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This study explores the design and evaluation of a pedagogical agent persona (PAP) to enhance project-based learning (PBL) in Ghanaian senior high schools. Using a design-based research approach, a multimodal human-like PAP was developed and tested with 15 students and two teachers. Data from interviews, observations and usability scales revealed high learner engagement and satisfaction, with the Learner Attenuated System Paced model scoring highest (SUS = 92). Findings suggest that a PAP can support instructional equity, autonomy, and engagement in large-class settings. The study offers practical insights for scalable learner-centred technology integration in under-resourced educational contexts. © The Author(s) 2025. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).

Pathways to higher education through vocational upper secondary schools (VUSSs) are intended to increase permeability. However, in both VUSSs and general upper secondary schools (GUSSs), participation is socially selective. This article examined differences between GUSS and VUSS students in (a) the attainment of a higher education entrance qualification (HEEQ) and (b) the subsequent transition to higher education. Taking entry selectivity into account, we analysed the extent to which inequalities between GUSS and VUSS in both outcomes could be explained by differences in school achievement and educational considerations— namely, cost–benefit perceptions, expected success, and status maintenance motives. Using data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS; Starting Cohort 4), we selected a sample of individuals who entered upper secondary education in either VUSS or GUSS (N = 5032). Two binary dependent variables were used to indicate (a) the successful attainment of an HEEQ and (b) the subsequent transition to higher education (as opposed to vocational education and training). The results from logit models indicated that VUSS students were significantly less likely to obtain an HEEQ and progress to higher education. This association was smaller but still persistent when controlling for entry selection, school achievement, and educational considerations (AMEHEEQ = −0.047, AMEtransition = −0.150). However, when intake selection was considered in the logit models, school achievement and educational considerations during upper secondary education were insignificant in explaining why VUSS students were less likely than GUSS students to obtain an HEEQ and enter higher education. © 2025 by the author(s).

Law determines much of education, from early years through to higher education, both public and private, yet as a discipline it has rarely been expressly identified in British education research. This paper explores this paradox, through a mixed review: a chronological review of educational research journals published in Great Britain over 30 years (1995–2024), and a critique. 496 articles were identified, across 30 journals. The analysis shows: a slowly growing rise over this period; a special interest in Scottish Educational Review throughout; focused research in articles on policy (especially comparative and international studies), management and leadership, human rights, religions and non-religions, and special educational needs; a recent trend is on technology. The analysis then more critically considers how attention to legal issues can be better addressed through: better referencing and citation; more clarification of the differences between law and policy; attention to differences between home nations; the place of supranational human rights obligations and courts. It concludes by outlining the significance of a more explicit focus on law in research, notably for clearer, more durable impact. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Today’s food, agriculture, and natural resources (FANR) workforce is constantly evolving. Lifelong learning is no longer a lofty goal but is now a necessity. Colleges of agriculture at land-grant universities have the potential to meet the lifelong learning needs of the FANR workforce. In this article, we present a model where the academic and Extension components of colleges of agriculture at land-grant universities can link together to provide seamless lifelong workforce development. Our model is built on workforce development theory and is based on the traditions of the land-grant universities evolving to meet the needs of the people. Our model can serve as the catalyst for meaningful discussions at each land-grant university about meeting workforce development needs. © This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License