scholarly journals Science and mathematics teaching through local games in preschools of Botswana

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabita Bose ◽  
Grace Seetso
Keyword(s):  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
Support Material ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Mathematics And Science ◽  
Probing Questions

This article presents a study regarding preschool teachers’ skills and competencies in teaching science and mathematics. The aim of the project was twofold; one to find out the preschool teachers’ knowledge about mathematics and science concepts and then to develop support material to empower them with skills and competencies to teach these concepts in preschools. A qualitative approach was adopted, and a case study method was used. Data were collected through two workshops and focus group discussions with preschool teachers. The study revealed that the preschool teachers had content knowledge, but lacked pedagogical knowledge that is crucial in teaching of preschool children, and they provided science and mathematics experiences in preschools scarcely. A resource book of 33 local games and rhymes thus was developed as a support material to empower the teachers with skills and competencies to use play to teach science and mathematics in preschools. The resource book developed consists of 33 local games/rhymes and is packaged with the games’ illustrations, steps and rules followed in the games, science and mathematics concepts and competencies that could be taught to children, along with probing questions that would help in teaching of science and mathematics concepts to children.

scholarly journals Aboriginal Perspectives and/in Mathematics: A Case Study of Three Grade 6 Teachers

in education ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-22
Author(s):  
Kathleen Nolan ◽  
J. Harley Weston
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Curriculum ◽  
Aboriginal Education ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Mathematics Classrooms ◽  
Teachers Experiences ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

AbstractThe marriage of Aboriginal perspectives and mathematics is complex and comes with multiple interpretations. Through the research presented in this paper, we propose that one possibility for a lasting relationship between Aboriginal perspectives and mathematics lies in understanding more about teachers' experiences and stories from their own mathematics classrooms, with their own students. The purpose of this paper, and of the research project informing this paper, is to understand how Grade 6 teachers in one particular Canadian province (Saskatchewan) are addressing Aboriginal-focused curriculum goals/outcomes and to listen to teachers' perspectives on teaching mathematics with a distinctly Aboriginal focus. Data collection consisted of focus group discussions, individual interviews, and classroom observations with three case study teachers (Chris, Joe, and Lindsay). In this paper, we present three brief vignettes constructed out of the data, which provide a glimpse into the uniqueness of each teacher, each classroom, and each interpretation of what it means to teach mathematics through a distinctly Aboriginal focus.            Keywords: Aboriginal education; mathematics curriculum; qualitative research; case study; Grade 6 teachers

When Culturally Significant Songs are Decontextualised: The Initiation Song Somagwaza, A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Dowling ◽  
Somikazi Deyi ◽  
Anele Gobodwana
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Popular Song ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Ritual Music ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
Small Focus ◽  
Over Time

While there have been a number of studies on the decontextualisation and secularisation of traditional ritual music in America, Taiwan and other parts of the globe, very little has been written on the processes and transformations that South Africa’s indigenous ceremonial songs go through over time. This study was prompted by the authors’ interest in, and engagement with the Xhosa initiation song Somagwaza, which has been re-imagined as a popular song, but has also purportedly found its way into other religious spaces. In this article, we attempted to investigate the extent to which the song Somagwaza is still associated with the Xhosa initiation ritual and to analyse evidence of it being decontextualised and secularised in contemporary South Africa. Our methodology included an examination of the various academic treatments of the song, an analysis of the lyrics of a popular song, bearing the same name, holding small focus group discussions, and distributing questionnaires to speakers of isiXhosa on the topic of the song. The data gathered were analysed using the constant comparative method of analysing qualitative research.

Compulsory Science Policy: Enhancing Gender Equality In Education? A Case Study Of Academic Achievement In Uganda

2021 ◽  
pp. 183-194
Author(s):  
Joyce Ayikoru Asiimwe
Keyword(s):  
Science Policy ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Physical Sciences ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Equality In Education ◽  
Depth Interviews

This paper communicates the results of a diagnostic evaluation of the performance of boys and girls in physical sciences at Ordinary level in Uganda after the adoption of the compulsory science policy. The objectives of the study were twofold: to examine the academic performance of boys and girls in the Uganda National Examinations from 2007 to 2010, and to highlight key factors that continue to influence the achievement of students, especially girls in sciences. Data was obtained from five co-educational secondary schools using documentary reviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The results revealed that the performance of both boys and girls have further declined after the implementation of the compulsory science policy. However, in comparison to the boys, girls in co-educational schools were still more likely to be among the poorest performers in sciences. This was attributed to a number of factors, key among them being girls' self-concept in sciences, and teachers' perception of girls' abilities in sciences. These findings reiterate the need to mainstream gender into both policy design and implementation.

