RESUMEN El presente trabajo es fruto de un proyecto dirigido a la precisión de uno de los problemas profesionales de la carrera Licenciatura en Educación Primaria en la Universidad de Guantánamo relacionado con el diagnóstico del grupo, el entorno comunitario, familiar y los educandos cuyo propósito es elaborar una metodología para el desarrollo de esta habilidad en el futuro profesional del nivel educativo primario. Para ello se utilizaron varios métodos de investigación científica tales como el análisis y síntesis, inducción deducción el histórico-lógico entre otros que permitieron arribar a conclusiones acerca de la efectividad de la propuesta.

ABSTRACT The present work is the result of a project aimed at the precision of one of the professional problems of the Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education at the University of Guantánamo related to the diagnosis of the group, the community and family environment and the students, the purpose of it is to elaborate a methodology for the development of this skill in the future professional of the primary education level. For this purpose, several scientific research methods were used, such as analysis and synthesis, induction, deduction, historical-logical, among others, which allowed reaching conclusions about the effectiveness of the proposal.

Resumo: As habilidades cognitivas das crianças variam conforme os contextos de desenvolvimento cultural em que elas se desenvolvem. Partindo do pressuposto da variabilidade cultural, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar as habilidades executivas de 110 crianças, com idades entre 9 e 11 anos, pertencentes a três grupos: não mapuche urbanas, mapuche urbanas e mapuche rurais, de municípios da região de La Araucanía, Chile. Foi utilizado um desenho descritivo e correlacional para comparar o desempenho das crianças nas variáveis de interesse. A bateria de instrumentos foi composta por três testes que avaliaram: atualização, mudança entre conjuntos mentais e inibição, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em atualização e mudança entre conjuntos mentais, mas houve significância estatística para as diferenças em inibição, com as crianças não mapuches apresentando maior inibição do que os outros dois grupos. Os resultados são discutidos de acordo com a hipótese de que o desenvolvimento de habilidades está relacionado às práticas cotidianas, demandas e características sociodemográficas dos contextos em que as crianças se desenvolvem.

Resumen: Las habilidades cognitivas de los niños varían conforme a los contextos de desarrollo cultural en los que se desenvuelven. Asumiendo la variabilidad cultural, este estudio tuvo por objetivo comparar las habilidades ejecutivas en 110 niños, entre 9 y 11 años, pertenecientes a tres grupos: no mapuche urbanos, mapuche urbanos y mapuche rurales, de comunas de la región de La Araucanía, Chile. Se usó un diseño descriptivo y correlacional para contrastar el desempeño de los niños en las variables de interés. La batería de instrumentos estuvo formada por tres pruebas que evaluaron: actualización, cambio entre conjuntos mentales e inhibición, respectivamente. Los resultados indican que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en actualización y cambio entre conjuntos mentales, pero sí hubo significancia estadística para las diferencias en inhibición; siendo los niños no mapuche quienes tuvieron mayor inhibición respecto de los otros dos grupos. Se discuten los hallazgos según la hipótesis de que el desarrollo de habilidades se relaciona con las prácticas cotidianas, demandas y características sociodemográficas de los contextos en los que los niños se desarrollan.

Abstract: Children's cognitive abilities differ according to the cultural development settings in which they are raised. Assuming cultural variability, this study compared the executive functions in 110 children, aged 9 to 11 years, belonging to three groups: urban non-Mapuche, urban Mapuche, and rural Mapuche, from communes in the Araucanía region, Chile. A descriptive and correlational design was used to contrast children's performance on the variables of interest. The battery of instruments comprised three tests that assessed updating, set-shifting, and inhibition, respectively. The results indicate no statistically significant differences in updating and set-shifting, but there was a statistical significance for differences in inhibition, with non-Mapuche children having greater inhibition than the other two groups. The findings are discussed according to the hypothesis that skill development is related to the daily practices, demands, and sociodemographic characteristics of the settings in which children are raised.

