scholarly journals SUSTAINING GROCERY STOKVELS: THE DYNAMICS AND FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THEIR ESTABLISHMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-86
Author(s):  
Mabika Shingirirayi ◽  
◽  
Tengeh K. Robertson ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Formal Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Field Notes

As many are effectively excluded from availing themselves of the services of financial institutions in the formal sector, they often form stokvels, an informal method of saving which is commonly practised in their home country. The research study was conducted to investigate the dynamics of Zimbabwean grocery stokvels in Cape Town and the factors which have encouraged their formation. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to collect the data. The quantitative data was obtained through the administration of a survey questionnaire. In contrast, the qualitative data was obtained by conducting one-on-one semi-structured interviews with leaders of Zimbabwean grocery stokvels, their spouses, and members of their families who did not belong to their stokvels. The qualitative data was augmented through the taking of field notes during the interviews. The results indicate that Zimbabweans in Cape Town form grocery stokvels due to severe shortages of basic necessities in Zimbabwe. Their participation in stokvels enables them to accumulate funds to purchase the groceries which they need to sustain themselves and their families in the absence of assistance from financial institutions in the formal sector and also to assist their families and relatives in Zimbabwe to cope with their dire economic circumstances by sending groceries to them.

scholarly journals Exploring EFL Instructors’ Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Reflective Practices on their Professional Development in the Saudi Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Danyah Fahad Alsayeud ◽  
Anas Hamed Almuhammadi
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Reflective Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females

This study explores the perceptions of EFL instructors about their reflective practice and its effect on their professional development in a Saudi Arabian university. This study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Two study instruments were used; a survey questionnaire with a study sample of 100 male and female participants and semi-structured interviews with a study sample of seven female instructors. The findings show that some instructors in general have a positive perception of reflective practices and they utilize a diversity of reflective tools. Female instructors show a greater degree of involvement in a reflective practice than male instructors in three of the four examined dimensions (cognitive and meta-cognitive, moral and learner and reflective teaching in general). However, no significant difference is reported between males’ and females’ perceptions in terms of the fourth dimension (practical). Based on the findings, recommendations have been made to encourage reflective practices in the Saudi EFL context.

scholarly journals Teachers’ Perceptions of the Communicative Language Approach at a Saudi University

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Ozma Siddiqui ◽  
Fariha Asif
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Communicative Language Teaching ◽  
Statistical Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Arabic Speaking

The Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach has been widely popular in foreign language classrooms for a number of decades, but in recent years some practitioners have begun questioning the technique which prioritizes fluency over accuracy. This paper aims to record the perceptions of teachers using CLT to teach English as a foreign language at a Saudi university. It will also take into consideration some of the pitfalls and make some recommendations. A total of 35 participants, all members of faculty took part in the study. A mixed methods approach was used to collect the data. A questionnaire provided the statistical data for the study and semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data. The statistical information was run through the SPSS. The findings indicate that while a substantial number of teachers at this university find the CLT approach a useful way to teach English to homogenous groups of Arabic speaking students, there is a need to be eclectic and incorporate other approaches for effective teaching.

scholarly journals Cohesion in Spanish as a Second Language in an Indigenous School

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-38
Author(s):  
Lina Katerine Amaya Pérez ◽  
Mario Santiago Fonseca Parra ◽  
Juan Esteban Pineda Guarín
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Writing Process ◽  
Fifth Graders ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Narrative Texts ◽  
Parts Of Speech ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Action Research Study

This qualitative action research study analyzed the effect of Task Based Learning (TBL) through meaningful materials in the writing process of Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) for fifth graders from a Sikuani indigenous school located in Puerto Gaitán, Meta, Colombia. Throughout the sessions, task included different materials and games, such as a linguistic roulette, in order to help students foster cohesion when writing in Spanish as a second language. The instruments used to collect data were students’ artifacts (narrative texts), field notes, and semi-structured interviews. The results obtained showed that after the implementation, students were able to write short sentences using the parts of speech, such us articles, nouns, nd verb conjugations, accurately according to Spanish grammar.

