scholarly journals Challenges of Effective Principals Leadership in School Improvement in Government Secondary Schools of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
pp. 34-45
Author(s):  
Diriba Kene ◽  
Hussien Kedir ◽  
Garkebo Basha ◽  
Feyera Dinsa
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Regional State

This research study aimed at investigating varied challenges that principals have been facing in an endeavor of school improvement in terms of input, process and outputs in secondary Schools of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. In this study, a qualitative research approach was followed and as such the data were collected with the help of semi-structured interview guides and focus group discussions. The study employed clustering, stratified, random and purposive sampling techniques to select 6 zones of Oromia region out of 20; 80 sample secondary schools out of 30, to draw 45 interviewees and 36 discussants, respectively. In this way, the interviews were conducted with the interviewees and focus group discussions were carried out among the discussants. Data obtained from these informants were analyzed using thematic analysis and narrative methods and paraphrasing the results of the discussants. The study identified inactive involvement of key stakeholders in the schools’ affairs; a weak capacity building for the principals; poor effort and commitment of students for class attendance and improvement of academic results; shortages of standard facilities and inputs; weakness of the principals together with SIP committee in properly developing strategic plan of the schools were among the main challenges that hindered effectiveness of principals’ school leadership in overall improvement of the schools. Because of these and other factors a great majority of the schools stood at level two that is below the expected level (level three & four ) in the study area. Based on  the  findings, it was recommended that principals should be equipped with basic knowledge and skills of school leadership, necessary facilities and inputs need to be fulfilled by the concerned bodies and stakeholders should be re-oriented in order to contribute in all possible aspect for betterment of school performance.

Disability and Social Exclusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Individual Interviews

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.

scholarly journals Teacher-Centered vs. Student-Centered

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Muganga ◽  
Peter Ssenkusu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Educational Philosophy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Teacher Centered

Wright (2011) distinguishes between teacher-centered and student-centered learning approaches along a spectrum of five dimensions: power balance, course content function, teacher and student roles, responsibility for learning, and assessment purposes and processes. Based on Wright’s framework, this study explores students’ perceptions of their experience with teaching methods at Uganda’s Makerere University. Specifically, the investigation uses a mixed-methods research approach that combines survey data with focus group discussions. A total of 82 students volunteered, with 54 returning questionnaires. From among the 54 students, eight were chosen for focus group discussions. Students provided information about course content, educational philosophy, and teaching activities. In the area of course content, students reported that course completion and examination results outweighed skill development. The results for educational philosophy showed that the preparation of compliant citizens took precedence over the development of self-reliant individuals. Finally, the findings for teaching activities indicated that while teacher-centered tasks still predominated, several students had been exposed to some student-centered activities.

scholarly journals Determinants of drought risk coping mechanisms among the farmers of Northern region of Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
Kazi Shek Farid ◽  
Nishith Zahan Tanny ◽  
Md Wakilur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Drought Risk ◽  
Crop Loss ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Ex Post

Drought is a major constraint on agricultural production and livelihood in the north-western region of Bangladesh. An understanding of the effects of drought and farmers’ coping mechanisms is essential in designing technological and policy interventions for effective drought mitigation. The current study investigates the impacts of drought, examines farmers’ coping strategies for drought induced crop failure and the determinants of their mechanism choices by employing both quantitative and qualitative approach.  Multiple data sources, including semi-structured interview survey with 218 randomly selected farmers; and four focus group discussions with farmers, local leaders, NGO workers, and government officials were used to capture various aspects of drought risks and coping practices.  ‘Multinomial logit’ model was adopted to analyze the factors affecting the decision of coping strategies in response to drought. Results of farm household survey data indicates that the respondents experienced 3.15 droughts on an average in last five years which affected about 15 percent of their crop land and resulted more than 17 percent crop loss per year. Focus group discussions confirm that farmers followed various traditional ex ante and ex post coping strategies in order to avoid crop loss and minimize livelihood constraints.  The coping mechanisms mostly adopted by farmers among others were borrowing money, cultivating less water consuming crops and cutting meals.  Findings of multinomial logistic regression model reveal that the environment determinant of the choices of coping options was frequency of drought and main socio-economic determinants of coping choices were crop loss due to drought and land holding systems. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 17(1): 58–64, March 2019

scholarly journals Smoke-Free Men: Competing and Connecting to Quit

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan L. Bottorff ◽  
John L. Oliffe ◽  
Gayl Sarbit ◽  
Paul Sharp ◽  
Mary T. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Smoking Reduction ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Group Design ◽  
Interview Guide

