Interpretive Paradigm Research Articles

Creating indoor learning areas to implement the Early Childhood Care and Education Curriculum

Background: A safe and inclusive indoor learning environment reflects different ways of knowing, actuality and thinking. In the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) context, indoor learning areas influence the exploration of teaching and learning activities.Aim: This article explored rural ECCE teachers’ experiences of creating indoor learning areas as required by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for children from birth to 4 years.Setting: Six purposively selected teachers from the three rural ECCE centres in KwaZulu-Natal province that transitioned to using the NCF participated in the study.Methods: A qualitative case study located within the interpretive paradigm was employed. Data that were inductively analysed were collected through semi-structured interviews with two teachers in each of the three centres. Transformative learning theory underpinned the study.Results: The study found that six teachers who desired to learn from each other engaged in a collaborative learning venture within their centres and complied with the NCF to create indoor learning areas in the interest of young children.Conclusion: The study argues that teachers shifted their insights from the challenges to achieving the objectives of the NCF. Thus, it questioned the assumption that rural teachers lack the knowledge to design learning areas.Contribution: Rural ECCE teachers are committed to learning for the development of young children.

Understanding the challenges encountered by small business owners regarding value-added tax compliance

Background: South African tax practitioners fulfil a worthwhile advisory role and have unique insights into and emotional responses to the challenges faced by small business owners (SBOs) regarding value-added tax (VAT).Aim: The study aims to understand the insights of tax practitioners around the challenges encountered by SBOs regarding VAT compliance.Setting: A combination of face-to-face and online interviews took place with tax practitioners who service SBOs situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa.Method: The study employed a qualitative research methodology and an interpretivism paradigm. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with tax practitioners to gather their insights regarding challenges encountered by SBOs regarding VAT compliance.Results: Tax practitioners generally argue that SBOs struggle with compliance challenges. There is a lack of understanding regarding the basic principles of the concept of agency for VAT purposes. Operational needs often impel the SBOs to utilise the VAT monies for ongoing business concerns. Accounting for VAT on an invoice basis is difficult for SBOs. Also, at the compulsory VAT registration threshold of R1 million, the SBOs are not ready to handle the VAT compliance burden yet. Lastly, there are negative attitudes towards VAT powered by the view that VAT encompasses constant outflows of cash.Conclusion: Tax practitioners have important, yet complicated, interlocutor roles in ensuring VAT compliance. There needs to be a collaborative effort from all relevant role players to improve the day-to-day lived experiences regarding VAT compliance of SBOs.Contribution: The study’s philosophy adds differentiated dimensions around the key challenges facing SBOs regarding VAT compliance with a view towards alleviating these obstacles.

A Qualitative Diagnosis of Factors Influencing Presumptive Tax Collection in Zimbabwe

This study aimed to examine the factors influencing presumptive tax collection in Zimbabwe. An interpretivist paradigm was adopted in this study using a qualitative research approach. Primary data were collected through virtual (online) in-depth interviews with 20 participants drawn from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Civic Societies, Parliament of Zimbabwe, Informal Sector Associations and academics. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of a qualitative analysis of the factors influencing presumptive tax collection in Zimbabwe show that institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks as well as governance and political factors significantly contribute to presumptive tax collection in Zimbabwe. The findings of this study will help ZIMRA and policymakers formulate policy strategies to promote presumptive tax collection and voluntary tax compliance in Zimbabwe.

TINDAKAN SOSIAL PENGGUNAAN SIMBOL AGAMA DALAM POSTER KAMPANYE LEGISLATIF TAHUN 2019 DI PROVINSI BANTEN

This study discusses the phenomenon of the use of religious attributes in campaign posters that occurred during the general elections (elections) in 2019, especially in the selection of legislative candidates in Banten Province who were the subject of research, which we know that religious attributes are often used by Muslim communities in Banten in conducting worship or religious activities, but the political elite using religious attributes as a political message in this campaign poster makes a shift in meaning and the motives used. To examine the identification of the problem the researcher used Max Weber's Social Action Theory and Husserl's phenomenological method, interpretative paradigms and qualitative approaches to look for explanations about events and interpret phenomena that occur, in collecting data researchers conducted observations, in-depth interviews, documentation and literature presentations. The results of this study indicate that the motives carried out by legislative candidates in using religious attributes in the campaign poster are because of the disclosure of identity, habits, image formation and culture. For symbolic meaning in daily life and politics used to worship and religious activities, respect religious people and attend formal activities. Keywords: Husserl's Phenomenology, Meaning, Political Communication, Social Action