Expectations vs. experience

Interpreting ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kilian G. Seeber ◽  
Laura Keller ◽  
Rhona Amos ◽  
Sophie Hengl
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
World Cup ◽  
Technical Feasibility ◽  
Fifa World Cup ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Conference Room ◽  
Before And After

Abstract The attitudes of interpreters providing video remote conference interpreting during the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to six deductive categories (general and specific attitudes towards remote interpreting, attitudes towards the work environment and the workspace, psychological and physiological wellbeing) were collected. Online questionnaires were completed both before and after the event and structured interviews were conducted on site during the event. Triangulation of results corroborates the technical feasibility of video remote interpreting, whilst highlighting aspects with a high potential to shape interpreters’ attitudes towards it. The quality of the technical team on site along with the availability of visual input in the entire conference room (including all speakers taking the floor) is key to offsetting the feeling of alienation or lack of immersion experienced by interpreters working with this technical setup. Suggestions for the improvement of key parameters are provided.

Online versus Offline World: A Thematic Analysis of Arab Women’s Empowerment via Social Media

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-182
Author(s):  
Hawra Abdulrahman Juma Al-Maimani
Keyword(s):  
Virtual World ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Arab Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Political Empowerment ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Women Experiences

This research study examines Arab women experiences of being empowered by existing in the virtual world. The aim of the study is to establish paper that discuses if female users of Twitter in Arab countries believe that the religious and cultural restrictions of Arabs state institutions are circumvented by the Internet. The study is questioning the Arab female experiences and feelings if and when she bypasses the restrictions, that she is associate with as being Arab, to make herself existing online and how does this reflect on her in the real world. The investigation is carried out by conducting semi-structured interviews, targeting to collect qualitative data only. To achieve the aims of the study, the sample consists of seven females from different countries who all use Twitter. The study showed that there is a gap between the action of Arab women online and offline which is due to prompting of social and political empowerment. Keywords: Arab women, empowerment, media, virtual world

Using inquiry to promote democratic citizenship among young adolescents during summer civics camps

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Blevins ◽  
Michelle Bauml ◽  
Nate Scholten ◽  
Victoria Davis Smith ◽  
Karon N. LeCompte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Democratic Citizenship ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Civic Knowledge ◽  
Democratic Citizenship Education ◽  
Middle Schoolers ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Global World

The purpose of this study was to examine how participation in small-group inquiry projects at a summer civics camp contributed to middle schoolers’ beliefs about themselves as citizens and influenced their general and individual conceptions of citizenship. Using an action civics model for their projects, participants worked in small groups to identify an issue in their community, study its root causes and propose solutions. This study utilized a convergent mixed-methods approach involving the collection of both pre- and post-surveys and qualitative data (exit tickets, advocacy projects and semi-structured interviews) to investigate the research questions. Participants for this study included 108 middle schoolers (entering fifth to ninth grade) who attended a free, week-long summer civics camp hosted at two private universities in the United States. Utilizing Westheimer and Kahne’s citizenship typology to analyze the data, three primary findings emerged. Firstly, some students’ conceptions of citizenship did shift slightly towards more participatory and justice-oriented notions of citizenship, although their predominant orientations towards democratic citizenship remain personally responsible. Secondly, students began to appropriate the citizenship frameworks used during the camp to nuance and expand their understandings citizenship and advocacy. Finally, students began to see ways they could use their voice to advocate for change in their communities. This research showcases how inquiry might enhance democratic citizenship education in a global world through interaction with others, responding to one’s community, developing civic knowledge, critically investigating issues and allowing for multiple solutions.

scholarly journals Investigating Humor Integration in Tunisian Tertiary English Classes: A Comparative Study of Teachers’ and Learners’ Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Najla Fki
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Other ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
English Classes ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
English Major ◽  
The One