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore gender-related factors that motivate and support men’s smoking reduction and cessation to inform effective men-centered interventions. Approach or Design: Focus group design using a semi-structured interview guide. Setting: Three communities in British Columbia, Canada. Participants: A total of 56 men who currently smoked and were interested in reducing or quitting or had quit. Intervention: N/A. Methods: Data collected in 6 focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed in accord with principles of thematic qualitative methods. Results: We report the results across 4 interconnected themes: (1) the fight to quit takes several rounds, (2) the motivation of supportive competition, (3) challenges and benefits of connecting with smoke-free peers, and (4) playing up the physical and financial gains. Conclusions: Masculine-based perspectives positioned quitting alongside fighting for self-control, competing, connecting, physical prowess, and having extra cash as motivating components of programs to engage men in efforts to be smoke-free. It may be worthwhile to consider the inclusion of gain-framed and benefit-focused messaging in programs that support men’s tobacco cessation.

scholarly journals Bridging Different Realities - a Qualitative Study on Patients’ Experiences of Preoperative Care for Benign Hysterectomy and Opportunistic Salpingectomy in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elin Collins ◽  
Maria Lindqvist ◽  
Ingrid Mogren ◽  
Annika Idahl
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Common Procedure ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Opportunistic Salpingectomy

Abstract BackgroundHysterectomy is a common procedure worldwide and removing healthy fallopian tubes at the time of hysterectomy (opportunistic salpingectomy) to possibly prevent ovarian cancer is increasing in frequency, but still controversial. The experiences and perceptions of women, eligible for the procedure, have not been previously investigated.This study aims to, among women waiting to undergo hysterectomy, explore i) experiences and perceptions of self and healthcare in relation to their elective surgery, ii) perceptions of risks and benefits of hysterectomy, including opportunistic salpingectomy.MethodsA qualitative study, with focus group discussions including women < 55 years, planned for hysterectomy with ovarian preservation, was performed. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from six gynecological departments in different parts of Sweden, including both country and university hospitals. Focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis.ResultsTwenty-one Swedish-speaking women participated. They were 40-53 years of age, reported varying educational levels, countries of birth and indications for hysterectomy. Analysis rendered a theme “Bridging different realities” over four categories: “Being a woman today”, “Experiencing and managing body failure”, “Navigating the healthcare system” and “Processing continuously until surgery”, including 17 subcategories. The participants displayed varying attitudes towards the significance of their uterus in being a woman. A vague understanding of their body was described, leading to fear related to the reasons for surgery as well as surgery itself. Participants described difficulties understanding and recalling information but also stated that insufficient information was provided. Perceptions of the risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy varied. Involvement in decisions regarding the hysterectomy and potential opportunistic salpingectomy was perceived to be dependent on the counselling gynecologist.ConclusionsThe theme Bridging different realities captures the complexity of women deciding on removal of their uterus, and possibly fallopian tubes. It also describes the women’s interactions with healthcare and perceived difference between the health professionals and the women’s perception of the situation, as viewed by the women. Bridging the different realities faced by patients is required to enable shared decision-making, through sufficient support from healthcare.

scholarly journals The Management of Waqf Universities in Selangor, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60
Author(s):  
Mohd. Ali Muhamad Don ◽  
Muhamad Rahimi Osman
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Model Theory ◽  
The State ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Management Issues