Resumen: La investigación determinó el efecto de la mediación de un videojuego educativo en el fortalecimiento de la resolución de problemas de matemáticas. El método cuantitativo con alcance descriptivo fue aplicado. La muestra fue no probabilística con 20 estudiantes de la Institución Educativa San Jorge, en la vereda Las Damas, Municipio de Purificación, Departamento de Tolima. Las variables estudiadas fueron: desempeño en resolución de problemas, mecánicas y percepción del videojuego. La encuesta inicial reflejó que un 90% no poseían habilidades matemáticas básicas y tenían una percepción negativa del área. Entonces, fue diseñada una estrategia educativa con un videojuego denominado Corredor Matemático de Pensamiento Variacional (Comapeva), en tercera persona con Unity 3D, Adobe Ilustrator y Autodesk 3d. Fue protagonizado por Comaco: joven aventurero que superó retos matemáticos. El guion narrativo combinó elementos del constructivismo, Aprendizaje Basado en Retos (ABR) y modelo instruccional ADDIE (Análisis, Diseño, Desarrollo, Implementación y Evaluación). La herramienta fue implementada con el apoyo de los docentes. Con el videojuego el 100% de los estudiantes resolvieron retos con diversas estrategias. Disminuyó un 21% el tiempo de desarrollo de los problemas, y un 33% las solicitudes de apoyo del docente. La concentración, atención, memoria, agilidad mental, interpretación y análisis fueron fortalecidas. El videojuego facilitó la construcción de conocimientos en matemáticas de forma sustancial. En consecuencia, fue innovador, motivador y permitió la trasformación de prácticas educativas según las necesidades de aprendizaje.

Abstract: The research considers the effect of the mediation of an educational video game in strengthening mathematics problem solving. The quantitative method with a descriptive scope was applied. The sample was non-probabilistic with 20 students from the San Jorge Educational Institution, in Las Damas village, Municipality of Purificación, Department of Tolima. The variables studied were problem-solving performance, game mechanics, and videogame perception. The initial survey showed that 90% of the students did not have basic mathematical skills and had a negative perception of the subject area. Therefore, an educational strategy was then designed using a video game called the Variational Thinking Mathematical Corridor (Comapeva). The game was developed in third person using Unity 3D, Adobe Illustrator, and Autodesk 3d. It starred Comaco: a young adventurer who overcame mathematical challenges. The narrative script combined elements of constructivism, Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) and instructional model ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation). The tool was implemented with the support of the teachers. With the video game, 100% of the students were able to solve challenges using various strategies. Problem development time decreased by 21%, and teacher support requests decreased by 33%. Concentration, attention, memory, mental agility, interpretation, and analysis skills were all strengthened. The video game facilitated the construction of knowledge in mathematics in a substantial way. Consequently, the video game was found to be innovative and motivating, and it allowed for the transformation of educational practices according to the students' learning needs.

SIGNIFICANCE: Engaged sustainability science is a relational response that mobilises knowledge into constructive action. However, theoretical and conceptual development has outstripped effective practice. Some of the barriers to practice include: (1) integrative theories, concepts and vocabulary that are not familiar to most disciplinary scholars; (2) literature that supports these perspectives is dispersed and difficult to organise into practical steps; (3) the skill-set for effective engagement is rare, and includes facilitating co-learning that is attentive to power and equity. By providing a clear set of activities, the Adaptive Systemic Approach enables novice and experienced research practitioners to start, and to follow a pathway.

Resumen En este trabajo se emplea un modelo de datos en panel para estudiar el impacto de seis variables clave, tres de ellas relacionadas con la pandemia del COVID-19, sobre las exportaciones manufactureras mexicanas. El panel comprende los 21 subsectores de la industria manufacturera y observaciones mensuales para el período enero de 2020 - diciembre de 2022. Para estimar el modelo, que incluye tanto variables de demanda como de oferta, se utilizan dos métodos: mínimos cuadrados ordinarios y mínimos cuadrados en dos etapas. El segundo método corrige problemas de endogeneidad y se complementa con medidas para acrecentar la eficiencia. La evidencia obtenida indica que las exportaciones manufactureras responden positivamente frente a un incremento en la demanda externa, una depreciación real del peso, un descenso en los costos laborales unitarios (CLU), una mayor cobertura de los programas de vacunación, y un relajamiento de las medidas de distanciamiento social. Dado que los CLU descienden conforme aumenta la productividad laboral, procede concluir que una mayor inversión en educación formal de calidad, en capacitación y adiestramiento es una medida efectiva para exportar más. Asimismo, los efectos de los esfuerzos de vacunación subrayan la importancia de coordinar la política económica con la política de salud.

