Explanatory Sequential Mixed Design Research Articles

Innovative Game-Based Teaching Methods for Promoting Nursing Students' Cultural Competence and Attitudes Toward Refugees: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Study.

Nursing cultural competence is crucial for enhancing the quality of care for refugees. While innovative game-based teaching methods have been used to foster in a wide range of clinical competences, little is known about its use on refugees' care. This study aims to evaluate the effect of these methods on nursing students' cultural competence and attitudes toward refugees. An explanatory sequential mixed design was conducted from March to May 2023. One-hundred forty-one nursing students participated. There were no statistically significant differences in total Outgroup Threat Perception Scale and Cultural Competence Assessment Scale scores between the experimental and control groups, pre- or post-intervention. However, students reported increased awareness and empathy for refugee issues. The study showed that innovative game-based teaching methods effectively increased nursing students' awareness of health-related issues faced by refugees. It recommends incorporating transcultural nursing courses into curricula and professional training, with updated content on migration and refugee issues.

Investigating pre-tertiary students’ mistakes in solving algebraic word problems: Insights from Asutifi North District, Ghana

Algebra word problems inculcate in learners the skills and ability to think critically and look for answers to problems in society and the world. Using an explanatory sequential mixed design, the study investigated the errors made by pre-tertiary students in algebraic word problems in a selected school in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Whereas the Newman Error Analysis Model was used to find the types of errors students make when translating and solving algebraic word problems, protocols from topics relating to the study were carefully selected and used as interview guides alongside inspiration from the Newman Error Analysis Model. Quota and simple random sampling techniques were used to select ninety-eight (98) respondents. The Algebraic Word Problem Achievement Test (AWPAT) was given to the ninety-eight students who had studied several topics on word problems, followed by a structured interview to elicit more information from the respondents. The scores gained from the marked test items illustrated that students made more transformation errors, which happened indirectly from a lack of understanding of the concept. A careful analysis of the written responses of the five (5) students interviewed also revealed that, lack of comprehension directly translated into students’ inability to transform algebraic word problems into mathematics equations. In the same vein, the study showed that the main cause of students’ failure to translate and solve algebraic word problems was students’ lack of understanding of the concept of “word problem” among others. The study recommends that students be motivated by encouragement and praise to arouse their interest in translating and solving algebraic word problems.

University Students’ Career Decision Regret: A Mixed Method Research

This research aimed to determine the factors affecting university students' career decision regret. The research was designed as a mixed method research using explanatory sequential mixed design, one of the mixed method designs. The quantitative phase of the research was carried out with 249 undergraduate students studying at Trabzon University Faculty of Education in the 2022-2023 academic year, and the qualitative phase with 5 students selected from this sample group by criterion sampling method. The quantitative data of the study were collected through the "Career Decision Regret Scale" adapted into Turkish by Erdurcan and Kırdök (2017), and the "Personal Information Form" prepared by the researchers, and the qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. According to the quantitative findings, while university students' career decision regret levels differed statistically based on gender and year, there was no statistically significant difference based on department. According to the qualitative findings, it was concluded that 4 main themes, namely occupational, family, environmental and psychological factors, affected the students' career decision regret. The findings obtained from the research were discussed in the light of the literature and some suggestions for future research were presented.

Individualized consideration and the growth of intra-regional trade in the East African community

The study sought to investigate the influence of individualized consideration of the Council of Ministerson the perceived growth of Intra-Regional Trade in the EAC. The research question for the study: Howdoes individualized consideration of the Council of Ministers influence the growth of Intra-RegionalTrade in the EAC? The study adopted positivism research philosophy and explanatory sequential mixed design and was anchored on the transformational leadership theory. Population for the study was 205Senior Trade Officers and Senior technical officers at the EAC headquarters. A sample size of 152 wasdrawn using random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnairecontaining open and closed ended questions, while interview guide was used for the technical officers.Data collected was coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 24 to obtain descriptive andinferential statistics. Results showed that the individualized consideration significantly influenced thegrowth of intra-regional trade in the EAC, R2=.366, F(1,121) = 69.786, p<.05; β =.561,t(7.868)=8.354, p<.05 leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Based on the findings, it wasconcluded that to enhance the growth of intra-regional trade, the council should be aware that theirindividualized consideration behavior enhances the growth of intra-regional trade. The studyrecommends for further research to understand the influence of the individualized consideration of theSummit members of the EAC on the growth of intra-regional trade.