In Malaysia, waqf management including those in universities, is under the authority of the State Islamic Religious Council as a sole trustee waqf. This is to protect the waqf assets from any interventions by the heirs. Even so, one Malaysian university is said to manage the waqf scheme without the supervision of the Islamic Council which contradict with the provision of the State of Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) as the sole trustee of waqf. Thus, this study explores the management of waqf by several universities in Selangor and relation to SIRC as the sole trustee of waqf. A qualitative research approach was employed to collect data from focus group discussions and interviews with selected participants from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Selangor IRC), selected universities and waqf experts in Malaysia. The findings show that University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Putra Malaysia waqf funds are managed under the Selangor IRC monitoring while University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia endowment or waqf fund is managed privately by the university. The impact of this is that several waqf management issues arose. Hence, the authors recommend the Model theory of al-wilayah to be applied in the management of waqf in the universities. Through this model, SIRC and the university can play a more significant role in the management of waqf, thereby promoting the development of waqf in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Bridging different realities - a qualitative study on patients experiences of preoperative care for benign hysterectomy and opportunistic salpingectomy in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elin Collins ◽  
Maria Lindqvist ◽  
Ingrid Mogren ◽  
Annika Idahl
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Common Procedure ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Opportunistic Salpingectomy

Abstract Background Hysterectomy is a common procedure worldwide and removing healthy fallopian tubes at the time of hysterectomy (opportunistic salpingectomy) to possibly prevent ovarian cancer is increasing in frequency, but still controversial. The experiences and perceptions of women, eligible for the procedure, have not been previously investigated.This study aims to, among women waiting to undergo hysterectomy, explore i) experiences and perceptions of self and healthcare in relation to their elective surgery, ii) perceptions of risks and benefits of hysterectomy, including opportunistic salpingectomy.Methods A qualitative study, with focus group discussions including women < 55 years, planned for hysterectomy with ovarian preservation, was performed. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from six gynecological departments in different parts of Sweden, including both country and university hospitals. Focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. Results Twenty-one Swedish-speaking women participated. They were 40-53 years of age, reported varying educational levels, countries of birth and indications for hysterectomy. Analysis rendered a theme “Bridging different realities” over four categories: “Being a woman today”, “Experiencing and managing body failure”, “Navigating the healthcare system” and “Processing continuously until surgery”, including 17 subcategories. The participants displayed varying attitudes towards the significance of their uterus in being a woman. A vague understanding of their body was described, leading to fear related to the reasons for surgery as well as surgery itself. Participants described difficulties understanding and recalling information but also stated that insufficient information was provided. Perceptions of the risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy varied. Involvement in decisions regarding the hysterectomy and potential opportunistic salpingectomy was perceived to be dependent on the counselling gynecologist. Conclusions The theme Bridging different realities captures the complexity of women deciding on removal of their uterus, and possibly fallopian tubes. It also describes the women’s interactions with healthcare and perceived difference between the health professionals and the women’s perception of the situation, as viewed by the women. Bridging the different realities faced by patients is required to enable shared decision-making, through sufficient support from healthcare.

scholarly journals Perceived barriers and primary care access experiences among immigrant Bangladeshi men in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e000453
Author(s):  
Tanvir C Turin ◽  
Ruksana Rashid ◽  
Mahzabin Ferdous ◽  
Iffat Naeem ◽  
Nahid Rumana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Urban Centre ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Important Barrier ◽  
Immigrant Men