Abstract This paper employs a panel data model to study the impact of six key variables, three of them directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Mexican manufacturing exports. The panel comprises the 21 manufacturing subsectors and monthly data during the January 2020-December 2022 period. Moreover, the model specification entails supply- as well as demand-side variables. The two estimation techniques are ordinary least squares and two- stage least squares. The second estimation procedure corrects for endogeneity problems and is complemented by remedial measures to achieve more efficient parameter estimates. Along these lines, the evidence is robust in showing that manufacturing exports respond positively to an increase in external demand, a real currency depreciation, a drop in unit labor costs (ULC), a wider coverage of vaccination campaigns, and a relaxation of social distancing measures. Given that ULC fall as labor productivity rises, there is a valid rationale to conclude that investing in high- quality formal education, training and skill development could be an effective measure to raise exports. Likewise, the effects of the vaccination efforts highlights the relevance of coordinating economic policy with health policy.

Abstract: One of the main challenges in teacher education is the integration of the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and adaptive capacities necessary to handle the complexities of teaching. Research in practice-based teacher education -focusing on ‘pedagogies of practice’ (representation, decomposition, and approximation)- offers a framework for achieving this integration. This approach identifies the practices that every novice teacher should master by the end of their initial training, along with the methodologies to develop them during their education. This special issue, Towards Practice-Based Teacher Education, presents seven empirical studies conducted in Latin America (6) and Europe (1), addressing this training from diverse perspectives and methodologies. The studies focus on phenomena such as modeling by teacher educators, the development of the skill of ‘noticing’, video observation, simulations, tele-immersion, and the university-school relationship. Based on the analysis of these studies, we discuss the need to incorporate feedback, recomposition, and evaluation into the pedagogies of practice.

Resumen: Uno de los principales desafíos en la formación docente es integrar los conocimientos teóricos y prácticos con las capacidades adaptativas necesarias para manejar las complejidades de la enseñanza. La investigación en formación docente basada en la práctica -centrada en las ‘pedagogías de la práctica’ (representación, descomposición y aproximación)- ofrece un marco para lograr esta integración. Este enfoque identifica las prácticas que todo docente novato debe dominar al finalizar su formación inicial, así como las metodologías para desarrollarlas durante su formación. Este número temático Hacia una formación docente basada en la práctica presenta siete estudios empíricos, realizados en Latinoamérica (6) y Europa (1), que abordan este tipo de formación desde diversas perspectivas y metodologías. Los estudios se centran en fenómenos como el modelamiento por parte de los formadores, el desarrollo de la habilidad de noticing, la observación de videos, las simulaciones, la tele-inmersión y la relación entre universidad y escuela. A partir del análisis de estos estudios, se discute la necesidad de incorporar la retroalimentación, la recomposición y la evaluación en las pedagogías de la práctica.

ABSTRACT The improvement of the professional training process is a current need in all university courses, which includes Physical Culture; from this context, the eminently pedagogical nature of this professional profile is declared in the Study Plan, so it is necessary to prepare students in professional pedagogical skills, starting from the management process. To delve deeper into the topic, a research was carried out with the aim of developing strategic actions for the management of professional pedagogical skills in second-year students of the Bachelor's degree in Physical Culture, at the University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences. "Manuel Fajardo." In the development of the study there were used scientific methods of the theoretical level such as analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive methods; of the empirical level, observation, interview, surveys, documentary analysis, expert judgment and user judgment and of the statistician-mathematician, empirical frequency distributions. The results of the diagnosis made it possible to detect insufficiencies in the management process with respect to the development of professional pedagogical skills, so strategic actions were developed that were theoretically validated by the experts, who classified them as very appropriate and this same category was assigned by users to denote the feasibility of its implementation. After the application of the strategic actions, higher levels of development of professional pedagogical skills were evident in the sample studied.