Idealized influence and the growth of intra-regional trade in the East African community

The study sought to investigate the influence of idealized influence of the Council of Ministers on the perceived growth of Intra-Regional Trade in the East African Community (EAC). The research question highligthed in this paper therefore is: To what extent does idealized influence of the Council Members influence the growth of Intra-Regional Trade in the EAC? The study adopted positivism research philosophy and explanatory sequential mixed design and was anchored on the transformational leadership theory. The target population comprised 205 Senior Trade Officers and Senior technical officers at the EAC headquarters. A sample size of 152 was drawn using random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire containing open and closed ended questions, while interview guide was used for the technical officers. Data collected was coded, cleaned and analysed using SPSS version 24 to obtaindescriptive and inferential statsitics. The results showed that ideаlizedinfluence significаntly predicted the growth of intra-regional trade in the EAC, R2= 0.162, F (1, 121) = 23.452, p < .05; β = .364, t (9.197) = 4.843, p < .05. The null hypothesis was rejected. The findings showed that increased idealized influence will have a positive effect on the growth of intraregional trade. The study concluded that to enhance the growth of intra-regional trade, the council should be aware that idealized influencebehavior enhances the growth of intra-regional trade. The study recommends further research on the moderating effect of national culture on the influence of idealized influence on the growth of intra-regional trade in the EAC.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning Process in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Case of Mwanza Region

This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning process in higher learning institutions in Mwanza, Tanzania. The study intended to explore the negative impact of this pandemic on higher education, and also to identify the possible measures to overcome the negative impact of this pandemic. The study has adopted a mixed research approach and an explanatory sequential mixed design. It has involved 188 participants, and data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Content and face validity of research instruments were cross-checked by different research experts. Furthermore, the reliability of research instruments was checked using the split-half technique. Finally, the study discovered some negative impacts which are; slowing down the participation and interaction in teaching and learning which has hindered the attainment of teaching and learning goals. The study has put forward some possible measures to overcome the negative impact of this pandemic which are: to strengthen the e-learning infrastructures, construct more classrooms, and employ more teaching staffs. Then the study recommends that the government of Tanzania and all the educational stakeholders should take education as its number one priority and finance it effectively to ensure a profitable educational process during and after the pandemic.

The ımpact of the techno-organic education model on the mathematical success rates and attitudes of students

Techno-organic education is an education model that allows children to gain the knowledge, skills, and values that are necessary for life by establishing a correct balance of natural and technological understanding. This research was conducted to examine the impact of the Techno-Organic Education Model on students' academic achievements and attitudes for math. For this purpose, the explanatory sequential mixed design was used to conduct this study. The study group consisted of 38 primary school students. Mathematics Course Achievement Test, Mathematics Attitude Scale and semi-structured interview form used as data collection tools. This research included a 4-week application within the scope of the Techno-Organic Education Model program which is developed by the researchers. For the analysis of the quantitative data, independent samples t-test; dependent samples t-test; Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Mann Whitney U Test, and content analysis method were used. As a result; a statistically significant difference was revealed between pre-test and post-test scores for the success rate and attitude of the students in the experimental group, and there has also been a statistically significant difference between the post-test success and attitude scores of the experimental group and the control group. According to qualitative findings of the study; students think positively about the use of techno-organic education model in their courses, and they generally liked the applications and thought they weren’t too difficult, and that this particular model increased their interest in the course.

