scholarly journals Criticality, Depth and Voice in Academic Writing

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
Madhu Neupane Bastola
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Basic Characteristics ◽  
The University

Academic writing plays a crucial role in academic as well as professional life of learners. Developing academic writing takes long time and efforts. Though there are multiple factors that play the role of enablers or disablers for success in academic writing, awareness of basic characteristics of academic writing is a fundamental prerequisite. Similarly, the requirements of academic writing differ from culture to culture and institution to institution. Therefore, it is highly important for learners to understand the expectations of academic writing in their institutions. This article describes an ethnographic study that was conducted in the University of Sydney, Australia to understand a course coordinator’s expectation regarding criticality, depth and voice in academic writing. To answer the research question raised in the study, data were collected from published and unpublished secondary sources, an interview coordinator of the of course Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and an assignment in SLA. The thematic analysis of data revealed that criticality, depth and voice are important characteristics of academic writing. Different ways to meet the expectation of criticality, depth and voice are discussed and some suggestions for further research are forwarded based on the discussion.

Polish Ethnic Minority in Belarus and Lithuania: Politics, Institutions, and Identities

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Monika Frėjutė-Rakauskienė ◽  
Olga Sasunkevich ◽  
Kristina Šliavaitė
Keyword(s):  
Identity Formation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Minority Communities ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Institutional Settings ◽  
Cross Case Analysis ◽  
Two Sides ◽  
State Schools

Abstract This article analyzes how institutions influence the process of identity formation within the Polish minority communities in Belarus and Lithuania. We focus on ways that the identities of people who consider themselves Poles in Belarus and Lithuania are targeted by institutions like the state, schools, and nongovernmental organizations. We aim to shed light on how these processes are shaped by institutional settings and broader political contexts. The authors take a bottom-up approach to institutions and look at how members of the Polish communities in the two neighboring countries conceptualize the role of various institutions—NGOs, schools, Karta Polaka (the Polish Card)—to shape their sense of ethnic belonging. The article is built on a cross-case analysis. Data for the Lithuanian and Belarusian cases, consisting of interviews and secondary sources, were collected independently and then reread in light of a common research question. Through our analysis, we show differences and similarities in how analogous institutions function on the two sides of the border and elaborate on the reasons why these differences occur and what role state policy and supranational regulations play in the process.

University as a vehicle to achieve social innovation and development: repositioning the role of the university in the society

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lwando Mdleleni
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of university in promoting, generating and sustaining social innovation (SI). It aimed to understand how higher education institutions have extended their contribution beyond the traditional function of teaching and research to perform in socio-economic problem-solving. It looks at the kinds of contributions which universities potentially make to SI processes, and the effects that this has on the direction and magnitude of SI, and by implication social development. This was done by drawing lessons from a SI project that the University of the Western Cape has been involved in, i.e. Zenzeleni Networks Project. Design/methodology/approach To address the research question with this framework, the author adopted an exploratory research design using a case study. This research is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive, based on a case study built with secondary data. Findings This paper submits that universities can potentially function as key role players in promoting SI initiatives and fostering social transformations. Universities contribute with different kinds of resources and inputs to foster new SI ideas. Originality/value The paper suggests that socially innovative university projects may contribute to community social sustainability maintaining social cohesion by increasing social capital and providing resources for the empowerment of the marginalised communities. In so doing, they contribute to overcome social exclusion and promote more sustainable forms of development at community level. More research is needed on how universities can build community networks with local community partners, who can use the insights of academic research to replicate interventions and move to scale.

scholarly journals Role of Self-Efficacy in Learning English as a Second language: A Comparative Study among ESL Learners in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1163-1167
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saleem Rana ◽  
Muhammad Irfan Rai ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Noor Muzammil
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Statistical Program ◽  
The University ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
The Relationship

This article looks into the competence of second language acquisition investigating that how a language learner does learn English as a second language effectively by using his own abilities.Many studies have examined the function of Self-Efficacy in academic achievement, though as Pajares (2000) mentioned the relation of language achievement and Self-Efficacy has not been studied well and there has been small research in this regard. This made the researcher to investigate the relationship between Pakpattan ESL learners' language achievements and their Self-Efficacy. It also studies the variations of ESL learners’ Self-Efficacy and their majors. Besides, it explores the differences between ESL learners' majors and their language achievements. Population of this study was 200 ESL learners of The University of Lahore Pakpattan campus but 60 ESL learners from different departments of The University of Lahore Pakpattan campus selected for the sample of present study in order to measure ESL learners' language proficiency. Different types of tests applied for its measurement. A questionnaire was prepared and conducted. Computer statistical program SPSS XXII was used for statistics. Literature were reviewed and the work cited mentioned as well.

