Inferential Statistical Analysis Research Articles

Language Processing Abilities in a Multilingual Context: The Role of Linguistic Background among Students in Amman, Jordan

Aim. This quantitative experimental study aims to examine the impact of linguistic background on language processing abilities among learners at a language academy in Amman, Jordan. The purpose of the study is to investigate how different linguistic backgrounds influence language processing skills specifically in the areas of grammar, syntax, and semantics. 
 Participants. The participants consist of 100 learners aged 18-25 with Arabic, English, or German as their native or primary language.
 Methods. The study utilizes the Pinker Test as a measurement tool for assessing language processing abilities and collects data through a background questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are conducted to analyze the data.
 Results. The results of the study indicate that linguistic background significantly affects language processing abilities (F(2, 97) = 4.72, p < 0.05). Post-hoc analyses reveal significant differences in grammar task performance between English-speaking individuals and Arabic-speaking participants (p < 0.05), while English and German speakers show similar scores. In the syntax task, English-speaking individuals outperform Arabic speakers (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between English and German speakers. In the semantics task, English speakers outperform both Arabic and German speakers (p < 0.05), while Arabic and German speakers differ significantly (p < 0.05). 
 Conclusions. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that linguistic background plays a significant role in language processing abilities, specifically in the areas of grammar, syntax, and semantics. These results support previous research and highlight the influence of language transfer effects and cognitive processing abilities influenced by linguistic background. The implications of this study's findings include the need for tailored teaching techniques that consider learners' linguistic backgrounds to enhance language instruction.

Evaluation and monitoring of the water quality of an Argentinian urban river applying multivariate statistics.

In this work, we present the water quality assessment of an urban river, the San Luis River, located in San Luis Province, Argentina. The San Luis River flows through two developing cities; hence, urban anthropic activities affect its water quality. The river was sampled spatially and temporally, evaluating ten physicochemical variables on each water sample. These data were used to calculate a Simplified Index of Water Quality in order to estimate river water quality and infer possible contamination sources. Data were statistically analyzed with the opensource software R, 4.1.0 version. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, correlation matrices, and heatmap analysis were performed. Results indicated that water quality decreases in areas where anthropogenic activities take place. Robust inferential statistical analysis was performed, employing an alternative of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), MANOVA.wide function. The most statistically relevant physicochemical variables associated with water quality decrease were used to develop a multiple linear regression model to estimate organic matter, reducing the variables necessary for continuous monitoring of the river and, hence, reducing costs. Given the limited information available in the region about the characteristics and recovery of this specific river category, the model developed is of vital importance since it can quickly detect anthropic alterations and contribute to the environmental management of the rivers. This model was also used to estimate organic matter at sites located in other similar rivers, obtaining satisfactory results.

THE EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL FAIRNESS AND JOB CHARACTERISTICS ON EMPLOYEE ATTACHMENT

The purpose of this study is to determine the Effect of Organizational Justice and Job Characteristics on Employee Attachment to PT. Ching Luh Indonesia, either partially or simultaneously at PT. Ching Luh Indonesia. This study used associative method with quantitative approach. A lot of sampling was 78 people. Descriptive data analysis techniques are used to determine the picture of respondents' answer responses and data distribution, while inferential statistical analysis is for hypothesis testing. Data processing is assisted by Microsoft excel and SPSS software version 25. Based on the correlation test of Organizational Fairness (X1), and Job Characteristics (X2) with Employee Attachment (Y) have a strong relationship. Organizational Fairness and Job Characteristics can project Organizational Fairness with a positive influence, this can be seen from the equation Y = 2.881 + 0.622X11 + 0.304X21 which means that the higher or increased the Employee Attachment. Organizational Fairness and Job Characteristics contributed 55.30% while the remaining 44.70% was influenced by other variables classified in epsilon, namely other factors that affect Employee Attachment but were not careful in this study.