Online course satisfaction in a holistic flipped classroom approach

The present study aimed to investigate the satisfaction of pre-service teachers with the completely online course instructed with the flipped classroom model. The study was conducted with the explanatory sequential mixed design. The participants included 117 pre-service teachers. Data were collected during the 2020-2021 academic year fall semester with the Online Course Satisfaction Scale and face-to-face interviews. The study findings demonstrated that the pre-service teachers were satisfied with the online course. The satisfaction level of female participants was higher, and the differences were not significant based on the student department. On the other hand, the participants stated that there were systemic and instructor-oriented problems. Furthermore, it was determined that ease of use was an important factor in predicting satisfaction. Ease of use varied based on PC ownership, but not based on tablet ownership. Satisfaction did not differ based on both PC and tablet ownership. It was found that the flipped classroom model exhibited interactional challenges. However, the model had advantages due to its structure that allowed flexibility. It could be suggested that the findings of the present study would contribute to future studies that would address flipped classroom method and satisfaction with online courses.

Teachers’ approaches to the principles of critical pedagogy: a mixed-method study

Critical pedagogy is a pluralistic approach that emphasizes the individual and his/her creative potential (Freire, 2010). Today’s schools are seen far from this process and the need for a renewal process becomes highly evident. The purpose of the current study is to investigate teachers’ opinions at different levels of education about the principles of critical pedagogy in terms of other variables. To this end, the study employed the “explanatory sequential mixed design,” one of the mixed-method approaches. In the quantitative dimension of the study, the participating teachers’ opinions were elicited by using the “Principles of Critical Pedagogy Scale” developed by Yılmaz (2009). In the qualitative dimension, a semi-structured interview form was used to collect data. While 378 teachers participated in the quantitative dimension of the study, 16 teachers participated in the qualitative dimension. According to the findings of the study, it was found that the participating teachers’ level of agreement with the principles of critical pedagogy is low in general. The findings obtained in the qualitative dimension of the current study have revealed that even the teachers positively evaluating the education system in different respects stated that rather than liberating individuals, the education system is an obstacle to their liberation.

MODERATION EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION ON THE JOINT INFLUENCE OF WATER PRICING, INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING, UTILITY EFFICIENCY AND SUBSIDIES ON FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF WATER SERVICE PROVIDERS IN KENYA

The purpose of the study was to examine the moderating effect of government regulation on the joint influence of water pricing, infrastructure financing, utility efficiency and subsidies on financial sustainability of Water Service Providers (WSPs) in Kenya. It adopted pragmatism research philosophy using explanatory sequential mixed design, while targeting a population of 616 and a sample of 352 respondents comprising of senior managers from eighty-eight registered WSPs in Kenya. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire; additional data was collected using interview schedule administered on key informants. Data collected, was coded, cleaned and analyzed to obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. A two-step regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to establish the nature and the magnitude of hypothesized relationships. The results showed that government regulation has a positive and significant moderating effect on the joint influence of water pricing, infrastructure financing, utility efficiency and subsidies on financial sustainability of WSPs in Kenya. Unlike many studies which have focused on the demand side, this study focused on the supply side and revealed that financial sustainability is a product of many factors which government policy must address concomitantly thus calling for implementation of integrated water management policies.Keywords: Government Regulation, Water Pricing, Financial Sustainability, Infrastructure Financing, Utility Efficiency, SubsidiesJEL Сlassіfіcatіons: Q01, Q25, Q28DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.11443