RESUMO A melhoria do processo de formação profissional é uma necessidade atual em todos os cursos universitários, o que inclui Cultura Física; A partir deste contexto, a natureza eminentemente pedagógica deste perfil profissional é declarada no Plano de Estudos, pelo que é necessário preparar os alunos em competências pedagógicas profissionais, a partir do processo de gestão. Para aprofundar o tema, foi realizada uma investigação com o objetivo de desenvolver ações estratégicas para a gestão das competências pedagógicas profissionais em alunos do segundo ano do curso de Licenciatura em Cultura Física, da Universidade de Cultura Física e Ciências do Desporto”. Manoel Fajardo." No desenvolvimento do estudo foram utilizados métodos científicos de nível teórico, como analítico-sintético e indutivo-dedutivo; no nível empírico, observação, entrevista, levantamentos, análise documental, avaliação de especialistas e avaliação de usuários; do estatístico-matemático, distribuições de frequência empíricas. Os resultados do diagnóstico permitiram detectar insuficiências no processo de gestão no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento de competências pedagógicas profissionais, pelo que foram desenvolvidas ações estratégicas que foram validadas teoricamente pelos especialistas, que as classificaram como muito adequadas e esta mesma categoria foi atribuída pelos usuários para denotar a viabilidade de sua implementação. Após a aplicação das ações estratégicas, ficaram evidentes níveis mais elevados de desenvolvimento de competências pedagógicas profissionais na amostra estudada.

RESUMEN El perfeccionamiento del proceso de formación de profesionales es una necesidad actual en todas las carreras universitarias, en la que se incluye la Cultura Física; desde este contexto, se declara en el Plan de estudio el carácter eminentemente pedagógico de este perfil profesional, por lo que es necesario preparar a los estudiantes en habilidades profesionales pedagógicas, a partir del proceso de gestión. Para ahondar en la temática, se realizó una investigación con el objetivo de elaborar acciones estratégicas para la gestión de habilidades profesionales pedagógicas en estudiantes de segundo año de la carrera Licenciatura en Cultura Física, en la Universidad de Ciencias de la Cultura Física y el Deporte “Manuel Fajardo”. En el desarrollo del estudio, se emplearon métodos científicos del nivel teórico como el analítico-sintético e inductivo-deductivo; del nivel empírico, la observación, entrevista, encuestas, análisis documental, criterio de expertos y criterio de usuarios; del estadístico-matemático, distribuciones empíricas de frecuencias. Los resultados del diagnóstico permitieron detectar insuficiencias en el proceso de gestión con respecto al desarrollo de las habilidades profesionales pedagógicas, por lo que se elaboraron acciones estratégicas que fueron validadas teóricamente por los expertos, quienes las calificaron de muy adecuadas y esta misma categoría fue asignada por los usuarios para denotar la factibilidad de su implementación. Luego de la aplicación de las acciones estratégicas, se evidenciaron niveles superiores de desarrollo de las habilidades profesionales pedagógicas en la muestra estudiada.

Abstract Introduction: Higher education plays a crucial role in the innovation system of the K-economy by generating substantial scientific and technical advancements and fostering innovative individuals. It is essential to investigate the K-economy readiness of the education sector, as past studies have mostly focused on this topic in the industrial sector. Objective: To determine the effect of entrepreneurial thinking, ICT skills, social and cross-cultural skills, and career readiness on the K-economy readiness of undergraduate students. Methods: This research question was answered using multiple regression analysis of survey data collected from 578 undergraduate students of Economics Education at six teacher-based universities on the island of Java, Indonesia. Results: This study found that entrepreneurial thinking, ICT skills, social and cross-cultural skills, and career readiness all positively and significantly affect the K-economy readiness of undergraduate students. Conclusion: Implementing education policy adjustments based on this study's findings can enhance student knowledge and skill development in higher education to increase competitiveness in the K-economy. Higher education needs to rely on information and innovation to effectively contribute to economic and social growth sustainably through the K-economy.