Information and Communications Technology Resources and Mobile Learning in times of COVID-19.

The increase in the Use of Mobile Learning due to the technological trend and even more triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have called into question the capabilities of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Resources that students have. The objective is to know the status (photograph) of the capabilities of these ICT Resources and validate if they are indeed related to the Use of Mobile Learning. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of satisfaction levels and inferential statistics for the corroboration of correlational hypotheses and levels of association between variables. We worked with data from 70 graduate students obtained through a survey consisting of a questionnaire of 40 Likert questions with values from 1 to 5. Satisfaction levels were high for ICT Resources (44.29% Satisfied and 32.86% Totally Satisfied) and the Use of Mobile Learning (42.86% Satisfied and 30.00% Totally Satisfied) demonstrating that many students had the ideal capabilities of ICT Resources that allowed them to use Mobile Learning. In turn, the results obtained were for Spearman's Rho (0.837 and p < 0.05), Chi-Square (171.287 and p < 0.05), Phi Coefficient (1.564 and p < 0.05), Cramer's V (0.782) and Contingency Coefficient (0.843), demonstrating that between ICT Resources and the Use of Mobile Learning there was a statistically significant, strong relationship, positive and with a high degree of dependence, where the Use of Mobile Learning depended on ICT Resources.

Exploring the Effect of Parental Support and School Environment on Student Academic Achievement: A Survey Study

Student academic achievement is a critical issue for educators and policymakers worldwide. Parents and schools play important roles in promoting student academic achievement. This study aims to investigate the impact of parental support and school environment on student academic achievement. To do so, we employed a quantitative approach using a survey research design. Data related to parental support and school were obtained by distributing two survey questionnaires to a total of 167 elementary school students, purposively drawn from diverse groups of Catholic elementary schools in Merauke District, South Papua Province, Indonesia. Meanwhile, data related to academic achievement were obtained by getting students’ academic transcripts. Obtained data were subjected to an inferential statistics analysis technique using the software SPSS version 21. The results of data analysis showed that parental support and school environment have a direct impact on student academic achievement, both partially and simultaneously. These findings underscore the importance of parental support and the need to create a supportive and positive school environment to improve students’ academic achievement.

PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK AND DISTRESS IN CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER

Family members experience challenging situations in the diagnosis/treatment of childhood cancer. The illness can affect the family adjustment and adherence to the child/adolescent's care, reflecting on routines and relationships (family, marital, work and social). Cancer can reach high levels of distress in caregivers. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationships between indicators of psychosocial risk and distress in caregivers of children/adolescents with cancer. Fourteen caregivers answered the instruments on: socioeconomic characteristics (Brazil Economic Classification Criterion [CCEB]); psychosocial risk assessment (Psychosocial Assessment Tool [PAT 2.0]); and distress (Distress Thermometer). The data were submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. It was found that most families presented a "target" classification of psychosocial risk and distress (e.g., worry, nervousness and pain). Inferential analyses did not confirm the hypothesis of a correlation between the level of distress and the total PAT score. However, positive correlations were observed between the domains of the scales, such as: positive correlation between the level of distress and problems with patients; and between partner distress and sibling problems, caregivers' problems, and caregivers' stress reactions. Negative correlations between physical and emotional distress symptoms and PAT domains were also observed. Caregiver distress may represent limitations to treatment, as it impacts emotional well-being and psychosocial functioning, especially in vulnerable families. Further studies are suggested to consider clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in order to understand the relationships between psychosocial variables involved. The need for systematic psychosocial assessment for pediatric oncology care is reinforced.

Hard shell, soft core? Multi-disciplinary and multi-national insights into mental toughness among surgeons.

