scholarly journals Online-Based Learning: Challenges and Strategies of Freshman Language Learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66
Author(s):  
Danica Jane Barrera

The increasing demand for the implementation of an alternative learning scheme to aid the sudden setback in the field of education has been one of the most debated topics among the government and educational sectors worldwide. With the impossibility of face-to-face learning, the government had to devise an attainable learning substitution plan which resulted in the birth of online education. This study is one of the few studies that seek to determine the challenges and strategies used by freshman language learners in online education in the midst of a pandemic. Furthermore, a descriptive-qualitative design was employed in the study. Hence, the data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. The respondents for this study were identified by means of a purposive sampling technique. On that account, the respondents were handpicked in consideration to the inclusion criteria. Moreover, in depth individual interviews were conducted to seven respondents, five females and 2 males. To analyze the data, thematic analysis was utilized.  The challenges that emerged in the study are the following: High-cost internet access, less social engagement and inactive class discussion, unfamiliarity of the new learning modality, internet connectivity, stress inducing school-works, lack of technological resources, location-related stressors and unpredictability of power outages. The paper concludes with the four emerging themes concerning the strategies freshman language learners use in online education and how those strategies aid the aforementioned challenges.

Author(s):  
Laser Romios ◽  
Nindya Primandita ◽  
Novilda Angela Saragih

<p class="AbstractText">This study is aimed at exploring the voices of English teachers and students of a state senior high school towards the National Exam policy and its implementation in Indonesia. Several theories of psychology and language learning were applied in this study as the theoretical framework. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. The participants were chosen by purposive sampling technique. The data for this study were garnered through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) conducted to the selected twelfth-grade students and semi-structured interviews done to two English teachers. Both data were analyzed descriptively. Upon the analysis, two paramount themes prevailed: (1) the negative response towards the implementation and accuracy of National Exam (NE) policy in Indonesia; and (2) unintended impacts of NE policy on teaching and learning activity, students’ motivation, and English Language Learning and Curriculum. This study offers information for the government as the policymaker, school leaders, teachers, and researchers to understand how the NE is implemented at the school level.</p>


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROLINE HOWE ◽  
RUSLAN MEDZHIDOV ◽  
E. J. MILNER-GULLAND

SUMMARYEvaluating the relative effectiveness of different conservation interventions is difficult and rarely undertaken. Conservation of the critically endangered saiga antelope in the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia) provides a unique experimental set-up that was used to disentangle this issue. This study uses the amount pledged for conservation, adapted from contingent valuation methods, as a measure of behavioural intention to contribute to saiga conservation, to evaluate conservation effectiveness. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 250 individuals in eight villages exposed to traditional ‘fences-and-fines’ conservation, livelihoods enhancement (social engagement) or low-level media coverage. The intervention employed had a direct effect on amount pledged for saiga conservation. Social engagement programmes decreased protest-bidding behaviour but resulted in low amounts pledged for saiga conservation. Those exposed to media coverage pledged the greatest amounts on average, whilst those exposed to traditional conservation had both a high level of protest bidding and low pledges from those who pledged something. The primary reason given for protest bids was that the government or international community should pay for conservation. This may be a relic from the Soviet era, and may explain low pledges for conservation under social engagement. Ecological knowledge strongly affected amount pledged. The results were influenced by cultural and demographic factors, including residence time, exposure to saigas, age, wealth and knowledge regarding conservation. This study is unusual in disentangling the effect of a conservation intervention from other factors, and proposes using amount pledged for conservation as a practical tool for evaluating the effectiveness of projects aimed at increasing awareness and promoting positive behavioural intentions towards conservation. It provides support for media awareness-raising as a successful conservation intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-121
Author(s):  
Tehjeeb Alam ◽  
Mr Afsana

In the Covid-19 period, almost all educational institutions in India are helping students by online classes to cover their syllabus according to the academic calendar. For this situation, researchers have done this research to examine the structural conditions and social structures that mediate poverty among Dalit and Muslim students and access to quality education. This is a comparative study with the use of mixed methods research technique. The snowballs sampling technique was used for data collection as well as some stock narratives were collected from students of various schools in Haldwani. Galtung’s structural violence theoretical perspective was used to know the structural condition of Dalit and Muslim students. This study shows that online education needs instantaneous and easily accessible technology, as online education is widening the gaps between rich and poor and accelerating the concept of equality. This can be improved through better education policies through the government and the structural violence happening with students can be eliminated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-21
Author(s):  
Makinde Ibitola ◽  
Ogunlade Olurotimi ◽  
Omotoyinbo Oluwatoyin