Sumolewomart's Existence: Kejapanan, Small Medium Enterprise Prosperity

Creative industries in Kejapanan that are based on the wisdom and attributes of local culture must be developed, one of which is the work of handicraft and culinary products from Kejapanan. Sumolewomart product based on local culture is an important part of people’s identity in Kejapanan and can help facilitate the industrial development in the area. Bumdes Sumolewo Mart is a community business forum owned by the village Kejapanan that sells several commodities needed by the village community, at a relatively cheap price compared to other shops. Apart from that, Sumolewo BUMDes also sells other kinds of products such as snacks, instant noodles, drinks, toiletries, cigarettes, groceries, stationery, etc. Products sold at BUMDes are based on community needs. In this study, researchers used a new institutional economics paradigm, interpretative qualitative paradigm, narrative study, and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) for reconstructing the existence of local cultural attributes in the design of Kejapanan. Based on the results of the analytical reconstruction, it can be concluded that the existence of the antecedents of the creative ethnicity of Bumdes products contributes significantly to the development of entrepreneurship in the people of Kejapanan. Keywords: Ethnic Creative, Sumolewo Mart, Kejapanan economic stability

Attitudes and perceptions of school stakeholders on comprehensive sexuality education in primary schools: A study of junior grades in Zimbabwe

This study investigates the attitudes and perceptions of school stakeholders, specifically principals and teachers, regarding the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in primary schools. It focuses on junior grades (grades 3-7) in Mashonaland in the Eastern Province of Zimbabwe. Given the increasing prevalence of child marriages, sexual abuse, and early pregnancies, delivering CSE effectively is crucial. This research uses a qualitative approach rooted in the interpretive paradigm and informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological theory to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the dynamics of CSE implementation. Through a case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants, including school principals and teachers, to shed light on systemic barriers that hinder effective CSE integration. These barriers include ambiguous policy frameworks, entrenched cultural beliefs, resource constraints, and inadequate training. Despite generally positive attitudes towards CSE, the study reveals persistent challenges that undermine its successful integration into the curriculum. To address these issues, the study advocates for collaborative stakeholder engagement in curriculum development, emphasising community support and ownership. Furthermore, targeted initiatives such as in-service training for principals and teachers, along with the provision of adequate teaching materials, are recommended to enhance implementation efficacy. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders—such as parents, teachers, and non-governmental organisations—can help create an enabling environment conducive to CSE in junior grades, thereby empowering learners and promoting their overall well-being.

Developing Teachers through School-Based Leadership: A Case Study of One Rural Primary School in South Africa

Contemporary thinking in scholarship observes that the framework of rural school teaching and leadership calls for customized attention owing to the contextual challenges that rural schools are faced with. This paper aims to examine the use of school-based leadership to develop primary school teachers, in a selected rural context. Supported by the interpretive qualitative paradigm, data was generated through a focus group interview with seven teachers and an individual face-to-face interview with the school principal from one selected rural primary school. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that although the school principal used open and effective leadership strategies to develop teachers to improve teaching and learning conditions, teachers still needed structured professional development programmes to enhance their teaching and improve learner outcomes. In light of the findings, this paper recommends a combination of leadership strategies from the school principal that will enhance teaching and learning while providing structured professional development. The paper advocates for the dual use of school-based leadership by the school principal to improve teaching and learning and teacher professional development.

The Future of the Civilization of the Ummah Is Reviewed from the Sociology of Education for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG'S)

