scholarly journals Exploring the Effectiveness of Audacity Readers’ Theatre in Increasing Reading Motivation and Fluency Among Lower Primary ESL Learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-130
Author(s):  
Hemalatha Devarajoo ◽  
Hamidah Yamat
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Decoding Skills ◽  
Written Information ◽  
Motivation Level ◽  
Readers Theatre ◽  
Main Instrument ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
Low Motivation

Being constantly motivated and capable to read fluently is one of the crucial aspects that should be acquired by an individual. This receptive skill is necessary in order to be able to decode written information and symbols of a language. The inability to read fluently imposes great threats to individuals as it may affect decoding skills and literacy. Low motivation and dysfluency in reading are regarded as the most blatant issues faced by learners in reading. This case study aimed to explore the effectiveness of Audacity Readers’ Theatre in increasing Year 2 pupils’ motivation and fluency in reading. The three Year 2 pupils were purposively selected due to their inability to read fluently and lack of motivation in reading. The main instrument used was the observation checklist where the lessons were observed and recorded by two observers. The pupils were interviewed to find out how Audacity Readers’ Theatre motivated and helped them to read more fluently. The researcher wrote journals after the lessons to keep a record on pupils’ behaviour and improvement throughout the lessons. Thus, the data from the semi structured interview and journal were used to triangulate the data from the observation checklist. The data which was analysed using thematic analysis illuminated on how Audacity Readers’ Theatre aided the pupils in heightening their motivation level and reading more fluently. The findings of the study revealed the necessity of incorporating Audacity Readers’ Theatre in the primary ESL classrooms to remedy problems of low motivation and dysfluency in reading.    

scholarly journals The perspective of students and faculty members on the efficiency and usability of e-learning course at Ajman university: A case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd. Elmagzoub Eltahir ◽  
Sami Al-Qatawneh ◽  
Najah Al-Ramahi ◽  
Najeh Alsalhi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Usability Evaluation ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Main Instrument ◽  
Data Collections

While there is much in the literature on the usability of the Course Management System (CMS) itself, there is little that looks at content of these CMS. This study aims to investigate the usability of the e-learning courses in Ajman University from the perspective of students and the faculty members. The e-learning usability evaluation questionnaire developed by Zaharias (2009) has been used as the main instrument for data collections in this study. Semi-structured interview is another instrument that has been used to investigate the e-Learning usability evaluation. This form has been used to collect the qualitative data from the faculty members. Research results revealed that the attitude of the majority respondents toward the usability of e-learning courses in Ajman University in general is strongly positive. Most of the participants in this study view the e-learning courses in Ajman university easy to use, easy to learn and have usable user interface. However, the first year students hesitate to express firm opinion about usability of e-learning courses in Ajman University. The study concludes and recommends that there is a great need to have more training for freshman students on how to use Moodle, in addition, advanced training sessions for instructors to improve their skills on how to use Moodle more effectively and utilize its all features to make more effective usage and easier ways of ongoing interaction with all students.

The Use of Technology to Enhance English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners’ Descriptive Writing

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 961-972
Author(s):  
Nurul Atiqah Shararuddin Et.al
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Interview Session ◽  
Time Restriction ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
Descriptive Writing

This research investigates on the use of technology to enhance ESL learners’ descriptive writing. The purpose of this study being carried out is to find out the underlying reasons behind ESL learners’ inability to write good descriptive writing. Apart from that, this research was also carried out to find out why technology was the approach chosen to solve the raised issues in descriptive writing as well as finding out students’ perception on the use of technology to act as an aid to their descriptive writing skill. This is an action research study in which thirty-four students of Form 4 participated. The instruments used to obtain data from students were open ended questions, semi structured interview and teacher’s reflective entry. Only three students were chosen for the semi structured interview session using purposive sampling method, the justification for this is that they vary in terms of their proficiency and the researcher had a time restriction to interview all thirty-four students. Data was analysed using thematic analysis method. The result of this study shows that the incorporation of technology has enhanced students’ performance in descriptive writing.

scholarly journals Practising Online Approach via Skype Activities to Develop Speaking Skills among Malaysian Undergraduates

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-101
Author(s):  
Sarala Thulasi Palpanadan ◽  
Iqbal Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Public University ◽  
Reflective Journals ◽  
Speaking Proficiency ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
Technical Division ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
Speaking Skills

