scholarly journals Students’ perceptions towards self-directed learning in Ethiopian medical schools with new innovative curriculum: a mixed-method study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haftom Hadush Kidane ◽  
Herma Roebertsen ◽  
Cees P. M. van der Vleuten
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Hybrid Curriculum

Abstract Background Self-directed learning (SDL) is an appropriate and preferred learning process to prepare students for lifelong learning in their professions and make them stay up-to-date. The purpose of this study was to explore preclinical students following a hybrid curriculum in Ethiopia experiences to SDL and the support of several learning activities from the curriculum on their SDL. A mixed-method research design was employed. Methods Quantitative data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire of 80 items measuring students’ perceptions on their SDL capability as well as to explore students’ views about the influence of components of the curriculum on their SDL. Additional two focus group discussions, each containing eight participants from year-1 and year− 2 students, were conducted. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS. The focus group discussions were reviewed, coded, and then thematically analyzed. Results Our study showed a significant increase in SDL score on comparing students at year-1 with students at year-2 (p = 0.002). Both year-1 and 2 students rated PBL tutorial discussion and tutors had high influence on their individual learning; whereas, other curricular components such as lectures and testes had low influence on their SDL ability. PBL tutorial discussion and module objectives showed strong correlation with students’ SDL scores, r = 0.718 & r = 0.648 (p < 0.01), respectively. Besides, PBL tutorial discussion was found strongly correlated with tutors (r = 0.599 (p < 0.01)) and module objectives (r = 0.574 (p < 0.01)). Assessment was highly correlated with lectures (r = 0.595 (p < 0.01)). Findings from qualitative data showed that certain curricular components played role in promoting students’ SDL. Tutorials analyzing problems played a major role on students’ self-directed learning abilities. Conclusions Although the study implied that components of the hybrid curriculum, mainly PBL, could encourage preclinical students’ self-directed learning, the curriculum is still not free from teacher-centred culture as the majority of teachers still have high power in deciding the learning process. A further longitudinal study is needed to verify the actual level and ability of medical students’ SDL.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-41
Author(s):  
Ondicho Machuki ◽  
Joan Mutua
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Safe Sex ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Purpose: The study sought to examine the influence of mobile phone use on sexual behaviour of university students: a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. The study specifically, sought to examine the effect of characteristics of mobile phones users, uses and gratification of mobile phones and the frequency of using mobile phones on sexual behaviour of university students in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. Methodology: The research design that was adopted was descriptive in nature. The study also used both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the respondents using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guides. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to select the sample size from the three strata, which are the various Faculties in JKUAT. The study then used Fisher’s formula to arrive at an adequate scientific sample size of 384 students who were targeted using convenient sampling, that is those that are ready to respond to the questionnaires and the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data in this research was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS v22.0. Results: It was concluded that male students are more likely to use protection consistently compared to female students. In addition, the findings imply that consistency in condom use is a factor that is dependent on the age of the individual. In addition, relationship status is a contributor to the behaviour of the students sexually. For those that are in serious relationships, their use of protection declines due to the build-up of emotional and intimate trust towards each other. The findings likewise indicate that the student’s usage of mobile phones correlates significantly with the consistent use of protection for safe sex. Those students who have had their phones since they joined Campus are more likely to practice safe sex. In addition, heavy users of mobile phones are likely to practice safe sex including those who browse the internet for news updates. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends the media practitioners need to step up the production of morally acceptable media content and offer a platform for advertising and campaigning for sexual conduct by encouraging and stressing the use of protection. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education should actively involve the undergraduate students in reproductive information awareness campaigns for ensuring positive attitudes towards responsible sexual behaviour and promoting best sexual practices.         

High-yielding seeds in unyielding environments: Examining the learning process of maize and bean producers in eastern and midwestern Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claris Riungu ◽  
Harro Maat ◽  
Marrit Van Den Berg
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Environmental Learning ◽  
The Social ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Selection Of

This paper examines the learning process by which farmers come to a decision to use newly introduced seeds which were promoted through demonstration plots in midwestern and eastern regions of Uganda. Framed as social and material interactions, we investigated the learning process of the demonstration plots using data from focus group discussions, interviews and a survey amongst 983 individuals. The results reveal several constraints that impede learning, resulting in an overall low awareness and adoption of the introduced seeds. Some of the most prominent constraints resulted from the selection of location and demonstration plot host, the distance of agro-dealers, at district headquarters, limited interactions amongst farmers and irregular involvement of farmers in the demonstrations. Moreover, the prominent role of agro-dealers at field days suggests that informing farmers about where to buy seeds was considered more important than explaining farmers how to grow these seeds profitably. This commercial focus of field days and demonstrations plots had negative consequences for the social learning. This paper contributes to the learning and adoption literature by showing that interactions amongst actors can improve or reduce the balance between didactic, social and environmental learning.

