The Effectiveness of a Digital Storytelling-based Program on the Development of Geographical Concepts among Kindergarten Children

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a digital storytelling-based program on the development of geographical concepts among kindergarten children. Eighty-eight kindergarten children were recruited from two public kindergarten schools in Al Fayoum city, during the academic year 2020-2021. A semi-experimental, prepost- test, two groups (experimental and control) design was employed. The data were analysed using t-test to explore the effectiveness of a digital storytelling-based program on the development of geographical concepts among kindergarten children. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the children of the experimental and control groups using the Pictured Geographical Concepts Scale (sub-scales and composite score) in the post-test, after applying the digital storytelling-based program, which is in favour of the experimental group.

Ranking and Performance of Indian Universities

ABSTRACT Almost every communication media made the news of three Indian institutions appearing in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings 2022 a headline, highlighting the importance of finding a place in the coveted ranking. Such rankings provide Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) a reason to pursue excellence in their operations. These rankings are also in the interests of the students and other stakeholders. National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), also known as India Ranking, was introduced in 2015 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India (erstwhile Ministry of Human Resource Department). NIRF outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. Rankings obtained in the India Ranking 2017-20 have been analyzed in this study to assess the comparative performance of the top 100 universities. Statistical tests of chi square and Friedman tests show that rankings have remained consistent within the range for the top-performing universities. But, other than the top universities, there exists stiff competition for each ranking place. Overall, statistical analysis shows that rankings obtained by universities are not identical.

Normative Exclusion of Students with Disabilities and Enforced Isolation of Healthy Adults during the COVID -19 Pandemic: A Thought-Provoking Lesson

ABSTRACT Due to the Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the world in year 2020 experienced a significant upheaval in the lives of many. This study aimed at drawing parallels between the enforced isolation of healthy adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the systemic exclusion of students with disabilities in educational systems around the world. Moreover, it presents an opportunity for people who have faced isolation during the pandemic, to better understand the feelings of students with disabilities. In this study, a sample of 22 people without disabilities from Saudi Arabia were interviewed to disclose their experiences and feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of quarantine on their social and psychological lives. Their responses were compared to many experiences of students with disabilities obtained from a systemic review involving many related studies. The main findings of this study reveal some isolating, psychological and social effects. This may lead stakeholders in legal and educational matters to rethink their perspectives on exclusionary practices that face many students with disabilities.

Connectivism Learning Theory to Enhance Higher Education in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The global pandemic of the COVID-19 has posed a significant challenge to educational organizations, necessitating obligatory changes in practically education. In a short period of time, educational organizations have been compelled to adapt to distance learning approaches and platforms. The primary goal of this research is to examine to present Connectivism Theory as an effective motivated theory to help the higher education learners to learn more successfully. Connectivism Learning Theory offers the best learning environment by establishing an explicit connection between social interaction and knowledge sharing. A review of literature has been done. The findings of the literature review highlight the fundamental theoretical assumptions that underpin their evolution. It also illustrates that connectivism learning theory improve higher education student’s engagement in the learning process. The researchers conclude that connectivism learning theory has the potential to disclose new insights into the use of the social network in education leading to successful outcomes.

Development and Evaluation of Learning Modules in Rabbit Production

ABSTRACT A newly-offered subject in agriculture, rabbit production, necessitated the development of instructional materials. This mixed-method study was conceptualized to develop and evaluate learning modules for the subject, utilizing the ADDIE model of instructional design. Development of ten modules took almost two years, and the first semester of usage was done with flexible learning methods. Student and faculty users assessed the acceptability in terms of objectives, content, organization and usability, and language, while pre-test and post-test scores determined the effectiveness of the modules. Based on the results, the students rated the modules with moderate acceptability, while instructors and professors rated them with high acceptability. The modules were effective in increasing the knowledge of students in both the midterm and final periods. The learning modules may help provide locally-suited learning materials in rabbit production for Philippine tertiary schools, and in disseminating information and awareness on rabbit as a high-potential livestock in the Philippines.

Parental Encouragement towards the Academic Achievement of Students at Higher Secondary School Level

ABSTRACT Study habits, attitudes of students toward the learning environment at school, the nature of the family environment, and parental encouragement are all factors that influence students’ academic achievement at all levels. The study’s goal is to look at the relation between parental encouragement and higher secondary school students’ academic achievements. The appropriate data were gathered from 160 students from higher secondary school using the survey research technique and the parental encouragement scale. The study’s main findings show that parental encouragement has a significant influence on the academic achievement of the students studied.

E-teaching Skills among Faculty Members of Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT This research aimed at identifying the level of practice of electronic teaching skills among the faculty members of PSAU and detecting the effects of the following research variables: Teaching Load, Students Number, and Teaching Experience, through surveying (153) faculty member in PSAU in 2020. The results showed that the faculty members agreed that e-teaching skills are highly practiced in technology, design, and management fields in PSAU. The results also proved that there were no statistically significant differences to (design and management fields, and overall skill) according to the ‘Teaching Load’ variable. There were also statistically significant differences to (the technology field) according to the ‘Teaching Load’ variable in favor of those with ‘lighter teaching load with administrative duties’. However, there were no statistically significant differences to (design and management fields, and overall skills) according to the ‘Student Number’ variable.

Activating the Role of Kindergartens’ Leaders in Saudi Arabia to Establish the Early Intervention’s Culture in the Light of the International Experiences

ABSTRACT The current study aims at activating the role of kindergarten’s leaders in Saudi Arabia to establish the early intervention’s culture in the light of the international experiences. The most important manifestations of interest in early childhood and efforts began in Britain and the Scandinavian countries to complete the efforts of The United States of America followed by the Third World Countries. The developed countries during the last few years of this century have made intensive efforts to early childhood in general and early education in particular. This is an attempt to highlight the role of the Saudi kindergartens in the early intervention culture after looking at international experiences in this field.

The Development of a Quality of Life Research Centre in Universities in the Light of Global Models

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the foundations and components of the development of the Quality of Life Research Centre (QLRC) in universities in the light of global models. The study adopts the analysis of the conceptual and organisational frameworks of QLRC and a survey to gain most important global models of QLRCs in universities. The researcher used the descriptive documentary approach and the method of the source-content analysis as they best match the objectives of the current study. The study population included QLRCs (think tanks) in universities in China, the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia. Findings revealed that it is difficult to formulate a specific definition of quality-of-life concept because this concept is linked to the cultural factors of each society, and that QLRCs are a new entrant to the development of scientific research in universities, and also that these centres enhance the knowledge of well-being for policymakers and the wider public as well as build and improve relationships between scholars and relevant stakeholders from various sectors in the society

Mentoring Support of Cooperating Teachers: Insights from Filipino Practice Teachers

ABSTRACT The literature reveals the indispensable role of mentoring in practice teaching. However, little is known about the mentoring support the Filipino cooperating teachers (CTs) extended to their practice teachers (PTs). Also, no study has been conducted yet on mentoring using a constructively aligned scale with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST). Through sequential explanatory mixed-method design, this study determined the extent of CTs’ mentoring support from the viewpoint of the PTs. There were 840 PTs (680 females, 160 males) from a public university who participated in the survey using the Mentoring Practices Scale. Besides, 25 randomly selected PTs’ portfolios were content analysed to substantiate the quantitative data. Findings revealed that the CTs provided mentoring to a very great extent along with personal, career, professional knowledge, instructional process, and role modelling supports. Indeed, though preliminary research, this study serves as a take-off for strengthening the mentoring activities to benefit both Filipino CTs and PTs.