Resumo Introdução: O ensino superior desempenha um papel crucial no sistema de inovação da K-economia, gerando avanços científicos e técnicos substanciais e promovendo indivíduos inovadores. É essencial investigar a prontidão para a K-economia no setor educacional, uma vez que estudos anteriores se concentraram principalmente neste tópico no setor industrial. Objetivo: Determinar o efeito do pensamento empreendedor, habilidades em TIC, habilidades sociais e interculturais, e preparação para a carreira na preparação para a K-economia em estudantes de graduação. Métodos: Esta questão de pesquisa foi respondida por meio de análise de regressão múltipla de dados de pesquisas coletados de 578 estudantes de graduação em Educação Econômica em seis universidades com professores na ilha de Java, Indonésia. Resultados: Este estudo descobriu que o pensamento empreendedor, habilidades em TIC, habilidades sociais e interculturais, e preparação para a carreira afetam positiva e significativamente a preparação para a K-economia dos estudantes de graduação. Conclusão: A implementação de ajustes nas políticas educativas com base nas conclusões deste estudo pode melhorar o conhecimento dos alunos e o desenvolvimento de competências no ensino superior para aumentar a competitividade na K-economia. O ensino superior precisa contar com a informação e a inovação para contribuir eficazmente para o crescimento económico e social de forma sustentável através da K-economia.

Resumen Introducción: La educación superior desempeña un papel crucial en el sistema de innovación de la K-economía al generar avances científicos y técnicos sustanciales y fomentar individuos innovadores. Es esencial investigar la preparación para la K-economía en sector educativo, ya que estudios anteriores se han centrado principalmente en este tema en el sector industrial. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del pensamiento empresarial, habilidades en TIC, habilidades sociales y transculturales, y la preparación profesional en la preparación para la K-economía de los estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: Esta pregunta de investigación se respondió mediante un análisis de regresión múltiple de datos de encuestas recopilados de 578 estudiantes universitarios de Educación Económica en seis universidades basadas en docentes en la isla de Java, Indonesia. Resultados: Este estudio encontró que el pensamiento empresarial, habilidades TIC, habilidades sociales y transculturales, y la preparación profesional afectan positiva y significativamente la preparación para la K-economía de los estudiantes universitarios. Conclusión: La implementación de ajustes en la política educativa basados en los hallazgos de este estudio puede mejorar el conocimiento y el desarrollo de habilidades de los estudiantes en la educación superior para aumentar la competitividad en la K-economía. La enseñanza superior debe apoyarse en la información y la innovación para contribuir eficazmente al crecimiento económico y social de forma sostenible a través de la K-economía.

Abstract Written production is one of the most concerning issues regarding the skill development of the student population at all levels. However, research on related topics, both in student writing samples and in other samples of written and spoken language, remains limited and has little or no impact on the didactics and assessment of this skill in teaching practice. Therefore, it is relevant to review the studies currently conducted in the country, based on the publications of this century, to answer the question of how academic writing has continued to be approached in Costa Rica and determine if there are any changes with respect to the situation of the previous century. At the same time, this systematic review of academic sources enables an analysis of their approaches, objectives, proposals, and conclusions. The 21st century represents a paradigm shift, as Carlos Sanchez takes up the proposals of Rodino, Ross, and Vincenzi, who were the only authors offering a nontraditional vision in the last century. Since then, the contribution of most of the new researchers has followed the direction of these pioneers, which augurs a promising future for academic production and, hopefully, for the teaching of writing in Costa Rica. These studies indicate a pressing need to change how this subject is taught in this country.

Resumen La expresión escrita es uno de los temas más preocupantes en relación con el desarrollo de habilidades de la población estudiantil de todos los niveles. A pesar de ello, la investigación sobre temas afines, tanto entre muestras de escritura de estudiantes como en otras muestras de lengua escrita y oral, es escasa, y tiene un impacto mínimo o nulo en la didáctica y la evaluación de esta habilidad en la práctica docente. De ahí que resulte pertinente revisar los estudios llevados a cabo en el país, a partir de las publicaciones realizadas en el presente siglo, con el fin de resolver la pregunta de cómo se ha seguido abordando el tema de la escritura académica en Costa Rica y determinar si existen cambios con respecto a la situación del siglo anterior. A la vez, esta revisión sistemática de las fuentes académicas permite hacer un análisis en cuanto a sus enfoques, objetivos, propuestas y conclusiones. El siglo XXI representa un giro de paradigma, con Carlos Sánchez, quien retoma las propuestas de Rodino, Ross y Vincenzi, únicos autores que mostraron una visión no tradicional en el siglo anterior. A partir de entonces, el aporte de la mayoría de los nuevos investigadores sigue la línea de estos pioneros, lo cual augura un futuro promisorio para la producción académica y, ojalá, de la didáctica de la escritura en Costa Rica. Los estudios realizados demuestran que es urgente un cambio en la enseñanza de este tema en nuestro país.

