scholarly journals Mentor-Mentee Experiences Amidst COVID-19: A Teaching Practice Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-95
Author(s):  
Cias T Tsotetsi ◽  
Selloane A Mile
Keyword(s):  
Student Teachers ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Collaborative Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extra Curricular Activities ◽  
The World ◽  
The University ◽  
University Officials

Preparing student teachers for the world of work is seen globally as a challenge. This research aims to explore mentors and mentees experiences in teaching practice during the COVID-19 period. In order to explore the challenge in this study, the following research question guided the paper: What are the teaching practice experiences of mentors and mentees at a school during COVID-19? The research question is a result of limited research done on the experiences of two groups during COVID-19. Informed by the realist social theory, we generated data via telephonic interviews with mentors and mentees in one school. The data was generated through semi-structured Interviews and thematic analysis was a method employed in the analysis of the data. The results present challenges experienced by mentees which, amongst others, include a feeling of inadequacy or a lack of confidence in their abilities to bring about order to the classroom and a feeling of being excluded in meetings and extra-curricular activities. On the other hand, mentors receive mentees without any prior warning or without arrangements made to accommodate them and the absence of the university officials except for assessment. Based on the results, a collaborative approach should be employed to deal with some of the challenges experienced by mentors and mentees.

scholarly journals Experiences of LNU Neophyte Teachers: Cues for a Viable Mentoring Program

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Aguirre ◽  
Solomon Faller
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Practice ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The University ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

The usefulness of teachers’ mentoring program cannot be underestimated. Some universities and colleges in the Philippines have been implementing this kind of program with different approaches, content, and scope. The extent of mentoring programs to improve teaching careers has been studied here and abroad. Results remain inconclusive. This case study with a phenomenological peg has explored the lived experiences of neophyte teachers through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Their experiences in the first years of teaching were characterized by uncertainties, anxieties, struggles, and difficulties emanating from their lack of expertise on various aspects related to teaching practice, lack of knowledge about the culture and context of the university in which they were teaching, and lack of knowledge about the learners. With these specific inadequacies identified and the novice teachers’ implicit desire to be mentored, cues for a viable neophyte teacher’s mentoring program are drawn in the context of a teacher-training university.

Open Distance E-Learning Student Teaching Practice Mentorship Experience in Selected Secondary Schools in South Africa

2019 ◽  
pp. 256-277
Author(s):  
Ailwei Solomon Mawela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Student Teaching ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The University

Open distance learning (ODeL) approach is used worldwide to offer different qualifications. In studying towards obtaining a teaching qualification at UNISA, students are required to participate in teaching practice sessions before they can obtain their teaching qualification. This study aims at exploring ODeL institution student teachers' teaching practice experience in selected secondary schools in Vhembe District of South Africa. This qualitative single case study employed an interpretivism paradigm and personal theory of teaching practice. Convenient purposive sampling technique was used to sample six (n=6) student teachers from the University of South Africa who were currently conducting teaching practice in secondary schools during this study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data that was later analyzed through the use of themes and categories. The findings indicate a lack of knowledge, which requires ODeL student teachers to be trained prior teaching practice. Mentor teachers require professional development.

scholarly journals On the Cultivation of Their Community of Practice: A Case Study of EFL Malaysian Pre-Service Teachers

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taghreed El Masry ◽  
Mohd Rashid Mohd Saad
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
The University

This study examined the experiences of five EFL student teachers/pre-service teachers (PSTs) who participated in a Community of Practice (CoP) during their simulated teaching course and the practicum stage or teaching practice (TP), at The University of Malaya, a public Malaysian university. The experiences and tensions they encountered through this stage were discussed in the light of cultivating their CoP over five stages. Joining the CoP, increasing participation and negotiation of one's tacit knowledge and assumptions were found to be productive at their learning to teach stage. However, some tensions, such as English proficiency level, self-confidence and agency, power relationships and worries of assessment persisted until the end of their practice. The results highlighted the significance of collaboration, reflection and social interactions with other CoP members as key to PSTs' learning.

scholarly journals Strategies Used by UNISA Student Teachers in Teaching English First Additional Language

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Malewaneng Maja ◽  
Masilonyana Motseke
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Teaching Strategies ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interactive Teaching ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Bachelor Of Education ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The University