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on students’ academic calendar of higher institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey research design guided by two research questions which were formulated to guide the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection Random sampling technique was used to select the population size. Also one and hundred fifty (150) questionnaire instruments were administered to the respondents who formed the population of the study through email. The questionnaires were filled and returned to the researcher and data collected was presented in percentage tables. Findings: The study revealed among others that COVID-19 schools close down has affected the academic calendar of schools in Nigeria because major external examinations would be postponed. Also, COVID-19 schools close down has led to suspension of teaching and learning, and suspension of all extra-curriculum activities in higher institutions. Recommendations: Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made. The schools administrators should ensure teachers develop strategies to cover all their scheme of work for the term before going for internal examinations, the government should provide all infrastructural facilities that will support online education in all the schools in Ekiti State to prevent any eventuality of future close down of schools because of pandemic


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 233339362110148
Author(s):  
Restuning Widiasih ◽  
Ermiati ◽  
Etika Emaliyawati ◽  
Sri Hendrawati ◽  
Raini Diah Susanti ◽  
...  

As health service providers, nurses are at a high risk of COVID-19 infection, as are their family members who live with them. This study aimed to explore nurses’ actions to protect their families from COVID-19 in Indonesia. This qualitative descriptive study included seventeen nurses who were chosen using the snowball sampling technique. The semi structured interviews explored nurses’ actions and behavior, and comparative analysis was performed to analyze the data. The study identified four themes: nurses modified their behavior and environments to protect their families, provided supplements and nutritious food, enhanced their families’ knowledge and awareness of COVID-19, and protected their families from social stigma. Nurses play active roles in the health of their family members. The government should support nurses in their roles so that they can remain healthy while caring for COVID-19 patients, and not transmit COVID-19 to their own families.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Tjahjorini ◽  
Sumardjo Sumardjo ◽  
Margono Slamet ◽  
Djoko Susanto ◽  
Darwis S Gani

<p><em>Street child problems, like iceberge phenomenon, of which the regional pockets, the distribution and the age tremendously increase day by day. Since 1997 the government of Indonesia through the Social Ministry has been carrying out efforts to overcome the problems, but up to now the efforts have not yielded the expected results because of the limited information of the problems. The present research was addressed to provide informations on the phenomenon profiles of street children and strategies for their elimination in Bandung, Bogor and Jakarta. Data were collected using structured interviews, focus group discussion and direct observation. The collected data were analysed using parametric and non-parametric statistics. Population were street children, 5-21 years of age. Sample in each region was consisted of 75 persons, 50 males and 25 famales, drawn using cluster random sampling  technique, and 25 parents of  the respondens as a cross check. The influence of family background on the street children behavior, direct or indirectly, was more obvious compared to that of  environmental background. The latter was indirect through sociologic characteristics of the street children particularly on the non formal education. Strategy for elimination of the street children could be equally applied for the whole regions, except for its approach, which can use the TRIBINA, which means  Human Building, Environmental Building and Efforts Building could be employed.</em></p><p> </p>


Author(s):  
Ijeoma Ikejiofor Nwosu ◽  
Rita Oluchi Onoyima ◽  
Ignatius Ani Madu ◽  
Victor Chukwunweike Nwokocha

Purpose Broom production and marketing is a local business industry operated by women in Nigeria. This activity serves not only as a source of livelihood to women but also has created job opportunities for the teeming unemployed persons in the rural areas. This paper aims to examine socioeconomic effects of small-scale women businesses in broom production and marketing industry in Nigeria with a view to analyze small-scale women businesses in Igbo Eze North District of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach New economic theory was used to guide the study. The study adopted a quantitative research design comprising of semi-structured interviews, field observations, reference to relevant literature and a questionnaire survey of 340 female households engaged in broom production and marketing from fifteen villages. This sample size was selected using purposive sampling technique and Yamane formula. Frequencies and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze the data. Findings The study found that broom production and marketing have an effect on the socioeconomic development of the people. The study found a positive relationship between broom production and marketing and income generated, education and occupation in the study area. This study concluded by suggesting that broom production in the study area should be mechanized to improve the quality and quantity of broom produced in the area. Practical implications This study has shown that Nigerian women have good potentials for entrepreneurship. Both the society and the government authorities should work together in supporting female ventures in Nigeria. Originality/value The paper empirically has shown the socioeconomic effects of small-scale women businesses in broom production and marketing on local household of Igbo Eze North District of Nigeria. This study stands as the first in Nigeria to consider the effects of broom production and marketing and how women in this part of Nigeria have used it to create job opportunities and opportunities of income for themselves and their families.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-59
Author(s):  
Sonia Umair ◽  
Jo Ann Ho ◽  
Norazlyn Kamal Basha ◽  
Serene Siew-Imm Ng ◽  
Umair Waqas