Resumen Esta publicación aborda la tarea crítica de evaluar cómo el género influye en la interpretación musical. Su objetivo es identificar factores que afectan el desarrollo de habilidades interpretativas, analizar las evaluaciones de estudiantes y expertos independientes sobre estas habilidades en la educación musical superior y ofrecer recomendaciones para la enseñanza de la interpretación. Utilizando una variedad de métodos de investigación, el estudio vincula los resultados para proporcionar información sobre el arte de la interpretación musical en todos los géneros, tanto para instrumentistas como para vocalistas, ofreciendo orientación práctica para educadores en educación superior relacionada con la música y práctica profesional.

Abstract This publication addresses the critical task of assessing how genre influences musical interpretation. It aims to identify factors affecting interpretive skills development, analyze students' and independent experts' assessments of these skills in higher music education, and offer recommendations for teaching interpretation. Utilizing a variety of research methods, the study links the results to provide insights into the art of music interpretation across genres for both instrumentalists and vocalists, offering practical guidance for educators in music-related higher education and professional practice.

Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo é investigar metodologias eficazes e desenvolver técnicas inovadoras para instruir aspirantes a vocalistas pop, focando especificamente no cultivo de atributos vocais para nutrir e ampliar o potencial de jovens intérpretes. No decorrer desta pesquisa foram empregues métodos analíticos, abordagens tipológicas e generalização. A pesquisa produziu insights cruciais sobre os aspectos fundamentais e fatores influentes que contribuem para a adaptação bem-sucedida de jovens intérpretes às demandas do estilo de canto pop. Como resultado, constatou-se a importância das aulas sistemáticas e da prática vocal para o alcance de um alto nível de habilidade vocal. Além disso, o culminar desta investigação científica levou ao desenvolvimento de uma abordagem pedagógica abrangente para o ensino da voz pop. Esta técnica levou em consideração os principais aspectos e fatores que influenciam o sucesso da adaptação de jovens intérpretes ao estilo pop de canto. O método desenvolvido de ensino de vocais pop pode ser usado como base para o desenvolvimento sistemático e passo a passo das habilidades vocais de jovens intérpretes. Os resultados do trabalho obtidos podem ser utilizados para melhorar abordagens de ensino de vocais pop e desenvolver talentos musicais em jovens intérpretes. Esta pesquisa pode servir de base para futuras pesquisas e desenvolvimento no campo do canto pop e da pedagogia musical.

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to investigate effective methodologies and devise innovative techniques for instructing aspiring pop vocalists, specifically focusing on the cultivation of vocal attributes to nurture and amplify the potential of young performers. In the course of this research, analytical methods, typological approaches, and generalization were employed. The research has yielded crucial insights into the fundamental aspects and influential factors that contribute to the successful adaptation of young performers to the demands of the pop singing style. As a result, it was established the importance of systematic classes and vocal practice for achieving a high level of vocal skill. Furthermore, the culmination of this scientific inquiry has led to the development of a comprehensive pedagogical approach for teaching pop vocals. This technique took into account the key aspects and factors influencing the successful adaptation of young performers to the pop style of singing. The developed method of teaching pop vocals can be used as a basis for the systematic and step-by-step development of vocal abilities of young performers. The obtained work results can be used to improve approaches to teaching pop vocals and developing musical talents in young performers. This research can serve as a basis for further research and development in the field of pop singing and music pedagogy.

