Austerity is impeding children’s education: A qualitative study of the associations of food insecurity and school engagement in Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 204361062110273
Author(s):  
Abdul-Rahim Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
School Engagement ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
School Feeding ◽  
Fiscal Austerity

The latest round of fiscal austerity in Ghana has meant that the feeding rate paid to the service providers of Ghana’s school feeding programme is both frozen and unrealistically low. Accordingly, service providers adopt discretionary coping strategies. This qualitative case study, therefore, explores the impacts of austerity on children’s school engagement. Relying on semi-structured interviews with school children in two public primary schools, as well as two focus group discussions with the teachers in both schools, the study shows how the discretionary coping strategies adopted by the service providers impact school children’s food security, which might lead to disinterest in classroom activities and increases in absenteeism and truancy.

scholarly journals Investigating EFL Classroom Management in Pesantren: A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhmad Habibi ◽  
Amirul Mukminin ◽  
Johni Najwan ◽  
Septu Haswindy ◽  
Lenny Marzulina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Management ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Boarding Schools ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Large Classes ◽  
Management Problems

Classroom management (CM) is one of the most important issues in education and this research was aimed at understanding the classroom management problems and the coping strategies of Indonesian Islamic Boarding schools’ [hereinafter-termed pesantren] with the uniqueness of their system from the perspectives of the English teachers. Specifically, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom management (CM) problems and the coping strategies of Indonesian Islamic boarding schools’ teachers. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and observation with eight English teachers working in the three pesantren. We organized our analysis and discussion around their perspectives and the contexts in which the classroom management problems and the coping strategies they encountered emerged. Seven major themes emerged, which were (1) challenged by students’ participation and motivation, (2) managing students’ behaviors: between punishment and encouragement, (3) dealing with three languages in the classroom, (4) teachers’ performance as a source of challenges in CM, (5) teachers’ discipline: rule breaking due to lower salary, (6) non major English teachers, but forced to teach English, (7) struggling with time management, and (8) struggling to manage large classes.

Beyond social capital: a capability approach to understanding Refugee Community Organisations and other providers for “hard to reach” groups

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Capability Approach ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Refugee Community ◽  
Community Organisations ◽  
Purposive Sample ◽  
The Capability Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of the “capability approach” as an alternative framework for understanding and conceptualising the role of Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) and other providers for groups conventionally considered “hard to reach”. Design/methodology/approach – A study of the education services of RCOs, drawing primarily on semi-structured interviews with 71 users, is put forward as a case study for how the capability approach can be operationalised. Findings – The capability approach is found to offer various valuable insights, relating to its appreciation of the multi-dimensional nature of human wellbeing, the significance of individual diversity, and the importance of human agency. Research limitations/implications – The case study is based on a relatively small purposive sample, and may have limited external validity. As the research design proved strong for exploring how RCOs develop their users’ capabilities but weak for exploring if and how they may also constrict them, further research in this area is required. Practical implications – A number of valuable attributes of the capability approach are highlighted for broadening the understanding, the role of RCOs and other service providers. Social implications – The paper outlines the potential of the capability approach to contribute to policymaking related to RCOs and other providers, and to debates relating to social exclusion, cohesion and integration. Originality/value – The paper draws attention to the value of the capability approach within the field of migration research.

scholarly journals Implementing English-medium instruction

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-153
Author(s):  
Kari Sahan
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
State University ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Preference ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
University Department

Abstract As part of the trend toward internationalization of higher education, governments and universities have introduced policies to encourage the expansion of English-medium instruction (EMI). However, top-down policies do not necessarily translate to teaching and learning practices. This article provides a case study examining the implementation of undergraduate EMI engineering programs at a state university in Turkey to explore the gaps that exist between national- and institutional-level EMI policies and classroom-level practices. Data were collected through policy documents, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and focus group discussions with students. The findings suggest that the implementation of EMI varies across classrooms, even within the same university department. Despite policies that envision one-language-at-a-time instruction, the EMI lecturers in this study varied in terms of language preference and teaching practice in their EMI lectures. Implications are discussed with respect to policy planning, teacher training, and the expansion of EMI across university contexts.

