Program information was obtained from the accrediting bodies for graduate nursing programs in 2015. Course description data were obtained from web pages via curriculum plans, course catalogs, graduate handbooks, or other institutional web pages. Data were collected from each program website, collated, uploaded, and analyzed. In both types of programs, evidence was found for the NLN Core Competencies: Facilitate Learning (97%), Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes (97%), Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies (95%), Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Nurse Educator Role (88%), Engage in Scholarship (45%), Function as a Change Agent and Leader (30%), Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization (28%), and Function within the Educational Environment (12%). Only 36% and 40% of MSN Ed and PMC in nursing education programs, respectively, were completely distance accessible. Required credit hours varied from 28 to 65 for the entire MSN Ed and from 6 to 47 for the nursing education courses. PMC credit hours varied from 3 to 45. Practicum clock hours, for both programs, ranged from 60–500 while practicum credit hours ranged from 1–18. Revision of MSN Ed and PMC curricula is indicated to improve inclusion of content in all competency areas. Moreover, increasing the number of distance accessible programs may encourage more nurses to consider a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate in nursing education.

The goal of this research was to determine how the nursing faculty shortage in Florida was being addressed. The purpose of this descriptive, comparative study was to explore program length, size, and admission criteria of master's of science in nursing (MSN) degree programs. Characteristics of both traditional and non-traditional programs that offered the education specialty were examined. Non-traditional programs included registered nurse to master's of science in nursing (RN-MSN) degree programs. Characteristics of students enrolled in the education track of these programs were also compared, based on participant's entry level into nursing practice. The three comparison groups included diploma prepared nurses, associate degree prepared nurses, and baccalaureate prepared nurses. Comparative and descriptive statistics with cross tabulations and frequencies, were used to determine comparisons, based on responses to questionnaire items that focused on reasons for entering the program, financial assistance, program satisfaction, goals, future plans, years of experience, nursing specialty, employment status, and demographics. The literature review found very few current studies on non-traditional and traditional MSN degree programs. Results of this study found only nine programs in the state that offered an MSN with a nursing education specialty with participation elicited from five of those nine programs. Findings revealed that within those programs were a variety of both traditional and non-traditional options that were unique in how they were organized and administered. Descriptive, comparative analysis revealed no significant differences in student characteristics of the three identified groups for those enrolled in master's level coursework in the nursing education specialty in spring of 2006. Overall, participants in the MSN programs indicated that they chose the program because they needed it for advancement, they wanted additional knowledge and skills, and the reputation and location were important. Their education was financed with personal earnings or loans. Upon completion of the program they planned to stay in their current positions and continue for a doctoral degree or specialty certification in nursing. Within 10 years they planned to be working as a faculty member in a nursing program. They were Caucasian women, aged 41-55, who lived with a significant other and children, worked more than 33 hours per week in critical care, pediatrics or education, and had more than 20 years of work experience. Findings indicated that the diversity of the MSN programs made no difference in the types of students that were attracted to the programs. These findings may be used to target recruitment efforts toward those interested in becoming nursing faculty in an effort to help alleviate the nursing faculty shortage in Florida.

Na atualidade, diversos estudos consideram a carreira docente um processo complexo que necessita de permanente formação. Nesse sentido, os Mestrados Profissionais em Ensino de Ciências (MP-EC) têm representado um dos movimentos formativos mais abrangentes e desafiadores dos últimos anos. Por se constituir em um espaço que busca oferecer ao professor em exercício diversas problematizações sobre a docência, torna-se fundamental compreender as particularidades desse contexto para então indicar subsídios para a proposição de ações no âmbito da formação de professores. Assim, o presente estudo buscou investigar as possibilidades de desenvolvimento profissional de professores que cursaram um programa dessa natureza, como se apresentam os MPs-EC, mediante um instrumento de análise elaborado para tal propósito. Para a elaboração do instrumento levamos em consideração tanto os aspectos do campo cognitivo em termos de saberes, conhecimentos e competências que caracterizam o ofício do magistério, tão recorrente na literatura especializada, quanto os aspectos subjetivos, que pouco têm sido explorado nas pesquisas, e que, no nosso estudo, nos auxiliaram a indicar o compromisso do professor com sua própria formação. Assim, nosso instrumento de análise contou com dois eixos: um contendo oito dimensões dos saberes, que apontam a amplitude ou abrangência do desenvolvimento profissional, e outro, denominado autoria docente, composto por três indicadores que se caracterizam em função da intensidade com que cada dimensão é alcançada pelo professor. Valemo-nos de entrevista semiestruturada como forma de coleta de dados. Entrevistamos dez professores-egressos de quatro MPs-EC e por meio de uma análise narrativa, procedimento de análise de dados adotado na pesquisa, reconstruímos as relações estabelecidas entre os egressos e as tarefas do curso, mostrando o desenvolvimento profissional que os professores alcançaram. Nossa investigação apontou para a complexidade desse processo, sobretudo a importância dos cuidados a se tomar no desenho de contextos que tem tal finalidade. Essas informações são fundamentais para orientação de políticas de formação continuada. / At present, several studies consider a teaching career a complex process that requires permanent formation. In this sense, Professional Masters in Science Teaching (MP-EC) have represented one of the most comprehensive and challenging training movements of recent years. Because it is a space that seeks to offer to the teacher several problematizations about teaching, it is fundamental to understand the particularities of this context and indicate subsidies to propose actions in the teacher training scope. Thus, aimed investigate the possibilities of professional development of teachers who attended a program of this nature, like the MPs-EC. To elaborate an instrument we took into consideration both the cognitive field aspects in terms of knowledge, and competences that characterize the teaching profession, recurrent in the specialized literature, and the subjective aspects, which have not been explored in the researches, and that in our study, helped us to indicate the teacher\'s commitment to his / her own training. The instrument of analysis had two axes: one having eight dimensions of knowledge, indicating the professional development amplitude or scope and another, called teacher authoring, composed by three indicators that are characterized by the intensity with which each dimension is achieved by the teacher. we used a semi-structured interview as a form of data collection. We interviewed ten undergraduate teachers from four MPs-EC and through a narrative analysis, procedure of data analysis adopted in the research, we reconstructed the relationships established among the graduates and as tasks of the course, showing the professional development that the teachers reached. Our investigation pointed to the complexity of this process, especially the importance of the care to be taken in the design of contexts that have such a purpose. These informations are essentials for the orientation of continuing education policies.

