Global Partners in Education Journal

Introduction to the 7th Global Issues Conference Special Edition

Anna Łobodzińska — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Freedom of Expression of Judges in their Academic Research

Valentina Diaz — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Freedom of expression allows for the democratization of the judiciary. Judges have the right to freely express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions by any means of communication. Such freedom is a basis in academia, involving the ability to explain the conclusions of an investigation as a statement based on reasoning and evidence. Conclusions may be right or wrong, but they are freely expressed. However, the exercise of this freedom entails limitations: the maintenance of neutral, objective, and impeccable conduct of judges. These limitations guarantee the principles of impartiality and independence in the administration of justice-the principles that seek to preserve the dignity of the jurisdictional functions and the impartiality and independence of the judiciary. Judges may speak and write freely, as long as they do not promote ideas that may compromise impartiality and independence. Indeed, the freedom of expression of persons exercising jurisdictional functions is subject to greater restrictions. But the restriction to this right does not imply that any manifestation or expression issued by a judge may be restricted.

Key words: freedom, independence, restrictions

English Language Curriculum in Macedonia

Bisera Dalcheska-Taleska, Marjana Vaneva — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In order to highlight the need for change in the instructional practices and English language curricula in Macedonia, this paper targets the first-grade curriculum in the country and the lesson plans adhering to the planning standards developed by the Bureau for Development of Education. The study employs a mixed-methods approach to conduct research in a village in Macedonia. Qualitative data have been gathered from an online semi-structured interview with two educators from the United States of America, Cuchiarra and Fillmore, who have conducted extensive research in urban districts throughout the country. Another source for qualitative data is the comments on the reflection checklists that have been developed and filled out by the author of the study. Then, the author randomly chose 32 students from the same grade-level, divided them into two focus groups that had students with different proficiency levels and implemented two curricula; the one developed by the Bureau with group A, and another one based on the 3Ls Framework, which is a framework developed by the interviewees, with group B. In order to gather quantitative data, four posttests were administered, and the results are subject to analysis and comparison. Two hypotheses are tested, null – which refers to having no difference in the posttest results, and alternative – with regards to a possible difference in the posttest results. When it comes to the design, this is a QUAL -> quan design, i.e., more data is coming from the core qualitative component due to the limitation of the quantitative data. The core component is the qualitative data that can stand on its own, yet the quantitative data is regarded as a supplemental component and does not stand on its own. However, both outcomes of the research process will lead to integration in the conclusion because both types of data are in constant interaction. The findings of the study show that the current English language curriculum in Macedonia does not prepare the students for lifelong learning nor life in the 21st century, does not nurture a culture for independent learning, nor requires critical thinking or meaningful discussions.

Key words: curriculum, research, outcomes, data

The Humanities' Role in Addressing Climate Change Through Fictional Narratives

Nasreddine EL Guezar — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Tackling environmental challenges has required the expertise of fields outside of science, namely the humanities. Literature, in particular, has largely contributed to global environmental protection. More specifically, this paper suggests that fiction stories have actively participated in helping scientists and nonscientists alike to shape better environmental sense for their readers. To illustrate, the texts of many influential environmental writers, such as John Muir and Rachel Carson, incorporate stories in scientific writing to successfully impact readers and develop planetary awareness and responsibility. In highlighting the role of literature and stories in making the environmental discourse effective for environmental scientists, this paper also turns attention toward the literary genre of speculative fiction. The environmentally-abundant writings of speculative fiction can actively challenge and expand our assumptions on many human and nonhuman issues. Additionally, since these narratives call for critical approaches that interpret their environmental meanings, ecocriticism can be a reliable interdisciplinary lens in this regard. The ecological literary approach facilitates both reading environmentally-focused fiction as well as connecting scholars and practitioners from different fields to collaborate under the encompassing field of the environmental humanities.

Keywords: science and the humanities, climate change, speculative fiction, ecocriticism, the environmental humanities

Tackling the Insufficient Food Supply in the Sufficient Chinese Hot-Pot Chain Restaurant Industry - A Summer Project