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and gendered math teaching in Kuwait

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatimah Ahmad ◽  
Heather Greenhalgh-Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Education Research ◽  
Math Education ◽  
Math Performance ◽  
Science Study ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Women And Girls ◽  
Math Teaching ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Mathematics And Science

This paper argues for a more complex literature around gender and math performance. In order to argue for this complexity, we present a small portion of data from a case study examining the performance of Kuwaiti students on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and on Kuwait national math tests. Westernized discourses suggest that girls have a harder time in math classes; these discourses frame and are reified by prominent literature and practices within the field of math education research that suggest that women and girls need help in order to reach their potential in math. These Westernized discourses stand in contrast to the discourses in Kuwait that normalize women and girls as outperforming boys in all subjects – including all science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. As our study shows, the reality is more complex. And, while the reality is more complex, we yet lack the discourses to understand this complexity.

scholarly journals MOTIF PEREMPUAN BERKENDARA SEPEDA MOTOR TANPA HELM: STUDI KASUS DI KOTA SIDOARJO, JAWA TIMUR

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Irvan Rifai ◽  
Fajar Santoso
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Social Rules ◽  
Online Newspapers ◽  
Primary Data Analysis ◽  
Key Factor

This case study is aimed at revealing motives of women riding motor bike without helmet in Sidoarjo, East Java. The data in this study are garnered through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and artefact including online newspapers, whilst thematic analysis is utilised as a primary data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that; first, distance from home to school is a most salient motive of women riding bike without helmet. Second, the absence of policeman on the street is a key factor of not wearing helmet. Third, social identity is another reason for not wearing helmet. Fourth, styles and its influence of feeling discomfort of wearing helmet. Fifth, social rules and its impracticality of not wearing helmet. The findings of this study are expected to have contributions of the ways to educate people about safety riding by involving students, students’ parents, teachers and or stakeholders. This study, however, cannot represent all women perspectives of not wearing helmet when riding motor bike within Indonesia. Further research, therefore, is expected to consider areas and characteristics which might differ from the present study. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap motif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor tanpa helm di daerah Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur, dengan menggunakan metode wawancara, Focus Group Discussion, observasi, dan analisis terhadap tulisan-tulisan yang ada di media sosial, seperti koran online. Analisis yang dilakukan menggunakan metode analisis tematik. Dari hasil analisis data diperoleh 5 tema yang menjadi pembahasan pada penelitian ini, yaitu: pertama, Jarak dari rumah ke sekolah menjadi pertimbangan utama responden tidak memakai helm; kedua, Kehadiran aparat kepolisian dan motif tidak memakai helm; ketiga, Identitas sosial sebagai alasan tidak memakai helm; keempat, style dan pengaruh ketidaknyamanan memakai helm; dan ke lima, aturan sosial dan ketidakpraktisan memakai helm. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan bisa memberikan kontribusi informasi terhadap upaya mengedukasi masyarakat dalam keselamatan berkendara sepeda motor dengan melibatkan peran serta siswa, orang tua siswa, guru dan pemangku kepentingan. Namun demikian, dikarenakan penelitian ini terbatas pada studi kasus di Kota Sidoarjo, terdapat kemungkinan bahwa hasil yang diperoleh tidak dapat merepresentasikan perspektif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor di kota-kota lain di Indonesia. Untuk itu, penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dilanjutkan untuk kota-kota yang mempunya karakteristik berbeda dengan lokasi penelitian ini.

scholarly journals Herbal Garden Tourism Development In Thailand: A Case Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-240
Author(s):  
Prachyakorn Chaiyakot ◽  
Parichart Visuthismajarn
Keyword(s):  
Field Survey ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Lake Basin ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Public Area ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Herbal Species ◽  
Study Species