This study examines lecturers’ and learners’ perceptions on humor use in Tunisian tertiary classrooms, focusing specifically on the English major. The ultimate aim is to explore the types and frequency of humor use on the one hand and whether teachers regard humor in the same light as their students on the other. To this purpose, a mixed-methods approach consisting of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews is adopted to collect quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. The findings revealed that, in terms of frequency, humor is used by all interviewed teachers irrespective of their gender. Yet, the general percentage of humor use remains moderate and limited to specific oral subjects as confirmed by the students. The results also indicated the participants’ agreement on the efficiency and preference of verbal, spontaneous and relevant humor types. However, it has been shown that the lecturers use a very limited repertoire of humor forms, neglecting jokes which are more appreciated by their students. Inconsistencies between the participants’ responses are further traced at the level of their attitude towards humor use in class. While most of the teachers believe that the merits of humor are undeniable, they expressed skepticism and discomfort in dealing with this tool in class. To overcome these lacunas, this study builds on the students’ recommendations to improve their teachers’ practices and can therefore be a starting point for EFL curriculum designers in Tunisia to revise current materials for a better humor integration in higher education.

scholarly journals Resolving the trade-off between production and biodiversity conservation in integrated forest management: comparing tree selection practices of foresters and conservationists

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (13) ◽  
pp. 3717-3737
Author(s):  
Hannes Cosyns ◽  
Bettina Joa ◽  
Ronja Mikoleit ◽  
Frank Krumm ◽  
Andreas Schuck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Opportunity Costs ◽  
Timber Management ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Mutual Learning ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Integrated Forest Management

Abstract Integrating nature conservation effectively in forests managed for timber production implies reconciling a trade-off between ecological and economic objectives. In continuous cover forest management, this culminates in decisions about tree harvesting (or retention) determining both the prevalence of tree-related microhabitats in the forest and the economic viability of timber management. Applying an innovative mixed methods approach, we compare conservationists and foresters performing a tree selection exercise. We assess the outcomes of their forest management decisions quantitatively and explore their strategies and the underlying reasoning based on qualitative data. Our findings show that particularly the habitat trees differ greatly between the two groups: while conservationists retained almost exclusively large oaks at often high opportunity costs, foresters retained a notable number of smaller-diameter hornbeams. These differences are related to a different perception of opportunity costs of retention by both groups, as well as because they do not agree about how to value current tree-related microhabitats and their projection into the future. Such diverging patterns of reasoning imply incompatible interpretations of what constitutes a habitat tree. Our results indicate that it is important to apply benchmarks for evaluating ecological goals as well as to increase foresters’ and conservationists’ understanding about the motivations and restrictions of the respective counterpart. Our study points out a significant potential for (mutual) learning, and illustrates the complementarity of quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine tree selection behaviour.

scholarly journals Why Are Multinational Sales Declining in Pakistan? Evidence from the Tobacco Industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-65
Author(s):  
Aliya Bushra ◽  
Nasra Wajiha
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Brand Switching ◽  
Significant Factors

Pakistan’s multinational companies have strong potential for growth and represent a large and increasing number of consumers. Unfortunately, their sales have been affected by certain factors. This study identifies these factors using a mixed-methods approach and qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. We administered 100 questionnaires among the employees of two large tobacco manufacturers. The results indicate that brand switching, product development, product mix, point of sale, competition, and price are significant factors that affect sales in the tobacco industry.

scholarly journals A Critical Examination of the Arab Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of their Academic Arabic Proficiency in Three EMI Universities in the UAE

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Taghreed Ibrahim Masri
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Language ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Language Attrition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Collection Methods

The overwhelming power that English enjoys has become a threat to many indigenous languages that are losing the battle against English dominance and hegemony. One facet for this threat is the use of English as a medium of instruction (EMI). The EMI policy has been a naturalized and taken-for-granted practice without questioning or problematizing. As a result, academic Arabic is almost absent from the academic scene in the UAE higher education. This study aims to problematize the use of English as medium of instruction at three universities in the United Arab Emirates. It also aims to critically explore the perceptions of Arab university students who were in Arabic schools, of their Arabic proficiency after studying at university. Based on critical theoretical framework and approached from interpretive and critical paradigms, the study used a mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. 268 surveys and 20 semi-structured interviews showed that students were aware of the decline in their Arabic proficiency due to studying via English. Results also indicated that students showed symptoms of Academic language attrition.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document