scholarly journals Effect of School Feeding Programme on Pastoralists’ Pupils’ Participation in Regular and Mobile Primary Schools in Turkana County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Paul Ekeno Ejore ◽  
Daniel Komo Gakunga ◽  
Musembi Nungu
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Access To Education ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
Government Interventions ◽  
Pastoralist Communities ◽  
School Feeding ◽  
The Government ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Kenya’s Turkana County, being an arid area, is faced with numerous challenges that hinder education programs especially among school going pupils. Therefore, the study sought to establish the effectiveness of the government interventions measures on pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in regular and mobile primary schools in Turkana County. Based on the study, this paper explores the effectiveness of the school feeding programme in promoting access to education among pupils from pastoralist communities in the County. The study utilized both descriptive survey as well as mixed methods. It utilised a sample of 75 head teachers, 225 teachers, 375 pupils, 85 parents, 3 education officers (1 from each sub-county), 1 County Director of Education and 1 County Commissioner. For data collection, the study employed questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was coded and keyed into the computer using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). In order to test the effectiveness of the government intervention, regression test an (inferential statistics) was applied. The analysed data was presented using tables. The qualitative data from interview schedules and focused group discussion was organized into major themes as per the research objectives. The results were presented thematically using extensive description and direct quotations. Hypotheses were analysed using regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that the feeding programme influenced many pastoralists’ pupils’ participation in both regular and mobile primary schools. The study recommends that the government should make efforts to ensure that food is supplied to schools in in time. There is also need to enrich the nutritional quality of the food supplied to schools. This paper highlights the major contribution of school feeding interventions in increasing access to quality education among marginalised communities. It will inform future policies aimed at such interventions by governments and education stakeholders.

scholarly journals UNDERSTANDING LOW UPTAKE OF MASS TREATMENT FOR INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN JINJA DISTRICT, UGANDA

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
SIMON MUHUMUZA ◽  
ANNETTE OLSEN ◽  
FRED NUWAHA ◽  
ANNE KATAHOIRE
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
School Feeding ◽  
Intestinal Schistosomiasis ◽  
Key Informant

SummaryDespite attempts to control intestinal schistosomiasis through school-based mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel using school teachers in Uganda, less than 30% of the school children take the treatment in some areas. The aim of the study was to understand why the uptake of praziquantel among school children is low and to suggest strategies for improved uptake. This was a cross-sectional qualitative study in which 24 focus group discussions and 15 key informant interviews were conducted 2 months after MDA. The focus group discussions were held with school children in twelve primary schools and the key informant interviews were held with school teachers, sub-county health assistants and the District Vector Control Officer. The study shows that the low uptake of praziquantel among school children is a result of a complex interplay between individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and public policy factors. The individual and interpersonal factors underpinning the low uptake include inadequate information about schistosomiasis prevention, beliefs and attitudes in the community about treatment of schistosomiasis and shared concerns among children and teachers about the side-effects of praziquantel, especially when the drug is taken on an empty stomach. The institutional, policy and community factors include inadequate preparation and facilitation of teachers and the school feeding policy, which requires parents to take responsibility for providing their children with food while at school, yet many parents cannot meet the cost of a daily meal due to the prevailing poverty in the area. It is concluded that strategies to improve uptake of praziquantel among school children need to be multi-pronged addressing not only the preparation and motivation of teachers and health education for children, but also the economic and political aspects of drug distribution, including the school feeding policy.

scholarly journals Maintenance Efforts of Bali Culture and Language Through Local Content in Primary Schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Ketut Susiani
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Local Content ◽  
Research Procedure ◽  
Culture And Language

This study uses a qualitative case study approach, which is a study that aims to describe a condition that is happening in the real world. The research procedure adopted the case study research procedure by Yin which includes (1) design the case study protocol; (2) Conduct the case study; (3) Analyze case study evidence: and (4) Develop conclusions, recommendations, and implications based on the evidence. The subjects of this study were elementary school teachers and students, and school documents were examined related to the maintenance of Balinese culture and language through local content carried out in schools. The data collection technique was carried out by structured interviews using interview guidelines related to maintaining Balinese language culture and Balinese local content. Observations were made with a participatory observation approach, and documentation studies were carried out by collecting documents related to the maintenance of Balinese culture and Balinese language in schools. Qualitative data analysis techniques began with grouping data based on primary data sources and secondary data. The results of this study indicate that the application of local content in elementary schools is one of the contents that can be used in maintaining, preserving and preserving the Balinese language culture in schools. The results of surveys, observations and interviews at SD Buleleng indicate that the maintenance of Balinese culture and language has many weaknesses, seen from the use of local languages that are not used in communication and Balinese culture which is fading due to the influence of other cultures. This can be seen in the language used in schools not using Balinese in daily communication in the sense that many do not understand the meaning of the Balinese language used because SOR is Singgih Bahasa. The results of study have and important implication to the teaching learning contents of Balinese language in elementary school in Bali, Indoensia.

scholarly journals Challenges for service providers in community forestry governance: A case study of a community forest users group in Parbat, Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Paudel ◽  
S Vogel
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Forest Users

This study was carried out in Bhodkhore Community Forest Users Group in Parbat district, Nepal with the overall objective to develop a clearer understanding of the challenges for service providers while working towards improving the Community Forestry governance. The primary data were collected through personal interviews, group discussions, key informant interviews and direct observations using a series of questionnaires and check lists. Similarly, the secondary data were gathered from reports and records from Community Forestry User Group and service providers, and from relevant scientific literature. The data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative tools. The results show that the existing challenges for service providers mainly include financial resource management, time management and inadequate technical support for forest management. Key words: Community Forestry, Governance, Service Providers, Challenges   doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i2.2169 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 2, 18-24

scholarly journals Assessing Stress Factors and Coping Strategies among Primary Schools Adolescents in Moshi District, Tanzania