Objective: The ancient Arab economy developed in the second half of the first millennium BC. Its glory peaked in the first century until the early second century AD, with trade routes to North Arabia and Syria. Nabataean kingdom in North Arabia was established, with two major cities as trading centers: Petra, and Palmyra. using the sociological perspective of education and commercialization theory, the ancient Arab economy has a mode of merchant capitalism. Theoretical Framework: Ancient Arab trading capitalism revived in the pre-Islamic Arab period, from the end of the fourth century AD. Mecca became the center of international trade, side by side with Yathrib and Taif. Two types of markets were born, the inner market and the outer market. New institutions related to culture, politics, and economy were established, including the division of labor institutions and institutions that regulate traders' interaction from inside and outside Makkah. Method: This research uses an interpretative paradigm with a qualitative approach, case study type, and multicase design. Data were collected using observation, interviews, and documentation. Data validity using triangulation of sources, methods, and theories. Next, an interactive model analysis is carried out. The research object was carried out in the Yogyakarta and Surakarta regions of Indonesia. Results and Discussion: Merchant capitalism during the early Islamic era underwent characteristic changes, similar to social capitalism. Referred to as Religious Capitalism, because its inspiration comes from religious teachings. The state regulates the market: the prohibition of exaggerating the quality of goods, bidding new prices, intercepting goods before they reach the market, hoarding goods, and silent trading. State revenues have also increased, including spoils of war, income from the agricultural and industrial sectors, kharaj, endowments, 'ushr, jizya, redemption money, loans, alms, and gifts. The state is involved in public affairs, for example by establishing the Diwan. Research Implications: The reconstruction of Islamic civilization should follow the model of Religious Capitalism, which is one of the main legacies of the early Islamic period. Social capitalism is also gaining momentum. Apart from that, a development model with a mode of peaceful revolution is also proposed: dialogue and cooperation with the dominant civilization. The geopolitics of the world are also shifting. Originality/Value: Three technical requirements are needed, namely political democracy, economic cooperation, and active participation in global institutions. The main attention is directed to the development of knowledge and science, with critical and conventional madzab models.

Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Care and Education Provisioning: Towards Empowered Communities

Early Childhood Care and Education provide opportunities for children to develop holistically to flourish after their early years. Families and preschool environments influence children's development. However, preschool experiences are not the primary factor in a child's development during early learning, hence the foundations laid by the family matter most during the children’s early years. Hence, communities, parents, and caregivers need to ensure that children's holistic development is realized and this begins from conception. During the early years, community collaborations that benefit children are often encouraged. Children may miss out on learning and developmental chances, and their brain development and capacity to thrive later in life may be jeopardized if partnerships between communities and early childhood centres are not realized and achieved. Research suggests that caregivers, parents, and communities are not completely involved in their children's early learning, and this impacts negatively on the provision of ECCE services. Hence, this paper investigates how early childhood education is conceptualized to empower communities. The cooperation theory which emphasizes interpersonal contact among various stakeholders with varied roles to achieve a shared goal, was adopted. Ten communities from Chris Hani District Municipality were purposefully chosen to be included in the study using the qualitative research approach and interpretive paradigm. Data collection tools included focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that stakeholders are working in silos for the ECCE provisioning as the research participants were not aware of the services rendered by other stakeholders. Practitioners mentioned lack of parental involvement as another factor compromising the provision of ECCE. Parents seemed to be unaware of their responsibility when it comes to early learning. In empowering communities about their involvement in the provision of ECCE, the paper suggests community dialogues with the cooperation of other stakeholders, including government departments. In addition, parents need to be engaged in their children’s early learning by providing caring and nurturing environments that support children’s holistic development from their early years for them to thrive even beyond their childhood years.

Exploring the Integration of Virtual Laboratories in Science Education

The advantage of VLs lies in their capacity for simulating real-world lab experiences within a fully immersive digital environment, yet the uptake in rural schools in developing countries remains low. To understand this paradox, this study explores the perceptions of seven secondary school science teachers in a rural district in South Africa. Through a qualitative case-study methodology guided by the interpretive paradigm, this research adopts a phenomenological approach to gain insights into teachers' attitudes, understandings, and the factors influencing their acceptance or rejection of this technology. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology is employed as a theoretical framework. The study finds that despite potential educational benefits, the actual use of VLs is largely influenced by teacher perceptions and experiences, rooted in context-specific challenges. The findings reveal that teachers perceive VL as a beneficial and practical tool providing access to high-quality lab equipment necessary for student experiments, which could otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Using Triangulation and Crystallization to Make Qualitative Studies Trustworthy and Rigorous

Qualitative research is often criticized for lacking rigor and consisting of opinions that result from researcher bias. But like well-designed quantitative research, qualitative studies can be trustworthy. Qualitative researchers generally agree that some practices, such as triangulation, can be used to increase the credibility of the kind of research they conduct. Unfortunately, many researchers are confused about or unaware of the different types of triangulation strategies, leading them to write papers without accurately identifying which ones they used. Triangulation is also a contested approach for many qualitative researchers because it is oftentimes associated with a post-positivist paradigm. Unlike quantitative researchers, many qualitative researchers rely on an interpretive paradigm. In this paper, I clarify how four different types of triangulation strategies differ from each other and how triangulation can be used to increase the rigor, credibility, and trustworthiness of qualitative studies. I also discuss how qualitative researchers can deal with the concerns related to the use of triangulation and explain the advantages and limitations of using crystallization as an alternative approach.

