Multidisciplinary Journal of Educational Research

Business for Peace in Indonesia: University Scholarships for Afghan and Palestinian Refugees and Their Role in Community Development

Fanesa Angeli, Ali Maksum — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article examines the role of university scholarship programs in Indonesia as a form of "business for peace," focusing specifically on their impact on Afghan and Palestinian refugees. The primary aim of the article is to explore how Indonesian higher education institutions, particularly private universities, contribute to community development and social responsibility through the inclusion of refugee students. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes scholarship initiatives implemented by select Indonesian universities and assesses their broader social implications. The findings suggest that such initiatives not only provide educational opportunities for displaced populations but also foster intercultural understanding, institutional responsibility, and local community engagement. However, the study also highlights the limited involvement of public policy and the dominant role of private sector initiatives in addressing refugee inclusion. This article contributes to ongoing discussions on refugee education, peacebuilding, and the potential of higher education as a driver of social cohesion in host countries.

Assessing Perceived Data Literacy Among First-Year University Students in South Africa

Moeketsi Mosia, Fadip Audu Nannim, Felix Egara — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Data drives today's world; hence, acquiring data literacy is essential for academic and professional success. However, students entering the university possess uncertain levels of data literacy skills. Therefore, this study assesses the perceived data literacy possessed by first-year university students in South Africa. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design, with a sample of 872 students across South African universities. A validated questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.96 was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research question, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. The results show that the students had basic data literacy skills on graphs and types of data. However, they lack familiarity with the concept of visualization, communicating findings from data analysis, the concept of variables and observations. Overall, the students had a medium level of data literacy. Age and access to data significantly influence students' data literacy ratings. However, no significant differences were found among the different sexes. It was recommended that educational institutions integrate comprehensive data literacy programs for students, ensure equitable internet access, and provide continuous professional development programs for teachers.

How Flourishing, Perceived Empathetic Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Social Support Change in Adolescents: A Comparative Study from the COVID-19 Pandemic to the Present

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted adolescents. This study examines the shifts in flourishing, perceived social support, and empathic self-efficacy among adolescents during lockdown and in the present. A sample of 261 Italian adolescents (79.3% female, 20.7% male, aged 13-19) was surveyed. The Flourishing Scale (FS), Perceived Empathic Self-Efficacy Scale (AEP/A), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used. The results revealed a significant decline in well-being during lockdown, with improvements in flourishing, empathic self-efficacy, and social support observed post-lockdown. Gender differences indicated that males reported higher flourishing and friend support levels during lockdown. Younger adolescents exhibited greater flourishing during lockdown. Individuals with high flourishing demonstrated better outcomes across all variables. The mediation model results suggest that perceived empathic self-efficacy mediates the relationship between perceived social support and flourishing. These findings emphasize the critical role of supportive relationships and emotional skills in enhancing adolescent resilience during challenging times.

Validation of a Questionnaire on the Quality of Online Teaching in an Emergency Context

Ander Alonso-Pastor, María Alejandra Torres-Maldonado, Alier Ortiz-Portocarrero — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The purpose of this research is to validate an instrument for measuring the quality of emergency remote teaching, based on the experience of the University Antonio Ruiz de Montoya (UARM) in Lima, Peru, within the framework of COVID-19, in order to improve teaching practices in higher education. To this end, an instrument was designed and validated by the UARM authorities. After its application to students, 4865 responses were obtained. The study included the calculation of the reliability of the scale and the dimensions, a correlation analysis of the dimensions and an exploratory factor analysis through a principal component analysis. The final questionnaire is composed of 31 items with adequate reliability values, grouped into three different factors. Although finally this study concludes that this instrument is adequate and relevant for measuring this form of education, proposals are made for the improvement and future implementation of the questionnaire.