scholarly journals Teacher-Centered vs. Student-Centered

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Muganga ◽  
Peter Ssenkusu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Educational Philosophy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Teacher Centered

Wright (2011) distinguishes between teacher-centered and student-centered learning approaches along a spectrum of five dimensions: power balance, course content function, teacher and student roles, responsibility for learning, and assessment purposes and processes. Based on Wright’s framework, this study explores students’ perceptions of their experience with teaching methods at Uganda’s Makerere University. Specifically, the investigation uses a mixed-methods research approach that combines survey data with focus group discussions. A total of 82 students volunteered, with 54 returning questionnaires. From among the 54 students, eight were chosen for focus group discussions. Students provided information about course content, educational philosophy, and teaching activities. In the area of course content, students reported that course completion and examination results outweighed skill development. The results for educational philosophy showed that the preparation of compliant citizens took precedence over the development of self-reliant individuals. Finally, the findings for teaching activities indicated that while teacher-centered tasks still predominated, several students had been exposed to some student-centered activities.

Disability and Social Exclusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Individual Interviews

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.

scholarly journals Student-Centered Learning in Oman: Challenges and Pitfalls

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ogadimma C. Emenyeonu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Process ◽  
Attitudinal Change ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Student Centered Learning

Student-centered learning (SCL) is aimed at developing pedagogy that probes into students learning in regard to what they experience and how they engage in the learning context or environment. This paper aims to review what is meant by student-centered learning in the context of Oman, and how this can be achieved. It goes further to explore challenges that tend to deter the implementation of SCL with a view to providing recommendations to improve and enhance SCL in Oman. Following data collected from the focus group discussions, the study reveals that language, culture, lack of student exposure, exported teaching materials, poor perception of SCL by students, among others, is they major obstacles facing SCL in Oman. Based on the findings, the author recommends that for SCL to take root in Oman there should be attitudinal change on the part of students with regard to a better understanding of what SCL is and why it is desirable, and students of opposite genders should be encouraged to work together to articulate their ideas in a disciplined social process of inquiry.

scholarly journals The Management of Waqf Universities in Selangor, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60
Author(s):  
Mohd. Ali Muhamad Don ◽  
Muhamad Rahimi Osman
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Model Theory ◽  
The State ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Management Issues

In Malaysia, waqf management including those in universities, is under the authority of the State Islamic Religious Council as a sole trustee waqf. This is to protect the waqf assets from any interventions by the heirs. Even so, one Malaysian university is said to manage the waqf scheme without the supervision of the Islamic Council which contradict with the provision of the State of Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) as the sole trustee of waqf. Thus, this study explores the management of waqf by several universities in Selangor and relation to SIRC as the sole trustee of waqf. A qualitative research approach was employed to collect data from focus group discussions and interviews with selected participants from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Selangor IRC), selected universities and waqf experts in Malaysia. The findings show that University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Putra Malaysia waqf funds are managed under the Selangor IRC monitoring while University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia endowment or waqf fund is managed privately by the university. The impact of this is that several waqf management issues arose. Hence, the authors recommend the Model theory of al-wilayah to be applied in the management of waqf in the universities. Through this model, SIRC and the university can play a more significant role in the management of waqf, thereby promoting the development of waqf in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Perceived barriers and primary care access experiences among immigrant Bangladeshi men in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e000453
Author(s):  
Tanvir C Turin ◽  
Ruksana Rashid ◽  
Mahzabin Ferdous ◽  
Iffat Naeem ◽  
Nahid Rumana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Urban Centre ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Important Barrier ◽  
Immigrant Men

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the experience of male members of a rapidly grown community of Bangladeshi immigrants while accessing primary healthcare (PHC) services in Canada.DesignA qualitative research was conducted among a sample of Bangladeshi immigrant men through a community-based participatory research approach. Focus group discussions were conducted to collect the qualitative data where thematic analysis was applied.SettingThe focus group discussions were held in various community centres such as individual meeting rooms at public libraries, community halls and so on arranged in collaboration with community organisations while ensuring complete privacy.ParticipantThirty-eight adults, Bangladeshi immigrant men, living in Calgary were selected for this study and participated in six different focus groups. The sample represents mostly married, educated, Muslim, Bangla speaking, aged over 25 years, full-time or self-employed and living in an urban centre in Canada >5 years.ResultThe focus groups have highlighted long wait time as an important barrier. Long wait at the emergency room, difficulties to get access to general physicians when feeling sick, slow referral process and long wait at the clinic even after making an appointment impact their daily chores, work and access to care. Language is another important barrier that impedes effective communication between physicians and immigrant patients, thus the quality of care. Unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and lack of resources were also voiced that hinder access to healthcare for immigrant Bangladeshi men in Canada. However, no gender-specific barriers unique to men have been identified in this study.ConclusionThe barriers to accessing PHC services for Bangladeshi immigrant men are similar to that of other visible minority immigrants. It is important to recognise the extent of barriers across various immigrant groups to effectively shape public policy and improve access to PHC.

