scholarly journals Gamification as a Strategy for Enhancing Participation in e-Learning Environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Khalid Almalhy
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
School Community ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Average Impact ◽  
The Impact

The study aimed to explore the effects of a proposed gamification strategy in eLearning environments through integrating roles of school community members (school principal, educational supervisor, teacher, student, and parent) in order to improve their levels of participation in eLearning. A mixed methods research approach was used: Quantitative data were collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 41 faculty members specializing in educational technology in Saudi public universities, while qualitative data were collected through interviews with eight experts in the same field. The results showed that all factors had a medium impact, except for the impact of student performance on teacher performance, which showed the highest average impact, and the impact of student performance on the performance of the school principal, which showed the lowest average impact. Additionally, the results of the interviews were discussed as interpretation of the quantitative data, which confirmed—from the points of view of both the experts and the questionnaire recipients—the effectiveness of the proposed gamification strategy in improving the level of participation of all school community members. Based on the results, the study recommended the use of the proposed gamification strategy.

scholarly journals International Student Experience at US Community Colleges at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Whatley
Keyword(s):  
Community College ◽  
Community Colleges ◽  
International Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
International Student ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
College Leaders ◽  
Residency Status ◽  
The Impact

This study’s purpose is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students who were studying at US community colleges at the onset of this public health crisis. While previous work has explored the impact of the pandemic on international students generally, we argue that community college international students deserve focused attention due to their potentially marginalized status on their campuses. Using a mixed-methods research approach, we analyze survey and focus group data provided by 17 randomly-selected community college educators. Our results speak to two overarching themes: the supports provided to students at the onset of the pandemic (and educators reasons for providing these specific supports) and the unique impact of the pandemic on community college international students due to their citizenship or residency status. These findings have important implications for community college leaders and international educators as they work with international students during future times of crisis.

When Boundaries Around the “Secret” are Tested: A School Community Response to the Policing of Undocumented Immigrants

2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
School Personnel ◽  
School Community ◽  
School Policy ◽  
Community Response ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Safe Space ◽  
A Chain ◽  
The Impact

This case study focuses on a 2008 incident where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vans appeared near a K-5 elementary school. It was the first time school personnel experienced the impact of federal immigration agents policing illegality in their school community, and the event set off a chain of decision-making choices as to how personnel would respond. This article specifically explores how educators’ roles within a school shaped their access to information and subsequent sensemaking about ICE, asking two questions: (a) How does one’s position within a school shape a person’s sensemaking if a situation necessitates in-the-moment policy making? and (b) How might prior knowledge and professional position affect the information one accesses, shares, and uses in the policy-making process? Evidence comes from interviews with 14 personnel who reflected on the event, and shows that Aurora staff quickly established a policy and protocol within a few days to keep the school environment a safe space. The findings demonstrate that the school principal was a key “sensemaker” for other personnel. Ultimately, the school created its first school policy and protocol to ensure the school was a safe space for undocumented students, fusing a familiar school policy with new policy.

scholarly journals The Impact of Collaborative Writing and The Stream of Consciousness Technique on Writing

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-99
Author(s):  
Çelen Dimililer ◽  
Mustafa Kurt
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Collaborative Writing ◽  
Great Majority ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Stream Of Consciousness ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Writing Course ◽  
The Impact

This experimental research study attempted to examine the effectiveness of an advanced writing course integrating the stream of consciousness technique and collaborative writing. The writing course was designed for eleven undergraduate English as foreign language students studying at the English language teaching department. Adopting a mixed methods research design, qualitative and quantitative data were used to answer the research questions. Qualitative data were gathered from pre and post-intervention interviews and the quantitative data from the pre and post-tests. The results revealed that a great majority of the participants made considerable progress in terms of creativity and overall writing performance. The fact that the intervention was effective was apparent in a great majority of the participants’ preference for collaborative writing over individual writing and all participants’ preference for the stream of consciousness technique over traditional writing modes. In terms of the use of the stream of consciousness technique and collaborative writing, it was found that collaborative writing was a more pleasing experience. It was also found that due to the intervention they not only made good progress in terms of their writing skills but also their attitudes changed in a positive way towards writing.

scholarly journals Environmental turbulence and the role of business functions in the manufacturing strategy debate: The case of UK-based SMEs and the Great Recession

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 190-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eustathios Sainidis ◽  
Andrew Robson ◽  
Graeme Heron
Keyword(s):  
Great Recession ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Environmental Turbulence ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Specific Response ◽  
Manufacturing Strategy ◽  
Business Functions ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

