The importance of school quality ratings for school choices: Evidence from a nationwide system

The purpose of this research is to analyze the economic self-management strategies used by students of the Faculty of Business Sciences of the Technical University of Machala during their academic training; Interest in this study arose from the need to understand how students face economic difficulties that arise in their training. A mixed approach was applied and a survey was used on a representative sample of 367 students, identifying the main source of income for a part of the student population, evidencing alternatives to sustain their expenses and reduce their economic dependence. The most used strategies were observed when they go through difficult situations and if the income is sufficient to cover their expenses, reflecting the existence of limitations and conditioning the way of organizing their resources and decision making. Likewise, it was identified that students usually perceive an impact. in their academic performance. The results allowed us to understand the economic dynamics experienced by university students and provide information for the design of institutional strategies that contribute to strengthening permanence, well-being and academic success.

ABSTRACT This study examined differences in sixth-grade students’ conceptual understanding and critical thinking between Problem-Based Learning (PBL) supported by an Augmented Reality (AR)-Based Book and conventional instruction in Solar System learning. A quantitative quasi-experimental study employing a nonequivalent pretest–posttest control group design involved 35 students from two elementary schools in Blora, Indonesia, comprising 17 experimental and 18 control participants. The intervention was implemented across three instructional sessions. Data were collected using validated essay-based assessments and analyzed through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for pretest performance. The experimental group achieved higher posttest means in conceptual understanding (86.71 vs. 72.67) and critical thinking (85.82 vs. 70.17). ANCOVA revealed significant adjusted between-group differences in conceptual understanding (mean difference = 13.87, 95% CI [11.45, 16.29], p < .001) and critical thinking (mean difference = 15.38, 95% CI [12.19, 18.57], p < .001). MANCOVA confirmed a significant multivariate difference (Pillai’s Trace = .862, F(2, 30) = 95.34, p < .001). These findings suggest that integrating AR-supported visualization within structured problem-based inquiry may support conceptual learning and evidence-based reasoning. Nevertheless, the small sample, nonrandom allocation, and school- and teacher-level confounding preclude definitive causal conclusions. Larger multisite and factorial studies are recommended.

This study investigated the challenges facing head teachers in providing leadership support for the implementation of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Muleba District, Tanzania. The study was guided by one specific objective: to identify the challenges faced by head teachers in providing leadership support for CBC implementation. Grounded in Hallinger and Murphy's (1985) Instructional Leadership Theory, the study adopted a pragmatic paradigm with a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. The target population comprised 2,166 individuals from 237 public primary schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 112 respondents (100 classroom teachers and 12 heads of schools), semi-structured interviews with head teachers and one School Quality Assurance Officer, and document review. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics through SPSS Version 22, while qualitative data were analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework. The findings revealed seven interconnected challenges: inadequate CBC training for head teachers themselves (84.8%), inadequate funding preventing leadership support (81.3%), heavy administrative workloads (76.8%), unclear government support (76.8%), financial constraints generally (67.9%), overcrowded classrooms (64.3%), and teacher resistance to CBC changes (52.7%). The study concluded that head teachers' effectiveness in leading CBC implementation is systematically undermined by systemic factors beyond their control. The study recommends mandatory CBC training for head teachers, reduction of administrative workloads, increased capitation grants with CBC-specific allocations, clear national implementation guidelines, and investment in school infrastructure.

Society 5.0 offers Islamic education new opportunities for personalized learning but also risks weakening intellectual agency, ethical judgment, and spiritual formation. This article analyzes the dialectic between technological modernization and the Islamization of knowledge to formulate a humanizing framework for Islamic education. It employs a qualitative integrative literature review supported by critical-philosophical and comparative-conceptual analysis. The synthesis proposes five interrelated dimensions: human dignity, epistemic verification, ethical responsibility, dialogical pedagogy, and accountable governance. These dimensions form the conceptual Humanization–Technology–Islamization of Knowledge Dialectic (DHT-IP) model, which proceeds through needs diagnosis, epistemic-ethical screening, pedagogical integration, and humanization evaluation. Technology is positioned as an instrument supporting learning and critical reasoning rather than replacing teachers’ moral judgment or learners’ responsibility. The model offers directions for curriculum, assessment, and institutional policy, while its effectiveness remains to be tested empirically across Islamic educational settings

Developing students’ economic competence and creativity is essential to preparing them for economic challenges and changing societal demands. However, school entrepreneurship programs do not necessarily develop economic understanding and creativity equally, making evaluation of their implementation and learning outcomes necessary. This study aims to analyze the implementation, supporting and inhibiting factors, and effectiveness of an entrepreneurship-based school program in developing students’ economic competence and creativity at SMP Negeri 2 Tuhemberua. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Data were collected through interviews, documentation, and observations involving the school principal, supervising teacher, and five participating students. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing, with credibility examined through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that the Cultivation and MSME Business Project supports students’ understanding of production, capital, costs, sales, and profit while encouraging product innovation, problem-solving, responsibility, and cooperation. Nevertheless, program effectiveness remains limited by insufficient time, inadequate facilities, difficulties in financial recordkeeping, and restricted marketing reach. Therefore, the program is effective as a practical learning experience but requires stronger structured reflection, financial literacy activities, and continuous evaluation to improve students’ economic competence and creativity. ABSTRAK Pengembangan kompetensi ekonomi dan kreativitas siswa penting untuk mempersiapkan mereka menghadapi tantangan ekonomi dan perubahan zaman. Namun, pelaksanaan program kewirausahaan di sekolah belum tentu menghasilkan penguasaan konsep ekonomi dan kreativitas secara seimbang sehingga perlu dievaluasi berdasarkan proses dan capaian pembelajarannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pelaksanaan, faktor pendukung dan penghambat, serta efektivitas program sekolah berbasis kewirausahaan dalam mengembangkan kompetensi ekonomi dan kreativitas siswa SMP Negeri 2 Tuhemberua. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara, dokumentasi, dan pengamatan terhadap kepala sekolah, guru pembimbing, serta lima siswa peserta program. Analisis data dilakukan melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan, dengan keabsahan diperiksa melalui triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa program Proyek Budidaya dan Usaha UMKM mendukung pemahaman siswa tentang produksi, modal, biaya, penjualan, dan keuntungan, sekaligus mendorong inovasi produk, pemecahan masalah, tanggung jawab, dan kerja sama. Efektivitas program belum optimal karena keterbatasan waktu, sarana, pencatatan keuangan, dan jangkauan pemasaran. Dengan demikian, program efektif sebagai pengalaman belajar praktis, tetapi memerlukan penguatan refleksi, literasi keuangan, dan evaluasi berkelanjutan.