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the experience of male members of a rapidly grown community of Bangladeshi immigrants while accessing primary healthcare (PHC) services in Canada.DesignA qualitative research was conducted among a sample of Bangladeshi immigrant men through a community-based participatory research approach. Focus group discussions were conducted to collect the qualitative data where thematic analysis was applied.SettingThe focus group discussions were held in various community centres such as individual meeting rooms at public libraries, community halls and so on arranged in collaboration with community organisations while ensuring complete privacy.ParticipantThirty-eight adults, Bangladeshi immigrant men, living in Calgary were selected for this study and participated in six different focus groups. The sample represents mostly married, educated, Muslim, Bangla speaking, aged over 25 years, full-time or self-employed and living in an urban centre in Canada >5 years.ResultThe focus groups have highlighted long wait time as an important barrier. Long wait at the emergency room, difficulties to get access to general physicians when feeling sick, slow referral process and long wait at the clinic even after making an appointment impact their daily chores, work and access to care. Language is another important barrier that impedes effective communication between physicians and immigrant patients, thus the quality of care. Unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and lack of resources were also voiced that hinder access to healthcare for immigrant Bangladeshi men in Canada. However, no gender-specific barriers unique to men have been identified in this study.ConclusionThe barriers to accessing PHC services for Bangladeshi immigrant men are similar to that of other visible minority immigrants. It is important to recognise the extent of barriers across various immigrant groups to effectively shape public policy and improve access to PHC.

The Process of Involving High School Students in Developing Reproductive Health Education Materials in Ibadan, Nigeria

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-187
Author(s):  
Desmond C. Ajoko ◽  
Kabiru K. Salami ◽  
William R. Brieger
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
School Students ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sexual Interaction

Adolescents in secondary schools in Ibadan were involved in the design and utilization of their own story-flipchart for the teaching of reproductive health. Full participation of the students ranged from message development in the form of a story line picture conceptualization to conducting teaching sessions with the resulting materials. Discussion groups among high school students helped identify a priority concern of inappropriate sexual interaction. Subsequently, three groups of intervention secondary schools were formed: students in two schools were selected by their peers to develop and use the story-flipchart; students in two more schools were trained to use the materials developed by the first group; and teachers in two more schools were likewise trained to use the materials. Intervention during a three-month school term was monitored. Follow-up in-depth interviews with the educators and focus group discussions among members of the student audience were used to gather feedback on the materials and the process. The study showed that adolescents can identify a common problem to people of their age and can design a meaningful program that can teach prevention of such a problem. Focus group discussions among members of the audience confirmed that they understood the messages and liked the materials, especially since their peers developed these. Those students who developed the materials explained how the process enhanced their self-confidence, although in some cases they met with initial ridicule or resistance. All those involved using the materials hoped that such a process could be incorporated into the normal educational process in their schools. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the importance of involving young people in developing educational materials that address their perceived health problems.

scholarly journals SOCIALIZATION COMMUNICATION ROLE OF TEACHERS AND PREVENTION OF TEENAGE PREGNANCIES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK COUNTY, KENYA

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Purity Miriti ◽  
Hellen Mberia ◽  
Kyalo Wa Ngula
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Student Behavior ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Role Of Teachers ◽  
The Government

Purpose: The purpose was to assess the socialization communication role of teachers and prevention of teenage pregnancies in public secondary schools in Narok County, Kenya. Methodology: A mixed research design was used in the study. The population of the study included all the 8994 female students of Narok County from 52 secondary schools in the Narok County in the year 2019. The respondents were aged between 13-19 years attending both boarding and day public secondary schools in Narok County in both. Stratified technique of sampling was used to sample the population into strata. The study selected proportionally the subjects from different strata. Total study sample size was 536; 500 respondents for the questionnaire, 12 for the interview, and 24 for the focus group discussions. A questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software package (SPSS statistics version 22). Descriptive statistics drawn include mean, and standard deviation which were presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics drawn include multiple regression and correlation analysis. Findings: A significant majority (86.3%) of the respondents indicated that teachers advise on teenage pregnancy impacts positively on student behavior while the rest indicated that it impacted negatively Unique Contribution to the Society, Policy and Theory: The findings of this research showed that socialization communication helps prevent teenage pregnancies. This therefore means that girls would be able to complete school advance in their studies and when they eventually are of age and ready for marriage, they can help alleviate vicious cycle of poverty as they are eligible to formal employment. There will be general growth in society as women will be empowered. The government and stakeholders should strengthen policies and enhance initiatives to educate more girls and reduce early marriages to the elders in the society, to socialize teenagers in the reality of modern life and the challenges that result in teenage pregnancies. The study improves the theory in that it connects socialization to the role of the teacher

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