Research and Advances in Education

Empowering Gender Equity in STEM Education: Skills for Today and Tomorrow

Beatrice M’mboga Akala — 2025-08-29

Education is a cornerstone of human development, yet many girls and women still face barriers to access. Scholars in human resource development stress that inclusive education is essential for social, political, and economic progress. This article argues that equitable access is not only vital for development but also a constitutional right. Despite progress, true gender equity in education remains out of reach. Using a social justice lens, the article calls for inclusive learning environments that overcome gender and cultural barriers. It draws on the Capabilities Approach, which emphasizes enabling individuals to pursue meaningful lives, and Social Cognitive Career Theory, which explores how socio-economic and cognitive factors shape educational outcomes. Persistent challenges—such as sexism, patriarchy, poverty, and gender-based violence—continue to limit opportunities for women. The article uses secondary data to highlight these issues and offers strategies for policymakers and institutions to create more equitable and transformative higher education systems.

Digital Transformation in Art Education: The Practice and Innovation of Online Courses

Tian Chen — 2025-08-29

The rapid development of digital technology has brought new opportunities and challenges to the field of art education. Traditional art education models are limited in terms of teaching resources, methods, and student learning experiences. In contrast, digital technology offers possibilities for innovation in art education. Online teaching, as an emerging teaching model, has gradually become an important part of art education. This study aims to explore the design and implementation of online art courses under digital transformation, analyze their practical effects, and propose innovative strategies to promote the high-quality development of art education. This research employs experimental teaching, user feedback, and data analysis to systematically investigate the design and implementation effects of online art courses. The results indicate that immersive art courses developed using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies significantly enhance students’ learning experiences and outcomes. Additionally, the development of intelligent learning management systems that provide personalized learning paths further optimizes learning effects. This study also explores the business models of online art education, such as paid courses and advertising revenue, offering references for the sustainable development of educational institutions. The innovation of this study lies in emphasizing the application of technology in art education and demonstrating the improvement in learning experiences through empirical research. It also proposes sustainable business models for online art education, providing practical guidance for educational institutions. Future research can further deepen the application of technology in art education, explore more innovative teaching and business models, and promote the digital transformation and high-quality development of art education.

Teacher Perceptions of Silent Classrooms and Their Response Strategies in English Oral Lessons

Yujie Liu — 2025-09-16

This study examines the phenomenon of silent classrooms in English oral lessons, exploring the perceptions and strategies of teachers in addressing student silence. Silent behavior, ranging from passive listening to complete withdrawal, significantly affects classroom dynamics and student engagement. Teachers often interpret silence as either a sign of disinterest or as a response to anxiety, self-doubt, or cultural factors. The research investigates how teachers observe these behaviors, their emotional responses, and the long-term impact of their strategies on student participation and confidence. The study highlights the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment, offering constructive feedback, and incorporating interactive activities to promote active student engagement. The findings provide insights into how teachers can manage silence effectively, encouraging a more interactive and communicative learning environment that fosters oral proficiency and reduces anxiety.