Speaking skill pedagogy has always remained as a huge enigma for English as a Second Language (ESL) educators. Despite the challenge, the need to master the skills prevail in academia. The undergraduates especially those from the technical division seem to grapple with the ability to perform well in their studies and market products upon employment due to the inability to communicate well in English. Nowadays, there are numerous platforms available for ESL learners to improve their speaking proficiency. Thus, this paper intended to study the effectiveness of using Skype activities via online approach to help students enhance their confidence in speaking in English. Reflective journals were collected from 100 undergraduates who enrolled in an English course in a public university. Besides, 10 undergraduates were randomly selected to participate in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was conducted using Transana software where four main themes emerged: account possession; familiarity; challenges; and features. It was found that many participants were aware of Skype but did not have the account prior to the study. Majority of the participants admitted that Skype activities helped them to converse better which enhanced their motivation to speak in English more confidently and fluently.

scholarly journals Assessment of Perception and Perspective of Video Games on the Children: A Case Study of Tirana, Albania

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermelinda Satka ◽  
Pranvera Troka
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Computer Game ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Main Instrument ◽  
Electronic Games

Internet is a communication tool used in entertainment worldwide. The Internet is no longer a novelty for children and young people, but a necessity for them. For many children, today the distinction between online and daily activities is becoming smaller. Gradually, the computer game industry has become a lucrative business, increasing its production every day. The recent technology, depending on “PlayStation” slots, has begun to make significant impacts by creating a problem that needs to be addressed. On the other hand, there is little evidence that shows how social professionals are responding to new child protection challenges while navigating online. This paper focuses on describing, identifying, and assessing the perception and perspective of children aged 7-14 who are involved in playing computer games at PlayStation centers in Tirana. The method used in the study is qualitative research, which is specifically a case study research. The main instrument for data collection is the semi-structured interview with 20 children who are users of video games at PlayStation centers in the New Tirana neighborhood. The data analysis showed that children has a high attendance and dependence on computer games at PlayStation centers, leading to children's positive perceptions and attitudes towards electronic games. Children's attitudes towards playgrounds indicate the importance of these games in entertainment, leisure time, communication, and relationships with peers. It is important that everyone - parents and caretakers, teachers, institutions and government structures - should work together to create a safe environment for children regardless of where they are; at home, at school, or in public places such as internet centers.

scholarly journals English Language Learning Experience Among Iban Secondary ESL learners in A Rural Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Balentia Engkasan ◽  
Hamidah Yamat
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Majority Population ◽  
Esl Learners

English language learning has become a rising topic in the Malaysian Education system as it is unable to develop fluent users among Malaysians. This leads to a question on what are the reasons behind the retardation of Ministry of Education Malaysia regarding the learning of English as a Second Language (ESL) in the country. Hence, this study was carried out to explore English language learning experienced by Iban secondary ESL learners in Saratok, Sarawak, as the ethnic is one of the majority population in Malaysia. This is a case study, and the data were gained through semi-structured interview sessions. A set of interview questions comprise of 2 sections were distributed. English language learning and the process involved while acquiring and learning the language at school were explored among three Iban secondary ESL learners. The findings revealed that the Iban learners had a positive attitude towards English language learning by applying various strategies while learning the language in a supportive and convenience classroom’s environment. The findings of this study benefit the language teachers as their source of reference in planning their lesson by selecting appropriate approaches and strategies that cater to learners’ needs and preferences to facilitate their learning of English language.

Evaluation of a personal professional mentor scheme for newly qualified nurses

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 672-676
Author(s):  
Charlotte Austin ◽  
Yvonne Halpin
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Potential Outcomes ◽  
Experienced Nurses ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Supportive Role ◽  
New Type ◽  
Experienced Nurse ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Pastoral Support

Background: Newly qualified nurses are known to experience a range of feelings and fears in the first transitional 12 months post-qualifying, with absence and turnover among potential outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the personal professional mentor role and scheme, a new pastoral support initiative, from the perspective of participating newly qualified nurses. Methods: Newly qualified paediatric nurses (n=10), who had been assigned a personal professional mentor (an experienced nurse who worked elsewhere in their employing NHS Trust), completed a semi-structured interview. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The personal professional mentor counteracted some aspects of transition isolation for the newly qualified nurses. They were an independent, accessible, experienced confidant and a welcome new supportive role. Conclusion: Pairing experienced nurses with newly qualified nurses provided a new type of workplace support during transition. Inexpensive to set up and run, it is an easy addition to any portfolio of support strategies.

scholarly journals Clinical Use of Surface Electromyography to Track Acute Upper Extremity Muscle Recovery after Stroke: A Descriptive Case Study of a Single Patient

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Heather A. Feldner ◽  
Christina Papazian ◽  
Keshia M. Peters ◽  
Claire J. Creutzfeldt ◽  
Katherine M. Steele
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Stroke Survivor ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Sensing Technology