scholarly journals Effects of Public Expenditure Management Practices on Service Delivery in the Public Sector: The Case of District Assemblies in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
George Kojo Scott
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Public Expenditure ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Expenditure Management ◽  
District Assemblies

This research analysed how the public expenditure management as practiced in the District Assemblies of Ghana affect service delivery. The research adopted a mixed-method research approach where qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Multistage sampling was used to pick the respondents for the questionnaires, key interview informants and the participants in the focus group discussions. Thirty four out of 170 district assemblies which existed by 2008 were sampled. Participants in the study included 612 District Assembly (DA) officials, 1020 citizens, 28 national/regional officials and 20 participants in focus group discussions. Quantitative data, measured by using scaled-items, were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression while qualitative data were examined thematically. The study established that expenditure management practices had positive significant influence on service delivery. The study recommends that, the DAs should prioritize expenditures to key service delivery areas such as; those that enhance poverty reduction, improve on Human Capital index and strengthen Innovations practices. DAs should strengthen electronic, automation and appropriate technologies for better expenditure management and service delivery. There should be laws to ensure stiffer penalties and enforcement of sanctions on those involved in malpractices in public expenditure management practices, while persistent efforts are made to implement recommendations of Auditor General’s reports on DAs expenditures management practices.

scholarly journals Social-ecological influences on unhealthy dietary behaviours among Moroccan adolescents: a mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 996-1008
Author(s):  
Abdelghaffar El-Ammari ◽  
Hicham El Kazdouh ◽  
Siham Bouftini ◽  
Samira El Fakir ◽  
Youness El Achhab
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Dietary Behaviours ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Modifiable Factors

AbstractObjective:To identify the prevalence of unhealthy dietary behaviours and their social-ecological influences in adolescents.Design:The study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, which begins with the collection of quantitative data, followed by the collection of qualitative data to explain and enrich the quantitative findings. Quantitative data were collected via a global school-based student health survey and were analysed using quantitative approaches. Qualitative data were obtained via focus group discussions and were analysed thematically.Setting:Middle and high secondary schools in Taza city, Morocco.Participants:Our quantitative analyses included 764 students (14–19 years). For the qualitative part, seventeen focus group discussions were conducted with 100 participants (fifty-six adolescents, twenty-six parents and eighteen teachers).Results:Of total student participants, 46·1 % skipped breakfast, 60·6 % had inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V), 39·4 % consumed soft drinks and 28·0 % consumed fast foods. All of these dietary behaviours could coexist in the same person except for inadequate intake of F&V. Gender, academic performance, age, perceived family income and education level of mother were associated with unhealthy dietary behaviours. Qualitative findings identified seven themes regarding social-ecological influences on adolescents’ dietary behaviours: cognitive, affective/biological, lifestyle, outcome expectation, social network, accessibility/availability and macro-level influences.Conclusions:The prevalence of unhealthy dietary behaviours in our study group is a concern. Dietary behaviours are the result of inseparable interactions among social-ecological influences. Modifiable factors identified may be useful when designing a future intervention aimed at improving breakfast and F&V consumption and reducing fast/snack-food consumption among adolescents.

scholarly journals EFFORTS TO IMPROVE TEACHERS' ABILITIES IN APPLYING CONTEXTUAL LEARNING THROUGH FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1037
Author(s):  
Bakri Melpi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Contextual Learning ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Relationship

This research was motivated by the learning process which was still dominated by the teacher as a source of knowledge through conventional methods in the form of lecturing; as a result, students became passive during the learning process. Ideally, learning should be able to increase students' understanding about the material and their understanding about the relationship between the material and the student's environment. Referring to these problems, it was necessary to apply a method that helped teachers to improve the learning quality. It was hoped that focus group discussions improved the teachers’ ability to apply contextual learning. This research was a classroom action research. The research was carried out on teachers at SDN 019 Sungai Gantang from February to March 2020. The research subjects were 17 teachers and the instrument was an observation sheet. The results showed that the teachers’ ability to implement contextual learning through focus group discussions increased from 80.25% (with Good category) in cycle I to 84.45% (with Very Good category) in cycle increased II. Based on the results of this research, it was concluded that focus group discussions improved teachers’ ability in implementing contextual learning.