With the prevalence of burnout among surgeons posing a significant threat to healthcare outcomes, the mental toughness of medical professionals has come to the fore. Mental toughness is pivotal for surgical performance and patient safety, yet research into its dynamics within a global and multi-specialty context remains scarce. This study aims to elucidate the factors contributing to mental toughness among surgeons and to understand how it correlates with surgical outcomes and personal well-being. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed 104 surgeons from English and German-speaking countries using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) along with additional queries about their surgical practice and general life satisfaction. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to investigate the variations in mental toughness across different surgical domains and its correlation with professional and personal factors. The study found a statistically significant higher level of mental toughness in micro-surgeons compared to macro-surgeons and a positive correlation between mental toughness and surgeons' intent to continue their careers. A strong association was also observed between general life satisfaction and mental toughness. No significant correlations were found between the application of psychological skills and mental toughness. Mental toughness varies significantly among surgeons from different specialties and is influenced by professional dedication and personal life satisfaction. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to foster mental toughness in the surgical community, potentially enhancing surgical performance and reducing burnout. Future research should continue to explore these correlations, with an emphasis on longitudinal data and the development of resilience-building programs.

JOB CREATORS OF FRESH GRADUATES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS

Objective: The main objective of this research is to explore the elements of technical graduates who want to create their own jobs after graduated. Theoretical Framework: The study aims to list down the elements of technical graduates who want to create their own jobs using Delphi Technique. Kajian ini menggunakan Entrepreneurship Theory, Supply and Demand Theory, Human Capital Theory, Innovation Theory dan Structural Unemployment Theory sebagai asas dalam pembangunan kerangka tersebut. Design/Methodology/Approaches: This study uses primary data where elements are obtained from articles, journals, books related to entrepreneurship, career, and employability. The approach used in this study is quantitative and the Delphi Technique has been applied in collecting and validating the collected elements. The quantitative approach used is to use a cross-sectional survey design where a set of questionnaires has been distributed to 331 graduates in technical fields in Malaysia to answer the main purpose of the study which is to identify students' perceptions of 17 elements that have been confirmed by experts and to find if there are a significant relationship between parents' occupational background to these 17 confirmed elements among students. Findings: The data obtained was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, which is Mean, Median, Interquartile Range and Standard Deviation to answer each stated research objective. Overall, technical graduates have an average perception of the elements of creating a job. They lack this element in themselves as a job creator. The conclusion of this research, it is hoped that the interest groups involved in curriculum development, the administrators as well as the students themselves can improve themselves with skills and business knowledge so that the spirit of entrepreneurship increases among students and at the same time can reduce the unemployment rate and matching in the job and the business field that is engaged with the field that have been studied in institution. Originality/Value: This study is more relevant and practically applied to education institutions who want to offer new programs to graduates and create courses or programs related to student competence.

The Influence of Protecting Leadership Voices from Below Behaviour on the Digital Transformation of Insurance Firms in Kenya

This research investigated the impact of protecting leadership voices from below behaviour on the digital transformation of insurance firms in Kenya. This study, grounded in adaptive leadership framework, adopted a positivist approach and a descriptive research design to study a target population of 392 supervisors from the 56 registered insurance firms listed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. The final sample of 127 respondents, represented a response rate of 63%, was drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. Protecting leadership voices from below behaviour was operationalized through the dimensions of employee voice, employee engagement, and work environment, while digital transformation was assessed using metrics such as digital innovation, customer experience, and returns on assets. Inferential statistical analyses, including correlation analysis, chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, ordinal logistic regression were adopted to test the research hypotheses. The findings from the ordinal logistic regression analysis, indicated by the Nagelkerke Pseudo R-square coefficient, demonstrate that protecting leadership voices from below behaviour explains 37% of the variance in digital transformation (Nagelkerke Pseudo R² = .37). Moreover, the parameter estimates obtained from the ordinal regression analysis revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between protecting leadership voices from below behaviour and digital transformation, β6 = -18.647, p≤.05. In conclusion, this study establishes a substantial connection between protecting leadership voices from below behaviour, and the digital transformation of insurance firms in Kenya. Specifically, when leaders create a conducive work environment that encourages employees voice and engagement, this adaptive leadership behaviour significantly and positively influences digital transformation. Consequently, leaders are recommended to proactively embrace protecting leadership voices from below behaviour by implementing policies and practices that promote employee voice, enhance employee engagement, and establish supportive work environments. These efforts will facilitate and enhance the prospects of achieving successful digital transformation within the Kenyan insurance industry. Further studies on the adaptive leadership framework in the broader financial services industry are recommended.