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to identify factors that were important in posthumous organ donation decisions in a developing country such as Pakistan. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted with 50 semi-structured interviews among students of one public and one private university in Lahore (Pakistan) to understand their attitudes and factors influencing their decisions on posthumous organ donations. Purposive sampling technique was used in this study. The interview questions focused on the level of knowledge, motivation and overall attitude towards the posthumous organ donation decision of the respondents. Main Findings: There was a lack of general knowledge among university students in Pakistan. Most of the students had a positive attitude for posthumous organ donation yet moral norms are very influential in the decision-making process for organ donation after death. Those who were willing were reluctant because of the influence of family and friends. Religion was also another significant norm factor for prohibiting them to be an organ donor after death. Implications/Applications: The present study provided a way in the advancement of knowledge towards an understanding of the attitude, moral norms along with social and family influence for not only intention to donate but also signing the donor card. The findings of the study are useful for the government, policymakers and the organizations in Pakistan in their efforts to increase awareness and organ donation rates in the country. Novelty/Originality: The present research was exploratory and the intention for this research was to explore the underlying behavioral and normative beliefs which may inhibit or encourage organ donation among university students. Such qualitative studies are relatively uncommon in transplant literature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Olyaaeemanesh ◽  
Ebrahim Jaafaripooyan ◽  
Akbar Abdollahiasl ◽  
Majid Davari ◽  
Seyyed Meysam Mousavi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Over the past three decades, allocation of foreign currency subsidies has been the primary strategy of various administrations in Iran to improve access to medicines. This strategy has resulted in several challenges, including stakeholder conflicts of interest. Objective To identify the power, interest, and role of the stakeholders in allocating foreign currency subsidies to medicines in the Iranian health system. Methods In this qualitative study, 39 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Key informants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. The theoretical framework adopted by Varvasovszky and Brugha was employed. The data were analysed using directed content analysis. Results The foreign currency subsidy for medicines included 21 stakeholders in five main categories: governmental organizations, Iranian Parliament, general population, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the pharmaceutical industry. Stakeholders varied in their level of participation and support in the policy-making process. Among them, the Iranian Government, Planning and Budget Organization, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), and Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) were the most important stakeholders, with highly supportive positions, while domestic drug manufacturers were the strongest opponents of this policy. The Government of Iran is the most powerful institution with regard to the ability to allocate foreign currency subsidies to medicines, followed by the MoHME and the IFDA. Conclusion This study demonstrated that identifying and analysing the stakeholders involved in allocating foreign currency subsidies to medicines can provide valuable information for policy-makers to enable a more comprehensive understanding and better capacity to determine whether or not to eliminate these subsidies. Moreover, decision-making in this process is a long-term issue that requires consensus among all stakeholders. Because of the political and social consequences of eliminating foreign currency subsidies, the necessary political will is not institutionalized. We recommend a step-by-step approach in eliminating foreign currency subsidies if the requirements are met (i.e., those related to the consequences of such interventions). Therefore, revision of the current policy along with these requirements, in addition to financial transparency and enhanced efficiency, will facilitate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by improving access to medicines.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Alfred Eboh

Background: The hawking of wares by children has been a serious issue confronting the Nigerian society. Children hawk in some of the most horrible conditions conceivable, where they face a serious risk of injury, chronic illness, kidnapping, rape or death. Objective: The focus of this study was to assess the perceived effects of street hawking on the well-being of children in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Methods: The population of this study consists of parents of the street hawkers in Anyigba while cross-sectional survey design was used through the purposive sampling technique to choose the sample size of one hundred and sixty-two (162) respondents. The validated structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) served as the instruments for the data collection respectively. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square at a predetermined 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS (version 20). Results: The results indicated among others that street hawking had significant social implications and physical consequences on children's moral behaviour as well as health status in the study area. Conclusion: The study, therefore, concluded that the government of Kogi State should carry out an enlightenment campaign through the media and religious institutions on the negative consequences of street hawking are recommended as panacea. Also, the child right act instrument and its implementation should be strengthened in order to curb street hawking in the study area.


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