scholarly journals PIT Community Extension Programs: The Three -Year Engagement

2019 ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
Ma. Marilyn L. Olavides ◽  
Antonia D. Mendoza ◽  
Jenney P. Bacalla
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Extension Programs ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Interview Schedule ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Project Sustainability ◽  
Institute Of Technology ◽  
Socially Responsive

The academe is one of the main actors in the society that could possibly effect change by way of extending services that are socially responsive to the needs of the community and its people. However, certain concerns have to be addressed to ensure sustainability and relevance of the services extended. As such, a study was conducted to look into the community extension programs of the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), rendered to its adopted barangay. The study used the mixed-method descriptive-evaluative design utilizing structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview schedule in obtaining relevant data. Results showed that while barangay residents/beneficiaries have learned skills from the livelihood trainings/activities conducted however, these have not fully benefited them due to lack of capital and opportunities. Overall results showed that the PIT’s community extension programs and projects were successfully conducted. However the school needs to do something for the community to fully benefit the programs and projects. Linkages and partnerships with other agencies are suggested to attain project sustainability and more desirable outcomes.

scholarly journals Online Learning Readiness of Junior High School Students in Denpasar

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-188
Author(s):  
Kadek Erlita Dwiyanti ◽  
I Putu Yogi Pratama ◽  
Ni Putu Ines Marylena Candra Manik
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Junior High School ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Readiness ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Online Learning Readiness

ABSTRACTThe Covid-19 pandemic has caused learning to be carried out online. Not all students, however, are ready for online learning. This study aims to examine the level of readiness of eighth-grade students at a junior high school through an explanatory sequential mixed method design consisting of quantitative and qualitative phases. Student readiness for online learning in this study was reviewed from five dimensions: self-directed learning, motivation for learning, computer/internet self-efficacy, learner control, and online communication self-efficacy. The Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) survey proposed by Hung (2010) with a five-point-Likert scale was used to collect quantitative data. The data were analyzed quantitatively, and the level of readiness was measured utilizing the e-learning readiness assessment model suggested by Aydin and Tasci (2005). Follow-up interviews were then held to support the quantitative data. The results showed that the majority of students entered the level of "ready but needs a few improvements". However, there was one item in the dimension of self-directed learning that was included in the level of "not ready needs some work". The implication of this study is the need to encourage students to actively communicate in online learning, especially for shy students.ABSTRAKPandemi Covid-19 menyebabkan pembelajaran dilakukan secara online. Namun, tidak semua siswa siap dengan pembelajaran online. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji tingkat kesiapan siswa kelas VIII sebuah sekolah menengah pertama melalui penelitian explanatory sequential mixed method yang terdiri dari tahap kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Kesiapan siswa untuk pembelajaran online ditinjau dari lima dimensi: pembelajaran mandiri, motivasi belajar, efikasi diri komputer / internet, kontrol peserta didik, dan efikasi diri komunikasi online. Survei Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) yang digagas oleh Hung (2010) dilengkapi dengan skala Likert lima poin digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data kuantitatif. Data kemudian dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis deskriptif kuantitatif dan tingkatannya diukur dengan model penilaian kesiapan E-learning yang dikemukakan oleh Aydin dan Tasci (2005). Wawancara kemudian dilakukan untuk mengumpulkan data guna mendukung data kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara keseluruhan siswa memasuki level “siap, tetapi perlu sedikit perbaikan”. Namun, ada satu item dalam dimensi pembelajaran mandiri yang termasuk dalam tingkat "belum siap, perlu peningkatan". Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah perlunya mendorong siswa untuk aktif berkomunikasi dalam pembelajaran online, khususnya bagi siswa yang pemalu.

scholarly journals Nursing and midwifery students’ experiences and perception of their clinical learning environment in Malawi: a mixed-method study

BMC Nursing ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B. C. Mbakaya ◽  
F. W. Kalembo ◽  
M. Zgambo ◽  
A. Konyani ◽  
F. Lungu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Task Orientation ◽  
Clinical Learning ◽  
Clinical Learning Environment ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Poor Relationship