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 4900-4911
Author(s):  
Edith Mwananzila ◽  
Muteti Catherine Mueni
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Coping

The purpose of the study was to determine factors attributed to primary schools adolescents’ stress and common stress coping strategies they use. Four research questions guided this study. The study employed mixed research approach. Descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Participants were 225 primary schools’ adolescents and 15 primary class teachers and five primary heads of schools. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, semi structured interviews and focus group discussion. Data were analysed using both content and thematic analysis. The findings of the study reveal that, most of adolescents had experienced stress even though some of them were not sure whether they were stressed or not due to lack of knowledge regarding stress and the sources of stress. Furthermore, the study found that two thirds of primary school adolescents often experienced symptoms of stress implying that they had high stress levels. Similarly, the study found that majority of the pupils often employed positive coping strategies. The study concludes that primary school adolescents in Moshi municipality were subjected to high levels of stress which affects their psychological wellbeing although they had not been able to address the sources of stress. Adolescents lacked the awareness of signs and symptoms of stress which increased the level of stress among them. Moreover, the pupils reported nervousness, anger, anxiety, sickness and lack of concentration during class hours. Primary schools adolescents were not able to device relevant coping strategies against stress. The Ministry of Education should put more emphasis on the issue of stress and coping strategies in primary schools by introducing well-structured formal support systems. The family should learn to support and be helpful for adolescents faced with stress, no matter how they are adapting to the stress. Moreover, schools should pay attention to students’ trouble with learning and apply appropriate strategies to enhance their learning effectiveness

scholarly journals TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT: A CASE STUDY IN THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-41
Author(s):  
Gerard Cain ◽  
André du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Perceived Consequences ◽  
Formed Part ◽  
Dysfunctional Conflict

The purpose of this qualitative intrinsic interpretive case study, which formed part of a larger Master in Education Study, is to report on the perceptions of teachers in three primary schools regarding the consequences of conflict among educators. Fifty nine educators, including principals, participated in this study that utilised an open-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and focus-group interviews. The rationale for this study was to ascertain what the perceived consequences of conflict are, in order that these schools as well as the district office of the Department of Basic Education could have a sense of what the perceived consequences are as portrayed by the participants. Hence, participants were able to tell their stories through using text and voice. The findings suggest that the consequences of conflict can be categorised as functional (positive) and dysfunctional (negative) outcomes, each with subsidiary themes. Overall, conflict was experienced as a negative force in general, that is perceived as causing defiant attitudes, intolerance, poor cooperation and teamwork, poor relationships, division of unity, poor morale and work ethic, has a negative impact on wellness, leads to absenteeism and ultimately adversely impact on the learners’ learning. On the other hand the positive consequences were improved relationships among staff, greater understanding, improved attitudes, positive change and even personal growth. Keywords: Conflict, conflict theories, consequences, dysfunctional conflict, functional conflict

scholarly journals GAMBARAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL DARI GURU YANG DIRASAKAN OLEH SISWA SMA “X”

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (02) ◽  
pp. 77-86
Author(s):  
Anisah Aninditya Rahmaputri ◽  
Dianti Endang Kusumawardhani
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Engagement ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Data Retrieval ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Teachers have an important role in educating students well. One way that teachers can do to be able to increase motivation and school engagement is by providing social support to students. This study aims to find out the overview of perceived social support from teachers by high school “X” students in South Tangerang. The research method is descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques through focus group discussions and structured interviews. The results of data retrieval show that the perceived social support from some teachers by high school "X" students is quite satisfying for students but not from every teachers. This means it can still be improved again. This is because not all teachers are considered good enough at providing social support to students. The total number of teachers are 17 people and for students are 67. It should be able to be improved in communication skills so that they can provide better social support to students. Keywords : Adolescent, School, Social support. Abstrak Guru memiliki peran penting dalam mendidik siswa dengan baik. Salah satu cara yang dapat guru lakukan untuk dapat meningkatkan motivasi serta keaktivan siswa di sekolah adalah dengan memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari tahu gambaran dukungan sosial dari guru yang dirasakan oleh siswa SMA “X” di Tangerang Selatan. Metode penelitian berupa penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengambilan data melalui focus group discussion dan wawancara terstruktur. Hasil pengambilan data menunjukkan bahwa gambaran dukungan sosial dari guru yang dirasakan oleh siswa SMA “X” cukup memuaskan bagi siswa tetapi masih dapat ditingkatkan lagi. Hal ini dikarenakan belum semua guru dianggap sudah bagus dalam memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa. Total guru yang berjumlah 17 orang untuk siswa sebanyak 67 orang seharusnya dapat ditingkatkan dalam kemampuan komunikasi sehingga mampu memberikan dukungan sosial kepada siswa dengan lebih baik lagi.

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