Student perceptions of older adults after a music intervention: A mixed approach

AimsThe aims of this project were to investigate changes in nursing students’ attitudes and perceptions of older adults after implementing individualized Music and Memory© playlists. In addition, the inquiry sought to compare pre and post survey responses for changes in rankings of caring for the older adult as a career choice. The qualitative inquiry sought to explore students’ perceptions of their experience through narrative journaling for a better understanding of the experience. DesignThis study used an explanatory sequential mixed design. MethodsA pre post-intervention approach was used for quantitative data collection along with a ranking item for career choices. Journal narratives completed within one week following the experience were explored for qualitative themes to better understand students’ experiences. Attitudes and perceptions of students (N = 44) were measured by two tools before and after implementation of Music and Memory© Interventions during a 7-week clinical experience. Student journals were analyzed for themes. ResultsIn the two-tailed paired t-test, nursing students’ attitudes and perceptions of caring for older adults were analyzed for differences. Significance improvement was found in students’ reported interaction scores and other constructs (p ≤ .01). Mean ranking of caring for the older adult improved from 7.6 to 7.0 in the post intervention analysis. Student journals reported the activity as worthwhile and time consuming. ConclusionsAs the baby boomer generation ages the need for residential long-term care is projected to increase significantly. Recruiting and retaining nurses to care for this vulnerable population is challenging. Music and Memory© Interventions have the potential to change student attitudes and perceptions of the older adult that could improve caring for the older adult as a career choice.

Causal health attributes and beliefs of tobacco-related cancer patients in Assam, India

Purpose People with chronic illness develop their own formulations about the disease and these attributions influence their health beliefs and subsequent health practices. This study explores the causal health beliefs and practices of tobacco-related cancer patients in the state of Assam considering their unique cultural health practices. The study uses Kleinman’s Explanatory Model for an extensive understanding of the patient’s health beliefs about their illness. Methods By adopting Explanatory Sequential Mixed design, 100 participants were interviewed in the quantitative phase of the study followed by 11 in-depth interviews in the qualitative phase. Results The study reveals that, among different factors internal and/or external to an individual, the participants highly attributed their illness to accidental/chance and/or supernatural factors (52%). Also, cancer fatalism was highly prevalent among the participants. Further, the majority of the participants with wrong beliefs, misinformation, and fear of cancer were uncertain about the success of their cancer-specific treatment. These participants were highly dependent on God concerning their future health. Conclusions The study suggests the need for designing cancer-education programmes and spreading mass awareness by engaging both modern and indigenous cancer care providers in addressing the health-seeking behavior and practices of the people of Barak Valley.

Examination of using monoscopic three-dimensional (M3D) and stereoscopic three-dimensional (S3D) animation on students

This study examined the effect of using Monoscopic Three-Dimensional (M3D) and Stereoscopic Three-Dimensional (S3D) animation on students’ achievement and perceptions. A total of 66 ninth-grade students participated in this Explanatory Sequential Mixed Design study. At the beginning of the study, an academic achievement test was applied, and then at the end of the study the same academic achievement test, plus an animation opinion scale, an animation rubric, and a structured interview form were applied to both groups. T-test, descriptive statistics, and content analysis were used for the data analysis. The results showed a significant difference in the post-test scores in favour of the students using the S3D animation. Both groups of students provided positive feedback concerning the use of animations in their course; however, they highlighted that S3D animations were more effective and enjoyable. Conclusively, this study is expected to contribute to the limited literature and open a new window for future studies. Additionally, this study may guide instructors towards increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of their instruction within courses that require visual input and scaffolding.

Why do extracurricular activities prevent dropout more effectively in some high schools than in others? A mixed-method examination of organizational dynamics

This study describes policies and practices implemented in 12 high schools (Quebec, Canada) that more or less effectively leveraged extracurricular activities (ECA) to prevent dropout among vulnerable students. Following an explanatory sequential mixed design, three school profiles (Effective, Ineffective, and Mixed) were derived based on quantitative student-reported data. Qualitative interviews with frontline staff revealed that in Effective schools, ECA had a unique overarching goal: to support school engagement and perseverance among all students, including vulnerable ones. Moreover, in these schools staff had access to sufficient resources—human and material—and implemented inclusive practices. In Ineffective schools, ECA were used as a means to attract well-functioning students from middle-class families, and substantial resources were channeled toward these students, with few efforts to include vulnerable ones. Schools with a Mixed profile had both strengths and weakness. Recommendations for school-level policies that bolster ECA’s ability to support students’ perseverance are provided.