Prevalence and Forms of Sexual Abuse among Female Hawkers in Sokoto State

Background: Sexual abuse is a public health problem affecting one-third of women in their lifetime and female hawkers are especially vulnerable. This study assessed knowledge, prevalence and forms of sexual abuse among female hawkers in Sokoto metropolis.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study among two hundred and forty-five female hawkers using a multistage sampling technique was conducted. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Continuous variables were summarized as mean and standard deviation, while categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was set at 5% (p<0.05).
 Results: One hundred and twenty- three (50.2%) of the respondents were within the 10-15 age group, 223 (91.2%) were single, and 64 (26.1%), had Quranic education. Two hundred and nineteen (89.4%) and 26 (10.6%) had good and poor knowledge of sexual abuse respectively. The prevalence of sexual abuse was 24.5%; touching, verbal harassment and attempts at having intercourse were the commonest forms of sexual abuse reported. The living arrangement of parents was the only predictor of sexual abuse (aOR= 4.282; C. I= 1.344-13.643).
 Conclusion: Free and compulsory education for children especially the girl child and economic empowerment of parents will discourage hawking by children thus limiting the likelihood of children being exposed to sexual exploitation.

Occupational biopsychosocial factors associated with neck pain intensity, neck-disability, and sick leave: A cross-sectional study of construction labourers in an African population.

The burden and impact of neck pain is high in African countries including Nigeria. This study investigated the occupational biomechanical and occupational psychosocial factors associated with neck pain intensity, neck disability and sick leave amongst construction labourers in an urban Nigerian population. This cross-sectional study measured clinical neck pain outcomes, occupational biomechanical factors, and occupational psychosocial factors. Descriptive, and univariate/multivariate inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Significant independent factors associated with neck pain intensity were order and pace of tasks being dependent on others (β = 0.35; p<0.0001); inability to take breaks in addition to scheduled breaks (β = 0.25; p<0.0001); inability to work because of unexpected events (β = 0.21; p<0.0001); inability to control the order and pace of tasks (β = 0.20; p<0.0001); and weight of load (β = 0.17; p<0.0001); accounting for 53% of the variance in neck pain intensity. Significant independent factors associated with neck disability were weight of load (β = 0.30; p<0.0001); duration of load carriage (β = 0.16; p = 0.01); working under time pressure/deadlines (β = 0.16; p = 0.02); and accounting for 20% of the variance in neck disability. Significant independent factor associated with sick leave was duration of load carriage (β = 0.15; p = 0.04), in a non-significant regression model explaining -4% of the variance in sick leave. Addition of pain intensity significantly explained more variance in neck disability (31.0%) but less variance in sick leave (-5%), which was not statistically significant (F (10, 190) = 0.902, p = 0.533). Occupational biomechanical factors may be more important than occupational psychosocial factors in explaining neck disability and sick leave. In contrast, occupational psychosocial factors may be more important than occupational biomechanical factors in explaining neck pain intensity in this population in Nigeria.