Mohan Huo, Jie Peng, Ke Wu, Linxuan Zhang, Yiao Liu — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purchasing is widely acknowledged as a critical factor for business survival and success. This study uncovers the traditional purchasing model that affects the cost of vegetables and eventually food quality, based on our summer field research on Chinese hot pot restaurants. Seventeen retail branches were studied, and we propose an innovative procurement model to reduce the total cost of purchasing vegetables. In the new procurement model, vegetables shall be transported from the vegetable base to the central processing plant for cost-down measures by centralized processing and cleaning. Compared to the traditional method, the innovative purchasing approach integrates upstream supplying resources and standardizes vegetable processing, contributing to cost reduction in vegetables and processing. In the research, the group collected data about food sales, prices from suppliers, and related processing to calculate aggregate procurement costs containing vegetables, delivery, and processing costs. The calculation indicates that the new method produces an additional 21,102 Chinese RMB in vegetable and delivery costs. However, it removes the need for a vegetable cleaner in each outlet, which could save more than 70,000 Chinese RMB. Therefore, we verified such an assumption with qualitative interviews with the managers of hot-pot chain restaurants and found that the actual saving can be around 53,356 Chinese RMB. In addition, the standardization and quality control of dishes and fuller utilization of staff have been overlooked in prior daily operation management. Finally, the proposed new procurement model can also be applied to global hot pot restaurants.

Key words: purchasing, procurement model, saving

Moroccan Women on the Market: Working Towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

Douae Serraf — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SDGs, are a global project adopted in 2015 by the United Nations to better build world peace and dismantle a number of social and ecological injustices by 2030. The seventeen goals outline a number of universal challenges, and their implementers are committed to working toward a world of sustainability where no individual is left behind; from eradicating poverty and protecting the planet to reducing inequalities and empowering women. In 2017, Morocco, in spite of its lack of social balance, implemented a strategy to convert to a green and inclusive model. Although the Moroccan context is different from that of Western and other developed countries, the attempted policies require a significant evolution within various sectors of life, such as education, economy, marriage, environment, social awareness, and a multitude of other sensitive spheres. Society, however, is already witnessing remarkable progress regarding the situation of women, as it responds actively to current transformations in gender roles. With Moroccan women’s entrance to the marketplace, also named ‘Suq’ in the Moroccan dialect, female members of society, especially in rural areas, have gained agency and independence, both financially and personally. On the other hand, traditions and inherited norms imprison women, preventing them from healing from patriarchal mindsets and discriminatory dimensions and impeding them from breaking the so-called glass ceiling. Therefore, a different approach must be implemented in the Moroccan context to eradicate the overall misogynistic gender understanding.

This exploratory research attempts to address a number of issues related to women's sustainable growth in the Moroccan marketplace as well as identify the many discriminations experienced by women there. In order to understand gender in the market and the overall desired sustainable growth, the qualitative study will adopt an intersectional perspective. As a result, the call to prioritize women and those who are furthest behind ensures a greater quality of sustainability, global growth, and local comprehension.

Key words: United Nations, sustainable development goals, Morocco, marketplace, gender, global understanding

Love Thy Neighbors: Countering the Growing Impatience in International Politics- Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Sadaf Qadir, Zainab Iqbal — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Globalization and rapid expansion of communication and information technologies have brought about tremendous changes in the ways the world traditionally interacted. This has eventually led to what is often called a ‘borderless society’. However, the more the societies are growing borderless, the more strain is being put up on the concept of sovereignty and inviolability of territories. With the world continuing to embark upon wider areas of engagement, the principles of coexistence and interdependence have given way to narrow personal interests and hasty policy making. The paper, therefore, analyzes the existing Ukraine-Russia Conflict as a case study for bringing into light the growing impatience that is felt immensely now-a-days in international politics. Keeping in mind the indigenous political pursuits of a state, the paper seeks to explore the multitude of means through which national interests can be brought at par with the interests of the neighboring states and international community at large. In the end, the challenges faced by both the states have been analyzed to proffer suitable recommendations to address the future challenges.

Key words: international politics, interests, challenges

The Yagua People: Indigenous Tribe of Peru

Teadora Stefanovska, Iskra Andreeska — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The overarching theme of the project is the indigenous Yagua people of Peru, who live along the Amazon River. Despite the fact that the project focuses on their lives as a whole, taking their culture and way of life into account, the study focuses on a more significant challenge that the Yagua people face. Their health problems, as well as topics affecting the arrival of modern medicine and the muchacha phenomenon, are investigated thoroughly. Deforestation, drug trafficking and illegal mining are also discussed as prominent current issues. We chose to investigate the Yagua people as we had some exposure to the variety of the Peruvian culture through the virtual meetings with students from the ESAN University (Lima) during the Global Understanding course and prepared a research project for the XVII International Competition of research, practice-oriented and creative projects in English among university students organized by the Ural State Pedagogical University. The conducted small-size case-study research is based on the qualitative research method. We analyzed primary and secondary sources. The primary sources arise from a qualitative research we conducted through the survey research technique. We used the structured interview as a tool and we interviewed students from University of ESAN with whom we attended the Global Understanding Course together and their course instructor. We also interviewed the photographer Goran Jovic who had visited the tribe and has raised the awareness of their culture through his photographs. The secondary sources arise from an extensive internet search for data and available information online. The findings showed that majority of the surveyed Peruvian fellow-students were unaware of the Yagua people's existence, let alone their health challenges. Thus, we believe intercultural and cross-cultural contacts, partnerships, and collaborations can contribute in the raising awareness of various problems and can help us learn about various challenges people face around the world.