scholarly journals Parenting Styles as a Determinant of Career Choice among Undergraduates with Disabilities at the University of Ilorin

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-43
Author(s):  
Florence Bosede Famolu
Keyword(s):  
Career Choice ◽  
Parenting Styles ◽  
Career Guidance ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Professional School ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Several factors have emerged as a major concern in parenting styles as a determinant of career choice among undergraduates with disabilities at the University of Ilorin. This study examined the importance of parenting styles as a determinant of career choice including the concepts of gender, religion, age and level. A descriptive survey designed was adopted. The population consists of undergraduates with disabilities at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. One research question was raised and four null hypotheses were postulated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire tagged “Parenting Styles as a Determinant of Career Choice among Undergraduates with Disability (PSDCCUDQ)”. Data analysis was done using t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results obtained revealed that discussing the problem that many encountered during the ‘choosing my choice of career’ is the most influential parenting style as a determinant of career choice among undergraduates with disabilities at the University of Ilorin. The findings of the study also revealed that there were no significant differences in the perception of respondents on parenting styles as a determinant of career choice based on gender, age, religion but there was a significant difference in the respondents’ perception on parenting styles as a determinant of career choice based on level. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that professional school counsellors should provide collaborative support and training to parents on career guidance.

scholarly journals Press releases — the new trend in science communication

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. C02 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Autzen
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Press Release ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Scientific Institutions ◽  
The Press ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Media ◽  
The University

Scientific institutions have for a long time known the importance of framing and owning stories about science They also know the effective way of communicating science in a press release This is part of the institution’s public relations. Enhanced competition among research institutions has led to a buildup of communicative competences and professionalization of public relations inside the institutions and the press release has become an integrated part of science communication from these institutions. Changing working conditions in the media, where fewer people have to publish more, have made press releases from trustworthy scientific institutions into free and easily copied content for the editors. In this commentary I investigate and discuss the communicative ecosystem of the university press release. I especially take a close look at the role of the critical and independent science journalist in relation to this corporate controlled communication

The role of storytelling in a nonhostile takeover

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Cleary
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Workplace Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Storytelling ◽  
Hospital Executives ◽  
Hospital Doctors

PurposeWhy did a powerful department of hospital doctors support a merger with a rival hospital that they knew would ruin their beloved workplace?Design/methodology/approachThis ethnographic study draws on 12 months of fieldwork consisting of 24 one-on-one interviews as well as 26 h of observations, informal conversations and archival records research to answer its research question. Grounded theory and the discourse analysis were employed to analyze all data.FindingsData reveal how participants' belief in a “merge or go bankrupt” narrative contributed to widespread support for a merger that seemed unthinkable on the surface. Although each doctor believes the merger will jeopardize or ruin their workplace culture, none resisted the merger nor did any ask hospital executives to provide evidence in support of their claims regarding the benefits of the merger (namely, that it would save their organization from inevitable bankruptcy).Research limitations/implicationsThe author relied on a family relative to introduce the author to and gain entry into this workplace. One potential consequence is biased interpretations of data. To address this, the author constantly revisited the data and compared the author’s interpretations with interviewees' words (i.e. “grounded” theory).Originality/valueThis study provides empirical and theoretical contributions to organizational storytelling scholarship.

Price Discovery in precious metals market: A study of Gold

GIS Business ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Dr. Narender Kumar ◽  
Mrs. Sunita Arora
Keyword(s):  
Granger Causality ◽  
Price Discovery ◽  
Precious Metals ◽  
Futures Market ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Futures Prices ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Commodity Exchange ◽  
Long Time

Gold is the oldest known precious metal on this earth and for a long time it has been used as a standard currency. The present study has been undertaken with an attempt to analyze whether Indian futures market is playing its role of price discovery in case of gold or not. For the purpose of study, data for spot and futures prices for a period of four and a half years starting from June 2005 to December 2009 has been collected from the website of Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited, India’s largest commodity exchange in terms of value of trading on commodity exchanges in India. Data has been tested for statioanrity and was found non stationary. It was then transformed to make it stationary. On the basis of Johansen’s cointegration test, series of spot and futures prices were found cointgrated. Granger Causality test was applied on stationary data. The results of the study show that futures market in India is performing its role of price discovery in case of Gold. Keywords: Price Discovery, Commodity Market, Granger Causality, Cointegration.

