scholarly journals FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO POOR LEARNER PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS: A CASE OF SELECTED SCHOOLS IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-466
Author(s):  
Nomsa Mabena ◽  
Patricia Namayammu Mokgosi ◽  
Selina Serole Ramapela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
School Management ◽  
Mathematics Performance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Learner Performance ◽  
Case Study Design

Learners’ mathematics performance globally and locally has been a major concern. Learners are generally not performing well in mathematics. This is also true of learners in Kwagga West Circuit, Nkangala district in Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Performing badly in the subject negatively affects them, preventing them from progressing to the next grades. This research employed a qualitative case study design with observation and semi-structured interviews with a sample of three school management team (SMT) members, six teachers, nine learners, and three parent component members of the school governing body (SGB) to determine factors affecting learner performance in mathematics in the senior phase. The results showed that numerous factors influenced learners’ confidence and performance. The factors found to have an impact on mathematics performance were learner related, such as ill-discipline, language barriers and learner attitudes. Teachers’ factors included lack of pedagogical content knowledge and skill, and lack of appropriate professional training. Finally, the study offers suggestions for further research and recommendations regarding learners, teachers, schools, school management teams, the parents, as well as for the national education ministry. Keywords: poor performance, senior phase, qualitative research, case study design

Topik-Topik Komunikasi Dakwah Dalam Mesej Akidah Kepada Masyarakat Orang Asli di Selangor

Sains Insani ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Zulkefli Aini ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Don ◽  
Ahmad Irdha Mokhtar ◽  
Nur Uswah Ahmad Fauzi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Verbal Feedback ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Beliefs And Practice ◽  
Islamic Faith ◽  
Selection Of

One of the factors that can affect a person's behavior is a communication message. In the context of the da`wah, preachers who involved actively in da`wah communication with the Orang Asli should be able to ensure that the message conveyed can be understood by the target group. In addition, the selection of the correct messages of da`wah based on the foremost priority simplify the process of sharing information between the preachers and the Orang Asli. Accordingly, this article aims to identify specific topics of Islamic faith (akidah) submitted by the Orang Asli in the process of da`wah communication and to identify verbal feedback given by the preachers to the Orang Asli of the topics. This qualitative study using case study design and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Interviews involving nine preachers were active in da`wah activity to the Orang Asli community in Selangor. Data were analyzed thematically according to the specified objectives. The study found that the topics frequently raised by the Orang Asli is concerned about belief in Allah, belief in Malaikat, and belief in Qada' and Qadar. The topics may be found within the framework of worldview in their beliefs and practice of ancient traditions. Therefore, the preachers gave verbal feedback on these topics is based on a clear and precise sample corresponding to the level of their thinking. The emphasis on these topics is very important to strengthen and purify the faith of the community.Keywords: Communication; Message; Preacher; Indigenous community Abstrak: Elemen mesej dalam komunikasi merupakan salah satu faktor yang dapat memberi kesan terhadap perubahan tingkah laku seseorang. Dalam konteks dakwah, pendakwah yang terlibat dalam proses komunikasi dakwah dengan Orang Asli seharusnya berkebolehan memastikan kandungan mesej yang disampaikan boleh difahami oleh sasaran dakwahnya. Di samping itu, pemilihan mesej dakwah yang betul mengikut keutamaan memudahkan proses perkongsian maklumat antara pendakwah dengan Orang Asli. Sehubungan dengan itu, artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti topik-topik tertentu dalam mesej akidah yang dikemukakan oleh masyarakat Orang Asli kepada pendakwah dan mengenalpasti maklum balas lisan yang diberikan oleh pendakwah kepada Orang Asli terhadap topik tersebut. Kajian kualitatif ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pengumpulan data melalui temu bual separa struktur. Temu bual melibatkan sembilan orang pendakwah yang aktif dalam aktiviti dakwah masyarakat Orang Asli di Selangor. Data kajian dianalisis secara tematik mengikut objektif yang ditentukan. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa topik-topik yang sering dikemukan oleh Orang Asli kepada pendakwah dalam penyampaian mesej akidah ialah berkenaan tentang keimanan kepada Allah SWT, keimanan kepada malaikat, dan keimanan kepada qada’ dan qadar. Topik-topik berkenaan didapati berada dalam kerangka worldview kepercayaan dan amalan tradisi mereka. Sehubungan dengan itu, pendakwah memberikan maklum balas lisan terhadap topik-topik tersebut adalah berdasarkan keterangan yang jelas dan contoh yang tepat bersesuaian dengan tahap pemikiran mereka. Penekanan terhadap topik-topik tersebut merupakan perkara yang penting dalam rangka mengukuhkan dan memurnikan akidah masyarakat Orang Asli.Kata kunci: Komunikasi; Mesej; Pendakwah; Komuniti Orang Asli

scholarly journals Implementing the DEcision-Aid for Lupus (IDEAL): study protocol of a multi-site implementation trial with observational, case study design