Faculty and Student Perspectives on Online Learning in Higher Education

The international transforming learning community, coupled with cultural diversity and technological complexities, spurred an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of online learning. This reshaped the educational landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for educators and learners worldwide. To provide insights into the use of information technology and online learning in higher education and to inform future practices, this qualitative study investigated university faculty and students’ online learning experiences. Purposeful sampling was employed to ensure a diverse selection of participants. Eight faculty and eight students from diverse higher education institutions in the U.S. participated in one-on-one interviews. The study utilized a social constructivist interpretive paradigm, and data were analyzed using iterative categorization. Findings revealed concerns about online learning effectiveness due to limited social interaction. Three main themes emerged: challenges encountered, student engagement, and strategies to improve online learning effectiveness. This research enriches the scholarly discourse on online education by elucidating faculty and student perceptions regarding factors impacting the effectiveness of online learning and sustainable teaching strategies for future higher education. It highlights a paradigm shift in higher education and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to digital resources and inclusive policies to address disparities in online learning support, promoting equity and social justice in education.

Organisational and technological factors affecting efficient service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories: A qualitative approach

This study was undertaken to identify the organisational and technological factors that affect the efficiency of service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories of university libraries, where digital repositories have become increasingly common. The interpretive research paradigm, which relies on qualitative research, was adopted for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine participants from selected universities in the South West region of Nigeria. The data was analysed thematically to explore the factors affecting service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories. The findings show that both organisational factors (such as standardised organisation policies, stakeholders’ participation and financial sustainability) and technological factors (digital repository certification, technological standards, etc.) have a significant effect on service delivery in a university-based trustworthy digital repository. It is concluded that by adopting these factors, institutions can establish digital repositories that are not merely data storage facilities, but also trusted and valuable sources of scholarly information and knowledge.

The Concept Of Amanah Metaphor In Accounting: Meaning, Guidelines, And Purposes

This paper aims to construct Amanah's (trustful) metaphor in accounting related to meaning, guidelines, and purpose. This research is a qualitative research with an interpretive paradigm which is analyzed using content analysis. Data obtained from structured interviews with 40 IAI (Indonesian Accountant Assosiation) member, the Holy Qur'an, Hadith, and other literature. The research results are in the form of the metaphorical concept of Amanah, which is interpreted by a human perspective in perceiving his duties as God's representative in the world. Accounting guidelines based on the metaphor of Amanah concept must be based on strong Aqidah, based on good morals, a responsibility to society and the Ummah, based on legal, financial processes, and behavioral aspects of each of their actions. Besides, it also purpose at hisful amwal, the existence of al kitabah, assisting decision making, calculating business zakat, determining and calculating profit sharing for the unionized party. These concept will change accountants' behavior to be more trustworthy and not materialistic because all of their work is intended only to get the pleasure of Allah.

Cardiomyopathy Classification System

Cardiomyopathy encompasses various types and refers to a condition affecting the heart muscle, which impairs the organ's normal pumping function. When diagnosing cardiomyopathy, it is crucial to identify the specific type of the disease. This paper outlines the benefits and implications of a new classification system for cardiomyopathy, highlighting its potential to improve diagnosis and treatment, as well as its impact on research and clinical trials. The methodology section details the research design, data collection methods, and sample selection process. The data analysis section explains the techniques used for data processing and statistical analysis. Finally, the evaluation and validation section describes the expert review process and the testing andvalidation methods applied. This research adopts an interpretive paradigm, which emphasizes the importance of individual experience in understanding social realities. The statistical analysis assessed the diagnostic capability of genetic testing across genders using ROC curves, revealing strong performance for both males (AUC=.856, p < .001) and females (AUC=.835, p < .001), surpassing pure chance. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to examine age differences among four genetic patient groups. The assumption of homogeneity of variance was satisfied, as indicated by Levene's test for equality of variances, F(3,156) = 1.277, p > .05. Significant age differences were found among the groups, F(3,156) = 5.537, p < .005. An evidence-based classification system would enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and research quality, thereby improving outcomes for patients with cardiomyopathy.

