Shanlax International Journal of Education

Evaluation of an Innovative Technology Curriculum

Hanifi Üker, Kamil Arif Kirkiç — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to devise an innovative curriculum, to determine the opinions of parents, teachers, students, and educators of the curriculum, and to present results using the CIPP approach. The study employed a qualitative research method, a program execution case study. It used maximum variation sampling, a purposeful sampling method. The study, involving eighteen participants, was conducted in a high school that runs a technology education program. Data was obtained using the semi-structured and focus group interview methods. Participant confirmation was obtained to increase reliability, which was then subjected to external audit, allowing another researcher to examine the process and results. Awareness of the “Proficiency in Technology” (PIT) curriculum and curriculum implementation emerged as the main facts. The research findings show that a lack of communication and trainer qualifications caused disruptions in the program.

A Comparison of Rhetorical Move Structure of Research Article Abstracts of Thai Scopus Journals and Top-Ranked Scopus Journals in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching

Srithammayot Sriwanat, Supakorn Phoocharoensil — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this current study is to explore the move structure presented in abstracts of the research articles from Thai Scopus Journals (TSJ) and Top-Ranked Scopus Journals (TRSJ) in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching. Ninety abstracts were analyzed and separated equally between those two journals. The five-move framework established by Hyland (2000) was used to analyze the move pattern, showing different dominant patterns: I-P-M-Pr-C in Thai Scopus Journals and P-M-Pr-C in Top-Ranked Scopus Journals respectively. In Thai Scopus Journal, the results indicated that the introduction is optional, the conclusion, purpose, and method are considered conventional, and the product is obligatory. Similarly, in Top-Ranked Scopus Journals, the product is obligatory, while the purpose, method, and conclusion are conventional. These findings could offer practical insights into abstract structures and hold importance for educational purposes, offering guidance for the effective writing of abstracts in research articles.

The The Impact of Overt Strategy Instruction in EFL Classrooms on Reading and Listening Achievement

Pınar Kahveci, Zekiye Müge Tavil — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Language learning strategies may have a key role in foreign language learning because they may foster learner autonomy and motivation. Keeping the learner-centred nature of language learning strategies in mind, this study set out to understand the impact of overt listening and reading strategy instruction on learners’ listening and reading achievement. The study employed an explanatory mixed-method research design. Research instruments were reading and listening achievement tests and semi-structured interviews. The treatment involved overt listening and reading strategy instruction that lasted for four weeks. The findings revealed that overt listening and reading strategy instruction fostered learners’ reading and listening achievement. Similarly, semi-structured interviews revealed that learners were willing to transfer the strategies they learned to new learning situations and keep using these strategies in future learning situations.

Advancing Higher Education with the Transition to Smart Universities: A Focus on Technology

Surattana Adipat, Rattanawadee Chotikapanich — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the transformative journey of higher education towards smart universities, emphasizing integrating cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and biometric systems. This evolution responds to the evolving demands of society, aiming to significantly enhance the educational experience while reimagining campus life and community involvement. It sheds light on the creation of immersive, interactive, and personalized learning landscapes that accommodate a diverse array of student requirements, including those with disabilities, setting a new standard in educational inclusivity. The discourse extends to the pivotal role of smart campuses, which are instrumental in forging safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable educational realms. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of digital platforms in nurturing social bonds and community engagement, especially through the potent medium of alumni networks. By transitioning into centers of innovation and technological excellence, universities are equipping students for a future shaped by technology. The review highlights the transition’s challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need to balance technological advancements with human-centric values, ensure equitable technology access, and maintain privacy. It presents the rise of smart universities as a pivotal step towards more interconnected, intelligent, and sustainable communities, significantly influencing education and societal development.