The teaching of English to non-English speakers in historically disadvantaged areas of South Africa is a difficult task for student teachers. This study was conducted in the township schools at Ekurhuleni North District, in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) used interactive teaching strategies in the teaching of English as a First Additional Language (EFAL). The study also intended to highlight the support provided by UNISA lecturers to these student teachers. The study was grounded in interpretivism with self-determination theory (SDT) informing it. The study was a qualitative descriptive case study with document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews utilised to collect data. Purposive sampling assisted in selecting six student teachers, of which three were male and three were female. The student teachers were studying in their 3rd and 4th years of the Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.), specialising in English. Data collected were categorised into codes and themes. The findings reveal that student teachers only used pictures, charts and flashcards as interactive teaching strategies in teaching EFAL. It was concluded that student teachers were not well-prepared in the use of interactive teaching strategies in the teaching of EFAL and were not adequately supported by the university. It is recommended that UNISA lecturers should regularly visit student teachers during their teaching practice offering support, motivation and advice.

scholarly journals The Hub in a Pub: University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Felce
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Collaborative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Local Landmark ◽  
Local Contexts ◽  
The World ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the innovative approach being taken by the University of Wolverhampton to create an Apprenticeship Hub through which the regional offer for Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships can be accessed. Readers can review the approach taken and consider the possibilities of a similar approach in their own context. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a case study that sets out and discusses the drivers behind the approach adopted to create the Apprenticeship Hub. It identifies the stakeholders who will engage with the Apprenticeship Hub and it outlines the reasons for, and benefits of, working in collaboration with other organisations to provide an integrated offer for apprenticeship provision across the region. Findings The Apprenticeship Hub is a physical entity within a well-known local landmark building that is easily accessible to the communities which is intended to serve. It has been developed to meet the national and local contexts and, although only recently established, it is meeting the needs of the stakeholder groups. It provides an environment through which the integrated regional apprenticeship offer can be accessed. Practical implications The world of apprenticeships is changing significantly with many new requirements for employers and for education. It is a complex road to travel, particularly for Higher Education (HE) which has not, traditionally, been involved in the world of apprenticeships. This paper posits that a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and recognition of respective strengths can lead to organisations working in partnership to draw together their respective expertise to ensure that, through a collaborative approach they can meet the needs of the communities that they serve. Originality/value Apprenticeships are new to HE; universities are entering a complex and unknown territory. This paper sets out the approach taken by one university to work in partnership with others to provide an integrated offer that could be adopted or adapted by other providers to their own context.

EXPLORING EX-ANTE IMPACTS AND SOCIAL AND SPORTIVE CHALLENGES OF HOSTING A FUTURE NEW INTERNATIONAL MAJOR EVENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE WORLD ROLLER GAMES IN BARCELONA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Saló ◽  
Laia López
Keyword(s):  
Social Economic ◽  
Research Question ◽  
City Image ◽  
Local Council ◽  
The World ◽  
Future Consequences ◽  
Mega Event ◽  
The City ◽  
The Postponement

Research Question: This analysis arises from the decision of the current local council of Barcelona regarding the postponement of the sporting mega-event ‘World Roller Games’, due to a lack of a social and sportive implication in this event. This research tries to shed some light on the matter and give evidence to the local council to become the world capital of skating. The research question is to analyse whether non-economic impacts could be relevant enough to organise a mega-event.Research Methods: The methodology is based on the perception and experience of spectators and participants on four main impacts (social, economic, sports city image and sports practice) using a survey from a National Roller Skating Championship in Spain, considering that this profile of respondents have a better knowledge of the current situation of this sport.Results and Findings: There are positive expected future consequences of this mega-event to be held in Barcelona in social and sportive terms. We can also conclude that the local council must still introduce some social and sportive policies in the city in order to improve the chances of success in social, sports practice and sportive brand image development.Implications: It is demonstrated that a mega-event should not be seen purely from a perspective of business generation, especially with minority sports like roller skating. There is a clear opportunity to develop social and sportive practice initiatives that can push social cohesion throughout the city thanks to a mega-event such as this one.

scholarly journals The Key Strategies to Implement Circular Economy in Building Projects—A Case Study of Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 754
Author(s):  
H.-Ping Tserng ◽  
Cheng-Mo Chou ◽  
Yun-Tsui Chang
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pilot Projects ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
The World ◽  
Project Phases ◽  
Future Project