This research explores the employability of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era in South Africa. It examines the role of TVET lecturers in providing skills that are relevant to the contemporary period. The study uses qualitative research inspired by the interpretivist approach, and a purposive sampling strategy to get the perspectives of TVET lecturers and employers. It was observed that TVET lecturers play a minimal role in the development of the curriculum due to a rigid top-down approach from the Ministry of Higher Education. Companies are forming partnerships with TVET colleges by offering places for in-service training, practicals and internships. The study reveals that South African businesses have adopted 4IR-related technologies, requiring a skilled TVET force that is ready for these transformations. The findings highlight the need for regular curriculum transformation and the importance of TVET education in producing artisans, technologists and technicians that are vital for the South African economy on an ongoing basis.

The current business climate has been described as being volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA). This new world paradigm requires new skill sets. Professional bodies are responding to changes created by this new-world paradigm that university graduates will enter with revised competency frameworks that focus on business, digital, relational, and decision-making acumen (SAICA 2021b) and include both professional (i.e., non-technical) and technical skills. Historically, accounting departments that trained chartered accountants focused on developing technical competencies in students and did not have a tradition of research. Accounting departments are investigating various teaching initiatives or tools to help develop nontechnical skills in response to the changing work environment and to comply with the updated Competency Framework. Research projects, where students must formulate and investigate an unstructured question and present their findings, are used globally as a tool to develop professional competencies; however, there is limited application of research projects in the training of aspirant chartered accountants in South Africa. The 2020 cohort of postgraduate accounting students at a South African university provided a unique opportunity to investigate students' perceptions of professional skills competency development through a group research project as very few had prior experience in conducting research. This study documents students' perceptions of the use of the research project as a learning tool to develop specific professional competencies not traditionally taught and assessed. Although students found the research challenging, they believed that it supported the professional competency development required of future graduates that was not previously addressed appropriately.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitates relevant initiatives to stay abreast. Higher education plays a pivotal role in providing nuanced opportunities for the future workforce and enabling students to address real-world problems in a complex world. Despite new developments, it is not clear how the Fourth Industrial Revolution will influence the educational sector. We followed a systematic review approach with the aim of providing a comprehensive view on crucial strategies and skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We applied the processes of Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre as a guideline for conducting the systematic review and retrieved relevant articles published from 2017 to 2021. The results highlight that critical thinking is the most emphasised skill and student-centred teaching-learning strategies are essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and future demands. Implications for self-directed learning were also outlined.

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to analyze the pressing challenges surrounding the contemporary labor training of schoolchildren. Central to this analysis is the recognition of the profound impact of technology on shaping the workforce's competencies. Then, it justifies the imperative need for cultivating personal, general professional competencies among schoolchildren, emphasizing the pivotal role such competencies play in navigating the complexities of the modern job market. To accomplish this the transformative role of educators in preparing students for modern work habits is of special relevance. We highlight that educators in addition to facilitating the learning process should be provocatory, so the benefits of open-ended questions as a pedagogical tool emerge for serving not only as knowledge transfer but also as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability catalysts towards ever-evolving workforce demands. Considering the above, this research clarifies practical measures formal schooling must prioritize in an increasingly vocational skill-driven economy like Azerbaijan, where people require lifelong learning over one-time preparation.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este artículo es analizar los desafíos apremiantes que rodean la formación laboral contemporánea de los escolares. Un elemento central de este análisis es el reconocimiento del profundo impacto de la tecnología en la configuración de las competencias de la fuerza laboral. Entonces, se justifica la necesidad imperativa de cultivar competencias profesionales personales y generales entre los escolares, enfatizando el papel fundamental que desempeñan dichas competencias en la navegación por las complejidades del mercado laboral moderno. Para lograr esto, el papel transformador de los educadores al preparar a los estudiantes para los hábitos de trabajo modernos es de especial relevancia. Resaltamos que los educadores además de facilitar el proceso de aprendizaje deben ser provocadores, por lo que emergen los beneficios de las preguntas abiertas como herramienta pedagógica por servir no sólo como transferencia de conocimiento sino también como catalizadores del pensamiento crítico, la resolución de problemas y la adaptabilidad hacia un futuro cada vez más exitoso. demandas laborales en evolución. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, esta investigación aclara las medidas prácticas que la escolarización formal debe priorizar en una economía cada vez más impulsada por las habilidades vocacionales como la de Azerbaiyán, donde las personas requieren un aprendizaje permanente en lugar de una preparación única.