The Effectiveness of the Predict-Explain-Enact-Observe-Reflect (PEEOR) Instructional Strategy on Conceptual Understanding and Motivation in Motion and Force Topic

Amssalu Wondmagegn Getu, Fikadu Edhetu Gashaw, Menberu Mengesha Woldemariam — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Predict-Explain-Enact-Observe–Reflect (PEEOR) instructional strategy on general science students’ conceptual understanding and motivation in the topic of motion and force. The research employed a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 107 general science summer, year II students from Woldia College of Teacher Education. Data collection involved a conceptual understanding test (comprising 15 questions) and a post-motivation questionnaire. The KR-20 reliability value for the conceptual understanding test was 0.75. The Cronbach Alpha (α) reliability coefficient for the scale was determined to be 0.84. Descriptive statistics and ANCOVA revealed the following: The PEEOR group (adjusted mean = 6.787) significantly outperformed the traditional group (adjusted mean = 5.134). The POE group (adjusted mean = 6.472) did not differ significantly from either PEEOR or the traditional group. Regarding student motivation: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in post-test motivational questionnaire (PMQ) scores among the three groups. The F-statistic for this difference was 4.753. The study recommends that college physics teachers adopt the PEEOR instruction strategy. Additionally, the college and department heads of natural science should promote the potential benefits of this novel strategy among science educators.

The Abuse and Neglect Matrix: Factors Influencing Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Abuse and Neglect

Grace Aba Mensah, Eric Atta Quainoo, Abraham Gyamfi — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Factors influencing intrapersonal and interpersonal abuse, neglect, and quality of life have not received much attention from scholars. Few studies on intrapersonal and interpersonal abuse and neglect have focused on employees in organisations without addressing the problem from children or students’ points of view. In light of this knowledge, the current study used a socio-ecological perspective to illustrate the factors that influence both intrapersonal and interpersonal abuse and neglect. These factors can be attributed to family structure, individual factors, macrosystem factors, contextual factors, quality of life, and emotional abuse.

Coach Education: The Relationship between Lower Extremity Flexibility and Vertical Jump Performance in Soccer

Sinan Seyhan — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity flexibility values and vertical jump performance of elite soccer players. Twenty-six young elite male soccer players voluntarily participated in the study. Age, height, and weight of the participants were determined as descriptive statistics. Lower extremity flexibility (.=ROM) test and vertical jump (counter movement jump=CMJ) performance determination test were applied to the participants. A goniometer was used for lower extremity flexibility measurement and My Jump 2 application, which has proven its validity and reliability, was used for CMJ performances. Descriptive characteristics of the participants included in the study were mean age: 16.23 ±.51 years, height: 172.96 ±7.56 cm, body weight: 63,15±7,69 kg. The mean values of CMJ performance of the participants were: 37,54±5,51; the mean value of lower extremity flexibility angles (ROM) was 115±4,99°. According to the data obtained, a statistically significant relationship was observed between ROM and CMJ performance characteristics of elite soccer players (p=.008) (p<0.05). According to the results obtained, a significant relationship was found between ROM and CMJ performances of soccer players. It can be said that teaching the importance of flexibility exercises to soccer players in soccer training programs and including them in training programs will positively affect the sudden power output performances of soccer players such as jumping.

Examination of Special Talent Students’ Immediate Emotions Regarding Music with Different Emotions

Belgin Bağrıaçık, Ayça Konik-Köksal, Hamit Coşkun — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Gifted individuals are more advanced than their peers in cognitive, affective, psychomotor, or creative areas. This study aimed to find an answer to how gifted students’ immediate emotional states change by means of music containing different emotions. The sample of the study consisted of 122 students studying at Adana BİLSEM. Their moods were measured after listening to different pieces of music. The findings showed that there was a significant difference between the emotions that the students felt with different music, they felt more positive emotions, and the girls felt the emotion much more than the boys. The results of this study can be used to better understand gifted students and to develop musical activities to help them manage their emotions.