This article aims to study species of herbs and their properties to develop a tourism site in Baan Nai Wang, Baanna Sub-district, Srinakarin District, Phatthalung Province, present healthy food menus for tourists that use local raw ingredients, and develop an herbal garden tourism handbook for the Songkhla Lake Basin. Data were collected through a field survey, focus group discussions involving stakeholders, and in-depth interviews with herbal experts. The study found that there are two private vegetables and herbal gardens and one public area suitable for tourism sites. Thirty-three species of herbs are used for cooking, 17 species of herbs are used for curing disease, and 5 healthy food menus use local herbs as ingredients. We found that the area should be developed as a tourism destination for visitors to learn more about herbal species and herbal properties and to cure diseases using herbs.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-41
Author(s):  
Ondicho Machuki ◽  
Joan Mutua
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Safe Sex ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Purpose: The study sought to examine the influence of mobile phone use on sexual behaviour of university students: a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. The study specifically, sought to examine the effect of characteristics of mobile phones users, uses and gratification of mobile phones and the frequency of using mobile phones on sexual behaviour of university students in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. Methodology: The research design that was adopted was descriptive in nature. The study also used both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the respondents using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guides. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to select the sample size from the three strata, which are the various Faculties in JKUAT. The study then used Fisher’s formula to arrive at an adequate scientific sample size of 384 students who were targeted using convenient sampling, that is those that are ready to respond to the questionnaires and the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data in this research was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS v22.0. Results: It was concluded that male students are more likely to use protection consistently compared to female students. In addition, the findings imply that consistency in condom use is a factor that is dependent on the age of the individual. In addition, relationship status is a contributor to the behaviour of the students sexually. For those that are in serious relationships, their use of protection declines due to the build-up of emotional and intimate trust towards each other. The findings likewise indicate that the student’s usage of mobile phones correlates significantly with the consistent use of protection for safe sex. Those students who have had their phones since they joined Campus are more likely to practice safe sex. In addition, heavy users of mobile phones are likely to practice safe sex including those who browse the internet for news updates. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends the media practitioners need to step up the production of morally acceptable media content and offer a platform for advertising and campaigning for sexual conduct by encouraging and stressing the use of protection. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education should actively involve the undergraduate students in reproductive information awareness campaigns for ensuring positive attitudes towards responsible sexual behaviour and promoting best sexual practices.         

Leveraging Technology to Develop Pre-Service Teachers’ TPACK in Mathematics and Science Methods Courses

2012 ◽  
pp. 170-182
Author(s):  
Kate Popejoy ◽  
Drew Polly
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Methods Course ◽  
Science Methods ◽  
Methods Courses ◽  
Science Methods Course ◽  
Science Concepts ◽  
Science Methods Courses ◽  
Mathematics And Science

These two cases address issues related to using technology as a tool to develop pre-service teachers’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in mathematics and science methods courses. The chapter assumes the following scenario and overarching case study question: You and your colleagues are the course instructors of a mathematics and a science methods course. Your pre-service teachers typically lack content knowledge in mathematics and science. Further, you must also address pedagogies and how to use technology as a tool to support student learning of mathematics and science concepts. What activities can you create to simultaneously develop knowledge of content, pedagogies and how to teach with technology?

Clipped wings: School leaders’ identities in ICT-enriched education landscapes – a narrative inquiry

2020 ◽  
pp. 174114322091825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicente Chua Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Inquiry ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Reform Initiatives ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Communication And Technology

This qualitative research inquiry explores how school leaders shape their identities while navigating incessant and seemingly endless school transformations. The central questions addressed are the following: how do school leaders make sense of their identities in rapid periods of reform? And how do they view themselves in new educational landscapes? An exploratory case study of four target schools that took part in policy reform initiatives directed at the ubiquitous use of Information Communication and Technology was undertaken for this inquiry. Using narrative inquiry as an analytical frame for the focus group discussions interviews and field notes, this inquiry investigates and builds emerging explanations to school leaders’ sense-making in periods of reform.

Facilitating collaboration and community participation in tourism development: The case of South-Eastern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 146735842096603
Author(s):  
Afamefuna Eyisi ◽  
Diane Lee ◽  
Kathryn Trees
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Southeastern Region

Collaboration and community participation are crucial for securing sustainable tourism and highlight the need to listen and respond to the broad range of stakeholders’ voices, opinions, and concerns. These concepts dominated the discourse of sustainable-responsible tourism and gave rise to collaboration theory as well as various types of community participation. Many scholars in both Western and emerging economies have employed these concepts; however, there is limited research on how they apply in the Nigerian tourism industry. Therefore, this exploratory research discusses collaboration and community participation in tourism development in Nigeria, using the Southeastern region as a case study. In this area, tourism is in the early phase of growth. The paper reports on interviews and focus group discussions used to interact with tourism stakeholders in the region (traditional rulers, men, women, and youth representatives, chief priests, security agents, and tourism officials). Results showed that while the stakeholders are willing to collaborate, challenges affecting their efforts include autocratic governance structures leading to mistrust, clash of responsibilities, inadequate funding for security, lack of tourism awareness and little respect for local culture. The paper concludes that to develop a resident-friendly tourism destination and sustain collaboration and community participation, stakeholders require education about tourism and opportunities to participate in planning.

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