Na presente tese de doutorado, apresentamos nossas investigações acerca do Mestrado Nacional Profissional em Ensino de Física (MNPEF) enquanto dispositivo de política pública de formação continuada de professores. O desenvolvimento de nossa pesquisa foi fundamentado na articulação dos quadros conceituais da Sociologia da Ação Pública e da Filosofia da Linguagem do Círculo de Bakhtin. Nessa perspectiva, nosso esquema geral de investigação consistiu na análise bakhtiniana de uma complexa cadeia de enunciados oriundos dos modos de regulação que delimitamos no interior do MNPEF, notadamente, a regulação de controle e a regulação autônoma. Assim, concentrados nos primeiros 21 Polos Regionais (PR) do MNPEF criados em 2013, nosso objetivo foi estudar os modos de regulação desse programa, descrevendo e analisando a existência dos modos de regulação de controle - estruturas concebidas para coordenar e orientar as ações dos atores sociais - e dos modos de regulação autônoma, relativos à forma como esses atores convivem e (re)ajustam essas orientações. O corpus de nossa pesquisa foi construído, por um lado, pautado na regulação de controle e uma cadeia de documentos referentes tanto ao contexto específico do MNPEF, quanto o contexto amplo da pós-graduação nacional, e, por outro lado, no âmbito da regulação autônoma, por trabalhos de conclusão oriundos das primeiras turmas e por entrevistas realizadas com professores que atuam em distintos PR. Nossas investigações apontam o MNPEF como um dispositivo de política pública multirregulado, balizado sobretudo pelas regulamentações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) para os cursos de Mestrado Profissional em Ensino (MPE) e pelos órgãos administrativos nomeados pela Sociedade Brasileira de Física (SBF), entidade coordenadora do programa. Ao olharmos para o MNPEF como uma ação pública, identificamos a coexistência de modos de regulação de controle e de regulação autônoma. Contudo, não identificamos nenhum elemento que potencialmente ilustre ações conjuntas no âmbito nacional do MNPEF, mas apenas alguns indicativos de ações conjuntas que influenciam exclusivamente o contexto local dos PR, caracterizando, assim, processos de microrregulação local. / In this work, we show investigations about the Mestrado Nacional Profissional em Ensino de Física (MNPEF) as a public policy for formation of Physics teachers. For the development of our research, the theoretical-methodological framework was constructed based on the sociology of public action and the Bakhtin’s Circle philosophy of language. Therefore, we created a general research scheme that consisted of the analysis of a complex chain of statements derived from the modes of regulation of MNPEF, notably, the control regulation and autonomous regulation. Thus, concentrated in the first 21 Regional Poles (PR) of the MNPEF, created in 2013, our objective was to study MNPEF's modes of regulation, describing and analyzing the control regulation - structures designed to coordinate and guide the actions of social actors - and the autonomous regulation, concerning the way in which these actors reinvent the orientations about the program. The corpus of our research was built, on the one hand, based on the control regulation and a chain of documents referring to the specific context of the MNPEF and to the broad context of the national post-graduation, on the other hand, based on the scope of autonomous regulation, by works of conclusion coming from the first classes and by interviews with teachers who work in different PR. Our research indicates that the MNPEF is a multiregulated public policy device, mainly based on the regulations of the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for the Professional Master's in Education (MPE) courses and by the administrative bodies appointed by the Sociedade Brasileira de Física (SBF), which coordinates the program. When we look at the MNPEF as a public action, we identify the coexistence of modes of regulation of control and autonomous. However, we do not identify any element that potentially illustrates joint actions at the national level of the MNPEF, but only some indicative of joint actions that exclusively influence the local context of PR, thus characterizing processes of local micro-regulation.