This study provides an empirical assessment of the United Kingdom (UK) manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) sector, exploring the impact of environmental turbulence specific to the post–Great Recession (2008) era on changes to the way manufacturing strategy is formulated and implemented. The study identifies changes to the frequency, fluidity, formality and focus of manufacturing strategy review and how the various business functions play a changing role in contributing to this strategic process. A mixed-methods research approach is applied, incorporating a survey of 104 UK-based manufacturing SMEs supported by 17 in-depth interviews with senior managers. The research uses a parallel mixed analysis of the two data sources, thereby offering an alternative to the mono-quantitative approaches to manufacturing research that have dominated. The findings show that during, and emerging from, the post–Great Recession environment, the majority of manufacturing SMEs employ a fluid, highly frequent approach to manufacturing strategy review with increasing contributions from their marketing, sales and finance business functions driven predominantly by function-specific response to changes in the external environment, although internal drivers sill influence high-level strategy, finance and human resources. The implications of the study to theory, practice and general management suggest that the MSME sector is dominated by organizations experiencing continual impact from the external environment.

Assessing impacts of environmental peacebuilding in Caquetá, Colombia: a multistakeholder perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-199
Author(s):  
Héctor Morales-Muñoz ◽  
Katharina Löhr ◽  
Michelle Bonatti ◽  
Luca Eufemia ◽  
Stefan Sieber
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Natural Resource Management ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Sustainable Land Use ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Peace Agreement ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A major challenge in the field of environmental peacebuilding is showing the impact of its initiatives. Questions emerge, such as what kind of postwar peacebuilding dimensions are more likely to be affected by natural resource management projects? Although quantitative studies assess the relation between natural resource management programmes and conflict, the question remains: what are the mechanisms involved in implementing projects designed for environmental peacebuilding? To answer these questions, a mixed methods research approach is chosen, combining four qualitative and quantitative methods to triangulate results. First, we identify a set of peacebuilding dimensions and mechanisms based in the literature that facilitate assessing the impact of sustainable land-use systems (SLUS) design in the post-peace agreement region of Caquetá, Colombia. Second, not only do we interview experts and practitioners at global, national (Colombia) and local (Department of Caquetá) levels in the fields of peacebuilding, natural resource management and environmental peacebuilding, we also conduct three workshops and a survey in Caquetá to prioritize dimensions and discover explanatory mechanisms. The case of Caquetá, Colombia, shows that peacebuilding dimensions, such as socio-economic inclusion (e.g. sustainable livelihoods), creation of governance scenarios, and building capacities for dialogue and a peace culture, should be addressed to take account of the impacts of SLUS projects in post-conflict peacebuilding.

scholarly journals The Principal’s Leadership in Developing the Religious Values in SMA Negeri 1 Jatiroto

MANAZHIM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-154
Author(s):  
Slamet Priyanto ◽  
Usman Zainuddin Urif ◽  
Wahyu Kurnia Utami
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
School Community ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Religious Values ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Data Display ◽  
School Life ◽  
Islamic Religion

The values of religion in SMANJA recently is described as a school community which hasn’t applied the values of religious (optimally/maximally) in daily life. The school life has not given the life based on the religious values taught by islam. The headmaster is trying to motivate all the school citizen to create/ develop the religious values and try to implement the values at school maximally. In daily life, most of school citizen do implement the religious values at school, for example: a) The activity of praying dzuhur and ashar, b) The activity of prayer Dhuha  are not maximally implemented. The goal of this research is to reveal the principal’s leadership of developing the religious values in SMANJA. 1. Describing the religious values which are implemented in school community. 2. Describing the role and the effort of the principal in developing the religious values. 3. Describing the response of school citien in the offense of developing the religious values. This research applies the qualitative research approach. The sources of the research are the school principal, the vice principal, the teachers, the TU staff, OSIS committee and Remush, while the data collecting methodology is done by observation, and documentation. The results of the research are analyzed by data reduction, data display and data verification. The result of the research on the leadership in developing the religious values principal in SMAN Jatiroto including: 1. A calling for praying dhuhurwhichis done by the OSIS committee’s member in turn. 2. Holding the Dhuhur/Ashar praying. 3. Celebrating the Islamic Religion Day. 4. Holding the examination DO’A together with students of XII grade and their parents face the national and school

scholarly journals The Contribution of Community Education towards Minimizing the Spread of COVID-19: Ethnographic Research Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 32-41
Author(s):  
Avhurengwi Samson Mabade
Keyword(s):  
Community Education ◽  
Community Leadership ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Qualitative Technique ◽  
The Government ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Although the Government put protocols in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19, it remains the community’s obligation to adhere to the protocols and drive reform. It is the community’s responsibility to communicate succinctly and elegantly all the protocols in a morally unobjectionable manner. It is however a community-based problem although it is a worldwide pandemic to be fought holistically. Unless an individual community understands the impact of COVID-19 in the community, community members would hardly understand its impact in the entire community. If community members could heed the super spreading ways, almost all community members would advise one another on the best ways to mitigate the spread of this pandemic. The transformation brought about by community itself would result the transformation of each community member. Community leadership remains responsible to advocate this community education. The researcher adopted an Ethnographic Research Approach to provide an in-depth description of community members towards adhering to the protocols in place for minimizing the spread of this horrifying and deadly disease. The researcher employed qualitative technique for the collection of data. The responses of the community members were audio recorded and transcribed by the researcher and then analyzed for presentation as a report.