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasvinder A. Singh ◽  
Larry R. Hearld ◽  
Allyson G. Hall ◽  
T. Mark Beasley
Keyword(s):  
Study Design ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Decision Aid ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Ideal Study ◽  
Implementation Trial

Abstract Objective To provide the details of the study protocol for an observational, case study design, implementation trial. Methods Implementing the DEcision-Aid for Lupus (IDEAL) study will put into practice a shared decision-making (SDM) strategy, using an individualized, culturally appropriate computerized decision-aid (DA) for lupus patients in 15 geographically diverse clinics in the USA. The overarching frameworks that guide this implementation study are the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Powell’s typology of implementation strategies. All 15 clinics will receive standardized capacity-building activities for lupus DA implementation in the clinic, including education, training, technical assistance, re-training, and incorporation of a clinic champion in the core team of each site. In addition, clinics will also choose among clinic-targeted activities to integrate the DA into existing work processes and/or patient-targeted activities to raise awareness and educate patients about the DA. These activities will be chosen to stimulate participant recruitment and retention activities that support the implementation of the DA at their clinic. In study aim 1, using surveys and semi-structured interviews with clinic personnel in 15 lupus clinics, we will assess stakeholder needs and identify clinic and contextual characteristics that inform the implementation strategy component selection and influence implementation effectiveness. Study aim 2 is to implement and assess the effectiveness of the IDEAL (standardized and tailored) strategy in 15 lupus clinics by examining the changes in our primary outcome of penetration, i.e., the proportion of all eligible patients in the clinic that receive the lupus DA, and secondary outcomes include DA appropriateness, acceptability, success, permanence, and feasibility. Study aim 3 is to identify ways to sustain and disseminate our lupus DA via semi-structured debriefing interviews with key clinic personnel and patients. Discussion The study will enroll at least 500 patient participants with lupus across all 15 sites and assess the effectiveness in implementing the DA in various clinic settings across the USA. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03735238. Protocol version number: 15, date 6/8/2020

scholarly journals Experiences of Educational Researchers in the Use of the Case Study Design During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Lessons From a South African Rural Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 160940692110225
Author(s):  
Layane Thomas Mabasa ◽  
Mahlapahlapana Johannes Themane
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
The Creation

This article explores the usefulness of the case study design in the creation of educational knowledge during uncertain times such as wars, disease outbreaks, famine, and pandemics, including Covid-19 pandemic. This is done at a time when others still doubt its contribution to the creation of knowledge. They criticize it for among other things, its lack of robustness and, its dependency on single case occurrences. In the current Covid-19 pandemic circumstances, further advantages of its application may be highlighted. Thus, the question is: to what extent does a case study design contribute toward knowledge creation during uncertain times? This article reflects on the experiences of educational researchers in using the case study design and its contribution to the creation of knowledge during the Covid-19 pandemic in a rural South African setting. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews with four researchers who were purposively selected to participate in the study and was analyzed by developing categories and themes. Despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, such as the inaccessibility of participants during data creation, the case study design proved to be a suitable alternative approach. The article argues that the use of the case study design is appropriate during uncertain times because of its flexibility and plausibleness. This includes, the understanding of the dynamic nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its management. For example, the case study design enables researchers to highlight the unique nature of different contexts created by the Covid-19 pandemic. It might also assist researchers in assessing and constructing additional data while observing social distancing. The implication of the study is that researchers need to consider the use of the case design in dealing with emergent issues. It may also help policy makers in the understanding and management of future public health advocacy campaigns regarding Covid-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Teachers’ experiences of teaching Accounting in the context of curriculum changes in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabulisile C. Ngwenya ◽  
Nosihle V. Sithole ◽  
Mercy Okoli
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
School Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Reflective Journals ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Curriculum Changes ◽  
Teachers Experiences ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Insufficient Knowledge