Korelasi Antara Waktu Belajar Daring Dengan Hasil Belajar Kognitif Bahasa Indonesia Kelas XI Siswa SMA Negeri 6 Soppeng

This study aims to determine and explain the relationship between online learning time and students' cognitive learning outcomes based on the predetermined minimum completeness criteria in class XI of SMA Negeri 6 Soppeng. This research is a type of quantitative research with correlational method. The data of this study are student learning time and cognitive learning outcomes of each student in Indonesian language subject in class XI SMA Negeri 6 Soppeng. Data collection was done by using questionnaires and documentation. Data analysis techniques were carried out by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The results showed that the results of cognitive achievement of the resulting significance value of 0.000, the value is less than 0.05 then the two data are correlated. While the correlation is very strong because the correlation coefficient obtained is 0.792 due to the positive correlation value, the relationship between the two variables is unidirectional. Based on the results of this study, online learning has a correlation with students' cognitive learning outcomes in Indonesian language subjects in class XI SMA Negeri 6 Soppeng.

Preferences and factors determining preferences for mode of delivery among primigravida mothers.

Childbirth is a beautiful life event, a unique personal experience for each woman. The study aimed to assess the preferences and factors determining preference for mode of delivery among primigravida mothers. A descriptive exploratory design was applied to explore the factors for preferring the mode of delivery among 250 antenatal mothers, selected by convenient sampling technique. A self-structured dichotomous questionnaire on preference and factors influencing preference for mode of delivery was used. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software. The majority of participants (98.4%) preferred vaginal delivery over elective cesarean section as a mode of delivery. The significant factor influencing preferences was speedy recovery after delivery (89.8%). However, significant factors for preferring the cesarean mode of delivery were the obstetrician's advice and the baby's safety (100%). The majority of women preferred a vaginal mode of delivery; they still undergo cesarean mode of delivery. Considering factors, there is a need to develop a positive attitude toward NVD and actions to create awareness toward a safe mode of delivery by building a mutual trust environment and increasing effective dissemination of correct and neutral delivery option advice.

A Cross-Sectional Observational Study to Assess the Efficacy of Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as a Marker of Insulin Resistance in Subjects of Central Rural India.

The rising prevalence of insulin resistance (IR), obesity, and its complications in India is due to lifestyle changes, eating patterns, stress, and genetic factors. Markers for IR are often expensive, invasive, or impractical for use in economically disadvantaged or remote areas. To address this, we evaluated the efficacy of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio as a simple, reliable, accessible, and affordable surrogate marker of IR in comparison to the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). This cross-sectional observational study was performed at a tertiary care center in central India and included 815 subjects aged 18 to 60 years after excluding those with systemic diseases, drugs affecting weight, or pregnant or lactating women. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done to represent the study findings. Males and obese subjects were more insulin resistant than females and non-obese subjects, respectively. The TG/HDL had a sensitivity of 91.81%, a specificity of 92.88%, a positive predictive value of 94.46%, and a negative predictive value of 89.56%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 92.27% when compared to HOMA-IR. We concluded that TG/HDL serves as a simple, affordable, and accurate marker of IR in a diverse population of central India. There is a definite scope to use the same for large-scale screening, epidemiological research, and routine clinical practice.

Selected morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular risk profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing Islamic prayer

BackgroundThis study investigated morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing the Islamic prayer (Salaah). This study emphasised the need for an inquiry into unique sedentary populations who...