Abstract Background The clinical learning environment is an important part of the nursing and midwifery training as it helps students to integrate theory into clinical practice. However, not all clinical learning environments foster positive learning. This study aimed to assess the student nurses and midwives’ experiences and perception of the clinical learning environment in Malawi. Methods A concurrent triangulation mixed methods research design was used to collect data from nursing and midwifery students. Quantitative data were collected using a Clinical Learning Environment Inventory, while qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions. The Clinical Learning Environment Inventory has six subscales of satisfaction, involvement, individualisation, innovation, task orientation and personalisation. The focus group interview guide had questions about clinical learning, supervision, assessment, communication and resources. Quantitative data were analysed by independent t-test and multivariate linear regression and qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results A total of 126 participants completed the questionnaire and 30 students participated in three focus group discussions. Satisfaction subscale had the highest mean score (M = 26.93, SD = 4.82) while individualisation had the lowest mean score (M = 18.01, SD =3.50). Multiple linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between satisfaction with clinical learning environment and personalization (β = 0.50, p = < 0.001), and task orientation (β =0.16 p = < 0.05). Teaching and learning resources, hostile environment, poor relationship with a qualified staff, absence of clinical supervisors, and lack of resources were some of the challenges faced by students in their clinical learning environment. Conclusion Although satisfaction with clinical learning environment subscale had the highest mean score, nursing and midwifery students encountered multifaceted challenges such as lack of resources, poor relationship with staff and a lack of support from clinical teachers that negatively impacted on their clinical learning experiences. Training institutions and hospitals need to work together to find means of addressing the challenges by among others providing resources to students during clinical placement.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the decision-making of carers of children with bilateral cataract in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000422
Author(s):  
Suzannah J Bell ◽  
Tirtha Singh ◽  
Catey Bunce ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Singh ◽  
Cova Bascaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Late Presentation ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Bilateral Cataract ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Timely Access

ObjectivesTwo hundred thousand children worldwide are blind from cataract. Late presentation for surgery resulting in poor visual outcomes is a problem globally. We aimed to explore the reasons why children are not brought earlier for surgery in Nepal.Methods and analysisMixed-method study of carers of children with bilateral cataract attending a large non-government eye hospital were administered a proforma. A random sample took part in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.ResultsCarers of 102 children completed proformas; 10 interviews and 2 focus group discussions were held. 80.4% were Indian, 35.3% of children were female, and their mean age was 58 months (range 4 months to 10 years). Median delay in time between the carer first noticing a problem to presentation was 182 days IQR (60.8–364.8). This was significantly longer for girls (median 304 IQR (91.2–1094.4)) than boys (median 121.6 IQR (30.4–364.8); p=0.02). Cost to access care was a problem for 42 (41.2%) carers. 13 (12.8%) participants were not aware of treatment and 12 (11.8%) were aware but did not seek treatment. The community influenced carer’s health-seeking behaviour. Cataract was sometimes described as ‘phula’, meaning something white seen on the eye.ConclusionFewer girls presented for surgery, and they also had a significantly longer delay to presentation than boys. Carers are influenced by factors at family, community and socio-organisational levels. Approaches to increase timely access, particularly by girls, are required, such as health education using the term phula, which is widely understood.

scholarly journals An Investigation of Teachers’ Perceptions of the Implementation of the Big Results Now Initiative in Tanzanian Education Sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Sotco Claudius Komba ◽  
Joyce Nimrod Sigala
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Teachers Perceptions

<p>This study was conducted in order to investigate teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of<br />the Big Results Now (BRN) initiative in Tanzanian education sector. The specific objectives of<br />the study were to examine teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of the BRN initiative in<br />Tanzanian education sector and recommend ways for improving the implementation of the<br />initiative. The study involved 120 teachers from six government secondary schools in Njombe<br />Region, one of the regions of Tanzania. The data were collected using a set of questionnaire<br />and focus group discussions. The quantitative data were analyzed using computer software,<br />Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 18, in which frequencies and percentages of<br />responses on teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of the BRN initiative in Tanzanian<br />education sector were computed. In addition, the qualitative data were analysed using content<br />analysis. The findings indicated that there was lack of understanding of the objectives of the<br />BRN initiative in Tanzanian education sector among the majority of teachers. Moreover, the<br />teachers were not involved in the plans to implement the BRN initiative and conditions in<br />schools were not supportive for the successful implementation of the initiative. On the ways to<br />improve the implementation of the BRN initiative in Tanzanian education sector, teachers<br />recommended, among others, that they should be educated on the objectives of implementing<br />the initiative as they are the cornerstone in making the initiative a success.</p>

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