Keywords: indigenous Yagua people, intercultural, challenges

Singing: The Human Connection

Marguerite Olivia Hemedinger — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Though music may not be a universal language, it is a facet that can help us understand each other across cultures, languages, and borders. This project explores the experiences in singing and teaching voice lessons of individuals in different parts of the world. It was designed as a case study not to analyze individual’s experiences as a representation of the whole, but rather as a point of comparison between individual experiences in different parts of the world. Through interviews with people who have sung or taught singing in Italy, Chile, Canada, and the United States, cultural values and practices of singing are compared. This study was conducted over the course of several months using virtual meeting technology. Each interview was recorded with the express permission of the subjects and the recordings were analyzed after all the interviews were collected. The interview answers reveal several connections and contrasts between the individual subjects. Some interviewees found different aspects of singing and learning to sing more important than others, such as lesson pacing (technique versus repertoire) and preparation (performing versus rehearsing). There were also many similarities that resonated in each singer’s experience around the world. For instance, all subjects discussed the mind-body connection that is experienced in singing. Even though certain values varied between subjects, this study highlights the connection that different individuals have with their voice as part of their identity as a human in the world.

Keywords: singing, global perspectives, human cultures

Cultural Appropriation and Cancel Culture: A Global Survey

Ezedimbu Chiamaka, Emeka Agba, Femi Olufunmilade — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A cultural practice that might be once unique to a particular set of people can go global. In a globalizing world, cultural diffusion has become a widespread phenomenon. This global dispersal has led to clash of cultures, giving rise to defenders - people who want to defend their culture from outsiders they view as threats i.e. outsiders with no plans to give credit to origins of the borrowed culture. This leads us to the concept of 'appropriation', which, literally, means to take something and adapt it for use in another context. This sets the background for the emergence of the concept of 'cultural appropriation'. While cultural appropriation may be novel in theory, it is not so in praxis. It can be seen in the things that constitute our day to day life. This is unlike the shallowness of the definition that most people, especially active social media users, use. Recently, it is mostly used in accusation, and is perceived as malicious intent, even in cases where none is intended. The misinterpretation of cultural appropriation is being used as an outlet for online jungle justice, ‘cancel culture’. A situation where people take law into their hands and backlash individual or group that say or perform actions that are deemed unacceptable. This paper scrutinizes the misuse of cultural appropriation as a concept and how it causes more cases of cancel culture. This study finds that cancel culture is heightened with the increased misuse of the concept cultural appropriation online and tries to proffer solution to this rising phenomena.

Key words: global, culture, appropriation

Hospital Waste Management and the Associated Hazards

Benameur Nehar, Saoussen Benamara, Nourelhouda Benhamed — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Key words: global, culture, appropriation

Increasing Trend of Suicide Among Youth: A Social and Psychological Problem

Dua Soomro, Hala Saadat Ullah Khan, Hamna Javed, Salwa Nadeem, Zainab Iqbal — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Suicide among young people appears to be a severe issue that requires immediate attention and concerted global initiatives. Suicide is now a leading cause of death in all parts of the world. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, low and middle-income countries account for approximately 77% of all suicides worldwide. Pakistan, which is also a developing country, has seen an upsurge in the number of suicides among its youth, but official suicide numbers in the country are still unclear. Pakistan neither submits suicide fatality numbers to the WHO nor compiles national suicidal statistics. Certain social and religious factors make reporting and collection of data on suicide difficult in Pakistan, however, research of several studies reveals that household problems are the leading cause of suicide in Asian countries. The research paper is divided into two sections: (1) variables that contribute to the rise of child and teenage suicide, and (2) evidence-based therapy of child and adolescent suicide. Academic success, physical condition, mental health and well-being, economic status, financial difficulties, and overall life enjoyment are all crucial matters to consider. According to a survey, the leading cause of mortality among persons in 2019 was suicide. As a global goal, WHO has prioritized the lowering of suicide moral. This paper indicates that the only way forward is to eliminate all risk factors through integrated and multi-sector prevention programs, with essential prevention methods that can be population-based as well as targeted to high-risk sub-groups.

Keywords: suicide, adolescent suicide, national suicidal statistics, suicide morality