Comparison of clinical outcomes between single metal-ceramic and zirconia crowns

Statement of problemEvidence comparing the survival of zirconia crowns with metal-ceramic crowns is sparse. Knowledge of their survival and a comparison of their clinical outcomes would improve clinical decision making. PurposeThe purpose of this university-based study was to compare the survival, failures, biological and technical complications encountered with zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns restored and followed up over a similar period. Material and methodsThis retrospective chart review consisted of 403 patients treated at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, predoctoral dental clinic in whom zirconia (n=209) and metal-ceramic (n=306) crowns were inserted between September 2015 and July 2016 and followed for up to 7 years. Outcome measures included failure, causes for failure, and complications associated with survival. Inferential statistical analysis included the chi-squared test, t test, Mann-Whitney test, Bonferroni-adjusted z-test, Kaplan-Meier survival test, and logistic regression to examine differences between crown types and explore crown failures (α=.05). ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 3.00 years (median 2.58 years). Forty-one (8.0%) crowns had no follow-up, with no difference in follow-up between crown type: metal-ceramic n=23(7.5%), zirconia n=18(8.6%), χ²(1)=0.20, P=.652). Excluding those with no follow-up, the follow-up time between metal-ceramic (mean=3.07, median=2.58) and zirconia (mean=3.54, median=3.32) crowns was statistically similar (P=.052). There were 62 anterior crowns (12.0%) and 453 posterior crowns (88.0%), χ²(1)=22.40, P<.001, with no difference between groups. Overall, 44 crowns (8.5%) failed, 30 (9.8%) metal-ceramic and 14 (6.7%) zirconia, with no statistical difference in proportion of failed crowns between groups (χ²(1)=1.53, P=.216). There were 35 crowns with biological failures (6.8%), 26 (8.5%) in the metal-ceramic and 9 (4.4%) in the zirconia group, with no statistical difference between groups (χ²(1)=3.33, P=.068). Nine crowns had technical failures (1.7%), 4 (1.4%) in the metal-ceramic group and 5 (2.5%) in the zirconia group, with no statistical difference between groups (χ²(1)=0.73, P=.394). Biological (79.5%) rather than technical complications were found to be the most frequent cause of failure, goodness-of-fit χ²(1)=15.36, P<.001. Tooth fracture (50.0%) specifically was found to be the most frequent cause of failure, χ²(3)=21.27, P<.001. The total number of crowns that survived was 471 (91.5%); 276 (90.1%) were metal-ceramic and 195(93.3%) zirconia. The survival time (years) for metal-ceramic was mean=6.26, 95% CI [6.01–6.51] and for zirconia crowns mean=6.54, 95% CI [6.31–6.77]. Of the crowns that survived, 370 (78.6%) had no clinical complications, and 101 (21.4%) crowns demonstrated similar clinical complications, with no statistical differences between groups. ConclusionsWithin the study follow-up time, the survival of monolithic zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns was 91.5%, with similar clinical complications between groups. Biological complications, especially tooth fracture, were a significantly more frequent complication with both types of crowns.

APPLICATION OF BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES AS POTENTIAL BIO-INDICATORS IN MALAYSIAN'S RIVERS: GAP AND BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSES

The literature on reliable indices, suitable bio-indicators, taxonomic level, frequency of measurements, and replications on benthic macroinvertebrates remains scarce in Malaysia. In addition, no review study was conducted using bibliometric analysis related to this discipline. Thus, this review aimed at gap and bibliometric analysis of publications on benthic macroinvertebrates as potential biological indicators. Sixty-six relevant scientific research papers from 2011 to 2022 were selected from the different databases. Then, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to assess the most reliable potential bio-indicators for river assessment and monitoring. Visualized statistics regarding bibliographic coupling analysis of authors, journal proceedings, and organizations were analyzed. The findings revealed that publications on invertebrates had no significant relationship in the last ten years (r = 0.241; p &gt; 0.05). Most publications on macroinvertebrates in Malaysian rivers were found in the Scopus database (53.57%). Therefore, research articles must be published in journals included in the Journal Citation Report (JCR) to improve their quality further. Besides, benthic macroinvertebrates are commonly identified only up to the family level (47%) due to incomplete tropical benthic macroinvertebrates identification keys. As such, using environmental DNA methods with the power of next-generation sequencing has come in handy in bio-indicator species identification. Among the potential bio-indicators found in Malaysian rivers are Chironomidae (9.11%), Baetidae (8.87%), and Hydropsychidae (8.62%). Based on the approaches utilized in analyzing benthic macroinvertebrates as bio-indicators, in-depth research such as bioassay and toxicology tests is necessary to realize the potential bio-indicators fully. Many studies focused on recreational rivers in Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, research studies would be expanded to urban rivers and rivers in Sabah and Sarawak. Also, to overcome the limitation of the single biotic index, developing a multimetric index to evaluate the water quality by selecting many river basins is essential. Bibliographic analysis showed that the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, made the greatest total link strength. The Serangga Journal published the highest number of research articles. Finally, utilizing advanced technologies is recommended to address Malaysia's lack of potential bio-indicator studies.