scholarly journals POPULATION’S VULNERABILITY TO NATURAL DISASTERS IN RUNNYMEDE VILLAGE AT TZANEEN LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 160-166
Author(s):  
F.K. Matlakala ◽  
L. Nyahunda ◽  
J.C. Makhubele
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
The Impact

Purpose of the study: This paper was aimed at determining the population’s vulnerability to natural disasters in Runnymede Village at Tzaneen Local Municipality, South Africa. Methodology: The researchers used the qualitative research approach and the exploratory research design. A total number of 16 participants took part in the study. The participants consisted of small-scale farmers, social workers, and disaster management members. Data was collected through individual semi-structured and focus group interviews and was analysed thematically. Main Findings: The study found that impoverished people in the rural areas, people living with disabilities, children, and women are mainly vulnerable to natural disasters. The study thus concludes that people in rural areas are more prone to the impact of natural disasters due to geopolitical, structural, and cultural systems. Applications of this study: People’s relatives, friends, and others close to them can disappear alongside their livelihoods, homes, hospitals, roads, transport, telecommunications networks, and schools. These effects trigger various emotions such as fear, anger, and grief to community members. To this end, community members will receive holistic intervention from relevant social workers, who will be providing psychosocial support. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study contributes positively to the field of social service, and provides guidelines to social workers to address natural disasters. Due to their educational background, social workers should fight the injustices that people in rural areas are predisposed to. They could challenge these injustices (inequalities) as these infringe on individuals’ rights to dignity and other associated rights.

scholarly journals The young adult’s perception of religion and formal structures: A postmodern perspective

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Herna Hall ◽  
C.S.L. Delport
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Moral Beliefs ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Group Interviewing

The postmodern era has an impact on different dimensions of the contemporary young adult’s social functioning which incorporates perceptions regarding religion and formal structures. This contemporary young adult refers to an individual between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Therefore the goal of this article was to report on research results regarding the perceptions of young adults on religion and formal structures. Within a mixed methods research approach, the exploratory mixed methods research design was utilised. Qualitative data was collected from 47 young adults by means of focus group interviewing. Quantitative data was collected from 1019 respondents utilising a questionnaire. Both groups were selected through the utilisation of purposive sampling. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis, whilst a range of descriptive and inferential statistical procedures was used to analyse quantitative data. The findings indicated that the postmodern young adult displays a tendency to value conventional religious norms and practices, but the element of choice is of importance, as young adults seem to choose the aspects of religion that suit them. An increased interest in and a need for spirituality or a form of transcendence was found. Guidance by formal structures was favoured, but did not necessarily refer to ‘church’ or religious structures. The results illustrated that the contemporary young adult explores and experiments in terms of identity and lifestyle. Views and values seem to be person-specific and based on emotions and experiences with a tendency towards ‘own authority’ and an emphasis on the self. The rise of individualism which characterises the postmodern era has led to the creation of meaning by drawing on personal resources and on own personal moral beliefs and values.

scholarly journals Enhancing Continuing Professional Teachers’ Development in High Schools through Support and Monitoring Offered to Communities of Practice by Stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Adeola Folasade Akinyemi ◽  
Vuyisile Nkonki
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Regular Class

This study is located in pragmatic research paradigm and adopted mixed methods research approach to get in-depth information from participants on enhancing continuing professional teachers’ development in high schools through support and monitoring offered to communities of practice by stakeholders. Semi-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview were used as the research instruments to solicit information from seventy-nine participants selected as samples. The participants were purposely selected because of their involvement in communities of practice activities in their schools. The data were analysed descriptively using simple percentage tables for quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed thematically based on the themes that emerged. The findings of the study show that teachers received lot of support from education district officials and facilitators of communities of practice. The type of support received include organising content gap workshop for teachers, encouraging team work, helping teachers in difficult areas of their subjects and assist in difficult areas of facilitation. The findings of the study also indicate that support and monitoring measures in communities of practice helped teachers get feedback that assist them to know areas of their subject matter they need to address and improve on. Recommendations were made that district officials should go on regular class visits to monitor teachers to check if they are implementing what they have learnt in the communities of practice and regular on-site support should be provided for teachers by subject advisors.

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