The building industry is blamed for consuming enormous natural resources and creating massive solid waste worldwide. In response to this, the concept of circular economy (CE) has gained much attention in the sector in recent years. Many pilot building projects that implemented CE concepts started to appear around the world, including Taiwan. However, compared with the pilot projects in the Netherlands, which are regarded as the pioneer ones by international society, many CE-related practices are not implemented in pilot cases in Taiwan. To assist future project stakeholders to recognize what the key CE-related practices are and how they could be implemented in their building projects in Taiwan, this study has conducted a series of case studies of Dutch and Taiwanese pilot projects and semi-structured interviews with key project stakeholders of Taiwanese pilot projects. Thirty key CE-related practices are identified via case studies, along with their related 5R principles (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle) and project phases. Suggestion on CE-related practices, their 5R principles, project items, and phases to implement in building projects in Taiwan is also proposed while discussion on differences between two countries’ pilot projects is presented.

University as a vehicle to achieve social innovation and development: repositioning the role of the university in the society

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lwando Mdleleni
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of university in promoting, generating and sustaining social innovation (SI). It aimed to understand how higher education institutions have extended their contribution beyond the traditional function of teaching and research to perform in socio-economic problem-solving. It looks at the kinds of contributions which universities potentially make to SI processes, and the effects that this has on the direction and magnitude of SI, and by implication social development. This was done by drawing lessons from a SI project that the University of the Western Cape has been involved in, i.e. Zenzeleni Networks Project. Design/methodology/approach To address the research question with this framework, the author adopted an exploratory research design using a case study. This research is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive, based on a case study built with secondary data. Findings This paper submits that universities can potentially function as key role players in promoting SI initiatives and fostering social transformations. Universities contribute with different kinds of resources and inputs to foster new SI ideas. Originality/value The paper suggests that socially innovative university projects may contribute to community social sustainability maintaining social cohesion by increasing social capital and providing resources for the empowerment of the marginalised communities. In so doing, they contribute to overcome social exclusion and promote more sustainable forms of development at community level. More research is needed on how universities can build community networks with local community partners, who can use the insights of academic research to replicate interventions and move to scale.

scholarly journals Implementing English-medium instruction

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-153
Author(s):  
Kari Sahan
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
State University ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Preference ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
University Department

Abstract As part of the trend toward internationalization of higher education, governments and universities have introduced policies to encourage the expansion of English-medium instruction (EMI). However, top-down policies do not necessarily translate to teaching and learning practices. This article provides a case study examining the implementation of undergraduate EMI engineering programs at a state university in Turkey to explore the gaps that exist between national- and institutional-level EMI policies and classroom-level practices. Data were collected through policy documents, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and focus group discussions with students. The findings suggest that the implementation of EMI varies across classrooms, even within the same university department. Despite policies that envision one-language-at-a-time instruction, the EMI lecturers in this study varied in terms of language preference and teaching practice in their EMI lectures. Implications are discussed with respect to policy planning, teacher training, and the expansion of EMI across university contexts.

scholarly journals The libraries in students’ and undergraduates’ educational reading

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-98
Author(s):  
T. Yu. Cherkashina ◽  
E. A. Chernyshova ◽  
S. N. Lyutov
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationship ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Reading Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Internet Resources ◽  
Academic Center ◽  
The University

The goal of the study was to reveal distinction between the reading practices at different educational levels and to specify the libraries’ place in these practices. The reading practices are determined not only by the new technological (digital) environment but also by the institutional and organizational context and social relationship within the educational environment. The case study of educa-tional institutions of Novosibirsk Academic Center (namely Novosibirsk State Uni-versity and the University’s specialized Academic Research Center) was accom-plished. The data was acquired through structured interviews, questionnaire-based survey supplemented with the statistical data of RAS SB State Public Scien-tific and Technological Library. The majority of high-graders use the library for textbooks and/or if recommended by the teacher. The university library is less involved in the educational process; the students visit the library occasionally (e.g. searching for rare publications or lacking alternatives). The university is not their source of digital documents or full texts either; the students prefer not to scruti-nize the specificity of every database and access procedure and turn to searchable Internet-resources. The library, in student’s opinion, needs modernization for less formal and disciplinary regulations, for more comfort, and polyfunctional envi-ronment of reading rooms.

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