Paradigmatic reflections in cross-cultural management to make sense of a VUCA world

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the concept of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) in the field of cross-cultural management.Design/methodology/approachThe related literature has been analysed from various paradigmatic lenses.FindingsAs the VUCA world concept originates from business circles, several key articles were published in non-academic journals. Two distinct groups of publications can be identified: consulting literature and academic literature on the VUCA world. While both consulting literature and academic literature about the VUCA world can be associated with functionalism, alternative research paradigms can easily accommodate new studies in connection with the VUCA world: interpretive, critical and postmodern works would fit the features of the VUCA world, along with multi-paradigm studies.Research limitations/implicationsIt is advisable to investigate emergent contemporary issues, often labelled VUCA, according to multiple paradigms and to conduct multi-paradigmatic research.Originality/valueWhile consulting literature on the VUCA world implicitly assumes functionalist paradigms, academic literature might provide alternative assumptions. Interpretative, critical and postmodern paradigms more accurately address the issues raised by VUCA.

Enhancing entrepreneurial intention in secondary school

Purpose: The literature reveals that emerging markets experience high unemployment rates. However, tertiary institutions continue to chant out a large number of graduates, increasing the rate of unemployment. Regardless of the tertiary institutions introducing entrepreneurship education, graduates continue to seek employment instead of creating it. This study analyses the introduction of entrepreneurship education in secondary schools to create entrepreneurship intentions in students. Research Methodology: The researcher adopted an interpretative paradigm that advocates a qualitative approach. The study face-to-face interviewed 17 head teachers from secondary schools in the Mashonaland West Province. This study thematically deduces entrepreneurship teaching methods, entrepreneurship content, and entrepreneurship assessment methods as sub-concepts that, if implemented, lead to entrepreneurship intention. Results: The researcher established that entrepreneurship education leads to entrepreneurship intentions if introduced in secondary schools. However, it requires commitment from policy designers and implementers to achieve the intended goals. This study recommends the adoption of entrepreneurship education based on a funding model supported by stakeholders, including financial institutions and the government. Limitations: The study had a methodological limitation in that the sample size was small (17 head teachers). Contributions: This study contributes to educational policy changes through the introduction of entrepreneurship education and its curriculum. Novelty: This study analyzed the implementation of entrepreneurship education in secondary schools as a vehicle to solve the unemployment challenge.

Attribution to Classroom Disruptive Behavior: Insights from Secondary Teachers

Disruptive behavior in the classroom is a significant concern for teachers in schools across the globe. Extensive research has conclusively shown that effectively managing disruptive behavior in the classroom is a crucial factor that enhances the quality of instruction. The successful management of disruptive behavior in the classroom is influenced by various factors, including the causal attribution that a teacher assigns to the behavior. This study explored teachers’ perspectives on the factors contributing to disruptive behavior in the classroom. The study employed an interpretive paradigm and a qualitative approach with a case study research design. Data was generated via semi-structured interviews with six members of the School Management Team and a focus group interview with seven teachers from four purposively chosen Quintiles Three secondary schools. The findings showed that teachers attribute classroom disruptions to the characteristics and attributes of learners, contextual elements within schools, and external factors. The study concludes that these factors should be considered when developing classroom behavior strategies.

Leveraging VR in the Age of the Metaverse: Opportunities and Challenges in Private Pilot Licence Training

In the age of the Metaverse, Virtual Reality (VR) training could enhance facilitation of the Aeroplane Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training. Hence, the research objective of this study revolves around the opportunities and challenges faced by pilot trainees while utilising medium-fidelity VR during PPL training. The qualitative research methodology aligned with the ontological perspective that emphasised subjectivism. The epistemological framework has been based on the interpretivism paradigm. This research employed a grounded theory technique and utilised semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. The findings derived from thematic analysis suggest that a significant proportion of pilot trainees agree with VR's efficacy in theoretical instruction, pre-flight aeroplane inspection, and procedure training. However, the trainees shared their isolating experiences and challenges in acquiring specific competencies and issues developing their motor skills while using VR. These findings are anticipated to be utilised to develop VR instructional frameworks that could facilitate future PPL training

To mentor and be mentored in Grade R

Research suggests that beginner teachers face challenges when transitioning from pre-service to in-service teaching. Both nternational and local research found that transitioning from preservice to newly qualified teachers can be problematic. This study explores the learning experiences of beginner foundation phase Grade R teachers. The study utilises a qualitative research design embedded in the interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected from six foundation phase Grade R teachers using semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. The findings show that beginner teachers face enormous challenges early in their careers, and their sustainability in the classroom depends on how well they address these challenges. The findings have significant implications for the implementation of formal mentoring in practice.