Arm recovery varies greatly among stroke survivors. Wearable surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors have been used to track recovery in research; however, sEMG is rarely used within acute and subacute clinical settings. The purpose of this case study was to describe the use of wireless sEMG sensors to examine changes in muscle activity during acute and subacute phases of stroke recovery, and understand the participant’s perceptions of sEMG monitoring. Beginning three days post-stroke, one stroke survivor wore five wireless sEMG sensors on his involved arm for three to four hours, every one to three days. Muscle activity was tracked during routine care in the acute setting through discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Three- and eight-month follow-up sessions were completed in the community. Activity logs were completed each session, and a semi-structured interview occurred at the final session. The longitudinal monitoring of muscle and movement recovery in the clinic and community was feasible using sEMG sensors. The participant and medical team felt monitoring was unobtrusive, interesting, and motivating for recovery, but desired greater in-session feedback to inform rehabilitation. While barriers in equipment and signal quality still exist, capitalizing on wearable sensing technology in the clinic holds promise for enabling personalized stroke recovery.

scholarly journals Who could be One Health Activist at the community level?: A case for India

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandul Yasobant ◽  
Walter Bruchhausen ◽  
Deepak Saxena ◽  
Farjana Zakir Memon ◽  
Timo Falkenberg
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
One Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Community Level ◽  
System Level

Abstract Background Community health workers (CHWs) are the mainstay of the public health system, serving for decades in low-resource countries. Their multi-dimensional work in various health care services, including the prevention of communicable diseases and health promotion of non-communicable diseases, makes CHWs, the frontline workers in their respective communities in India. As India is heading towards the development of One Health (OH), this study attempted to provide an insight into potential OH activists (OHA) at the community level. Thus, this case study in one of India’s western cities, Ahmedabad, targeted identifying OHA by exploring the feasibility and the motivation of CHWs in a local setting. Methods This case study explores two major CHWs, i.e., female (Accredited Social Health Activists/ASHA) health workers (FHWs) and male (multipurpose) health workers (MHWs), on their experience and motivation for becoming an OHA. The data were collected between September 2018 and August 2019 through a mixed design, i.e., quantitative data (cross-sectional structured questionnaire) followed by qualitative data (focus group discussion with a semi-structured interview guide). Results The motivation of the CHWs for liaisoning as OHA was found to be low; however, the FHWs have a higher mean motivation score [40 (36–43)] as compared to MHWs [37 (35–40)] out of a maximum score of 92. Although most CHWs have received zoonoses training or contributed to zoonoses prevention campaigns, their awareness level was found to be different among male and female health workers. Comparing the female and male health workers to act as OHA, higher motivational score, multidisciplinary collaborative work experience, and way for incentive generation documented among the female health workers. Conclusion ASHAs were willing to accept the additional new liaison role of OHAs if measures like financial incentives and improved recognition are provided. Although this study documented various systemic factors at the individual, community, and health system level, which might, directly and indirectly, impact the acceptance level to act as OHA, they need to be accounted for in the policy regime.

College-Bound Figured Worlds: Case Studies of Three Urban High Schools

2021 ◽  
pp. 001312452110275
Author(s):  
Meredith R. Naughton
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Figured Worlds ◽  
Public High Schools ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Compare And Contrast

This qualitative case study explored the unique ways recent college graduates serving as full-time, near-peer mentors supported students along the path to college in three different urban public high schools. By applying the theory of figured worlds to school spaces and practices, this study sought to both define the physical and figurative ways mentors helped students envision and enact college-bound identities and compare and contrast the differences in these spaces across schools. Data and thematic analysis indicate that promoting the development and enactment of college-bound identities requires intentionality about how school culture, people, and policies enable real and figurative spaces for college-bound exploration and support.

A Case Study Exploring the Experiences of a Transgender Athlete in Synchronized Skating, a Subdiscipline of Figure Skating

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 421-449
Author(s):  
Shannon S. C. Herrick ◽  
Meredith A. Rocchi ◽  
A. Lauren Couture
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Safe Space ◽  
Figure Skating ◽  
Inclusive Practices ◽  
Amateur Sport ◽  
Figure Skater ◽  
Synchronized Skating

The inclusion of transgender athletes in sport challenges a number of long-standing cis-heteronormative beliefs within athletics at all levels of competition. There are limited studies examining the integration and experiences of transgender athletes within amateur sport. The following case study follows the experiences of a transgender synchronized figure skater, Mason, who was able to continue competing throughout his transition process. We conducted eight semi-structured one-on-one interviews with Mason, his teammates, his team manager, and his past and present coaches. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subject to thematic analysis which resulted in four overarching themes: (a) building inclusivity: “promote a safe space,” (b) acknowledging stress, (c) disclosure: “I didn’t want to talk about my past,” and (d) celebration. Results are interpreted as recommendations for coaches on how to adopt inclusive practices to better support transgender athletes.

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