Effectiveness of Blended Teaching on Academic Achievement in Organic Chemistry: A case of Grade-12 Learners from an Underprivileged South African School

In South Africa, particularly in underprivileged high schools, the unavailability of resources means that the use of traditional face-to-face teaching methods that promote passive learning is prevalent. Despite a few of these schools utilising blended teaching methods that can potentially promote active learning, research that evaluates the effectiveness of these methods in promoting academic achievement is limited. Diagnostic reports on National Senior Certificate examinations of South Africa show that Grade-12 learners perform poorly in organic chemistry. Therefore, this study which was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to determine how effective blended teaching methods are in fostering academic achievement compared to traditional face-to-face teaching, focusing on Grade-12 organic chemistry. In this quantitative study, using Vygotsky’s socio-cultural and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theories as the theoretical framework, two hundred learners were randomly placed into two equal groups. Group-1 (experimental) was taught all organic chemistry concepts stipulated in the South African national curriculum using a blended teaching method while Group-2 (control) was taught the same concepts using traditional face-to-face teaching method. A standardised test (KOOCT) was administered to both groups followed by descriptive and inferential statistical analyses (independent t-tests). Findings showed that Group-1 scores (M = 41.74, SD = 19.533) were higher than those for Group-2 (M = 27.18, SD = 13.039), t (198) = 6.234, p = .00 &lt; .05 showing that using blended teaching approach was more effective in promoting academic achievement than traditional face-to-face teaching only. The effect size (Cohen’s d=.882) ensures practical significance of the study.

The effect of local potential-based workshop and entrepreneurship learning in increasing entrepreneurial interest

This research aims to determine the effect of local potential-based workshops and entrepreneurship learning in increasing the interest in entrepreneurship of grade XI students majoring in Fashion in 3 different vocational schools in East Java Province, Indonesia. This research uses a quantitative approach. Data collection techniques were observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The population in this research was 338 students, and the sampling technique used was simple random sampling with a sample of 172 students. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis using percentages and inferential statistical analysis techniques using data normality tests, product moment correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of the product-moment correlation test analysis, creative product learning and entrepreneurship positively and significantly affect entrepreneurial interest in class XI students majoring in Cosmetology, amounting to 26.7 percent accepted with a low level of influence. The simple linear regression analysis results show the effect of learning creative products and entrepreneurship on student entrepreneurial interest. The results of this research are useful as input that is learning creative products and entrepreneurship based on local potential has the potential to give birth to new entrepreneurs to increase regional economic resilience.

GENDER, INTERESTS, AND WRITING STRATEGIES FOR ENGLISH STUDENTS AT PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS IN MALANG

Despite its relevance with English language studies, not many studies have been carried out on the effect of self-regulation on writing strategies in Indonesia. This research attempted to test the effect of individual differences, particularly gender and academic interest, on writing strategies based on self-regulation while taking into account the academic interest as a mediator. This research was conducted quantitatively using a correlational design. Data were obtained through online questionnaires distributed to 324 high school students who were studying English as a foreign language in Malang, Indonesia, and were processed using descriptive and inferential multivariate statistical analyses. The results showed that students’ usage of self-regulation-based writing strategies was classified as good, and gender differences were found in the use of the ‘planning’ strategy. However, after inputting variables of academic interest as covariates, gender differences were found in several writing strategies, such as self-initiating, planning, revising, text-generating, and acting on feedback. Theoretically, this research contributes to explaining gender differences in writing strategies in teaching and learning practices. Teachers are advised to consider gender differences when introducing writing strategies, either explicitly or implicitly.