scholarly journals Empowering Indonesian Teachers to Improve Students’ Learning: Case Studies of Teachers’ Action Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 769
Author(s):  
Umi Tursini
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Research Participants

This current study was undertaken to examine how Indonesian teachers implemented action research (AR) in an attempt to develop their professionalism and provide better learning opportunity for their students. The research approach in this study included qualitative case study design elements that involved three English teachers who varied in terms of teaching experience, age, and academic qualification as the research participants. The research participants were assisted to get more understanding about AR by inviting them to take part in AR workshops, participate in focus group discussions, and undertake an AR project. Multiple data sources were obtained through interview, observation, focus group discussion, and documentation. The findings indicated that all participants learned important things about their teaching practice and students’ learning through their engagement in action research activity. The findings also showed that conducting AR had encouraged participants to be more reflective and empowered them to be a researcher of their own classroom. In spite of the positive and promising results of this study, the success of action research mainly depends on teachers’ own need and motivation to conduct AR to monitor their teaching. Therefore, sufficient support should be provided to teachers to enable them to conduct AR including focus group discussions since this study also highlights the importance of collegial dialogues in developing teachers’ practice. It is reasonable to recommend educational or institutional leaders in Indonesia provide opportunities for teachers to take initiative in referring to action research for achieving professional growth.

scholarly journals Challenges of Effective Principals Leadership in School Improvement in Government Secondary Schools of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
pp. 34-45
Author(s):  
Diriba Kene ◽  
Hussien Kedir ◽  
Garkebo Basha ◽  
Feyera Dinsa
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Regional State

This research study aimed at investigating varied challenges that principals have been facing in an endeavor of school improvement in terms of input, process and outputs in secondary Schools of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. In this study, a qualitative research approach was followed and as such the data were collected with the help of semi-structured interview guides and focus group discussions. The study employed clustering, stratified, random and purposive sampling techniques to select 6 zones of Oromia region out of 20; 80 sample secondary schools out of 30, to draw 45 interviewees and 36 discussants, respectively. In this way, the interviews were conducted with the interviewees and focus group discussions were carried out among the discussants. Data obtained from these informants were analyzed using thematic analysis and narrative methods and paraphrasing the results of the discussants. The study identified inactive involvement of key stakeholders in the schools’ affairs; a weak capacity building for the principals; poor effort and commitment of students for class attendance and improvement of academic results; shortages of standard facilities and inputs; weakness of the principals together with SIP committee in properly developing strategic plan of the schools were among the main challenges that hindered effectiveness of principals’ school leadership in overall improvement of the schools. Because of these and other factors a great majority of the schools stood at level two that is below the expected level (level three & four ) in the study area. Based on  the  findings, it was recommended that principals should be equipped with basic knowledge and skills of school leadership, necessary facilities and inputs need to be fulfilled by the concerned bodies and stakeholders should be re-oriented in order to contribute in all possible aspect for betterment of school performance.

scholarly journals “Antibiotics Can Work as a Contraceptive:” Contraceptive Knowledge and Use Among University Students in Calabar, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibitola Asaolu ◽  
Nidal Kram ◽  
Christopher Ajala ◽  
Ememobong Aquaisua ◽  
Akinsola Asaolu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Modern Contraceptives

Introduction: Many sexually active youths who wish to delay pregnancy are not using any form of modern contraceptives. In sub-Saharan Africa, less than 1 in 5 sexually active youth do not use contraceptives. In Nigeria, 48.4% of all sexually active unmarried women have an unmet need for contraception. Although the literature is replete with information on structural barriers to modern contraceptives, there is limited scholarship on contextual factors that may inhibit modern contraceptive use among Nigerian youth. This study uses a qualitative research approach to assess knowledge and use of natural, modern, and folkloric contraceptive methods among a sample of university students in Calabar, Nigeria.Methods: This study used data from focus group discussions among women and men in university halls of residence, all of whom were unmarried. Also, three male pharmacists and three female community health workers were interviewed. All focus group discussions and interviews took place in August 2017 and were conducted in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The audio recordings were transcribed into detailed summaries of the interviews and focus group discussions. All data analysis was completed using Atlas.Ti (version 8).Results: University men and women have limited knowledge of and application of natural and modern contraception. Participants listed folkloric methods of contraceptives, including repurposing pharmaceuticals (e.g., antibiotics, quinine, and Andrews Livers Salt-a laxative) as contraceptive agents. Respondents also discussed the use of non-pharmaceuticals such as water, salt solution, and squatting after intercourse as contraceptives. Generally, university students defaulted to withdrawal, calendar method, and emergency contraceptives as preferred methods of contraception. Lastly, condoms were used among participants in causal sexual encounters. In dating relationships, however, both male and female students cited their partners' hesitancy to condom use as such act could indicate distrust.Conclusion: Awareness and use of modern contraceptives are limited among university students in Calabar, Nigeria. The use of folkloric contraceptives could lead to bodily harm and unintended pregnancy. Further research is needed to elucidate factors that promote use of folkloric methods of contraceptives. Integration of contraceptive awareness into health promotion services for young people may help to dispel myths about folkloric methods of contraceptives while promoting awareness and use of safe and effective contraception.