The role of Language Planning Agencies in higher education in South Africa - comparing two cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-193
Author(s):  
Theodorus du Plessis
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Language Planning ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
African Context ◽  
Planning Processes ◽  
Policy And Planning ◽  
The University

AbstractThe question about the role of Language Planning Agencies (LPAs) in higher education is very relevant within the South African context. A range of policy provisions regarding language in higher education are characterised by the use of language policy and planning (LPP) jargon found in the Framework for Language Planning Goals, pointing to the need for a range of LPAs to be involved in this language domain. Since such involvement has been documented in the case of the institutionalisation of Afrikaans as alternative language of higher education during the period 1910-1961, it provides the basis for a comparison with post-1994 initiatives regarding the elevation of the Sintu languages and the extension of their use in this language domain. Such comparison is undertaken on the basis of a Typology of LPAs that is developed from earlier insights that evolved during the International Research Project on Language Planning Processes at the University of Hawaii in the 1970s, essentially distinguishing between LPAs involved in regulatory, productive and promotional language planning functions. Evidence on the work of LPAs involved during the two periods is collected from secondary sources documenting the cases and analysed in terms of this typology. The results of the study provide insights into the role of LPAs in each case and in their relative effectiveness in aiding the institutionalisation of the designated languages. The article concludes by suggesting the “ideal” LPA mix for the realisation of LPP goals in higher education in South Africa.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN PARAPHRASING PARAGRAPHS

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Cindy Hannisya Relia ◽  
Afrianto Daud ◽  
Syofia Delfi
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Education ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Online Test ◽  
The University ◽  
English Students

This research examined university students’ ability in paraphrasing paragraphs. This descriptive quantitative research took students of the English Education Department of Universitas Riau as samples using cluster random sampling technique. The selected sample was a Class of the English Study Program, Universitas Riau, which consists of 34 students. The data were collected by administering an online test of paraphrasing paragraphs through Google Form. The collected data were analyzed by three raters and the results were calculated and classified by using adaptation guide rubric from Brown (2004). Three aspects of paraphrasing were assessed and analyzed: contents of information, choice of words and writing convention. This study found that the ability of the Students of English Study Program in paraphrasing paragraphs was an unacceptable level, with total points; 11.21 for Content Information aspect, 9.52 for Choice of Words aspect, and 9.75 for Writing Conventions aspect. In order to answer the research question on how bad the ability is, the only clear answer is that all facts that are found within the research are only referring to the ‘crisis’ of paraphrasing ability shown by the university students themselves. This finding showed that the university students’ ability in paraphrasing paragraphs is low, due to the facts that; First, they get a low-level score in all aspects of paraphrasing. Second, they still make many fatal mistakes in every aspect of paraphrasing like; skipping important details in paraphrasing that may lead to misinformation, misusing the vocabulary and diction in creating the words in paraphrasing, and severe problems in the grammar, punctuation, and spelling (writing conventions). Moreover, choice of words seems to be the most difficult aspect for the students since it had the lowest score than other aspects in paraphrasing. This research suggests that English students should be exposed to more practices in their academic writing subject about paraphrasing skills

scholarly journals The Role of Caucus Feto Iha Politika in Increasing Women’s Representation in Timor-Leste’s Parliament

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ammar Hidayahtulloh
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Women's Representation ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Male Veterans ◽  
Women’S Representation ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
The Government

Woman had been neglected from the political affairs in the early of post-independent era. It raised the concerns of women activists on political participation. They realized Timorese women had played a significant role in fighting for independence along with male veterans. Caucus Feto Iha Politika appears as the prominent NGO in Timor-Leste that promoting gender equality in politics. It resulted the rising of women’s representation in Timor-Leste Parliament significantly. Moreover, its woman participation in parliament achieves the highest percentage in the Asia Pacific. This research lies on the question of how does the role of Caucus Feto Iha Politika in increasing women’s representation in parliament of Timor-Leste. The data obtained from primary and secondary sources by conducting the in-depth interview and library research. In order to answer the research question, the authors reiterated the three main components of NGOs roles –implementer, catalyst, and partner by Lewis as the analytical framework. The authors humbly concluded that for increasing the number of women MPs, Caucus Feto Iha Politika played two prominent roles, as follows: 1) catalyst, by advocating the policy change of women-friendly legislative quota policy to the Government of Timor-Leste, and 2) partner, by working closely with the related stakeholders to increase the capacity of potential female candidates and elected women MPs through capacity building.

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