This mixed-methods study investigates the impact of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) method and fifth-semester student engagement on entrepreneurial competencies in the higher education of the makeup and beauty program at Padang State University. Using a convergent parallel design, data were collected from 117 fifth-semester students through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and portfolio assessments. The data were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA and thematic analysis. The quantitative results revealed that the STEAM approach significantly outperformed conventional methods. Specifically, 83.33% of students achieved excellent leadership scores (M = 89.00, SD = 2.85), and 78.33% excelled in creativity (M = 87.50, SD = 2.98). High levels of engagement (M = 4.33) across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions correlated with enhanced competencies (p < .001). Qualitative findings indicated increased motivation, collaborative learning through platforms like TikTok Shop, and heightened mental engagement from diverse resources. The interaction between the STEAM and student engagement further amplified outcomes (F = 3.75, p = .025, R² = 0.454). This study highlights the transformative potential of the STEAM method in developing entrepreneurial competencies, underscoring its applicability in vocational education. Educators should integrate STEAM methodologies and digital platforms into their curricula, while future research should examine the long-term impacts and scalability of these approaches.

This study examines the transformation of higher education through digital solutions, with a specific focus on developing a user-centered digital student handbook prototype for Surin Vocational College in Thailand, with potential scalability nationwide. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative and quantitative data to design a digital tool that enhances accessibility, usability, and personalization for students. The prototype features key components, including mobile accessibility, real-time updates, interactive notifications, and integration with academic tools, designed to enhance student engagement, career readiness, and academic performance. Data collection involved students, faculty, and experts to ensure a comprehensive understanding of user needs and preferences. The findings indicate that the digital format offers significant advantages over traditional paper-based handbooks, particularly in terms of accessibility, real-time content updates, personalized experiences, and environmental sustainability. However, variability in user feedback suggests areas for further refinement,  emphasizing that there must be continuous improvement. This research offers interesting perspectives on the role of digital solutions in higher education, contributing to the ongoing evolution of learning tools that support academic success, student engagement, and institutional sustainability.

The complexity of naming and writing structures of functional groups presents a challenge for many students, often leading to difficulties in mastering fundamental concepts in organic chemistry. This underscores the need for an innovative teaching tool to improve students' understanding and attitude toward the abstract concept of organic chemistry. This study examined the effect of an improvised molecular kit on students' academic performance and attitudes in organic chemistry, focusing on the concepts of alcohol, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, and ketone. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was employed, comparing the control group (traditional teaching methods) with the experimental group (using the improvised molecular kit). Pretest results indicated that both groups initially "did not meet the expectation" in all topics. However, posttest scores showed significant improvement, with the experimental group achieving higher mean scores, while the control group remained at a level of "fairly satisfactory" to "satisfactory." Statistical analysis ANCOVA confirmed significant differences (p < .001) in learning gains, demonstrating the effectiveness of the molecular kit. Furthermore, students' attitudes toward the kit were positive, with strong agreement on its ability to enhance engagement, understanding, and visualization of molecular structures. These findings suggest that the improvised molecular kit is an effective instructional tool, improving conceptual retention and fostering a more interactive learning experience. Integrating hands-on learning strategies in organic chemistry could significantly enhance students' comprehension and overall academic performance.

The evaluation of Service-Learning (S-L) projects in online environments has become increasingly relevant in educational research, at the same time as the importance of using mixed methods has risen. However, there are few studies focusing on the evaluation of virtual Service-Learning, as most studies concentrate on face-to-face Service-Learning projects. In this regard, the aim of the present research is to assess three Virtual Service-Learning (vS-L) projects using a blended (quantitative-qualitative) evaluation method, also conducted online. The evaluation was conducted by students from the National University for Distance Learning, who completed a questionnaire asynchronously and participated in synchronous focus groups within their respective groups. Data were arranged in a mixed panel (questionnaire items and focus group verbatim opinions). The questionnaires demonstrated that Service-Learning is an excellent methodology to broaden students’ skills, abilities, and competencies to better face the professional world. The focus group verbatim interventions showed that the construction of indicators improves learning. Overall, the assessment results revealed a high level of student satisfaction. The implementation of our mixed-methods approach is innovative because it is conducted entirely online and utilizes computer technology for processing the gathered information.