scholarly journals The Impact Of Village Funds On Enhanching Welfare Of North Maluku Communities Using Falah Approach

IKONOMIKA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-230
Author(s):  
Chuzaimah Batubara (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara - Medan) ◽  
Isnaini Harahap (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara - Medan) ◽  
Siti Marpuah (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn - Malaysia)
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Poverty Rate ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Fund Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Village

The village fund is the government's effort to reduce poverty in villages in Indonesia, including in North Maluku. From the perspective of development funding, village funds play a major role in improving the quality of villages in North Maluku. But in fact, the poverty rate in North Maluku has actually increased. Based on these facts, this paper seeks to explain how the effectiveness of village funds is to reduce poverty and improve community welfare. To answer this problem, a qualitative research approach was carried out by the method of collecting in-depth interview data and focus group discussions with the village head, BPD and village communities.By conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, this study found that village funds in Beringin Jaya and Akeguraci Villages in Tidore Kepulauan District and Ake Jailolo Village and Bobane Village, West Halmahera District, North Maluku, were able to improve the status of villages from disadvantaged to developing villages, but these changes are not followed by an increase in welfare (Falah). This is because village fund programs are more focused on infrastructure development but have not been able to meet economic and social aspects of life, such as providing life skills, enhancing harmony, and independence. The main problem is that human resources are still low both in terms of education level and quality of expertise so that village funds are managed as is.This study recommends that village funds are effective in reducing poverty, the village government needs to prepare a village development blueprint (renstra) in the next 5 years with clear indicators based on village achievements and the amount of village funds received. Village governments also need to send village fund managers to attend training on planning and reportingvillage financialKeywords: village funds, index, empowerment, Falah, North Maluku

scholarly journals Factors Influencing High Scores in the Food and Nutrition Practical Examinations in Eswatini

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 303
Author(s):  
Molyn Mpofu ◽  
Carol Phindile Dlamini
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Teacher Competency ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Practical Examination ◽  
Food And Nutrition

<p>The Eswatini Food and Nutrition (FN) examination results have shown that the practical examinations had higher scores than the theory papers, creating negatively skewed distributions. Students were scoring high marks in the FN practical examination component than in theory. This study sought to explore the factors that influence the allocation of high scores in FN practical examinations in Eswatini. A descriptive research design utilizing the qualitative research approach was employed. A sample of 17 participants was purposively selected, comprising of 10 FN teachers, 3 subject Regional Inspectors, 3 Moderators and one Subject Officer. Focus group discussions, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was the tool used to analyse qualitative data obtained from interviews and focus group discussions. The study established that teacher competency levels were low as evidenced by unclear marking schemes. Schools lacked resources, which compromised on the monitoring and supervision of examinations. The study also established that FN practical examination assessment was subjective and that the use of a well-defined marking scheme could minimize the variations. Since FN is a practical subject, students needed to practice cookery tasks during the course of the year, hence students were more likely to excel during the end of year practical examinations. The study recommends discussion of assessment tools and continuous training for examiners before marking of the practical examinations.</p>

scholarly journals Malay, Islam, Beraja and The [Islamic] Educational Philosophy in Brunei Darussalam

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 193
Author(s):  
Titis Thoriquttyas ◽  
Ahmad Munjin Nasih ◽  
Achmad Sultoni ◽  
Achmad Yani
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Education System ◽  
Educational Philosophy ◽  
Islamic Education ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Education Philosophy ◽  
Brunei Darussalam ◽  
Historical Trajectory

The ideology of Brunei Darussalam contributes in shaping the [Islamic] Education system. Politically, Brunei applies the concept of Malay, Islam, Beraja (MIB) as an ideological basis. This research is oriented to two main discussions. First is the historical trajectory of MIB in Brunei and its relation to the education system. The second is the dimension of educational philosophy and Islamic education philosophy in Brunei by drawing its relation to the MIB. This research uses a qualitative-naturalistic approach. This research was conducted in Brunei, October 2019. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), observation, document and literature studies. In data collection, this research involved academics from Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU) and Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA). The findings show that the MIB is related to the model perennialism and progressivism. However, from Islamic education philosophy, MIB gives a traditionalist style to the mazhabi and modernist education system.

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