An Investigation of Private School Psychological Counseling and Guidance Teachers’ Views on Immigrant Students

Mustafa Şenel — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Migration continues to emerge as a significant issue in the present day, extending beyond its historical context. This phenomenon not only forms a broad spectrum of impact in social, economic, and cultural realms but also holds notable consequences in the realm of education. Migration, on one hand, has the potential to stimulate cultural interaction, enhancing diversity in knowledge and experience. On the other hand, immigrant individuals may encounter early challenges such as educational inequalities or negative attitudes. This intricate relationship between migration and education contributes to cultural development while simultaneously bringing about areas of societal conflict. Understanding the effects of migration on the younger generation falls within the responsibilities of Psychological Counseling and Guidance (PCG) teachers. These educators aim to support students’ academic, personal, social, and emotional development, particularly addressing the challenges posed by the education of immigrant students in the context of social diversity. Research on understanding the attitudes among school stakeholders towards immigrant students contributes valuable insights to this field. In this context, the study is an original work focusing on the perspectives of PCG teachers concerning the attitudes of other stakeholders in schools with immigrant students in private schools. Conducted using qualitative research methods and the phenomenology design, the study involved 12 PCG teachers working in private schools in Gaziantep, Kilis, and Mersin, which are among Turkey’s cities experiencing significant migration. Data collected through interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that, overall, teachers and students in private schools with immigrant students tended to have a positive attitude, while parents held a negative outlook. A collective evaluation of all data suggests a notably positive perception and attitude toward immigrant students.

Awareness of Early Childhood Education among Teachers Working in Pre-Primary Schools

A Srinivasacharlu — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The period of a child’s growth and development that is most notable is from 0 to 8 years old. These are the years when all that is learned is laid down. Putting strong foundations in place today will yield big dividends later. Greater learning in the classroom and better educational results have a positive social and economic impact on society. Children who get early childhood education (ECE) have a strong foundation, which increases the effectiveness and productivity of every subsequent educational stage. The goal of the current study was to determine the pre-primary teachers’ level of awareness regarding early childhood education, given their critical position in the field. To determine the level of knowledge of early childhood education (ECE) among teachers employed in pre-primary institutions in Bengaluru city, the study used a survey approach and a custom application. A sample of 106 teachers were drawn through cluster sampling. The study found out that the demographic variables like locality, marital status and teaching experience have no influence on the awareness of ECE among pre-primary teachers. The study found that 10% of teachers have average awareness, 31% have good awareness, 37% have very good awareness and 22% have excellent awareness of ECE. Thus, close to 90% of them are found to have better awareness of ECE. This means that pre-primary teachers are well aware of the nature, learning needs etc. of children and also methodology of teaching and evaluation. In spite of better awareness of ECE found in teachers, the study comes out with few of educational implications in order to regulate and sustain the awareness of ECE among them and also in proper handling of children.

Mid-Semester Course Evaluations: Meta Evaluation of Higher Education Course Coordinators’ Evaluative Practices

Chitra Sabapathy — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Mid-semester evaluations are gaining traction as a means to gather evaluation data for formative purposes. However, it is not clear if course coordinators who conduct these evaluations are adequately equipped with evaluative knowledge and skills to guide them through their evaluative processes.
Objectives: This study is a meta-evaluation of course coordinators’ mid-semester evaluative practices in a Higher Education institution language centre and the extent to which their evaluative practices are attuned to RUFDATA for its preparatory design framework in the evaluative process and Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) for its sets of principles with regards to uses and users and how these impact on the design and use of the evaluation.
Research design & subjects: Data was gathered using meta evaluative mixed methods from three groups of participants consisting of course coordinators, academics who taught on their courses and their learners.
Results: The results imply that whilst most course coordinators who participated in the study conducted mid-semester evaluations and that their evaluative practices contained some elements from the frameworks, it is problematic to align their evaluative practices and processes against these tools due to the challenges that they encountered in their evaluative processes.
Conclusions: As important agents of evaluations in mid semester evaluations, it should be noted that course coordinators are not trained evaluators and conducting evaluations does not constitute a major component of their professional duties and roles. This study has implications for higher education policies and practices, commissioners, and users of evaluations.