Accounting as a subject is plagued by persistent changes due to shifts in the discipline of Accounting originating from the developments in the profession. This study focuses on Accounting teachers’ experiences of teaching the subject during the time of curriculum change. It adopts an interpretive qualitative case study design to get a thorough understanding of Accounting teachers’ experiences. Data was obtained through reflective journals and semi-structured interviews from five purposively selected Accounting teachers. What came out from the findings is that Accounting teachers often struggle to teach new content as learners lacked adequate background knowledge needed to learn Accounting in succeeding grades. The unique language of the subject, shortage of textbooks and insufficient assessment activities in the textbooks constrained the teaching of Accounting. In addition, school management and Accounting specialists were found wanting in terms of the support offered to teachers as well as and providing regular advisory services to them because of insufficient knowledge of the subject and inadequate supervision skills. The study recommended that heads of departments should be fully trained on curriculum changes in their subjects to be able to provide guidance and supervise teachers under their leadership. On-going support should be provided by subject advisors in schools to assist teachers with challenging topics and teaching strategies.

scholarly journals The Impact of Xenophobic Attacks on the Livelihoods of Migrants in Selected Provinces of South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 254-259
Author(s):  
Enoch Rabotata ◽  
◽  
Jabulani Makhubele ◽  
Themba Baloyi ◽  
Prudence Mafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Undocumented Migrants ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
The Impact

Migration and xenophobia are realities that cannot be ignored globally. Recently, there has been a plethora of xenophobic attacks as a result of structural and socio-economic conditions in South Africa. This paper aimed to establish the impact of xenophobic attacks on the livelihoods of migrants in selected provinces of South Africa. Researchers opted for a qualitative study using a case study design. Participants were drawn from the population in Limpopo, North-West and Mpumalanga Province. A snowball sampling technique was used to sample seven migrants from Zimbabwe, India, and Ethiopia using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically. The study revealed that most migrants who reside in the rural areas of South Africa seldom experience xenophobic attacks, and therefore their livelihoods are not always negatively affected. The study concluded that displacement, deportation, and loss of income due to xenophobic attacks are experiences of undocumented migrants in the cities and not in the rural areas. This study also makes recommendations that migration management policies be implemented fully in the rural areas because this is where undocumented migrants find comfort.

scholarly journals A Case Study on Goal Orientations for Teaching

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-27
Author(s):  
Hülya Yıldızlı
Keyword(s):  
Study Design ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Classroom Practices ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Goal Orientations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Performance Goal ◽  
Mastery Goal ◽  
Case Study Design

The present research aimed to explore actions, views, and emotions in relation to teachers’ goal orientations and the reflection of goal orientations on their teaching practices. The study also aimed to compare whether there were differences among teachers’ practices based on their goal orientations. A case study design was adopted and 10 teachers who taught in different schools and school levels participated in the study. Those 10 teachers were grouped into two goal orientations; those with Learning-Mastery-Goal-Orientations (L-M-GO) and those with Learning-Mastery-Performance-Goal-Orientations (L-M-P-GO). A questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were held with teachers and the collected data were analysed using qualitative techniques. The results suggested while all teachers -regardless of their goal orientations- defined themselves as individuals who made efforts to learn, those with L-M-P-GO orientations experienced negative emotions and ideas in their learning journeys. Moreover, all teachers reported that there were certain cases where they avoided work. There were differences between teachers’ classroom practices and ideas based on their goal orientations.

Ties to the outside: An exploration of faculty interactions with external organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 295-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karley A Riffe
Keyword(s):  
Study Design ◽  
Financial Constraints ◽  
Academic Discipline ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Faculty Work ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Faculty Interactions ◽  
Embedded Case Study

Faculty work now includes market-like behaviors that create research, teaching, and service opportunities. This study employs an embedded case study design to evaluate the extent to which faculty members interact with external organizations to mitigate financial constraints and how those relationships vary by academic discipline. The findings show a similar number of ties among faculty members in high- and low-resource disciplines, reciprocity between faculty members and external organizations, and an expanded conceptualization of faculty work.

Capturing Transformative Moments in a Participatory Values-Based Event

2021 ◽  
pp. 154134462199624
Author(s):  
Felix Okechukwu Dike ◽  
JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji
Keyword(s):  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Fresh Perspective ◽  
The Stability

The theory of transformative learning (TL) has been criticized secondhand for its lack of clarity in capturing and explaining in detail the processes undergone by learners who are going through TL experiences and their link to learning outcomes. Using a case study design, and carefully synthesized TL processes (TLPs) from Mezirow’s TL theory, we present—moment by moment—the TLPs linked to outcomes identified among a group of teachers who participated in a values-based workshop. Participants were followed through interviews for over 72 weeks to trace the stability of their TL outcome. TL processes identified were compared to Mezirow’s 10 processes. The article discusses ontological transformations gained and offers fresh perspective to identifying TLPs that can be linked to outcomes.

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